10 Best Ice Cream Makers Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
How to Choose an Ice Cream Maker?
Ice creams and sorbets are among the most popular desserts or snacks for children and adults, especially during the hot seasons. To reduce expenditure on supplies every day or week, it is better to invest in an ice machine.
There are many ice cream makers or ice turbines on the market. And to make your choice easier, we have provided this guide which brings together the most important features and criteria to look for in an ice machine.
After the type of machine, take into account the characteristics of the different models available in stock before making your final choice. Check whether its capacities will meet your expectations and your need for ice cream or sorbet.
Quick Summary
- Editor’s Choice – Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Yogurt / Ice Cream Maker
- Best Value for Money – Cuisinart ICE-21R
- Best for Kids – DASH Ice Cream Maker
- Budget Pick – Hamilton Beach 68330N 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker
- Best Multifunction Machine – Whynter ICM-200LS
- Best Frozen Dessert Maker – Chefman Frozurt
- Best Space-saving Ice Cream Maker – Whynter 2.1 Quart Upright Ice Cream Maker
- Best Gelato Maker – Cuisinart ICE-100
- Best Bucket Ice Cream Maker – Nostalgia PICM4BG
- Best Ice Cream and Yoghurt Maker – Whynter ICM-220SSY
Top Rated Ice Cream Makers Reviews
1. Editor’s Choice – Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Yogurt / Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart Pure Indulgence is a versatile ice cream maker that allows you to prepare ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet according to your preferences.
It is equipped with a brushed stainless steel case which gives it a more aesthetic and modern touch. Powerful, this device is equipped with a perfectly resistant motor that develops power of 60 Watts.
It promises you a quick result in just 25 minutes. It also has a large specially designed pouring spout to make adding mixes even easier. The Pure Indulgence is also distinguished by its large capacity. It comes with a two-liter insulated double freezing bowl.
2. Best Value for Money – Cuisinart ICE-21R
Cuisinart is making a comeback with the ICE-21R Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Red Sorbet Machine. It has a new mixing palette that has been designed to speed up the time of making desserts and frozen drinks. It only takes 20 minutes to achieve a better result.
It also makes your job easier as it works automatically. Just add your favorite ingredients, then press ON and you’re ready to go! With a large 1 ½ liter capacity, this appliance has it all. In addition, it stands out with its integrated, easy-to-lock cover that prevents splashing on your worktop.
It also has a large container to facilitate the addition of ingredients inside. It’s equipped with a double-insulated freezer bowl and comes in different colors: red, cream, pink, and white. This appliance easily finds its place on the worktop thanks to its small size. Delivered with a recipe book, this machine allows you to vary the preparations.
3. Best for Kids – DASH Ice Cream Maker
Treat your children with the Aqua My Pint DPIC100GBAQ04 Ice Machine from DASH. It differs at first by its pretty but small design which reduces clutter in your kitchen. In addition, you have the option to take it with you for your summer camping.
Note, however, that it is essential to leave the bowl in the refrigerator overnight before use. The Aqua version has an on-off button within easy reach. It also comes with a mixing spoon to make your job easier. To make your task even easier and to diversify your preparations, the DASH brand accompanies the device with a recipe book.
4. Budget Pick – Hamilton Beach 68330N 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker
The Hamilton Beach ice cream maker is a portable and practical ice cream maker for making homemade frozen desserts. It brings the traditional way of making homemade ice cream up to date.
With no less than 4 quarts, it is above all the capacity of the Hamilton Beach 68330N that is notable. There will be enough to feed a lot of gourmets!
This device works according to an old principle. The principle is that the bucket which receives the mixture is placed in a compartment that must be filled with salted ice (in order to obtain the right temperature). This is an important point to note because this device requires a lot of ice: it is an element to be planned before starting!
5. Best Multifunction Machine – Whynter ICM-200LS
There are two kinds of people interested in buying an ice cream maker: those who just love the idea of making homemade ice cream… and those who want the best of the best! If you are in the latter case, you might find that most of these machines are limited in functionality… but the Whynter ICM-220CGY is not.
On this machine, you have a digital screen that indicates the chosen cycle and the remaining time. A timer is also included, which alerts you when the cycle is complete. We also appreciate the automatic shutdown system which allows the engine to be turned off in order to preserve it when the mixture solidifies too much.
The upper window closes easily and allows the process to be monitored. It also has a small hatch so you can add other ingredients when needed.
6. Best Frozen Dessert Maker – Chefman Frozurt
Do you like homemade ice cream for an evening for two in front of a movie, or, quite simply, to spend more time with your children? Chefman Frozurt is an accessible ice cream maker, which allows you to make fresh and healthy ice cream.
Make your ice cream with Chefman Frozurt, just take some frozen fruit (of your choice) out of the freezer. Wait until they have thawed while staying cool. Then place them in the chute and squeeze. Your cream is immediately available.
This mode of operation makes the Chefman Frozurt well suited to sudden cravings. It is ideal for sharing a moment of comfort as a couple, and can also be used to organize a fun cooking workshop with a child.
The motor is not extremely fast, so we advise you to be patient: avoid very large pieces of fruit, and do not place them in the machine after you have just taken them out of the freezer.
7. Best Space-saving Ice Cream Maker – Whynter 2.1 Quart Upright Ice Cream Maker
The problem with machines of this type is that they often take up a lot of space. Good news: the Whynter ICM-201SB is an integrated compressor machine that has a small dimension… but an excellent result!
The Whynter ICM-201SB is a built-in compressor machine, so no need to put the bowl in the freezer. The window on the top of the device allows you not only to monitor the progress but also to add ingredients when needed (chocolate chips, etc.).
We also appreciate the automatic shut-off system which allows the engine to be turned off in order to preserve it when the mixture solidifies too much. In addition, there’s a system that preserves the good consistency of the ice cream at the end of the cycle and prevents it from melting.
8. Best Gelato Maker – Cuisinart ICE-100
One more time, the Cuisinart brand provides you with the ICE-100 Silver Ice Cream and Gelato Maker. Practical, it is fully automatic. It also includes a commercial quality compressor, for a fast and better quality result.
This machine is equipped with 2 paddles including a gelato paddle specially designed to prepare authentic gelato. The ice cream paddle, on the other hand, allows you to make creamy ice creams.
This device is equipped with an ice cream bowl with a capacity of 1 L. It also has tactile buttons with a 60-minute countdown. For better visibility, it has a blue LCD display. The ICE-100 compressor is optimally efficient thanks to its 10-minute cool-keeping function.
9. Best Bucket Ice Cream Maker – Nostalgia PICM4BG
The Nostalgia brand offers you the PICM4BG Electric Ice Machine in a bucket with a handle. It can be used to prepare ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt depending on your choice.
This device consists of a lockable motor mount, an aluminum canister, and a plastic bucket. Practical, it is easy to clean. This powerful device works perfectly with a particularly powerful motor.
Moreover, it is lockable for maximum security. This machine also has a handle specially designed to make its transport even easier. It works with a powerful motor and is compatible with ice cream kits from the same brand.
10. Best Ice Cream and Yoghurt Maker – Whynter ICM-220SSY
Let’s say it right off the bat: the Whynter ICM-220SSY is a top-of-the-line device, and to acquire it, however, you will need to get your hands on the wallet. Because of its dual functionality, it is more than 70% expensive than the ordinary ice cream maker version.
However, for this price, you get a real two-in-one device. Not only can you prepare a wide variety of frozen desserts (sorbets, ice creams, gelato, etc.), but this machine can also be used to make your own yogurt and frozen yogurt.
It is effective enough to give you excellent results regardless of the type of milk used. The frame and the internal tray are made of stainless steel: it is a rather sturdy device.
9 Factors to Consider When Buying an Ice Cream Maker
Check the full criteria to consider below:
1. Types of Ice Cream Maker
Different types of ice cream makers meet different needs. Having a better understanding of each type enables to pick the right one.
Ice Cream Machines with a Freezer Bowl
The freezer bowl is the separate piece that we must freeze between 8-24 hours before using it. In fact, the machines that have this system are usually cheaper than those that have a built-in freezer. But some find this especially tedious.
Ice Cream Machine with Built-in Freezer
These types of machines are easier to use. In fact, it is not necessary to freeze your bowl before using them. However, they are more expensive. Of course, in a few minutes and without prior elaboration, it lets you prepare ice cream in a simple way.
Compressor Machines
Compressor machines have a ” compressor” which is a device that allows the tank to cool in a few minutes. This makes it ideal for the most impatient or for those cooks who need to save time.
Ice Cream Machines with a Gel Container
Some machines have the so-called gel container. It is a compartment that we must pre-freeze. That will allow us to make ice cream with two flavors at the same time.
Traditional Ice Cream Machines
Based on ice and salt, traditional machines maintain a constant temperature in the bucket. By rotating the bucket where the ice cream is housed, it ends up getting great results. However, it can be a bit tedious (about 20-30 minutes or so) to use them, as the crank must be moved throughout the entire process. Although, in some cases, it is mechanical.
Portable Ice Cream Machines
They are machines that you can take anywhere. They are ideal therefore for summer and when you want to go to the beach. It forms ice cream by stirring the ingredients inside.
Creamy Ice Cream Machines
Yes, really almost any machine gives you the option of creating creamy ice cream. But this is not always the case. This type of ice cream maker also serves to create frozen yogurts and even sorbets. There are even advanced models with special dispensers. With these, you can add chocolate, make rainbow designs, pearls, and much more.
2. Materials
For now, plastic is not usually a good material for the structure. It is very easy to break and could deteriorate as time passes. You must bet on better quality material, with good robustness, and resistance to the passage of time.
Aluminum is usually good material. It helps to make the ice cream cold and transfer more quickly throughout the composition. Also, it holds moisture very well.
If you are going to use the machines to make cheap ice cream at a commercial level, as well as at a particular level, we recommend that you choose a transparent lid. This will make it easier to control what happens inside at all times.
For example, you can know the exact period in which the ice cream will be made. You can know the number of ingredients that must be introduced at what time or any other related detail.
3. Frequency of Use
The first thing you have to evaluate when choosing a machine is the use you are going to give it. For example, if you are going to give it a rather occasional use, you do not need to invest in a machine that is too powerful.
Now, if you are going to prepare ice cream for a large family, you should choose a model that is capable of preparing an amount of ice cream between 4-6L or thereabout.
4. Self-freezing or Non-freezing Machine?
You have to choose between a self-cooling model and a model without self-cooling features.
For the self-cooling model, the appliance is equipped with a container that can cool down during the movement of the blades.
Meanwhile, for the non-freezing machine, the container to be used must be kept in the freezer for a few hours.
But while the refrigerant ones are suitable, especially for those who love making ice cream frequently, the non-refrigerant ones are ideal for those who consume ice cream rarely. Another difference concerns the fact that the non-freezing machine is less expensive. They are lighter and less bulky.
However, self-cooling ones offer more advantages. One of these concerns the possibility of not necessarily cooling the bowl before using it. This not only reduces production times. It also allows you to make ice cream several times in a row with low electricity consumption. In any case, these are expensive machines, which require a lot of space, with a greater impact on the environment.
In case we had to choose a non-refrigerating model, we have to check how long it takes for the container to cool. And consequently, what are the dimensions of the latter since we do not always have the space available in the freezer.
5. Production Capacity
The ice cream makers, on average, have a capacity ranging from 270ml to 2 liters at a time. The majority range from about 1 to 1.5 liters.
Many ice cream makers allow you to make a few quantities of ice cream. So you have to think about how much ice cream you would like to make at a time.
The recipe book that is sold along with the machines should give you the appropriate quantities to use. And it’s important to stick to the capacity recommended.
If you fill the container to the brim, when the ice cream starts to freeze and expand, you will end up finding all the ice cream on the work surface. If you use recipes from other sources, adjust the quantities for optimal results to prevent ice cream from overflowing.
However, some ice cream makers don’t tell you how much ice cream they can do. This means that you will simply need to follow their recipes. Try to understand how much ice cream they make and then adjust it to suit your use.
6. Ease of Cleaning
This device is going to get stained. And if you do not remove the remains, especially dairy, it could be completely damaged. Therefore, you need an ice cream maker that is easy to clean. You need one that can be disassembled into several pieces, such as the container, on the one hand, the lid, and the blades.
Some models can be washed in the dishwasher, something even more practical. With this, you wouldn’t have to worry about cleaning, except to disassemble and assemble.
7. Storage
Have you already thought about where you are going to place the machine? Well, this is a key detail that must be contemplated. For example, if we choose a machine that has a compressive capacity, we will need much more space to store it, especially if we are going to place it on the countertop. If we choose a model that occupies a lot of space, it will also be more complicated to have it stored.
Do you already have a “team” of appliances that press together for a little space in the closet or on the work surface? Well, there is a considerable difference in the size of the various models.
The smaller model has a footprint similar to that of a kettle. But the largest can be as wide as food processors. There are ice cream makers that have a diameter that has more or less the same size as a plate. Before buying them, however, check that the container of these machines enters your freezer.
At the other extreme, self-cooling ice cream makers are usually large, bulky, heavy and difficult to move.
8. Noise Level
Everyone likes ice cream, but not the noise from the machines. This criterion has more to do with the location of use. For commercial use, noise may not be a major problem. But there has to be a limit to the decibels of noise your home-use ice cream or gelato machine makes.
Irrespective of the type of machine, the noise decibel must not exceed 65-70dB. Anything more than this is unsafe for human ears, especially during prolonged use.
When ordering, many sellers include the noise level, especially when they’re not high. However, if you can’t find this detail, ask the seller!
9. Accessories
As for the subject of accessories, we can find a whole host of elements that should also be considered.
- Some models have timers. These make it perfect to control at all times when your dessert could be ready.
- Some models have spare containers. These help you to be able to make several tubes of ice cream at the same time.
- A spare shovel helps to achieve the best results in terms of textures, improved covers.
Even the special recipe books are important. Although these can complement those, we can find them on the Internet.
Takeaway
Summer is the perfect season to spend more time with family and friends. Moreover, this is the best opportunity to take out your ice cream maker and make refreshing preparations such as natural drinks or ice cream.
The ice cream maker is a device specially designed to prepare ice creams, gelato, frozen desserts, sorbets, or even yogurts according to your preferences. The Chefman Frozurt is ideal for frozen desserts, the Cuisinart ICE-100 for gelato, while the Whynter ICM-220SSY would be suitable for those who like to switch from ice cream to yogurt. But, overall, no ice cream making machine is as effective as the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence, which would be perfect as a yogurt and ice cream maker.
Regardless of the choice we make, we must always opt for machines that have sturdiness and resistance. But above all, choose machines that can ensure substantial capacity.
Better a large container that allows you to mix more quantities of ingredients. The best ice cream maker would be the one with proven and simple usability. They are those simple to use with a 30-minute preparation.
Don’t forget the necessary presence of an instruction booklet. This must be not only exhaustive but also simple to follow.
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