Types of Ice Cream Cones

For customers, choosing an ice cream cone can be as exciting as deciding which ice cream flavor they prefer, with every cone type possessing its own individual qualities. All three cones – waffle, sugar, and cake – have different shapes, sizes, and textures because they are made of different ingredients. For optimal presentation and service, you should pair your cones with dispensers and holders designed to protect them from contamination and keep them accessible for your staff and guests. Learn more about each type of ice cream cone and how to display them below.

Waffle Cones

Waffle cones have the traditional conical shape most people picture when they think about ice cream cones. They can typically be found in specialty dessert shops and ice cream parlors – where they might be made fresh in the store – and can be served plain, dipped in chocolate, or covered in nuts and sprinkles. Waffle cones are made with a batter of flour, eggs, salt, sugar, milk, and butter. They get their shape, light texture, lattice design, and uneven edge from a special press called a waffle cone maker, which forms the batter into a flat waffle. While the waffle is still hot, it is wrapped around a conical rolling tool, where it hardens into a waffle cone. They are typically the largest of the different ice cream cone types, capable of fitting two or more scoops.

Sugar Cones

Sugar cones are similar in appearance to waffle cones but different in taste and size. Like their name suggests, sugar cones have a crunchy, sweet flavor. They are typically made of flour, brown sugar, oat fiber, salt, vegetable oil shortening, soy lecithin, and artificial flavors. While they have the same lattice design as waffle cones, they are usually smaller and have a solid, round edge. Sugar cones are crunchier than the other types of ice cream cones and will hold together much longer without getting soggy. They are also more resistant to breaking than other cones, making them ideal for those who like to take their time when enjoying ice cream.

Cake Cones

Cake cones – also called wafer cones – have a different appearance than waffle or sugar cones and are often made with a flat bottom, which enables them to sit upright. Some are made with a pointed bottom that's similar to sugar and waffle cones, but they can be distinguished by the thick, undecorated rim across the top. They also use less sugar than the other cone types. Made with a mixture of different flours and sugars – including cake, tapioca, and pastry flours – this type has a crispy texture with a slightly sweet taste. Since they have a more neutral flavor than the other cones, they pair well with almost any flavor of ice cream. They also work especially well with soft-serve ice cream since it's unlikely to leak from the bottom.

Ice Cream Cone Dispensers & Holders

Due to their varying shapes and sizes, the different kinds of ice cream cones won't fit into just any cone holder or dispenser. When choosing a dispenser, you should first be aware of the diameter of the cones you're using to prevent them from sliding out. Cones that are too large won't fit inside the dispenser, while cones that are too small will fall out. Some dispensers are equipped with gaskets that enable them to accommodate all three different types of ice cream cones, but others only accept a certain type. Before choosing a dispenser, you should decide which type or types of cones you want to serve to ensure you purchase the correct unit. Side- and wall-mount dispensers are also available, so you should consider how much space you have to accommodate the dispenser.

Cone holders and stands help showcase cones and provide employees with an organized way to access them. They can be equipped with a see-through guard that protects the cones from germs and debris while enabling customers to view their options. As with dispensers, you must know the diameter and type of cone you plan to use. You should also consider how many cones you want to place in the holder. A model with three or four holes would be ideal for showing customers the different kinds of ice cream cones you serve, while a model with a higher number of holes would be best for storing cones for quick access.

Each different type of ice cream cone can benefit from being paired with a cone dispenser, stand, or holder. Since waffle and sugar cones are usually what comes to mind when thinking about ice cream, having a holder or stand that can show off your cones is imperative. A cone dispenser is ideal for housing cake cones as it can be mounted near a soft serve machine, where it can continuously provide a ready supply of cones.