Ice Cream Maker: Best Options And Buying Guide

When summer approaches, nothing better than being able to enjoy a delicious ice cream. How about you make it yourself at home? With homemade ice cream makers, you can choose the ingredients that compose it at any time, and your children will be delighted.

However, deciding on one of these devices can be complicated, given the great offer that the market presents. Therefore, in this guide, we will help you choose the one that best suits your needs and those of your family.

What is an ice cream maker?

An ice cream maker is a machine designed to make ice cream. There are two types: they can be without a compressor or with a compressor.

In the second case, you will not need to freeze the container previously since it has a freezing system capable of bringing the mixture to a suitable temperature.

On the other hand, the blades are in charge of beating the ingredients, like a good mixer and incorporating air until obtaining an ice cream with the perfect consistency.

Top 10 ice cream makers

Before getting into the subject, how about taking a look at the best models on the market? Choose from these the one that best suits your needs.

Last update on 2023-10-26 / Affiliate links, Images and descriptions from Amazon Product Advertising

Why buy an ice cream machine?

If you love ice cream, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase one of these machines for your home at a very affordable price.

To enjoy homemade ice cream

Who has not dreamed of having an ice cream machine at home since childhood? Enjoying the taste of good homemade ice cream is all pleasure, especially if we are close to 40˚C. Without a doubt, having the opportunity to savour a product made by yourself is a luxury.

If you like ice cream and you think you could spend a whole day eating it, this machine is for you. Get delicious and creamy textures in your preparations as if it were an industrial product, but with the security of knowing that it does not contain any harmful additives to your health.

To choose the ingredients of the ice cream

However, the best thing about this machine is that you always choose the ingredients that your ice cream incorporates. Prepare your combinations with healthy and natural ingredients.

So you can enjoy delicious ice cream at any time and have the security of offering your children the best. You can prepare pineapple, lemon, strawberry, chocolate sorbets, or whatever you want, and only your imagination limits you.

To make ice cream with natural flavours

Having this ice cream machine at home allows you to experiment every day with new ingredients. It does not matter if you incorporate your favourite fruit to create delicious and healthy natural ice creams or prepare a base with vanilla cream.

Your favourite flavours and the best ingredients in a single combination that can be even low in calories, so you can enjoy a refreshing dessert without regrets. Look for a real food ice cream recipe, and you will not stop using this machine.

How to choose an ice cream maker?

There are several features that you should not overlook when purchasing one of these devices. Take note!

Capacity

Capacity is one of the first characteristics that you will have to assess when deciding which model to buy. You have to consider the members that make up the family so that no one will be left without their ice cream.

Household ice cream makers usually have a capacity between 1 to 2 litres, but some larger models can go up to 6 litres. For this reason, it is essential to check the size of the container since, even if a device has large dimensions, the container may not be so large. Also, check the size of the mixing paddles.

Its potency

This aspect should not worry you since domestic machines usually do not have much power. Generally, they are around 10 W, but they are utensils without a compressor that you will have to freeze before. They do not require more watts by not having to cool the container since they only have to turn the blades.

If the model incorporates a compressor, the power can reach 250 W, since it needs to be able to cool the mechanism to very low temperatures to prepare the ice cream and achieve an optimal result.

Materials

On the other hand, it is advisable to check the materials with which the machine is manufactured. Some cheaper models are usually made of plastic, so they are lighter but also less resistant.

However, metal models, such as aluminium or stainless steel, withstand humidity better and are more resistant to regular use and the passage of time.

Accessories

Among the accessories that these devices usually include are special ice cream spoons, spatulas, containers, or recipe books. If you think you will need some of them, check that the model you are interested in includes them, so you do not have to make an extra expense.

Functions

Do not forget to consider the extra functions that each model can incorporate. For example, to avoid having to keep an eye on the process all the time, some models include an automatic timer that turns the machine off when it’s finished, so you don’t have to worry.

On the other hand, some of these tools can also be used to cool the containers where the ice cream will be placed once it is finished, to freeze fruit or store ice. The most versatile models allow you to create other types of cold desserts, such as sorbets, yoghurts or slushies. If you look closely, there are many options and functionalities. Choose the one that has the ones that best suit your use. You do not necessarily have to choose the one that offers them all if we do not intend to use them, as it will increase the price without being useful to us.

How much does an ice cream maker cost?

And we have reached the most crucial section, what is the price of one of these machines? The range is extensive, but in general, we can find a clear difference between the models with a compressor and those that only mix ice cream.

On the other hand, the price can also vary depending on the brand, the materials it is composed of, industrial or domestic, etc. 

The first thing you will have to assess in one of these machines is its size and capacity, so you will know if it is suitable for all your family members. On the other hand, it is recommended that you value the use that you are going to give it if you are going to use it sporadically or every day. If you usually make a lot of ice cream, you might be interested in investing in a model with a compressor. Finally, don’t forget to check the opinions of other consumers before making any purchase.

How does an ice cream maker work?

To begin to explain the operation of these devices, we will talk about devices without a compressor. As we have mentioned in the previous section, these are cheaper and smaller machines, but they take longer to prepare the ice cream.

They cannot cool the ingredients by themselves, so you will have to put the tank in the freezer at least 24 hours before.

On the other hand, refrigerators with a compressor can generate cold by themselves. This way, you will save the freezer step and speed up the whole process to enjoy your ice cream in less time. Of course, these models are more expensive, and their dimensions are considerable, something that can be a problem if you do not have enough space in your kitchen.

To make an ice cream with the help of these machines, the process is straightforward. Although the ideal and advisable thing is that you always read the instructions included in the box carefully, there is any recommendation for use by the manufacturer.

In any case, if you have a compressor model, you can start by adjusting the temperature directly from the device. These machines will drop the degrees quickly and without problems.

Then, you will have to place the mixture that you have prepared inside the container and let it mix well with the paddles automatically for about 20 or 40 minutes, depending on the model. Once the ice cream has obtained the perfect texture, you can take it out of the container and enjoy your creation.

How to clean an ice cream maker?

Regarding its cleaning and maintenance, you must choose a removable product and that all its parts are made of resistant materials. Ideally, both its accessories and the tub are dishwasher safe. In this way, if you are lucky enough to have one at home, you can make sure you leave your refrigerator as good as new after each use.

Do not forget that we are talking about a product that works with food. The ice cream can contain eggs, dairy or other ingredients, so we must clean it very well until we make sure that there is no trace of any food used to prepare our ice cream.

It is recommended that you read the instructions first to clean according to the manufacturer’s suggestions, so you will avoid damaging the equipment. After each use, you will have to disassemble all the parts that make up the machine and put them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand with a little hot water and a non-abrasive detergent.

The body of the machine can be cleaned with the help of a damp cloth and some soap. Finally, before reassembling the machine, make sure that each part, the blades and the thermal tank are thoroughly dried.