Ice cream maker buying guide
What is an ice cream machine?
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with ice cream in a bowl.
An ice cream maker is a small kitchen appliance that can be used to make ice cream and, in many cases, other similar frozen desserts at home. In the past, ice cream makers used the crank method, but now, they have electric motors. (You can still buy simpler prefreeze and manual models though). This process involves refrigerating or pre-freezing wet ingredients, then whisking or blending them until they are firmer. It can take 20-40 minutes from ingredients to making ice cream.
Most homemade ice cream needs to be made and eaten right away. You can freeze it, but it may not have the same texture as store-bought unless you eat it fresh. With some machines, you’ll need to put the mixture in the freezer for a while to get the right consistency, while the best quality fully automatic machines can deliver ice cream parlor quality desserts that you can eat right away.
Types of ice cream machines
This brings us to the two main types of stand-alone ice cream makers: stand-alone compressor models and pre-freeze models.
compressor ice cream machine
A woman eats ice cream from a compressor ice cream machine.
The simplest and most versatile ice cream maker, and arguably the most popular for those who want to make ice cream at home, the compressor models don’t require any pre-freezing. How do the ingredients get so cold that they freeze? With external refrigeration, cooling the bowl and paddle allows the ingredients to freeze as they are mixed. Compressor ice cream makers are usually about a quart in size and can go up to 3 quarts and require no hand mixing at all. Just add ingredients, turn on the machine, and let the machine do its work. These gadgets are usually about the size of a toaster and sit on the countertop, plugged in when needed. For inspiration, check out the Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker review article. It has a built-in compressor and can make all types of ice cream, as well as frozen yogurt and ice cream.
Professionals with compressor ice cream machines
Batch production: Since these machines tend to be larger, you can make more ice cream at once, which is perfect if you use the machine for entertainment or if you have a large family. If you have a freezer that can store pre-made ice cream, you may prefer a compressor.
Works Faster: Since the entire process is automated, you can also get your ice cream faster with minimal work and quick freezing.
Ease of use: These ice cream makers are super easy to use as the machine does most of the work for you. You don’t need to stir vigorously: you can set it and forget it. Put the ingredients in, flip the switch, have dinner, and when you’re done, dessert is ready.
There are more features: You’ll love the added features of the compressor ice cream maker, like a built-in timer and different firmness settings so you can go from closer to soft to a firmer texture, depending on your preference.
Maintains temperature: Compressor-type ice cream makers ensure that the right temperature is maintained throughout the process so that you don’t end up with a cloudy blob of liquid instead of firm, scoopable ice cream.
Prisoner with compressor ice cream machine
More Expensive: Compressor ice cream makers tend to be more expensive due to larger size, features added by more automated processes, and ease of use. You’d only want to invest if you have the space and you plan to make ice cream at home frequently.
Might be more difficult to clean: Since these are usually large and heavy machines, they can be more difficult to clean. Bowls are usually removable so you can easily hand wash them in the sink. However, the compressor unit requires careful handling.
Quick cleaning is a must: While you may be eager to enjoy your sweet treat right away, it’s important to clean a compressor-type ice cream maker right after use. Failure to do so will cause the mixture to harden and stick to the sides, making cleanup much more difficult.
Pre-frozen ice cream machine
Some machines need to be pre-chilled so that the ingredients come together when you mix by hand. Once cold enough, this will aerate the mixture and make the ice crystals smaller so you can still get that delicious creamy texture. You may have seen larger trays of pre-frozen ice cream at certain local ice cream parlors, usually where the staff will make your choice of toppings right in front of you. They are actually a pre-frozen ice cream maker.
Cuisinart Pre-Frozen Ice Cream Maker
For these types of countertop gadgets, they usually have a cylinder that you freeze ahead of time and place in the machine, which spins and churns the ingredients, making ice cream without the need for a built-in freezer.
