Countertop Hard Ice Cream Machine Buying Guide

Why should you buy a Countertop Hard Ice Cream Machine?

Ice cream is a universal diet that is consumed everywhere across the globe. So, if you plan on expanding your food and hospitality business frontier, investing in a commercial hard ice cream machine is a good idea. A commercial-size machine can produce faster and mix more gallons of content than any average-size hard ice cream machine will do. Most importantly, the device’s advanced features will save you time while increasing your overall output.

Different types of Countertop Hard Ice Cream Machine

• Multifunctional batch freezers

Just as the machine name implies, the multifunctional batch freezers have the capacity to heat, mix, cool, and freezes the content in a single unit. With this capacity, users don’t need to transfer content from one machine to another.

• Vertical batch freezers

Production is done vertically while still leaving room for the user to add any mix-ins during production.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Countertop Hard Ice Cream Machine

• Output Capacity

Some machines produce 4 liters, while another machine can give your 18 liters within the same time frame. So, we recommend that you consider your market share before investing in a commercial hard ice cream machine maker.

• Installation requirement

Countertop or free-standing units? The difference between the two machines is how they are installed. Countertop ice cream machine makers are designed to be positioned perfectly near a countertop, while the free-standing machine does not need a countertop support to get the cream rolling.

• Production style

The production style simply refers to your machine’s behavior from the starting point to the end. Having prior knowledge about the quantity of ice cream to be served is key when making a decision on the machine unit to buy.

Best Countertop Hard Ice Cream Machine Buying Guide

Although they look different, regular hard ice cream ingredients are also used in soft serve ice cream machines. The difference lies in the churning process. A softer, lighter texture is achieved in soft serve ice cream by adding air to the mix.

Top 5 Countertop Hard Ice Cream Machine

There are countless global brands that specialize in manufacturing commercial hard ice cream machines. Check out some outstanding hard ice makers that can improve your production output exponentially.

1. VEVOR Commercial Hard Ice Cream Machine Hard Serve Ice Cream Maker

The first highly recommended ice cream machine maker is the VEVOR commercial hard ice cream. This fantastic machine tops the food chain not only because it is state of the art but also because of its all-around and inbuilt features.

Features and performance

• Versatile in nature

The VEVOR machine stands out as it can produce various ice cream tastes. This machine can provide various flavors of ice cream, like vanilla, milk, and chocolate.

• Intelligent LCD Panel

The device is designed with a modern LCD screen, making it easy to operate comfortably. On the display screen, you will be adequately briefed with up-to-date information on production time and estimated arrival time for the quantity that is yet to be produced.

• Efficient output

With the VEVOR commercial hard ice cream, you can increase your production line and your total output. The machine has an in-built 1.6 Gal equivalent to 6 liters, and in addition, the machine is adequately designed to meet a target of 18-24 liters of ice cream per hour.

Pros

• The machine is designed with a PC baffle that allows users to visibly observe what is happening inside the machine.
• Effective management of heat and cold conversion is one of the hallmarks of the VEVOR commercial hard ice machine. The machine has a side primarily designed for ventilation, heat extraction, and dissipation.

2. MTPLUM Commercial Slushy Ice Cream

Made from steel, the MTPLUM hard ice cream maker operates efficiently and automatically. The advantage of the machine steel body is that it makes it light and, most importantly, easy to maintain.

Features and performance

• Easy to use

This machine has one button, and the internal cleaning procedure is so light that all you need to do is to pour water into the machine container while the machine properly mixes it to clean the inside.

• Energy Saving

In a world where energy price is skyrocketing, the last thing you want to add to your bill is a machine that goes heavy on power consumption. The MTPLUM hard ice cream maker has an inbuilt compressor to minimize energy consumption while achieving fast cooling during operation.

• Fast production time

In addition to going low on power consumption, the MTPLUM hard ice cream maker operates on 1400W high power and can conveniently produce in 25 minutes an ice cream that can fit into its pot of 10.5cm deep while still achieving 20L of ice cream at one time.

Pros

• The machine is fitted with an illuminated LCD screen that provides users with accurate information on cleaning time, adjusted cooling time, and production can be activated with just one button push.
• The machine material is largely stainless steel, making it easy to clean and maintain.

3. Prosky Italian Ice Batch Freezer Hard Ice Cream Machine

The Prosky Italian Ice Batch Freezer, Hard Ice Cream Machine, is hundred percent designed for making varieties of hard ice cream. It can produce different flavors of ice cream, with gelato and chocolate flavors included.

Features and performance

• Operational safety

The Prosky Italian Ice Batch Freezer Hard Ice Cream Machine is equipped with multi-safety devices that protect the machine and the user.

• Seamless operation

The machine is designed with a unique interface that allows users to understand the functionality of the machine’s operation without being subject to heavy terminologies.

• Varieties on capacity

The machine has a different cup that allows users to choose the hard ice cream level they plan on producing. Users can choose from the 7, 10, 15, or 35 liters cylinders based on production needs.

Pros

• Seamless operation is guaranteed with the press of a large LCD screen.
• With the presence of high-pressure extruding taste, users can be guaranteed that there won’t be any leftovers in the cylinder after production.

4. NK Protelex Hard Ice Cream Machine

The NK Protelex hard ice cream machine is a 4 liters capacity machine with a rate power max of 1800W when fully operational. The machine body is made up of stainless steel panels, and for optimal control, the machine can be easily operated when connected to a microcomputer.

Features and performance

• Bulk production

Despite being a 4L cylinder machine, the device makes up for its low space thanks to its capacity to produce 18 liters of ice cream per hour, although this is subject to the production line.

• Conserves space

The machine’s total outer dimension is WxLxH: 43.5x75x74.5 cm. So users won’t have much trouble placing it in their workstations.

Pros

• Production time can be adjusted within the frame of one to sixty minutes.
• The presence of an air cooling system prevents the machine from getting damaged from overheating.
• The machine can be easily controlled through a digital display board.

5. Mehen M1 High-Quality Italian Gelato Hard Ice Cream-Making Machine

This machine is electronically powered and comes in an all-around stainless body. The machine is designed with the capacity to produce varieties of flavors such as Gelato, Sobert, Sheribe, and Hard Ice cream.

Features and performance

• Seamless cleaning process

With an in-built hand-held rinsing water spigot, operators can easily get the cleaning process done in a quick time.

• Ease of operation

The Mehen M1 has an operational diagnosis system that helps the operator regain machine control quickly.

Pros

• The M1 machine can produce between 4-6 liters, while the M45 model can produce between 80-160 liters in one single production.
• Anytime there is a sensor failure, the redundant program can get production going.
• In-built multi-safety settings guarantee protection for both the operator and the machine.

Floor Standing vs. Countertop Machines

Depending on the space available and the amount of product you plan to sell, you can choose between a countertop or floor-standing commercial ice cream machine.

Countertop machines are typically the preferred piece of restaurant equipment for businesses that plan to serve a limited amount at a time, such as at events or those that are only open on weekends, or those without a lot of space.

Larger, floor-standing machines have a higher production capacity and might be better suited for a dedicated ice cream shop or dessert shop.

Air Cooled vs. Water Cooled Commercial Ice Cream Machines

Air-cooled machines are more adaptable in terms of positioning because they do not require a stable water connection. However, because they rely on a ventilation system to remove heat from the machine and draw in cool air from outside, the vents must always be unobstructed.

Water-cooled commercial ice cream machines, on the other hand, circulate cold water through their internal components. As a result, water-cooled options are ideal for high volume production, although they almost always require a continuous water supply and the installation of a drain.

Gravity vs. Pressure-Fed Commercial Ice Cream Machine

The difference between a gravity-fed and a pressure-fed soft-serve machine is that the former uses gravity to transport the soft-serve mix into the freezing cylinder, whereas pressure-fed machines rely on a pump.

In environments that require high volume output, pressure-fed machines are widely used. Gravity soft serve machines are less expensive, easier to operate and require less maintenance than pressure-fed options.