The Benefits of a Modern Commercial Ice Cream Freezer

The Benefits of a Modern Commercial Ice Cream Freezer

by BLOG
The Benefits of a Modern Commercial Ice Cream Freezer

Display freezers for ice cream have been among us for a long time and they still have a very important role in selling ice cream. But, there are a lot of additional facts you should be aware when it comes to ice cream freezers. They are especially important in the summer, making the cool, tasty treat all the more appealing with the moist air surrounding.

But more than just the popularity and impact of freezers on summer ice cream sales, there are a few more things to know about them.

Being able to upgrade and offer more

A standard ice cream dipping cabinet may offer room for 2-4 types of ice cream and ingredients, but you can raise your standards. Newer models give you an interesting option. They can be upgraded so they will offer more alternatives. You can choose between 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 serving space options. Yes, each one is more than just productive and can assist you in making better sales. Also, they look nice and can boost the productivity of your restaurant or a coffee house.

Very little cleaning required

One of the interesting advantages of newer freezer is the fact you can use your ice cream freezer for a long time before it actually needs a proper cleaning. Conventional freezers will require daily cleaning, which is a time-consuming and annoying procedure. New models don’t. Their design is specifically developed for this purpose and they are capable of staying clean for a longer period of time.

We should add that they are also more durable than conventional models and they are equipped with systems which maintain the proper temperature at all times.

They can fit anywhere

A modern ice cream cooler will fit anywhere you want it. It can be perfectly positioned in the smallest corner of a restaurant or a shop and it will still provide the best results. Older ones are more complicated to implement into your restaurant and they require more space.

Come in a variety of shapes and different glass panels

An ice cream fridge can look any way you want it to look. The number of glass panels and their shape is something that can make a difference. You can choose between various options which will make your ice cream look any way you want it to look. A single panel is the base model but you can get those with 4 panels, which look high-end.

Summary

A modernized ice cream freezer is definitely something you will want. Nowadays, they are essential, but more than that, they can make your place look extraordinary. Old models were a decent choice, but new ones are just great. They come with a variety of features and they are impressive even for people who have been in the ice cream business a long time.

Must Have Features For Your Ice Cream Freezers

Must Have Features For Your Ice Cream Freezers

by BLOG

Must Have Features For Your Ice Cream Freezers

A commercial display freezer is a powerful piece of equipment that will keep things cold. But, the real question is what else can it offer? In order to answer this, we must understand that there are several different levels of ice cream display freezers. Basic models are freezers with a display panel, which is sufficient, but not ideal. More sophisticated models are far better in this area and they offer plenty of additional features.

The size

Obviously, the first and the most important factor to consider is the size of a freezer. There are various models out there and each one is a bit different. Some of them may keep so much ice cream that you cannot sell all of it during a single day. Others are more oriented towards smaller applications, for coffee houses where a few ice cream servings per day are sufficient.

The shape

The shape is usually similar, for all models. Basically, you have a flat freezer where you will place your ice cream and a glass cover which is used to keep the ice cream cool, but also to allow for potential customers to have a peek. Upright freezers are not so popular or useful. Only a few models with this design are available, but they are difficult to find and they are generally impractical.

Eco-friendly freezers are the best option

All of these freezers are optimized to operate for working hours and even through the night. When the temperature outside is higher than usual, a freezer will have to use more energy to keep the temperature low. On the other hand, when the temperature is lower, a freezer will use less energy. But, eco-friendly models are optimized to use a low amount of energy at all times. They are real money-savers and you definitely want one. Older units are not energy efficient models and they can cause a severe spike in your energy bill.

Storage Space

Some freezers have room for 4 different ice creams, while other have space for 16 different ice creams. It is up to you, but recommended models are capable of offering an upgrade in the terms of space inside. You can add a few more flavors and extend your offer. Those with a place for 16 ice creams are high-end models.

Design

An ice cream dipping freezer must look nice at all times. In case it isn’t, your customers may get a bad impression about the ice cream. The models with big glass surfaces are the best choice, while those with smaller ones are less ideal. In any case, the first type is highly recommended. They are also great due to the fact they are more practical to use. Keep in mind that ice cream freezers designed for kitchen usages are fully closed and they won’t come with glass panels.

Summary

The best ice cream freezer display doesn’t have to be the biggest. It has to be the one which suits you the most.

How to make ice cream better

How To Make Ice Cream Better

by BLOG

How to make ice cream better

Ice cream is a great treat that deserves to be served and displayed well. It is always delicious, but there are ways to make it even more desirable.  It will look much better in an ice cream dipping cabinet and it will be more appealing to guests. So, the real question is, how can you make and serve ice cream to your customers in the best way possible?

Cool it properly

Before any other step, it is essential to cool the ice cream to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A high-quality ice cream display freezer will be capable of providing this service at all times. In a nutshell, it creates a wonderful foundation for the ice cream to be ready to become other shapes, sizes or mixtures.

Chilling is also beneficial for the texture and flavor. Tiny ice crystals actually make the ice cream taste better- however, it is important to maintain a happy medium in term of ice crystals because too many will create a frosty, unpleasant taste. So, the bottom line here is that a chilled ice cream base makes it better, more delicious and appealing to more people.

The more butterfat, the better

Did you know that ice cream has a similar texture to bread? Basically, both of them are foams, meaning that there are millions of tiny connections in the ice cream, as well as bread. So, how you can make the connections better? One way you can do this is you can add more cream. This will make the ice cream fluffier and more pleasant from the first taste.

Essentially, milk makes ice cream firmer. Some of the best-known types of ice creams and some of the best manufacturers add more milk than cream, which has the benefit we mentioned. You can choose any direction/firmness you want, just try to aim for a good mixture and combination of firmness and softness, by utilizing both cream and milk and constantly checking the consistency. Commercial freezers can help provide consistency in terms of texture, so contact Excellence Industries and make sure you are up to par with current refrigeration standards.

Add sugar or honey

Bakers will add sugar to bread to make it sweet. You can do the same with your ice cream. Adding sugar or some other type of sweetener is beneficial. First of all, the ice cream won’t freeze completely if the sugar levels are high. This will provide a much better taste. Some lower quality freezers will freeze ice cream without sugar completely, which may affect its taste and flavor, so watch out for that at suppliers other than Excellence Industries.

There are some alternative to sugar. You can use honey, which gives the ice cream an interesting flavor. You can use glucose syrup as well. Both of them are healthier than using actual sugar. Corn syrup can also be utilized. However, watch out for the consistency of the ice cream as using sugar alternatives may alter it, especially corn syrup, which is known to give ice cream a chewier texture.

Summary

Ice cream is delicious, but not always foolproof. You have to take into account the amount of milk/cream being used, as well as the amount of sugar- as these variables contribute to the texture and consistency. A great way to ensure your ice cream is at optimal temperature, consistency and taste, is to buy a high-quality commercial freezer, such as those offered at Excellence Industries.

Four Main Types of Commercial Freezers

Four Main Types of Commercial Freezers

by BLOG

We offer a plethora of commercial freezer options at Excellence Industries, food, ice cream and dairy refrigeration is our bread and butter. With that said, there are some divides in terms of what  is offered. There are five primary types of freezer available and they are characterized by how they are displayed. The four main kinds include: countertop, horizontal, storage and vertical. In this informative blog post, Excellence Industries describes the types of freezers in details.

Countertop

Excellence Industries offers many countertop cooler displays. These include: the SC-22: Compact Countertop Display Cooler with Lighted Sign which comes fully equipped with a lighted display, the SC: Countertop Display Cooler with Lighted Sign which has a different aesthetic than the SC-22, including black trim, the EMM: Countertop Glass Door Cooler that comes in black or stainless steel, the CTM-7: Heavy Duty Large Countertop Cooler which is made of heavy-duty whitecoated steel, the CTF-MS: Countertop Glass Door Freezer with Merchandising Sign which comes fully insulated and the CTF: Countertop Glass Door Freezer, that comes with an interior LED light display. As you can see, if you are needing a countertop refrigerator or freezer for commercial reasons, look no further than Excellence Industries, as we have a large supply of freezers that will meet all your needs and whims.

Horizontal

For more traditional ice cream and dairy purposes, you may be seeking a horizontal freezer or refrigeration display. In that case, Excellence Industries also has what you are looking for, with a wide display of horizontal commercial freezers. These include: the MCT-5HC: Display Freezer with Merchandising Countertop, the HB-LD: Dual Temp Display Cabinet, the HBG: Gelato Scooping Cabinet, the HBD: Dipping Cabinet, the VB: Curved Lid Display Freezer, the UCG: Ultra Cold Display Freezer, the SPOT: Dual Temperature Merchandiser, the SAO PAULO H: Sliding Flat Glass Lid Freezer, the RIO S: Ice Cream Freezer, the RF: Barrel Freezer, the PGC: Gelato Dipping Cabinet, the MB: Dual Temperature Mini Bunker, the HB-23L: Jumbo Freezer with LED Lighting, the EURO: Flat Glass Lid Freezer and the EDC: Ice Cream Dipping Cabinet.

Storage

Storage freezers are usually those that would store extra stock somewhere in the back or in more of a warehouse setting; they are rarely up front, as in the case of display freezers. Excellence Industries offers an abundance of storage freezers, which can be characterized as utilitarian and practical (the same emphasis is not placed on aesthetic as with the display freezers). Our storage offerings include: the SLF: Slim Line Freezer, the MCS: Milk Cooler which has a cold wall evaporator, the UCS: Ultra-Cold Storage Freezer, the ISL: Multifunction Storage Freezer, the HFF: Heavy Duty Storage Freezer, the HBC: Back Bar Bottle Cooler and the FT-4: Stainless Steel Small Footprint Freezer.

Vertical

Our upright coolers are perfect for displaying the foods/ice creams/dairy products your company is most proud of, right in front of the store. We have a plethora of commercial freezers/refrigerators, including: the AC-6L: Air Curtain Display Cooler, the FSG: Four-Sided Glass Countertop Cooler, the VR: Value Heavy Duty Glass Door Cooler, the GDR-13: Upright Glass Door Cooler, the GDR: Value Upright Glass Door Cooler and the GDF: Upright Glass Door Compact Freezer.

Is Your Refrigerator Running

Is Your Refrigerator Running? Well then you better go fix it.

by BLOG

Is Your Refrigerator Running

Even the best refrigerators, such as those from Excellence Industries, require proper maintenance. In this helpful blog post, we detail some maintenance tips for the care and keeping of your refrigerator. Note that these tips are beneficial for both commercial and home refrigerators. Wherever your refrigerator is located, it will most likely be an oft used appliance that goes through a lot of daily wear and tear. Maintenance can help combat this and lengthen the life and functioning of your fridge, as well as reduce energy intake.

CLEAN THE GASKET, REPLACE IF NEEDED

If you are not familiar with what the gasket part of the refrigerator is, it’s the thin rubber seal that lines your refrigerator and freezer doors. It’s something you probably never think about, but it has a really important job of sealing out warm air. If it is not functioning properly, warm air may seep in and change the temperature of your refrigerator/freezer, making your food go bad or melt. Be especially wary of this as gaskets weaken, loosen and tear only a few years after purchasing a new fridge. In addition to this conundrum costing you money in terms of wasted food, the fridge will also have to work harder to try and remove the heat which means its energy intake will increase and the bills will become larger. However, this all has a simple fix- either clean the gasket and if it seals after cleaning, fine. Your gasket may need to be replaced but doing so is fairly inexpensive.

CLEAN THE CONDENSER COILS

Condenser coils likely do not often enter your mind but they are incredibly important in regards to the functionality and efficiency of your fridge. These radiator-like coils located at the back of or beneath the unit, remove heat from refrigerators and freezers. If there is dirt or dust on the coils, which will inevitably accumulate over time, it becomes harder for the coils to do their job of removing heat. This is incredibly dangerous and possibly costly in terms of energy consumption. However, frequent cleaning will allow you to avoid this expensive issue. Simply, clean coils with a bristle brush on a semi-regular basis.

CLEAN THE INSIDE

It’s important to frequently clean the interior of your fridge with a cloth or sponge and cleaner/soap/water to avoid odor and general uncleanliness. An all-purpose cleaner and environmentally friendly cleaner is your best bet to sanitize the unit and combat sticky stains that plague most refrigeration units. Additionally, making sure any containers within the unit stay sealed or airtight will help to seal odors and ensure freshness, requiring less frequent maintenance.

 

MANUAL OR SELF-DEFROST

Frost will begin to accumulate on the interior walls of your freezer if you don’t make a habit of defrosting it. Many Excellence Industries units offer a self defrosting feature but some do not. To defrost, simply remove the items from the unit, turn off the thermostat, unplug the fridge and the frost will melt. Once all the frost is gone, turn your refrigerator back on and allow it to reach optimum temperature before placing your items back inside.

Essentials of Grocery Marketing

Essentials of Grocery Marketing

by BLOG

Essentials of Grocery MarketingThe phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” may be a thing, but when it comes to retail, who are we really kidding? It’s a business full of important first impressions, especially when it comes to food stores, groceries, ice cream shops and more. If you are able to set the mood right when the customer walks in the front door, your business should be successful. Conversely, if the experience the customer has when they are in your storefront is subpar, a major barrier will be created.

The importance of a storefront is even more important in this modern age. We are all constantly inundated with different visuals coming at us from all over. We now have expectations for cool logos and branded content, especially when we are at the front of the store.

So how do you exactly do you achieve a cool, inviting storefront? 

Well, the first thing you need to do is know your customer. Obviously, knowing your customers’ demographics is key, but if you dig a little deeper into their personal preferences, you can find out valuable information that will help you create the appealing storefront your store or shop needs.

Another good tip for achieving an awesome storefront is not to show all your cards at once. Obviously, the products you have in the front of your store will be good examples of the work your store or shop does, but they should also give a fair representation of the rest of the store. Plus, you want your store to have surprises left past the storefront. You don’t want anyone leaving before they have seen all your store has to offer!

Don’t forget the vertical space

You also will want to take advantage of the vertical space in your storefront. Whether or not your space is large, adding vertical space will also create visual interest and will help your store or its display rooms feel larger and fuller while leaving less on the floor. This type of system really helps to guide a customer’s eye where you want- right to your awesome products!

Another thing you will want to make sure you are doing with your storefront is maintaining your brand story. The display you choose should reflect the values and aesthetic of your business. This genuineness will help provide you and your company and your store with brand recognition. There are a lot of ways that you can provide character and brand recognition to your store and storefront, at the same time. Just think about your store and the vibe it embodies- if you sell thrift items and champion the old, a display made of salvaged materials might help reflect your style; if you sell something that makes someone’s life easier, a clean, streamlined window display and interior can be a great way to help manifest that same sentiment.

Whatever way you decide to showcase your storefront, if you are a food store, you will undoubtedly need some good refrigeration displays and systems. Look no further than Excellence Industries, the industry standard for state of the art commercial refrigerators and freezers.

Keep Your Retail Store In Shipshape

Keep Your Retail Store In Shipshape

by BLOG

Keep Your Retail Store In Shipshape

You may not think of cleaning as an integral part of customer service, but honestly, that’s what it is. Cleaning is a natural precursor to creating a good ambiance for your store. No one wants to shop at a dirty store! The cleaner your store, basically, the more money you could make. If your store is in ship and shape, and the products are displayed not only correctly, but in an aesthetically-pleasing manner, your business is bound to do a lot better. So how to go about this massive retail spring cleaning? Well, you will need a few items, including: a dust mop, a dustpan, a mop bucket, a mop, a buffer, an antibacterial cleaner, a cloth, a sponge, a squeegee, paper towels, rolling trash bin, trash liners, disposable gloves, toilet cleaner, a toilet brush, odor eliminator, a buffer, a buffer pad and a buffer spray cleaner. Okay, you don’t necessarily need every one of these items, but you should look to get a majority, as retail stores and spaces are generally harder to clean than personal domiciles.

So once you have all these key cleaning items ready, what should you do? Well, let’s give you the play by play. First, you’ll want to organize any items that are not in the right place. Also during this step, you may want to streamline the process of making sure that if a customer returns a product, the item will find its way back to where in the store it is meant to be, easily and effectively. Another thing you can do this point, is wipe the place down with a cloth that has some kind of antibacterial soap or solution to it. This is especially important to do this time of year, because it’s flu season and people are coming into your store with a bunch of germs! No one wants to hang out at a germy spot, so make sure your store is kept clean and inviting. Another thing to do at this point is to handle the trash situation. Whatever you do with your trash, get it out of the store! It may be easiest to create a sort of filing system for the ceaseless amount of trash that your store probably has to deal with. It is easier to wheel trash, so you may want to think about investing in a wheeled garbage bin. At this point, you will want to address your floors. You will want to use a mop to combat the dust that inevitably accrues on your floors and especially your corners. You may also want to use some kind of pine-sol solution, to make the store really glow and smell amazing. During this point, make sure you give everything a sweep over, including the bathrooms. You may want to put on disposable gloves to clean the restrooms, sinks, toilets and other hard surfaces. This certainly isn’t a fun job, but you want to make sure the germs are all gone, and they certainly do congregate in the restrooms.

Probably the largest tip we have for cleaning is to create a system that doesn’t require cleaning too frequently. If you buy state-of-the-art refrigeration systems like the one at Excellence Industries, not only are they incredibly easy to clean, you probably won’t have to clean them quite as often. Now that’s what we call a win-win!

 

Psychology Behind Store Layouts

Psychology Behind Store Layouts

by BLOG

Psychology Behind Store LayoutsThe phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” may be a thing, but when it comes to retail, who are we really kidding? It’s a business full of important first impressions, especially when it comes to food stores, groceries, ice cream shops and more. If you are able to set the mood right when the customer walks in the front door, your business should be successful. Conversely, if the experience the customer has when they are in your storefront is subpar, a major barrier will be created.

The importance of a storefront is even more important in this modern age. We are all constantly inundated with different visuals coming at us from all over. We now have expectations for cool logos and branded content, especially when we are at the front of the store.

So how do you exactly do you achieve a cool, inviting storefront? Well, the first thing you need to do is know your customer. Obviously, knowing your customers’ demographics is key, but if you dig a little deeper into their personal preferences, you can find out valuable information that will help you create the appealing storefront your store or shop needs.

Another good tip for achieving an awesome storefront is not to show all your cards at once. Obviously, the products you have in the front of your store will be good examples of the work your store or shop does, but they should also give a fair representation of the rest of the store. Plus, you want your store to have surprises left past the storefront. You don’t want anyone leaving before they have seen all your store has to offer!

You also will want to take advantage of the vertical space in your storefront. Whether or not your space is large, adding vertical space will also create visual interest and will help your store or its display rooms feel larger and fuller while leaving less on the floor. This type of system really helps to guide a customer’s eye where you want- right to your awesome products!

Another thing you will want to make sure you are doing with your storefront is maintaining your brand story. The display you choose should reflect the values and aesthetic of your business. This genuineness will help provide you and your company and your store with brand recognition. There are a lot of ways that you can provide character and brand recognition to your store and storefront, at the same time. Just think about your store and the vibe it embodies- if you sell thrift items and champion the old, a display made of salvaged materials might help reflect your style; if you sell something that makes someone’s life easier, a clean, streamlined window display and interior can be a great way to help manifest that same sentiment.

Whatever way you decide to showcase your storefront, if you are a food store, you will undoubtedly need some good refrigeration displays and systems. Look no further than Excellence Industries, the industry standard for state of the art commercial refrigerators and freezers.

Commercial Refrigeration

How Commercial Refrigeration Needs Vary From Store To Store

by BLOG

Which Refrigeration Unit Meets Your Needs?

Depending on the kind of store that you own and operate, your refrigeration needs vary. Finding the right commercial refrigeration unit to meet your needs will depend upon what kind of products you are selling and storing in your cooler or freezer. Excellence Industries offers a wide selection of different commercial refrigeration units, coolers and freezers that we would be the perfect fit for your store.  As the industry standard for commercial refrigeration, we will help explain the most common types of commercial refrigerators and how each one might benefit you.

The Identifiers

Reach In Storage Units
One of the most popular commercial refrigeration units is a reach-in refrigerator. They are one of the most commonly used commercial refrigerator on the market today. The variety of units come in all different sizes and with many optional accessories to cater the fridge to you and your stores special, varying needs. This type of unit is typically used for storage and is most likely kept in the back. Our reach in storage units are also available in models with glass doors. Units like this are great to keep products both fresh and accessible by staff.

Dual Temperature Units
Dual temperature units are another type of the commercial refrigeration units that we offer. They are similar to the reach in refrigeration units we previously mentioned. Their chief difference is that they offer two different temperature zones. A benefit of this is that a unit can operate within multiple temperature zones. These units can often times double as a refrigeration unit or freezer unit depending on your needs at the time. Dual temperature units are great for those who operate seasonally or change their product offerings throughout the year.

Countertop Refrigeration Units
Countertop refrigeration units are popular type of commercial refrigeration unit. These units allow visible storage in small places to store products in an area that is convenient to you. Due to their small but visible size these types of units are great for smaller, impulse purchases you want displayed in your store.

Display Cases
Display cases are a well-known type of commercial refrigeration unit and are used for products that require constant attractive refrigeration. Cases like this are great for front of the restaurant or open display and manifest in a few different ways, including: sushi display cases, vertical/horizontal display fridges, bakery displays, deli display cases and many more.

If you are looking for one of the specific types of commercial refrigerators found above, Excellence Industries is the absolute best contender in the commercial refrigeration industry. We can help you define your store’s needs and deliver them in a cost-effective, efficient manner.

visual-merchandising

Visual Merchandising: How to Showcase Food Items

by BLOG

Food merchandising is an incredibly important part of food service operations, but it is often not regarded as such. Some may think it is just an aesthetic function. However, visual merchandising can translate into direct dollars for your company. This is especially true with convenience stores. So don’t disregard food merchandising as a simple way to enhance the look of the store. It is a way to create a new experience for valued customers as well as a way to boost sales by permitting customers to see things they haven’t before, or at least, to see them in a new, appealing way.

For these reasons, you will want to turn your store into more than just convenience/utility. Make your store into a food paradise, where people will be begging to buy from you! To turn your store into the ultimate food oasis, there are a few questions you must first ask yourself. First, consider what you storefront display says about your place. Is the front inviting? Is everything clean? Are there signs that the customer will have a positive experience? Is your store open to all including children? Also, do you leave a lasting and positive impression on those visiting your store? Make sure you regard things that are in the customers’ eyeline.

There are also a few rules you will want to follow when transforming your store into a visual merchandising heaven. One is you don’t want to cram the shelves in your store. Treat every item with care and do not pile them on shelves. Piling is not only an ugly way to display something, you are also likely to damage a product which could be expensive and harmful to your store. Make sure everything is well-stocked and that the products and their colors are highlighted and coordinated. The next rule is showcase different, special products each week or so. Bu featuring certain items and also providing coupons and other promotional material, you will catch a consumer’s eye and not only are they likely to buy the featured product but to buy more in general as well. The third rule is simple but basically entails the fact that you want to display your food to sell it. Display food wherever space is available. You want the products to appear fresh and clean. Use environmentally conscious colors, dishes with cool textures and more to showcase food in a yummy manner. The fourth rule entails cross-merchandising to boost sales. What is cross merchandising you may ask? Well, it’s a great chance to sell products related to the items you have featured. All of the items can be part of a display advertising a greater meal. Place bananas next to cereal or something like that. Trust us, your sales will increase from this technique alone! Another good suggestion is to use good lighting. People are sensitive to lighting and color. Make sure you choose those which display the food best and also make people the hungriest!

Another great option for improving the visual merchandising in your store is purchasing a state of the art refrigerated display. Excellence Industries offers a variety of high quality refrigerators and freezers, perfect for convenience stores, grocery stores, dairy operations and more!

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