If you’re searching for the best small commercial ice cream maker, you’re likely looking for a compact, durable, and reliable machine that can handle moderate production without costing as much as a full industrial unit. The challenge is finding a balance between affordability, capacity, and durability—as true commercial machines start at $8,000+, while smaller units under $2,000 often lack long-term reliability.
This guide breaks down the best small commercial ice cream makers based on budget, capacity, and performance so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Best Small Commercial Ice Cream Makers: Top Picks
1. Emery Thompson CB-200 – Best High-End Compact Commercial Machine
💰 Price: $8,000 (new)
📦 Capacity: 3 quarts per batch (~4 batches per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V, 20A
⚖ Weight: 150 lbs
⭐ Best For: Restaurants, small ice cream shops, and high-quality artisanal production
The Emery Thompson CB-200 is a true commercial ice cream machine in a small package. It features industrial-grade durability, fast batch freezing, and the ability to run all day. While expensive, it outperforms any sub-$2,000 unit, making it a great long-term investment for small-scale production.
✅ Pros:
- Built to last decades (heavy-duty stainless steel components)
- Produces smooth, consistent ice cream in ~15 minutes per batch
- Small enough for countertop use
- No special electrical setup required (110V standard outlet)
❌ Cons:
- Expensive ($8,000 new)
- Limited batch size (3 quarts per run)
- Difficult to find used
🔹 Where to Buy: Available through Emery Thompson’s official website and select resellers.
2. Lello Musso Pola 5030 – Best Mid-Range Small Commercial Machine
💰 Price: $1,200 – $1,500
📦 Capacity: 1.5 quarts per batch (~2 batches per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V standard outlet
⚖ Weight: 65 lbs
⭐ Best For: Small cafés, restaurants, and home businesses
The Lello Musso Pola 5030 is a high-end consumer machine that’s often used in small commercial settings. While it doesn’t have the NSF certification required for some food businesses, many small cafés and restaurants use it for sorbet, gelato, and premium ice cream. It’s much cheaper than true commercial units, but it takes longer to freeze batches (~20-25 minutes).
✅ Pros:
- Well-built with stainless steel components
- Compact and fits on most countertops
- Runs on a standard 110V outlet
- Can produce up to 12-15 small batches per day
❌ Cons:
- Small batch size (1.5 quarts per run)
- Not NSF certified for commercial kitchens
- Slower freezing time than Emery Thompson models
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Webstaurant Store, and specialty kitchen retailers.
3. VEVOR Commercial Ice Cream Machine – Best Budget Option for Startups
💰 Price: $1,500 – $2,000
📦 Capacity: 3 – 6 quarts per batch (~3-5 batches per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V or 220V, varies by model
⚖ Weight: 100 – 200 lbs
⭐ Best For: New businesses, food trucks, and budget-conscious buyers
VEVOR is an import brand offering low-cost commercial ice cream machines, often sold through Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. These machines are affordable and feature large batch capacities, but they lack long-term reliability and serviceability. Since they aren’t NSF/UL certified, they may not be legally usable in some commercial kitchens.
✅ Pros:
- Much cheaper than established commercial brands
- Larger capacity (some models handle 6-quart batches)
- Good option for startups on a tight budget
❌ Cons:
- No NSF certification (may not be allowed in licensed food businesses)
- Limited customer support and no repair service
- Inconsistent performance (some units fail quickly, others last longer)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and VEVOR’s website.
4. Spaceman 6210 Countertop Ice Cream Maker – Best for Soft Serve
💰 Price: $3,500 – $5,000
📦 Capacity: 16 liters per hour (~17 quarts per hour)
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V standard outlet
⚖ Weight: 170 lbs
⭐ Best For: Small ice cream shops, food trucks, and soft-serve businesses
If you’re looking for a small commercial soft-serve ice cream maker, the Spaceman 6210 is one of the best options. It’s NSF certified, has decent capacity, and runs on a standard 110V outlet. However, it’s only for soft-serve, not traditional ice cream.
✅ Pros:
- NSF certified for commercial use
- High output for a small countertop machine
- Built-in refrigeration (no need for ice & salt)
❌ Cons:
- Expensive ($3,500+)
- Soft-serve only (not for hard ice cream or gelato)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available at Webstaurant Store and commercial kitchen suppliers.
How to Choose the Best Small Commercial Ice Cream Maker
1. Budget – How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
- $1,200 – $1,500: Lello Musso 5030 (best for small-batch production)
- $1,500 – $2,000: VEVOR & import machines (cheapest option, but unreliable)
- $3,500 – $5,000: Spaceman 6210 (best for soft-serve)
- $8,000+: Emery Thompson CB-200 (best for true commercial use)
2. Batch Size – How Much Ice Cream Do You Need?
| Machine | Batch Size | Time Per Batch | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emery Thompson CB-200 | 3 quarts | ~15 minutes | High-end commercial production |
| Lello Musso 5030 | 1.5 quarts | ~20-25 minutes | Small-batch artisanal ice cream |
| VEVOR Commercial Machines | 3 – 6 quarts | ~20-30 minutes | Budget-conscious buyers |
| Spaceman 6210 (Soft Serve) | 17 quarts per hour | Continuous | Soft-serve businesses |
🔹 If you need high-volume production, go for Emery Thompson CB-200 or Spaceman 6210.
🔹 If you need small-batch flexibility, go for Lello Musso 5030.
3. Certification – Do You Need NSF or UL Approval?
- NSF/UL Certified (commercial kitchens & food businesses): Emery Thompson, Spaceman 6210
- Not NSF Certified (small cafés, home businesses, or personal use): Lello Musso 5030, VEVOR
Final Verdict: Best Small Commercial Ice Cream Maker for You
| Machine | Best For | Price | Batch Size | NSF Certified? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emery Thompson CB-200 | Best Overall | $8,000 | 3 quarts | ✅ Yes |
| Lello Musso 5030 | Best Mid-Range | $1,200 – $1,500 | 1.5 quarts | ❌ No |
| VEVOR Commercial Machine | Best Budget | $1,500 – $2,000 | 3 – 6 quarts | ❌ No |
| Spaceman 6210 | Best for Soft Serve | $3,500 – $5,000 | 17 quarts/hr | ✅ Yes |
🔥 Best Overall: Emery Thompson CB-200 ($8K) – Best performance & durability
🔥 Best Budget: Lello Musso 5030 ($1,200) – Affordable & reliable for small businesses