Ice Cream Cone Dispensers & Holders

An ice cream cone transforms a tasty snack into something exciting and memorable, markedly different from spooning some into a bowl at home. For any operator planning on serving ice cream, cones are a necessity – and where there are ice cream cones, there must be an ice cream cone holder.

Ice cream cone holders can be used for marketing, pragmatic functions, or both. The style of ice cream cone holder you choose determines the benefit it provides your establishment. Ice cream parlors can advertise their cone options with a decorative ice cream cone holder, while an ice cream truck might do better with a long dispensing system that simply speeds up the process of serving ice cream.

Ice cream cone holders store your cones in a sanitary location until you need them, which presents a better aesthetic than leaving them sitting on the countertop or in their shipping sleeves. A proper cone holder also prevents the cones from being broken accidentally, which saves both time and money over replacement costs. Ice cream cone dispensers expedite your ice cream service by making the cones easier to access. Once you've loaded the dispenser, you no longer have to fiddle with packaging for each customer. While the time saved might be minor for each instance, when serving dozens or hundreds of customers, compound service improvements can easily outweigh the cost of the dispenser.

The two main styles are countertop ice cream cone holders and mounted ice cream cone dispensers. Countertop holders are the easiest to install, as you simply place them where you need them, but mounted dispensers can hold more cones and can be easier to access if you put them in the right place. Countertop holders are often more decorative, so if you want to merchandize your cones with a holder, you may prefer this style. Wall-mounted holders can only dispense one type of cone at a time, so if you offer a variety of ice cream cones, you'll need at least one dispenser for each type of cone on your menu. Consult the product specifications page for more information on the size, shape, and installation requirements of each ice cream cone dispenser.

Common Questions About Ice Cream Cone Holders

Why do I need an ice cream cone dispenser?

No customer wants to see their ice cream cone sitting on the countertop. Stands and dispensers give operators a way to display cones in a marketable manner, driving sales while keeping your cones sanitary. A cone dispenser will also aid operators in keeping business moving quickly, saving time that staff would otherwise spend pulling cones from a box for every customer.

Which dispensers fit which cones?

Each model lists the size and style of cone supported, and several are modular, which enables the operator to change the size depending on the desired cone. When deciding on a model, consider whether you will be using waffle cones or flat bottom cake cones or if you need a dispenser that can handle both. Compare prices to see if a larger dispenser that meets your needs might be more economical than multiple single dispensers.

Where can I mount an ice cream cone holder?

Many units simply sit on the countertop, which makes rearranging or refilling the cones quick and easy. You can also choose a wall-mounted gravity dispenser, which dispenses another cone as soon as you've taken the first to increase your service speed. Mounting a dispenser on the wall or on the side of your ice cream machine saves space and provides convenient access for establishments with limited room.

How can I display my ice cream cones?

An aesthetically enticing display can drive up sales. Cone stands, which come in a variety of designs and sizes, will showcase your options as both a menu and a merchandiser. Still, you need to be certain that your goods aren't exposed to pests or bacteria. Consider clear plastic or glass stands or displays to show customers their choices.

What are ice cream cone holders made of?

Most cone holders and displays are made of plastic, but you can choose between opaque or clear plastics. Clear plastic dispensers show the operator how many cones remain and when they will need to be replenished, but an opaque model may fit better with your aesthetic. Stainless steel is an uncommon option, but can fit well with a stainless steel ice cream maker or other stainless steel equipment. Choose the option that best suits your needs and matches your style.