Introduction｜What Is a Gelato Machine and Why Is It Booming in Western Markets?
In recent years, gelato has become one of the fastest-growing dessert categories in Europe and North America. Compared with traditional soft serve, gelato is denser, creamier, lower in fat, and delivers a richer flavor experience. As consumer demand shifts toward healthier, premium desserts, the demand for commercial gelato machines has significantly increased across cafés, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, and gelato shops.
A gelato machine is a professional commercial unit designed to freeze and churn gelato mixtures quickly and evenly, creating the signature thick, silky texture of authentic Italian ice cream.
This guide combines:
- Friendly industry insights
- Practical buying advice
- Product comparisons
- Our manufacturing advantages
to help international buyers make the right choice for their business in 2025.
2025 Gelato Market Trends in Europe & North America
1. “Healthier Desserts” Drive Gelato Growth
Gelato typically contains 30–50% less fat than soft serve, making it a healthier indulgence. This aligns perfectly with Western consumer trends toward low-fat and premium quality desserts.
2. Premium & Artisan Food Culture Expands
More cafés, restaurants, and boutique bakeries are adding gelato to their menus as a high-margin premium item.
3. Growth of Small Entrepreneurs
Food trucks, dessert carts, and small shops increasingly choose compact single-cylinder gelato machines due to low startup cost and high profitability.
4. Buyers Prefer High-Durability, Easy-Maintenance Equipment
Western markets emphasize:
- Stainless steel construction
- Branded compressors
- Strong continuous output
- Simple cleaning and operation
Gelato Machine vs Soft Serve Machine: Key Differences
| Category | Gelato Machine (Italian Ice Cream) | Soft Serve Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Dense, creamy, low overrun | Light, airy, high overrun |
| Product Type | Gelato, artisan hard ice cream | Soft serve ice cream |
| Serving Temperature | -10°C to -25°C | -4°C to -15°C |
| Mixing System | Strong churning, low-air incorporation | Aeration system with high air content |
| Best For | Gelato shops, cafés, restaurants | Fast-food chains, convenience stores |
| Profit Level | High (premium product) | Medium (mass market) |
👉 If the buyer wants premium Italian gelato, they must choose a gelato machine — not a soft serve machine.
How a Gelato Machine Works (Video)
- Pour the mixture (milk, cream, sugar, flavor base).
- The machine churns the mixture rapidly.
- The freezing system cools and solidifies it evenly.
- After 15–25 minutes, dense gelato is ready to serve.
High-quality machines provide:
- Stable temperature control
- Fast freezing
- Low noise
- Continuous production
- Overload protection
How to Choose a Gelato Machine (Professional Buyer Guide)
1. Production Capacity (L/H)
This determines how many servings you can produce per hour.
| Business Type | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Small café / restaurant | 10–20 L/H |
| Medium gelato shop | 25–40 L/H |
| High-traffic commercial | 40+ L/H |
2. Single Cylinder vs Double Cylinder
- Single Cylinder → suitable for new businesses & single-flavor operations
- Double Cylinder → ideal for multi-flavor gelato shops
3. Cooling Method: Air-Cooled vs Water-Cooled
- Air-cooled → best for EU & US (easy installation, no plumbing required)
- Water-cooled → more efficient but more expensive to install
Most Western buyers prefer air-cooled systems.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Buyers look for:
- Removable blades
- One-button cleaning
- Smooth stainless steel body
- Reliable compressor brand (Embraco / Tecumseh)
Why Choose Gelato Machines from Guangzhou Kengming Trading Co., Ltd.?
Our gelato machines are designed specifically for global commercial customers. Key advantages:
1. Stable Output at 10–60 L/H
Ideal for medium-size gelato shops, cafés, and restaurants.
2. Equipped with Branded Compressors
High efficiency, fast cooling, and durable performance.
3. Full Stainless Steel SUS304 Structure
Easy to clean, corrosion-resistant, compliant with international food equipment standards.
4. User-Friendly Digital Control Panel
Staff can learn to operate it in minutes.
5. OEM / ODM Services Available
Including:
- Custom logo
- Custom color
- Custom body design
- Private label packaging
Perfect for distributors and brand owners.
Technical Specifications
| Model | JMTYB-10 | JMLYB-16 | JMLYB-19 | JMLYB-25 | JMLYB-20 | JMLYB-30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Output | 10L/H | 10L/H | 20L/H | 30L/H | 40L/H | 60L/H |
| Power | 1kw | 1kw | 2kw | 3.3kw | 4kw | 6kw |
| Pot | 6L | 6L | 6Lx2 | 6Lx3 | 6Lx4 | 6Lx6 |
| Cooling way | Air cooling | Air cooling | Air cooling | Air cooling | Air cooling | Air cooling |
| Weight | 70kg | 95kg | 140kg | 220kg | 265kg | 380kg |
| Compressor | GMCC/1HP | GMCC/1HP | GMCC/2HP | GMCC/3HP | GMCC/4HP | GMCC/6HP |
| Refrigerant | R22/600g | R22/600g | R22/600gx2 | R22/600gx3 | R22/600gx4 | R22/600gx6 |
| Size | 550*520*600mm | 550*580*1100mm | 725*580*1100mm | 1065*580*1100mm | 1000*980*1100mm | 1500*980*1100mm |
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between gelato and soft serve machines?
Gelato machines produce dense, creamy gelato with low air content. Soft serve machines whip in large amounts of air, resulting in a fluffy texture.
2. Is your machine suitable for new businesses?
Yes, 10–60 L/H is an ideal capacity for new gelato shops, cafés, and small dessert stores.
3. Do you offer 110V models?
Yes, suitable for the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
4. Is the machine easy to clean?
Yes. It features removable blades and a one-click cleaning function.
5. Do you support OEM / ODM branding?
Absolutely. We offer custom branding and full private-label solutions.
Call to Action｜Get a Quote Today
Looking for a reliable, high-quality commercial gelato machine for your shop or distribution business?
We offer:
- Competitive wholesale prices
- Fast delivery times
- OEM/ODM support
- 2025 bestselling gelato machine recommendations
👉 Contact us now to get your quotation.
