Your Complete Guide to Ice Cream Shop Equipment
It can be very overwhelming starting an ice cream shop and deciding what ice cream shop equipment you will need. From freezers to scoops, ice cream cone dispensers to tables and chairs, we’ll list out what you will need to get started.
There is a lot of ice cream shop equipment that you will need to get started, as well as some items you may want to purchase in addition to the basics. The bad news is that you can’t really skimp on any of the ice cream shop equipment without sacrificing the quality of your product – and thus sacrificing your business! Make sure that you have these basics before your grand opening.
Ice Cream Shop Equipment: Freezers and Refrigeration Units
- Ice cream dipping cabinet
- Ice cream merchandising case
- Drop-in ice cream bar freezer
- Reach-in freezer
- Walk-in freezer
- Refrigerated pie and cake display case
- Ice machine
Ice Cream Shop Equipment: Dispensers
- Ice cream dispenser
- Soft serve ice cream dispenser
- Beverage dispenser
- Carbonator
- Syrup pumps
- Ice cream cone dispenser
- Toppings dispensers
Ice Cream Shop Supplies: Dishes and Utensils
- Ice cream dishes
- Sundae dishes
- Soda glasses
- Ice cream scoops
- Ice cream spades
- Ice cream dipper
- Toppings spoons
- Disposable ice cream dishes
Ice Cream Shop Equipment: Tables and Seating
- Single and double booths
- Chairs
- Tables
- Countertops
- Bar-style chairs
- Children’s high-chairs
Ice Cream Shop Equipment: Sales and Display
- Cash registers
- Point of sales system
- Menu board
- Sneeze guards
- Insert pans
- Ice cream and topping bowl covers
Additional Equipment
- Hand sinks
- Dish washing units
- Blenders
- Milk shake machines
- Coffee grinders
- Organizers for lids, straws and utensils
- Can openers
- Safe
- Work tables
- Filing cabinets
- Cleaning supplies
- Decorations
For each additional product you wish to serve at your shop, such as coffee or baked goods, you are going to need additional equipment. Keep in mind that this can be very space-consuming for small shops. That is why it is important to decide first on what products you want to sell at your shop, find out what ice cream equipment is needed, and then calculate what your space requirements will be.
To get an idea of how you will arrange all the ice cream shop equipment you need, visit many different ice cream shops and ask if you can take a behind-the-counter tour.