How to Choose a Window Model

Easi-Serv offers a variety of different window models to choose from and influencing factors such as the goods exchanged, facility location, kitchen layout or even the customer type may determine which model is the best fit for each application.

While there are numerous factors that you should consider, here is a short list of items to evaluate when selecting the best window model for your needs. Many of these factors are focused on drive-thru windows but are also relevant to nearly any application using a pass-thru window.

Size: A larger window opening can improve the customer experience by making it easier to manage an exchange of goods for payment, especially irregular sized goods which may be difficult or awkward to pass to customers.

A large service opening width may be required for larger products such as pizza or make it easier for customers to align their vehicle with the pass-thru window.

A window with a large service opening height will make it easier to accommodate vehicles at any height. In an area where there is a large cross section of small, low-sitting vehicles and large, high-sitting trucks/SUV’s a window with a large service opening height should be considered to easily serve all varieties of customer vehicles.

Sales Volume: Busier locations may require a window or window options that suit their high sales volume such as automatic opening modes, air curtains and a larger service opening.

Lighting: If there is limited lighting at the transaction window, you could consider a window with a transom to provide additional lighting or consider built in recessed LED lights (available for projected window models – CSP and PSB). The lighting can also serve as an additional safety feature and provide better visibility to aid transactions during night time hours.
Energy Efficiency: In areas with extreme weather conditions (cold or hot), there are a multitude of window options available such as air curtains and low-e glass coatings which can help to improve energy efficiency. A smaller service opening may also be considered to keep nature’s forces such as wind, rain, heat and snow out of the building. To learn more about options to improve energy efficiency for your transaction window, visit our section Link to article on 7 Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency in your Transaction Window in the Learning Center.
Weather: In areas with high winds and precipitation (i.e. sea front properties) a window with a sloped sill is ideal to direct water away and avoid infiltration. Depending upon the direction of the wind and the building itself, it may not be ideal to have a window with a flat sill or steel base which may incur a higher risk of water infiltration.

Local building codes or health code regulations: Service opening dimensions may be bound to building code legislations or regional health and food standards. Refer to your local building or health code guidelines to conform to local regulatory standards.

Budget: Construction/project managers may be bound to a defined budget which may defer to a standard window model with few custom options or add-ons. A single slider window or SS Series window model is one of our most popular series and is very cost-effective for most applications.

Traffic Visibility: The projected window models (CSP and PSB) offer restaurant owners clear visibility into oncoming customer traffic or stacked traffic in the drive-thru lane. This can allow operators to react quickly and open additional drive thru lanes or windows to accelerate order processing and manage influxes in customer volume.

Drive Thru Lane Design / Cars:  Constraints on lane width may demand a window be flush with the building whereas a projected window is ideal to identify approaching customers.

Available inside space: The available space inside the building/kitchen prep area may determine where the service opening should be placed- left or right of the window unit (i.e. SS, W model) or in the middle (i.e. SB, SBT) and whether additional shelving is required in a constrained kitchen space. Projected windows (CSP and PSB) offer built in shelves to hold prepared orders, cups, containers, condiments or any other items that need to be readily accessible to quickly serve customers.

We have standard sizes available for every model but we can also provide custom made sizes and other options to tailor to your needs. In fact, Easi-Serv has built a reputation in building custom solutions for customers. Feel free to speak to us about a full range of window options.