If you’re looking for the best commercial soft serve ice cream machine, you’ve probably realized that a high-quality unit doesn’t come cheap. Most commercial-grade machines start at $5,000 and can go well beyond $13,000 for a three-flavor unit. While this might seem like a big investment, the right machine can provide consistent, smooth soft serve and withstand heavy usage.
This guide will help you navigate the best commercial soft serve machines, covering key features, maintenance requirements, and budget-friendly alternatives.
Best Commercial Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines
1. Taylor C713 – Best High-End Commercial Machine
💰 Price: $12,000 – $17,000
🔌 Power Requirement: 208-230V, 3-phase
📦 Capacity: High-volume (dual hoppers)
⭐ Best For: High-traffic businesses
Taylor soft serve machines are industry gold standards—used by McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, and major ice cream chains. The Taylor C713 is a high-capacity, dual-flavor machine with gravity-fed or pump-fed options. However, it’s expensive and requires 3-phase power, making it impractical for home use.
🔹 Pros:
- Produces smooth, creamy soft serve with the perfect texture
- Handles high-volume demand
- Long-lasting and easy-to-find replacement parts
🔹 Cons:
- Very expensive ($12K+)
- Needs 3-phase power, which is not common in homes
- Requires frequent maintenance and cleaning
2. Electro Freeze 99T-RMT – Best for Reliability
💰 Price: $8,000 – $12,000
🔌 Power Requirement: 208-230V, single-phase
📦 Capacity: High-volume (countertop)
⭐ Best For: Small businesses, cafés, and food trucks
Electro Freeze machines are known for durability and low maintenance. The 99T-RMT model is a countertop, single-phase machine, making it slightly more home-friendly than Taylor machines. It’s ideal for food trucks and small cafés but still costly for personal use.
🔹 Pros:
- Reliable and durable (used in many ice cream shops)
- Handles moderate to high usage
- Single-phase power option (easier for non-commercial locations)
🔹 Cons:
- Still expensive ($8K+)
- Requires dedicated electrical setup
- Heavy and bulky
3. Donper D150 – Best Budget Commercial Machine
💰 Price: $1,995
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V, standard household outlet
📦 Capacity: 8-12 servings per hour
⭐ Best For: Home users and small gatherings
For those who want commercial-quality soft serve at home, the Donper D150 is an affordable alternative. It runs on standard 110V power, making it one of the few commercial-style soft serve machines that can be plugged into a regular outlet.
🔹 Pros:
- Budget-friendly compared to other commercial units
- Standard 110V plug (works in most homes)
- Compact size for countertops
🔹 Cons:
- Limited capacity (8-12 servings per hour)
- Not built for heavy commercial use
- Can struggle with frequent use
🔹 Where to Buy: Go Food Service ($1,995)
4. VEVOR Commercial Soft Serve Machine – Best Value for Money
💰 Price: $1,200 – $2,500
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V – 220V
📦 Capacity: Moderate volume, 3-flavor option available
⭐ Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want soft serve at home
VEVOR machines are affordable, stainless-steel units that provide a decent soft serve experience. However, reviews are mixed, with some users praising their value for money, while others warn about lack of replacement parts.
🔹 Pros:
- Inexpensive compared to high-end brands
- Compact and suitable for home use
- 110V versions available (plugs into standard outlets)
🔹 Cons:
- Limited customer support and replacement parts availability
- Some quality concerns (compressors and belts may wear out quickly)
- Not as durable as Taylor or Electro Freeze machines
🔹 Where to Buy: [Amazon | Webstaurant Store | VEVOR Website]
How to Choose the Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
1. Budget: What Can You Afford?
- $1,000 – $3,000: Entry-level machines (Donper D150, VEVOR)
- $5,000 – $8,000: Used Taylor machines or mid-range options
- $10,000+: Premium commercial brands (Taylor, Electro Freeze)
2. Power Requirements: Can It Run at Home?
- Most commercial machines require 220V or 3-phase power.
- Donper D150 & some VEVOR models run on standard 110V outlets.
3. Cleaning & Maintenance: Are You Ready for It?
- Machines must be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria.
- Taylor and Electro Freeze machines require disassembly and thorough sanitization.
- VEVOR and Donper D150 are easier to clean but still require frequent maintenance.
4. Capacity & Usage: Home vs. Commercial Needs
- For home use: Donper D150 or VEVOR (~8-12 servings per hour)
- For small businesses: Electro Freeze or used Taylor machine
- For high-volume sales: Taylor C713 or Electro Freeze 99T-RMT
Is a Commercial Soft Serve Machine Worth It for Home Use?
If you’re considering a commercial soft serve machine for home, here’s what you need to know:
✅ Pros:
- Get perfectly textured soft serve at home
- Impress friends, family, and kids
- Experiment with custom flavors and ingredients
❌ Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost ($2K – $12K)
- High electricity usage
- Regular maintenance required
- Takes up space & can be noisy
💡 Alternative: If you want soft serve texture without the hassle, consider premium home ice cream makers like the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino ($700) or Cuisinart ICE-100 ($300).
Final Verdict: Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine for You
| Machine | Best For | Price Range | Power | Buy If… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor C713 | Large Businesses | $12K – $17K | 208-230V (3-phase) | You need high capacity and premium quality |
| Electro Freeze 99T-RMT | Small Cafés, Food Trucks | $8K – $12K | 208-230V (single-phase) | You want high reliability and good resale value |
| Donper D150 | Home Use & Small Gatherings | $1,995 | 110V (standard plug) | You want soft serve at home without industrial power needs |
| VEVOR Soft Serve Machine | Budget Buyers | $1,200 – $2,500 | 110V – 220V | You want an affordable option but are okay with mixed reviews |
Final Thoughts: Which Machine Should You Buy?
For commercial use, Taylor and Electro Freeze machines are the best choices, but they are expensive and require industrial power.
For home users, the Donper D150 is the best option because it’s affordable, runs on 110V, and has decent performance. If you’re on a tighter budget, VEVOR is a gamble—some love it, but others report reliability issues.
🔥 Best Overall for Home: Donper D150 ($1,995)
🔥 Best for Business: Taylor C713 ($12K+)