Apparently the modern vending machines first appeared in the 1880s. (I know this because Wikipedia just told me.) Since then, they have been dispensing chocolate bars and crisps to hungry people on the go. But, these days, vending machines have gone way beyond just Wispas and Coke Zero. In fact, if you're really rolling in dough, you might even be able to pick up some caviar.
From lettuce to champagne, here are the 14 craziest vending machines we (almost) can't believe are real.
What: Lettuce
Where: Japan
Back in 2010, Japanese company Dentsu created a vending machine that can grow lettuce without direct sunlight. Seven years later, we're still waiting for our own version.
Photo: Courtesy of Dentsu.
What: Jelly Beans
Where: U.S.A.
Got $9,995 (£8000) to spare? (Shipping and handling not included.) This vending machine could be yours.
Photo: Courtesy of Frontgate.
What: Gold
Where: Worldwide
Ever on the go and realise you left your gold bar at home? You can pick one up at one of the thirteen Gold to go vending machines around the world.
Photo: Courtesy of Gold to go.
What: Cupcakes
Where: U.S.A.
Sprinkles has 14 cupcakes ATMs satisfying sweat teeth across America.
Photo: via @alohacco_,
What: Caviar
Where: Beverly Hills
We're honestly not sure what is more ridiculous — a caviar vending machine or a gold one.
Photo: Courtesy of Beverly Hills Caviar.What: Champagne
Where: Vegas
To get a mini bottle of Moet at this fancy-shmancy vending machine, you have to first purchase a gold token for $20 at the hotel's front desk.
What: Baguettes
Where: San Fransisco
We were skeptical of a fresh bread vending machine — but the original design of the Le Bread Xpress is French.
What: Pecans
Where: Cedar Creek, TX
Just like the side of the vending machine promises, if you stop by the Berdoll family farm, you can buy pecans, chocolate-covered pecans, and even pecan pie, no matter what time of day.
Photo: Courtesy of Berdoll Pecan.
What: Fresh Pizza
Where: Italy
Let's Pizza's machines actually makes pizza on demand — in just 2 1/2 minutes. You can choose Margherita, pepperoni, ham, or bacon for toppings.
Photo: Courtesy of Let's Pizza.
What: Burritos
Where: U.S.A.
There are 28 of these in the U.S. currently, yet none of them are installed in our office. But we can dream...
Photo: Courtesy of BurritoBox.What: French fries
Where: Russia
There are actually several french fry vending machine varieties around the world, but we find the video for this Russian one the most enticing.
What: Hotdogs
Where: U.S.A.
LHD Vending Systems, located in Maryland, sells this device, which also has the ability to cook "hotdogs, bratwurst, sausages and other cylinder shaped foods in a minute or less."
What: Mashed Potatoes
Where: Singapore
While not a vending machine per se (you don't have to put in money to get potatoes), we are including it for being one of the most disturbing things we've ever seen. Watch to the end to see the gravy.
What: Frozen bait
Where: U.S.A.
"Night fishing" sounds like a euphemism...But if you genuinely need to bait a hook after hours, look for one of these vending machines. They can dispense everything from chicken necks to whole mullet.
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