The truth behind the 'always broken' McDonald's ice cream machine

Take a minute to walk down memory lane with us, if you will.

Let's rewind when we were first introduced to one of the simplest yet most delightful treats, one that has become a universal favourite: The McDonald's McFlurry. Ah, the nostalgia!



The McFlurry continues to hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.

However, despite its popularity and the global presence of the fast-food chain that offers it, many of us have experienced the frustrating situation of making an effort to visit our nearest franchise, particularly during scorching Australian summers, only to be greeted by the disheartening message, that the 'Ice cream machine is broken.'


compressed-mcflurry.jpeg
McFlurry is a popular dessert offered by McDonald's, consisting of creamy soft-serve ice cream blended with various mix-ins such as lollies, cookies, or chocolate syrup, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures that many fast-food enthusiasts love. Source: McDonald’s Australia



While this disappointment is palpable, the intrigue is even more so—why are these machines always seemingly ‘broken’?

Former McDonald’s manager from Illinois, US, Sarah Vaught, explained in The Wall Street Journal that the behind-the-scenes work that goes into delivering your frosted delight is much more complicated than it appears.



The McFlurry machine requires an intense four-hour automated heat clean every night to eliminate any bacteria that may have set up camp inside.

This process involves McDonald's staff members removing and washing seven different parts of the machine with a special sanitising mix.

It’s quite a complex chore, isn’t it? But here’s the kicker: this 'deep cleanse' begins before the outlet even closes, which is when the all-too-familiar phrase of the machine being 'broken' comes into circulation.

Former McDonald's employee, @MichaelZyzzi, took to social media to validate this.




compressed-photo-1623156346149-d5cec8b29818.jpeg
With its customisable options and iconic spoon designed for optimal mixing, the McFlurry has become a beloved treat that provides a satisfying and indulgent dessert experience. Image by visualbywahyu from unsplash



He posted: 'As an ex-McDonald's employee, the ice cream machine was always working it just took too long to clean it so we used to tell everyone it was broken hahaha.' The plot thickens, indeed.

Another experienced Macca’s worker, Courtney Bunting, summed it up perfectly, voicing the grievances faced by many employees, stating: 'Everything about the machine is just miserable...We've all been victimised by the ice cream machine.'

On top of that, these machines are occasionally prone to breakdowns, too, creating more confusion for all involved.

So, while we were initially miffed by the lack of a beloved McFlurry due to the 'broken' machines, we now see a different picture altogether.



In response to the uproar, McDonald's confirmed in 2019 that they clean their machines every 24 hours, apologising for any inconvenience.

Key Takeaways
  • Former McDonald's employees have revealed that the reason for the ice cream machine always being 'broken' is due to extensive cleaning required.
  • To eliminate bacteria, The ice cream machine needs a four-hour automated heat clean every night.
  • Staff often break down the machine for cleaning before closing and tell customers it's broken.
  • McDonald's shared that their machines are cleaned every 24 hours, and the company apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers.

So there you have it, the mystery of the ever-broken McFlurry machine, finally solved!

Members, do you like to indulge in a McDonald's McFlurry?
 

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Take a minute to walk down memory lane with us, if you will.

Let's rewind when we were first introduced to one of the simplest yet most delightful treats, one that has become a universal favourite: The McDonald's McFlurry. Ah, the nostalgia!



The McFlurry continues to hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.

However, despite its popularity and the global presence of the fast-food chain that offers it, many of us have experienced the frustrating situation of making an effort to visit our nearest franchise, particularly during scorching Australian summers, only to be greeted by the disheartening message, that the 'Ice cream machine is broken.'


View attachment 24087
McFlurry is a popular dessert offered by McDonald's, consisting of creamy soft-serve ice cream blended with various mix-ins such as lollies, cookies, or chocolate syrup, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures that many fast-food enthusiasts love. Source: McDonald’s Australia



While this disappointment is palpable, the intrigue is even more so—why are these machines always seemingly ‘broken’?

Former McDonald’s manager from Illinois, US, Sarah Vaught, explained in The Wall Street Journal that the behind-the-scenes work that goes into delivering your frosted delight is much more complicated than it appears.



The McFlurry machine requires an intense four-hour automated heat clean every night to eliminate any bacteria that may have set up camp inside.

This process involves McDonald's staff members removing and washing seven different parts of the machine with a special sanitising mix.

It’s quite a complex chore, isn’t it? But here’s the kicker: this 'deep cleanse' begins before the outlet even closes, which is when the all-too-familiar phrase of the machine being 'broken' comes into circulation.

Former McDonald's employee, @MichaelZyzzi, took to social media to validate this.




View attachment 24088
With its customisable options and iconic spoon designed for optimal mixing, the McFlurry has become a beloved treat that provides a satisfying and indulgent dessert experience. Image by visualbywahyu from unsplash



He posted: 'As an ex-McDonald's employee, the ice cream machine was always working it just took too long to clean it so we used to tell everyone it was broken hahaha.' The plot thickens, indeed.

Another experienced Macca’s worker, Courtney Bunting, summed it up perfectly, voicing the grievances faced by many employees, stating: 'Everything about the machine is just miserable...We've all been victimised by the ice cream machine.'

On top of that, these machines are occasionally prone to breakdowns, too, creating more confusion for all involved.

So, while we were initially miffed by the lack of a beloved McFlurry due to the 'broken' machines, we now see a different picture altogether.



In response to the uproar, McDonald's confirmed in 2019 that they clean their machines every 24 hours, apologising for any inconvenience.

Key Takeaways

  • Former McDonald's employees have revealed that the reason for the ice cream machine always being 'broken' is due to extensive cleaning required.
  • To eliminate bacteria, The ice cream machine needs a four-hour automated heat clean every night.
  • Staff often break down the machine for cleaning before closing and tell customers it's broken.
  • McDonald's shared that their machines are cleaned every 24 hours, and the company apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers.

So there you have it, the mystery of the ever-broken McFlurry machine, finally solved!

Members, do you like to indulge in a McDonald's McFlurry?
All they have to do is advertise the product is only available at certain hours of the day due to cleaning/health regulations. Problem solved, christ it's not rocket science.
 
Take a minute to walk down memory lane with us, if you will.

Let's rewind when we were first introduced to one of the simplest yet most delightful treats, one that has become a universal favourite: The McDonald's McFlurry. Ah, the nostalgia!



The McFlurry continues to hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.

However, despite its popularity and the global presence of the fast-food chain that offers it, many of us have experienced the frustrating situation of making an effort to visit our nearest franchise, particularly during scorching Australian summers, only to be greeted by the disheartening message, that the 'Ice cream machine is broken.'


View attachment 24087
McFlurry is a popular dessert offered by McDonald's, consisting of creamy soft-serve ice cream blended with various mix-ins such as lollies, cookies, or chocolate syrup, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures that many fast-food enthusiasts love. Source: McDonald’s Australia



While this disappointment is palpable, the intrigue is even more so—why are these machines always seemingly ‘broken’?

Former McDonald’s manager from Illinois, US, Sarah Vaught, explained in The Wall Street Journal that the behind-the-scenes work that goes into delivering your frosted delight is much more complicated than it appears.



The McFlurry machine requires an intense four-hour automated heat clean every night to eliminate any bacteria that may have set up camp inside.

This process involves McDonald's staff members removing and washing seven different parts of the machine with a special sanitising mix.

It’s quite a complex chore, isn’t it? But here’s the kicker: this 'deep cleanse' begins before the outlet even closes, which is when the all-too-familiar phrase of the machine being 'broken' comes into circulation.

Former McDonald's employee, @MichaelZyzzi, took to social media to validate this.




View attachment 24088
With its customisable options and iconic spoon designed for optimal mixing, the McFlurry has become a beloved treat that provides a satisfying and indulgent dessert experience. Image by visualbywahyu from unsplash



He posted: 'As an ex-McDonald's employee, the ice cream machine was always working it just took too long to clean it so we used to tell everyone it was broken hahaha.' The plot thickens, indeed.

Another experienced Macca’s worker, Courtney Bunting, summed it up perfectly, voicing the grievances faced by many employees, stating: 'Everything about the machine is just miserable...We've all been victimised by the ice cream machine.'

On top of that, these machines are occasionally prone to breakdowns, too, creating more confusion for all involved.

So, while we were initially miffed by the lack of a beloved McFlurry due to the 'broken' machines, we now see a different picture altogether.



In response to the uproar, McDonald's confirmed in 2019 that they clean their machines every 24 hours, apologising for any inconvenience.

Key Takeaways

  • Former McDonald's employees have revealed that the reason for the ice cream machine always being 'broken' is due to extensive cleaning required.
  • To eliminate bacteria, The ice cream machine needs a four-hour automated heat clean every night.
  • Staflove M&M McFlurryf often break down the machine for cleaning before closing and tell customers it's broken.
  • McDonald's shared that their machines are cleaned every 24 hours, and the company apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers.

So there you have it, the mystery of the ever-broken McFlurry machine, finally solved!

Members, do you like to indulge in a McDonald's McFlurry?

Take a minute to walk down memory lane with us, if you will.

Let's rewind when we were first introduced to one of the simplest yet most delightful treats, one that has become a universal favourite: The McDonald's McFlurry. Ah, the nostalgia!



The McFlurry continues to hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.

However, despite its popularity and the global presence of the fast-food chain that offers it, many of us have experienced the frustrating situation of making an effort to visit our nearest franchise, particularly during scorching Australian summers, only to be greeted by the disheartening message, that the 'Ice cream machine is broken.'


View attachment 24087
McFlurry is a popular dessert offered by McDonald's, consisting of creamy soft-serve ice cream blended with various mix-ins such as lollies, cookies, or chocolate syrup, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures that many fast-food enthusiasts love. Source: McDonald’s Australia



While this disappointment is palpable, the intrigue is even more so—why are these machines always seemingly ‘broken’?

Former McDonald’s manager from Illinois, US, Sarah Vaught, explained in The Wall Street Journal that the behind-the-scenes work that goes into delivering your frosted delight is much more complicated than it appears.



The McFlurry machine requires an intense four-hour automated heat clean every night to eliminate any bacteria that may have set up camp inside.

This process involves McDonald's staff members removing and washing seven different parts of the machine with a special sanitising mix.

It’s quite a complex chore, isn’t it? But here’s the kicker: this 'deep cleanse' begins before the outlet even closes, which is when the all-too-familiar phrase of the machine being 'broken' comes into circulation.

Former McDonald's employee, @MichaelZyzzi, took to social media to validate this.




View attachment 24088
With its customisable options and iconic spoon designed for optimal mixing, the McFlurry has become a beloved treat that provides a satisfying and indulgent dessert experience. Image by visualbywahyu from unsplash



He posted: 'As an ex-McDonald's employee, the ice cream machine was always working it just took too long to clean it so we used to tell everyone it was broken hahaha.' The plot thickens, indeed.

Another experienced Macca’s worker, Courtney Bunting, summed it up perfectly, voicing the grievances faced by many employees, stating: 'Everything about the machine is just miserable...We've all been victimised by the ice cream machine.'

On top of that, these machines are occasionally prone to breakdowns, too, creating more confusion for all involved.

So, while we were initially miffed by the lack of a beloved McFlurry due to the 'broken' machines, we now see a different picture altogether.



In response to the uproar, McDonald's confirmed in 2019 that they clean their machines every 24 hours, apologising for any inconvenience.

Key Takeaways

  • Former McDonald's employees have revealed that the reason for the ice cream machine always being 'broken' is due to extensive cleaning required.
  • To eliminate bacteria, The ice cream machine needs a four-hour automated heat clean every night.
  • Staff often break down the machine for cleaning before closing and tell customers it's broken.
  • McDonald's shared that their machines are cleaned every 24 hours, and the company apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers.

So there you have it, the mystery of the ever-broken McFlurry machine, finally solved!

Members, do you like to indulge in a McDonald's McFlurry?
Love M&M McFlurry😋
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tervueren
Take a minute to walk down memory lane with us, if you will.

Let's rewind when we were first introduced to one of the simplest yet most delightful treats, one that has become a universal favourite: The McDonald's McFlurry. Ah, the nostalgia!



The McFlurry continues to hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.

However, despite its popularity and the global presence of the fast-food chain that offers it, many of us have experienced the frustrating situation of making an effort to visit our nearest franchise, particularly during scorching Australian summers, only to be greeted by the disheartening message, that the 'Ice cream machine is broken.'


View attachment 24087
McFlurry is a popular dessert offered by McDonald's, consisting of creamy soft-serve ice cream blended with various mix-ins such as lollies, cookies, or chocolate syrup, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures that many fast-food enthusiasts love. Source: McDonald’s Australia



While this disappointment is palpable, the intrigue is even more so—why are these machines always seemingly ‘broken’?

Former McDonald’s manager from Illinois, US, Sarah Vaught, explained in The Wall Street Journal that the behind-the-scenes work that goes into delivering your frosted delight is much more complicated than it appears.



The McFlurry machine requires an intense four-hour automated heat clean every night to eliminate any bacteria that may have set up camp inside.

This process involves McDonald's staff members removing and washing seven different parts of the machine with a special sanitising mix.

It’s quite a complex chore, isn’t it? But here’s the kicker: this 'deep cleanse' begins before the outlet even closes, which is when the all-too-familiar phrase of the machine being 'broken' comes into circulation.

Former McDonald's employee, @MichaelZyzzi, took to social media to validate this.




View attachment 24088
With its customisable options and iconic spoon designed for optimal mixing, the McFlurry has become a beloved treat that provides a satisfying and indulgent dessert experience. Image by visualbywahyu from unsplash



He posted: 'As an ex-McDonald's employee, the ice cream machine was always working it just took too long to clean it so we used to tell everyone it was broken hahaha.' The plot thickens, indeed.

Another experienced Macca’s worker, Courtney Bunting, summed it up perfectly, voicing the grievances faced by many employees, stating: 'Everything about the machine is just miserable...We've all been victimised by the ice cream machine.'

On top of that, these machines are occasionally prone to breakdowns, too, creating more confusion for all involved.

So, while we were initially miffed by the lack of a beloved McFlurry due to the 'broken' machines, we now see a different picture altogether.



In response to the uproar, McDonald's confirmed in 2019 that they clean their machines every 24 hours, apologising for any inconvenience.

Key Takeaways

  • Former McDonald's employees have revealed that the reason for the ice cream machine always being 'broken' is due to extensive cleaning required.
  • To eliminate bacteria, The ice cream machine needs a four-hour automated heat clean every night.
  • Staff often break down the machine for cleaning before closing and tell customers it's broken.
  • McDonald's shared that their machines are cleaned every 24 hours, and the company apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers.

So there you have it, the mystery of the ever-broken McFlurry machine, finally solved!

Members, do you like to indulge in a McDonald's McFlurry?
haven't had any ice cream from them in ages as they have SULPHITES in them and we're allergic to it. It is a unnecessary additive used as a preservative. Surely there is something better that can be used.
From what i remember McFlurrys were good.
 

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