What is a Soft Serve Machine?

Soft serve is more than just ice cream—it’s an experience. Behind every swirl is a specialized piece of equipment designed to freeze, aerate, and dispense the perfect product with consistency and speed. A commercial soft serve machine works by adding mix into a hopper (either ready-to-use liquid mix or powdered mix combined with milk or water). Within minutes, the mix is rapidly frozen in the cylinder, producing smooth, creamy soft serve that’s ready to serve in just 5–10 minutes.

Types of Commercial Soft Serve Machines

Spaceman USA offers two main machine types, each tailored to different business goals:

• Gravity-Fed Machines
  Using gravity to pull mix from the hopper into the freezing cylinder, these machines are simple, reliable, and cost-effective. They typically produce a denser, creamier product with less overrun (air incorporation), making them ideal for operators who charge by weight or want a premium, indulgent texture.
• Air-Pressurized (Pump-Fed) Machines
  Designed to whip more air into the mix before it enters the cylinder, pump-fed models deliver a lighter, airier, and smoother product. This allows operators to maximize profit margins by yielding more servings per gallon of mix, while still providing customers with an exceptionally creamy texture.

Whether you prefer the premium density of gravity-fed or the high-yield efficiency of pump-fed, Spaceman has a model that fits your exact business strategy.

Machine Configurations

No two shops are alike—and your soft serve machine should match your operation. At Spaceman, we offer:

• Countertop units for small spaces or restaurants adding dessert options.
• Floor-standing models for ice cream shops making soft serve their core menu.
• Single-flavor machines for simplicity.
• Twin-twist models for offering multiple flavors and creative combos.

Output capacity matters too: some machines produce 2 cones per minute, while larger units can handle 6 or more. Choosing the right configuration depends on your menu, space, and expected demand—and our team is always here to guide you through that decision.

Core Features That Set Spaceman Apart

Every Spaceman machine is built with industry-leading technology designed to deliver unmatched consistency, reliability, and ease of use. Here’s what makes our soft serve equipment different:

• Patented 100% Controlled Contact Flooded Evaporator – Designed for maximum efficiency, it delivers the fastest freeze-down and recovery times in the industry. The result? Smaller ice crystals and the smoothest, creamiest mouthfeel.
• Continuous Improvement in Design – Each update incorporates real-world feedback and R&D, improving efficiency, reducing failure points, and enhancing serviceability.
• V5 Single-Piece Auger Design – A fully integrated auger reduces parts, eliminates cleaning headaches, ensures full evaporator wall contact, and enhances product consistency with the smoothest texture possible.
• Smart Safety Controls & Standby Mode – Independently control hopper and freezing cylinder standby temperatures. Product stays below 40ºF overnight, keeping food safe and energy use optimized.
• Inverter Motor Control (all models except 6210) – Enables three-phase motor performance with single-phase input, reducing torque stress during startup and dramatically minimizing drivetrain failures.
• Separate Hopper Cooling Controls (two-flavor models) – Independently cool each hopper, preventing freezing on the sides and pre-chilling product for smoother, more consistent output.
• Advanced Air Pump Design (air-pump models) – Oversized and simplified with fewer parts, our pump ensures cylinders remain full, preventing starvation and making cleaning easier.
• Dual-System Gravity-Fed Air Inlet (gravity models) – Optimizes overrun and texture when paired with the V5 auger, delivering long-term quality unmatched in the industry.
• Larger 5-Gallon Hopper Capacity (select models) – Reduced refill time and increased efficiency for high-volume operations.

From quick-service restaurants to dedicated ice cream shops, Spaceman machines are designed to make your operations more profitable, efficient, and consistent.

Ready to Learn More?

Soft serve is one of the most profitable and versatile menu items you can offer, and with Spaceman, it’s easier than ever to get started. From small cafés to high-volume ice cream shops, we have a solution that fits your needs.

Connect with us at sales@spacemanusa.com to explore the best machine for your business.