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Ice Cream Machines Overview and Purchasing Tips
Home » Small Appliances » Ice Cream Machines » Ice Cream Machines Overview and Purchasing TipsThe average American eats about two pints of ice cream every month, and corporations such as Ben and Jerry’s, Baskin-Robbins, Edy’s, and Blue Bell have all profited from Americans’ love of the frozen treat. Instead of purchasing from these companies, however, many Americans get their ice cream right at home. An ice cream machine (also known as an ice cream maker) is a relatively inexpensive appliance that gives you the sweet taste of ice cream in the comforts of your own kitchen.
There are two basic types of ice cream machines: rock-salt machines and countertop models. Countertop models, which make up the bulk of the market, are the primary focus of this article, but you may come across some rock-salt machines as you shop.
Rock-salt ice cream machines contain an ice cream bucket that is surrounded by a mixture of rock-salt and ice. Many models are hand-cranked but others offer a motor that powers the mixing arm for you. A rock-salt machine is loud, large, sits on the floor while you use it, requires more work on your part, and prohibits you from adding ingredients during the process, but its advocates argue that you can’t beat the taste. Unfortunately, most companies no longer manufacture rock-salt machines, and those that do sell them price them at $140 to $200.
Countertop models, on the other hand, have a round metal bowl that has hollow sides filled with a liquid freezing agent. A hand or motor-powered mixing arm, or “dasher,” stirs the ice cream mixture as it freezes to ensure consistency. Even though you have to refreeze the metal bowl after each use, the price ($25-$130, depending on size and quality), small size, and convenience make these models the safe and popular choice. Professionals use countertop models with a compressor and make several batches at once without having to refreeze the bowl, but these compressor models cost between three hundred and two thousand dollars, so they are too expensive for occasional home use.
Countertop models often advertise features such as an ingredient spout, which will reduce spillage and enable you to add items as the ice cream freezes, cord storage, and more. You may have to pay a little more to obtain these features, so compare models and see which model offers the features you want.
Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Rival, and Krups are among the leaders in ice cream machine manufacturing. Their models advertise their capacity in quarts, and capacity size is the main determinant for a higher price. In addition, many models will include an owner’s manual with recipes, which you will probably want so you have some basic ideas to start with and some daring ideas to which you can expand.
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