How Much Does a Khoya Making Machine Actually Cost?
In India , khoya making machine prices range from ₹80,000 for a basic 50-litre semi-automatic unit to ₹15 lakh or more for a fully automatic 500+ litre commercial system. The most commonly purchased option a 100-litre semi-automatic machine costs between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh. Price is determined by 7 key factors: capacity, automation level, material grade, fuel type, jacket design, agitator configuration, and brand.
Khoya Making Machine
Machine Price List — All Capacities
| Capacity | Machine Type | Price Range* | Best For | Output (Khoya/Batch) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Litres | Semi-Automatic | ₹80,000 – ₹1.2 Lakh | Small halwai shops, startups | 6–7 kg | LPG/gas fired, motorized agitator |
| 100 Litres | Semi-Automatic | ₹1.5 Lakh – ₹2.5 Lakh | Medium sweet shops | 12–14 kg | LPG/steam, digital temp control |
| 200 Litres | Automatic | ₹3 Lakh – ₹5 Lakh | Dairy processors, cooperatives | 24–28 kg | Steam/LPG, PLC-assisted |
| 300 Litres | Automatic | ₹5 Lakh – ₹8 Lakh | Commercial units | 36–42 kg | Steam heating, hydraulic tilt |
| 500+ Litres | Fully Automatic | ₹8 Lakh – ₹15 Lakh+ | Large dairy plants, institutional | 60–70 kg+ | Full PLC automation, double jacket |
Types of Khoya Machines & Pricing Comparison
| Machine Type | Capacity | Automation Level | Fuel Efficiency vs. Manual | Best For | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual / Semi-Automatic | 50–100 L | Manual / Basic Motorized | Baseline | Small halwai, village units | Low |
| Semi-Automatic (Temp Control) | 100–200 L | Semi-Automatic | 40–50% more efficient | Medium sweet shops, cooperatives | Low–Medium |
| Fully Automatic (PLC) | 200–1,000 L | Fully Automatic | 60–70% less fuel consumption | Large dairy plants, commercial mithai units | Medium |
Factors That Determine Khoya Machine Price
Understanding these factors will help you compare quotations, avoid unnecessary costs, and select the right khoya making machine specification for your production needs.
1
Processing Capacity
The biggest price driver. Each doubling of machine capacity can add approximately 60–80% to the base price. Choose capacity according to your actual production requirement rather than buying an oversized machine that increases your initial investment.
2
Automation Level
Moving from manual to semi-automatic and fully automatic PLC operation increases the machine cost. Each automation step can add approximately ₹50,000–₹2 lakh, depending on controls, sensors, temperature management, and production requirements.
3
Material Grade (SS 304 vs SS 316)
SS 304 is commonly used for food-contact surfaces, while SS 316 is a premium option for applications requiring higher corrosion resistance. Choosing SS 316 can add approximately 15–25% to the machine cost depending on the construction and components.
4
Fuel Type
The heating system has a direct impact on both purchase price and operating cost. Steam-heated khoya machines generally have a higher initial investment but can offer lower operating costs at larger production volumes, while LPG systems usually have a lower upfront cost.
5
Jacket Design
A single-jacket heating system is a basic option, while a double-jacket design can provide more uniform heat distribution and better process control. A double jacket may add approximately ₹20,000–₹80,000 depending on machine size and construction.
6
Tilting Mechanism
Khoya machines can use manual tilting or motorized hydraulic tilting for easier product discharge. A Khoa Machine Tilting system with motorized hydraulic operation can add approximately ₹30,000–₹1 lakh and becomes particularly useful for larger-capacity commercial machines where faster and easier khoya discharge is required.
7
Brand & After-Sales Support
Established manufacturers with wider service networks may charge a 20–30% premium compared with basic suppliers. The additional cost can provide advantages such as easier access to spare parts, technical support, installation assistance, and after-sales service.
What’s Inside the Khoya Machine Price?
For a typical 100–200L SS 304 khoya making machine, the cost reflects food-grade stainless steel for the vessel and jacket, the motorized agitator and gearbox assembly, the heating system (gas burner, steam coil, or electric elements), fabrication and welding labor, and testing before dispatch. The stainless steel vessel and double-jacket assembly typically account for the largest share of material cost, since food-grade SS must handle direct milk contact, resist corrosion, and withstand repeated heating cycles.
Why Stainless Steel Increases Price
The vessel and jacket use a substantial quantity of food-grade stainless steel, fabricated to precise tolerances for even heat transfer and hygienic milk contact. SS 316 costs more than SS 304 due to its higher corrosion resistance, and machines with a double jacket (versus single jacket) require additional steel and welding work, which adds to the base price.
GST on Khoya Making Machines in India
Khoya making machines fall under HSN Code 8434 (Dairy Machinery) and attract 18% GST in India. GST is generally charged on the ex-works machine price and affects the final landed cost. GST-registered buyers can generally claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on eligible purchases. Always confirm whether the quoted machine price is inclusive or exclusive of GST.
Note: The GST treatment of the machine should not be confused with the taxation of khoya as a food product. The machine and the processed dairy product are classified separately.
Hidden Costs Most Buyers Miss
The machine price is only part of the total investment. Here are the additional costs you should consider before your khoya machine starts commercial production.
Fuel Infrastructure
Steam-heated khoya machines may require a boiler and related steam infrastructure. Depending on capacity and configuration, a boiler setup can add approximately ₹2–8 lakh to the overall investment and is generally not included in the machine price.
Transportation & Freight
Transportation costs depend on the machine size, delivery distance from Ahmedabad, and site accessibility. Larger-capacity machines may require specialized vehicles or additional handling arrangements.
Installation & Commissioning
Small machines generally require minimal setup, while larger automatic systems may need professional installation, commissioning, trial production, utility connections, and operator training.
Operator Training
Automated khoya machines require operators to understand temperature control, agitator operation, batch settings, cleaning, and safe machine handling. Budget at least one day of training per operator for automated units.
AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract)
An AMC can help maintain the gearbox, agitator, heating system, controls, and other critical components. It is particularly useful for commercial units that operate heavily during peak production seasons.
Annual Spare Parts
Scraper blades, gaskets, seals, bearings, and other wear components may require periodic replacement depending on operating hours and maintenance practices. Include a spare-parts budget when calculating the total cost of ownership.
Khoya Machine ROI Calculation
A khoya making machine can improve dairy and sweet-shop profitability by reducing manual labor, increasing batch consistency, and improving production efficiency. The actual return on investment depends on milk cost, khoya selling price, production volume, labor savings, and machine operating costs.
| Parameter | 100L Machine | 200L Machine | 300L Machine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Milk Processed | 200 Litres | 400 Litres | 600 Litres |
| Khoya Output/Day | 25–28 kg | 50–56 kg | 75–84 kg |
| Daily Revenue* | ₹9,625 – ₹11,000 | ₹19,250 – ₹22,400 | ₹28,875 – ₹33,600 |
| Estimated Labor Cost/Day | ₹300 – ₹400 | ₹400 – ₹600 | ₹500 – ₹800 |
| Indicative Machine Payback | 8–14 months | 10–16 months | 12–18 months |
Indian vs Chinese Import: Price & Value Comparison
Some buyers consider sourcing khoya machines from Chinese manufacturers on platforms like Alibaba, since these are generic industrial jacketed-kettle units sometimes marketed for Indian sweets production. Here’s an objective comparison. Unlike more standardized dairy equipment categories, there is no established European/Western manufacturer specifically associated with khoya-making machines.
| Comparison Factor | Mahesh Eng. Works (India) | Chinese Import (Alibaba / Made-in-China) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (100L equivalent, FOB/ex-works) | ₹1.5 Lakh – ₹2.5 Lakh | $1,000 – $3,500 (approx. ₹85,000 – ₹3 Lakh)* |
| Price (Fully Automatic, 200L+) | ₹3 Lakh – ₹8 Lakh | $4,000 – $10,000+ (approx. ₹3.4 Lakh – ₹8.7 Lakh+)* |
| Product Design | Purpose-built for Indian khoya/mawa specifications | Often generic multi-purpose cooking/jacketed kettle units adapted for khoya |
| Spare Parts Availability | India stock, 24–48 hrs | Import lead time of weeks; compatibility not guaranteed |
| Service & Support | Direct manufacturer support, local visits | Remote/video support only; no local service network |
| Import Duties & Logistics | No duties — Indian made | Additional customs duties, freight, handling, and import-related costs |
| Customization for Indian Sweets | Engineered for khoya/mawa production requirements | Not always designed specifically for khoya viscosity and texture |
| Certification | ISO 9001:2015 manufacturer | Often CE/ISO certified for general food machinery; verify documentation for the specific machine |
| Best For | Indian dairy and sweet businesses requiring local support | Buyers willing to manage international sourcing, logistics, and service requirements |
How to Choose the Right Khoya Machine
01
Calculate Daily Milk Input
Calculate your total daily milk requirement and divide the volume by the number of batches you plan to run. For two batches per day, size the machine vessel for approximately half of your daily milk input.
02
Decide Fuel Availability
Consider the heating fuel available at your production site. LPG is widely available and requires lower initial infrastructure investment, while steam heating requires a boiler but can be more economical for larger production volumes.
03
Match Automation to Labor
Choose automation according to your labor availability, production volume, and consistency requirements. High labor costs or the need for repeatable batches can justify automation, while semi-automatic machines may suit operations with reliable workers and tighter budgets.
04
Verify Material Specifications
Check the stainless-steel grade used for all milk-contact surfaces. SS 304 should be the minimum specification for food-contact areas, with the complete material and fabrication specifications confirmed before purchase.
05
Check Service Network
Confirm the availability of service engineers and spare parts near your production location. Ideally, ensure technical support is available within approximately 100–150 km to reduce downtime when maintenance or repairs are required.
Choose a khoya making machine based on your daily milk input, required batch size, available heating fuel, automation needs, stainless-steel specifications, and after-sales support. The right machine can reduce manual labor, improve batch consistency, and support reliable commercial khoya production.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
A 100-litre semi-automatic khoya machine in India typically costs between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh, depending on fuel type and automation level.
LPG suits small units (50–100L); steam is more efficient for 200L+ machines despite the higher upfront boiler cost.
Approximately 7–8 litres of full-fat buffalo milk yields 1 kg of khoya; cow milk requires 9–10 litres due to lower fat content.
For large-volume commercial production, yes — automation cuts labor 60–70% and improves consistency, generally paying back within 10–16 months.
Yes, both can be processed; buffalo milk yields more khoya due to higher fat content.