A machine for making and dispensing ice creams, comprises in combination: a container designed to contain a basic mixture for converting it into ice cream； a mixer and a refrigeration system, operatively associated with said container respectively for mixing said basic mixture and for cooling said basic mixture in such a way as to convert it, in the container, into ice cream； a control and operating unit, operatively associated with said refrigeration system for controlling activation and deactivation of said refrigeration system and for regulating its cooling thermal power at least between a first, production thermal power and a second, preservation thermal power which is lower than said first, production thermal power, said control and operating unit being designed to allow said refrigeration system to be activated at the second, preservation power when said container is substantially empty.
