If you’re looking for a heavy-duty ice cream maker machine, you need a model that is built to last, capable of handling large batches, and delivers consistently smooth and creamy ice cream. Whether you need a commercial batch freezer, a professional home-use model, or an industrial-grade machine, this guide covers the top heavy-duty ice cream makers for different needs and budgets.
Best Heavy-Duty Ice Cream Makers: Top Picks
1. Emery Thompson CB-350 – Best Overall Heavy-Duty Ice Cream Maker
💰 Price: $14,000 (new), $8,000 (used)
📦 Batch Size: 6 quarts (~5 batches per hour, 30+ quarts per hour total)
🔌 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 a commercial-grade batch freezer built to handle continuous use in professional settings. This machine is known for its industrial-grade stainless steel construction, powerful refrigeration system, and ability to churn out large batches quickly.
✅ Pros:
- Made in the USA with premium durability
- Can produce 30+ quarts per hour
- Fast batch freezing (~10-15 minutes per batch)
- Can handle thick mix-ins like nuts, fruit, and chocolate chunks
❌ Cons:
- Expensive ($14,000 new, $8,000+ used)
- Requires a 240V power connection
- Heavy & not portable (300 lbs)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available directly from Emery Thompson’s website or used from restaurant supply auctions.
2. Carpigiani LB 502 G – Best High-Volume Industrial Ice Cream Maker
💰 Price: $18,000 – $25,000
📦 Batch Size: 17 quarts per batch (~4 batches per hour, 70+ quarts per hour total)
🔌 Power Requirement: 208-230V, 3-phase
⚖ Weight: 500 lbs
⭐ Best For: Large-scale ice cream production, gelato shops, and industrial use
If you run a high-volume ice cream shop or gelato business, the Carpigiani LB 502 G is a top-tier heavy-duty ice cream maker. It’s designed to handle non-stop production with precise freezing controls for ultra-smooth results.
✅ Pros:
- Large batch capacity (17 quarts per batch, 70+ quarts per hour)
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Fast freezing times (~10-12 minutes per batch)
- Energy-efficient cooling system
❌ Cons:
- Expensive ($18K – $25K new)
- Requires 3-phase power (not standard for most small businesses)
- Very heavy & large (not suitable for small spaces)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available at Carpigiani distributors and commercial kitchen suppliers.
3. Lello Musso Pola 5030 – Best Heavy-Duty Home Ice Cream Maker
💰 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: Serious home users who want professional-quality ice cream & gelato
The Lello Musso Pola 5030 is a professional-grade ice cream maker for home and small businesses. Unlike consumer models, it has a built-in compressor, stainless steel construction, and the ability to churn batch after batch without needing a break.
✅ Pros:
- All stainless steel (no plastic parts)
- Built-in compressor (no pre-freezing required)
- Fast batch freezing (~20 minutes per batch)
- Can churn multiple batches back-to-back
❌ Cons:
- Expensive for a home machine ($1,200+)
- Takes up counter space (not portable)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Webstaurant Store, and specialty kitchen retailers.
4. Technogel MANTEGEL 50 – Best for Ice Cream Factories
💰 Price: $25,000 – $40,000
📦 Batch Size: 20+ quarts per batch (~100+ quarts per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 208-230V, 3-phase
⚖ Weight: 800 lbs
⭐ Best For: Large-scale factories, franchises, and industrial production
For those running an ice cream factory, wholesale business, or large franchise, the Technogel MANTEGEL 50 is a heavy-duty batch freezer designed for mass production. It can handle continuous high-volume churning without downtime.
✅ Pros:
- Massive batch production (~100+ quarts per hour)
- Industrial-grade freezing for smooth texture
- Perfect for large-scale businesses
❌ Cons:
- Extremely expensive ($25K+ new)
- Not suitable for small shops or home use
🔹 Where to Buy: Available through Technogel distributors and industrial kitchen suppliers.
Comparison Table: Best Heavy-Duty Ice Cream Makers
| Machine | Best For | Price | Batch Size | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emery Thompson CB-350 | Best Overall Heavy-Duty Machine | $14,000 | 6 quarts per batch | 240V |
| Carpigiani LB 502 G | Best High-Volume Production | $18,000 – $25,000 | 17 quarts per batch | 208-230V (3-phase) |
| Lello Musso Pola 5030 | Best Heavy-Duty Home Machine | $1,200 – $1,500 | 1.5 quarts per batch | 110V |
| Technogel MANTEGEL 50 | Best for Factories & Large Production | $25,000+ | 20+ quarts per batch | 208-230V (3-phase) |
How to Choose the Best Heavy-Duty Ice Cream Maker
1. What Level of Production Do You Need?
✔ For home use: Lello Musso Pola 5030 (best quality, small batches)
✔ For a small ice cream shop: Emery Thompson CB-350 (best professional option)
✔ For a large business: Carpigiani LB 502 G (handles high-volume)
✔ For factories & wholesale: Technogel MANTEGEL 50 (best for mass production)
2. Do You Need a Batch Freezer or Continuous Freezer?
✔ Batch Freezer: Produces ice cream in set batches (Emery Thompson, Carpigiani, Lello Musso)
✔ Continuous Freezer: Used in factories for non-stop production (Technogel MANTEGEL 50)
3. What’s Your Budget?
✔ Under $2,000: Lello Musso Pola 5030 (best for serious home users)
✔ $8,000 – $14,000: Emery Thompson CB-350 (best for small shops)
✔ $18,000 – $25,000: Carpigiani LB 502 G (best for large businesses)
✔ $25,000+: Technogel MANTEGEL 50 (for ice cream factories)
Final Verdict: Best Heavy-Duty Ice Cream Maker for You
🔥 Best Overall: Emery Thompson CB-350 ($14K) – Best durability & performance
🔥 Best for Home Use: Lello Musso Pola 5030 ($1,200) – Small but powerful
🔥 Best for High-Volume Shops: Carpigiani LB 502 G ($18K) – Large capacity
🔥 Best for Factories: Technogel MANTEGEL 50 ($25K+) – Mass production