If you're running a busy café in 2026, one thing is clear:

Speed, consistency, and innovation aren't optional anymore. They're expected. 

To thrive in a challenging market, we believe that volume fixes everything. That is, more drinks out the door per day. While flavour is still the ultimate key to draw someone in, and keep them coming back for more, there's something that sets some cafes apart.

Being set up to serve flavourful beverages at scale. Flavour at speed so your customers aren't waiting. Flavour served consistently so you become a trusted stop in your customer busy day.

Over the past months, Zest has had the privilege to work with two brands helping cafe owners and F & B chains serve flavour at scale.

Flosmart & Six Simple Machines.

Both brands build equipment to dispense liquid, allowing venues to serve drinks fast and more consistently. But they solve different problems. 

This guide breaks down:

• Key differences
• Real-world pro's & cons
• Which system suits your venue best

 

What is Flosmart?

Flosmart is a precision liquid dispensing system designed to automate cold beverage service at scale. For the in depth specs and resource, visit their website.

https://flo-smart.com/

It's built for:

• cold brew
• milk
• signature drinks
• multi-tap beverage setups

 

Flosmart - Key Strengths

 

1. Remote liquid sourcing (up to 40 meters away)
Flosmart can draw from bladders stored up to 40 meters away. This means: no clutter on the bar, less space required for fridge under the counter, bulk prep in the kitchen.

2. Chilled lines = consistent quality
Even across long distances, the system maintains the temperature of the liquid. This ensures both food safety and flavour preservation.

3. High-speed, repeatable service
Push a button = same drink every time. Flavour consistency across staff, shifts and busy periods.

4. Flexible liquid compatibility
Flosmart works with multiple liquid sources and formats, not locked into one system. Cold Brew Concentrate attachments available to draw directly from your suppliers Cold Brew Concentrate products.

 

Flosmart -  Cons

1. No integrated customer-facing screen
Flowsmart does not have built-in POS storytelling. It's not part of your marketing, just a tool for scale. You will still be reliant on traditional POS marketing.

2. Not designed for hot beverages
Flosmart is primarily a cold drink system, limiting menu versatility compared to other hybrid systems.

 

What is Six Simple Machines (Freepour Batch)?

Freepour Batch is part of the Six Simple Machines ecosystem. Designed to create a customer-facing, high-quality batch beverage experience. Visit their website to explore full range and tech specs.

https://sixsimplemachines.com.au/

It's built for:

• Batch brew coffee
• Cold Brew
• Milk-based drinks
• Self-serve or assisted service models

 

SSM Freepour Batch - Key Strengths

 

1. Built-in marketing screen
This is where SSM shines, with the option for manual or digital signage directly above the tap. This allows cafe owners to display drink menus or the particular origin being served. Immediately, your customer understands what is being offered while also increasing perceived value.

2. Self-serve & self-pay capability
The Freepour Batch machine can be connected with your Square terminal to allow customers to self serve, reducing labour and opens new service models!

3. Handles hot AND cold drinks
Built for hot batch brew with the insulated Airpots that are built into the system. Being a insulated Airpot, it also supports keeping cold beverages cold.

4. Premium presentation = vibe/brand building
While the screens predominantly act as POS marketing, the Freepour batch is designed to be a feature piece, not just a tool. Adds theatre to your space.

5. More taps = more beverages
The SSM Freepour batch is available in 1, 2, 4, and 6 tap models. The most in the Flosmart unit is 4 taps.

 

SSM Freepour Batch -  Cons

1. Higher upfront investment
Generally, SSM will be a larger investment than Flosmarts units. More tech involved in the screen results in a higher price tag.

2. Requires internal canister system
Liquids must be poured into the provided Airpots as the system doesn't have the ability to draw directly from external bladders. This means more manual handling and less flexible in large-scale setups.

3. Demands space under your bar
With the Airpot system, there is no ability to draw from a location away from your bar. The airpots must be connected directly under the bar.

 

So...Which One Should You Choose?

 

Choose Flosmart if you:

• Run a high-volume cafe
• Want to reduce bar congestion
• Need speed + consistency at scale
• Are building a multi-site operation
• Want to batch and store liquids efficiently

Think 'invisible efficiency machine'

 

Choose SSM Freepour Batch if you:

• Want a customer-facing experience
• Care about visual merchandising & upselling
• Are exploring self-serve models
• Want hot + cold versatility
• Have space for a feature machine

Think 'Front-of-house revenue driver'

 

Zest's Perspective?

At Zest, we don't believe in 'one size fits all.'

We integrate both systems into our cafe partnerships depending on volume, layout, menu strategy and revenue goals.

If you're interested to learn about pricing or how Zest can integrate these systems in a coffee partnership to take your cafe to the next level, then let's talk!

Pricing, specs, partnerships - reach out to Zest here: Enquire Now