An ice cream machine is a must. We tested using three machines: the Cuisinart models, the Breville Freeze and Mix, and the Breville Smart Scoop.
To get an ice cream truck job you need a clean record and be 18 years old. Equipment and Concepts distributes ice cream machines to support frozen dessert producers with a range of makers.
Ice cream factories make their own mix by combining milk, cream and sugar in a vat, with proportions and mixing controlled by computers. The mix is pasteurized to kill bacteria. Pasteurization allows ingredients to bind.
Electric ice cream makers work by churning ingredients until creamy. Gelato makers churn slower, creating a denser texture. Nostalgia electric maker is good for big families, churning multiple quarts instantly. Features to consider include capacity, size, weight and programs offered.
Homemade ice cream machines churn ingredients until thick and creamy. Essential equipment and ingredients needed are the machine itself, bowls, paddles, rock salt, ice, cream base, and flavors. Tips for homemade ice cream include using high-fat dairy and pre-chilling the bowl. Avoid common mistakes such as insufficient fat, not pre-chilling, adding warm base, overfilling, and over-churning.
The production process has 3 main stages. First, ingredients are blended and heated to 65-85°C. Second, pasteurization kills bacteria and third, homogenization ensures even fat distribution. After aging for 4-24 hours, the mixture is frozen with air incorporation, followed by hardening to freeze out water content.
Essential equipment includes scales, measuring tools, mixing machines, freezing stations, and packaging machines. Decide on the right maker based on capacity, storage space, and desired features.
Equipment List
- Ice cream machine
- Scales
- Measuring tools
- Mixing machines
- Freezing stations
- Packaging machines
- Bowls
- Paddles
- Rock salt
- Ice
- Cream base
- Flavors
Remember, consistency, taste, and texture are crucial factors in producing high-quality ice cream.