What to Look for When Buying a Rolled Ice Cream Cold Plate

Are you familiar with the delicious and unique dessert known as rolled ice cream? This trendy treat, also called stir-fried or Thai rolled ice cream, has taken the dessert scene by storm in recent years. The process of making rolled ice cream involves pouring a liquid ice cream base onto a frozen metal surface, then adding toppings and flavorings before mixing and chopping the mixture until it solidifies into rolls. The result is a dessert with a smooth and creamy texture that is both visually stunning and customizable to your taste preferences. So, whether you're a seasoned fan of rolled ice cream or have never heard of it before, read on to learn more about what to look for when buying a rolled ice cream cold plate machine.

Why You Need a Cold Plate Machine for Making Rolled Ice Cream

If you're a fan of rolled ice cream, then you know that a cold plate machine is essential for making this tasty dessert. But have you ever wondered why a cold plate machine is necessary? Well, let me tell you. A cold plate is a frozen metal surface that rapidly freezes the liquid ice cream base, enabling it to be scraped off into those beautiful rolls. Without a cold plate machine, creating the perfect texture and shape of rolled ice cream would be nearly impossible. Cold plate machines freeze the mixture faster and more efficiently than traditional ice cream makers, resulting in a creamy and smooth final product. So, if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your customers, investing in a high-quality cold plate machine is a must!

Size and Capacity

If you're just starting out or only plan on making rolled ice cream for personal use, a small cold plate machine may suffice. These machines are typically compact, lightweight, and can fit on a countertop. They usually measure around 10 to 12 inches in diameter and can produce one or two rolls at a time.

However, if you are running a business or plan on serving large groups of people, a larger cold plate machine would be more suitable. Large cold plate machines can measure up to 24 inches in diameter. They are also equipped with more powerful compressors to keep the cold plate temperature consistent, ensuring that your ice cream rolls freeze quickly and evenly.

Ultimately, the size of the cold plate machine you choose will depend on your specific needs and usage. Consider how much ice cream you plan on making and how many people you will be serving to determine the best size for your needs.

Design and build

A good quality cold plate should be made of food-grade stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean. The surface of the cold plate should be smooth and flat, without any bumps or ridges that could affect the texture of the ice cream rolls. The thickness of the cold plate is also important, as a thicker plate will retain the cold temperature better and create a more consistent texture.

In addition to the quality of the cold plate itself, it's important to consider the cooling system of the machine. The cooling system should be powerful enough to maintain a consistently low temperature across the entire surface of the cold plate, ensuring that the ice cream mixture freezes quickly and evenly. A high-quality compressor and refrigeration system are essential to achieve this.

Investing in a cold plate machine with a high-quality cold plate and powerful cooling system will not only ensure that your ice cream rolls have a smooth and creamy texture but also that the machine will have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. So, be sure to prioritize the quality of the cold plate when selecting a rolled ice cream cold plate machine.

Where to source a rolled ice cream cold plate

At this point it is super important to distinguish between one off recreational users, more serious recreational use and commercial users.

If you are just looking to make a few rolls at home I would recommend one of these super simple freezable pans that you can pick up for about $30. Here is an example. You simply put these trays in the freezer about 12 hours before you want to use it and then you are good to go. However, you can't really keep rolling all afternoon on these. It is really just a a frozen tray, so once it has warmed up, you will have to wait for it to chill down again.

The next option up from that is a small machine for your home. You can pick these up from about $200 and they will allow you to make ice cream rolls all afternoon. Maybe you have a BBQ coming up and you want to be able to serve up some rolled ice cream for dessert? Here is an option that might work for you here.

If you are looking to set up a pro operation you will need something more serious equipment. The good news is you no longer have to go to Thailand to pick up kit like this. I recommend checking out US based vendors like Arctic Griddle. If you are joining a franchise, the company should be able to supply these machines to you.

Conclusion

So now you know why you need a cold plate and you hopefully know which type is right for you! Happy rolling!