Frequently Asked Questions

Ingredients & Ratios

How much ice cream and frozen fruit do I need to make a real fruit ice cream?
Use two or three scoops of ice cream or frozen yoghurt (approx. 60g or 2oz per scoop) and one dessert spoon of frozen fruit (approx. 30–40g or 1–1.5oz). Large volume sellers often pre-cut commercial blocks into portions for speed during busy periods.

What can I blend?
You can blend various ingredients and be as creative as you like, however personally we would always stick to fruit. We have seen customer use:

  • Berries (raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry)

  • Tropical fruits (banana, mango, pineapple, melon, kiwifruit, passionfruit)

  • Cherries (ensure all stones are removed)

  • Chocolate (chips or grated, best when frozen)

  • Coffee (e.g. frozen espresso cubes)

  • Other add-ins (mint, cookies, honeycomb, etc.)

*we recommend trying this when not busy as on occasion new ingredients such as warm  chocolate can clog in the cone

Can I blend nuts with ice cream or frozen yoghurt?
It is strongly recommended not to blend nuts or products containing nuts to avoid cross-contamination and protect customers with nut allergies.

Fruit Preparation

Do I need to prepare fruit before freezing?
Yes. For the best results, dice large fruits like banana, mango, melon, kiwifruit, and strawberries into pieces approx. 0.5–1cm in size before freezing. Always ensure cherries are fully pitted.

Temperature & Storage

What temperature should the ingredients be at for best blending?

  • Ice cream/frozen yoghurt: –12°C to –16°C (10.4°F to 3.2°F) — firm but scoopable

  • Frozen fruit: –5°C to –16°C (23°F to 3.2°F), depending on freezer configuration

If using one freezer, store the ice cream at the bottom and the fruit at the top. Consider using two freezers: one for long-term storage at –18°C to –20°C, and one for ready-to-use stock.

Tip: Use a thermometer to monitor the freezer’s internal temperature accurately.

Why does my real fruit ice cream comes out slightly icy:

This will be due to your fruit being too cold out and outside of the recommended temperature range.

Dairy-Free & Vegan Options

Can I use dairy-free alternatives to make vegan real fruit ice cream?
Yes. You can use soy-based, coconut-based, or other plant-based frozen desserts. Many of these are suitable for vegans. If serving vegan customers or customers with intolerances, we strongly recommend taking measures to ensure no cross contamination.

Cleaning & Hygiene

Do I need to clean the blender between servings?

  • If making ice creams frequently and using similar fruits (especially berries), you do not need to rinse between servings.

  • Rinse if changing between strong flavours or after extended inactivity.

  • You should always adhere to local food safety requirements for your area

How long does cleaning take during the day?
Cleaning using the inbuilt cyclone feature takes less than 30 seconds and a full clean will take 3-4 minutes.

  • Remove the auger, mixing cone, splash guard, and drip bowl (30 seconds)

  • Wash in hot soapy water or sanitiser, rinse with cold water, dry, and reassemble

Can parts go in the dishwasher?
We recommend all parts are hand washed with hot water and sanitising solution.

How do I clean the machine at the end of the day?
Same as above — quick disassembly, clean removable parts, and wipe down the exterior with a sanitising cloth. Use a bottle brush for hard-to-reach areas. Takes just a few minutes.

Equipment & Usage

What type of freezer should I use?

  • Ideal: Ice cream display freezer with glass sliding lids, 0.6m to 1.4m in length

  • These reduce warm air inflow and cold air loss compared to chest or upright freezers

  • Some use an additional upright freezer for ingredient deep storage

Can I use a generator with the Real Fruit Ice Cream Machine?
Yes. An inverter-type generator is suitable however we recommend contacting us before purchase as there is extremely brief power spike in starting the auger.

You can also run the machine off 12v battery with an inverter as we do in our demo van. Again, please contact us to discuss.

What are the dimensions of the Real Fruit Ice Cream Machine?

  • Height: 750 mm

  • Width: 310 mm

  • Depth: 560 mm