How Many Frozen Yogurt Machines Do You Really Need?: A Cost/Benefit Analysis

1. Size of location: Self serve frozen yogurt machines are large and need an ample amount of space between them, around 12 to 18 inches. After measuring for topping counters, point of sale space, back room, dining area, coolers, sinks, etc. you’ll know how much room you have for the self serve machines.
2. Start-up money: Spending all of your start up money on that “magic number” of machines, isn’t going to be the element that makes your shop an instant success. Rather the opposite, it could drive you to a loss due to the over supply in relation to how much start-up costs you have. Stick with what you can afford now, 3-6 machines and expand in the future. Competition: What does your competition look like? How many machines do they have? Just because they have eight machines doesn’t necessarily mean you need to match/ beat them in machinery right away.

   When deciding how many machines to start out with, it really boils down to a cost benefit analysis between additional machine cost versus additional machine benefit.

It’s important to NOT forget about the associated costs that come with maintenance and purchase; how much energy they use, the production capacity, heat required, and price.

Cooling Systems and the Additional Cost - Air/Water/Glycol

Air Cooling

Without being technical, air cooling means that hot air will be blown out of the machine while cool air is used within. If you have 6 machines or less, all you’ll need is basic air conditioning so your machines don’t overheat. If you have more, you may need a more industrial ventilation system that may require a back room or chimneys to take the hot air straight up to the ventilation system.

Water/Glycol Cooling

When it comes to water cooled yogurt machines there are two ways to get the cold water in and the hot water out. One is using regular water, but you may need a recycling system depending on the state you live in and also have to consider the monthly charge for water consumption. The other way to use the water cooling system is to use glycol(antifreeze) in a loop to a chiller located outside. A glycol cooling system would add $15k on top of your initial investment. Either way, if you choose to do water you will need a cooling unit, most likely located outside or on the roof.

Keep in mind the square footage, venting and utility cost that would be associated with the additional cooling machinery!

Comparing Machines

Use the following chart, put together by The Frozen Yogurt Review, to compare frozen yogurt machinery when taking into account energy usage, heat output, hourly production and price range in the market (click image to enlarge):

More Frozen Yogurt Industry Information