Ice Cream Machines Key Terms

Understand ice cream machines terms and features to ensure you choose the right model

If you’re providing ice cream treats for your restaurant customers, consider purchasing a commercial ice cream machine to get the job done. Not only will the dessert have a homemade flavor and texture, but it can also increase your establishment’s appeal over a competing restaurant that offers pre-made ice cream purchased from a vendor. To purchase the right ice cream machines to suit your business, you’ll need to become familiar with the equipment’s features. By understanding terms such as “self-contained freezing unit” and “dasher,” you’ll get the right machine and churn your own delicious ice cream in no time.

 

Self-contained freezing unit

Ice cream machines with a self-contained freezing unit can cut preparation time. Machines that have a separate freezer bowl require you to pre-chill the bowl for before placing it in the unit, which adds another step to the creation process.
Try: Check out ice cream machines offered by Kitchen Kapers and discover more about the benefits of a self-contained freezing unit in the product descriptions.

Ingredient spout

Adding mix-ins (such as sprinkles, nuts, fruit or candy) to your ice cream can increase your dessert offerings. Ice cream machines with an ingredient spout allow you to pour the treats in during the mixing process for perfect blending.
Try: Find a selection of ice cream machines from Cuisinart that features built-in ingredient spouts that are easy to access beneath a transparent lid.

Paddle

An important feature of the ice cream machine is the paddle used to churn the ice cream mix in the freezer unit. Consider looking for a unit with a dishwasher-safe paddle to simplify cleanup.
Try: Ice cream machine product details at Epinions discuss the importance of a dual paddle system to create perfectly blended ice cream with mix-ins.

Dasher

Some ice cream machine models feature a dasher instead of a paddle to blend the ice cream mix. A dasher is an elongated beating unit that fits into a freezing canister within the ice cream maker.
Try: Product descriptions at Keenzo detail the importance and function of a dasher. An instructional page by a professor at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College also illustrates how to insert the dasher into the ice cream machine.

Ice cream mix

The concoction that you add to the ice cream machine is known as the ice cream mix. Although mix-ins can give it the desired flavor, the basic ice cream mix often features a combination of ingredients such as milk, sugar and gelatin.
Try: The Homemade Ice Cream Page created by the University of Guelph discusses the preparation of the ice cream mix and provides preparation tips and recipes.

Gelato

If you want to expand your dessert offerings, you may wish to use your ice cream machine to create gelato, an Italian ice cream make with sugar, milk and flavorings. A similar process can also make sorbet, which includes water instead of milk.
Try: Carpigiani offers training courses on how to create gelato and sorbet. The company also features classes on creating soft-serve and traditional ice cream.

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