20 Types of Equipment Needed to Start an Ice Cream Shop

Acquiring top-notch ice cream machines, refrigeration units, and blending equipment is not merely a choice - it's a strategic ice cream business decision. Investing in the right wholesale ice cream supplies and equipment is not just about ensuring operational efficiency.

Key Takeaway: The right ice cream shop equipment ensures that your wholesale ice cream consistently meets the high standards your customers expect. A creamy, well-textured scoop of their favorite flavor is more likely to keep them coming back, sharing their delightful experiences, and spreading the word about your establishment.

Let’s look at the equipment needed to start an ice cream shop.

Ice Cream Shop Equipment List

• Ice Cream Machines
• Storage Freezers
• Refrigeration Units
• Mixing and Blending Equipment
• Scooping Tools
• Topping Dispensers
• Storage Containers
• Dipping Cabinets
• Cones and Cups
• Point-of-Sale System (POS Software)
• Sinks and Dishwashing Equipment
• Utensils and Tools
• Display Cases
• Seating and Serving Area Furniture
• Storage Shelving
• Ventilation and Exhaust Systems
• Food Safety Equipment
• Cleaning Supplies
• Menu Boards and Signage
• Ice Cream Maker Uniforms
• Security System

Equipment Needed to Start an Ice Cream Shop

Here are the equipment needed to start an ice cream shop:

1. Ice Cream Machines: Ice cream machines are the heart of your operation. Soft-serve machines and batch freezers are used to churn and freeze your ice cream mixtures. Soft-serve machines create the creamy, soft-textured ice cream that's dispensed directly into cones or cups. Batch freezers, on the other hand, allow you to make larger quantities of traditional hard ice cream, which you can then store and serve.
2. Storage Freezers: Storage freezers come in handy for keeping your ice cream at the perfect serving temperature. Blast freezers, also known as shock freezers, rapidly freeze freshly churned ice cream to lock in its freshness and flavor.
3. Refrigeration Units: Walk-in coolers are essential for storing your ingredients at the ideal temperature. This includes wholesale restaurant supplies like wholesale dairy, cream, fruit purees, and other perishable items. 
4. Mixing and Blending Equipment: Mixers are used to combine the key ingredients of ice cream, including milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. Blenders help create a uniform mixture for making milkshakes and smoothies, providing variety to your menu.
5. Scooping Tools: Ice cream scoops and spades are the tools of the trade when it comes to serving scoops of ice cream. Scoops come in different sizes to portion out various serving sizes, while spades help in mixing toppings into the different types of ice cream and crafting sundaes.
6. Topping Dispensers: Topping dispensers make it easy to add a finishing touch to your ice cream creations. With this ice cream equipment, you can add whipped cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, sprinkles, nuts, and other delicious toppings to your ice cream.
7. Storage Containers: Storage containers, typically made of food-grade plastic or stainless steel, are used to store ice cream or gelato after it's churned. These storage containers have different sizes to accommodate different batch sizes, and tight-fitting lids help keep your frozen treats fresh.
8. Dipping Cabinets: Dipping cabinets are specialized display cases with a glass top that allows customers to see and select from a variety of ice cream flavors. You can use these cabinets for hard ice cream and gelato, providing an attractive and accessible way to serve these frozen treats.
9. Cones and Cups: Cones and cups are the vessels for serving your ice cream to customers. Waffle cones, sugar cones, and various sizes of cups offer different presentation options to cater to customer preferences.

1. Point-of-Sale System (POS): Your POS system is essential for handling customer transactions efficiently. Restaurant POS systems can help you manage online orders, track restaurant sales, and accept payments online.
2. Sinks and Dishwashing Equipment: Sinks are crucial for maintaining proper hygiene. Dishwashers help efficiently clean and sanitize ice cream scoops, utensils, and containers.
3. Utensils and Tools: Ice cream spades, scoops, and ladles are your go-to tools for serving ice cream. Whisks, mixing bowls, and measuring cups are used in the preparation of ice cream bases and other dessert components.
4. Seating and Serving Area Furniture: Furniture such as tables, chairs, and benches create a comfortable space for customers to enjoy their ice cream. Napkin dispensers, trash bins, and condiment stations enhance the overall dining experience.
5. Ventilation and Exhaust Systems: Proper ventilation and exhaust systems are crucial for maintaining a comfortable and safe working environment. They help remove heat, odors, and airborne particles generated during ice cream production.
6. Cleaning Supplies: Cleaning chemicals, mop, broom, and other cleaning equipment are vital for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in your ice cream shop, ensuring that it meets health and safety standards.
7. Menu Boards and Signage: Menu boards display your ice cream flavors and prices, helping customers make informed choices. Another important use of outdoor signage is that it can help attract passersby and inform them of your offerings.
8. Ice Cream Maker Uniforms: Uniforms, including aprons and hats, are worn by your staff to maintain a professional appearance and adhere to hygiene standards while serving customers.

Commercial Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine

A commercial soft-serve ice cream machine is a specialized piece of equipment designed to produce and serve soft-serve ice cream in a commercial setting. 

Here's a brief overview of its features and functionality:

• Freezing Mechanism: Commercial soft serve machines have a built-in freezing mechanism that rapidly freezes the ice cream mixture as it's dispensed.
• Two Flavors and Twist: Many commercial machines can produce two flavors of soft serve ice cream, often vanilla and chocolate, and allow customers to twist them for a combined flavor.
• Hoppers: These machines have hoppers for holding and storing the ice cream mixtures. Some models have multiple hoppers for additional flavor options.
• Dispensing Levers: Dispensing levers or handles allow the operator to release the soft serve into a cone or cup. These levers can be controlled to control the portion size.
• Air Pump: Some machines have an air pump that adds air to the ice cream mixture during dispensing, resulting in a lighter and fluffier product.
• Temperature Control: Temperature control is crucial to maintain the right consistency and texture of the ice cream. Commercial machines typically have precise temperature control settings.
• Cleaning Features: Many machines come with self-cleaning features to simplify the cleaning process, which is important in a busy commercial kitchen.
• Stainless Steel Construction: Commercial soft serve machines are often constructed with durable stainless steel, making them easy to clean and maintain.
• Countertop or Floor-standing: These machines come in countertop or floor-standing models, depending on the available space and production capacity needed.
• Production Capacity: Commercial soft serve machines come in various production capacities, from small models suitable for smaller establishments to high-capacity machines for busy ice cream shops.
• Gravity or Pressurized Machines: Some machines operate on gravity to dispense the ice cream, while others use pressurized systems. Pressurized machines are often preferred for their consistency.

New vs. Used Ice Cream Shop Equipment

Ice cream shop owners have the option to invest in new or used equipment. While purchasing used equipment is ideal for saving a bit of money, some business owners prefer knowing that all of their appliances are brand new. Restaurant supply companies offer both new and used ice cream shop equipment, so you’ll definitely have options when shopping around. 

If you rent the space in which you run your ice cream shop, it might actually be worth renting the equipment as well. In this case, the equipment will most likely be used. However, if you should ever close your business, lose it, or change locations, equipment rentals can end up being more cost-effective than buying each appliance outright.

Other Products Sold by Ice Cream Shops

If you’re interested in the equipment needed to start an ice cream shop, you might want to know how to increase the revenue of an ice cream parlor. The easiest way to do so is by scaling and expanding the products offered. Here are some products that customers of such businesses might be interested in.

1. Other frozen desserts. Frozen yogurt and ice cream cake are good examples of other similar products that customers are likely to purchase. Some of these products require additional ice cream shop equipment.
2. Beverages. While many people enjoy chilling ice cream on a hot and sunny day, some might also prefer a refreshing beverage. Therefore, you might consider purchasing ice cream shop equipment for making smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, iced coffee, and tea. 
3. Baked goods. You can increase the average order value per customer by offering sweets and baked products that go well with ice cream. Pancakes, souffle, and waffles are just a few examples of such products. 
4. Fresh fruits. A lot of people might prefer fresh fruits instead of ice cream. Furthermore, they might combine both to get the best of both worlds. 
5. DIY kits. Ice cream has many fans across the world. That’s why businesses in this sector can profit from offering DIY kits to customers. These kits include basic ice cream equipment and ingredients.
6. Dietary offerings. Products like vegan ice cream, gluten-free cones, or sugar-free ice cream desserts might turn people with different dietary restrictions into loyal customers. ‍
7. Services for events. If you invest in ice cream shop equipment, you can also offer various services with such equipment and tools. For example, you can organize ice cream catering for events or invest in an ice cream truck for festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Cream Equipment Shop List

Let’s answer a few questions about the equipment needed to start an ice cream shop:

What Equipment Does an Ice Cream Shop Need?

The equipment an ice cream shop needs are:

• Ice Cream Machines
• Storage Freezers
• Refrigeration Units
• Mixing and Blending Equipment
• Scooping Tools
• Topping Dispensers
• Storage Containers
• Dipping Cabinets
• Cones and Cups
• Point-of-Sale System (POS)
• Sinks and Dishwashing Equipment
• Utensils and Tools
• Display Cases
• Seating and Serving Area Furniture

What are the Components of an Ice Cream Machine?

The components of an ice cream machine are:

• Freezing cylinder 
• Dashers or beaters 
• Compressor 
• Hoppers 
• Control panel

What are the 5 Main Components of Ice Cream?

The five main components of ice cream are:

• Milk solids 
• Sweeteners 
• Water 
• Air 
• Flavorings

What are the Raw Materials For Ice Cream Factory?

The raw materials for an ice cream factory includes:

• Milk and cream 
• Sweeteners 
• Stabilizers and emulsifiers 
• Flavorings 
• Inclusions 
• Colors 
• Air 
• Wholesale food packaging material

What Are Some of the Most Popular Ice Cream Shop Equipment Brands?

Some of the most popular ice cream shop equipment brands include the following:

• Carpigiani 
• Taylor 
• Electro Freeze 
• Stoelting 
• Spaceman USA 
• SaniServ 
• C. Nelson 
• Donper America 
• Vollrath 
• Electrolux Professional

Furnish Your Ice Cream Shop for Smooth Operations

Once you invest in proper ice cream shop equipment, you can finally run a business with ease and efficiency. From high-quality ice cream makers to massive freezers, an ice cream shop can actually be an easy venture. Whether you purchase all of your essentials new or used, furnishing your business is the first step you must take before welcoming customers into your ice cream shop.