We get asked this a lot, often by someone who has been standing on the pavement outside one of our vans one sunny day and thinking, “I could do that.” And you can. The key first decision isn’t the flavours but the pitch-and that depends on which van you choose. Here’s what we know about the people who actually sell you a roadworthy, food-safe ice cream van in the UK and those who are just flipping a knackered old Transit with a fridge/freezer in the back.
First, decide what you are actually buying
“Ice Cream Van” is actually a broad term-there are lots of different formats, and the most suitable one depends on where and how you intend to trade. Comparing suppliers is all very well, but before you do, get your format straight, because it makes a difference as to who you should be speaking to.
The UK suppliers worth knowing
There are quite distinct sections of the UK market. A handful of manufacturers at the top, used and refurbished car and equipment dealers in the middle, and then the auctions and open markets that are up to you. If you plan to develop your ice cream concession as a commercial concern, the manufacturer is most often the best place to start.
Established manufacturers
The other name everyone in the trade knows is Whitby Morrison, the Crewe-based family firm regularly deemed the world’s best ice cream van builder. Established in 1962, Whitby converts vans on Mercedes Sprinter chassis, installs Carpigiani soft-serve equipment, and manufactures around 100 units a year, including conversions, new vehicles, and classic restorations. The firm also supplies carts, trikes, and trailers, so it manages every style of van under one roof. We use their solar-powered ePower electric vans, which is why we can vouch for their build quality firsthand.
The price of buying from a big-name manufacturer is higher but there’s a known quality to the vehicle, a genuine warranty, spare parts, and a van that will always retain value. In a trade where fake and reverse-engineered vans have been a real headache, buying from the origin is more important than you might think.
Used and refurbished dealers
Beneath the new-build level are specialist dealers, such as Donovans Ice Cream Vans and other resellers of used and reconditioned vans, frequently based on the Ford Transit or Mercedes. It makes good sense to begin here if you can’t justify a new van in six figures, but view the refrigeration, power supply, and maintenance file with a magnifying glass.
Marketplaces and auctions
Walking around the back of the market, shop at sites such as Secondhand Catering Equipment, the general classifieds section of eBay, or classic-vehicle auctions like Car & Classic, and you’ll find everything from cheap project vans to fully restored classics. There’s good value here but nothing between you and the seller, so it’s a bet for those who know exactly what they’re after.
New, used or converted: what it tends to cost
Pricing is a function of the market, the chassis and the spec, so consider the numbers below as ballpark approximations for 2026 rather than spot prices, and always talk to your supplier for up-to-date costs. It’s the form of the decision rather than the detail that’s important.
The only bit of advice I’ll give very clearly is that the cheapest van is pretty much never the cheapest option. An old engine, a broken freezer, or a non-compliant power source can cost you an entire trading season, and losing a season is far, far more costly than those few thousand you saved on the purchase.
What to check before you buy
This is where experience counts, because you don’t see the things that trip people up on the sticker. Whatever supplier you choose, check through these before you buy.
Power system: This is the biggest one. While the engine or diesel generator that traditionally powered the soft-serve machine can be noisy and costly in fuel-and increasingly can be subject to fees in clean air zones-we use a lithium-ion power system coupled with a solar generator that allows for quiet operation and free access in Ultra Low Emission Zones.
Your chassis and emissions. New vans tend to ride a Euro 6 chassis-and that’s useful if you want to get out and about in new technology and open new markets. But with a used van, cross-check the age of the chassis and the status of emissions with the areas you plan to operate.
Cooling and machinery. The ice cream-making machine and the freezers are the main components of the van. Ask about the brand of the machine and when it was last serviced, and if it has spare parts available. A reputable brand made by a reputable manufacturer is a good investment.
Food safety registration. Taking on an ice cream concession means your business. This has to be registered with the local authority, and at least 28 days before opening. Registration is free, check the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website for the current rules.
Gas, electrical & safety certification. If the van is gas-fitted or equipped with electrical gear, ask for the latest safety certificates. Any bona fide agent should be able to produce these. If they fudge when asked, treat that as the answer.
Case study: why we moved our concession fleet to electric
Here’s our own story, because we’ve learned a lot from it, and it guides us in what we tell others when they buy a van: for a long time, ice cream vans ran off their engine or a second one for the day. It’s effective but noisy, fuel-hungry, and, with clean air zones appearing in cities across Britain, it was becoming increasingly unlikely to get us on the high-traffic pitches we aimed to get into – town center, park, indoor fairground.
You will understand why we decided to buy a brand new solar electric van from a specialist rather than to go for used vans remanufactured from other vehicles on the cheap. As it happens, they are actually more expensive than we had anticipated, but they are completely silent and that’s a huge advantage when we’re driving them at weddings and for our business customers!
Yes, the upfront cost was more, no doubt about it. But in practice, the lower running costs, the flexibility of pitching locations, and the better quality feeling at events more than compensate. Our advice-pick the van that you actually want to operate from, and don’t just settle for the lowest cost. In our case, that was an EV from a quality manufacturer, and we’ve never regretted it.
Why operators trust EMA Catering on ice cream concessions
We sell vans, and we run them, so we’re the best placed to comment if you are buying. Our own mobile ice cream concessions, EMA Catering, have been running ice cream concessions at festivals and events since 1995, and we invested in a solar-powered Whitby Morrison ePower fleet because we know what to do-and more importantly, what to avoid!
Lessons learned from us: buy where you’re going to sell, check the strength and the refrigeration system, not the paintwork, and treat the requirement to have your food-safety registration as a ‘given.’ If you want to hire a ready-made branded ice cream concession to take to events instead of buying, EMA Catering has its own to offer as a ‘turnkey’ operation meeting the standards we want for our own units.
Questions to ask any ice cream van supplier
Take this list to every supplier or dealer you talk to. The answers separate the professionals from the chancers.
- Who built or converted this van, and is it built to a recognised standard?
- What powers the ice cream machine: engine, generator, or electric battery?
- Is the chassis Euro 6 compliant, and can I trade it in clean-air and low-emission zones?
- What makes the ice cream machine and freezers, and when were they last serviced?
- Is there a warranty, and can I get spare parts and servicing?
- Can I see current gas and electrical safety certificates?
- What is the full service and ownership history?
- Will you help with handover, training, or getting started?
If you would prefer to hire a fully staffed ice cream concession for an event rather than buying a complete unit, that is something we do directly. You can view our event and ice cream catering services, view events we have covered, or let us know your date and location, and we will get back to you within 1 working day.
The bottom line
A dozen firms market used mobile ice cream vans in the UK, but there are significant differences. Only a recognised maker such as Whitby Morrison can provide reliability, a warranty, and value when buying a serious ice cream concession. Good used or refurbished sellers can be cheaper, but you need a really good look-over before spending.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mobile ice cream van cost in the UK?
It’s all over the place. Rough 2026 guide: all prices are with the best specification (spec). A new top-of-the-range van plus elements) is about 70,000; all-electric conversions are a long way into six figures; professional conversions cost about 35,000; and used or second-hand (refurbished) vans are about 12,000 to 15,000. Confirm actual prices with the supplier; it’s all in the spec and chassis costs.
Who is the best ice cream van manufacturer in the UK?
Actually, the biggest UK (and thus the world) manufacturer of ice cream vans is Crewe’s, Whitby Morrison. It’s known as the biggest and best for its bespoke van, conversion, trailer, and cart build, and it developed electric zero-emission systems early. Expect to pay extra for that pedigree, but it guarantees build quality, warranty backup, and decent resale value, and you can source used and refurbished vans through trusted traders.
Are electric ice cream vans worth the extra cost?
Yes, in many cases, for example, if you want to trade in cities, parks and indoor venues. Electric vans are quiet, emission-free, and don’t pay clean-air and low-emission zone charges or incur diesel generator fuel costs. The initial cost is higher, but cheaper running costs and more pitch options mean you will make savings in the long term.
Do I need a licence or registration to run an ice cream concession?
Make sure you have the right driving licence for the weight of the vehicle. And most importantly, you must register as a food business with your local authority at least 28 days in advance (cost-free). You will be inspected and given a food hygiene rating. You might also need street trading consent from the local council depending on where you trade.
Can I buy an ice cream concession as a trailer instead of a van?
Yes. Concession trailers and carts are a good choice if you can have a permanent pitch, festival, or an established venue that doesn’t require driving from site to site. Compared to a van, you will be saving money, but you’ll need a trailer tow vehicle and your own power system when on-site. You can buy ready-made from specialist trailer builders and equipment manufacturers.
What is the difference between a converted van and a bespoke ice cream van?
A custom-built van is made to a particular spec by a manufacturer with all the power, refrigeration, and machinery built in. A converted van is a box van in which you’ve made the fitting out. The finish depends very much on the quality of the conversion, so you need to know who did it and to what standard. A professional job can be well worth the expense; a cheapskate DIY won’t.