Choosing the Right Commercial Milkshake Machine
Many establishments can benefit from adding commercial milkshake machines to their kitchen, enabling them to offer thick, creamy milkshakes and other blended ice cream-based desserts. Milkshakes are an all-American classic sold at diners, drive-throughs, ice cream shops, concession stands, convenience stores, and fast-casual restaurants across the nation.
Whether you offer timeless flavors like vanilla and strawberry or push the envelope with innovative shake recipes such as chocolate dipped bacon, the appeal of these delicious frozen treats can't be denied.
Some venues just want to add a couple of classic flavors, sell milkshakes seasonally, or keep up with occasional demand.
Others may have an entirely milkshake-based menu, want to offer a variety of blended ice cream drinks and desserts, or would like to sell cold treats at sports stadiums, boardwalks, amusement parks, or other high-volume environments. No matter the level of demand you need to meet, this guide to commercial milkshake makers will help you narrow down your choices and find the best commercial milkshake machine for your needs.
Number of Spindles
Choosing the right number of spindles is one of the first decisions you'll make when buying a commercial milkshake machine. Milkshake mixers may come with single, double, or triple spindles; machines with more spindles typically cost more than single-spindle options. To determine how many spindles you need, determine the volume and frequency with which you sell milkshakes. A machine with two spindles can produce two milkshakes simultaneously, while a machine with three spindles can produce as many as three milkshakes at once.
Single Spindle
There are some circumstances in which a single spindle is the best choice. For instance, operators selling a low to medium volume of shakes, only offering a couple of flavors, or offering milkshakes for a limited time would benefit from a single spindle. If this describes your needs, a single spindle unit can meet your milkshake needs at a lower cost than a multi-spindle unit, and it will be easier to clean and maintain as well.
Double or Triple Spindles
If you sell a high volume of milkshakes, a mixer with multiple spindles can help you do that. These units can also speed up production because employees can mix two flavors simultaneously. At locations with drive-throughs, speed is of the essence, so having multiple spindles helps meet surges in demand. If you offer shake flavors with nuts or other allergens, you may wish to use a separate spindle for certain flavors to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
Speed Settings
The speed at which a commercial milkshake mixer operates determines the texture of the final product. Operators wanting to offer a homogenous product with similar ingredients for each flavor can cut costs by choosing a single-speed mixer. These models are great for producing classic milkshakes and have fewer parts, which leads to easier repair.
Operators who offer milkshakes, as well as blended ice cream desserts, will probably want a machine that can be adjusted from whipping ice cream to powering through mix-ins. Most multi-speed mixers offer two or three preset speeds that can be quickly activated at the flip of a switch. These models are simple to use and can be operated with little training.
Other models offer adjustable speed, providing more granular control for chefs looking to make products that differ in thickness and texture. A variable speed milkshake maker offers the greatest flexibility of use and enables operators to precisely tweak recipes, and it may take more employee training to use than a preset option.
- 1-speed machines are a low-cost option for adding classic milkshake flavors and texture to the menu.
- 2-speed options can be adjusted to work with a couple of ingredient mixtures, such as adding mix-ins to a shake.
- 3-speed units provide additional menu flexibility because they can be adjusted for a wider range of ingredients.
- Variable-speed spindle mixers offer precise control so chefs can experiment with ingredients and fine-tune recipes.
Controls
Various types of commercial milkshake machines are available and can be operated with dials, foot pedals, buttons, or switches. Finding the controls that work best for you depends on how the machine is used, budgetary constraints, who uses the machine, and how much training they have. Below, we'll cover these controls and explain the best uses for each.
- Dial controls are comfortable to use and enable operators to adjust the mixer's speed with great precision, so they're usually found on models with variable speed settings.
- Foot pedal controls operate hands free, streamlining service and leaving both hands to hold the shake while mixing.
- Units with push-button controls typically feature a digital window that displays speed and/or time information during operation, which is helpful to some users.
- Switch controls are extremely simple to operate and sometimes cost a bit less than other options. Because the controls are mechanical, repairs are simple in the case of damage.
Mounting Method
When it comes to mounting your commercial milkshake maker, there are a couple of options. Wall-mounted machines can be fixed to a vertical surface, meaning they don't take up counter space. Because this type of machine is bolted in place, it's much harder to knock over or drop than a countertop version but also harder to relocate.
Countertop machines can be placed atop a counter, work table, or equipment stand. These units are simple to install and easy to move when rearranging the prep line or putting the machine in storage during the off season. Countertop milkshake mixers are a popular choice and come in a variety of sizes and options.
Other Considerations
Some spindle mixers come pre-programmed, a feature that enables even the most novice user to begin preparing recipes. Pre-programmed units don't offer the flexibility of variable units, but they're excellent for preparing delicious, classic milkshakes and blended desserts with little prior knowledge. Because these mixers can be operated with minimal training, they're perfect for restaurant chains, mom-and-pop shops, and locations experiencing high turnover.
