If you’re looking for the best commercial hard ice cream maker, you need a machine that’s powerful, durable, and capable of producing high-quality ice cream efficiently. Whether you’re running a small ice cream shop, restaurant, or large-scale operation, the right machine will depend on your budget, batch size, and desired production capacity.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top commercial hard ice cream machines, from premium models to budget-friendly options, so you can find the best fit for your business.
Best Commercial Hard Ice Cream Makers: Top Picks
1. Emery Thompson CB-350 – Best Overall Commercial Ice Cream Maker
💰 Price: $14,000 (new), $8,000 (used)
📦 Batch Size: 6 quarts per batch (~5 batches per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 240V, 20A
⚖ Weight: 300 lbs
⭐ Best For: Small to mid-sized ice cream shops, serious commercial use
The Emery Thompson CB-350 is one of the best countertop commercial ice cream makers available. It’s built for high efficiency, durability, and continuous use, making it the gold standard for artisanal ice cream production. With a 6-quart batch size and the ability to run multiple batches per hour, this machine is ideal for medium-scale businesses looking for high-quality production.
✅ Pros:
- Premium stainless steel construction (built to last decades)
- Produces 30+ quarts per hour
- Freezes ice cream in ~10-15 minutes per batch
- Strong resale value & easy to find replacement parts
❌ Cons:
- Very expensive ($14,000 new, $8,000+ used)
- Requires a 240V power connection
- Heavy & not easily portable
🔹 Where to Buy: Available directly from Emery Thompson or used from restaurant supply auctions.
2. Carpigiani LB 502 G – Best for High-Volume Production
💰 Price: $18,000 – $25,000
📦 Batch Size: 17 quarts per batch (~4 batches per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 208-230V, 3-phase
⚖ Weight: 500 lbs
⭐ Best For: Large-scale ice cream businesses & gelato production
If you’re running a high-volume ice cream shop, the Carpigiani LB 502 G is a workhorse capable of producing up to 70 quarts of ice cream per hour. It’s used by major ice cream brands and high-end gelato shops thanks to its precision control and consistent results.
✅ Pros:
- Massive batch capacity (17 quarts per batch)
- Fast freezing times (~10-12 minutes per batch)
- Smooth & creamy texture with precision controls
- Ideal for high-output businesses
❌ Cons:
- Expensive ($18K – $25K new)
- Requires 3-phase power (not standard for all businesses)
- Very large & heavy (not suitable for small spaces)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available at Carpigiani distributors and commercial kitchen suppliers.
3. Lello Musso Pola 5030 – Best for Small-Scale Commercial Use
💰 Price: $1,200 – $1,500
📦 Batch Size: 1.5 quarts per batch (~2 batches per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V standard outlet
⚖ Weight: 65 lbs
⭐ Best For: Cafés, restaurants, and small-batch ice cream production
The Lello Musso Pola 5030 is not NSF-certified, but it’s commonly used in restaurants, small bakeries, and cafés for making premium small-batch ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. It’s an affordable option for businesses that don’t need industrial-scale production.
✅ Pros:
- Compact & countertop-friendly
- Affordable compared to full commercial machines
- Runs on a standard 110V outlet
- Good for producing small, fresh batches on demand
❌ Cons:
- Small batch size (1.5 quarts per run)
- Not NSF certified (may not be legal for some commercial kitchens)
- Slower than true commercial machines (~20-25 min per batch)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Webstaurant Store, and specialty kitchen retailers.
4. Technogel MANTEGEL 50 – Best for Large-Scale Ice Cream Factories
💰 Price: $25,000 – $40,000
📦 Batch Size: 20+ quarts per batch (~5 batches per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 208-230V, 3-phase
⚖ Weight: 800 lbs
⭐ Best For: Large-scale ice cream production & wholesale businesses
For those running an ice cream factory or large franchise, the Technogel MANTEGEL 50 is a heavy-duty batch freezer designed for high-volume production. It can produce hundreds of quarts of ice cream per day, making it perfect for wholesale production, grocery stores, and mass distribution.
✅ Pros:
- Massive production capacity (~100+ quarts per hour)
- High-powered freezing for smooth & creamy ice cream
- Ideal for large-scale businesses
❌ Cons:
- Extremely expensive ($25K+ new)
- Requires a lot of space & a 3-phase power setup
- Not suitable for small businesses or startups
🔹 Where to Buy: Available through Technogel distributors and industrial kitchen suppliers.
How to Choose the Best Commercial Hard Ice Cream Maker
1. Budget – How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
- $1,200 – $1,500: Lello Musso 5030 (best for small cafés & restaurants)
- $8,000 – $14,000: Emery Thompson CB-350 (best for small to mid-sized ice cream shops)
- $18,000 – $25,000: Carpigiani LB 502 G (best for high-volume businesses)
- $25,000+: Technogel MANTEGEL 50 (best for factories & wholesale production)
2. Batch Size – How Much Ice Cream Do You Need to Produce?
| Machine | Batch Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Emery Thompson CB-350 | 6 quarts | Small to medium ice cream shops |
| Carpigiani LB 502 G | 17 quarts | Large ice cream shops & high-volume businesses |
| Lello Musso 5030 | 1.5 quarts | Small restaurants & cafés |
| Technogel MANTEGEL 50 | 20+ quarts | Large-scale factories & wholesale production |
3. Power & Space Considerations
- Smaller machines (Lello Musso 5030) run on 110V outlets and fit on most countertops.
- Larger machines (Carpigiani, Emery Thompson) require 208-230V power and need dedicated space.
Final Verdict: Best Commercial Hard Ice Cream Maker for You
| Machine | Best For | Price | Batch Size | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emery Thompson CB-350 | Best Overall | $14,000 | 6 quarts | 240V |
| Carpigiani LB 502 G | Best High-Volume | $18,000 – $25,000 | 17 quarts | 208-230V (3-phase) |
| Lello Musso 5030 | Best for Small-Scale | $1,200 – $1,500 | 1.5 quarts | 110V |
| Technogel MANTEGEL 50 | Best for Factories | $25,000+ | 20+ quarts | 208-230V (3-phase) |
🔥 Best Overall: Emery Thompson CB-350 ($14K) – Best durability & performance
🔥 Best Budget: Lello Musso 5030 ($1,200) – Great for small businesses