Top 10 Awesome Vending Machines

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalleboo/

When you think of vending machines you think of a packet of crisps or a cool drink, but many vending machine owners have taken these handy on the go machines to the extreme.

1. Live Crab Anyone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGH6hWth6Vo

In a China subway station you will find the strangest vending machine offering live crab along with vinegar enabling commuters to enjoy seafood on the go.  The interesting fact about this machine is that it is selling over two hundred live crabs each day.

2. Need to Hire a Bicycle?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV2J3BmqI1Q

If you’re in the Netherlands and want to hire a bicycle for a day, then you can head to bicycle vending machines. These vending machines were introduced in 2005 enabling people to rent a bicycle at anytime from anywhere, all you have to do when you are finished is return the bicycle to the nearest bicycle vending machine. The bicycles do have chips, so they can be tracked, a handy feature if you forget where you left it.

3. Gold on the Go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ApExVPF2OU

When staying at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, it’s an inconvenience to go down to the bank to buy your gold bars and coins. Here you can get them out of a vending machine. The machine offers up to date gold prices for the user’s convenience.

4. Feeling a Little Angry?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3a2YkWk75s

Had a frustrating day at work or an argument with a loved one and need to vent some of that anger? You can now head to the nearest anger release vending machine where you pop a coin in, choose your china and watch as it releases smashing to the bottom and leaving you feeling much better.

5. Autowed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs4BRzVV5iM

While a novelty vending machine, with Autowed you can enjoy audio prompts, music, rings and a personalised certificate.

6. Flat Shoes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMTs_qNzSJQ

Two British companies are targeting club goers with their flat shoe vending machine ideas. A night of dancing in heels can leave any woman in agony, now she can buy some biodegradable ballet shoes with their own little matching bag, allowing her to dance the night away and take her new shoes home with her.

7. Smart Car Vending Machine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7L8dIDBPbo

Only in Japan can you find something as awesome as a smart car vending machine. While this is a concept idea, the machine has a full sized Smart Car with the choice of carbio or coupe.

8. Hair Straightening Machine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zinHK92uolQ

If your hair is getting a little wild while you are out on the town, don’t despair you can use a hair straightening vending machine. Pop your coins in for the time you need the straightener for and get perfect looking locks.

9. Motorola Vending Machine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxkod80F1qo

Motorola has been using vending machines since 2006 selling phones, Bluetooth headsets and chargers on the go. Need a phone fast? Just pop along to your closest Motorola vending machine.

10. Phone Chargers On the Move

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcZ3Ew_rCJY

There is nothing worse than your mobile phone going flat while you are out, but there is a solution. Phone Charger vending machines enable you to recharge your mobile phone whatever phone you have. Pop your money in and let the phone charge up before heading off again.

This top ten was brought to you by Alton Towers Breaks – we’re always about the wonders that come out of the machine on the train station platform (but maybe that’s just us!).