Owning a restaurant in Pretoria, it is evident that customers have needs, and one of those needs is enjoying a sweet dessert. Soft serve ice cream is a popular choice and owing to the accessories of a good soft serve ice cream machine, desserts can be of good quality with the right machine and ice cream mixes. If you are starting a new restaurant or expanding your current one, the type of ice cream machine for sale in Pretoria is a key consideration for fulfilling your customers’ needs and increasing your revenues.
In this article, we will guide you through some of the basic guidelines to follow while purchasing a soft serve ice cream machine and also help you in selecting a machine that would be ideal for your restaurant in Pretoria.
Why Invest in a Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine?
Many customers love soft serve ice cream because of its consistency and creaminess. Its slicing and serving is simple, it is ready to be served with various toppings, and it is good for any season. Whether you own a café, fast food outlet, or a fine dining restaurant, you will not go wrong by incorporating soft serve ice cream into your list since it would be an ideal way to complement your menu and get the customers to spend more on your offerings.
A good ice cream machine for sale in Pretoria has the capability of making ice cream of the same quality over and over with less of the fuss or stress. In addition to this, letting them select from different flavours and toppings increases the options your clients have, thus making it an easy way to sell more.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
As much as soft serve ice cream machines are increasingly becoming popular, buyers should be careful about several determining factors before making the purchase. Each soft serve ice cream machine will have some specific features that distinguish them from one another, hence making it important that the machine chosen is compatible with the volume of your restaurant, its space, and its level of production.
1. Production Capacity
First, however, specify the production capacity of the soft serve ice cream machine, considering the probable number of patrons who are likely to visit the restaurant. If the expected traffic is high, then that machine, which would not compromise on the quality of ice cream produced, should be purchased. Most machines are measured by how many litres of ice cream they can produce per hour.
For instance, small machines can produce about 10-15 litres of ice cream in an hour, while larger models can produce more than 50-100 litres per hour. For instance, if a certain restaurant is active in serving desserts, seeking to buy an ice cream machine for sale in Pretoria would overwhelm the restaurant with orders from customers, especially if the restaurant is busy during peak times.
2. Single vs. Twin Twist Machines
When purchasing soft serve ice cream machines, most establishments usually choose either a single flavour machine or twin twist machines. There are two models that you will encounter.
- Single Flavour Machines: These machines dispense only one flavour at a time. They are most suited for any sort of restaurant that wants to keep it simple or simply one flavour of soft serve. A single flavour machine is less expensive than other alternatives and is easy to maintain consumables.
- Twin Twist Machines: These types of machines have been created in order to provide and serve two different flavours at one time, either through twisting or separately. This option is indeed very good if the objective is to provide the customers with a wide variety of soft serve ice cream mixes. Twin Twist machines can attract more customers who like variety but they come at a higher cost.
What will determine which is suitable for your business will be the menu and the target audience. If, for instance, in your restaurant there are many different tastes, then a twin twist soft serve ice cream machine may be more useful.
3. Size and Space Requirements
The size of the ice cream machine for sale in Pretoria is another factor which is very important. If you have a small kitchen and limited counter space, then you may decide to go for a small or compact unit or a larger one which is meant for small enterprises. Ice cream machines come in different types and sizes, including the soft serve ice cream machines, which can range from countertop types to standing types.
For instance, countertop types are recommended when operating a small restaurant or where space is limited, while the standing types are ideal in case there are large volumes of ice cream being produced. Always verify the size of your kitchen when buying a new machine and consider its dimensions too in order not to cause congestion.
4. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Unfortunately, cleaning and maintenance continue to be overlooked when buying a soft serve ice cream machine. However, cleaning the soft serve ice cream machine is essential in promoting food hygiene, as this machine, in the absence of proper maintenance, can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Make sure that the machine you purchase does not have intricate cleaning settings. A set of components that are easy to remove and clean can significantly reduce the time and effort required. Lastly, search for machines that have been certified or tested for sanitary purposes and those that are safe.
5. Energy Efficiency
Another area of concern, especially for a restaurant owner, is the operational costs. The soft serve ice cream machines differ in power consumption, so the selection of a certain type of machine has to be made carefully. In the days to come, you will incur less electricity fees if you choose more energy-efficient models now.
This is especially useful for models which work almost exclusively during peak seasons and require a lot of energy. For instance, look at the specifications of the product to see whether the machine has any energy-saving features or whether it has been tested for energy standards.
6. Cost and Warranty
The cost of ice cream machines for sale in Pretoria may differ due to brand, size, and features. The features needed and the budget one has to work with should not be in conflict. Most reliable machines are naturally expensive, but the cost is worth it because of a high lifetime span, making them cost-effective in the long run.
Moreover, take into account the warranty and other services provided by the manufacturer. Without a warranty, you will be vulnerable to unforeseen repair bills, while good customer care will ensure proper guidance is offered whenever it is needed. Generally, warranties apply for a period of one up to three years, with some manufacturers extending it for an additional fee.
Recommended Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines for Restaurants in Pretoria
Having familiarised themselves with the essentials, let us look at some of the soft serve ice cream machines ideal for restaurant use within the Pretoria area:
1. Carpigiani Soft Serve Machines
One of the most reputable names within the industry today, Carpigiani has been known to deliver superb quality soft serve ice cream machines with excellent performance. Their soft serve ice cream machines come with a self-cleaning feature and can accommodate a high production output for commercial purposes.
2. Electro Freeze Soft Serve Machines
Electro Freeze is yet again another notable name that has built a reputation for reliable soft serve machines without compromising on performance. Their units are efficient in energy consumption and come in multiple configurations, such as single and twin flavour variants. These machines are great for any restaurant with high output and configuration flexibility requirements.
3. Taylor Soft Serve Machines
The name Taylor speaks for itself. They have been known for reliability as well as producing top-notch quality ice cream machines. Their models are best suited for high-volume restaurants with models that are single as well as twin twist. They are easy to clean and maintain which means that your soft serve ice cream is always secure and fresh.
Conclusion
Out of the large variety of soft serve ice cream machines available in Pretoria, selecting the most appropriate soft serve ice cream machine for your restaurant business is essential to consider your restaurant type, costs, and location. Considering production capacity, machine dimensions, number of flavours, as well as how high maintenance is, you should have no issues finding the best ice cream machine for sale Pretoria has to offer your specific restaurant. Not only will the soft serve ice cream elevate the quality of your offerings, but also, such a treat will enhance your customers’ experience which makes them come back for more and also recommend other people to try it.
