Types of ice cream display freezers: which is right for you? 

There’s a huge variety of display freezers out there to choose from, to showcase ice cream, and the endless options can seem overwhelming. Some of the most common types include:  

•    Scoop freezers  have a classic, traditional appeal. They’re ideal for locations where ice cream is a significant portion of your sales and presentation is critical, like ice cream parlours or cafés near family-friendly locations (such as at the beach or a National Trust property). At TEFCOLD, we offer static-cooled and ventilated scoop freezers.
•    Glass lid display freezers are often  space-efficient. They’re still display freezers but are better suited for premises with limited space or where ice cream isn’t the primary selling focus. The benefit here is more storage capacity in a smaller footprint . These are more appropriate for businesses like town centre cafés or corner shops.
•    Countertop ice cream display freezers are small units that, as the name suggests, sit on your countertop. They’re perfect if you sell a smaller volume of ice cream. Aside from this, the primary advantage here is a much lower upfront cost.
•    Mobile ice cream display units are designed to be taken out and about. Once the summer months roll around, everyone loves an opportunity to buy ice cream on the go. If you’re hoping to catch people making the most of the sunshine whilst out and about this could be a great option for your business.
•    Under-counter display units are perfect for holding small amounts of packaged ice cream, or even tubs ready for scooping. As such, you’ll find that they perform well in environments where ice cream isn’t the primary focus of the business; but these extra impulse sales can really add to the bottom line when it comes to revenue.

The best way to decide is to assess your specific needs. Take a moment to evaluate your space, brand identity, store layout and expected sales volume. Once you’ve considered all these factors, the right choice will often become clear.

Key features to consider when choosing the right ice cream display freezer

There are a few things to consider when weighing up which ice cream display freezer might be best for your business, including: 

Performance

Although ice cream display freezers are about so much more than temperature control, this remains the most critical aspect. After all, it doesn’t matter how great your ice cream looks if it doesn’t taste right.

Most ice cream needs keeping at between -18°C to -22°C to maintain its texture and taste. Make sure the freezer you choose can comfortably reach and maintain this temperature range.

Many models come with automatic defrosting  these days, but it’s still worth checking just to be sure. Automatic defrosting keeps ice build-up under control, which leads to a more consistent internal environment (temperature and humidity). This is crucial for maintaining the quality of your ice cream. Manual defrosting models require more hands-on maintenance.

Practicality

Cleaning isn’t everyone’s favourite job, but it’s a vital part of freezer maintenance nonetheless. Removable baskets or trays make the cleaning process a whole lot simpler. Some units also come with smooth, easily wipeable surfaces, which helps cut down on cleaning time and effort.

Lighting

As a display freezer, aesthetics is one of your top priorities. LED lights are an increasingly popular choice, as they use less energy  and provide a brighter, more inviting display. This lighting helps those natural, vibrant colours stand out and catch your customer’s eye. 

Capacity

Ask yourself these questions:

•    How much ice cream do you expect to store? 
•    How much do you expect to sell per day? 
•    What’s your expected footfall? 

These rough calculations should help you decide how much capacity you’ll need in your ice cream display freezer. Choosing the right capacity also helps prevent overstocking and product wastage, especially in slower periods like winter.

Budget Vs Long Term Savings

Factor in both the initial purchase price and the long-term operating costs.

Investing in a higher-quality unit, with a good energy rating, might cost more initially but can save you significant money in the long run with better energy efficiency, warranty terms and fewer repairs. 

High-efficiency models make a significant difference in energy consumption, so don’t overlook these ongoing costs.

Energy efficiency

Look for freezers with good energy ratings to help reduce running costs over time. Energy-efficient models may have a slightly higher upfront cost, but they pay off in the long run by lowering your electricity bills and reducing your overall operating expenses. Some models may save you hundreds of pounds annually in energy costs in relation to less energy-efficient units.