Who Should Read This?
- Ice cream parlour owners gearing up for summer service
- Dessert café managers looking to improve workflow and output
- Mobile ice cream vendors preparing for high-traffic events and festivals
Why You Should Read This
- Summer footfall offers huge earning potential—if you’re ready for it
- The right equipment prevents delays, waste, and customer frustration
- Stay ahead of the competition with faster, fresher, more reliable service
What You’ll Learn
- What to look for in commercial ice cream equipment
- Key differences between soft serve and scoop setups
- ECatering’s recommended machines for different business models
Make Summer Your Sweet Spot
In the UK, a few sunny weeks can drive more business for an ice cream shop than the rest of the year combined. But that footfall can also expose the weak links in your setup — slow machines, limited storage, and cramped prep areas.
Whether you're operating a dessert parlour, managing a mobile van, or launching a seasonal pop-up, having efficient, durable and high-output equipment is essential. Let’s explore the must-haves for a smoother summer service.
1. Store More, Serve Faster: Contender 137 Litre Ice Cream Freezer
Perfect for both mobile vendors and high-turnover shops, the compact but powerful Contender Ice Cream Freezer features a curved sliding glass lid for easy access and maximum visibility.
Why it's a top pick:
- 137L capacity for multiple tubs or pre-packed treats
- Curved glass lid for attractive display and reduced energy use
- Castors for mobility, making it ideal for events and pop-ups
- Adjustable temperature settings to suit various product types
This freezer is a brilliant back-up during peak times or your main storage if you’re working from a smaller space.
2. Soft Serve, Done Right: Spaceman T29 – 2 x 12L Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Soft serve continues to be a bestseller, and for good reason: it’s fast to serve, customisable, and hugely profitable. The Spaceman T29 Soft Serve Machine handles two flavours with ease, or one with a twist function.
Key features:
- 2 x 12L hoppers for high-capacity service
- Ideal for busy parlours, cafés or high-volume mobile setups
- Precise temperature control and easy cleaning functions
- Consistent output even during rush hours
If soft serve is your star attraction, the T29 ensures your queue keeps moving and your customers stay smiling.
3. Compact Quality: Buffalo CM289 Upright Ice Cream Maker (2 Litre)
Running a smaller operation or looking to introduce fresh-made gelato to your menu? The Buffalo CM289 is a solid, compact choice.
Best for:
- Small dessert bars
- Artisan shops
- Test kitchens or limited-menu vendors
Why it works:
- Produces up to 2 litres per cycle
- Upright build with a tiny footprint
- Perfect for fresh, premium small-batch ice cream
4. Mid-Volume Hero: Spaceman T15 Soft Serve Machine – 8L
If you’re not quite ready for the T29 but want consistent performance and capacity, the Spaceman T15 is your go-to.
Why it's a great middle ground:
- 8L hopper ideal for moderate footfall
- Compact yet powerful build
- Suitable for countertop use in cafés and trailers
- Great consistency and easy maintenance
This unit helps smaller teams deliver smooth, professional soft serve without the need for large-scale machinery.
Final Scoop: Make Summer Count
The right ice cream equipment can be the difference between sold-out days and missed opportunities. From the Contender Freezer keeping tubs perfectly chilled, to Spaceman machines turning out silky soft serve, ECatering offers a full suite of reliable tools to elevate your summer service.
👉 Visit our website: www.ecatering.co.uk
📞 Call us today: 0333 358 3678
📩 Email us: sales@ecatering.co.uk
