Nemox Gelato and Ice Cream Machines: Use and Care

Which manual covers your machine

The Nemox models available include the Gelato 5K Crea, 6K Crea, 10K Crea, 10K Auto, 12K ST, and the Fantasia Buffet storage case. The manufacturer provides separate user manuals for each series. The manual for the GELATO 6K CREA (model 0038181250R02) covers the 6K Crea countertop machines. The GELATO 10K CREA NTC manual applies to the 10K Crea models, including the countertop GELATO10KCREA and the freestanding GELATO10KAUTO.

The GELATO 12K ST manual is for the freestanding 12K ST model. The Fantasia Buffet manual covers the passive storage case. The 5K Crea has its own manual.

Installation and site preparation

All Nemox gelato machines must be installed by a qualified, licensed installer in accordance with local electrical codes. The manuals emphasize that the unit must be placed on a level surface to prevent tipping. Do not install in an area where a water jet or hose could be used, as this poses an electrocution risk.

The manuals state that the machine contains refrigerant that must settle after transport. Leave the machine on a horizontal surface for at least 12 hours after purchase or any move that may have tilted it. This applies to the 6K Crea, 10K Crea, and 12K ST. One manual's first-use section says 8 hours, while the safety sections say 12; follow the longer period.

For ventilation, the 10K Crea and 12K ST manuals require at least 20 cm of free space on each side of the machine. The 6K Crea manual specifies a minimum of 10 cm around the ventilation grids and also recommends 20 cm on each side for air circulation. Keep all vent slots unobstructed. The maximum ambient temperature for operation is 43°C (climatic class T), as noted in all manuals.

Electrical connection: Each machine comes with a 3-wire cord and grounding-type plug for a single-phase, 60-cycle branch circuit. The manuals require a properly grounded receptacle with a minimum capacity of 16A. Check the data label on the back panel for the exact voltage and amperage of your model. If permanent wiring is required by local code, the manuals provide step-by-step conversion instructions; this work must be done by a licensed electrician.

Daily operation: controls and programs

The Nemox Crea series (5K, 6K, 10K) offers both manual and automatic modes. In manual mode, the compressor and paddle are controlled independently. On the 6K Crea, press button (1) for cooling and button (2) for the paddle; the paddle speed is adjustable via knob (8). The 10K Crea NTC uses button (2) for compressor and button (1) for paddle. A safety device stops the paddle if the lid is lifted. If the lid remains open for more than 2 minutes on the 10K Crea, the compressor shuts off to prevent ice block formation, indicated by a flashing compressor LED. It restarts automatically once the lid is closed and 2 minutes have passed.

Automatic mode on Crea machines lets you select from four production programs: classic Italian gelato, semi-soft gelato, granita, and rapid cooling. On the 6K Crea, press button (11) to cycle through programs; the selected LED will flash for 3 seconds then stay steady. The machine will automatically switch to a preservation cycle when the gelato reaches the programmed consistency. The 10K Crea NTC manual gives target mix temperatures of about -7°C for semi-soft gelato, -6°C for granita and +6°C for rapid cooling. For rapid cooling, remove the plastic paddle inserts to avoid heat damage, and you can extract the liquid mix through the drain.

The 12K ST operates differently. It has a thermostat with a digital display. The factory-set temperature is -6.5°C. To change it, press the SET button (28) for 3 seconds, then use the increase (26) and decrease (27) buttons. The machine maintains the gelato at the set temperature for storage and extrusion. To extrude, open the extrusion gate (9) and press the extrusion button (12). The paddle will rotate clockwise. If the gelato is too hard, raise the lid, wait for it to soften, then lower the lid and resume extrusion.

The Fantasia Buffet is a passive storage case. Freeze the cooling cylinder in a freezer at -18°C for 20–22 hours (or at -30°C for 9–10 hours) before use. It keeps ice cream at an average temperature of -12°C for over 2 hours. Use the provided spatula to serve; never use sharp tools.

Cleaning and routine care

Always unplug the machine before cleaning. Never use a water jet or immerse the main body in water. The manuals warn against scouring powders, hard implements, and sharp utensils inside the bowl. A rubber spatula or metal spoon may be used only when the machine is off.

For the 6K Crea, clean all parts that contact food after each use. The 10K Crea NTC manual details cleaning the containment ring, deflector, and gasket. These can be washed in a dishwasher or in hot water with a suitable detergent. Perform a deeper sanitization at least once a week. Avoid cleaning products containing chlorides on stainless steel parts, as they can cause corrosion.

The 12K ST has a specific bowl-cleaning procedure. Switch off the machine, remove the ring and deflector, unscrew the fixing nut, and take out the paddle. Pour at least 3 litres of hot water into the bowl and wash with a sponge. Place a container of at least 5 litres under the slide, open the extrusion gate, and let the water drain. Repeat with hot water and a low-foaming detergent. Clean the extrusion gate and slide thoroughly. Remove the paddle scraper and bush for separate washing.

The Fantasia Buffet's cooling cylinder, spatula, and plastic container should be cleaned with warm water and mild detergent. Do not put any parts in the dishwasher. Dry all parts completely before placing the cylinder back in the freezer; never freeze it while damp.

Troubleshooting common issues

The manuals include basic troubleshooting guidance. If the paddle stops during production, the mixture may have become too hard. On the 6K Crea, the paddle LED (2a) will flash. Turn off the compressor and paddle, wait for the mixture to soften, then restart. On the 10K Crea NTC, if the paddle is blocked after three automatic restart attempts, the machine will shut down and the paddle, compressor, and gelato cycle LEDs will flash together. Press any button to return to standby, then address the cause.

If the 10K Crea compressor shuts off due to the lid being open too long, the compressor LED will flash. Close the lid and wait 2 minutes for automatic restart. On the 12K ST, if extrusion fails because the gelato is too hard, the thermal protection may trip. Raise the lid, wait for the gelato to soften (monitor the display temperature), then lower the lid and resume extrusion. Setting an excessively low storage temperature can make extrusion impossible; adjust the set point upward if needed.

For all machines, if the unit does not power on, check that the main switch is on and the plug is securely inserted into a grounded outlet. Verify that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If the machine still does not operate, contact an authorised service centre.

Service and support

The manufacturer's manuals state that any servicing beyond cleaning and user maintenance must be performed by an authorised service representative. Do not attempt to repair the machine yourself. If the appliance malfunctions, is dropped, or shows damage, unplug it and contact an authorised Nemox service centre. For questions about a specific model or to locate a service provider, ask Norpex.

Common questions