Hot chips are scientificially proven to be the world's tastiest food, proably. Despite various science and health types publishing a food pyramid with grains and fruit and other such things, the combination of starch, fat, and salt form a flavour combination that is known (since now) as the Food Pyramid of the Mouth.
However, they're not without their drawbacks. Most often served by massive fast-food chains, local chippies, fish and chip stores, and kebab shops, hot chips have until now been almost impossible to find in our country* (Ed: please fact check and/or find three people to quote on this).
Thankfully, this fryless hell is over as an Australian company prepares to roll out hot chip vending machines nationwide, allowing we the citizens to access our golden deliciousness around the clock and free of judgement from servers who 'remember you from earlier in the day'.
To celebrate, we pay tribute to the glorious vending machine, dispenser of all out debauched and delicious delights for more than a century.
We salute you, vending machine. Without you, asking people in the office if they have a fifty cent coin would just be begging.
How old is the vending machine?
The first coin operated vending machine was created in London during the 1880s and sold only apples and postcards. From gold bullion bars to kosher meals, we’ve come a long way since then. Here’s a literal inside into some of the world’s strangest vending machines.
1. Gold bullion bars - United Arab Emirates
From snack bars to gold bars, a vending machine in Dubai dispenses 320 items made of gold. Depending on its contents, the machine is capable of weighing up to 520 kilograms. Market prices are also updated every 10 minutes via the internet.
IMAGE: Flickr, calflier001 Source: Flickr
2. Canned bread - Japan
Japan has the highest per capita rate of vending machines in the world. From pornography to sushi you can get almost anything from a vending machine in Japan. This one in particular allows you to purchase a cute can of bread. Flavours vary from chocolate chip to fruit.
3. Caviar - America
For $500 USD, you too can get an ounce (28g) of caviar thanks to this vending machine in Los Angeles. Escargot, truffles and mother pearl are also on the menu.
4. Dog food - Turkey
This vending machine doesn’t accept coins but, drink bottles. Pugedon is the latest vending machine to come out of Istanbul and runs completely off solar power. The profit made from the recycled drink bottles covers the cost of the pet food it distributes which in turn, feeds the cities stray dogs and cats.
5. Hot chips - Australia
You can now get your chips piping hot and on demand! While we have heard of this mythical beasts before, mainly in hushed tones in smelly corners of the USyd campus, soon the whole country will be able to experience the wonder when hot chip vending machines are ready for a national rollout by the end of this year.
6. Live Crabs - China
Fresh, live crabs are up for grabs at this vending machine in China. In order to keep the crabs alive, the machine is set to a fixed temperature of 5 degrees celsius. This forces the crabs to remain alive in constant hibernation state. The company also states that it will compensate you with three lives crabs if the machine spits out a dead one.
7. Fresh Lettuce - Japan
Another bizarre creation from Japan. Named The Chef’s Farm, this vending machine can grow up to 60 heads of lettuce a day.
IMAGE: treehugger.com Source: Photo taken from treehugger.com
8. Guitar strings - America
A vending machine outside a guitar store in Oregon becomes the ultimate guitar hero. It allows you to purchase guitar strings, picks and drum strings from all hours.
9. An electric car - China
For just $3 per hour, you too could rent an electric car from a giant machine in China. The vending machine was designed in attempt to tackle problems of transport, space and pollution.
IMAGE: Flickr, Song Li Source: Flickr
10. Kosher - America
A University medical centre in New Jersey has developed a kosher vending machine. Alongside kosher mozzarella sticks and onion rings, the machine also sells grilled hot dogs. Not from the same machine, of course. That wouldn’t be very kosher.
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