Best Ice Cream Machines For Home Use
There is no excuse to eat ice cream. This is where ice cream makers allow you to enjoy a wide range of frozen treats like gelato, ice cream, sorbets, etc. right there in the comfort of your home. No more worries on what is the weather outside or the traffic, you can make it yourself and enjoy it anytime you want to.
An ice cream machine for home is one of the best devices that you can add to your kitchen. You get the privilege to enjoy a healthy and hygienic dessert without the risk of added preservatives. Isn’t that wonderful?
In this article, you will find all the needed information like Type of ice cream making machine, a comprehensive buyers guide, FAQ’s and our Top 4 Picks.
Top 4 Best Ice Cream Maker Machines
Types of Ice Cream Makers
Now when you go around searching for ice cream machines, you will end up with a lot of models so here are the kinds of ice cream machines available:
Bucket type Ice Cream Makers
Bucket type ice cream makers or ice and Salt ice cream makers are here for a long time, and yet they are the most reliable ones to make the perfect creamy dessert at home. They mostly resemble a bucket that has a crank on the top, but many models are now available in several different shapes and sizes.
Initially, the hand crank was used to manually churn the ice cream, but now electric motors do all the hard work. All you have to do is pour the liquid mixture into the canister and churn it while the salt and ice will cool it down.
Salt helps in maintaining the low temperature of ice which freezes the liquid into ice. You can use any type of salt but it is advisable to use rock salt.
These are pretty affordable but require a bit more work than all the other types of ice cream machines. You will need to have plenty of salt and ice at home. The advantage is that you will be having complete control over the entire process, and you can also experiment with the quantities.
Advantages
- Pre-chilling the bowl is not required. You can make ice creams anytime you want them.
- You can immediately make another batch after finishing one batch.
- These machines have a big capacity and you can make 4 to 6 liters ice cream at a time.
Drawbacks
- You need plenty of ice and salt before you start making the ice cream.
- The process is a little messy.
- You will require proper storage space if you are purchasing a bigger machine.
Cannister type Ice Cream Makers
Cannister type ice cream makers also known as electric frozen bowl ice cream machines are convenient models from bucket type machines. Here, you have to make sure that the bowl is kept in the freezer for a day or two before you make the ice cream.
The container is cold, you have to add the ingredients and then turn the machine on and wait for the machine to make the perfect homemade ice cream for you.
This type of ice cream does need a bit of patience as you have to place the bowl in the freezer beforehand and then wait until it is ready to make ice cream. There are some models which come with extra bowls so you can keep that in the freezer all the time.
They cost comparatively for the same and its easy to use. It is one of the most popular types of ice cream machine.
Advantages
- When compared to the bucket type, it is easier to use. You can add the mixture and let the machine do all the work.
- They are not messy as you do not require any salt or ice.
- They are compact and hence, easy to store when not in use
- They are easy to maintain, long-lasting and affordable
Disadvantages
- The frozen bowl should be placed in freezer for at least 12 hours before using it.
- Pre-planning is compulsory.
- The capacity is low when compared to the bucket ice cream machine.
Compressor Ice Cream Maker
Compressor ice cream machines are a bit expensive than the other types, but it is an excellent choice among the customers. They are easy to operate and produces creamy ice cream, which is just about right.
The most significant advantage is that you do not have to wait for freezing bowl, you can have your homemade ice cream on the same day and can start processing it in less than an hour.
Many ice cream machines are of this type have several features like digital display, temperature control, different speed, an option that can keep the ice cream cool after its made. If you are looking for convenience and quality, then this is the perfect machine for you.
Advantages
- It is flexible and very convenient to use. There is no mess and also you don’t have to pre-freeze the bowl.
- You can make ice cream anytime and also make another batch of ice cream immediately. It is perfect for large families.
- These type of ice cream machines comes with an auto shut off, digital display, storage, and different functions like sorbet and gelato.
Disadvantages
- It is huge and heavy. It requires a large storage space.
- It is expensive.
Buyer’s Guide for Ice Cream Machines
Below are a few of the factors that you should look in to before buying an ice cream machine
Ease of Cleaning
The biggest challenge while using the machine is to keep it clean. Ideally, it should be cleaned after every use. If the parts of the unit can be removed while cleaning, it would be easy for you to clean it. Also, the components must be easy to assemble after washing them.
Spinning Blades
The spinning blades are mostly made up of stainless steel to prevent it from getting rusted after using it. If the material is good, it would aerate the mixture better and produce better ice creams.
Mixing Paddle
Electric ice cream makers use mixing arm while hand paddles are used for churning the ingredients in manual ice cream makers. Hence, while buying a manual ice cream maker ensure that arm is durable. If it can handle fast speed, then it can provide ice cream with better texture and quickly. If possible, go for stainless steel mixing paddle.
Ease of Use
This is one of the biggest differentiating factors between the different types of ice cream models which make the process of making homemade ice cream easy for you.
Compressor ice cream machines are the most opted one as they do most of the work for you. Some factors determine how easy it is to make ice cream.
It depends on the model and the amount of effort that you have to put in. As mentioned, several added features also make making ice cream easy. Easy digital display, light bowls, etc.
Cost
The cost of machines varies from the simplest to the high-end models. If you opt for old-fashioned models, then you will get it at an affordable price, but if you go for compressor models, then you might have to spend more.
Users mostly go for ice cream machines that are in between them, where you don’t pay much but a reasonable amount.
Texture and Consistency
Now we all require ice cream with a good texture and consistency as the flavor largely depends on the ingredients that you use, however, the texture of the ice cream depends on how the ice cream machine works.
Some of the high-end models provide a great texture, and no one beat the smooth ice cream, which is why a compressor ice cream machine is considered to be the best one. Ice and salt ice cream machine allows you extra control over the texture as you have the option for different speed and options.
The slow process will make the ice cream thicker while fast will make it lighter and thinner. Faster methods will prevent a build-up of ice that will provide a great texture.
Capacity
If you are buying an ice cream machine for parties, all then you have to consider a large capacity model as its very crucial. If you have to freeze bowl one day before then, that means you won’t get instant ice cream if you need for the party.
Some of the ice cream machines are very slow to use and offer great capacity. Ice and Salt ice cream machines come in various sizes, and compressor models are a bit smaller.
It is essential to have an appropriate idea about how much ice cream you might require so that you always have enough.
Speed
Now, this depends on the type of ice cream machine that you choose as it mixes the ice cream, and different models have different speeds to do so.
If you want to make ice cream the same day, then you should go for a compressor ice cream machine. All the other types of ice cream makers need lead time. The selling point of compressor machines is their speed.
Noise
Devices with electric motor make noise as usual. If you do not like loud appliances, then you should consider buying one which makes less noise. It is not appreciated by customers when they have noisy appliances while working in the kitchen.
Additional functions
Many ice cream makers come with features like gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. If you are interested in making these items, make sure you check the model with these functionalities. The main function here is the hardness setting.
Auto-Turn Off
This feature is important in all the electric appliances. It provides safety and peace of mind. If your ice cream maker has this feature, you do not need to pay attention to it every time. You can carry out other work while making ice cream and it also saves electricity.
When ice cream is ready, the machine makes a beep sound and turns itself off.
Extra features
- Frozen bowl – Many manufactures provide the extra frozen bowl as it makes it easy for the user to start making a new batch simultaneously. Extra bowls are commonly provided in canister type ice cream machine
- Sound – As soon as the ice cream gets ready, the making makes a beep or bell sound to let you know that ice cream is done.
- Stay cool function – It provides safety as the outer body of machine stays cool and it gives you the freedom to transfer the ice-cream immediately and enjoy it
- Hardness option – This function gives different setting option and you can select your preferred thickness. With this function, you can make your own gelato, frozen yogurt, etc.
Best 4 IceCream Maker
1. Cuisinart Ice-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart ICE-21 ice cream machine is fully automatic, which does not require an ice or rock salt, that makes it very convenient to clean. It is simple to operate with an on and off switch that is situated at the bottom of the product.
You need to prepare the freezer bowl before you make ice cream. The one thing that sets the product apart is that it churns the ice cream at the bottom of the machine. The freezer bowl and the dasher is spun with the help of the motor which mixes the ingredients thoroughly and adequately. You have to wait till the mixture is consistent and soft before you add any other ingredients on top of it.
The freezer bowl is double-lined, which contains the non-toxic coolant that ensures the ice cream to be cold even when placed at room temperature. Cleaning the bowl and maintaining is very easy. It just does not have dishwasher proof parts. The capacity of the product is 1.5 quarts, which weigh around 7 pounds. It is compact, and with this machine, making ice cream is easy and fast.
- It can freeze desserts in just 20 minutes
- It has a double-insulated freezer bowl which makes sure that you don’t need ice
- The product comes with a transparent lock which makes it easy to add the ingredients
- The capacity of the ice cream machine is up to 1-1/2-quarts
- The dimensions of the product are (W x H x D) – 10.8 x 10.8 x 15.8 in
- The weight of the product is 10 lbs
- The 1.5 quarts capacity bowl makes enough ice cream
- You can make ice cream in less than 20 minutes
- It is very easy to operate and use
- New mixing paddle makes frozen desserts in 20 minutes or less
- Double insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice
- Easy lock transparent lid with large spout makes adding ingredients simple and mess-free
- The freezer bowl takes a bit too much space in the freezer
- The strength of the motor is poor
- Not dishwasher safe
2. Hamilton Beach 68330R 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker
The Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Ice Cream Maker sports a traditional bucket design which is paired with a high-powered motor which ensures that you get the creamiest homemade ice cream.
The product is big enough to make a gallon of ice cream for you. The buckets are very easy to clean after you make the ice cream, which is very convenient. You don’t have to place the 4-quart container inside the freeze as the ice and rock salt surrounds the canister.
It is very easy to operate as you can start the making process once you have all the ingredients with you. You needn’t freeze the bowl before you make the ice cream. It churns the ice cream on its own, and once the mixture is thick enough, it alerts you that your homemade ice cream is ready.
You get a manual with different recipes and frozen yogurt that can complement your homemade ice cream.
- Ice-cream maker produces about 4 quarts of ice cream in just 20 minutes
- It is fully automatic – no stirring required
- It has a user manual which includes 20 recipes
- The dimensions of the product are (W x H x D) – 15.3 x 12.5 x 11.1 inches
- It has a one-year warranty on its product
- It is a Metal designed product
- The weight of the ice cream machine is 5 lbs
- It stops automatically after your ice cream is thick
- Ice-cream maker produces up to 4 quarts in 20 to 40 minutes
- Fully automatic – no stirring needed. Just add ingredients, ice & rock salt – it does all the work, then stops when ready
- Makes homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, custard, sherbet, and gelato
- It is a bit noisy
- The length of the cord is short
3. Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Make
The Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence ice cream machine is made up of stainless steel, which looks elegant and very stylish on the outside. It has a capacity of 2 quart which allows you to make plenty of ice cream in one go.
The process of making homemade ice cream is made easier along with cleaning it afterward. It has got rubber feet, which allows the product to sit tight on the counter. The storage is incorporated with a cord that ensures the process is streamlined.
It is an automatic machine that features a very powerful motor that handles the extra load of the added ingredients easily. So now you can add your favorite sprinkles and enjoy it.
The model is sophisticated, and the generous size of the bowl is double insulated, which ensures that the ingredients stay cold at room temperature. It also has an automated paddle that mixes the ice cream smoothly. This reduces the manual hard work. It has a freezing unit.
- The dimensions of the product are (W x H x D) – 8.3 x 9.1 x 11.3 inches
- The weight of the product is 12 pounds
- You can set the freezer to 0-degree Fahrenheit to ensure that the food stays frozen
- It has got double-insulated freezer bowl
- The product comes with a recipe manual and instruction book
- The capacity of the bowl is 2 quart
- It is a fully automatic ice cream machine
- The design is stainless steel
- It sports a powerful motor
- Fully automatic frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream maker
- Brushed stainless-steel housing; heavy-duty motor. BPA Free
- Large ingredient spout for easily adding favorite mix-ins
- Double-insulated 2-quart freezer bowl; instruction book and recipes included
- Your freezer should be set to 0°F to ensure proper freezing of all foods.
- The ice cream produced can be too soft
- The freezer bowl might not fit into all the freezers
4. Nostalgia Electrics 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker
The Nostalgia Electrics ICMP-400 BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker is the perfect machine for your kitchen for your midnight ice cream cravings. It might look old-fashioned, but it makes ice creams like most high-end models.
It does not require excessive churning, you have to add the ingredients in a bowl, and then ice and the rest will be handled by the ice cream machine. It has a churning paddle, which makes sure that you do not have to do a lot of work in making homemade ice cream.
The product has a bucket, a dasher, and is made up of high-quality plastic, and the canister is made up of aluminum.
The capacity of the canister is four quartz, which is more than enough. Cleaning and maintaining the machine is also very simple. The product comes with instructions which have in-depth steps to use the ice cream machine with several recipes. The product is perfectly suited to modern technologies.
- The plastic bucket is easy to clean
- The lids are transparent which is easy for viewing
- It has a convenient carrying handle
- The motor locks so that everything is secure
- It comes with a recipe manual
- The product has a powerful electric motor
- The weight of the product is 6.35 pounds
- The material of the ice cream machine is plastic
- Works best with Nostalgia Ice Cream Mixes
- Easy to operate and clean
- The capacity of the bowl is more than enough
- Easy-to-clean plastic bucket
- See-thru lids for easy viewing and freezer storage
- Convenient carrying handle
- The powerful electric motor does all the churning – no manual effort!
- Motors lock into place keeping all parts secure
- Recipes included in the manual. BPA free
- The ice cream machine is a bit noisy
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does ice cream take to get ready in an ice cream maker?
It should take an average of 25 to 40 minutes for the ice cream to set. Start checking the mixing after 25 minutes; it would take additional time depending upon the amount of mixture added to the unit. The correct consistency should be such that it is thick but too soft to be scooped out.
2. How does ice cream machine work?
You would think that the making of ice creams is difficult and it would need so much of effort to prepare it. The working of the machine is effortless.
The mixture of cream and sweetened milk, which is poured into the unit is frozen. Because of the motion of the mixture, it constantly aerates it and prevents the ice crystals from being formed.
If we keep on doing it for 25-40 minutes, you will get a thick mixture which is in the consistency to be scooped out.
Conclusion
Now making ice cream is not a strenuous task. With these amazing ice cream machines, you can now easily make the creamiest ice cream and keep it in your freezer for as long as you want.
Go through the instructions to use it properly and make the amazing recipes that come along with the manual. With this article, Hope you can choose the best ice cream machine for your cravings.
