How To Choose The Right Ice Cream Freezer

Picture of Jessie Chang
Jessie Chang

Sales Manager Of Acenox
Engage in the commercial kitchen equipment industry for 8 years+

Table of Contents

If you’re in the market for an ice cream freezer, selecting the right unit for your needs can be overwhelming. With many types of ice cream freezers to choose from, finding the perfect match for specific needs can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we will walk you through the most important things to consider when choosing the right ice cream freezer. But first, let’s look at the different types of ice cream available.

Types of Ice Cream

The following are the common types of ice cream available.

  • Gelato: Originating from Italy, gelato is a smooth and dense frozen treat with intense flavors. It contains less fat than traditional ice cream, making it a lighter option.
  • Sherbet: This refreshing option combines fruit juice or puree with milk or water, resulting in a creamy and fruity treat with a lower fat content.
  • Sorbet: Dairy-free and bursting with fruit flavors, sorbet is made from sweetened fruit puree or juice.
  • Soft Serve: Known for its smooth and airy texture, soft serve is dispensed from a machine and has a lower milkfat content than traditional ice cream.
  • Ice Popsicle: Also known as popsicles, these frozen treats consist of fruit juice, puree, or flavored liquid, often enjoyed on a stick.
  • Kulfi: A popular frozen dessert from the Indian subcontinent, kulfi is made from condensed milk, flavored with nuts, saffron, and cardamom.
  • Scooped Ice Cream: Classic scooped ice cream is rich and creamy, made with milk, cream, sugar, and a variety of flavorings and mix-ins.
  • Rolled Ice Cream: Originating from Thailand, this trendy treat is created by pouring a liquid ice cream base on a cold plate and rolling it into thin curls before serving.
  • Italian Ice: Also known as water ice, this dairy-free dessert has a texture similar to sorbet, but it often features a broader range of flavors.
  • Philadelphia Style Ice Cream: This style of ice cream is made without eggs, resulting in a creamier and smoother texture, with the focus solely on the pure flavor.

Whether you prefer the richness of traditional scooped ice cream or the lightness of sorbet, the world of ice cream offers something to satisfy every craving.

How To Choose The Right Ice Cream Freezer

Types of Ice CreamIce Cream PhotoIce Cream Freezer TypeFreezer Photo
Scooped Ice Cream/
Gelato ice cream
scooped ice creamGelato Display Freezerice cream display
Ice Cream in Boxice cream in boxupright ice cream freezerupright ice cream freezer
Ice cream in stick/
ice cream in package
ice cream in stickIce Cream Display Freezer/
ice cream chest freezer
ice cream display chest freezer
Ice Popsicleice popsicleIce cream dipping cabinetice pop freezer
Soft Serve ice creamsoft serve ice creamSoft Serve Ice Cream Machineice cream machine

What Is Ice Cream Freezer?

An ice cream freezer is a specialized appliance designed to store and maintain ice cream and other frozen desserts at the ideal temperature for preservation. It is an essential tool for businesses in the food industry, particularly ice cream parlors, dessert shops, restaurants, and other establishments that serve frozen treats.

Ice cream freezers come in various types, the most popular types include Gelato display freezers, chest freezers, upright freezers, etc.

Chest freezers have a top-opening lid and provide ample storage space, making them suitable for large quantities of ice cream. On the other hand, upright freezers have a front-opening door and are more space-efficient, making them ideal for smaller establishments with limited floor space.

Some ice cream freezers come with additional features that enhance convenience and usability. These may include wheels or casters for easy mobility, adjustable shelves for better organization, and interior lighting for improved visibility of the stored products.

Complete Introduction to the Types of Ice Cream display Freezers

1. Chest Ice Cream Freezers

Chest freezers are spacious deep freezers with a top-opening lid. These ice cream freezers provide ample storage capacity for bulk quantities of ice cream. They are commonly used in commercial settings where large quantities of frozen treats need to be stored. It is usually used to store ice popiscle or ice cream with sticker with hard texture.

chest freezer
Chest Freezer

2. Upright Ice Cream Freezers

upright ice cream freezer
Upright Ice Cream Freezer

Upright freezers are similar in design to household refrigerators in that they feature a front-opening door. They are a more space-efficient option than chest freezers and are suitable for smaller businesses with limited floor space.

3. Sliding Door Chest Freezer

sliding door chest freezer
Sliding Door Chest Freezer For Ice Cream

Designed with a glass front door, display freezers are perfect for showcasing ice cream and other frozen desserts in retail environments. The transparent door allows customers to see the products inside.

4. Soft Serve Machines

ice cream machine

Soft serve machines are specialized ice cream dispensers that churn and dispense soft, creamy ice cream directly into cones or cups. it provides instant service, therefore, there is not necessary to keep a freezer to store.

5. Gelato showcase

As the name implies, these showcases are specifically designed to store and display gelato, a popular Italian frozen dessert. Gelato freezers have unique features to maintain the ideal consistency and texture of gelato.

However, gelato freezers tend to cost more than standard ice cream freezers because they come with advanced features, which include:

  • Dual air circle system
  • Unique design
  • Double layer super-clear glasses
  • Lower temperature fluctuation
  • High quality construction

6. Ice Pop Freezer

ice pop freezer
Ice Pop Freezer to display ice pops

Ice pop freezer is a showcase to display ice popsicles, which usually feature with hard texture. Therefore, an economic static cooling display freezer is adequate for users, the freezer is like the above photo;
This type of freezer can reach to a temperature of -20℃~ -15℃

7. Dipping Cabinets

Dipping cabinets are refrigerated display cases that hold multiple flavors of ice cream for scooping. They are commonly used in ice cream shops and allow easy access to various flavors.

8. Countertop Ice Cream Freezers

These compact freezers are suitable for small-scale operations or home use. They can sit on countertops and offer limited storage space for storing a few tubs of ice cream.

counter top ice cream showcase
Counter Top Ice Cream Freezer

9. Rolling Ice Cream Machines

Originating from Thailand, rolling ice cream machines create rolled ice cream by pouring a liquid base on a freezing surface and rolling it into thin curls.

10. Batch Freezers

Batch freezers are heavy-duty machines used in commercial settings to churn and freeze ice cream in large quantities. They are capable of producing high-quality ice cream with consistent texture and flavor.

These various types of ice cream freezers cater to different business needs, production volumes, and serving preferences.

batch freezers

Selecting the right ice cream freezer involves thoughtful consideration of various factors, from the type and size to energy efficiency and temperature control. Whether it be a mini ice cream freezer or an ice cream display freezer, be sure to balance your budget with the features you need, ensuring you make a decision that aligns with your business requirements. By carefully evaluating these key considerations, you can confidently choose an ice cream freezer that keeps your frozen delights at their finest.

Key Considerations When Selecting Ice Cream Display Freezer

Selecting the perfect ice cream freezer is crucial for anyone in the business of serving delectable frozen treats. With various options available, it’s essential to make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements. Let’s look at the key considerations that will help you choose the ideal ice cream freezer for your needs.

  • Type of the ice cream display freezer

The first consideration is the type of ice cream freezer you require. Three primary types of ice cream freezers dominate the market: gelato freezers, glass door ice cream freezer horizontal, and small chest freezers.

Gelato freezers are specifically designed to store and display gelato, a traditional Italian frozen dessert. The design of these freezers often includes features tailored to maintain the unique characteristics of gelato, such as its lower fat content and higher density.

A glass door horizontal ice cream freezer is a specialized freezer designed with a horizontal orientation and a transparent glass door.

A small chest freezer is a compact and space-saving appliance designed to provide frozen storage capacity without taking up much floor space. These freezers are commonly used in homes, apartments, dorm rooms, or small businesses where limited space is available for storing frozen food items.

  • Size Of Ice Cream Display

Determining the right size of the freezer depends on your available space and the volume of ice cream you plan to store. Measure the area where you intend to place the freezer and choose a size that fits comfortably within that space. Remember to consider future expansion needs as well.

When it comes to size, there are two types of freezers you’ll want to consider:

  • Freestanding ice cream freezer
  • Countertop ice cream freezer

A freestanding ice cream freezer is a standalone unit that does not require any additional support or mounting. It is designed to be placed on the floor or a flat surface and can be easily moved as needed. Freestanding freezers offer generous storage space, allowing businesses to store a wide variety of ice cream products in bulk quantities.

On the other hand, a countertop ice cream freezer is a compact and space-efficient unit designed to sit on a countertop or other elevated surfaces. It is typically called as mini ice cream freezer, it is smaller in size and offers limited storage space compared to freestanding freezers.

On the other hand, a countertop ice cream freezer is a compact and space-efficient unit designed to sit on a countertop or other elevated surfaces. It is typically called as mini ice cream freezer, it is smaller in size and offers limited storage space compared to freestanding freezers.

  • Energy efficiency

Opting for an energy-efficient ice cream freezer not only helps you save on utility bills but also reduces your environmental impact. It’s advisable to look for freezers with Energy Star ratings, as they consume less energy while providing exceptional performance.

  • Capacity

The capacity of the freezer goes hand-in-hand with the size. Assess your projected demand and storage needs to select a freezer with sufficient capacity. Avoid overestimating or underestimating, as both scenarios can result in unnecessary costs or storage issues.

  • Temperature control

Precise temperature control is vital in preserving the quality and texture of your ice cream. Freezers with digital temperature displays and adjustable settings allow you to maintain the perfect temperature for different types of ice cream and prevent freezer burn.

  • Ice Cream Freezer Price

While price is a significant factor, avoid compromising on quality just to save a few bucks. Consider your budget and balance it with the features and specifications you require. Investing in a reliable, high-quality ice cream freezer will pay off in the long run through better performance and durability.

  • Mobility and convenience

If you anticipate moving the freezer frequently or need flexibility in its placement, consider a model with wheels or casters. Besides, features like adjustable shelves and interior lighting can enhance convenience when organizing and retrieving ice cream products.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for an ice cream freezer, look no further than Acenox Kitchen Equipment Co., Ltd. We are your one-stop shop for all of your ice cream freezer needs. Some of the types of ice cream freezers we offer include gelato freezers, mini ice cream freezers, ice cream display freezers, ice cream chest freezers, and more. Visit our website today and check out some of the ice cream freezers that we offer.