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Ice cream continuous freezer comes in diverse types, as outlined below.
Screw Freezers
This ice cream freezer features a twin-screw design where the screws mix and freeze the ice cream base continuously. The screws create high shear, which efficiently incorporates air and coolant into the mix. The ice cream moves through a barrel that gradually cools and freezes it while the screws push it out. Continuous freezers produce a denser ice cream since the high shear breaks down any ice crystals that may be forming. These freezers suit large operations that require more than a hundred kilos of ice cream per hour.
Piston Freezers
Piston freezers use refrigerant-filled pistons that rapidly cool and mix the ice cream base. The pistons create a smooth, dense product quickly. Ice cream moves through cylinders filled with liquid refrigerant that freezes it quickly while mixing in air. Piston freezers produce small batches, approximately 10-20 liters. Businesses such as artisanal ice cream shops requiring highly textured ice cream use these freezers.
Plate Freezers
Plate freezers consist of refrigerated metal plates that flash freeze ice cream. Ice cream mixture is spread in a thin layer between metal plates. The plates rapidly cool the mixture, freezing it instantly. Plate freezers are often used in factories for freezing large quantities of ice cream quickly. They accommodate multiple flavors and produce consistent textures. Ice cream is frozen before it is packed for storage or distribution.
Scraped Surface Freezers
Scraped surface continuous freezers freeze ice cream by transferring heat with cooled walls where ice cream forms and is scraped off. These freezers cool the ice cream mix in a chamber with a rotating blade that scrapes the frozen product off the walls. The blade-turned-cooler scrapes the ice cream mix that freezes against the walls of the chamber. The continuously scraped ice cream has a smooth consistency. These freezers suit manufacturers needing to produce soft serve or prepackaged ice cream.
Homogenization
Homogenization in ice cream preparation reduces the size of cream particles in the mix. Ice cream freezers pump the mixture through narrow valves at high pressure. This process breaks fat globules into smaller bits for even distribution. Continuous ice cream machines ensure a smooth texture and prevent separation in the end product.
Pasteurization
Pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria in the ice cream mix by heating it. This occurs at about 72°C for 15 seconds. Ice cream continuous freezers perform high-temperature short-duration pasteurization for efficiency. This process enhances ice cream’s safety and shelf life.
Mixing and Freezing
A continuous freezer mixes all ice cream ingredients such as milk, cream, sugar, and flavoring. These machines do this in one step for efficiency. Ice cream machines freeze the mix to the desired consistency. The ice crystals are small and uniform. This feature is important for a smooth and creamy texture.
Packaging
Continuous freezers in large ice cream production lines directly package the product. Ice cream is dispensed into containers, tubs, or soft-serve cones. This process is automated and enhances efficiency and output. Such machines reduce labor and maintain quality during packaging.
Incorporation of Air
These freezers incorporate controlled amounts of air into the ice cream mix. They do this through churning during freezing. The process is known as overrun and increases the volume. It enhances lightness and improves texture. Well-aerated ice cream is smooth and easy to serve.
Front Loading Washers and Dryers
Scraped surface vacuum freeze dryers use finite heat to remove moisture. This retention of heat does not impact the product. This dryers are gentle on delicate items like frozen ice cream fruits and vegetables. Their ice cream remains intact, not affecting its original texture or shape.
Testing Equipment
Freeze dryers test equipment allow freeze drying to be conducted at a small scale before production. It enables freeze drying to be tested before production at a small scale. It helps in process optimization and product formulation refinement.
Many noteworthy features make ice cream machines for business suitable for commercial use.
Production Capacity
These continuous freezers usually produce between 20 and 200 liters per hour. The production depends on the model and the requirements of the business. High-capacity freezers are for large ice cream parlors and food manufacturers. They handle the high demand.
Mixing System
Continuous freezers have advanced mixing mechanisms that blend all ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and flavoring uniformly. Most mixers use high-shear blades to aerate the mixture. This incorporation of air improves texture and volume.
Freezing Cylinder
Freezers feature freezing cylinders that maintain low temperatures. They do this through circulating refrigerant liquids. The cylinders freeze the ice cream mix while churning it to ensure even consistency. The amount of refrigerant in freezing cylinders controls the texture and softness.
Heat Exchanger
Continuous freezers feature large heat exchangers that cool the ice cream mixture. They use chilled water or refrigerant to remove heat rapidly. Most heat exchangers are plate-type to occupy less space.
Airtight System
Continuous freezers include airtight chambers that reduce the formation of ice crystals. They ensure the ice cream retains its flavor and texture. All components, such as hoppers and dispensers, seal tightly to limit air exposure.
Automatic Controls
These freezers have digitally-controlled systems that adjust parameters such as mixing speed, freezing time, and dispensing. Automatic controls ensure consistent quality. They monitor the temperature and viscosity of the ice cream mix.
Materials
Ice cream continuous freezers have stainless steel parts. These components are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is used for augers, blades, hoppers, and nozzles. They enhance the machine’s longevity and hygiene-maintaining properties.
Selecting an ice cream freezer for sale involves careful consideration, as highlighted below.
Production Capacity
One should determine the output requirements of the business. High-capacity freezers are ideal for large operations with high demand. Pizzerias, for instance, need these large freezers. Smaller models suit artisanal shops that offer small batches but have a high demand for quality.
Consistency and Texture
Different freezers produce ice cream with varying textures. Screw and scraped surface freezers create smooth and creamy ice cream. Plate freezers yield a denser product. One should consider the desired texture of the end product.
Energy Efficiency
They should look for freezers with energy-efficient refrigerant systems and insulation. Refrigeration systems consume less power but still offer optimal performance. Good insulation reduces the amount of energy required to maintain freezing temperatures. These features minimize operational costs in the long run.
Flexibility
One should go for models that allow the adjustment of settings. One should get machines with adjustable mixing speeds and freezing times. They enable the production of diverse flavors and textures to meet varying customer needs.
Maintenance and Hygiene
Automatic cleaning and accessible components simplify maintenance. They reduce downtime for servicing and repairs. One should ensure the machine meets hygiene standards for easy cleaning.
Budget
This largely relies on the scale of production and the features of the freezer. High-end models have advanced technology and greater efficiency. They are not cost-effective for small operations. It is better to weigh the long-term benefits against the initial costs.
Durability and Build Quality
Continuous freezers are exposed to harsh elements and must withstand frequent use. Stainless steel and robust components enhance the machine’s lifespan. One should evaluate customer reviews and expert recommendations to determine their reliability.
A1.An ice cream continuous freezer mixes, freezes, and dispenses ice cream. It does this in one seamless process. This machine continuously churns the ice cream mixture while introducing air for volume. The refrigerant cools and Freezes the mixture to the desired consistency. Once ready, the frozen ice cream is dispensed for packaging or serving.
A2. A continuous freezer churns and freezes the ice cream mixture nonstop. It produces a constant output. Batch freezers, on the other hand, freeze ice cream in discrete batches. They prepare a set quantity of mixture at one time before serving.
A3. Ice cream machines for restaurants use precise temperature controls to regulate the freezing process. They monitor the mixture for consistency and texture. Continuous mixing incorporates air, which distributes the ingredients uniformly. This process prevents ice crystals from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy product.
A4.The common issue is the formation of ice crystals. They occur when the freezer is not maintained at the correct temperature. Another problem is inconsistency, where mixtures of varying viscosities result in an uneven texture. There is also equipment malfunction due to normal wear and tear. Regular maintenance is required to prevent these issues from affecting performance.
A5.Maintenance involves regular cleaning and inspection of components such as evaporators, agitators, and mixing blades. This process ensures they function optimally. A lack of maintenance leads to build-up, wear, and damage.