Buyer’s Guide for POS Cash Drawers
How do Cash Drawers Work?
Cash drawers are a secure way to store cash, coins, checks, or other financial files, allowing you and your employees to accept payments without fear of loss. The drawer opens when an electrical signal tells it to release a latch; traditionally, this signal is sent by a receipt printer, but other methods are available.
What Kind of Cash Drawer
Should I Buy?
Should I Buy?
Construction
We categorize our cash drawers as heavy-duty or medium-duty based on manufacturer durability ratings. Heavy-duty drawers are built with robust materials and latches rated for millions of operations, while medium-duty drawers offer similar functionality with lighter materials, making them more affordable but less durable.
Media Slots
Media slots are the small openings on the front of the cash drawer that allow deposit of checks, coupons, or credit card slips into the space below the cash tray without actually opening the drawer. The number of media slots can vary from one to three.
Picking the right cash drawer is pretty straightforward, though some variations can help extend the usability at your business or just make for a better experience overall. Cash drawer dimensions and durability are the primary concerns, but added features including till orientation and interface should be taken into consideration as well.
Cash Till
The cash till is a plastic tray that organizes cash during transactions. Configurations vary by country, with most U.S. tills offering 5 bill and 5 coin slots. This setup keeps common bills accessible, while larger bills can be stored beneath the till.
Interface Type
The interface type for cash drawers are no longer as relevant as they once were. Printer driven cash drawers are the correct interface in the majority of scenarios. Some application based tablet POS systems now offer direct connectivity options like USB, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, cash drawers can operate independently of receipt printers however this interface is strictly app specific and will not work in most cases.
How do I choose between cash drawers based on affordability and durability?
1..
2.
3.
Our Recommendation:
Star Micronics CD3
The CD3 features a black or white stainless steel front with dual media slots for checks and large bills, a three-function lock, and a smooth coated finish to match POS peripherals. Its key lock allows manual or electronic release, while a hidden bottom-exit cable ensures a clean setup. Compatible with 3 Bill-5 Coin or 4 Bill-5 Coin setups for US and Canadian currencies.
APG Vasario Series
The APG Vasario cash drawer provides an economical solution for securing cash at the point of sale. It features a roller bearing suspension for smooth operation and offers multiple till styles for various currency needs, including international bills. With a four-function lock that can be keyed randomly or alike, plus an optional till cover for secure transport, the Vasario meets diverse business requirements.
APG Series 100
The Series 100 cash drawer features a compact 16" footprint with a deep, configurable till and adjustable media slot, efficiently fitting small counter spaces without sacrificing storage. Its rugged latch mechanism, steel ball bearing slides, and durable powder-coat finish ensure it withstands 4 million cycles. The MultiPro interface system allows seamless integration with almost any POS setup by selecting the appropriate cable (see Accessories tab) for your receipt printer.
.png)
.png)
HEAVY
MEDIUM
LIGHT