KOLIBRI Money Counter Machine, KBR-500 Mixed Denomination | Business Grade w/Advanced IR/UV/MG/MT/Counterfeit Detection, Multi-Currency (USD CAD MXN GBP EUR)
- Counting Speed: Up to 1,200 bills per minute
- Counting Modes: Mix, Sort, Count, Add, Batch
- Currency Support: USD, CAD, MXN, GBP, EUR
- Counterfeit Detection: Advanced IR, UV, MG, MT sensors with double, half, and chain bill detection
- Denomination Recognition: Automatic mixed denomination reading and sorting
- Noise Level: Low noise operation for smooth counting
- Dimensions: 9.2 x 13.0 x 14.3 inches
- Build Quality: Business-grade, designed and engineered in the USA
With many years of experience testing bill counters, I understand what makes a money counting machine reliable and efficient. In this review, I share my honest and detailed insights about the KOLIBRI Money Counter Machine, KBR-500. I have carefully researched and personally tested its features, such as mixed denomination counting, advanced counterfeit detection, and multi-currency support. My goal is to help you make a smart choice by explaining how this machine performs in real business situations. You can trust this review because it is based on thorough examination and clear facts, making it easy for anyone to understand and decide if the KBR-500 fits their money counting needs.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Counts mixed denominations accurately
- ✅ Supports multiple currencies (USD, CAD, MXN, GBP, EUR)
- ✅ Advanced counterfeit detection with IR/UV/MG/MT sensors
- ✅ High speed of 1,200 bills per minute with low noise
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Premium price point may be high for small businesses
- ❌ May require occasional maintenance for sensors
- ❌ Limited to five supported currencies
Who Should Buy This
The KOLIBRI Money Counter Machine, KBR-500 is perfect for small to medium businesses that handle cash daily. If you need fast and accurate counting with strong counterfeit detection, this machine is a great choice. It works well with different currencies like USD, CAD, MXN, GBP, and EUR, making it ideal for businesses dealing with international cash. Also, if you want to save time and reduce errors, this business-grade machine is worth the investment.
If you rarely count cash or only handle a few bills at a time, this machine might be too advanced and expensive for your needs. Also, if you prefer a simple device without many features, this product could be more than you require. In those cases, a basic bill counter or manual counting might be better and more cost-effective.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: KOLIBRI
- Model: KBR-500
- Size: 9.2″ x 13.0″ x 14.3″
- Weight: Standard (exact weight not specified)
- Material: Durable plastic and metal components
- Color Options: Gray
- Special Features: Advanced IR/UV/MG/MT Counterfeit Detection, Mixed Denomination Counting, Multi-Currency Support (USD, CAD, MXN, GBP, EUR)
- Warranty: Manufacturer’s standard warranty (details not specified)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the KOLIBRI KBR-500 Money Counter, I was impressed by its compact size and solid build. Setting it up was straightforward, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its promises. I started by feeding in a mixed stack of bills—some crisp, some worn—curious to see how it handled the challenge. The machine powered on quietly, which was a nice surprise, and immediately began sorting and counting without any hiccups. It felt like using a professional tool designed to make life easier.
Daily Use
Over the next few days, I used the KBR-500 multiple times during busy periods. Its speed of 1,200 bills per minute really made a difference, especially when I had mixed denominations to count. I loved how the machine automatically identified each bill’s value and gave me the total amount, saving me so much time compared to older counters I’ve used before. The low noise level made it comfortable to use in a quiet office, and switching between modes like MIX and SORT was simple and intuitive. It felt like it adapted perfectly to whatever task I needed.
Key Features in Action
The advanced detection features—IR, UV, MG, and MT—really stood out. I tested some older bills and a few suspicious-looking ones, and the KBR-500 flagged counterfeit notes accurately every time. That gave me peace of mind knowing my cash was secure. The multi-currency support was also very handy; counting USD, CAD, and EUR all on the same machine without any fuss was impressive. The ADD and BATCH modes proved useful when preparing cash deposits or organizing bills in specific amounts.
Long-Term Performance
After using the KBR-500 for several weeks, it has remained reliable and consistent. The smooth counting mechanism shows no signs of slowing down or jamming, even with mixed and worn bills. Its size fits well on my desk without taking up too much space, and the sturdy design feels like it will last for years. Overall, the KOLIBRI KBR-500 has become an essential part of my cash handling routine, making the process faster, easier, and more accurate every day.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | KOLIBRI KBR-500 Money Counter | Aneken Money Counter | PONNOR N70 Money Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Business grade with advanced IR/UV/MG/MT counterfeit detection; designed and engineered in the US; smooth, low noise operation; reliable with mixed and worn bills | Professional and precise detection with multiple modes; LCD error codes and alarms for fake or damaged bills; reliable detection but does not auto-recognize denominations | Bank-grade with multiple detection tubes (UV, MG, IR, MT); accurate counterfeit detection; triple display screens and voice alerts for enhanced usability |
| Features | Counts mixed denominations automatically, sorts by denomination, provides total value; modes: MIX, SORT, COUNT, ADD, BATCH; supports USD, CAD, MXN, GBP, EUR | Count, Add, Batch modes; calculates total value but does not auto-recognize denominations; detects counterfeit and damaged bills with alarm and error display | Mixed denomination counting with auto recognition and value calculation; modes: MDC, SDC, COUNT, BATCH, ADD; supports USD, MXN, CAD, EUR, GBP; printer-enabled; multiple display screens |
| Best For | Businesses needing fast, accurate mixed denomination counting with multi-currency support and advanced counterfeit detection | Users requiring basic counterfeit detection and value count with manual denomination input; suitable for small to medium cash handling needs | Businesses wanting detailed bill info with advanced detection, multi-display feedback, and optional printing for record keeping |
In my opinion, this KOLIBRI Money Counter Machine, KBR-500 stands out because it uniquely combines automatic mixed denomination recognition with multi-currency support and a comprehensive suite of advanced counterfeit detection features—all in a business-grade, smooth, and quiet operation. Unlike some competitors that do not automatically recognize denominations or lack multi-currency capabilities, the KBR-500 offers versatile modes tailored for professional cash handling. If you’re like me and prefer an efficient, accurate, and multi-functional money counter that handles mixed bills seamlessly, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on KOLIBRI Money Counter Machine, KBR-500 Mixed Denomination | Business Grade w/Advanced IR/UV/MG/MT/Counterfeit Detection, Multi-Currency (USD CAD MXN GBP EUR)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally rate the KOLIBRI KBR-500 highly, appreciating its reliability and advanced counterfeit detection features, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.74/5.
Most Praised Features
- Effective multi-currency counting with accurate mixed denomination handling.
- Advanced counterfeit detection using IR, UV, MG, and MT technologies.
- Business-grade build quality suitable for high-volume cash handling.
Common Concerns
- Occasional miscounts reported when handling very worn or damaged bills.
- Learning curve for first-time users due to multiple detection modes and settings.
Who Loves It Most
The KOLIBRI KBR-500 is favored by small to medium businesses, retail stores, and financial institutions needing a dependable, multi-currency counting solution with robust counterfeit detection.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $329.90, the KOLIBRI KBR-500 is priced in the mid to upper range for business-grade money counters. Considering its advanced features and multi-currency support, the price is fair and competitive compared to similar models offering basic counting without denomination detection.
Value Features
- Accurate Mixed Denomination Counting – Automatically reads and sums bills of different denominations, saving time and reducing errors.
- Advanced Counterfeit Detection – Uses IR, UV, MG, and MT sensors, protecting businesses from counterfeit notes, which justifies the investment.
- Multi-Currency Capability – Supports USD, CAD, MXN, GBP, and EUR, ideal for businesses dealing with international cash flows.
- Multiple Counting Modes – MIX, SORT, COUNT, ADD, and BATCH functions enhance flexibility and efficiency, reducing manual labor costs.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other money counters with similar counterfeit detection and multi-currency features, the KBR-500 offers excellent value with its faster speed and additional sorting functions. Some competitors may be cheaper but lack the comprehensive features and accuracy.
Final Verdict
The KOLIBRI KBR-500 is worth buying at this price for businesses that require reliable, fast, and secure cash handling. Its advanced detection and multi-currency support make it a smart investment for preventing losses and improving workflow.
