Gelato Cases & Display Cabinets

Gelato Dipping Cabinets: What You Need to Know

Gelato freezers provide a chilled storage space that shields product from dust, insects, airborne germs, and temperature fluctuations that could degrade its flavor and quality. Because gelato displays typically have a glass front and sides, the cold, creamy treats remain highly visible, attracting customers with their enticing appearance. Designed specifically for gelato, these dipping cabinets have some unique features that set them apart from other frozen dessert cases.

Common Questions About Gelato Cases

How is a gelato dipping cabinet different from an ice cream display cabinet?

Gelato may look very similar to ice cream, but the two products are made and served in slightly different ways. Real gelato contains no egg yolks and uses more milk and less cream than ice cream, meaning it typically has a lower fat content. These differences create unique consistencies and flavors in the final product, which are reflected in the way gelato freezers are made.

Gelato cases aren't as deep as most other frozen dessert displays because gelato doesn't need to be confined to a tub to be served. This denser treat won't run all over the traditional shallow serving tray the way ice cream can. Because gelato also can be shaped into visually compelling designs to draw in customers, the display cases need to be able to showcase the product for maximum visibility. Sloped-glass designs focus the attention on the bright color and delicate shape of the gelato beneath.

Differentiating gelato from other frozen treats in this way benefits anyone hoping to sell their product for a premium price. To signal that customers aren't just getting the same old ice cream they can get anywhere, a gelato-specific display case helps operators differentiate their product as soon as a guest lays eyes on it.

The temperature range of a gelato case is different than that of other units. Warmer than corresponding ice cream dippers, the typical range for a gelato merchandiser runs from -5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures have a small amount of overlap, though, so if you want to serve some selections of ice cream in your gelato cabinet, you can.

What features should I consider when evaluating a gelato display freezer for sale?

First, look for a machine that has enough space to display all the types and flavors of gelato you sell. You can check the product specification page of individual models to find their capacities. Consider that you might want to hold more than one tray of a particularly popular flavor, and account for that when choosing total tray capacity.

Determine whether you want a machine that also can hold ice cream, as the gallon tubs ice cream typically comes in might require a deeper well than some gelato scooping cases provide. Other considerations include:

• Lighting: Internal lighting helps illuminate and merchandise your product.
• Front-lift glass: This feature enables customers to serve themselves in a buffet style and lets operators easily clean the glass.
• Electronic controls & monitor: Detailed information and controls enable operators to keep the machine running at precise temperatures and will alert them if the machine has a problem.
• Automatic defrost: An auto-defrost feature saves operators time and hassle in ensuring their gelato case keeps running without a hitch.
• Storage: Extra storage space is always a plus, as this enables operators to refill or change flavors without leaving the station.