Frequently Asked Questions
- What amount of power is needed for the machine to work?
- The Taylor 152 ice cream machine requires its OWN dedicated 115-volt, 20-amp circuit with a ground to properly function. Using our provided 50- or 100-foot cord, it will plug into a standard wall outlet used in most homes/businesses, but NO other electrical device can run on the same circuit, including lights. This machine is renowned for its quality and consistency in delivering the perfect texture and temperature of ice cream. No refunds will be issued due to problems with the power source.
- Can I provide my own extension cord?
- The only cord that can be used to provide power for the soft-serve machine is the one we bring. We have both a 50- and 100-foot cord depending on the distance from the power source.
- Why can't the cart/machine go up steps or over rough terrain?
- Our current cart with the machine attached is over 500 lbs. Due to the weight, we are unable to go up anything other than a small step/curb. For this same reason, a flat surface (concrete, asphalt, to push the cart is ideal.
- How do I decide serving size? How big is a serving?
- We consider each serving to be about 4oz. We provide 6oz cups, which allows room for the soft serve and toppings. In some instances, this can mean 1-1 so if you have 25 people at a party, the 25-serving event will be adequate, but we do see guests enjoy more than one serving or a larger than 4oz serving size! With the fun of a self-serve machine, many come back for seconds!
- Can I increase my servings package before the event?
- Yes. You will receive an email at least one week prior to your event confirming all details. If at that time, you decide more servings are needed, let me know and cost/added serving will be discussed.
- How long does it take to make the ice cream?
- From the time we plug in the soft-serve machine and pour in our provided mix, it takes about 3-5 minutes until the soft-serve ice cream is ready to serve!
- What do I need to do to the machine during the event?
- During the event, it's important to ensure the power plug is not moved/taken out and the cart with the machine attached is not moved from the placement in which it was left during set up. The same goes for not moving the switches on the machine to ensure the machine functions properly. In addition, if your event has more than 50 servings, you will be provided mix to add to the hopper once the orange "mix low" light comes on. Prior to the end of your event, you are asked to drain any mix you didn't dispense.
- Do I need to clean the machine before pickup?
- No, you do not need to clean the machine before pickup; we do however ask that you drain all the mix from the hopper so rinsing it out when we arrive for pickup goes quickly and smoothly.
- Can the machine be placed outside?
- Yes, the machine can be placed outdoors. If it is a hot, sunny day, we will use our umbrella to help shade the machine to allow for optimum performance. In the event of rain, we ask that an alternate location is available to keep the cart and soft-serve machine covered; this could be under a tent or in a garage.
- Yes, the machine can be placed outdoors. If it is a hot, sunny day, we will use our umbrella to help shade the machine to allow for optimum performance. In the event of rain, we ask that an alternate location is available to keep the cart and soft-serve machine covered; this could be under a tent or in a garage.
- Does the machine make noise?
- Yes. The machine will intermittently make noise as it is making the soft serve or keeping the mix cool in the hopper. While this is not continuous, if you are hosting an event where you want minimal noise, this machine does not and cannot stay silent entirely.
- What's the cancellation policy?
- If there is a cancellation two weeks prior to the event, a refund will be issued minus a $30 administration fee. If the cancellation is made within two weeks of an event, a $75 fee will be applied to the refund due to administration and product costs.
- Is the soft-serve mix/cake cone allergy friendly?
- The vanilla and chocolate soft serve are a dairy base and contain milk. They are both gluten free and peanut allergy friendly. The JOY cake cones are also safe for our peanut allergy friends. Upon request, I can provide the ingredient label for the soft-serve mix as well as the cones. If you would like a small box of gluten free cake cones for any gluten allergy friends, please include that in your request via email.
- What if we don't use all our mix during the event?
- We provide five food- and freezer-safe containers for you to use for any possible remaining mix. Leftovers are also great dispensed into pie crusts to be frozen and enjoyed at a later date or even in milkshakes and root-beer floats. No refunds are given for unused mix as it is perishable and purchased for your event based on the serving number you provided/purchased.
- Does someone need to dispense the soft serve and monitor the machine?
- The fun part of renting our machine, is it's easy to use for any age and is intended to be self serve. That said, for larger events, especially with younger children, we do suggest having an adult nearby to help if needed as well as ensure the plug or switches on the machine are not tampered with. In this instance, the machine would not function as designed.