From slushies and smoothies to frozen coffee concoctions, frozen drinks continue to be a popular choice for customers at bars and restaurants. As the demand for these icy beverages grows, so does the need for reliable, high-quality commercial frozen drink machines.
As a restaurant or bar owner, investing in a top-of-the-line frozen drink machine can significantly improve your business's efficiency and profitability, as frozen drinks can return profit margins of 70-120% – a result of their popularity and low cost.
In this article, we will discuss what to look for when choosing a commercial frozen drink machine and provide our top recommendations for the best machines on the market in 2024.
What is a Commercial Frozen Drink Machine
A commercial frozen drink machine is a specialized piece of equipment that can be used to create profitable, refreshing sweet treats such as slushies, frozen lemonades, revamped carbonated beverages, and delicious milkshakes. It works by freezing a mix of liquid ingredients, typically including water, sugar, syrup flavorings, and alcohol (for alcoholic drinks), and then blending it into a smooth and slushy consistency.
However, not all commercial frozen drink machines are created equal. Factors like serving capacity, ease of use and cleaning, number of drink combinations, and durability should be considered when choosing the right machine for your business.
Additionally, different types of frozen drinks may require specialized features or attachments to achieve the desired result. For example, a margarita machine may need a salt-rimmer attachment, while a milkshake machine may require a durable mixing paddle.
Why Are Commercial Frozen Drink Machines Profitable
Commercial slushie machines are a great investment for any food and beverage business, offering a range of benefits that can boost your profits. They're easy to set up, use, and maintain, which translates to lower operational costs and less downtime.
One of the biggest perks is how effortlessly they mix and serve popular chilled drinks, which appeals to a wide range of customers and encourages impulse buys through effective merchandising. The product visibility these machines provide, often enhanced by large LED backlit signage and vibrant decals, acts as a magnet for customers, drawing increased foot traffic to your business.
When it comes to profitability, commercial slushie machines can be a goldmine. They can serve various frozen beverages, expanding your menu without needing extra equipment. Plus, the ingredients are inexpensive—mostly just water, air or CO2, and syrups—resulting in impressive profit margins. Typically, the drink composition includes about 10% to 30% syrup, making the overall cost of production low while maximizing profitability.
The machines are designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste; for instance, the augers inside the machine's bowls continuously mix the ingredients, ensuring taste and texture consistency. Their design features, such as a lightweight and small footprint, make them ideal for a range of commercial spaces. Many units come with a night mode that keeps the blend overnight, reducing product waste and keeping operational costs low.
The durable one-piece construction and CFC-free cooling systems ensure a hygienic operation, with minimal risk of bacteria build-up, thus adhering to health code standards. All these factors combine to make commercial slushie machines practical and a smart, profitable choice for anyone looking to serve refreshing drinks that customers love.
What To Look For In Commercial Frozen Machines
When selecting a commercial frozen beverage machine, you should consider several key factors to ensure optimal performance and suitability for your business needs.
Capacity Requirements
When evaluating the capacity needs of your venue, you have to consider several factors beyond just the size of the mix hoppers and freezing cylinders. While these components, typically measured in quarts, are key indicators of the machine's ability to hold and process liquid ingredients, the overall freezing capacity of the refrigeration system also plays a role in determining how many drinks the machine can produce within a given time frame.
For example, a machine with a 24-quart hopper and a 14-quart cylinder might produce approximately 155 ten-ounce frozen drinks per hour, depending on the efficiency of its refrigeration system. Additionally, consider the number of bowls—using a triple-bowl machine allows you to offer three different flavors simultaneously, increasing customer choice and satisfaction.
But beyond just the basic capacity, it's important to account for the machine's "burst capacity," particularly in high-traffic locations like those near schools or during civic events that can result in a rush of customers. During these times, having enough product that is "Ready to Serve" is crucial. FBD dispensers are designed with the highest capacity and fastest recovery times available, ensuring that drink quality is maintained even during peak rush periods.
FBD’s highest capacity model, for instance, is capable of dispensing up to 2-40oz, high expansion frozen carbonated beverages (FCB) per minute per barrel. This high capacity is exactly what you need to keep drinks pouring steadily during busy times. For lower expansion drink profiles that contain more liquid and less gas, FBD dispensers are equipped with specialized software programs that optimize drink quality and maintain the highest capacity on the market.
It’s also important to consider the limitations of open hopper systems. While an open hopper may have a high volume, its capacity is limited by how much product remains frozen, and its efficiency can be impacted by the temperature of incoming product if an Auto-fill system is installed. In a scenario where the hopper's product is depleted, the recovery time to refreeze can be longer, particularly in systems with multiple hoppers, potentially leading to delays during high-demand periods.
Counter vs. Floor Models
Countertop models provide all the essential features in a compact design, making them perfect for smaller spaces or establishments with limited room. On the other hand, floor models are sturdy and often include extra features like cup holders and wheeled bases, making them ideal for busy locations such as amusement parks and sports venues. If you have the space, these models can also serve well as self-service beverage stations.
Cooling System
The cooling mechanism of the machine can significantly impact its efficiency and the ambient temperature of the serving area. Remote refrigeration systems are particularly effective, as they remove heat from the serving space, easing the burden on your venue's air conditioning.
On the other hand, self-contained systems are either air-cooled or water-cooled. Air-cooled systems are easier to install but require sufficient clearance around the unit for airflow. Water-cooled systems require a water inlet and drain but provide a heat-free serving area and allow for placing multiple machines side by side without overheating concerns.
Maintenance Requirements
To ensure the longevity and smooth operation of your frozen beverage dispenser, you have to follow a regular maintenance schedule. This includes cleaning and sanitizing the hoppers and cylinders, as well as flushing the machine with water to prevent flavor contamination.
Additionally, most manufacturers recommend a more thorough cleaning every one to two weeks, which may involve dismantling parts of the machine. It is important to regularly check and replace any worn or damaged components, such as o-rings and seals, to avoid potential breakdowns.
Overall, understanding your venue's layout and needs and the features of different frozen beverage dispenser models will help you choose the right machine for your business.
Let's take a look at the best options on the market.
Top Frozen Drink Machines for 2024
FBD 772 Multi-Flavor Frozen Beverage Dispenser
The FBD 772 Multi-Flavor Frozen Beverage Dispenser is designed for versatility, offering two base flavors and eight flavor shots to create up to 32 unique drink combinations. This capability makes it perfect for businesses aiming to provide personalized and innovative beverage options. The machine's Bag-in-Box system simplifies daily operations and minimizes the need for frequent maintenance, ensuring a clean and efficient operation.
Compact and efficient, the FBD 772 measures 34 inches in height and 17 inches in width, fitting comfortably in most service areas with minimal clearance required. The user-friendly 13.3-inch touch screen interface makes it easy to operate and maintain, even in high-traffic environments. It can handle both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages up to 14% ABV, making it suitable for a wide range of settings.
Key features include Inline Carbonation™ technology, which maximizes drink quality and consistency, and the RapidFreeze™ system, which improves refreeze time and enhances dispenser durability. Additionally, the large digital merchandiser with an interactive platform, providing a way to engage customers and promote new flavors or specials. The FBD 772 is an excellent choice for venues looking to offer a variety of high-quality frozen drinks in a compact and efficient setup.
Bunn ULTRA NX, 120V BLK CFV
The Bunn ULTRA NX, 120V BLK CFV is an excellent choice for high-demand environments, offering reliability and high performance. With its enhanced auger drive system and large 3-gallon hoppers, it ensures consistent, high-quality frozen beverages.
The user-friendly interface alerts operators when cleaning is needed, minimizing downtime and maximizing serving capacity. Using R290 all-natural refrigerant, the ULTRA NX is a sustainable option with low Global Warming Potential. The quick defrost feature and patented beverage monitoring technology enhance beverage quality and operational efficiency.
Its LED lighted merchandisers and slide-in hopper graphics make it ideal for front-of-house applications, while the liquid auto-fill feature reduces labor and ensures readiness during peak demand. It’s worth mentioning that frequent cleaning is essential for maintaining optimal performance and hygiene of this machine, and the leak capture feature helps reduce service costs and clean-up time.
FBD 773 FC
The FBD 773 FC is a powerhouse machine designed to cater to high-demand environments with its ability to serve a wide range of frozen drinks such as margaritas, daiquiris, and other frozen cocktails simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for venues looking to offer a diverse drink menu without slowing down service.
The machine can produce up to 1,260 oz per hour from each barrel, ensuring a steady flow of beverages even during the busiest times. It also boasts a remarkably fast recovery time of just 4 minutes, allowing for quick replenishment and continuous service.Measuring 34 inches in height and 20.3 inches in width, the FBD 773 FC is designed to fit comfortably in most commercial spaces.
Its advanced features include the use of premixed syrup and an advanced carbonation system, ensuring consistent drink quality with every serve. This model also prioritizes safety and environmental standards, aligning with high industry benchmarks. The machine's smart features, coupled with its high output and reliable performance, make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their beverage offerings efficiently.
Stoelting Frozen Beverage Dispenser
The Stoelting Frozen Beverage Dispenser with two 10-liter bowls is an ideal choice for businesses looking to serve a variety of frozen drinks such as granitas, iced or frozen coffee, tea, frozen cocktails, and smoothies. This 115-volt, 13.9-amp, 60-Hz, 2,800 Btu/hr machine is effortless to operate and maintain, making it perfect for high-demand environments. Its magnetic drive system is reliable and durable, ensuring years of dependable service.
Equipped with digital controls, the dispenser offers customizable settings for consistent results and menu flexibility. The built-in timer automatically places the machine in night mode, enhancing operational efficiency. The gasketless spigot is easy to clean and maintain, and the standard double-wall bowls prevent condensation on the unit's exterior, maintaining a clean appearance. Additionally, the robust compressor reduces freeze-down times, promoting efficient operation.
Taylor 390 Frozen Uncarbonated Beverage (FUB) Freezer
The Taylor 390 Frozen Uncarbonated Beverage (FUB) Freezer is a machine designed for serving a variety of non-dairy frozen beverages, including smoothies, frozen lemonades, fruit juices, coffees, and more. This single-flavor machine features a 7-quart freezing cylinder and a 20-quart mix hopper, providing ample capacity for high-demand environments. The adjustable refrigeration system maintains optimal mix temperatures in the hopper.
Key features of the Taylor 390 include indicator lights that alert the operator when it's time to add mix or when the mix is out, automatically shutting down the unit to prevent damage. The electronic viscosity control allows for precise regulation of product thickness, ensuring that you can serve a wide variety of frozen beverages at the desired consistency. Additionally, the optional continuous auto-fill system can replenish the mix supply automatically from a remote delivery system, customized to suit your business needs.
The Taylor 390 is constructed with high-quality materials and features a powerful 1/2 HP beater motor and a 7,500 BTU/hr refrigeration system. Its compact design, measuring 18-7/16 inches in width, 31 inches in depth, and 36-3/8 inches in height, makes it suitable for various commercial spaces, with both air-cooled and water-cooled options available. However, it is important to note that this unit requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, which includes routine cleaning and monitoring to keep the system running efficiently.
FBD 372 Multi-Flavor Frozen Beverage Dispenser
The FBD 372 Multi-Flavor Frozen Beverage Dispenser stands out for its versatility and efficiency, making it a prime choice for businesses looking to offer a variety of frozen drinks. This machine features a robust capacity with a barrel volume of 128 oz and a continuous draw capability of 1,680 oz per hour from a single barrel, ensuring you can serve steady volumes quickly. Its efficient design includes a quick recovery time of just 7 minutes, which is essential for maintaining service speed during peak times.
This dispenser is equipped with a user-friendly 5-inch touch screen interface, simplifying operation and reducing the training time for staff. The compact size, measuring 31.5 inches in height and 15.8 inches in width, makes it suitable for a variety of service environments without demanding excessive space. Designed for small footprints and steady traffic, it is ideal for businesses with limited space but consistent customer demand.
Additionally, the FBD 372 is energy efficient and ROHS compliant, meeting high standards for both performance and environmental impact. This model is also equipped with advanced safety features and complies with several international standards, including NSF 18 and UL/CSA. Its small form factor allows for a single flavor on one barrel and multiple flavor combinations on the other, providing a variety of drink options within a compact footprint.
Conclusion
More and more establishments are recognizing the benefits of offering frozen beverages to their customers. With the opportunity to realize up to 70% gross profits on products sold, frozen drink machines can be a lucrative addition to any business. Whether you are looking to expand your menu offerings or increase profits, FBD's frozen program is a reliable and high-quality solution for all your frozen beverage needs.
With their user-friendly features, space-efficient design, and versatility in handling different types of beverages, FBD machines offer an excellent investment for any business looking to enhance its drink menu and overall customer experience.
So don't get left behind in the frozen beverage trend –contact us today to learn more about our products or to schedule a demonstration!
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