A Comparison of Employee Meal Options: Which One Is Right for Your Workplace?
Snacks from a vending machine, frozen meals from the microwave, or catering that has to be ordered days in advance: The main differences between these options lie in how fresh the food is and how much effort it requires on your part. The FELFEL refrigerator (Smart Fridge) delivers freshly cooked meals to your workplace, around the clock and without the need to order in advance.
Over 1,000 Swiss companies place their trust in FELFEL
1,000+
Companies in Switzerland
2013
the original since
10
new dishes per week
24/7
right at the workplace
What Sets " FELFEL " Apart
Freshly prepared meals made with passion—available around the clock at your workplace.
Small-scale producers instead of industrial kitchens
Cooked with passion, just like at your favorite restaurant—by our partner chefs from all over Switzerland.
Fresh Instead of Frozen
Delivered fresh every workday, featuring Swiss meat and seasonal ingredients from the region.
24/7 instead of fixed hours
Right at your workplace and open around the clock. Whether it's the early shift, lunch break, or night shift: Eat whenever it's convenient.
A Variety of Choices Instead of a Daily Special
Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or high-protein: There's something for everyone. 10 new dishes every week.
1 m² instead of renovation and investment
All you need is an outlet—no kitchen, no staff. As your hosts, we’ll take care of everything else.
Snack machine, frozen foods, catering, or FELFEL?
How fresh, how flexible, how much effort: the key differences at a glance.
| Criterion | FELFEL Fridge | Classic Snack Vending Machine | Smart Fridge with Frozen Meals | Other Smart Fridges | Catering & Delivery Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offer | Freshly prepared dishes from partner chefs, plus breakfast, snacks, desserts, and drinks | Packaged snacks, sweets, and drinks, and some sandwiches | Frozen ready-to-eat meals | Chilled meals and snacks; selection varies by vendor | Meals Ordered for a Specific Date and Time |
| Freshness | Freshly cooked and delivered every workday, using regional and seasonal ingredients—never frozen | Long-lasting products | Frozen; keeps for several months | Depending on the provider | Fresh for Delivery Day |
| Origin | Produced exclusively in Switzerland, using Swiss meat—by partner chefs, family-run businesses, and small-scale producers | Mostly brand-name products manufactured industrially | Mostly industrial production from abroad | Mostly industrial production, some of it from abroad | Depending on the restaurant |
| Variety | 10 new recipes every week—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or high-protein | The product selection rarely changes | Often a consistent product lineup | Depending on the provider | Depending on the order |
| Availability | Around the clock, no appointment necessary | Around the clock | Around the clock | Usually around the clock | Delivery time only; pre-order required |
| Effort Required for Your Team | No extra work: Installation, filling, cleaning, and recycling are all included | Low | Low | Depending on the provider | Collect orders, count participants, and ensure minimum quantities are met |
| Employee Benefits | A real perk: the daily meals the team looks forward to | A nice little treat for in between meals | More of a stopgap solution when there's nothing else available | More of a supplement than a daily meal | A Highlight for Special Occasions |
For which types of jobs is FELFEL suitable?
With approximately 50 employees on site—throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
With or without a cafeteria
Without a cafeteria: freshly cooked meals in about 1 m², without a kitchen or staff. With a cafeteria: round-the-clock service.
With no restaurant nearby
Industrial park, business district, or out in the countryside: Dishes just like at your favorite restaurant, right at your workplace.
Round-the-clock shift work
Whether it's a hospital, hotel, or manufacturing facility: Fresh meals for every shift, including nights and weekends.
Short lunch break
No waiting in line, no trip to the restaurant. Just pick up your meal, heat it up, and really enjoy your break.
It's that easy
From your first tasting to a full fridge—we take care of everything.
1
Free Tasting
We'll bring freshly prepared meals to your workplace and enjoy a tasting session with your team.
2
Installation per 1 m²
We'll set up the FELFEL refrigerator—all it needs is a power outlet. To kick things off, we'll invite the whole team to the launch event.
3
Enjoy Every Day
Starting now, the refrigerator will be restocked every workday. The first 6 months will serve as a trial period.
BOOK A FREE TASTING
Quality, taste, and hospitality—we’d be happy to show you all of this in person. We’d be happy to come to your company for a free tasting or welcome you to our showroom—with absolutely no obligation.
More than 1,000 Swiss companies rely on FELFEL.
I'M INTERESTED!
Frequently Asked Questions
What alternatives to snack vending machines are available in the workplace?
In addition to traditional snack vending machines, there are refrigerators stocked with frozen meals, catering and delivery services, as well as staffed refrigerators offering freshly prepared meals, such as the " FELFEL " refrigerator. In addition to snacks, this refrigerator offers breakfast, desserts, and hot meals prepared by Swiss partner chefs—around the clock and without the need to order in advance.
What is the difference between freshly cooked meals and frozen meals?
Frozen ready-to-eat meals have a shelf life of several months. The meals in the FELFEL refrigerator are freshly cooked, delivered every weekday, and never frozen. They have a shelf life of 3–5 days and are produced exclusively in Switzerland.
Do you have to order in advance at FELFEL ?
No. The " FELFEL " refrigerator is restocked every workday. Employees can help themselves around the clock, with no need to order in advance—whether it's the early shift, lunch break, or night shift.
What do you need for a FELFEL refrigerator?
About 1 m² of space, a power outlet, and cell service. No kitchen, no staff, and no renovations are needed. FELFEL handles installation, daily restocking, cleaning, and recycling.
What types of companies is FELFEL suitable for?
FELFEL It is suitable for companies with 50 or more on-site employees, whether they have a cafeteria or not. Since 2013, more than 1,000 companies throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein have relied on FELFEL.
Is there a way to try out " FELFEL " beforehand?
Yes. FELFEL will come to your workplace for a free tasting. Afterward, you can try out FELFEL for 6 months.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? DISCOVER MORE!
Check out our sample menus, the offerings at FELFEL and GAVETTI , and all our services at a glance. Everything you need to know in one catalog—perfect for browsing and sharing.