A machine for preparing frozen confectionery has the ability or characteristic of forming a seat used for accommodating an essentially cup-shaped container. The machine has a heat exchange element having a heat exchange contact surface arranged to be in contact with a heat exchange portion of the container when the container is placed in the machine. The heat exchange element has an inverted conical or curved shape or a number of inverted conical sections, or a combination of curved and inverted conical sections. The confectionery produced can be a frozen product, such as soft ice, or a chilled dessert, such as mousse or whipped yogurt.