Cone & Waffle Equipment
How to Use Waffle Cone Makers & Cone Equipment to Add High-Margin Cones to Your Ice Cream Business
A freshly baked waffle cone can turn a simple scoop into a premium dessert—and a higher profit. With the right
waffle cone maker and supporting cone equipment, you can upgrade your menu, increase
average ticket value, and delight customers with aroma, crunch, and visual appeal. This guide shows you how to choose cone
machines, cone displays, and dipping stations for your ice cream shop, café, or dessert bar.
Written for: ice cream shops, gelato parlors, frozen yogurt stores, dessert cafés, bakeries, hotels, and mobile ice cream
businesses that want to add or upgrade waffle cone equipment and premium cone programs.
businesses that want to add or upgrade waffle cone equipment and premium cone programs.
Need help choosing the right waffle cone maker and cone display for your volume and workspace? Our team can help you design
a complete cone station that fits your ice cream equipment layout and budget.
a complete cone station that fits your ice cream equipment layout and budget.
In This Waffle Cone Equipment Guide
- Why Add Fresh Waffle Cones to Your Ice Cream Business?
- Who Benefits Most from Waffle Cone Makers & Cone Equipment?
- What Types of Waffle Cone Makers Are Available?
- What Supporting Cone Equipment Do You Need?
- How Do Different Cone Options Compare?
- How Do You Plan a Cone Station Layout?
- How Do You Operate and Maintain Waffle Cone Machines?
- What’s the Next Step?
Why Add Fresh Waffle Cones to Your Ice Cream Business?
Waffle cones are one of the easiest ways to increase both sales and perceived value. The aroma of freshly baked cones draws
people in, and many customers happily pay more for a premium cone instead of a basic cup.
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How Do Waffle Cones Increase Profit?
High-margin add-on
❓ Why are cones such a strong upsell?
- Ingredient cost for waffle cone batter is relatively low compared to the price customers pay.
- Offering “cone upgrades” (waffle, chocolate-dipped, sprinkled edges) increases average ticket value.
- Cones support creative presentations—double scoops, sundaes-in-a-cone, and signature items.
waffle cone maker
cone equipment
cone equipment
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How Do Fresh Cones Improve the Customer Experience?
Aroma, texture & visuals
❓ What makes waffle cones a marketing tool?
- The smell of baking cones draws in passersby and signals freshness.
- Visible cone displays near your ice cream display freezer encourage impulse upgrades.
- Customers often share photos of giant waffle cones on social media, giving you free exposure.
waffle cone equipment
ice cream cone display
ice cream cone display
Who Benefits Most from Waffle Cone Makers & Cone Equipment?
Not every operation needs the same cone setup, but almost every ice cream and dessert business can benefit from some level of
cone equipment.
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Ice Cream Shops, Gelato Parlors & Frozen Yogurt Stores
Scoop & soft serve concepts
❓ Why are waffle cones almost essential here?
- Customers expect cone variety: sugar cones, waffle cones, dipped cones, and special shapes.
- A waffle cone maker lets you create signature cones that match your brand.
- Pair with your ice cream display freezer to create irresistible cone-and-scoop combinations.
ice cream shop equipment
waffle cone maker for shop
waffle cone maker for shop
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Cafés, Bakeries, Hotels & Mobile Ice Cream Vendors
Dessert add-ons & catering
❓ How can cones help if ice cream isn’t your core product?
- Offer ice cream or gelato as a profitable side item with house-made waffle cones.
- Serve dessert sundaes, affogato, and plated desserts with decorative cone pieces.
- Mobile carts and trucks can bake cones on-site or pre-bake and store them in cone racks.
cone equipment for café
waffle cone maker commercial
waffle cone maker commercial
What Types of Waffle Cone Makers Are Available?
Choosing the right waffle cone machine depends on your volume, menu variety, and available space. Most
commercial waffle cone makers fall into three main categories.
1️⃣
Single-Plate Waffle Cone Makers
Low to medium output
❓ When is a single waffle cone maker enough?
- Ideal for small shops, cafés, and start-ups with modest traffic.
- Compact footprint fits easily near your ice cream display freezer or prep area.
- Great for producing fresh cones throughout the day instead of large batches.
single waffle cone maker
small waffle cone machine
small waffle cone machine
2️⃣
Double & Multi-Plate Waffle Cone Makers
Medium to high output
❓ When do you need more baking capacity?
- Busy scoop shops and gelaterias that sell cones continuously throughout the day.
- Double-plate machines bake two waffle disks at once, doubling throughput.
- Some operations use multiple machines to cover peaks and events.
double waffle cone maker
commercial waffle cone machine
commercial waffle cone machine
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Specialty Waffle Cone & Bowl Machines
Bowls, bubbles & unique cones
❓ Do you want signature cone shapes or waffle bowls?
- Waffle bowl makers create edible bowls for sundaes and shareable desserts.
- Special plates can create bubble waffles or patterned cones for social-media-ready treats.
- Ideal for shops that trade on novelty and visual presentation.
waffle bowl maker
specialty cone equipment
specialty cone equipment
What Supporting Cone Equipment Do You Need Besides the Waffle Maker?
A successful cone program requires more than just the waffle iron. You’ll also need equipment for rolling, cooling,
storing, decorating, and serving cones consistently.
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Cone Rollers, Molds & Cooling Racks
Shape & consistency
❓ How do you get uniform cones every time?
- Use cone rollers and molds to roll hot waffles into consistent cone shapes and sizes.
- Cooling racks hold cones upright while they set, keeping them crisp and round.
- Standardized cone size helps with portion control and predictable food cost.
cone roller
cone cooling rack
cone cooling rack
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Cone Holders, Dispensers & Displays
Storage & merchandising
❓ How should you store and show cones at the counter?
- Vertical cone dispensers keep cones protected from handling and humidity.
- Countertop cone stands and clear displays encourage upgrades at the point of sale.
- Dedicated holders for decorated cones (dipped, sprinkled) protect fragile edges.
cone dispenser
cone display stand
cone display stand
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Chocolate Dipping, Sprinkles & Decoration Stations
Premium cone upgrades
❓ How do you create premium dipped and decorated cones?
- Chocolate warmers or dipping pots keep chocolate at the right consistency for cone rims.
- Small containers or topping rails hold sprinkles, nuts, coconut, and cookie crumbs.
- Pre-dip cones during prep times and store them in cone stands ready for service.
cone dipping station
chocolate warmer for cones
chocolate warmer for cones
How Do Different Cone Options Compare for Your Business?
Use this table to compare basic sugar cones, in-house waffle cones, and premium dipped or specialty cones in terms of
equipment needs and business impact.
| Cone Type | Equipment Required | Benefits | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Made Sugar Cones | Cone dispensers or simple cone holders. | Low labor, simple storage, no baking equipment needed. | Lower perceived value; fewer opportunities for premium pricing. |
| In-House Waffle Cones | Waffle cone maker, cone rollers, cooling racks, cone displays. | High aroma and visual appeal, strong upsell, brand differentiation. | Requires training, prep time, and space for equipment. |
| Dipped & Specialty Waffle Cones | Waffle cone maker plus dipping station, topping containers, specialty molds. | Maximum premium pricing, social media appeal, signature product potential. | More prep labor and careful handling to protect decorated cones. |
Note: Use your sales data and customer preferences to decide how far to expand your cone program. You can start simple and
add premium options as demand grows.
add premium options as demand grows.
How Do You Plan a Cone Station Layout in Your Ice Cream Shop?
A well-organized cone station keeps staff efficient and customers excited. Integration with your
ice cream display freezers, soft serve machines, and POS system is key.
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Where Should You Place Waffle Cone Equipment?
Workflow & customer view
❓ How do you make cones part of the show?
- Place the waffle cone maker where customers can see or smell it without crowding the service line.
- Keep cone displays close to the ice cream dipping freezer and soft serve machine for quick access.
- Allow safe space for staff to handle hot waffles and move cones to cooling racks.
cone station layout
ice cream shop layout
ice cream shop layout
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How Do You Organize Cone Production & Service?
Batch work & rush times
❓ When and how should you bake cones?
- Bake cones in batches before peak hours, then top up between rushes.
- Train specific staff to manage the waffle cone maker and cone station safely.
- Use your POS to track cone sales and adjust batch sizes by day and season.
waffle cone production
ice cream cone workflow
ice cream cone workflow
How Do You Operate and Maintain Waffle Cone Machines Safely?
Proper operation and maintenance of your waffle cone maker and cone equipment protect staff,
product quality, and your investment.
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What Are the Daily Best Practices for Waffle Cone Makers?
Safe, consistent operation
❓ How do you keep cones consistent and safe?
- Preheat the waffle cone machine according to the instructions before the first batch.
- Use portion-controlled batter ladles to keep cone thickness consistent.
- Train staff to handle hot plates carefully and use appropriate tools for rolling cones.
waffle cone maker operation
cone equipment training
cone equipment training
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How Do You Clean and Maintain Waffle Cone Equipment?
Daily cleaning & periodic checks
❓ What should be in your cleaning routine?
- Wipe plates and exterior surfaces as recommended, avoiding abrasive tools that damage non-stick coatings.
- Clean cone racks, dispensers, and dipping stations daily to remove crumbs and chocolate drips.
- Schedule regular inspections of power cords, hinges, and temperature controls with a qualified technician if needed.
waffle cone maker cleaning
cone equipment maintenance
cone equipment maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions About Waffle Cone Makers & Cone Equipment
❓ Do I really need a waffle cone maker, or can I buy ready-made cones?
You can operate with pre-made cones only, but a commercial waffle cone maker adds aroma, freshness, and
higher-margin cone options. Many shops start with ready-made cones and add in-house waffle cones once sales and
staffing justify the investment.
higher-margin cone options. Many shops start with ready-made cones and add in-house waffle cones once sales and
staffing justify the investment.
❓ How many waffle cone makers does a busy ice cream shop need?
It depends on your traffic and batch sizes. A single or double-plate waffle cone machine is enough for many
shops, especially if you bake cones before peak hours. Higher-volume locations may add a second unit for weekends or
seasonal spikes.
shops, especially if you bake cones before peak hours. Higher-volume locations may add a second unit for weekends or
seasonal spikes.
❓ Can I use the same waffle cone equipment in a mobile ice cream truck?
Some compact waffle cone makers can be used in food trucks or trailers if the power supply and ventilation
are suitable. Others may be better suited for commissary or shop kitchens where you pre-bake cones and then stock the truck.
are suitable. Others may be better suited for commissary or shop kitchens where you pre-bake cones and then stock the truck.
What’s the Next Step? Plan Your Waffle Cone & Cone Equipment Upgrade
Adding a waffle cone maker, cone dispensers, and a simple dipping station can transform your cone offering
from basic to unforgettable. With the right cone equipment, your ice cream shop, café, or dessert bar can
charge more per serving, stand out from competitors, and turn every scoop into a premium experience.
waffle cone maker
waffle cone machine
cone equipment
ice cream cone display
cone dispenser
waffle bowl maker
waffle cone machine
cone equipment
ice cream cone display
cone dispenser
waffle bowl maker
Ready to Add High-Margin Cones to Your Menu?
From compact waffle cone makers to complete cone stations with displays and dipping equipment, we can help you select and
configure the right cone equipment to match your ice cream concept, volume, and budget.
configure the right cone equipment to match your ice cream concept, volume, and budget.
