Thanks to One Fat Frog Restaurant Equipment for this quick informational guide on Taylor Soft Serve Machines and how to read the model numbers on them.   As a new and used restaurant equipment dealer who sells high volume equipment, we understand how you need dependable and fair priced equipment.  Now on Taylor Soft Serve Machines, we have seen strong running units that are well over 15 years old! 

So, let's talk Taylor Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines- what do those numbers mean after the model number?  These extensions explain a bit about the type of electric needed to power the machine.  Power is extremely important in any sort of food service application- first and foremost because you need to be sure that you are not underpowered and also that you make sure you have the appropriate electrical source coming into your facility.

In the case of Taylor, ElectroFreeze and other soft service ice cream machines they will come in either single phase or three phase.  Now when you're at an event, using a single phase machine is great because every place you go has single phase through an extension cord.  Not every facility has three phase electric available and most outdoor events certainly do not have three phase electric or triple phase available.   For example, all buildings do not have three phase entering their structure or even near the facility.  Let's say three phase is near your facility, you could easily rack up a $1,500 electrician bill for having it hooked up.  And, if three phase isn't brought to your vicinity then it can cost even more to power your place!  (Also another side note, new three phase foodservice and restaurant equipment is generally more expensive). 

Now, here is another concern when you're running a concessions trailer, it is generally more economical and feasible to use equipment with single phase so that you can plug into the building when you are parked or you use a generator to power all of your equipment. 

The issue that can come with powering your concessions trailer is that if you have equipment that has different electrical needs then interfacing with generators can be cumbersome and you may need multiple generators or a more pricey generator.   Also you should know how many volts are required to power a piece of equipment, becase you cannot overload your power source- do not underestimate the importance of this when setting up a trailer!

Back to the topic on hand, let's talk about how one might determine the type of electrical phase - single or triple that it requires.   So, for a Taylor Soft Serve Machine there is a three digit number followed by two digits.  It is the last two digits that are important to us. 

If the model ends in:

• 12- then it's a single phase, 115 volt machine.  This is a machine that will work on any power source in your business or home.  Our homes all have single phase electric.
• 27- then it's single phase, 220v machine.  This is a machine that will work on most power sources in your business and maybe even home.  A 220 v may often take a special plug- maybe even similar to that of your washer or dryer at home.   This may cause a bit of a problem if you're running extension cords.
• 33- then it's a triple phase, 220v.  This is the machine that will use the least amount of electric but it may be difficult if you're using it for concessions, catering, rental or mobile uses.

The other day we had a church call us to purchase a soft serve machine.  They wanted the unit to be mobile for use on different parts of their church campus for use both in their Sunday School Program and also in the daycare and in their kitchen.  Now, for those uses a three phase unit would not have been the best piece of equipment suited for moving. 

Thanks for reading this guide.  We have tons more informational guides on ebay and you're welcome to click below to see them.
  

Please be sure to see our other guides on Taylor Soft Serve Machine Age and New & Used Restaurant Equipment