A commercial popsicle machine is composed of a refrigeration system, a freezing tank, and an agitating device.

To operate the popsicle machine, a freezing liquid is added to the freezing tank. Common freezing liquids used include propylene glycol or salt water. Compared to salt water, propylene glycol has better temperature keeping properties and does not corrode metal. While the initial cost of using propylene glycol may be higher than salt water, it is more cost-effective in the long run considering maintenance and cleaning.

Before making the first batch of popsicles, the freezing liquid needs to reach a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. Stainless steel popsicle molds filled with the popsicle mixture are then placed in the freezing tank and covered. It typically takes around 30 minutes to produce one batch of popsicles.

Once the first batch of popsicles is frozen, the molds are removed from the freezing tank and the popsicles are released from the molds using warm water at around 45 degrees Celsius. The popsicles can then be coated or decorated, or proceed directly to the packaging step. They are then stored in a commercial freezer before being displayed for sale in a popsicle display case or transferred to other sales locations via an insulation case.