5 Best Ice Cream Maker –(Reviewed 2021 ) Buyer Guide

Are you looking for an ice cream maker and want to know which one to choose? Read on as I recommend tips, hints, guides, and reviews on the best ice cream makers.

I’ll show you around some of the best ice cream makers right here. You can also share these tips with your family and friends.

How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Maker

I have a secret to confess – my 4 kids aren’t the only reason why I buy ice cream makers. In fact, I have a sweet tooth, and I LOVE ICE CREAM! Ice cream cheers me up when I’m going through a tough day.

Having tried out so many different models and brands, I realized that each ice cream machine has their plus points.

That’s why I also choose to recommend some of the best ice cream makers right here on my blog. You won’t regret getting your ice cream maker!

Here are 4 personal tips you should know before you shop for an ice cream machine:

TIP 1: Determine a Budget You’re Comfortable With

Like all household appliances, the best tools aren’t necessarily the costliest. What you need is information on the pros and cons of each ice cream maker, which is what I’m doing here on my blog. To choose the best ice cream maker, start by creating a budget.

I’d say that budget ice cream makers range from $20 to $100 while expensive ones can cost anywhere from $500-$700.

Really expensive ones can cost $5000 and above. In my opinion, anything less than $2000 is a good bet.

Tip 2: Quality Ice Cream = Good Ingredients + Good Machine

The type of machine you choose affects the time needed to make the ice cream, how smooth it turns out, and how well it holds the ice cream.

Also, some machines can be so noisy you’d feel uneasy working in the kitchen with the machine turned on. If that’s the case, consider getting a new machine.

Besides a great quality machine, you got to have fresh and choice ingredients. Top quality eggs and milk, coupled with fresh fruits; makes a delightful ice cream.

TIP 3: Choose a Versatile Machine

Besides making ice cream, I almost always try to choose a machine that can also make frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, and custard.

That way I can vary the type of dessert I want to make. With so many great recipes online and in cookbooks, the options are endless!

TIP 4: Self Cooling Ice Cream Maker is a Better Choice

Whether you prefer the traditional bucket version, electric gel canister, or self-cooling ice cream maker, you should know that the difference between the three types of machine lies in the quantity and quality of ice cream produced.

Self-cooling machines are convenient and easy to use, but they can also cost a lot more. Electric gel canister is good for the occasional treat while bucket version is labor intensive. Therefore, if you have the cash to spare, I’d advise you to go to the self-cooling unit.

Other factors to consider include ease of use and ease of clean up. If you’d like to know more about ice cream makers, check out Why You Should Own an Ice Cream Maker. Also, do share these tips with your family and friends!

Best Ice Cream Maker Reviews

Look out for good ice cream maker review before you decide to buy!

1. Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker Review

The word to describe Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker is VERSATILE.

I enjoy making frozen desert and drinks with this machine because it gives an overall great texture and flavor.

I’d pull this one out for gatherings, parties, barbecues, and all other occasions. Its sleek look attracted quite some attention; my friends have been asking me where I bought mine!

1. Very convenient and makes ice cream quickly

Using this ice cream maker, I don’t have to clean up after a lot of mess (i.e., spilled additives). It’s conveniently placed on my kitchen countertop table.

I can just add the ice cream mixture and wait for about 25 minutes to enjoy a chilly desert.

2. Create and try different recipes effortlessly

Many of my friends have bought the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Desert Book after I recommended it to them.

There are90 yummy recipes to try out, and my favorite is the Chocolate Superfudge Brownie *drools*. With the Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker, you can try out countless different recipes without a problem (I haven’t had any so far). That’s why it’s perfect for all occasions.

I also recommend my readers to buy from Amazon because the machine is on sale with more than 50% discount! Check out also what other reviewers have to say about this machine. One reviewer

(Hawk Shaw “Rade”) said:

“Ordered this for MYSELF for Father’s Day and have been having a great time with it ever since. I tried several of the recipes that came with the maker and they have all been very good.

Straight forward operation, similar noise to any electric ice cream maker, and a container that doesn’t take up much space in the freezer. What’s not to like with this machine? Try it and you’ll like it.”

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2. Hamilton Beach 68330R 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker Review

I received the Hamilton Beach 68330R 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker as a gift from a friend and was pretty excited to try it out. Safe to say that I was immediately impressed by its great quality and was looking forward to churning some ice cream although I wasn’t craving for it! It operates in automatic mode, which makes the whole process easy. Here are some pros and cons to this machine:

1. The machine makes ice cream with smooth texture

Initially, I wondered why the machine seems to churn out soft ice cream. After a few tries, I found out that you can easily harden the ice cream by placing it in the freezer for half a day. I enjoy both soft and hard ice cream. Texture wise, this machine makes a smooth, mean ice cream.

2. Does not break easily

John (my eldest child) was making some ice cream a month back when the Hamilton Beach 68330R 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker accidentally slipped from his hand and fell onto our kitchen floor. Amazingly, it did not break or crack! After that incident, we have been using the machine every other day and still no signs of breakdowns. Great quality indeed.

However,
I am bothered by the noise. If you read the reviews on Amazon, some people think it’s okay while others simply can’t bear the noise. Honestly, I fall somewhere in between. I don’t appreciate the noise but have made it a point to keep the kitchen door closed so that I won’t bother those in the living hall while I use the machine.

Bill bought the Hamilton Beach 68330R 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker from Amazon and had this to say:
“In general, I’m not sure why people would want to spend more money. This is a big ice cream maker that does an excellent job of churning ice cream.”

I think he summed it up pretty well. This is the machine if you are looking for a high-quality product.

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3. Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Makers Review

You should consider getting Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Makers if you dislike operating complicated buttons and reading long instruction manuals. This ice cream maker is a gel canister machine which produces great quality ice cream for a reasonable price. The machine is really easy to operate and will churn out tasty ice cream is less than half an hour.

3 quick highlights about the Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Makers:

1. Large opening for easy filling

It’s easy to pour the ingredients in with the well-designed opening. Some ice cream makers have a narrow opening which makes it difficult to pour the ingredients in. I appreciate the fact that I can add chopped fruits and nuts without spilling.

2. Very easy to clean

The mixing arm and freezer bowl can be washed within seconds. This is a major plus point compared to other machines that have to be dismantled completely for washing. With this machine, I save so much time cleaning the machine. I’d only need to use a damp cloth to wipe the base.

3. Very efficient

I can make ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in as little time as 20 minutes. Since it’s fully automatic, I don’t have to stir the ingredients or add salt or ice. In fact, salt and ice aren’t needed at all! Overall an efficient machine that gives value for money.

Here’s what Gilberto (Amazon Verified Purchaser cum reviewer) commented about Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Makers:
“This machine works great for making ice cream. Especially for the price. I am happy with this product.”

If you’d like to buy the Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Makers, I’d recommend checking it out on Amazon. For less than $, you can own your ice cream maker. Or delight someone with a gift today!

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4. White Mountain Ice Cream Maker with Appalachian Series Wooden Bucket, 6-Quart Electric Review

The White Mountain Ice Cream Maker is a classic ice cream maker with a modern twist – it comes equipped with a powerful motor so that you don’t have to stir the mixture yourself. The classic pine bucket is easy to use; just fill the canister with your ice cream mixture and fill the sides of the bucket with plenty of ice and salt.

2 noteworthy points about this classic bucket ice cream maker:

1. It’s a great way to create some family fun

On lazy Sundays where we sit around watching telly, one of my kids will suggest, “let’s make some family ice cream!” that’s when we all pull out this classic ice cream maker. Its huge size means plenty of ice cream for the family (up to 6 quarts).

2. Produces ice cream with really smooth and creamy texture

The twin-blade dasher that comes with the bucket was a smart design. It turns both clockwise and counter-clockwise, folding the mixture perfectly to create one of the best ice cream textures I’ve tried. The best part is, you only have to add in the mixture and let the machine figure out the rest.

Oh, I got to tell you that the machine can be pretty noisy. But we didn’t mind because it’s all for family fun.

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5. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker Review

Among the range of ice cream makers I recommend, the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker is the “Bentley” of them. But despite the above-average price, I think this is worth recommending because:

1. This is the machine to buy if you are a serious ice cream lover

I’m lucky to have tried this machine for a few weeks when my cousin lends it to me. First impressions count and its sleek design immediately swooned me. Thankfully, its performance matches its good looks. It’s fully automatic, controlled by a precise timer, and best of all- you don’t have to freeze the bowl beforehand. Awesome right?

2. Make multiple ice cream batches perfectly

Since you don’t have to freeze the bowl beforehand, you can continuously make batches of ice cream. The machine has a sensor that will shut off automatically if a batch becomes too hard. All you need to do is add the ingredients, set two buttons on, and wait for approximately 30 minutes.

The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker spells luxury in every way. From its design to the professional performance, I now know that the price tag for this is the machine is secondary to its performance.

Wait no longer because there is no point in delaying joy; in this case the joy of having homemade ice cream! Do check out Amazon’s deal on the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker or continue reading my other reviews to find out more about ice cream makers.

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The Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker Review

If you’re looking for a high-quality, inexpensive machine that will help you create healthy and delicious desserts, then the Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker is perfect for you. You’ll be surprised how delectable home-made yogurt is. This machine will also give you complete control over what’s going into your yogurt; something you don’t have when consuming store-bought products. Keep on reading to see what other advantages you’ll get should you choose to use the Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker.

Features of the Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker:

• Temperature-Control
• 1- Quart Capacity
• Space- Saving Design
• Freezer- Safe Container
• Easy-Clean Accessories

1. A powerful machine that yields perfect results consistently. The Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker is designed to make the yogurt- making the process quick and easy. All its capabilities are just a few presses of a button away. All you need to do to make healthy and delicious yogurt right from the comfort of your home is to gather the necessary ingredients of the particular recipe you are following, mix them in the machine, freeze, and enjoy the delectable product after a short wait.
2. Light, portable, and very unobtrusive. This yogurt maker will take a very small portion of your kitchen space- a definite plus in every way. It is also very quiet. You can easily move it around as it is made of very lightweight but durable materials. Its design allows it to be as unobtrusive as possible, and even its power cord can be coiled and stored on the machine’s base so you can safely tuck it away when not in use, preventing potential accidents.
3. Temperature controlled to ensure safe and healthy yogurt. The Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker has a temperature control feature mainly because what you’re making it has live bacterial culture. The machine ensures that the yogurt is in an ideal environment so as not to lessen its nutrition value.
4. Makes up for a quart of delicious yogurt. This means you can make more than enough yogurt for yourself in one batch. Whipping up more batches is easy as well since it is a breeze to clean up.

Pros of the Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker

• Makes delicious yogurt
• Quick and efficient
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Saves you money
• Great quality for price

Cons of the Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker

• Though the machine’s capacity is usually enough for the average person, there are times when making more yogurt in one batch is convenient. So if ever this machine has a weakness, it is its capacity. On the other hand, it compensates for this very well by being able to mix batch after batch quickly and efficiently.

Our Verdict On The Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker

Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt MakerThis machine will help you make delicious and healthy yogurt right from your home, or anywhere else you decide to take it. It saves you time and resources, as making your yogurt costs less than buying them from the store. This machine is a great investment if you’re serious about your yogurt, so don’t hesitate to buy it now.

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Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker Review

The Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker is a nice, mid-price machine that is for you if you’re ready to leave basic, freezing bowl types but do not want to buy high-end machines just yet. It is currently on the stock over at Amazon where you can buy it for about $, which is a saving of 60% off the manufacturer’s original retail price.

You should consider obtaining your very own Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker because it is an efficient and effective machine, with useful features without the hefty price tag of other brands or models. Keep on reading to learn more about this ice cream maker’s features and how you can benefit from using it.

Features of the Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker:

• 1 1/2 – Quart Capacity
• All- in- One Ice Cream, Sorbet, and Frozen Yogurt Maker
• Sleek Brushed Stainless Steel Exterior
• Compressor Freezer
• Temperature Control and Automatic Timer

1. Produces a batch of ice cream in less than an hour. You can use the Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker to make frozen treats quickly; your ice cream or sorbet can be ready to eat in as fast as 45 minutes, depending on your recipe. This fast freezing time is a definite plus; especially if you find yourself needing ice cream fast.
2. A powerful compressor that’s integrated into the machine increases its efficiency. This ice cream maker has a built-in compressor freezer that is designed to work right away, without having to pre-freeze. What does this mean for you? A continuous ice cream making process. You will be able to make batch after batch of frozen delights to your heart’s content without worrying about getting the machine ready beforehand.
3. Easy and automatic ice cream making. Creating your very own ice cream takes minimal effort; all you have to do is assemble the necessary ingredients, put them all on the bowl, set the timer up, and watch the machine do its thing. After the timer’s up, the Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker automatically turns off on its own so you won’t have to remember to do so yourself.
4. Mix in anything you want into the basic ice cream recipe. The ice cream machine’s lid has a convenient opening which you can use to integrate ingredients like fruit, chocolate, nuts, and others into the mix. Chocolate chip cookies, strawberry sorbet, and other delectable treats have never been this easy to make.

Pros of the Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker

• Simple assembly and setup
• Cleans up easily
• Durable and long- lasting design
• Pre-freezing is not required
• Outstanding value for price

Cons of the Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker

• Some people have reported that this ice cream maker is a bit on the loud side. This is subjective, however, and varies from person to person. A level of sound should be expected when the machine is running.

Our Verdict On The Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream MakerAll in all this ice cream maker is an outstanding product and will make a fine addition to any home. Buy it now.

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How To Use Your Ice Cream Maker

To make the best homemade ice cream, I’d look to my aunt for tips and tricks. She’s also an ice cream fan and loves to talk about ice cream every time we meet up! She’ll tell me that the most important aspect of ice cream making is to practice good hygiene. This is important because, in every food preparation process, contamination should be avoided at all cost.

Besides emphasizing on food hygiene, she’d also share many other tips with me. In this post, I’d like to share some of those tips with you.

To save time, chill ingredients beforehand

Ingredients like fruits and nuts and can be chilled beforehand to shorten the freezing time. I’d usually put a bowl of mix fruits in the freezer for an hour before I add them to the ice cream mixture. Of course, you should only add in the mix-ins during the last step of the process, when the ice cream is almost done.

Additives like chocolate and fruit should be in small sizes
Naturally, the foodstuff you add in should be in bite-size pieces. If it’s too large, it’ll be difficult to blend it in the ice cream while not very suitable for children.

Don’t rush the process! Chill for a couple of hours

You should leave the ice cream in the freezer for a few hours before serving. To avoid it from melting too quickly, you can also chill the serving bowls and serve the ice cream in chilled bowls.

Use a really ice cream base

The base or bowl for your ice cream maker takes a long time to freeze. A tip here is to wrap it tightly in a plastic bag before putting it in the freezer. That way, you’ll always have a bowl ready for use whenever you feel like making ice cream.

Don’t store the ice cream for too long

Since you won’t be adding additives or preservative, you shouldn’t store the ice cream too long. My aunt would advise me to store them for a maximum duration of one week. But, with 4 kids around, the ice cream usually finishes way sooner!

Use ingredients in moderation

Just because you can add anything you want, you should also bear in mind that the additives shouldn’t overwhelm the ice cream. Add fruits, nuts, cookies, chocolates, etc. in moderation.

Add flavoring at the right time

The best time to add extracts is after the ice cream turns cold but right before churning. That way, you’ll get a richly-flavored batch of ice cream.

Don’t store ice cream next to uncovered food

You know how some foodstuff can emit pungent smell? Well, remember never to put your ice cream next to such foodstuff. The strong smell can affect the taste of your ice cream.

Now that you know how to improve the ice cream-making process, you’ll enjoy the whole experience even more. I hope you have fun experimenting with your ice cream maker. You can also read more tips on ice cream maker in How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Maker.

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Why You Should Own an Ice Cream Maker

Ice cream machine may not be one of your must-have kitchen equipment, but the fact is, it is a very useful tool that can be used to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Think about it: if you are reading this, is likely that you like ice cream or you know someone who does! And you are considering whether to get that ice cream maker. Well, you should!

What better way to make a child happy, cheer up a gathering of friends, and surprise someone? Fresh, homemade, yummy ice cream does the job perfectly.

There you go, that shall be reason No. 1 why you should get an ice cream maker. Besides that, here are 4 more reasons:

Reason 2: You want to save money
Yes, I know good quality ice cream costs a lot these days. That was why I bought ice cream maker. With 4 kids who love ice cream, the decision to buy an ice cream maker came naturally. Part of the money you spend to buy ice cream goes to the advertisement, staff cost, and service received. With your ice cream maker, you can save on those expenses and just enjoy what you pay for: the freshest ingredients to make a delicious batch of ice cream.

Reason 3: You can use the freshest ingredients of your choice
I just enjoy using the freshest strawberries and peaches to make ice cream. Some seasonal fruits can also be used in ice cream making. I’ve also tried using organic egg and milk. The results are indeed better and good for health too.

Reason 4: You can avoid additives, preservatives, and stabilizers
Au naturel is the way to go for food these days. We’ll never know the long-term effects of consuming additives and chemicals. I also like my food prepared the fuss-free and straightforward way. Store-bought ice cream usually contains additives to add texture and flavor to ice cream. With your ice cream maker, you can use choice ingredients.

Reason 5: You get to experiment and create your unique flavor!
Feel free to mix ingredients to create your ice cream flavor. How many people in the world can claim that they have a personalized ice cream flavor? And you can share the recipe with family and friends too. Give it a try today! Your kids will also enjoy the whole process of experimenting with different flavors.

There are many terrific ice cream makers available on the market. For starters, do read my product reviews as I’ve recommended some of the best ice cream makers. (i.e. Easiest To Use Ice Cream Maker and Best Small Ice Cream Maker) Also, I have shared more tips on ice cream maker in How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Maker. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my post! I look forward to sharing more tips and tricks with you as I add more posts later.