Our ice cream maker came roaring back last weekend with mint chocolate Oreo ice cream and frozen mango-ginger yogurt, and several of you asked for recommendations on an ice cream maker model. So here's an in-depth look at the basic model we use.
Product Review: Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
We use a Cuisinart ice maker; it's very basic, but relatively convenient. Here's how it works.
There is a heavy bowl that has thick walls and a special gel inside of them that freezes extra hard. (This replaces the rock salt of old-fashioned ice cream makers, which was there to push the temperature below freezing.) The bowl sits on a rotating base and there's a paddle inside the bowl that stirs as the bowl rotates. There's a lid that goes over everything.
This is convenient - no rock salt, no ice, no hand churning. But it has its drawbacks. You can't do more than one batch in a row because the bowl has to be refrozen solid in between. It also produces a very loose ice cream that will need to harden, or cure, in the freezer for another couple hours after churning and before eating.
It's just not as powerful as a more commercial model, but it's loads of fun and we have used ours for everything from catering a wedding party for several hundred people to evening desserts and sorbets. If you have the space and the inclination, this is a great little tool.
Here are some things we've learned about getting the most out of this particular Cuisinart model. These would apply to other frozen-bowl models as well, including the KitchenAid attachment.
Getting the most out of your automatic ice cream maker
• Chill your mix overnight. Really, you have to. The mix should be icy cold before starting.• Freeze the bowl for at least 24 hours between churning. This is a pain, and the main drawback to these models, but absolutely necessary. You'll be frustrated if the bowl isn't completely rock hard and then some. Hear some sloshing inside when you pick it up? Don't even think about trying to make ice cream yet!
• If you're a heavy user, consider purchasing a second bowl, which you can do through Amazon or Cuisinart's website. Then you can alternate bowls and have a backup in the freezer at all times.
• Chill EVERYTHING. Keep as much as you can frozen at all times. This means the lid and paddle; we have better luck when we've had them in the freezer for a while too.
• Churn longer than you think you need to. For ice cream churn at least 45 minutes. (Sorbets are different; they turn out silkier when churned very briefly - just about 15-20 minutes.)
Where to buy an ice cream maker
Try these Amazon links, but also look at places like Bed Bath & Beyond where a 20% coupon plus a sale can net you one for $30 or under.
• Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker, White, $49.95 at Amazon
• Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker, Red, $43.99 at Amazon
Related: Two Great Ice Cream Makers
Plus... How To: Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker
Comments (21)
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This is what I use too, supposedly the professional models that chill for you are loud, not something I want...
view sally599's profile
I use this maker too and it's fantastic. I store the bowl in a plastic bag in the freezer so it's always ready when we want to make ice cream or slushy drinks. I picked mine up at a thrift store for $8, my best thrift store purchase yet. Another fun one for kids and groups is the ice cream ball, it's fun to roll it around the yard in the summer and scoop out the deliciousness after dinner.
view Sarahj's profile
Williams-Sonoma is currently having a special offer on these: buy the mixer, get a second bowl for free. Well worth the money!
view SexyAnteater's profile
That's the machine I was thinking about getting -- my current machine, the name of which I forget, started dying last summer, and I do love making ice cream, so...new machine needed! Good to hear about William-Sonoma and the second bowl deal, because I have a gift card for them.
Oh, and if you don't have a great ice cream recipe book yet, I heartily recommend this one -- really great recipes. Yum.
view JenS64's profile
Great write-up! I have this model too and can't think of anything useful to add. I am buying another bowl this summer, as I foresee using this a lot for sorbets and want to do a few different kinds at a time, like lemon and lime, etc.
view sjbreeze's profile
I was one of the people who asked for a recommendation, so thanks! And thanks to you, too, SexyAnteater, for the W-S tip. Now I'm off to see if they deliver to Canada...
view TammyE's profile
I am embarrassed to admit that I've owned this for years now and have yet to use it. Maybe it's time to dust it off!?
view minty03's profile
I have this model and have made some of the best ice cream ever. I keep my bowl in the freezer--have done so for about 2 years now. No problems whatsoever.
The deluxe chocolate recipe that comes with the machine is excellent. Highly recommended.
view KYL's profile
Just a comment on chilling your mix overnight -- I've never done this and my ice creams come out fantastic every time (plus, I get to eat them sooner)
view Nester66's profile
just ordered the machine with extra freezer bowl. can't wait to try the salt caramel ice cream
view luigilly's profile
I also just ordered the machine with the extra freezer bowl! I saw too many fun ideas lately in making your own ice cream and decided to take the plunge. Can't wait!
view tipperella's profile
i have had this model for four years and i love it! we especially love making pineapple sorbet with it.
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view cassiopia's profile
I have gotten perfectly fine results after running my cuisinart machine for 25-30 minutes . . . not sure what would improve if I ran it longer. (I do chill the ingredients overnight, most of the time, and I store the bowl in my freezer.)
view marys's profile
You evil, evil people! Vile temptresses, all!
After reading this post and all of the responses, I ran out to my local Williams Sonoma and bought my own ice cream maker (the sale price is in-store, too). My taste buds will thank you, but my thighs do not approve.
view Nougat's profile
I have this model - even bought it refurbed - and love it!
But I do have one question: does anyone else loose a 1/4-inch layer of ice cream around the edges of the bowls? Seems like such a waste when the bowl isn't that big to begin with...
view PhredYammers's profile
I have the Kitchen Aid mixer attachment, which is basically a frozen bowl and special paddle. It's great. I couldn't justify buying a new appliance devoted just to making ice cream. This system is simple and works like a charm. I keep the bowl in the freezer all the time.
view Button's profile
PhredYammers - me too! I bought this machine last week for frozen yogurt, but I only make a little at a time because frogurt just doesn't re-freeze well. If I want two servings of dessert, I need to factor in a loss of about 1/2 a serving stuck to the bowl. But otherwise, a very good machine.
view AmyV's profile
I have the Cuisinart ice cream maker, and it worked ok for a bit, but then the dinky plastic blade snapped. I can't find anywhere to buy a replacement! Any recommendations?
view Roethke's profile
hi all, has anyone tried the wolfgang puck i.c. maker (hsn)?
view lagirl358's profile
(Roethke, I'd go directly to the manufacturer to make a request. Cuisinart probably has contact info on their website.)
Well, we got our maker this weekend (my Mother's Day gift to myself, heh), and gave it an inaugural spin with the strawberry ice cream recipe from this book. It was FABULOUS, despite the fact that it probably could have stood to be a bit firmer. I'm figuring I should have cooked the custard mixture a bit longer. Regardless, I'm happy for any excuse for further experimentation.
Now... does anyone know how to make your own waffle cones?
view TammyE's profile
the first time i used this, i was so excited i didn't read the directions. didn't freeze the bowl... we ended up with strawberry butter. nobody could understand why. :)
view eternal's profile