Aside from a sound and speaker system, there are other machines that ice cream vans use. These are needed for the operations of the business and when selling the frozen products all through the town.
These are the 5 machines that ice cream vans use:
- Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
- Electric Power Systems
- Freezer / Inbuilt Freezer
- Water Heater and Pump
- Point-of-Sale System
In this post, I’ll guide you through the five machines that ice cream vans use to keep their business going. I’ll also provide great options for each machine so, keep reading.
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Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
Soft serve ice cream is a well-liked dessert so ice cream vans must include it in their menus. In order to offer soft serve ice cream, a machine that makes it is required.
The primary disadvantage of having a soft-serve ice cream machine is that it takes up a significant amount of space. So, most ice cream vans only sell novelties or pre-packaged ice cream that can be easily stored in a freezer.
If you plan to launch an ice cream van business and sell soft serve in small quantities, you can use a countertop machine. This will help you save favorable space.
You can consider these awesome countertop soft serve makers:
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Electric Power Systems
An ice cream van can’t function if it doesn’t have a power system. Without it, there will be no ice cream to sell because it will all melt immediately.
Ice cream vans, in general, require some type of generator. They can be powered by one of these types:
- Gas-Powered Inverter – This is not the most environmentally friendly solution, but it can run for extended periods of time and, if it runs out of gas, it is simple to turn off and refill.
- Solar Panel – This is a fantastic and environmentally sustainable option but initially an expensive investment.
If you’re planning to start an eco-friendly ice cream truck business, you can use these as your electric power system:
- Whitby Morrison ePower System – This is a low-emission energy solution for powering ice cream trucks. It is an excellent substitute for any fossil-fueled power system, such as a generator.
- Electric Motor Drive System – This is a good alternative for Whitby Morrison ePower. It is ideal for serving soft serve ice cream and does not require the use of a vehicle engine.
Overall, ice cream trucks require a power supply in order to operate. Depending on the operator’s preferences and the size of the business, the kind of power supply may vary.
Freezer / Inbuilt Freezer
The freezer keeps the ice cream from melting and having an unappealing texture. This is why all ice cream vans have a freezer.
Some owners choose to purchase ice cream vans with built-in refrigerators. This alternative, however, is more costly and requires more upkeep than purchasing a separate freezer.
There are 2 types of freezers that are perfect for ice cream vans:
- Chest Freezers – These are the usual and cost-effective freezers for ice cream vans. However, they are not ideal for excessively hot days. So, the likelihood of using dry ice is higher.
- Cold Plate Freezers – Despite their higher cost, they are the most dependable freezers for ice cream vans and they function best in hot weather. They contain plates within their internal walls that will freeze overnight and keep the ice cream frozen for around 8 hours even when the machine is turned off.
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Water Heater and Pump
For their sinks, ice cream vans require a water heater and a water pump. These help in its sanitation and adherence to health regulations. Types and costs may differ depending on personal choice and requirements.
For a water pump, you can check these great units on Amazon:
For a water heater, you can refer to these awesome finds on Amazon:
Point-of-Sale System
A point-of-sale system (POS) is also used by ice cream vans. That’s because a cash-only business would be inconvenient since many customers only carry cards nowadays.
In general, a POS system assists ice cream vans in improving their efficiency for their consumers. It can also help in reducing costs and increasing revenue.
For your reference, here are some of the best POS systems:
- Clover – It is a fully-featured POS system that enables operators to manage their business from any location. It is very simple to use and maintain.
- Toast – This can be used to accept contactless payments and process credit and debit card transactions. It is the most effective system for online orders.
- Square – This system is intended for usage in restaurants and retail establishments. It is also the best option for new businesses because Square bases its pricing on the client’s sales. They also offer free POS.
Conclusion
All in all, these are the 5 machines ice cream vans use:
- Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine – Soft serve ice cream machines are used by ice cream vans to sell the popular soft serve.
- Electric Power Systems – Ice cream vans rely on power equipment such as generators to keep their operations running.
- Freezer / Inbuilt Freezer – Freezers like a chest type are used to store ice cream products.
- Water Heater and Pump – A water pump and a water heater are also used by ice cream vans for sanitation and compliance with health regulations.
- Point-of-Sale System – Ice cream vans also use POS systems to improve efficiency, increase sales, and reduce costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A profitable ice cream truck business can earn $200-300 daily or up to $1,000 during holidays. Ice cream truck drivers earn an average of $5,000 a month. The average monthly expenditure is roughly $2,500.
If you can’t find a secondhand ice cream truck with built-in freezers, you’ll have to purchase a truck or step van and make the necessary adjustments. With all of this in mind, you can expect to spend $10,000 to $20,000 for your truck.
The operator of the ice cream truck ultimately decides when they begin working. That said, ice cream trucks typically start operating as early as 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. They often run until after supper, about 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.
To learn more on how to start your own ice cream/gelato business check out my startup documents here
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.
Hi! I am Shawn and I am a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online ice cream/gelato business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a ice cream/gelato business owner, I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Ice Cream Business Boss: I want to help ice cream and gelato business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.