A gelato machine is a specialized appliance designed to make gelato, a popular Italian frozen dessert. Unlike traditional ice cream, gelato has a lower fat content and is churned at a slower speed, resulting in a denser and creamier texture. These machines typically come with a built-in compressor, allowing for continuous production without the need to pre-freeze the mixture. Most gelato machines have adjustable settings for temperature and churning speed, enabling users to customize their gelato's consistency and flavor. They are commonly used in ice cream shops, restaurants, and even at home by enthusiasts who want to create fresh gelato with various ingredients.