Hard Ice Cream vs Soft Serve Ice Cream

Hard Ice Cream vs Soft Serve Ice Cream

When setting up your ice cream store you need to start deciding what concept you want for your store. If you are dead set on selling ice cream as opposed to frozen yogurt or Italian Ice, then you will have to decide if you want to sell hard or soft ice cream.
There are pros and cons to both versions of ice cream. Let's start off with hard ice cream. Hard ice cream is a classic treat that can include amazing inclusions such as real fruit, candy pieces, cookies, and syrups. To make this kind of ice cream you will need to start off with a liquid ice cream base with 10% - 16% butterfat. Your base is your canvas. The higher the butterfat, the creamier and richer the ice cream. In addition, to increase your profit and create a more expensive product, make sure to increase your overrun in your product.
You'll then pour the product into your batch freezer. Keep in mind that if you decide on hard ice cream, batch freezers are typically more expensive. Popular brands include B12V. Keep in mind quality and freeze time all depends on what batch freezer you will be using. You will also need to put your product into a blast freezer, you will need to add this into your cost too. Another price factor you will need to include is getting a display case for all your flavors. 
Moving onto soft serve... soft serve originated in the 1930s. It's a huge commonality at fairs, carnivals, amusement parks, and restaurants. It's a great way to make a fast profit at said events. Soft serve is lower in milk fat than hard ice cream. It also has a lot more overrun than traditional hard ice cream. Soft serve can be paired with treats such as churros, M&M's, and even watermelon! Soft serve machines are mostly more affordable than batch freezers, but differs in how the level of inclusions and option to store it in the freezer will greatly differs. 

Check out the Electrofreeze B12v 12-Quart Batch Freezer

B12E - 12 Quart Batch Freezer

This large-capacity batch freezer produces the highest quality ice cream, gelato, sorbet, Italian ice, or sherbets. Mechanically simple and exceptionally dependable, this machine is perfect for gelato, custard, and water ice shops.

Allows for precise control of viscosity and overrun to maximize your profits. Produces a consistent finished product and automatic shut off when the batch reaches the desired consistency. (Made in the USA)

Specs:

Freezing Cylinder Size: 14 Qts. (13.25 liters)

Voltage: 208-230

Motor: 2.5 Hp (1.9kW)

Compressor: 2.5 Hp (1.9kW)

                       Dimensions: (24-3/16" in x 36-1/16" in x 53-3/8" in) W x D x H

Looking for more? Check out Electrofreeze B24v 26-Quart Batch Freezer

B24E - 26 Quart Batch Freezer

This high-capacity batch freezer is simple and efficient, making it perfect for gelato, custard, and water ice shops. Make large volumes of your own signature Gelato, Italian Ice, Sorbets, and high or low overrun ice cream. (Made in the USA.)

Specs:

Freezing Cylinder Size: 26 Qts. (24.6 liters)

Voltage: 208-230

Motor: 3 Hp. (2.23kW)

Compressor: 3.5 Hp. (2.61kW)

                     Dimensions: (24 3/16" in x 36 1/16" in x 53.3/8" in) W x D x H

Countertop options:

  • Electrofreeze CS600 Gravity Compact Counter Model features high quality parts, a washable air filter to keep the condenser clean, and a super sleek compact design (wont take up too much space). 
  • Electrofreeze CS4 Gravity-Fed Countertop Single-Flavor Soft Serve Freezer features high quality parts and a self closing spigot for easy cleanup; making this model perfect for moderate-volume cafes and bars.  
  • Electrofreeze SLX400C features a virtual quality managemen system, self-closing handles for eliminating waste, and a simple to operate design making this model perfect for self-serve eateries and retirement villages.

Solo standing options:

  • Electrofreeze SLX500 Gravity Twist Freezer with VQM features dual smart controls to monitor temperature and consistency, self closing handles for eliminating waste, and a simple to operate design.
  • Electrofreeze GEN5099 Pressurized Soft Serve Freezer features a flexible mix holding system, an efficient energy conserver, and product variety (make custard, sherbert, fro-yo, and more!)
  • Electrofreeze GEN5400 features product variety, waste elimination, and energy conservation making this model perfect for full-menu ice cream shops and sports arenas.

 

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