Choosing The Best Ice Cream Maker, 8 Recommendations & Buyers Guide
A homemade cold treat on a hot summer day can be quite refreshing. Indeed, you can find plenty of affordable options in many flavours in the frozen aisle of a nearby grocery store, but you can agree with us that a homemade treat usually tastes better.
Perhaps you are allergic to some of the ingredients common in ice cream; an ice cream maker will help you make your own dessert in a healthy manner. There’s still something special about making your own treat and being able to serve it to your loved ones and friends. With the best ice cream maker and a bag of ingredients, you can create a deliciously cool dessert. Additionally, you can create gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt.
Now that you are ready to create homemade ice cream, there are plenty of options to choose from. Our guide below will help you find the best ice cream makers on the market and ultimately pick the right one for your home. We’ll also highlight some of the best models on the market in our ice cream maker reviews.
- It comes with a built-in compressor which means no pre-freezing is required. So, you can make delicious ice cream within an hour.
- It is quite easy to use – simply plug in, switch on and add the ingredients into the bowl.
- Supplied with extras such as ice scoop and measuring cups.
- It is a full-featured appliance including: six preset times, finish alert, keep cool function, digital LCD display.
- Great looks - it has an attractive stainless steel finish.
The Ultimate Ice Maker Buyers Guide
Ice cream makers come in various types and they vary considerably in terms of features, convenience and price. So before buying an ice cream maker, there are quite a number of things to consider:
Types of Ice Cream Makers
- Gel Canister Ice Cream Makers - This ice cream maker has a container that needs cooling in a freezer for about 24 hours prior to making the treat. This unit can be bought with two tubs to enable making of two different flavours during the same ice cream making cycle.
- Compressor Ice Cream Makers - These ice cream makers come with built-in freezers. As such, the canister’s cooling occurs a few minutes before the commencement of the ice cream crime recipe. It usually have a quick cooling capability which allows you to make another batch of ice cream soon after the first batch is ready. This type of ice cream maker is the preferred choice for cooks since they can offer guests a choice of various ice cream flavours.
- Traditional Ice Cream Makers - This classic bucket ice cream maker uses ice and rock salt to create an ideal ice cream consistency. A conventional ice cream maker includes a hand or electric crank that turns the bucket to make a cold treat. Parents who need to entertain their children for about 30 minutes can find the hand crank models extremely convenient, however, the method itself is labour intensive.
An electric crank offers a remedy for the hand crank ice cream maker since it is easier to use. Yet, electric crank models require extra care as the exterior section of the bucket must be full of ice and salt to advance the cooling process. When adding salt and ice, you should expect a lot of cleanup. - Portable Ice Cream Makers - If you decide to go outdoors with family such as traveling, picnics, beach, camping adventures or other family gatherings, a portable ice cream maker is all you need to treat everyone in your group. An ice cream ball is the best example here. Simply add the ice cream ingredients into the container then shake and roll the ball continuously till ice cream forms.
- Soft Serve Ice Cream Makers - If you prefer soft serve ice cream, there are machines that can make the dessert at home. The best soft serve ice cream maker can also manufacture frozen yoghurt, sherbet and sorbet. Some of the features of this machine include a cone holder and a pourable dispenser for adding sprinkles.
Out of all the ice cream maker types, gel canisters are the most affordable. The traditional unit and compressor versions are rather costly.
Our Best Affordable Model
Cuisinart ICE30 Ice Cream Maker
In the lower end of the scale, the Cuisinart ICE30 Ice Cream Maker will enable you to make homemade cold desserts without breaking the bank. This one, however, is a pre-freeze model. Nonetheless, once the process is complete, you’ll be able to make ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet in slightly under 25 minutes. The major characteristic here is its large 2L capacity. It also comes with detachable components that make for easy cleaning. If you don’t mind the pre-freezing time, this machine is a great choice any day.
Things to look out for in the right Ice Cream Maker
Before you head out to a retail shop or place an ice cream maker order, you should first assess your personal needs and preferences. If convenience is your most important aspect, for instance, then you should consider the compressor version. On the other hand, when family gatherings are a factor, the best bet will be the classic unit since it makes up to six quarts of ice cream in one cycle, while gel and compressor models only produce up to two quarts.
To help you find an ice cream maker that will best match your needs, here are the factors to consider:
- Manual vs electric - Ice cream makers come as either manual or electric models. A manual machine requires you to stir the base while freezing whilst an electric model comes with a motor that does the stirring. Obviously, the electric ice cream makers are hassle free and time saving. But, you should be cautious by the fact that they are run by electric power as they may be dangerous to children.
- Ease of use - This is a huge distinguishing factor between various ice cream makers. Of course, you expect the best ice cream makers on the market to be quite easy to clean. Most people prefer the compressor styles to the other versions because they do most of the work. In fact, the major factor that determines ease of use of an ice cream maker is whether or not it’s a compressor version machine, however, there are a few things that can add up too.
For instance, for electric frozen bowl versions, a model that comes with an additional bowl or one that freezes faster than others makes it easy to prepare before commencing ice cream making. As regarding to the compressor styles, there are some other features that contribute to ease of use. Digital displays, for instance, make it easier to get the settings you want and figure out how to work the machine. A lightweight bowl is easy to take out of the machine and transfer the ice cream to another bowl when it’s ready. - Capacity - If you want the option to provide for a large family from time to time, then a unit with a large capacity is a must, especially if you have one of the types that require long processing time. If you have to prepare your bowl a whole day earlier, you might not be able to quickly make a second batch in case you don’t have enough ice cream for everyone at a large gathering.
Fortunately, some slow processing ice cream makers tend to provide larger capacities. While processor models are a bit smaller, you can make another batch a lot quicker. Classic versions usually come in sizes 2, 3 or 4 quarts.
Generally, keep in mind of how much ice you want to make at a time before choosing your machine. - Storage space - Once you decide to add an ice cream maker to your kitchen appliances, you should review your home storage space. A compressor unit will most likely need countertop space since it’s heavy and difficult to continuously move from a storage cabinet to the countertop whenever you’ll want to use it.
In the case of a classic bucket model, you should put into account your outdoor space. These units can get messy since ice and salt can splash out of the appliance. As such, consider making a cold treat outdoors when using an ice and salt appliance.
Gel canisters are smaller and easier to lift than the other styles. This means they are easy to store due to their compact dimensions. - Texture - Some people are very sensitive on this consideration, however, it’s really a hard one to test before you buy an ice making machine. Of course, the flavour of the ice cream will depend on your ingredients, but the texture has to do with ice cream maker itself.
Some high-end models tend to be expensive partly because of they make incredibly smooth or creamy ice cream that’s hard to beat. Compressor models are especially in this calibre of smoothies.
Classic bucket models and the frozen bowl appliances will usually give you some extra control over the ice cream texture by providing various options for dasher speed. High speeds make ice cream lighter and thinner while slower speeds make thicker ice cream. However, fast speeds prevent ice cream crystals from building up and this improves the general texture. - Speed - This can be looked at in two ways; the speed of mixing the ice cream and how long you are going to wait for the ice cream to be ready. If you want the ability to make ice cream and serve it the same day, then you can go with a compressor model. The other ice cream makers need some lead time between making the ice cream and having a tasty treat ready. If you like planning and don’t mind thinking ahead, then these machines are worth the investment. For compressor ice cream makers, the speed at which they make the cold treat is their main selling point.
It’s important that you go through the model you are considering to buy and read the relevant ice cream maker reviews to know the speeds of the machine. - Appearance - Some users prioritise looks over functionality. If you are one of those who want appliances that look pretty, then take some time to peruse your options to consider the one you like its appearance. Some of us simply want to avoid an eyesore on the kitchen counter and instead for one that matches with the décor of our kitchens.
- Ease of cleaning - Kitchen appliances that are used to make food need cleaning each and every other time. An ice cream maker is no exception. If cleaning is not your favourite chore, then you should keep in mind what will be involved in the cleaning of the machine you want to buy.
Units with a removable bowl will be easier to clean than those with a built-in bowl. Smaller ice cream makers will also be easier to clean than larger models. However, if you choose a small unit, you’ll be compromising on capacity. Again, your needs will determine what model is right for you. User reviews for ice cream makers are probably the best resource to give you a heads up of how easy or difficult the model is to clean. - Noise level - Obviously, any electric appliance with a motor is expected to produce noise. However, some are greater offenders than others in this regard. For noise sensitive individuals, this is one area to where you’ll be well advised by ice cream maker reviews.
Extras
Some extra features on an ice cream maker can it quite convenient and user-friendly. These include:
- Digital display - this makes it easy to choose your settings and check the temperature.
- Ready bell - this feature alerts you when your ice cream is ready to serve.
- Stay cool function - this function gives you the room to take as much time as necessary before serving the cold treat, thus saving you the inconvenience of having to eat right away.
- Cool down function - a function commonly found in compressor models, it allows you to start making the ice cream faster.
- Extra frozen bowl - this makes it easy to start making ice cream every time you want to make a new batch.
- Hardness settings - this allow you to select your desired thickness of the ice cream.
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Top 8 Ice Cream Maker Reviews
Koölle Professional Fully Automatic Electric Ice Cream Maker Review
OUR BEST PICK
Koölle Professional Fully Automatic Electric Ice Cream Maker
This model from Koolle Corporations is a perfect addition to your kitchen. Its contemporary stainless steel design can transform your kitchen into a master-piece. The machine has a built in compressor thus it can take less than an hour to make a delicious homemade dessert.
Koölle Professional Fully Automatic Electric Ice Cream Maker features 6 operating times (10-60mins) which gives you a choice that suit your recipe depending on the type of ingredients put into the ice cream maker, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that indicates how much time is left before your ice cream is ready, keep cool mode that keeps your ice cream ready to be served and eat for up to an hour after mixing process is done, and finish alarm to alert you when the countdown comes to an end.
This model has a simple procedure on how to use it. Simply connect it to a power source, pour in the ingredients into the container, fix the transparent cover, and press start button. Afterwards, the timer should be set according to the guide book and also, depending on the ingredients that you has chosen for making your ice cream.
While the machine is in operation, you can raise the cover and view the progress of your dessert. In the situation that needs more time, just push the timer switch so that extra time is added in 10 minute durations. After the ice cream is ready to be served, take the cover off and empty the container. Finally, the great looking stainless steel should be cleaned and left to dry for the next session.
PROS
- Built in compressor.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Durable material-make.
- Very reliable.
- Fully automatic.
- High motor power.
- Very quiet machine.
CONS
- We found some reports of the sides starting to freeze and prevent the paddle churning before the whole mix freezes.
Thoughts and Recommendations
Depending on what you are looking for when choosing an ice cream maker and how much you want to spend, just ensure that your investment does not give you a disappointing machine. Using digital electric machine like Koölle Professional fully automatic at home to make ice cream is much easier than it sounds. It is completely automatic and extremely quiet. We could saw it’s only one of the best machines for noise sensitive persons but it can actually be very reliable to commercial settings too. The machine even comes with 2 years full warranty from the manufacturer.
Cuisinart ICE30 Ice Cream Maker Review
Cuisinart ICE30 Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart is an American home appliance brand owned by Conair Corporation. It is the most trusted manufacturer of kitchen appliances for professional and home chefs. Cuisinart ICE30 ice cream maker is one of the ambassadors among others from the Conair Corporation.
First of all, you should discover the beauty of delicious home-made ice cream by using this equipment. Also, if you want to an affordable ice cream maker that will never involve you in the mess of dealing with crushed ice like when you are using a traditional machine, a freezer bowl model like Cuisinart ICE30 is worth a consideration.
This machine features a large 2 litres freezing bowl for healthy desserts in 20-25 minutes, an open lid that allows ingredients to be added while the ice cream maker is in motion for an ideal consistency, detachable mixing arm, lid and freezer for easy cleaning, and it is fully automatic for simple preparations.
On how to use this machine is also an effortless task. Simply place the detachable 2 Litres freezer bowl into your freezer for 12-14 hours. After this period of time, you can have a healthy and versatile dessert in less than half an hour. Since it is a fully automatic machine, you should then just fill the bowl with your desired ingredients and switch the machine on. Take precaution not to do blending using your hand for safety purpose.
After you have pressed on the machine, the open lid will allow favorite toppings such as fresh fruit or chocolate chips to be added into the mixture while the ice cream maker is in motion. At the end, you should have produced a very delicious home-made ice cream, sorbet, frozen drinks or yoghurt.
Cuisinart ICE30 Ice Cream Maker has a heavy-duty motor that ensures high performance. Being of small size with a shiny silver appearance, this machine fits well in your kitchen, making it a master-piece of a place in your house. Its lock lid is transparent thus you are able to view the progress of the ice cream. Also, since you are freezing a large amount of liquid, the ice cream maker takes a few more minutes to get to the right temperature of mixing process.
PROS
- Large capacity.
- Affordable.
- Compact design.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Fully automatic.
- Lightweight.
- Very versatile.
CONS
- This model is fairly loud when on operation.
Thoughts and Recommendations
Indeed, the Cuisinart ICE30 ice cream maker is the best option for most people since its flavour possibilities are endless. Also, its ability to control ingredients ensures that you have good choice of indulgent dessert. Also, this machine gives you a more upscale look on the counter, half a quart more ice cream per batch compared to the other models from Cuisinart.
Otherwise, ice cream overflow is the only challenge with this unit. However, cleanup process is very easy since you just wipe the smooth plastic material with a wet paper towel and dish soap. Therefore, those looking for high quality and best performing ice cream maker can invest in this Cuisinart ICE30 model.
Andrew James Ice Cream Maker With Built In Compressor Review
Andrew James Ice Cream Maker
From Andrew James, this is a high-end automatic ice cream maker that does not require pre-freezing of the bowl. This is because it has a built-in compressor; hence it can freeze the ice cream on its own without depending on your freezer to get the bowl to the right temperature. Also, it can make up to 2 litres of homemade ice cream within an hour.
Andrew James ice cream maker has a specific strong motor which is capable of driving a powerful mixing mechanism. When it comes to ice cream production, the more powerful the machine is, the better, since the stirring paddle can often get stuck as the ice cream at the sides of the bowl starts to freeze.
This machine features a stylish LCD screen which allows you to navigate through the control panel and program your machine to the desired settings. A handy transparent lid allows you to add ingredients such as chocolate and fresh fruits to your mix. It also comes with a convenient removable bowl which helps you in transferring your ice cream straight to the freezer from the machine.
Also featured in this machine is a built-in cooling extension that keeps delicious ice cream perfectly chilled until it is served. It is well designed and finished to a high standard using stainless steel, making it attractive with a nice professional look. This makes it fit into a modern kitchen in a very nice manner and the stainless steel casing ensures easy cleaning of the machine.
On how to use this machine; you need to put the mixture into the container, set the timer, and it will do the rest after pressing power button on. After that, you add any extra ingredients such as nuts or cookies into the mixture towards the end of the mixing program. When you are done preparing ice cream, washing of the machine should not be an issue since its bowl is completely removable for simple cleaning.
PROS
- Built-in compressor.
- Powerful motor.
- Fully automatic.
- Easy cleaning and storage.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Very reliable.
- Good durability.
CONS
- Some reports say that it sometimes needs a lot of attention to remove accumulated product from the bowl sides to keep the process going. This usually happens towards the end.
Thoughts and Recommendations
This is an amazing kit with enough capacity to make ice cream for a whole family, making it great for family events. It is a premium automatic machine with compact design for easy storage in most kitchens. Also, it is a welcome addition to any home and a great way of making treats for all your family and friends.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a homemade ice cream maker, you can rely on Andrew James Ice Cream Maker with Built in Compressor to get the job done within the shortest time possible and produce high quality ice cream.
VonShef Professional Fully Automatic Ice Cream Maker Review
VonShef Professional Fully Automatic Ice Cream Maker
From Vonshef kitchenware & kitchen accessories corporations, here comes a professional fully automatic ice cream maker with a built in compressor that is capable of mixing and freezing 1.6 quart of ice cream in just an hour, with no pre-freezing required. The machine is also fully automatic for easy ice cream production.
This machine is very versatile, convenient and practical. It gives you the freedom of choosing your own ingredients, therefore avoiding inconvenience and inconsistent results like when you are using low quality machines. Standard ice cream makers requires bowl freezing for 8-12 hours before use, but a machine with built in compressor that is not really necessary.
Vonshef professional ice cream maker has a good looking design. Its black stainless steel makes it a standard machine with good durability. It has a medium size measurement hence can fit into underneath counter cabinets easily. Also, it has a plastic paddle, a stainless steel non-stick coating removable bowl, spoon, and measuring cup for easy cleaning.
This premium ice cream maker features an LCD display which indicates the time left before your ice cream is produced, a digital timer used to make time increments of 10 minutes up to 60 minutes, and a powerful motor that ensures slow churning of the ice cream and operates at a quiet 50 decibels. In less than an hour, you can have ice cream with your own chosen ingredients.
Using this machine is simple. Being fully automatic makes work easier. Therefore, you just turn the dial and fill the bowl, and the ice cream maker will do the rest. Also, you can experiment different ingredients from fruits, syrups, chocolates or juices using this machine and produce your own perfect flavour.
PROS
- Built in compressor.
- Durable stainless steel material.
- Compact design.
- Reliable.
- Affordable.
- Good value for money.
- Low motor vibrations.
- Easy to use and clean..
- Simple storage.
CONS
- It can be a little awkward to get the finished ice cream out as the paddle freezes in the ice cream.
Thoughts and Recommendations
This machine is very simple to use and gives very quick delivery. Its ability to produce ice cream in less than an hour makes it highly reliable and eye catching for anyone looking for an ice cream maker for home and commercial purpose.
Its low price makes it affordable and it comes with a 1 year warranty. VonShef Professional Fully Automatic Ice Cream Maker is a must product for your modern kitchen. It makes life in the kitchen easier and interesting, since making ice cream is such fun.
Gaggia RI9101/08 Gelatiera Ice Cream Maker Review
Gaggia RI9101-08 Gelatiera Ice Cream Maker
Gaggia is an Italian Company that has been making professional kitchen appliances since 1948. Gelatiera ice cream maker from this premium Italian brand Gaggia makes creamy, authentic Italian gelati (ice cream) in just half an hour. Therefore, it is very enjoyable when using this machine to make your favourite dessert.
The machine has a built-in chiller, meaning that you don’t need pre-freezing process for the bowl in order to use it. using it is so easier since you simply whip up your ingredients, set the gelatiera to chill, and let the machine do all the rest of the work remaining.
The Gaggia R19101/08 Gelatiera ice cream maker is capable of stirring up 1.4 litres of ice cream at a time. However, in situations that you need more ice cream than that, this machine has an exceptional feature. It has two bowls; a removable one which allows multiple batches to be produced, and a fixed one. Also, it has two paddle sizes; one to fit the removable bowl and the other to fit the fixed bowl.
Therefore, if you need more than one batch, you simply make a double mixture and prepare the first 1.4 litres in the removable bowl and take it out once you are done. After that, you freeze the second batch in the fixed bowl, leading to a 2.8 litres of ice cream enough to satisfy even the hungriest family around ever known. When using the removable bowl, a little alcohol for rubbing is needed outside this bowl to prevent it from freezing together with the fixed bowl.
Also, each batch of the ice cream takes a maximum of 30 minutes to prepare. Otherwise, if you prefer a bit harder ice cream, you simply add a few more minutes to the timer once it is done counting. This machine features a stirring paddle which will automatically stop once the ice cream reaches maximum thickness; hence you will not have to worry about machine breakdown and overdoing your ice cream.
Gaggia Gelatiera ice cream maker comes with a 3-pin United Kingdom power plug. The machine is well built up with a sturdy design and produces ice cream quite a bit faster compared to other ice cream makers. Being an Italian Company, a few recipes for Italian ice cream are included. Its manual book contains over 30 recipes for everything, starting from traditional ice cream to long frozen modern drinks.
PROS
- Double bowl machine.
- Built-in chiller.
- Two stirring paddles.
- High motor power.
- Reliable.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Good value for money.
CONS
- Quiet expensive model.
Thoughts and Recommendations
Despite being an expensive machine, Gaggia RI9101/08 Gelatiera ice cream maker is the real thing that you have been looking for all this time. Its outstanding features talks a lot about it and for your investments on purchasing an ice cream maker, this model will give you a peace of mind always when you are using it.
Its ability to make large amounts of ice cream using two bowls is the main reason that will give you confidence to open your wallet and buy it once you spot it. Without forgetting, its powerful motor with low vibrations will never disturb your kitchen or your whole house in general when using this machine.
Therefore, if you want a professional ice cream making machine, and you are ready to spend some good amount of money, then do so and go for Gaggia RI9101/08 Gelatiera ice cream maker.
Buffalo Ice Cream Maker 1.5Ltr/245X402X281mm Professional Frozen Freezer Review
Buffalo Ice Cream Maker
Buffalo 918 is a professional ice cream maker and will never worry you about bowl freezing since it has its own built-in freezer. This saves time and ensures high output of ice cream. The machine effortlessly produces up to 1.5 litres of ice cream which is very delicious within 40 to 45 minutes.
With its built in freezer, using this machine is an easier task. Simply add your ingredients into the bowl and the machine will automatically mix them, freeze the bowl and grind the mixture, hence producing an indulgent ice cream, frozen yoghurt or sorbet ready to be served.
This professional frozen freezer features cover lid with a handy pouring runway that allows you to add ingredients while the machine is in motion, thus ensuring smooth and consistent addition of your favourite toppings like nuts, fruits or chocolate towards the end of ice making process.
The machine also features an LED temperature display that indicates the temperature of the ice in the bowl when grinding the ingredients mixture and as well show the time left before this process ends. Also, it features a non-stick removable bowl for easy cleaning after using this machine and a spatula for mixing and spreading ingredients inside the bowl to ensure a high quality ice cream production.
Buffalo 918 ice cream maker is a perfect machine for restaurants, cafes and even homes. This is due to its elegant stainless steel design and attractive colour that allows your restaurant or café to look well organized. Also, its ability to prepare a variety of ice cream in less than 45 minutes and a low vibrating motor makes it a good option for you.
PROS
- Great value for money.
- Built in freezer.
- Exceptional ice cream quality.
- Simple to use.
- Easy to clean.
- Very versatile.
- Good durability.
CONS
- No problems to report but it on the expensive side.
Thoughts and Recommendations
Nowadays, ice cream maker is becoming a more common feature on the counter top of many kitchen places. Especially at homes, there is nothing more satisfying than a delicious home-made ice cream. With Buffalo Ice Cream Maker, the job is done in less than an hour. This machine gives you best-flavoured desserts in minimal time with almost zero effort. It is one of the hassle free machines available on the market.
Andrew James 1.5L Ice Cream Maker Review
Andrew James 1.5L Ice Cream Maker
The Andrew James 1.5L Ice Cream Maker is such a lovely ice cream making machine. This model has once been voted the “Best Buy” by Which? Magazine and we think it deserves the award. In fact, many love this appliance and that’s why it continues to go off the shelves at a huge rate.
To begin with, this model is a freeze first type, which means it needs to be frozen in advance. Pre-freezing takes about 8 hours so it’s recommended you put it in the freezer the night before the actual ice making day. Once the bowl is ready, making the ice cream takes around 20 – 30 minutes. This also applies to frozen yoghurt and sorbet. A large ingredient funnel allows you to add the ingredients gradually and they are churned as they freeze so as to give a creamy consistency.
When ice cream is ready, the inner bowl lifts out easily to allow serving. You can choose to pop it in the freezer to store some for later consumption. This appliance can make up to 1.5 litres of ice cream in one go and it beeps when it gets to the last 10 seconds of the set time.
Speaking of convenience, the ice cream maker is relatively quiet in operation – about 65 dBA, so it will be mixing your ingredients whilst you chill out. It has a compact construction that makes it easy to store away and bring it out whenever you crave for a cold treat.
When it comes to construction, the appliance is made of stainless steel with a non-stick aluminium bowl that can be removed for instant cleaning. Ice cream comes out perfectly made since the unit has a special feature that prevents ice cream from melting in case you have to go away for a few. In any case, this machine auto turns off when a cycle is complete. A plastic collar on the bowl means your fingers don’t freeze when lifting it out.
One thing you’ll surely love when using this machine at home is the creativity it provides via a supplied recipe booklet. Another good characteristic is the ease of cleaning the inner bowl, mixing paddle and lid. With that said, you can buy this ice cream maker with enough confidence since it’s backed by a 2-year warranty.
PROS
- Easy to use.
- Comes with a built-in compressor.
- Fast ice cream making process.
- Supplied with a recipe booklet.
- Easy to clean.
- Relatively large capacity.
- Pretty much affordable.
CONS
- Requires plenty of preparation time.
- Hard to remove inner bowl when desserts are ready.
Thoughts and Recommendations
The Andrew James 1.5L Ice Cream Maker is such a fantastic and very popular model. It doesn’t have to boast how good it is; as of now, over 1,700 customers on Amazon UK have tried this machine and the feedback is great.
In our opinion, there’s a lot that we like in this model including the construction, ease of use, capacity, ease of clean up, and some small useful add ons. Indeed, this machine will allow you to try out different recipes and create delicious desserts for your family. If you want an affordable way of making ice cream at home, try this Andrew James version.
Aicok 1.5 litre Ice cream maker Review
Aicok 1.5litre Ice cream makerAicok 1.5litre Ice cream maker Review
The Aicok 1.5litre Ice cream maker is quite new to the UK market. That, however, doesn’t stop it from making sales and we found that it’s one of the cheapest models available. This machine whips up a delicious cold dessert in a matter of 15-20 minutes, making it a great addition to any backyard barbecue or birthday party. Keep in mind that you need to pre-freeze its bowl 12 hours earlier before the ice cream making session.
It features a very useful timer function which allows you to set the time and go on with your business. Worth mentioning is that there are 6 preset timers to choose from. The machine even comes with a recipe book to ensure that you always have ideas right away.
This ice cream maker comes with a 1.5L capacity insulated fast-freezing bowl that ensures enough ice cream will be served for a whole family. A wide spout allows you to add your ingredients while mixing, such as nuts, chocolate, and sprinkles.
With detachable accessories including the freezer bowl, mixing arm and lid, you’ll find the appliance incredibly easy to clean. Simply disassemble the detachable parts and wash them in running water then wipe dry. This product comes with a 2-year warranty and you can always count on the manufacturer in case of any problem with the machine.
PROS
- Extremely affordable.
- Decent capacity.
- Fast ice making time.
- Easy to clean.
CONS
- Some reports of Ice cream inconsistency issue.
- Quite noisy when in use.
- Long pre-freezing time.
Thoughts and Recommendations
This is a cheap ice cream maker yet it does the job. It has some good points and some not very nice points too. We love the capacity and the said ice cream making time of up 20 minutes. Its 1.5L capacity means you’ll be able to serve a whole family and the machine is easy to clean afterwards. You’ll also find it quite lightweight, thus making it easy to store.
In spite of all the good stuff, there are a few things we didn’t like. First is the fact that it needs 12 hour pre-freezing time – quite a long time. Noise is also an issue while the outcome may not be so great at times. So, the Aicok 1.5litre Ice cream maker is an affordable option for occasional use.
Our Final Conclusion
Having an ice cream maker at home is always a good option. Making homemade ice cream is in itself a fun family activity that kids enjoy. In summer months, the heat can be too much to deal with, yet it gives a good excuse to indulge yourself with the cold dessert. With an ice cream maker, you can make your own ice cream the way you want.
We hope our ice cream maker reviews have been helpful towards finding the right ice cream maker for your home. Reading customer reviews for ice cream makers can also help you make informed buying decisions. All things considered, the best ice cream maker is the one that meets your individual needs as well as your budget.
Our Best Pick
When we consider matters of convenience and price from the products above, the Koölle Professional Fully Automatic Electric Ice Cream Maker is the best ice cream on the market. This machine does not require pre-freezing and that’s a major advantage over some models that take up to 12 hours to prepare for making the ice cream. You can literally make a chilly desert within an hour and create another batch as soon as possible if needed. So speed is a major selling point here, as you would expect of built-in compressor models.
It is also packed with a wide range of features for extra convenience. These include: six preset times, finish alarm, keep cool function, digital LCD display and a stainless steel finish. This one will look pretty in any kitchen. The combination of speed, convenience, appearance and handy features is what makes this machine the real deal for home users and professional ice cream connoisseurs. . Leave alone the fair price.
Best Affordable Model
In the lower end of the scale, the Cuisinart ICE30 Ice Cream Maker will enable you to make homemade cold desserts without breaking the bank. This one, however, is a pre-freeze model. Nonetheless, once the process is complete, you’ll be able to make ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet in slightly under 25 minutes. The major characteristic here is its large 2L capacity. It also comes with detachable components that make for easy cleaning. If you don’t mind the pre-freezing time, this machine is a great choice any day.
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