You’re gearing up for summer, dreaming of bigger ice cream production runs, smoother service, and maybe even launching a new flavour. The only thing standing in your way? Those new machines you ordered … which haven’t arrived yet.
It’s a situation Artisan Industrial sees far too often: talented gelato and ice cream producers decide to upgrade when things get busy. By then, they’re already behind the eight ball.
If there’s one tip we hope you take from this post, it’s this: Talk to us early to plan your production needs, including new equipment and upgrades for summer. It’s the best way to set yourself up for growth and successful operations this peak season.
Let’s break down why order timing matters so much, what realistic lead times actually look like, and how a bit of foresight can save you a whole lot of stress.
Check the table near the end of this article for guidance on when to order your equipment.
Shipped to order: the right machine is worth the wait
When it comes to ordering gelato and ice cream production equipment from Artisan Industrial, most machines are shipped to order, giving you the opportunity to choose exactly what fits your production goals, space, and scale.
A fairly straightforward machine like a batch freezer can take 30 to 90 days to build, depending on the manufacturer queue.
As the Managing Director of Artisan Industrial, Simon, puts it: ‘Most of our equipment is built to order, so you’ve got to allow time. Two months isn’t enough. Three months is the bare minimum, and honestly, I’d recommend four to be safe.’
Artisan Industrial can often help with short-notice orders, but planning ahead gives you the best chance to get a machine that suits your business goals. We’ll never try to push you into buying whatever we’ve got in stock; instead, we’ll advise you on what equipment is truly best for your business.
Plan for shipping time
Once your machine is built, it makes the journey from Europe to Australia.
Sea freight is the most common (and cost-effective) option. However, there is no direct route from manufacturers in Europe to some areas of Australia. For instance, a shipment from Italy to Queensland travels via Singapore, which can extend the trip to around 54 days on the water.
Air freight is technically faster (around one to two weeks) but very few businesses choose that route. For most, the cost outweighs the speed.
If you’re opting for sea freight, then make sure to factor it into your timeline.
Plan around August and December for smoother delivery
Every year, there are two calendar months that are a little trickier than the others: August and December.
In August, much of Europe (where most of our machinery comes from) slows down or shuts entirely for summer holidays. Simon explains, ‘Even if our manufacturers stay open, the small supplier that sells the nuts and bolts or the electronics partner down the road is shut for all of August. So things are a little slower.’
December brings its own hurdles. With Christmas closures and freight backlogs, timelines tighten just as Australian producers are scrambling to meet summer demand.
This doesn’t mean you can’t place an order during these months. But it’s best to plan around them to give your order the best chance of staying on schedule.
Want to be ready by summer? Here’s the best time to start planning
If you’re aiming to be fully operational by December, talk to your Artisan Industrial by July. Earlier if you want breathing room or if you’re considering finance.
Three months might sound like plenty, but once you factor in build queues, freight schedules, and holiday lulls, that window closes quickly. Starting earlier gives you more control and a much better chance of being ready before the summer rush hits.
Power, water, unpacking of equipment – are you actually ready for delivery day?
Even when your equipment arrives on time, another curveball can throw off your launch: site readiness.
It’s surprisingly common for businesses to overlook utility requirements, like power supply, water pressure, or even simply unpacking the equipment that may come bolted to a pallet or with significant packaging for protection during freight.
Simon says, ‘We once had someone order a machine, pay the deposit, and then months later realise they didn’t have enough power on site to actually run it.’
You might have a three-phase connection but not enough amps. Or the right socket but no connection for water. Even something as minor as needing a different plug type can delay installation if you’re waiting on a local electrician.
That’s why it pays to plan ahead. Artisan Industrial can walk you through these technical details early, so nothing catches you off guard when the machine arrives.
Don’t just settle for what’s in stock – choose what’s right for you
When the clock is ticking and you need machines quickly, it’s tempting to buy whatever’s available right now rather than wait for something to be built. But the best equipment is worth waiting for.
An in-stock machine might technically do the job, but if it’s not quite the right fit for your operations, it could slow you down in the long run. You end up adapting your process to suit the machine, instead of buying a machine that supports your growth.
Sure, we can often get you something straight off the shelf. But planning ahead means we can work with you to find the right solution, so you can invest in equipment that will help your business grow for years to come.
But if you do need a machine quickly … (what’s in stock)
While planning ahead is the ideal scenario, sometimes deadlines are simply too tight. Other times, what we already have on hand genuinely suits your needs.
Here are some of the machines you’re likely to find in stock at Artisan Industrial heading into summer:
- Batch pasteuriser: Telme Evopasto 120L pasteuriser
- Batch freezers: Telme Ecogel T 40-120 and Telme Practica 42-60
- Combination machine: Telme Pastogel T 4-8
- Filling machine: Telme Variofill
- … plus other additional models, depending on the season
If you’re curious about what’s in stock, browse our product pages or get in touch with us to find out what’s currently available, what we can order quickly, and how long it will take.
🗓️ A handy guide: the best times to order your equipment
While we can certainly work on shorter timelines, we strongly recommend allowing for four months from order to delivery. That lead time covers manufacturing, sea freight, training, and unexpected delays.
Don’t forget that European summer holidays (August) and Christmas closures (December) often slow down production and shipping. If you’re aiming for your equipment to arrive in December or April, it’s a good idea to place your order a month earlier than usual.
| Order in | For arrival in |
| January | September |
| February | October |
| March | November |
| April | November |
| May | January |
| June | February |
| July | March |
| August | April |
| September | May |
| October | June |
| November | July |
| December | July |
Note: These are general guidelines. Exact timelines may vary depending on the equipment type, factory workload, and freight conditions. Artisan Industrial can talk you through the process.
Planning ahead = growth without stress
The truth is simple: more time means more choice. And it means your perfect machine is set up, powered up, and ready to roll when your customers walk through the door.
Simon says, ‘It’s about planning smarter. When you give yourself more time, you get better results.’
Can Artisan Industrial pull off a miracle for you at the last minute? Sometimes, yes. But wouldn’t you rather not need one?
Talk to us early to plan your production needs. We’ll help you find the right solution, not just the fastest one.
