The potato chips industry offers opportunities for both small-scale entrepreneurs and large manufacturing plants. Choosing the right potato chips making machine depends not only on your production capacity but also on your budget. In this guide, we compare the prices of small potato chips machines and full-scale industrial production lines so you can make an informed investment.
1. Price Range of Small Potato Chips Machines
Small potato chips machines are ideal for startups, home-based businesses, or restaurants wanting to produce fresh chips on-site.
Capacity: 30–100 kg/h
Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000
Pros: Compact size, easy operation, minimal maintenance.
Cons: Limited output, not suitable for mass production.
These machines typically include peeling, slicing, frying, and seasoning functions in a semi-automatic setup.
2. Price Range of Medium-Scale Potato Chips Lines
For growing businesses, a medium-scale chips line provides higher capacity and efficiency.
Capacity: 200–500 kg/h
Price Range: $15,000 – $50,000
Pros: Better automation, faster processing, consistent quality.
Cons: Requires more space and skilled operation.
Medium-scale setups often integrate washing, peeling, slicing, frying, de-oiling, and packaging in a streamlined process.
3. Price Range of Large Industrial Potato Chips Production Lines
Industrial potato chips production lines are designed for mass production in factories.
Capacity: 1–5 tons/h or more
Price Range: $100,000 – $500,000+
Pros: Fully automated, high efficiency, uniform product quality, suitable for continuous 24/7 production.
Cons: High initial investment, higher energy consumption, complex maintenance.
Such lines often include continuous fryers, advanced oil filtration systems, automated seasoning drums, and multi-head weighing and packaging systems.
4. Factors Affecting Price Differences
Several elements influence the price gap between small and industrial potato chips machines:
Automation level
Material and build quality
Brand and manufacturer location
Included auxiliary equipment (oil filters, conveyors, packaging machines)
Customization and capacity requirements
5. Choosing the Right Machine for Your Business
When selecting a potato chips machine, consider:
Your production volume goals
Available space and utilities
Your budget for initial investment and operation costs
The expected growth of your business
A small machine may be perfect for testing the market, while an industrial line is the right choice for large-scale, long-term operations.
