When the temperature rises, nothing can beat the drooling experience of ice cream. Everyone loves to grab a scoop of ice cream in a different flavor. However, treating your mouth with a spoonful of soft, creamy, and smooth ice cream can be amazing, but getting a chance to make the ice cream yourself can be a wonderful experience. Making ice cream at home can be as joyous as munching on ice cream.
In addition, turning sugar and cream into ice cream at home may sound surprising, but don’t be. You can do it through a good ice cream maker machine. In this article, we are convinced to make you go for an ice cream maker because you’ll get to experience playing with different flavors, colors, and textures. Not only this, but your friends and family members will enjoy it equally.
Furthermore, to help you choose the best ice cream maker, we’ll show you the list of our top favorite picks for 2024. Happy reading!
Our Top Picks
Although, everyone has different preferences. So do us. Here are our 5 top picks to consider;
1. Breville Smart Scoop- Best Overall
Looking for a high-quality ice cream maker? This ice cream maker machine by Breville can be the perfect choice for your kitchen. The Breville Smart Scoop is a top-standard machine with workable features. Trying your hands on this machine can save a lot of your time, and you’ll end up thanking us for recommending this ice cream machine to you. However, you’re welcome in advance. 😉
Not to forget, the Breville Smart Scoop holds a lot of features. One of the awesome features is a pre-chill function. You can prechill the ice maker; it’ll help you save time. Furthermore, its blades are sharp and have a great speed for different ice creams. In addition, the machine allows you to add a mixture of about 1.5 quarts and can sense the stiffness of the mix based on the following selection such as frozen yogurt, sorbet, ice cream, and gelato.
In addition, the machine beeps to remind you that it’s time to add some nuts and swirls. Lastly, if you have extra space in the kitchen and can invest a good amount, look for nothing and go for this machine.
Pros:
- The machine looks outclass
- Its pre-cool function is awesome
- The temperature display works perfectly
Cons:
- The hardness settings are a bit confusing
2. Cuisinart Frozen Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker
The Cuisinart ice cream maker makes the best ice cream giving a soft and smooth texture with a classy flavor. Many experts have tested this ice maker in their kitchens and are extremely happy. According to them, this machine’s results are far better than those of expensive ice cream makers. Not only this, but this ice cream machine is handy and light on the pocket.
In addition, it holds mind-blowing features. This ice cream machine looks simple, but you know what they say? Never judge a book by its cover; the same goes for this machine. It may look simple on the outside, but it’s a powerhouse of functionalities that includes the fast churning of ice cream in a few seconds. With it comes a switch that is a breeze to use, and due to its lightweight, it’s easy to move. Furthermore, the ICE-21 uses a frozen bowl insert, making this product much better.
If you want a good quality ice cream maker at less price, then ICE-21 is what you must go for.
Pros:
- It’s small and handy
- Light on the pocket
- Best churning functionality
Cons:
- At this price, don’t expect a professional result from the OCE-21
3. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino
For the divine and magical experience, you have to try this machine. It’ll give you a soft and smooth ice cream that will make you go wow when brushed against your tongue. According to experts, this ice cream maker gives a higher quality ice cream than a large 5-gallon ice cream maker. In addition, it’s made of stainless steel and works efficiently. The features of this ice cream maker offer a lot of perks to enjoy.
Furthermore, how can we forget to discuss the features of Lello 4080? It’s a workhorse and requires no pre-cooling. Also, it holds 1.5 quartz, freezing three cups of ice cream or sorbet within an hour. Not to miss, this is an automatic machine. It means you will only need to add all the ingredients to the bowl, set a timer, press the buttons, and there is a yummy treat that is about to be prepared.
To not miss this mouth-watering experience, do not let go of this opportunity to invest in the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Gives professional results
- Has a powerful, robust refrigeration system
- It’s made of stainless steel
Cons:
- It’s huge and is very expensive
4. Whynter ICM-201SB
Whynter ICM is a top-tier product with a large capacity to prepare ice cream. One can prepare ice cream in different batches without the need to pre-cooling it. According to experts, this product stands tall among the other ice cream maker machines. This machine makes smooth and mousse-type ice cream. If you are one of those who love fluffy texture ice cream, this is your go-to ice cream maker.
The features it brings are transcendent. It’s a taller model while occupying less space on the shelf. Moreover, it has multiple modes and a timer to perfect your ice cream or dessert making. In addition, the shiny machine you see is made of stainless steel and holds a capacity of 2.1 quartz, and is a bit more pricey than the other machines. In terms of safety, the timer shuts off automatically if the mixture freezes solid.
Although this ice cream maker will be a bit heavy on the pocket, but if you want high-end results, you must invest in this beauty.
5. Nostalgia Electrics 4-Quart Blue Bucket
Are you planning to go on a trip with your family? But how can you miss enjoying the ice cream on a trip? Without ice cream, a trip is always incomplete. Nostalgia brings you the Electric plastic bucket with a metallic handle to bring a smile to your face. It’s portable and easy to carry with a capacity of 4 Quartz. The amount of ice cream this machine produces is enough to feed everyone.
Furthermore, the Nostalgia ice cream kit works perfectly with all the flavors, whether vanilla, strawberry or any other. It produces a high-quality texture of ice cream and gives a wonderful experience when it melts in the mouth. Along with its amazing features, the machine is easy to clean once used. Lastly, it comes with a manual to guide you in preparing ice cream in the machine.
Pros:
- Easy to make a 4-quart ice cream
- It has a locking feature to keep the paste secure
- Easy to clean
Cons:
It’s a good choice for trips but not for home use.
Choosing The Best Ice Cream Maker: A Buying Guide
Are you in search of a high-end ice cream maker? Churn on these tips to make the right choice!
1. Size Matters
The ice cream makers come in various sizes. They range from the smaller ones used at home to the massive ones producing a half-gallon of ice cream at a time. In this regard, most clients are concerned about their kitchen space. They don’t want the big machines to occupy their kitchen space. In short, small kitchens go with the smaller machines, while large kitchens go with the bigger machines depending on the user’s choice. They can be found easily in the market.
2. Appearance
Not every buyer is concerned about the product’s aesthetics, but a very few are. They go for the ones that offer a shiny, compact, and classy look. In this case, you need to conduct thorough research for those ice cream machines that have good looks and the best functionality. Furthermore, don’t worry. Many well-designed machines are available in the market. You’ll find the one that will look good on your kitchen shelf.
3. Time and Efficiency
Before choosing an ice cream maker, you should know how long it will take to make it. Will it need pre-cooling or not? Similarly, how long will it take to prepare the first batch? Or if it can prepare two batches at a time? In some cases, ice cream makers make ice cream on the spot, while some machines take 24-hours to do so. So, know your requirements before making a choice.
4. Cost
Many people are unaware of the cost of a dessert-making machine. It doesn’t cost a fortune and is way cheaper than the expectations of the people. It’s better to buy a good value ice cream maker than to purchase expensive fresh ice cream in a restaurant. Buying an ice cream machine will save your money and energy.
5. Types of Ice Cream Makers
The type of ice cream maker you choose matters a lot as different machines/models suit other preferences. Are you an ice cream lover who loves making ice cream in summers and then storing the machine in winters? No worries, whichever model you choose, they all work the same way. Here are some of the types of ice cream makers.
Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Machines
These ice cream makers are budget-friendly and easy to use. The freezer bowl can be detached from them and kept in the freezer for cooling the mixture. You can also go for another freezer bowl. This way, at a time, a combination of ingredients can be chilled while the mix in another bowl attached to the machine will be busy preparing ice cream for you.
Furthermore, buying an extra bowl will prevent you from cross-contamination. Similarly, if any of your family members have a food allergy, you can use a separate freezer bowl for them. This model is handy and easy to clean. Your every penny spent on it will be worth it.
Compressor Ice Cream Machines
These machines are a wonder to use. They have built-in freezers, so one doesn’t have to worry about pre-chilling the bowl first. The machine performs the cooling with its built-in freezer. Also, if you prepare ice cream more often, then this machine is made for you. It can help you prepare ice cream batch after batch.
Although it’s a bit expensive, the convenience it offers is priceless. If you have a passion for homemade ice creams, you must not let go of this product.
Mixer Attachments
Are you looking for the Kitchenaid stand mixer for your kitchen shelf? Worry not. You can have the ice cream maker attachments, saving your money and time from buying a separate machine. They come with a freezer bowl and a beater to attach to the mixture. Moreover, like other models, you’ll have to pre-cool the bowl in the freezer. So, plan accordingly. Otherwise, it can be a great purchase!
People Also Ask
Q. How long should the bowl be in the freezer before using it first?
A.Place the bowl in the freezer for 24 hours and do not take it out until ready to use.
Q. How should I clean the freezer bowl?
A.To clean the freezer bowl, let it reach room temperature, wipe it with a cloth and warm water. Do not wash it in dishwater.
Q. When should I stop churning ice cream?
A.Churn the mixture until it’s thick and about to offer a smooth and fluffy texture. Once done with churning the ice cream, shift it to another container and put it in the freezer.
Q. How long does it take to make ice cream in an ice cream maker?
A.It takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the ingredients you use.
