How Much Is a Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine?

Whether you’re operating a high-street dessert bar, a hotel kitchen, or a bustling beachside parlour, investing in a soft serve ice cream machine can transform your business. Soft serve isn’t just a crowd-pleaser it’s a high-margin menu item that delivers instant customer satisfaction with minimal labour, ensuring consistent quality and reliability.

Selecting the right equipment based on the specific needs and size of your business premises is crucial. Smaller equipment is ideal for premises with limited demand, while larger units cater to businesses with higher sales volumes.

With the UK’s frozen dessert market on the rise (Statista forecasts consistent growth through 2027), offering reliable, high-quality soft serve is no longer optional for many food businesses it’s essential.

Meet the Machines: Absolute Soft Serve Slimline & Ultra

At the heart of any successful soft serve offering is the machine's ability to hold and maintain low consistent temperatures. These machines allow businesses to create various ice cream flavors and offerings, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Absolute Drinks supplies two powerful, commercial-grade models designed specifically for UK businesses.

Absolute Soft Serve Slimline (about £6,750)

Perfect for businesses that want high output with a reduced footprint, the Absolute Soft Serve Slimline model is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It meets various business requirements by catering to both small and larger operations, ensuring reliability and quality.

Key features:

• Twin twist function: Serve two flavours or a mix (e.g., vanilla, chocolate, or swirl)

• Compact & space-saving: Slimline design fits comfortably in tight kitchens or counters

• High-capacity output: Ideal for moderate to high footfall venues

• User-friendly display: Digital controls for temperature, mix levels, and cleaning reminders

• Efficient operation: Fast freeze-down times and excellent overrun for creamier texture

Great for cafés, pubs, and event caterers needing a balance between performance and space.

Absolute Soft Serve Ultra (about £7,750)

A more powerful option for larger venues or high-demand environments. The Absolute Soft Serve Ultra model is built with durable, high-quality materials, including robust stainless steel construction, ensuring longevity and resilience. It also features efficient production capabilities, optimizing ice cream manufacturing processes with fast cooling cycles and consistent temperature maintenance.

Key features:

• High-volume capacity: Built for continuous service in busy locations

• Advanced control panel: Precise settings for consistency and energy efficiency

• Twin twist dispensing with larger mix hoppers

• Robust stainless steel construction for durability

• Auto-cleaning and low-mix alert system

  
  

Ideal for leisure parks, large restaurants, or dessert chains seeking a machine that works hard, all day long.

What Impacts the Cost?

While soft serve machines are a significant investment, promotional deals and flexible financing options offer substantial benefits, making them more accessible. It's crucial to make the right selection when choosing ice cream machines tailored to your business needs. Here’s what influences their pricing:

Factor	Impact
Capacity	Higher output machines like the Ultra cost more but serve more customers per hour
Build quality	Commercial-grade components mean longer life and fewer breakdowns
Features	Auto-clean, low-mix alerts, and digital controls improve usability and reliability
Aftercare	Machines from reputable suppliers like Absolute Drinks come with full support and servicing options

Ongoing Expenses to Consider

Beyond the machine purchase, budget for:

• Soft serve mix and ingredients (dairy, vegan, or frozen yogurt options)

• Cleaning products and regular sanitation routines

• Cones, cups, toppings, and spoons

• Electricity usage (modern machines are increasingly energy-efficient)

• Servicing and maintenance (to ensure reliability during busy service periods)

  
  

Both the Slimline and Ultra are designed for easy maintenance, with removable parts and straightforward cleaning processes reducing downtime and labour costs. Maintaining these machines ensures optimal performance and product consistency, allowing businesses to effectively manage their equipment and provide high-quality ice cream to their customers.

Best Fit for Your Business?

Wondering which machine is right for you? Choosing the right machine is crucial for your business success. Having more options allows you to cater to different business needs and customer preferences.

• The Slimline is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with limited space but moderate demand. Think coffee shops, food trucks, and boutique dessert counters.

• The Ultra suits venues with high daily throughput or where soft serve is a central offering like buffet restaurants, ice cream kiosks, and busy tourist locations.

  
  

Both machines support a wide range of product types, from traditional dairy soft serve to frozen yoghurt and even non-dairy vegan options.

Final Thoughts

A commercial soft serve machine is more than just a piece of equipment it’s an income stream. With promotional offers such as free starter packs and free next working-day delivery for orders over a specified amount, the machine can quickly pay for itself especially in the summer months or in high-traffic locations. Customers are guaranteed to receive satisfaction with their purchase, along with support throughout the purchasing process, including delivery and after-sales care.

Explore the full range of soft serve ice cream machines and let Absolute Drinks help you select the right one for your business goals.

Because nothing draws a crowd like a perfectly poured swirl of soft serve.