Choosing the Right Soft Serve Machine

Selecting the appropriate soft serve machine is essential for the success of your business. Consider the following four key factors before making your decision:

1. Number of Flavours

Soft serve machines typically offer either one or two flavours. Dual-flavour models often include a "twist" option, commonly referred to as "twin twist" machines. Some operators use the same flavour on both sides of a dual-flavour machine to increase capacity compared to a single-flavour model.

2. Serving Size and Capacity Requirements

This is the most critical consideration. Based on your serving size and volume needs, choose a machine with the appropriate freezing cylinder size and output capacity.

• Serving Size Measurement: Soft serve portions are typically measured by volume rather than weight, as air is incorporated into the product, increasing its volume.
• Low Volume Needs: For businesses serving small portions (3–5 ounces) at a lower rate per minute or hour, a machine with a smaller freezing cylinder and lower capacity may be sufficient.
• Overestimating Capacity: Purchasing a machine with excessive capacity can lead to wasted product, increased energy consumption, and higher upfront costs.
• Underestimating Capacity: On the other hand, machines with insufficient capacity or output may result in lost sales and operational inefficiencies. Overloading a machine can cause the product to melt, freezing issues, or poor cylinder performance.

3. Choosing the Right Machine Based on Product Type

Your choice of machine will depend on the type of product you intend to serve. Below are considerations for frozen yoghurt, ice cream, custard, gelato, or sorbet:

Frozen Yoghurt

• Recommended Machine: Gravity-fed machines.
• Why? Gravity-fed machines use the force of gravity to transfer a mix of product and air from the refrigerated hopper (where the product is stored) into the freezing cylinder.
• Overrun: Typically produces 25-35% overrun (percentage increase in product volume due to added air).
• Best Use: Frozen yoghurt is often sold by weight, making gravity-fed machines a cost-effective choice.

Ice Cream

• Recommended Machine: Air pump or pressurised machines, though some chains also use gravity-fed machines.
• Why? Air pump machines introduce a controlled, higher percentage of air into the product before freezing, which creates:
  • A higher overrun (35-65% or more).
  • A lighter, airier texture often perceived as creamier.
• Profitability: Higher overrun allows you to serve more air per portion, increasing profit margins if sold by size or volume rather than by weight.
• Ideal For: Serving cones, especially if dipping is planned, as air pump machines provide optimal consistency for this purpose.

Custard, Gelato, or Sorbet

• Machine Options: Suitable for both air pump and gravity-fed machines, depending on preference or manufacturer recommendations.
• Changing Flavours: If you plan to change flavours often, choose a machine with digital viscosity controls, which are easy to adjust.
• Viscosity Control: Refers to the hardness or consistency of the product. Most machines measure viscosity using motor energy (amps), temperature, or a combination of both.

4. Additional Features to Consider

Hopper Agitator

• Function: Periodically mixes the product in the refrigerated hopper to ensure even cooling, prevent ice build-up, and maintain consistent quality.
• Rasa Royal Advantage: Most Rasa Royal machines include this feature as standard.

Air Pump (Pressurised Machines)

• Function: Adds a controlled percentage of air to the mix and maintains pressure in the freezing cylinder to retain air content.

Cooling Method: Air vs Water

• Air-Cooled Machines: Remove heat through a condenser fan and are cost-effective.
• Water-Cooled Machines: Use a liquid heat pump/plate but often require an additional glycol or chiller system, as city water use is prohibited in many regions. These systems are more expensive to install and maintain.
• Rasa Royal Innovation: Air-cooled machines feature patented evaporator technology, reducing heat output by 20-35% compared to other leading brands.