A machine (1) for making liquid or semi-liquid products for the ice cream, bakery and confectionery or catering trade, comprises: - a frame (13)； - a thermal system (14) for performing at least one thermodynamic cycle using a main heat exchanger fluid and including a compressor (20), a first heat exchanger (21) and a pressure reducing element (22), all affected by the circulation of the main heat exchanger fluid； - a motor (12) equipped with a drive shaft (11) rotatable about a vertical axis (X)； - at least one production unit (G1) comprising: - a first processing container (3) affording a cavity (9) which defines a processing chamber (4) for making an ice cream product； - a stirrer (5) insertable into the first processing container (3)； - a second container (6) which affords a cavity (7) shaped to rotatably house the first container (3) and which is fixed relative to the frame (13)； - channels (8) for circulating the main heat exchanger fluid, associated with the second container (6) and defining for the thermal system (14) a second exchanger (24) in which the main heat exchanger fluid circulates； - coupling means (23) between the first processing container (3) and the drive shaft (11) to allow coupling and hence transmission of motion from the motor (12) to the first processing container (3).
