Fast-Track Frozen Treats Without the Wait

Gourmia has introduced an upgraded soft serve ice cream and slushy maker hitting Costco shelves nationwide, eliminating the overnight pre-freezing step that has long constrained at-home soft serve production.

The 2-quart machine features an integrated compressor cooling system that produces finished treats in as little as 30 minutes. Available now at Costco warehouses and Costco.com for $199.99, the appliance targets home entertainers and families seeking convenience over traditional ice cream maker workflows.

Six Preset Functions

The machine includes one-touch presets for Soft Serve, Slush, Spiked, Milkshake, Frappe, and Sorbet modes. A built-in topping station dispenses sprinkles or cookie crumbles directly into servings, while an integrated warming tray keeps hot fudge or caramel ready for application.

A 3-hour "Keep Cold" setting maintains frozen treats and beverages at serving temperature—useful for extended outdoor entertaining. The freezing cylinder detaches for cleaning, and a self-clean rinse cycle reduces manual labor.

Market Positioning

"We wanted to design the ultimate crowd-pleaser for families and summer entertaining," said Heshy Biegeleisen, founder of Gourmia. "By combining a 2-quart soft serve ice cream maker and a versatile slushy maker into one sleek machine, we've made having healthy frozen treats and backyard hosting effortless. Because it requires zero pre-freezing, you can go from a spontaneous craving to serving delicious, frozen treats and spiked drinks in as little as 30 minutes."

The company positions the device for dual-use scenarios—serving frozen treats to children during afternoon gatherings, then pivoting to spiked cocktails for adult entertainment without reconfiguration.

Why It Matters

For operators and home entertainers, the compressor-based system represents a shift in impulse-driven frozen beverage service. By eliminating the freeze-ahead requirement, retailers gain shelf space while consumers gain scheduling flexibility. Costco's wholesale membership model and bulk purchasing advantage align well with this category's gift-giving and entertaining-focused consumer base.

---

For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.

Written by FBM Publications Editors