A soft serve ice cream machine is an essential piece of equipment for business owners looking to sell soft serve ice cream. When deciding on the type of machine to purchase, factors such as projected ice cream sales, available space, desired technology, new or used options, and choice of distributor need to be considered.
There are various soft serve ice cream machines available to meet the specific needs of your shop. Selecting the right machine ensures that you get value for your investment and have a durable piece of equipment. Here are some machine options to consider:
Counter Top or Floor Model Soft Serve Machines:
Depending on the available space and expected product sales, you need to decide whether a counter top or floor model is more suitable. A counter top soft serve ice cream machine is practical for shops with low sales volume.
Flavor Options:
Before purchasing a machine, you must determine the number of flavors you want to offer. Some machines serve only one flavor, while others offer twin twist options, allowing you to dispense two separate flavors or a twist serving.
For minimal soft serve ice cream servings, such as an addition to a dessert like pie, a single flavor machine may suffice.
Air Cooled or Water Cooled:
An air-cooled soft serve ice cream machine can be placed anywhere as it doesn’t require a water hook-up. On the other hand, a water-cooled machine needs to be connected to a water source, which may limit its placement. However, water-cooled machines can cool the ice cream faster by storing more energy. Air-cooled machines are ideal for rooms with air conditioning, while water-cooled machines can perform well even in warm rooms.
Gravity vs. Pressure-Fed:
Gravity soft serve machines use gravity to transfer the soft serve mix through feed tubes into the freezing cylinder, while pressure-fed machines use a pump for this transfer.
Pressurized machines are generally used for high-volume operations and produce a higher overrun (the amount of air whipped into the mix). Gravity machines tend to be less expensive, easier to operate, and easier to clean. Pressure-fed machines offer more efficient control over the overrun air.
Technology:
Another important feature to consider is a low mix alarm. This is a buzzer or bell that alerts you when the mix level in the machine becomes too low. It is necessary because when the soft ice cream mix falls below a certain level, it can freeze solid and damage the blades on the dasher.
Finding the Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Equipment Supplier:
To find the best soft serve ice cream equipment supplier, look for one that offers a wide selection of machines, supplies, and related products in one place. Ideally, the supplier should be located near your shop to minimize delivery costs. If possible, picking up the equipment or visiting their warehouse to test the machines can save money and provide firsthand experience.
Review the supplier’s warranty and support options. This is crucial in case any issues arise during the initial years of using the machine. Some distributors may offer training to ensure correct operation and cleaning of the equipment. Look for a supplier with nationwide distributors who can provide parts and service for your machine.
Lastly, seek advice from industry professionals. Visit other shops in your area to see the equipment they use or participate in online forums related to the industry. This allows you to gather unbiased opinions and learn from experienced users of soft serve ice cream machines.
Incorporating the mention of Mehen soft ice cream machines:
When considering soft serve ice cream equipment suppliers, one notable brand to consider is Mehen. Mehen offers a range of high-quality soft serve ice cream machines that can meet the needs of your shop. Their machines are known for their durability, efficiency, and consistency in producing delicious soft serve ice cream.
When choosing an equipment supplier, it’s important to evaluate their selection of Mehen soft ice cream machines, as well as their ability to provide comprehensive support, including warranty coverage, training, and access to parts and service. By opting for a reputable supplier like Mehen, you can ensure that your soft serve ice cream machine investment is backed by reliable support and expertise in the industry.
