Pros vs. Cons of Used Dipping Cabinets

If you are going to buy a used dipping cabinet make sure that it only a few years old or that it has been custom rehabbed by the manufacturer, otherwise it could end up being a bit less of a bargain than you thought.  For example, older units have a way of really draining power and can greatly increase your cost in electricity.

Sometimes your local health department can get a bit picky when it comes to used dipping cabinets. If the equipment malfunctions in the slightest way or even has too much condensation or a crack you might be told you can’t use it.

Older dipping cabinets might have strange connections or cause power surges in your store that can cause lights to flicker, your circuits to overload and other problems.  Many of the new dipping cabinets today have standard plugs, which are safe for your electrical outlets.

Another issue with buying used dipping cabinets is that they sometimes do not have casters.  You have to hoist them up on a dolly to move them.  You will want a dipping cabinet that has castors on the bottom that makes it easy to move around the store.
  Many older models or used models are also sometimes missing the inserts that are used to keep the tubs stable in your cooler.  Although you can do without these, having them in place make it easier to keep the cooler clean.

Yet another drawback of older used units is that not all of them have lights inside.  Some older models of dipping cabinets can come with incandescent light bulb sockets but this can make you look a little bit too rustic.  Sometimes putting energy efficient light bulbs in these old style ones can make them look a little more modern.

Older style dipping cabinets might also have fittings for fluorescent tubes that are no longer available. Many also do not have the original thermometers or only have thermometers and thermostats that just do not work any more.

You should also only buy from a dealer that can guarantee that it is cold enough to keep ice cream. You should be able to “test drive” the unit for a couple of days to make sure it keeps your ice cream at the ideal soft scooping point that you need to serve melt-in-your mouth ice cream to your customers.

Yet another reason you need to get that rock-solid return policy defined and in place is in case the used dipping cabinet starts leaking, condensing or simply is not reliable in any way.

A brand new clean ice cream freezer is usually a lot more attractive to your customers.  A new freezer is more reliable, will last longer, and has the modern features that shop owners want. It also helps keep your shop looking like you have a high standard of quality.
  However, if you are putting together a retro style ice cream parlor a used dipping cabinet can really complete the look of your place.  Just make sure it is pristine and rehabbed like any quality equipment.

When you start shopping for ice cream dipping cabinets, determine if you prefer a used cabinet versus a new one. Used dipping cabinets may not have the modern technology needed for a new shop and may not be in good condition.  New cabinets will be more pricey, but may have the appearance and the features that you would like for your shop.

Top Features of a Kelvinator Dipping Cabinet

Kelvinator dipping cabinets come in both a straight front and a curved glass option to properly display ice cream. They offer 4, 8, 12, and 16 tub models to meet the needs of your shop. Like other brands, many of the models also include additional storage underneath the displayed product. This is a great feature as it can help shops that have little storage space, as well as have additional product ready to go if the shop gets really busy.

Another great feature of a Kelvinator dipping cabinet is they can also display gelato.  Shop owners can purchase gelato pans and gelato pan racks to convert the ice cream freezer into a gelato freezer.

Many ice cream dipping cabinets come with optional accessories to meet the needs and wants of different shop owners. This can include casters, frost shield kits, night cover kits and more. Kelvinator dipping cabinets usually have most modern features as well as a variety of optional accessories to choose from.

Some other great features of Kelvinator dipping cabinets will save you money as well as make it easy for you and your staff to adjust the settings.  These cabinets are equipped with LED lighting to save energy, and a digital thermostat control and display for easy operation.

Options for these dipping cabinets include:
• Low Temperature
• Drop-in Cabinet
• Glass Door
• Top Mount Glass Door
• Hardening Cabinets

When searching for a dipping cabinet for your shop, review the features and benefits that each manufacturer offers.  Look for a manufacturer that offers a variety of sizes, optional features, and updated technology.  An ideal manufacturer will also have a distributor in your area that can service your equipment quickly should you ever have an issue.

Gelato dipping cabinets are not necessarily the same as an ice cream cabinet. True gelato is laid out in trays in a display case and not sold in tubs. However, you do see gelato sold this way in all kinds of establishments as some shop owners find it more practical to purchase an ice cream dipping cabinet.

Why Buy a Gelato Dipping Cabinet?

The reason that you may prefer gelato dipping cabinets over ice cream cabinets is because gelato must be kept consistently at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream to be a great product.

If you put them in the same dipping cabinet then one product or another is going to suffer in terms of quality. You are better off to serve either ice cream or gelato from one cabinet rather than get a reputation for serving a product that is not served at the right consistency.

Types of Gelato Dipping Cabinets

Gelato display cases come in all kinds of different shapes and colors. Many of them look like real coolers, like you would display meat or cheese in except that they are to be filled with flat metal trays that are angled on a slant to display the product to customers.

Gelato dipping cabinets also come in all kinds of different sizes, capacities and heights. You can buy them so that they hold anywhere from six to twenty four gelato containers or serving dishes. The models that have metal dishes are the best as metal chills the base of the gelato keeping it just as firm as it needs to be.

Features to Look For in a Quality Gelato Dipping Cabinet

You can also buy gelato display trays that allow you to store two levels of twelve pans stacked on top of each other. If you are on a tight budget or have little space, this could be the answer to offering your customers a wide selection of gelato flavors.

Many gelato shops leave their gelato uncovered, but if you prefer a cover on each flavor you can get slide-top cabinets for gelato, which helps protect the product. These come in flat versions or contemporary bubble versions.

As is true with ice cream cabinets, you do want to make sure that your gelato dipping cabinet has a state-of-the-art thermostat, controls and castors on it so you can move it around. Look for cases that have sneeze-guards and great lighting so that your product looks as hygienic and attractive as possible behind the glass window of the case.  
A great new feature of many European gelato cases allows you to hook it up to garden hose so you can rinse the interior of the case quickly and easily.

Gelato dipping cabinets can have a hard-edged or curved shape, which gives you the choice of either a more contemporary or retro look to your cabinet. Some manufacturers and distributors of gelato cases include Oscartielle, Sevel USA, Bravo International and Villa Dolce Italian Gelato. Take a look at the vendors on our site to see if they carry the type of gelato display case that you are looking for.

To learn about ice cream dipping cabinets, read more

Shop by Type of Dipping Cabinet

Before deciding where you would like to shop for a dipping cabinet, you should first research what type of dipping cabinet you need. There are so many features, sizes, and optional accessories available that you may want a specific brand of ice cream dipping cabinets. Or, one dealer may offer a better warranty than another.

The size of ice cream dipping cabinets can be a major factor in which type you should purchase.  If you have a smaller shop, you do not want a dipping cabinet that will overwhelm the space or make it crowded.  However, you will need to make sure it has enough tubs depending on how many flavors of ice cream you want to offer.

Another important factor is choosing a manufacturer or distributor.  There are several top rated brands available that each offer unique features.  More dealers have come available that offer quality equipment at a lower cost.  Weigh your options and decide what would work best for you.

Local or Online Ice Cream Dipping Cabinets?

Once you have a good idea of what kind of dipping cabinet you need, you then need to decide if you would like to find a local dealer or if you prefer shopping online. It may be hard to find a dealer that is close to you, however, it does offer you the opportunity to meet with the dealer and see the equipment in person. Shopping online may be an easier option, where you are able to view a wide assortment of brands and options.

There are many websites that have ice cream dipping cabinets for sale. Some manufacturers have their own website, where others rely on dealers or distributors to advertise the equipment on their websites. There are also websites that include listings from several dealers, which makes it very easy for the buyer to find a large selection of ice cream dipping cabinets and compare the different brands.

Features of Masterbilt Dipping Cabinets

For shops that are not displaying product, a stainless steel top may be the best option. These tops resist corrosion which lengthens the life of the ice cream freezer. These dipping cabinets usually include heaters underneath the top to prevent condensation.
  Some of the other great features of Masterbilt dipping cabinets are floor drains, thick insulation, leveling legs, independent compressor and more.  Masterbilt offers many optional accessories as well.

Masterbilt Warranty

If you’re considering purchasing a Masterbilt dipping cabinet, you will be happy to know there is a warranty on the compressor as well as parts and labor.  This is important just in case anything were to happen to your equipment within the first few years of use.

It can be difficult to choose what brand of dipping cabinets is best for you.  Compare the features and the optional accessories, as well as the warranties offered by each manufacturer.  A Masterbilt dipping cabinet may be what you’re looking for!

For helpful information on where to buy dipping cabinets, click here

Here are the steps to buying an ice cream dipping cabinet:

1. Research ice cream dipping cabinet manufacturers that might be located near you and see if they are actually selling refurbished models for cheaper. This could lead to substantial savings for you, especially if you are thinking of buying a larger sixteen flavor dipping cabinet.
2. Research installation, placement or maintenance of the dipping cabinet. This could affect what kind of brand you buy and possibly also the number of ice cream cabinets.
3. Check whether or not that space that you have rented or owned can actually support the electricity power. However, most coolers today are energy efficient enough to let you plug them into a standard two or three prong outlet.
4. Determine if you want a 4, 8, 12, or 16 flavor ice cream dipping cabinet. Decide where you will be placing your freezer and if you will be purchasing 1 dipping cabinet or several of them.
5. Consider also buying a backup generator. One power outage could possibly cost you your entire inventory if you do not have a back up generator that kicks in and helps keep your ice cream cold.
6. Once you select a dealer to buy from, find out the cost and speed of delivery. You should also be very careful about asking who is paying for the shipping and delivery costs, you or the dealer or manufacturer. Dipping cabinets of this magnitude are heavy units that can often take a long time to deliver and they can cost a lot to ship across the country.

Choosing the right ice cream dipping cabinet for your business takes time and research. You will want to decide if it’s important to you to find a local manufacturer or if you simply want a dealer who is easy to work with and offers a warranty. Decide on your store layout to determine how many dipping cabinets you will need and what size would work best.

Remember that your business as an ice cream parlor is all about selling cold ice cream and without these dipping cabinets you will not have any business at all.

Click here for information about buying used dipping cabinets

What are Ice Cream Dipping Cabinets?

Ice cream dipping cabinets (also know as ice cream dipping freezers) are refrigerated cabinets where ice cream can be stored and scooped from. Dipping cabinets ensure the ice cream stays at the perfect temperature so the ice cream can be enjoyed by customers.

There are ice cream dipping cabinets that can go underneath the counter or you can add a sneeze guard and have it front and center for the customers to see (depending on your shop layout and space available).

Average Costs of Dipping Cabinets?

The cost for dipping cabinets can vary greatly. There are various brand names out there that claim to be the best made freezers, however you should remember that the bigger the brand name, the more expensive the freezer.  And if that freezer breaks down, the parts to repair it will also be pricey.

You can also buy a used ice cream dipping cabinet, typically for 30% to 50% off the original list price.  However, the dipping cabinet could break on you the next day and then you’d have to pay for the repair and replacement parts.

Your best bet would be to find a fair priced new ice cream dipping cabinet with a strong guarantee/warranty.

Used ice cream dipping cabinets cost: $500 – $4,000
New ice cream dipping cabinet cost: $1,000 – $8,000

What to Look for When Buying a Dipping Cabinet

Before shopping for a dipping cabinet it is a good idea to determine what size you need and how many you are going to buy. This is completely dependent on your space and also how confident you are that your sales volume is going to be enough to cover anywhere from one to several coolers.

Quantity

Most ice cream shops have at least two ice cream dipping cabinets with eight to ten tubs to keep their customers happy when it comes to being able to offer them a wide variety of flavors.

When you buy look for a name brand that is going to give you a full warranty on the parts, labor and also on the compressor. Most quality brands give you a five-year warranty on the compressor, one year on parts and 90 days on labor.

Features

Most quality dipping cabinets come with the standard plug. There is no reason to buy one with a large plug that needs grounding when so many cabinets today can simply be plugged into the wall.

You should also look for dipping cabinets that have heat reflective glass windows (or lids). This provides extra protection from the ice buildup that can occur on the equipment and also the ice cream.

An important feature to look for is dipping cabinets that have casters on the bottom so that you can easily move them from one place to another. This also makes it easier to clean beneath it so your store stays hygienic. Make sure that the castors on the freezer lock so that your ice cream freezer is stable once you have wheeled it in place.

Another must is a freezer that has ice cream tub holders. Do not underestimate the importance of these. They help hold the tubs stable inside the cooler.

A quality freezer will have an adjustable thermostat inside it. This is important because your ice cream has to be slightly soft in order to be perfectly scoopable. It also can help indicate that you are having problems with power or with the functioning of the unit in general.

Lighting is also important. You want to make sure that the dipping cabinet has ample lighting so you can showcase your delicious ice cream products to your customers. You might also want to buy a dipping cabinet that is enhanced with pink lighting on the uppers inside or outside to make your food look more attractive.

Although there are many ways that you can label ice cream flavors on a dipping cabinet it is always nice to choose a model that has slots in the front in which you can place a description card for the flavor. Most of the time these are located above and below the cooler window but some models also come with clips or slots that help you do this on the interior rim of the cabinet.

Where to Purchase

Finally choose a broker or a manufacturer that is going to deliver you that ice cream dipping cabinet in a timely manner. Beware of the affiliate or reseller that is going to wait weeks to deliver your cabinet to you. Failure to investigate the length of delivery time can delay your ice cream shop’s opening.

If you’re lucky, you may have a manufacturer that is in your local area. Otherwise, you will need to find a manufacturer online or in a catalog and contact them about their products.

This site will provide you with a variety of trusted, quality dealers and a range of ice cream dipping cabinets at affordable prices. Our inventory is continuously updated, so if you don’t see something you like please check back!

Check out our helpful articles on dipping cabinets:

6 Tips When Buying an Ice Cream Dipping Cabinet

Where to Buy Dipping Cabinets

Used vs. New Dipping Cabinets

An Overview of Masterbilt Dipping Cabinets

Features and Benefits of Kelvinator Dipping Cabinets