Not Sure What Ice Cream Machine You Need? Start Here.

Buying your first commercial ice cream machine can feel overwhelming. At Slices Concession, we help simplify that decision with expert guidance, ready-to-ship inventory, and honest recommendations based on your business needs—not brand bias. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right machine faster and with more confidence.

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“I’ve had great experiences with Slices Concession. Both sales and service has been exemplary. I will not hesitate to do business with them again.” – M.H.

Step 1

Consider What You’re Serving

Are you selling soft serve, milkshakes, Italian ice, margaritas—or something else?

  • Some machines are single-function, while others are versatile enough for multiple product types.
  • Make sure the machine you choose is optimized for the specific texture and temperature of your product.
Step 2

Think About Space & Volume

How much ice cream do you need to serve and where?

  • Food trucks and mobile carts may need compact, lightweight machines.
  • Fast food restaurants and theme parks might require high-capacity models with continuous service capabilities.
Step 3

Understand Your Power Requirements

Do you need a single-phase or three-phase machine?

  • Single-phase machines work in almost any standard building—especially useful for food trucks, cafés, and smaller shops.
  • Three-phase machines are more efficient but require specific commercial wiring.

Resource: Should I Buy a Single Phase or Three Phase Ice Cream Machine?

Step 4

Decide on Cooling Type

Should you choose air-cooled or water-cooled?

  • Air-cooled: Easier to install, great for locations where water usage is a concern.
  • Water-cooled: Runs quieter and more efficiently in high-demand or hot environments but may require water connections or chiller systems.

Resource: Air-Cooled vs. Water-Cooled Ice Cream Machines: Which Is Right for You?

Step 5

Choose How the Mix Enters the Machine

Gravity-fed vs. pump-fed—what’s the difference?

  • Gravity-fed machines are simple to operate and ideal for lower-volume or mobile setups.
  • Pump-fed machines produce a creamier product and higher overrun (more servings per mix) but are more complex to clean.

Resource: Pump vs. Gravity Machines: Which One to Choose?

Step 6

Choose a Trusted Brand

We only carry name-brand commercial equipment with strong reputations for performance and support—including Taylor, Carpigiani, Electro Freeze, Stoelting, and more.

  • Each brand has strengths depending on your goals.
  • We’ll help match you to the right one. No bias, just the right fit for your needs.
Step 7

New vs. Refurbished

Why choose a refurbished machine?

  • New commercial machines can cost $18,000–$60,000+.
  • Our Slices Certified™ refurbished machines cost 40–70% less, undergo a 22-point inspection, and are backed by a warranty and lifetime phone support.
  • Many are just a few years old and in excellent condition, helping you preserve capital and boost ROI.
Step 8

Still Not Sure? Let’s Help You Decide

Talk to our team of in-house, factory-trained technicians. We’ll guide you to the best machine based on your business model, budget, and goals. No sales pressure. Just honest advice.

Why Slices?

  • Expert, unbiased recommendations from people who rebuild these machines daily
  • Fast, FREE machine shipping from our ready-to-ship U.S. warehouse
  • All-in-one convenience: machines, equipment, parts, and support from one trusted source
  • Flexible financing to fit your cash flow
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