Favorite soda machines.

[Pixel]

I bet everyone here has a favorite soda machine. Maybe more than one. This thread is dedicated to the favs. Which ones do you like best and why? Doesn't matter if it's a 30's chest cooler or the newest gizmo, or if it's branded. Doesn't even have to be one you own. I'll get the ball rolling.

Here's my absolute favorite.

Dixie-Narco DN5000 GFV Glass Front Vendor.

Soda machines always fascinated me with their mechanics. Unfortunately, very few of them can be watched in action if you don't own or maintain them. The DN5000 (maybe aka DN5591) is quite an exception. All of the rows and columns of beverages can be seen. The version commonly branded by Pepsi is just a drop model, but the Coca-Cola model is something special. It has a conveyor belt that rides on an elevator system. It moves vertically and rolls your drink out to you. Watching this machine work is one of the neatest things I've ever seen.

I guess in the end it's just a gimmick, but it's quite effective. I've bought Cokes out of it mainly to watch it work.

That's why its my favorite. AFAIK, this machine is less that 5 years old, so won't be much chance to own one anytime soon, at least not for me anyway. Still it's a neat thing.

[Lulu]

My favorite machine is pretty common, a V-39.  It's painted light blue and had a Pepsi sign screwed over the embossed Coca Cola.  When I was a kid, I use to go into the local hardware store and buy a bottle of pop for a dime from this machine.  Several years back, the store closed and had an auction.  I bought the machine for $200 (I think the auctioneer ran me up, too!!)  Anyway, I took it home, plugged it in, and everything still worked--even have the key.  It's not a rare or unique machine, but it's special to me.  Thanks to everyone here, I'll be able to restore it and bequeath it in my will.  I guess I'm a sentimental sap.

[Bob K]

Westinghouse Select-O-Matics are my favorite style of machine.  

Just a beautiful design, with that cool selection knob and art deco look.  Unfortunately, they are a bit more complicated inside than the typical slant shelf machine.

Bob

[coke_and_stuff]

My favorite is the Vendo and VMC 81s, I prefer the large coin door models over the small but the small still looks killer. One day I hope to have all the versions.

Joey

[Kevin C]

Hey

My favorite right now is my V-126.  It has 14 shelves so I can offer a lot of different "Product" in the garage. If you have the room these big machines are great. I would love to get a V-238. Plus i would like to get a can rack for one of these big machines.

I always wanted a crank handle machine & the V-110 is the ultimate model. I am just having a hard time deciding if I should put into operation right now with the silly red/white/blue pepsi paint & the embossed coke on the front or just wait until I can paint it.

Ok  V-126 is my favorite!

Kevin

[BryanH]

I'm a square top guy... good value, real functional and all that storage room on top (rim-shot for 'Kito please '> ).  Of those I think I like the Cavalier USS models (although I've never even seen one! or woned one.. yet)  I like the idea that they can vend cans and bottles on the back patio.

Also like the VMC77 and VMC100.  Both are compact with lots of choices.

Also like sliders (which I've never owned yet)...

Also like ..... (you get the picture)

[Eric]

I would have to say I like (and have) the Westinghouse pre-war standard cooler... Not too small and not too large, everything embossed, has the enclosed front with the deco design ribs along
the front and deco handles. Was a great little workhorse due to the huge numbers that can still
be found today at a reasonable price, What a testimonial (or what a sales force Coca-Cola had).
Next along those lines would be the Quikold Standards (the answer for about every other soda brand out there in this style cooler) Would love, LOVE!!! to own another brand in this cooler style.........

Eric

[loman4ec]

I am a big fan of the square tops as well. My favorite is the early CSS-64's. I am also a fan of the ideal sliders. They are so simple. But of course I would love to own a Coke 81D. I am going nuts waiting for my Jacobs 56 to be delivered. One week from today left. These past two weeks have been long.

[Pat Pixley]

Well I've got to go with every one else I like the smaller odd
Sq. top machines  my favorite has to be the Cavalier line.

 Plus I like the older Ice chest coolers.

 Pat  

[glassbottlesrule]

I really like the select-o-matics too.  I will own  wb-60 one day.  Another favorite is the Cavalier 55.  I think it is a slick machine especially the two-flavour.  I just haven't found one I am willing to pay for yet.