Opening an ice cream shop starts with deciding on your product lineup. Will you sell scoop ice cream, packaged ice cream, milkshakes, or a combination of these? That decision determines which commercial kitchen equipment for an ice cream shop is right for your business. In the Ice Cream Parlor category of the Horeca Online Store, you’ll find items such as soft-serve display cases, glass-door freezers, milkshake mixers, and practical Gastronorm accessories. Below, you can read about what these products are used for and what to look for when putting together your basic setup.
In short: tailor your setup to your offerings. An ice cream display case is designed to showcase ice cream, a glass-door freezer provides visible frozen storage, and a milkshake mixer is a good fit for a menu that includes milkshakes. Gastronorm containers and lids are supplementary accessories, not refrigeration units.
1. Displaying ice cream in an ice cream display case
If you want to sell ice cream, an ice cream display case is a logical category to explore. According to the product specifications, the HCB countertop ice cream display case in this category features static cooling and a temperature range of −24 to −18 °C. The product page describes a glass view of the contents, a temperature indicator, and an adjustable interior.
2. Storing and Displaying Frozen Products
If you sell packaged ice cream or other frozen products, a glass-door freezer from this category can meet your display and storage needs. The product line features 55- and 90-liter models. Choose from models with a temperature range of −22 to −13 °C, ventilated cooling, and a glass door. This allows you to make your selection based on the specified capacity and the available space in your store.
According to the specifications, the 55-liter model features LED lighting and a lockable door. The 90-liter model is described as having two large shelves and one smaller shelf. Measure the available space in advance and check the product specifications to ensure that the dimensions, capacity, and layout suit your needs. A glass-door freezer serves a different purpose than an ice cream display case; determine which solution you need based on the type of product.
3. Add milkshakes to your menu
If milkshakes are on your menu, this category offers a single and a double HCB milkshake mixer. The single model has one removable cup with a capacity of 0.75 liters. The double model comes with two cups, each with a capacity of 0.75 liters. Both models are made of stainless steel and have a non-slip base; the product pages note that the cups are not dishwasher-safe.
Choose between one or two mixing bowls based on your workflow and the products you want to offer. Also consider the available space on your countertop and the product specifications, including dimensions and power rating. The mixer is a supplement for milkshakes, not a replacement for the freezing equipment you need for frozen products.
4. Gastronorm containers and lids as practical accessories
This category also includes stainless steel Gastronorm containers and matching lids in various GN sizes and heights. A product page describes the containers as suitable for storage, preparation, transport, and serving. These are not standalone refrigerators or freezers. Think of them as accessories whose size and application should align with your workflow and the equipment in which you might use them.
When choosing a container, make sure the GN size and height are suitable for your application. This category includes several sizes, but the fact that a size is listed does not automatically mean it is suitable for every machine or presentation set.
5. Chilled serving platter: only as an additional serving option
This category also includes a refrigerated serving tray. The product information lists uses for buffet presentation, including sushi. Therefore, base your choice on the described application and do not use the serving platter as a substitute for an ice cream display case or freezer without verification. For ice cream and frozen goods, the display cases and freezers designed for those purposes are the more relevant category options.
Checklist: Choose Your Equipment Based on Your Product Line
Before making a purchase, check the following points:
- Scoop ice cream: Examine the scoop ice cream display case and check its design and stock levels.
- Packaged ice cream or frozen products: Compare glass-door freezers based on capacity, dimensions, and interior layout.
- Milkshakes: Determine whether one or two mixing cups are suitable for your offerings.
- Accessories: Choose Gastronorm containers and lids based on size and intended use.
- Additional presentation: Check whether a chilled serving platter is suitable for your intended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of commercial kitchen equipment do you need to open an ice cream shop?
That depends on your product lineup. The Ice Cream Parlor category includes items such as soft-serve display cases, glass-door freezers, and milkshake mixers. You’ll also find Gastronorm containers and lids as accessories. Choose only what suits the products you’ll be selling, and check the current specifications and availability for each item.
Which equipment in this category is designed for soft-serve ice cream?
This category includes an HCB countertop ice cream display case. The product page mentions static cooling, a temperature display, and a glass view of the contents. The display case is listed as out of stock in the research note. Therefore, please check the current product page before assuming it is available.
What is the difference between the 55-liter and 90-liter glass-door freezers?
The main difference listed is the capacity: 55 versus 90 liters. The 55-liter page mentions LED lighting and a lockable door. The 90-liter page describes two large shelves and one smaller shelf. Also, compare the dimensions and layout with the space and products in your store.
Is a milkshake blender necessary in an ice cream shop?
A milkshake mixer is only necessary if you want to serve milkshakes. This category features a single-cup model with a 0.75-liter cup and a double-cup model with two 0.75-liter cups. Be sure to check the usage and cleaning instructions; the product pages note that the cups are not dishwasher-safe.
Are Gastronorm containers considered refrigeration equipment?
No. Gastronorm containers and lids are accessories. The product information describes uses such as storage, preparation, transport, and serving, but the containers do not cool or freeze on their own. Choose the right size and make sure it is compatible with the equipment and methods you plan to use them with.
