Whether you own an ice cream truck or are gearing up to introduce a summer dessert menu at your establishment, having the right ice cream freezer is crucial for maintaining the quality, structure, and flavor of your frozen treats. Ice cream is a high-demand item, and to ensure you serve it in the best way possible, the proper storage and preparation equipment is essential. To help you find the perfect ice cream freezer for your business, we have outlined some of the best options based on different criteria. Whether you need a display freezer to showcase your delicious flavors or a storage freezer to keep your inventory at the ideal temperature, we have you covered.
Shop All Commercial Ice Cream Freezers
Check out our top choices for the best ice cream freezer:
- Best Chest Freezer: Excellence UCS-41 Ultra Cold Storage Freezer
- Best Batch Freezer: Carpigiani LB100 B Air Cooled Countertop Ice Cream / Gelato Batch Freezer
- Best Dipping Cabinet: Beverage-Air BDC-HC-8 Hydrocarbon Series Ice Cream Dipping Cabinet
- Best Glass Top Display Freezer: Master-Bilt MSC-49AA Curved Top Display Freezer
- Best Gelato Freezer: Stoelting by Vollrath CD-BR06-37-RP Brio Red 6-Pan Gelato Display Cabinet
The Excellence UCS-41 Ultra Cold Storage Freezer is designed to maintain temperatures ranging from -50 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to 4" of insulation and a powerful 3/4 hp compressor powered by eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant. In the event temperatures rise beyond the normal range, an acoustic alarm will sound to alert employees. For added convenience, this alarm can also be connected to an external alarm system for remote notifications. The freezer is equipped with a lock on the handle to prevent intrusion and unwanted tampering, and it features an adjustable electronic thermostat that is intuitive and easy to use.
Shop the Excellence UCS-41 Ultra Cold Storage Freezer | $2,329.00
Runner Up: Galaxy CF20HC Commercial Chest Freezer
- Capable of sustaining temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit with 4" of insulation
- Handle lock prevents intrusion and unwanted tampering
- Acoustic alarm sounds when internal temperatures rise too high
- Convenient pull out defrost drain makes for simple defrosting
- Not for merchandising
- Large footprint
The Carpigiani LB100 B Air Cooled Countertop Ice Cream / Gelato Batch Freezer is perfect for adding housemade ice cream to your menu, making up to a 4 qt. batch of ice cream or gelato in one go. The 3/4 hp beater motor allows it to swiftly blend the dessert mix to the perfect creamy consistency, ensuring a smooth and delicious final product. Its easy-to-use mechanical controls allow you to maintain your product in a controlled environment until it's ready to be dispensed. It uses R404A refrigerant for optimal freezing conditions, guaranteeing that your ice cream or gelato freezes quickly and efficiently.
Shop the Carpigiani LB100 B Air Cooled Countertop Ice Cream / Gelato Batch Freezer | $12,760.61
Runner Up: Spaceman 6210-C Countertop Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
- Capable of making up to 4 qt. of ice cream and gelato per batch
- Features mechanical controls for simplicity and optimal freezing conditions
- Sleek design ensures it can fit onto most countertops
- Constructed with steel for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Not for bulk storage
- Low output
The Beverage-Air BDC-HC-8 Hydrocarbon Series Ice Cream Dipping Cabinet meets the demands of a busy ice cream shop, offering both functionality and efficiency. It features a durable construction with a high-impact ABS top frame, and galvanized metal exterior with a powder-coated finish. Featuring 4 heavy-duty PVC-coated wire support racks, this dipping cabinet can accommodate up to eight 3-gallon ice cream tubs. The low-E tempered sliding glass lids and Lexan sneeze guard not only maintain product sanitation but also enhance energy efficiency. With a spacious 15.2 cubic foot storage area below the display section, the unit provides additional storage for up to six extra 3-gallon ice cream containers. After business hours, the built-in locks on the lids offer a secure way to protect your ice cream supplies overnight.
Shop the Beverage-Air BDC-HC-8 Hydrocarbon Series Ice Cream Dipping Cabinet | $4,550.00
Runner Up: Avantco CPSS-47-HC 8 Tub Stainless Steel Deluxe Ice Cream Dipping Cabinet
- Displays up to (8) 3 gallon ice cream containers
- Storage for (6) 3 gallon ice cream containers on lower level
- Maintains temperatures between -10 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit
- Tested to perform in ambient temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Large design isn't ideal for smaller shops
- May need to be repainted over time
The Master-Bilt MSC-49AA Curved Top Display Freezer showcases frozen products while providing easy access and excellent visibility for customers. With its curved glass lids that smoothly slide open and closed, this freezer ensures that your products are prominently displayed. The 10.5 cubic foot interior enhances the customer experience by allowing them to view the products effortlessly and retrieve them for purchase. To help you stay organized, it comes with 5 baskets and dividers included. For optimal temperature control, the unit features an easy-to-use control panel that allows operators to adjust temperatures between -18 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shop the Master-Bilt MSC-49AA Curved Top Display Freezer | $961.00
Runner Up: Avantco DFC20-HCL Customizable Curved Top Display Ice Cream Freezer
Read customer reviews for the Master-Bilt Curved Top Display Freezer.
- 10.5 cu. ft. interior includes 5 dividers and baskets
- Curved glass sliding lids display product to encourage sales; lids lock for security
- Interior LED lighting and removable rubber bumper guards on exterior
- Maintains temperatures between -18 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dividers aren't sturdy
- Dim lighting
The Stoelting by Vollrath CD-BR06-37-RP Brio Red 6-Pan Gelato Display Cabinet features a vibrant red exterior with curved front glass, creating a visually appealing design that highlights your gelato offerings. With the capacity to hold either six 5-liter pans or ten 4.25-liter pans, this display cabinet allows you to offer a variety of flavors to your customers. LED lighting ensures your gelato is showcased with clarity and visibility, and despite its ample capacity, this model boasts a compact design that can easily fit into tight spaces. Constructed with a one-piece shell and 60mm thick polyurethane insulation, this gelato display cabinet is designed for durability and efficient temperature retention. Utilizing forced air cooling, this display cabinet maintains cool temperatures to preserve the quality of your gelato.
Shop the Stoelting by Vollrath CD-BR06-37-RP Brio Red 6-Pan Gelato Display Cabinet | $8,079.00
Runner Up: Avantco ADC-GEL-9F Customizable Nine Pan Gelato Dipping Cabinet
- Curved front glass and LED lighting showcase your gelato
- Electronic control panel easily adjusts the temperature
- Equipped with automatic hot gas defrost
- Includes casters for easy portability
- Only suitable for gelato
- High initial cost
How to Choose Ice Cream Freezers
With a variety of options available on the market, choosing the right ice cream freezer can be a daunting task. Since there isn't one overarching type of ice cream freezer, it can be difficult to identify which one matches your needs. Before purchasing, consider the types of ice cream you serve and your foodservice concept.
1. Style
When choosing an ice cream freezer, the style you opt for will greatly impact the functionality and presentation of your frozen treats. Consider the style of ice cream freezer that best suits your business needs and the type of frozen treats you offer to enhance the presentation and storage of your delicious ice cream creations.
- Dipping cabinets: Dipping cabinets are a classic choice for ice cream shops and dessert parlors. These cabinets can be loaded with various ice cream flavors, allowing easy scooping into cones or bowls.
- Glass top display freezers: Glass top display freezers are perfect for storing and merchandising pre-packaged ice cream treats, such as ice cream bars, sandwiches, and pints. The transparent glass tops offer a clear view of the products, making it easy for customers to browse available options.
- Chest freezers: If you're looking to store large quantities of ice cream in bulk, chest freezers are the way to go. These freezers offer ample storage space and are designed to maintain consistent temperatures to keep your ice cream frozen at the perfect serving consistency.
- Batch freezers: For businesses specializing in making their own ice cream, batch freezers are essential equipment. These freezers are used to prepare and store batches of ice cream in bulk, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product. Batch freezers are equipped with features to churn and freeze ice cream mixtures, allowing you to create custom flavors and textures to delight your customers.
2. Business Type
Consider your business type and operational needs when selecting an ice cream freezer to ensure that you choose the right equipment that will help you store and display frozen treats effectively.
- Ice cream trucks: Ice cream trucks typically operate with limited space, necessitating smaller appliances. In this setting, batch freezers are commonly used to store ice cream in bulk, while dipping cabinets are ideal for serving individual scoops on the go.
- Ice cream shops: Ice cream shops generally have more space available, and as a result, they can choose from different freezer options, including dipping cabinets, batch freezers, and glass top display freezers.
- Convenience stores: Convenience stores often merchandise pre-packaged frozen treats like ice cream bars and pints. For this purpose, glass top display freezers are commonly used to showcase these products to customers.
3. Seasonality
Your operational schedule plays a crucial role in determining the type of ice cream freezer that best suits your needs. If you plan to serve ice cream year-round, investing in larger machines is a wise decision. These larger freezers can accommodate a higher volume of ice cream inventory and are designed to withstand continuous use. On the other hand, if you serve ice cream seasonally, such as during the spring and summer months, a smaller ice cream freezer may be more suitable. These compact units can be easily stored away during the off-season, helping you save space and maintain an organized kitchen layout.
Maintaining the quality and consistency of your ice cream and frozen desserts is essential to ensure customer satisfaction. By investing in the right ice cream freezer, you can outfit your business with the right equipment to succeed and help your business stand out.
Related Resources
Ice Cream Shop Supplies
Whether you're starting an ice cream shop or looking to mobilize your brand for catered events, finding the right equipment is crucial to ensure a smooth operation. From ice cream machines to display cases and everything in between, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of ingredients, equipment, and supplies you'll need to start serving your delicious treats to the masses. Shop All Ice Cream Shop Supplies
Types of Ice Cream Cones
The cool, creamy sweetness of ice cream combined with the crispy crunch of an ice cream cone makes for the perfect summer treat. Whether you operate an ice cream parlor or an ice cream truck , having different types of ice cream cones at your establishment increases your profits and provides creative ways to serve your most popular ice cream flavors. Shop All Ice Cream Cones Skip to a specific type of ice cream cone: Waffle Cone Sugar Cone Cake Cone Waffle Bowl Twin Cone Bubble Waffle Cone Chocolate Dipped Cone Pretzel Cone Gluten Free Cone Specialty Cone Jacketed Cone Ice Cream Cone Accessories Ice Cream Cone Size Chart
Ice Cream Topping Ideas
Whether you're starting your own ice cream shop or you just want to expand your dessert menu, there are many types of ice cream toppings that can liven up your offerings. Traditional toppings like hot fudge, sprinkles, and whipped cream will always be a favorite, but why not try something new and unexpected? There's a sundae topping for everyone on our list of ice cream topping ideas! Shop All Ice Cream Toppings Ice Cream Toppings List Create your own signature sundaes or stock your ice cream bar with these popular ice cream toppings. You'll find everything from french fries to macarons on our toppings list. 1. Savory Toppings Sweet and salty is a popular ice cream combination! Instead of plain pretzels, try experimenting with other savory
- Topics 1485
- Industrial 57
- Troubleshooting Guides 26
- Restaurant Management 135
- Bar Management 63
- Catering Tips 39
- Bakery Management 45
- Food Trucks & Concessions 49
- Advertising & Marketing 39
- Eco-Friendly Tips 12
- Facility Layout & Design 48
- Coffee Shop Tips 31
- Installation & Maintenance 59
- Janitorial & Pest Control 32
- Safety & Sanitation 105
- Startup Tips 112
- Menu Design 11
- Kitchen & Cooking Tips 96
- Hospitality Management 24
- Pizza & Sandwich Shop Tips 33
- Smallwares 39
- Food Prep 98
- Tabletop Items 18
- Disposables 24
- Calculators & Tools 8
- Consumables 65
- Warewashing & Laundry 20
- Cooking Equipment 101
- Food Storage & Refrigeration 53
- Beverage Equipment 38
- Office Supplies 5
Join Our Mailing List
Receive coupon codes and more right to your inbox.
