Industrial Soft Serve Machines

Industrial soft-serve machines are commercial equipment designed to produce smooth, creamy soft-serve ice cream. Soft serve machines mix and freeze a liquid ice cream mix and air to produce light and airy-textured ice cream. They are often equipped with multiple hoppers to store the ingredients necessary for a soft serve, a great space-saving feature in commercial operations with many refrigeration needs. They efficiently produce consistent, high-quality soft serve for businesses such as ice cream parlors, restaurants, and cafes and attract many customers thanks to their delicious taste.

Industrial soft-serve machines are available in different configurations to cater to different business types. The popular types range from countertop to floor models and single to multi-flavor machines. By choosing the right type for your establishment, you can start benefiting from its countless benefits, such as increased impulse purchases, expanded menus, and speedy, consistent service. Before purchasing, you should consider serving volume, build quality, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance. Soft-serve machines are great additions to your business, and you can leverage future trends in the industry to maximize your profits with them.

Types of Industrial Soft Serve Machines

Countertop, floor models, and single or multi-flavor soft serve machines are the types of soft serve machines. Types of industrial soft serve machines are divided by size, placement, and the number of flavors they can produce.

Smaller establishments can benefit from a countertop model to easily serve ice cream and save space, while others who need more capacity can opt for floor models. Single vs multi-flavor machines enable you to offer different tastes to the customers. Fast-food chains and businesses offering only seasonal ice cream as dessert often use single-flavor machines to have something sweet on the menu. Multi-flavored machines are great if you want to make ice cream a more focal part of your business.

Countertop Models Industrial Soft Serve Machines

Countertop soft serve machines are placed on the counter to save floor space and offer convenient access to staff and visibility to customers. Their compact design makes them ideal for small businesses, food trucks, or establishments with limited kitchen space. These machines can still produce a substantial soft serve despite their smaller size. They have multiple vertically large hoppers to store a lot of ice cream. Countertop models are generally easier to move and install, which is a great bonus if you are hurrying to set up shop and need flexibility regarding timing and placement.  

Floor Models

Floor model industrial soft serve machines are larger and more powerful. They are designed for high-volume production environments such as large restaurants, ice cream parlors, and cafeterias since they can continuously and consistently produce larger quantities of soft serve.

Floor models typically offer more advanced features, such as higher hopper capacities and multiple flavor and consistency options, but require more space and a more permanent installation. The wait time will be longer for a floor model due to its size, and the installation will require the help of professionals due to the intricacy of the machine. However, these challenges are only temporary and completely worth it if you plan to make soft serve a core business model component.

Single vs. Multi-Flavor Machines

Single vs. multi-flavor professional soft serve machines are an important consideration before purchase. Single-flavor models are sufficient for businesses with soft serve as one of the many dessert options on their menus. Multi-flavor machines are a necessity if the business in question is an ice cream shop or wants to attract customers with ice cream.

Single-flavor soft serve ice cream machines are designed to dispense one flavor at a time. They are often used in fast-food chains during summer as a takeaway sweet option. They are generally more cost-effective and easier to operate thanks to their simple design.

On the other hand, multi-flavor machines dispense two or more flavors, often with the option to create swirled combinations. These machines cater to a broader customer base by offering variety and customization, which can be a significant draw for customers. The pairing of vibrant colors on a cone is visually appealing and can drive up impulse purchases, too. So, multi-flavor machines are ideal for businesses looking to enhance their menu with diverse soft serve options and can attract more customers thanks to the sheer volume of options.

Benefits of Industrial Soft Serve Machines

The benefits of industrial soft serve machines can be summed up under 6 core advantages: driving up impulse purchases, menu expansion, speed and consistency, ease of use, low production cost, and energy efficiency. These benefits can significantly enhance your business’s operations, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Whether running a busy restaurant, a small cafe, or a large-scale ice cream parlor, these machines can contribute to your success.

Impulse Purchases

Impulse purchases give a massive boost to your profits. You can easily leverage this phenomenon to your benefit with airy and colorful soft-serve ice cream. Its vibrant and tasty appearance is a classic treat that appeals to customers of all ages. Placing a countertop model with displayable hoppers near the registry can entice customers to add it to their orders, even if they hadn’t initially planned to. 

Menu Expansion

Menu expansions are the fastest path to acquiring more customers. An expanded list of offerings will broaden your target audience and increase your chances of sales. Soft-serve ice cream is an effortless addition to your menu thanks to its ease of production and versatile nature that can be paired with various toppings, cones, and cups.

You can buy ready ice cream mixes and let the machine handle the rest. While an additional dessert is sure to attract more customers, the versatility of soft serve allows you to diversify your menu even further with different toppings and combinations to differentiate your business from competitors. You can hit countless birds with one stone and offer multiple desserts with the same easy-to-make base product. You can introduce new flavors and seasonal specials, keeping your menu fresh and exciting for regular customers. 

Speed and Consistency

Speed and consistency are core necessities of any commercial endeavor. While handmade ice cream is delicious in its own right, industrial soft serve machines are designed to deliver quick and consistent results in a fast-paced commercial environment to a litany of customers waiting in line. These machines produce soft serve in seconds, ensuring customers receive their orders promptly, even during peak hours. Consistent texture and quality ensure that every serving meets your business’s standards, contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is important when buying commercial equipment since all those advanced features are completely useless if your staff can’t operate the machine. Modern industrial soft serve machines are user-friendly, with intuitive controls that simplify operation, even for employees with minimal training. This ease of use translates into faster service, reduced labor costs, and fewer operational errors. Many machines come with automated features such as self-cleaning and digital controls, reducing the effort required to maintain them. However, you should still manually clean them regularly to ensure thorough sanitation.

Low Production Costs

Low production costs of soft-serve ice cream machines make them popular among business owners. Soft serve is significantly cheaper than other dessert options. The primary ingredients, soft serve mix and water, are inexpensive, and the machines efficiently use these resources. This low cost of production, paired with low utility bills, allows businesses to maintain healthy and high profit margins.

Energy Efficiency

Industrial soft serve machines maintain temperatures around 18°F and require around 208/230-volt power to work without a hitch. They are designed with energy efficiency in mind to help businesses reduce their overall energy consumption and costs. Advanced models may include energy-saving modes, efficient compressors, and insulated hoppers that minimize energy usage while maintaining optimal performance.

To make things easier, you can look for certifications such as ENERGY STAR to know if the unit you have in mind will serve you efficiently. Also, it is worth remembering that energy-efficient machines lower operational costs and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly business model.

Considerations When Buying an Industrial Soft Serve Machine

You should consider 12 main factors when buying an industrial soft serve machine to ensure your purchase meets your business demands and caters to your customer base. You can buy different industrial soft serve machine models based on serving volume, hopper number, configuration, feed systems, cooling systems, cleaning features, assembly ease, build quality, warranty and support options, mix-in capabilities, digital control features, and brand popularity. You can make the right choices and start your soft serve production by assessing your needs and desires.

Serving Volume

Serving volume directly influences how well the machine meets customer demand. You should assess your capacity needs and decide accordingly. High-volume machines are essential for busy establishments, while lower-volume machines might be suitable for smaller businesses or those with less frequent soft-serve orders. They each have their pros and cons.

• High Volume Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: Can handle large customer flows, reducing peak-hour wait times. It is ideal for large restaurants, ice cream parlors, and high-traffic areas.
  • Cons: Higher initial cost, larger footprint, and may consume more energy.
• Low Volume:
  • Pros: More compact, lower cost, and energy efficient. Suitable for smaller businesses.
  • Cons: May struggle to keep up during peak times, leading to longer wait times and potential customer dissatisfaction. It may require more frequent refilling.

Single vs. Dual Hoppers

The choice between single and dual hoppers affects your variety of flavors. Single-hopper machines are simpler and more compact, while dual-hopper machines provide the flexibility to offer two distinct flavors or a swirl combination.

• Single Hopper:
  • Pros: Easier to operate, lower maintenance, and typically more affordable.
  • Cons: Limited to a single flavor, reducing customer options.
• Dual Hopper:
  • Pros: Allows multiple flavors and swirl combinations, increasing customer choice and satisfaction.
  • Cons: More complex, requiring more maintenance and higher initial investment.

Countertop vs. Floor Models

The choice between countertop and floor models depends on your available space and production needs. Countertop models save space, are portable, and are easy to install. While floor models are designed for high-capacity production and require more space and professional installation. 

Gravity-Fed vs. Air Pump/Pressurized

The feeding mechanism of a soft serve machine, whether gravity-fed or air-pump/pressurized, affects the texture, overrun, and efficiency of the ice cream produced. Gravity-fed models utilize gravity to pull the ice cream mixture into the freezing chamber. In contrast, pressurized models use a pump to force air into the process, making the soft serve even airier. The amount of air introduced to the process is fixed in gravity-fed models, which results in a denser consistency. Pressurized models allow for more control over the air used in making a soft serve, which can create softer textured ice cream.

• Gravity Fed:
  • Pros: Simpler design, fewer maintenance parts, and generally more affordable.
  • Cons: Produces a denser product (less air incorporated)
• Air Pump/Pressurized:
  • Pros: Produces a lighter, creamier texture (more air incorporated), improves profitability by incorporating more air into the product, and requires less ice cream mixture.
  • Cons: More complex, higher maintenance, and usually more expensive.

Air Cooled vs Water Cooled

Air-cooled and water-cooled are the two main cooling systems used in an industrial soft serve machine. Air-cooled models use air to achieve the cooling effect, while water-cooled models use water. The choice between these cooling methods will impact the machine’s placement, energy consumption, and operational efficiency.

• Air Cooled:
  • Pros: Easier to install, no need for a water line, and generally lower maintenance.
  • Cons: Less efficient in hot and humid environments, and the machine needs sufficient airflow to operate effectively.
• Water Cooled:
  • Pros: More efficient cooling, better performance in hot kitchens, and quieter operation.
  • Cons: Requires a water line and potentially higher upfront costs due to a more complicated installation process.

Self-Cleaning Features

Self-cleaning features in a soft serve machine can significantly reduce labor and maintenance costs. You should still manually clean the unit periodically to ensure the self-cleaning mechanism runs smoothly and the unit is hygienic and operational with minimal downtime. In any case, you will have an easier time cleaning and maintaining your machine, which is worth the slightly higher upfront cost.

Ease of Disassembly

Ease of disassembly is crucial for routine maintenance, cleaning, and repair of any commercial machine. Thanks to easy disassembling, you can significantly reduce downtime when your unit requires care or cleaning. Also, ice cream mixtures come in different forms, and powder versions might require more detailed cleaning due to overtime buildup.

Build Quality

The build quality of an industrial soft serve machine determines its durability, reliability, and longevity. You should invest in a machine made of durable materials such as stainless steel to ensure it lasts for a long time. Your unit should withstand frequent use and daily wear and tear. Higher build quality will naturally cost you more initially, but it is guaranteed to last longer. If you opt for a lower build quality, most components will be made of plastic, which will reduce the lifespan of your unit and may even impact the product’s taste.

Warranty and Support

You should inquire about the warranty period and scope to ensure you can easily and freely make up for unexpected problems and breakdowns. Also, you should look into brand or distributor reviews to see if their support system is receptive and quick enough in an emergency. A strong warranty and reliable support are two pillars for protecting your investment and ensuring any issues are resolved quickly and effectively. If you buy second-hand or get a cheaper model with a shorter warranty period, you might face longer downtimes and increased repair costs in the long run.

Mix-In Capabilities

Mix-in capabilities encompass having multiple hoppers and mechanisms to blend sweet treats into your ice cream, such as candies, nuts, or fruit. Thanks to this feature, you can diversify your menu and improve customer satisfaction with customization options.

• Pros: Increases menu variety, attracts more customers, and allows for premium pricing on customized offerings.

• Cons: Adds complexity to the machine, requires more maintenance, and may slow down service if not well-managed.

Digital Controls

Digital controls in industrial soft serve machines are designed to improve precision, quality, and ease of operation. You can achieve more consistent product quality and simplified management of settings like temperature, amount of air mixed into the soft serve, and serving size through such advanced features.

Machines with digital controls offer advanced features such as programmable settings, automated diagnostics, and low-mix alerts. For instance, you can program the texture and consistency of the product through the digital panel. Also, if you are low on an ingredient, the machine can alert you to prevent unnecessary running.

• Pros: Greater control over the ice cream’s texture and consistency, easier to train staff due to intuitive digital design, and often includes diagnostic features for maintenance.

• Cons: More complex and potentially more expensive to repair and may require more training for proper use.

Popular Brands

Buy from popular brands with good reviews that prove themselves in the industry through the quality of their products and good customer support. Here are some good industrial soft-serve machine brands you can consider:

• Donper USA: Donper USA is known for offering a wide range of soft-serve machines that cater to different business needs. They are recognized for their innovative technology and affordable pricing, making them a popular choice for small and large businesses. Their D250 model is the lightest and smallest soft-serve machine on the market.
  
  
• SaniServ: SaniServ is a trusted brand with a long history of manufacturing durable and reliable soft-serve machines. Their products are known for their simplicity, robust build quality, and ease of use, making them a foodservice staple. Their countertop models are popular thanks to their different size options that can even fit on the shallowest counters.
  
  
• Spaceman: Spaceman is a leading manufacturer of soft serve and frozen beverage machines, known for their high-performance equipment and competitive pricing. They are particularly popular globally for their robust and technologically advanced machines. Their engineering is praised often since most models, such as Spaceman 6210-C, perform well and cool down super-fast, a huge pro in fast-paced businesses.

Other top commercial soft serve machine manufacturers you can buy with peace of mind are Alfa International, Ampto, Cracthco, ElectroFreeze, Elmeco, Fetco, Lunar Ice, and Pasmo.

Installation and Maintenance of Industrial Soft Serve Machines

Installation and maintenance of industrial soft serve machines are easy and can be carried out quickly. Certain models can ease installation and reduce maintenance needs in the long run. For instance, a countertop, air-cooled industrial soft serve machine with self-cleaning features will be easier to install and care for.

Installation Requirements

Installation requirements for an industrial soft serve machine can be summarized in 4 points:

• Space Allocation: It’s crucial to allocate sufficient space for the machine, whether a countertop or floor model. When measuring your space for a floor model, ensure enough allowance around the unit to let air flow and prevent overheating, especially for air-cooled models. Depending on the size and weight of the unit, you might also need to reinforce your floors or counter.
  
  
• Electrical Requirements: Most industrial soft serve machines require a dedicated electrical circuit so that a household outlet won’t do. Verify the machine’s voltage and amperage requirements to ensure your facility’s electrical system can handle the load. Some machines may require around 220-volt outlets.
  
  
• Plumbing Needs: A water supply and drainage system are necessary for water-cooled models, especially for large floor models. To ease the installation process, ensure the space you allocated for the unit has the plumbing pipes.

• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential, particularly for air-cooled machines. Installing the machine in a well-ventilated area helps maintain efficiency and prevents overheating. Air-cooled machines are prone to being negatively impacted by extreme weather events. Proper ventilation can negate this possibility.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of industrial soft serve machines. The maintenance schedules may vary based on the type of machine you have. Here are general principles you can follow to maintain your machine properly:

• Daily Cleaning: Clean the machine at the end of each business day. This includes sanitizing the hoppers, augers, and dispensing nozzles. Industrial soft serve machines have a self-cleaning feature that simplifies this process, but manual cleaning is still necessary for certain parts.
  
  
• Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the machine’s moving parts, such as the drive shaft and seals, to prevent wear and tear. Don’t forget to use food-grade lubricant as the manufacturer recommends to avoid health hazards and health code violations.
  
  
• Filter Maintenance: Regularly clean or replace air filters for air-cooled machines to ensure proper airflow and cooling. This helps maintain the machine’s efficiency and prevents overheating. You can clean the drains for water-cooled machines to prevent limescale build-up or a drop in taste quality.
  
  
• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to check for any signs of wear or damage. Pay attention to the auger, seals, and other components needing more frequent replacement over time. Prompt addressing of issues can extend the lifespan of your unit significantly and save you a lot of trouble.
  
  
• Professional Servicing: Schedule professional servicing at least once a year. A qualified technician can check the machine’s internal components, refrigerant levels, and overall performance and let you know if everything is as it should be. While regular, in-house inspections are invaluable, having an expert’s eye on the unit will be beneficial.
  
  
• Record Keeping: Maintain a log of all maintenance activities, including cleaning schedules, lubrication, and repairs. This helps track the machine’s performance and identify recurring issues. Also, you can show these documents during health inspections to pass with flying colors.

Industry-Specific Applications of Commercial Soft Serve Machines

Commercial soft serve machines’ industry-specific applications are as varied as the types of food service businesses. They can be found in restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors, dessert shops, cafeterias, food courts, and more. 

Restaurants and Cafes

Commercial soft serve machines improve profits and customer satisfaction in restaurants and cafes. Restaurant and cafe owners diversify the dessert offerings and provide a quick, satisfying treat customers can buy on their way out. The soft serve creates delicious products, from simple cones and cups to elaborate sundaes and milkshakes. Its relatively low production cost makes it an attractive option for establishments looking to offer highly profitable and easy-to-make items. The quick service aspect of soft serve aligns well with the fast-paced environment of cafes and casual dining restaurants, where speed and efficiency are essential. 

Ice Cream Parlors and Dessert Shops

For ice cream parlors and dessert shops, soft-serve machines are indispensable. Soft serve is a popular type of ice cream alongside gelatos and ice cones. You can create colorful swirls, desserts with various toppings, and more with the same base product. The operational efficiency of these machines ensures that dessert shops and more can meet the demands of peak times, such as summer months or weekends, without compromising on quality or service. The machine makes stores and serves the ice cream, minimizing the needed attention and energy from staff.

Cafeterias and Food Courts

In cafeterias and food courts, quick service and high turnover are essential. You need to minimize the necessary staff attention and preserve the food till serving time. Industrial soft serve machines make, store, and serve the dessert, requiring very little prep. These settings often cater to families and students, making soft serve an ideal choice due to its popularity. The simplicity of operation and the ability to serve many customers quickly make professional soft serve machines a practical addition to any cafeteria or food court.

Comparison with Other Ice Maker Machines

Industrial soft serve machines are a type of ice maker. These machines differ based on the end product’s texture, form, consistency, and taste. One is not necessarily better than the other since they all serve different purposes. These types can be needed simultaneously in a business to meet customer needs.

Soft Serve vs. Traditional Ice Cream Machines

Traditional ice cream machines churn and freeze ice cream, which can be stored later. The consistency of the ice cream made with a traditional machine will be harder, and the fat content will be higher. Instead of inflating it with air and using an ice cream mix, traditional commercial ice cream machines churn milk and flavoring ingredients until it becomes ice cream.

On the other hand, soft serve machines are designed to create lighter and creamier ice creams by incorporating air during production. Due to the use of minimal ingredients, the fat content is significantly lower.

Pros and Cons in Comparison:

• Soft Serve Machines:

• Pros:
  • Quick production and dispensing, ideal for high-volume service.
  • Storage is not an issue since it is produced on the spot and can store some soft serve in the hoppers.
  • Lower fat content, around 0,5%, catering to a broader audience.
  • Lighter texture, appealing to those preferring a softer dessert.
• Cons:
  • Limited flavor options compared to traditional ice cream.
  • The texture might not be suitable for certain dessert types or preferences.
  • It will melt faster.
    
    
• Traditional Ice Cream Machines:

• Pros:
  • They produce a wider variety of flavors with mix-ins.
  • A richer, thicker texture that appeals to premium ice cream consumers.
  • Suitable for creating gourmet and high-fat ice cream products.
  • You can use milk and real fruit to create the ice cream.
• Cons:
  • Longer production time is not ideal for quick service. You will need to prep before a business day.
  • Requires additional storage space for freezing and hardening.
  • More expensive and complex to operate.

Ice Cream Storage and Display Equipment

Soft serve machines don’t need ice cream storage and display equipment because the production and storage are combined in the body of an industrial soft serve maker.

Storage equipment is necessary for traditional ice cream production. You can prepare tons of ice cream in advance and store them in sectioned freezers.

Display coolers are great for ice cream parlors to show off their vibrant and delicious ice cream to browsing customers. They entice customers to splurge on ice cream and try different flavors. Both products offer a chance to extend the shelf life of the ice cream and improve profits.

Future Trends in Industrial Soft Serve Machines

• Increased Automation and Smart Technology: More refrigeration products are integrated into advanced automation and remote-control systems. Soft serve machines are seeing an improvement in this department, too. You can monitor your production and make real-time adjustments easily now.
  
  
• Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness: Climate change is urging everyone to act, and manufacturers are also shifting their focus to be more eco-friendly, such as using eco-friendly refrigerants and complying with energy-efficiency certification requirements.
  
  
• Expanded Flavor and Customization Options: Soft serve’s popularity is increasing, and more multi-flavor dispensing and mix-in capabilities will eventually emerge to cater to the growing demand.
  
  
• Enhanced Sanitation and Self-Cleaning Features: Improved self-cleaning mechanisms and antimicrobial surfaces will facilitate the maintenance of hygiene standards with less manual labor.
  
  
• Non-Dairy Options: Vegan and lactose-intolerant customers seek more non-dairy options, and soft-serve ice cream is easily malleable. Machines could potentially accommodate non-dairy and plant-based mixes to create more inclusive products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in an industrial soft serve machine can have a wide array of benefits for your business, ranging from diverse dessert offerings and customer appeal to operational efficiency. Whether you opt for a countertop or floor model, single or multi-flavor machine, selecting the right unit involves understanding your needs and considering factors such as serving volume, build quality, and energy efficiency.

The diverse configurations ensure that businesses of all sizes and types can find a solution that aligns with their operational requirements and customer preferences. By leveraging the benefits of these machines, such as increased impulse purchases, menu expansion, and consistent product quality, you can boost your profits and make a name for yourself as the go-to place for soft serve. Don’t forget that regular maintenance and proper installation are the keys to maximizing the lifespan and performance of your soft serve machine and maintaining the benefits you get from your investment. Ultimately, the right soft-serve ice cream machine will be just what you need to attract more customers and improve profits with minimum effort and expense.