Many retailers and business owners need help keeping ice creams effectively. It is imperative to store ice cream well so clients can experience the delicious treat in all its glory. But how can businesses ensure ice cream is always well-kept? Let’s discuss some tips and best practices for storing ice cream in a commercial freezer and how to select the best commercial freezers.
Why Store Ice Cream in a Commercial Freezer?
Of course, ice cream must be stored in a freezer to keep it cold and tasty. However, there are other reasons why ice cream is produced and stored in commercial freezers. As such, there are several critical advantages to storing ice cream in a commercial freezer.
Frozen Temperatures
Commercial freezers maintain temperatures between -10 ° to 0°F (-23° to -18 °C) as needed for ice cream. As the freezer temperature does not fluctuate much, ice cream stays frozen without any texture or consistency changes.
Rapid Freezing
Commercial blast chillers freeze ice cream and mix faster in frigid temperatures. Faster freezing ensures ice creams have fewer tiny crystals, improving taste and feel.
Better Storage Capacity
Businesses must stock large quantities of ice cream to meet customer demand, so these ice creams must be kept well. Commercial ice cream freezers allow enterprises to store vast amounts of ice cream without losing their taste or form.
Food Safety
Keeping ice cream solid frozen inhibits microbial growth from salmonella, listeria, etc. Businesses must record strict temperature logs and demonstrate adherence to safety regulations.
Reduced Frost Buildup
Commercial freezer units are designed to limit moisture accumulation and ice buildup on coils or interior walls. This is important to maintain the quality of ice creams. Frost buildup can lead to spoiled ice cream and profit losses for the business.
Convenience
Businesses selling ice cream can use ice cream display freezers as an added convenience. An on-site ice machine and freezer allow customers access to the frozen treats. Keeping machines accessible increases impulse buying.
How to Best Store Ice Cream: Tips and Strategies
Follow the tips to keep ice cream in the best condition:
Store Fully Thawed Ice Creams
Once ice cream begins to thaw or soften, do not return it to the freezer for sale. Even if it only partly thaws, the texture turns crunchy when refrozen. As well, bacteria may start to grow when it is warm. Avoid displaying any ice cream that has thawed out.
Ensure Proper Space in the Commercial Freezer
Appropriate shelf spacing is mandatory to maintain frozen stability. Overstuffing the freezer tightly restricts cold air circulation, which may cause some containers to rise above safe temperatures. Similarly, stacking cartons too high can lead to crushing or punctures.
Avoid Constant Opening and Closing of Freezers Doors
Another common issue is constantly opening and closing the freezer doors throughout a busy shift. This issue is sometimes unavoidable when restocking, shifting inventory, or during customer purchases, but the goal is to limit the frequency of door openings as much as possible. The more the seal is broken, the more ambient warmth and moisture enters.
Inspect for Intact Packaging
Check the packaging to ensure the ice cream is as cold as possible. This includes digging beneath the surface, pushing aside outer cases to probe interior temps, assessing multiple areas within the freezer, and accounting for sensor lag or inaccuracy.
Avoid Temperature Fluctuations
Maintaining low freezer temperatures is essential to avoid temperature fluctuations inside the freezer. Monitor for excessive frost accumulation on coils or cling-to walls that act as insulation, slowing heat transfer. Fluctuations may cause the ice cream to lose its shape and texture.
Ensure Frozen Status Before Storage
Check the ice cream before storing it to ensure it is frozen. Thawing will create a sticky texture with ice crystals.
Purchase Wisely
Intelligent purchasing decisions help to save money and reduce ice cream wastage—judge consumer demand to avoid overstocking certain flavours. Track ideal turnover rates based on foot traffic and sales trends year-round, during holidays, etc. Be sure to inspect shipments thoroughly before stocking.
Select Suitable Commercial Ice Cream Freezers
Find the best ice cream display freezers from suppliers like Ancaster Food Equipment. The quality of the freezer is crucial for proper ice cream storage. A proper freezer will help preserve the ice cream’s texture, taste, and flavour. Top-rated freezers also allow for reasonable temperature control.
How to Choose the Best Commercial Freezer to Store Ice Cream?
As a retailer or an ice cream business, ensuring the texture and taste of ice cream is crucial. While various strategies can be adopted to store ice cream, one of the most important factors is the freezer purchased.
Pay close attention to choosing the best ice cream fridge. Here is a quick guide on how to select the best options:
Assess Business Needs and Requirements
Choose a freezer that meets business needs. When looking for an internal storage unit, choose one that meets this need. If an ice cream display freezer is required, look for one compact and easy to place near a counter.
Assess Storage Needs
The larger the ice cream commercial freezer, the more stock it can handle. However, freezers that are too large may lead to wasted energy. Determine weekly inventory needs and understand the capacity appropriately to help choose a commercial fridge that can meet all storage needs.
Assess Various Brands
Purchasing a commercial fridge from an established brand is always a good idea. Selecting options from a strong and dependable brand provides a sense of trust and reliability.
Assess Service Needs
When buying a commercial freezer, consider the service options as well. Some brands provide on-site service and repair support, while others may not. Consider all the options and choose the best option for the business and its operations.
Temperature Control Features
Be sure to consider the freezer’s temperature range and control features. Precise temperature control prevents melting and refreezing that damages texture.
Check for Durability and Reliability
Frequent use under frigid conditions requires long-term durability and reliable performance. Seek furniture-grade stainless steel construction, heavy-duty compressors, moisture-resistant electrical, etc. Proper warranties should also be included.
Read Online and Local Reviews
Reading reviews online is a great way to understand the pros and cons of considering different commercial ice cream freezers. Browse online marketplaces, social media groups or chats for honest reviews.
Are Refurbished Commercial Freezers Acceptable?
Small or new businesses may not have the budget or requirements to purchase brand-new commercial refrigerators or freezers. In such cases, refurbished commercial freezers are equally good. They can provide similar performance at an economical price.
Here are some of the benefits of buying refurbished freezers:
● The upfront cost of a professionally refurbished unit can be 40-60% less than buying brand new. This makes obtaining a higher-grade model with better features more affordable.
● Rather than waiting weeks or months for a new custom freezer to be built and delivered, refurbished units are often in stock and ready to ship immediately.
● Reputable companies, like Ancaster Food Equipment, ensure extensive inspection, replacement of worn parts, and testing of freezers’ top performance and reliability.
● Refurbished units are often upgraded to include the newest electronics, compressors, and efficiency enhancements that can save on energy costs.
● Contribute to improving the environmental footprint by purchasing refurbished freezers and equipment. Refurbishing improves the life of freezers and reduces electronic waste.
Conclusion: Ancaster Food Equipment for Best Refurbished Kitchen items
Following these tips is a great way to keep ice cream products frozen and tasting delicious. Ensure you buy the best freezer to meet your ice cream storage and freezer requirements. High-performing freezers like True Freezers are the best options on the market.
Purchasing a refurbished commercial ice cream freezer is a great way to save on expenses while meeting ice cream’s storage and management needs.
With decades of industry experience and reputation, Ancaster Food Equipment is a brand built on customer satisfaction, quality, and value. Check out their website to learn more about all their offerings.
