OpenTable Chit Printer Compatibility and Alternatives

The chit printer is a specialized device designed to streamline the process of printing guest info on chits or receipts.

By directly communicating with the OpenTable platform, chit printers ensure accurate and efficient transmission of guest information like preferences or dietary information to the kitchen, enhancing the overall dining experience for both customers and staff - and maintaining safety.

Whilst expensive, OpenTable supports a number of 3rd party chit printers made by Star Micronics.

Chit printers compatible with OpenTable

OpenTable is compatible with 3 types of chit printer - Ethernet, Bluetooth and Wifi.

Before you choose your chit printer consider how you want to connect it to OpenTable. Note that OpenTable's Guest Center on iPad. You must be using the OpenTable iPad app in order to connect a chit printer.

Ethernet chit printers 

Star Micronics TSP654II Thermal Printer
Star Micronics TSP143III Thermal Printer

These printers are well-suited for environments with a wired Ethernet network setup. This configuration involves bridging the wireless and Ethernet networks the printers are connected to. This solution is particularly advantageous if the requirements include multiple iPads needing to print to a single printer or iPads capable of printing to several printers simultaneously.

Bluetooth-based printer

Star Micronics TSP654II Thermal Printer

Bluetooth printers must be first paired to the iPad before the OpenTable app can detect and print to them. 

WiFi Printer

Star Micronics TSP143III Thermal Printer

Suited for wireless networks, this printer requires both the iPad and the printer to be connected to the same wireless network. This setup is particularly beneficial when multiple iPads need to connect to a single printer or when iPads want to print to more than one printer.

Buying an OpenTable chit printer

When it comes to purchasing an OpenTable-compatible chit printer it can get quite confusing. I've looked at all the purchasing options online on Amazon, eBay, and other printer shops, and it's often not clear which is the correct model to buy when you Google the above serial numbers. Prices can vary as well.

The printers are available directly from Star Micronics, but you will have to contact them directly to order as they do not sell individual printers online. 

Refurbished chit printers available from Owl POS and cost between $225-$299.   

New chit printers on eBay tend to cost over $250.

Depending on the exact model, seller, or location, you will have to pay between $250-$300 for an OpenTable-compatible chit printer.

OpenTable chit printer alternatives

If you are willing to consider reservation system providers other than OpenTable, there are cheaper and better options for chit-printer integration at your restaurant.

Eat App offers both a less expensive reservation system with all the powerful features you expect, as well as a cheaper, more flexible chit-printing option.

The Eat App worked directly with a chit printer manufacturer to create a more seamless printing experience that is less prone to errors and can connect to your reservation system on both iPad and web - making it more flexible to use.

In addition, the chit printer is available directly through the company so you don't have to spend time researching model numbers and prices.

The chit printer costs $179. 

Learn more in the video below, or read about the chit printer here.

FAQs

How do I connect my chit printer to OpenTable?