If it so happens that you are starting or going for an upgrade on the business of ice cream in Johannesburg, a question that you will most certainly grapple with will be the makes of ice cream that will be supplied and if there is a need to invest in high end machines that will ensure consistent supply of the ice cream. Given the constant rise in demand for quality desserts, upsides of investing in quality machines for once business seem almost guaranteed as it’s not just about comfort of using these machines rather improving the speed and overall outcomes of a business including customer satisfaction.
This article will discuss some of the potential drawbacks and advantages of acquiring a high commercial grade ice cream making machine through the lenses of Johannesburg market and provide necessary reasoning as to whether this step should be undertaken or not for business setup.
Understanding the Need for a Commercial Ice Cream Machine
Imagine all that goes into running a business that specializes in making ice cream whether in a small gelateria or building an ice cream parlor talking about ordering high quality ingredients or coming up with fun flavors. What most people do not realize is that the best product is achieved through the means by which the product is produced. As much as there are many machines that help in making ice cream, commercial machines play an integral part in forming and controlling the end product such as the quality of the ice cream, its texture, consistency, and even the overall physical appearance.
The Demand for High-Quality Ice Cream in Johannesburg
But as a bustling city, Johannesburg is a mélange of different cultures, races and ethnicities. The city is also a culinary hotspot with dining establishments spreading across every corner. And with a growing plethora of upscale restaurants, dessert shops, and even ice cream trucks, customers have become more and more particular. They want ice-cream that is smooth, rich, thick and mouth-watering. The machine that is capable of producing such fine ice-cream is indeed an Ice cream machine. Whether you are looking to entertain the refined clientele of a five-star restaurant or the casual customer who simply wants to treat himself with something sweet, there is a high quality and reliable commercial ice cream machine which will meet such demands.
What Does a High-End Commercial Ice Cream Machine Offer?
When you decide to go for a commercial ice cream machine, it is understood that you are going to be purchasing nothing but quality. Such machines deliver great and consistent performance. Some of the features which users can expect from such a machine are the following:
1. Superior Consistency and Texture
With a heavy commercial ice cream machine, even this is not a problem. When customers order their ice-cream, they will always expect the same fluffiness and creaminess each time. A machine with good quality high end professional ice cream maker will use the right amount of pressure and freezing temperature, making every ice cream smooth and creamy, thus void of any unnatural ice crystals. For restaurants, this will definitely be a strong point of selling because they focus on developing superior quality.
2. Faster Production Times
The biggest benefit of a premier unit has got to be the efficiency. These machines are able to churn out larger quantities within a shorter time frame which makes catering to the huge demand easy. This is crucial especially in a place like Johannesburg, where customer demand is higher than normal and there is intensive competition to deal with.
3. Increased Capacity
Most premium ice cream machines are designed to take in more quantities of ingredients and ice makers at a time. It is therefore most suitable for businesses which enjoy high sales volumes. In the case where the area of location is highly populated and fast growth is expected, machines with more capacities would be the best option to avoid poor quality.
4. Versatility
Many of the machines at the higher end of the spectrum have the capabilities of producing different types of frozen desserts including soft- serve, gelato, sorbet, and even frozen yogurt. This enables you to expand your range and appeal to more customers.
5. Advanced Features
Most of the higher end machines are designed with features such as automatic cooling systems, self-cleaning systems and different digital aspects, which makes their use easier. Time and energy can be saved with these electronics which could make the making of ice cream easier.
The Cost Factor: Ice Cream Machine Price Johannesburg
When buying high class machines, the most critical factor that comes into play is the cost. The cost of an ice cream machine in Pretoria can differ greatly based on the brand of the machine, features and the amount of ice cream produced. On average in Johannesburg, the cost of a commercial ice cream machine ranges from R30,000 to R100,000 or more for the best models.
Is the Price Justified?
Although the amount of money required to invest in the machinery is quite large, it is appropriate to consider the long term benefits of having a premium machine. It is likely that its maintenance cost, life span and energy consumption will be lower thus saving money in the long run. Moreover, having a better quality and quicker machine will allow production of a higher number of items and serve more customers which in turn will enhance sales.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Commercial Ice Cream Machine
It is wise to consider multiple considerations regarding if a high end commercial ice cream machine will be worthwhile for your business before taking the plunge and making a purchase.
1. Volume of Sales
When starting an ice cream business, it is not necessary to have a machine of very high functionalities for an ice cream shop if the demand is only moderate. For such businesses where volume isn’t yet at a stage where demand for big manufacturing is required, cheaper machines may be more advantageous. But for companies that already have a presence in the market and are planning to grow quickly in the next few years, it is wise to get a more sophisticated machine to suit the increasing demand.
2. Maintenance and Support
The more expensive machines usually have more warranty and better after-sale services but also do take into account how much the machine will be used and how often it will need to be serviced. In Johannesburg, several expensive machines need a higher level of understanding and skill to repair making it a point of concern to owners in terms of repairs and the time it takes to look for someone able to fix the machine.
3. Energy Consumption
There are two considerations of focus when evaluating commercial ice cream machines in South Africa that are the energy consumption and the cost of the machine. Most high quality machines are designed to be energy efficient but still require large amounts of energy. Make sure the energy rates work with your business plans and that your cost of operations will be less than the capital amount spent.
4. Space and Installation
Relative to their beginners models, the high end machines such as ice cream machines have larger proportions and occupy more space. Always use a ruler to gauge the dimensions of the available area in your premises to ascertain the suitability of the machine. Also think about installation and necessary changes to any works that may be required.
Alternative Options: Are Lower-Priced Machines a Viable Choice?
In case the high-class ice cream machine for commercial use is too expensive for your budget, you also have choices of more reasonably priced mid-range ice cream machines to offer good quality within a fair price. These machines may not be able to achieve the same levels of efficiency and consistency and reliability as the top of the range commercial ice cream machines but they are good enough for small businesses or new start enterprises. Seek for cost-centric machines but do consider the amount and specification of your production requirements.
Conclusion
Purchasing a commercial ice cream machine in Johannesburg is a worthwhile investment if you are operating a large-scale ice cream business and seeking to penetrate the high end market. Even though the ice cream machine price Johannesburg is relatively high, a large ice cream machine for sale, which is durable, ensures better consistency, optimizes production speed, and increased capacity which can be beneficial in the long run. In the end though, it all depends on the size, objectives and target clients of a specific business.
If you are willing to put your money where your mouth is with regards to quality and order volume, it is likely that only a high end ice cream maker will give your business the edge in the highly competitive market in Johannesburg.
