Gelato—an iconic Italian dessert that instantly elevates any menu. While many dream of traveling to Italy to savor its world-renowned cuisine, Carpigiani—one of the leading manufacturers of frozen dessert equipment—brings the authentic taste of Italian gelato straight to your kitchen. The price reflects the exceptional quality of the equipment—engineered to outperform and outlast every other brand on the market.
Whether you are a restaurant wanting to add this timeless dessert to your menu, a Gelateria looking to upgrade your equipment, or a new business owner with a vision, JTB Distributors is here to guide you every step of the way. Starting here!
In addition to a gelato-specific batch freezer, you’ll need a hardening cabinet to properly set the product, possibly a secondary freezer for storage, and a display case if you plan to offer a front-of-house presentation—rather than simply scooping from the back of your kitchen.
Your equipment needs will vary depending on your goals.
For example, if you’re a restaurant looking to add just 1–3 flavors of gelato to your dessert menu, we might recommend:
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Carpigiani’s ReadyChef,
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A 3–4 shelf hardening cabinet (which the ReadyChef can conveniently be stacked on), and
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Ideally, you’d already have a freezer on-site for storage
This setup can be quite economical with just two additional pieces of equipment that are stackable, therefore saving space.
Now, compare that to a new business owner planning to open a full-scale Gelateria with 24 flavors of gelato. In that case, we would likely recommend:
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The Carpigiani LB1002 G RTX batch freezer,
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A floor-standing hardening cabinet (such as the 2-door Victory),
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A Master-Bilt walk-in freezer for ample storage, and
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Two front-of-house display cases to showcase your gelato to customers.
Carpigiani machines are available in both single-phase and three-phase power configurations. Larger models typically require three-phase power, while smaller units—like the LB100 or ReadyChef—run on standard single-phase power. Our JTB service team will work directly with your electrician on-site to ensure your space is properly equipped to meet the machine’s electrical requirements.
When choosing between air-cooled and water-cooled machines, understanding how each system works—and what your space can accommodate—is essential to long-term performance and efficiency.
How They Work
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Water-Cooled Machines
Water-cooled systems use internal coils to circulate chilled and heated water through the machine. These machines only use water when the compressor is running. Cold water flows in, absorbs heat during the cooling cycle, and exits as hot water down a nearby drain. -
Air-Cooled Machines
Air-cooled machines use an internal fan and air filter system to pull in cool air and expel hot air. This setup requires proper clearance around the unit to allow for airflow—usually a challenge in smaller or confined kitchen spaces.
Performance & Efficiency
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Water-cooled machines tend to operate more efficiently. Water transfers heat more effectively than air, allowing these machines to freeze faster and run more smoothly, especially under high-volume or high-temperature conditions.
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Air-cooled machines may be more convenient in drought-prone areas or places with limited water access, but they can struggle in hot or humid environments.
Installation Considerations
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Water-cooled systems require:
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A cold water supply and a nearby drain (within 6 feet).
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No additional clearance around the machine, making them great for tight spaces.
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Winterization if exposed to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) to prevent residual water from freezing and damaging internal coils.
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Air-cooled systems require:
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Adequate space for airflow—typically needing 6-12 inches of clearance on the sides and back.
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Consideration of the machine’s heat output, especially in small or enclosed rooms, as they can raise ambient temperatures quickly.
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Which Is Right for You?
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Choose water-cooled if your environment is hot, humid, or you're working in a compact kitchen. For example, placing a machine in an outdoor open-bar setting in Hawaii? Water-cooled is the way to go.
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Choose air-cooled if you're in a region with water-use restrictions or you want a more portable setup—but be sure your space allows for sufficient airflow and heat management.
When you're investing in high-quality gelato equipment, having reliable service support is just as important as the machine itself. It's essential to work with a local company that understands gelato systems—or at the very least, one that can effectively troubleshoot with Carpigiani’s technical support.
At JTB Distributors, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service—recognized by Carpigiani as "Best Service" for two consecutive years at their annual distributor meeting.
What We Offer:
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Expert Support:
Phone, FaceTime, and virtual diagnostic support available before you ever need to schedule an on-site visit—saving you time and money. -
Service Contracts:
Multi-year service plans that include:-
Monthly virtual check-ins with our service team
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Annual maintenance
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Cleaning and tune-up kits customized for your equipment
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35+ Years of Industry Experience:
Based in Northern California, we proudly serve Northern CA, Northern NV, Oregon, and Hawaii.
If you're outside our authorized territory, don’t hesitate to call—we may be able to offer virtual support at a reduced cost or connect you with a trusted service provider in your area.
Why Choose Carpigiani?
Carpigiani represents the pinnacle of frozen dessert equipment. While it sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, the investment pays off in every way: unmatched Italian craftsmanship, consistently superior product quality, and a reputation that speaks for itself. No other batch freezer delivers the same creamy texture and flavor as Carpigiani — it’s a difference you can taste.
Each machine comes backed by a competitive warranty, with options to extend coverage for added peace of mind. When you purchase through JTB Distributors, you also gain access to our award-winning service and support — from virtual diagnostics to in-person maintenance — ensuring you’re never left without solutions.
Carpigiani machines are built to last. Many of our clients are still operating machines that have been in use for over 15 years. With proper care and routine maintenance, these systems deliver outstanding long-term value, making the upfront investment well worth it.
If leasing better suits your startup budget, JTB partners with trusted equipment loan providers and can connect you with financing options to help make owning a Carpigiani machine more accessible.