Top 4 Best Ice Cream Makers for 2017

With so many different makes and models of ice cream makers to choose from, trying to pick just one out of the hundreds available on the market is no easy task for shoppers. Most people just don’t have the time to sift through all of the information, reading countless numbers of reviews. So to make your buying decision easier, we did the research for you. We analyzed and reviewed dozens of different models of ice cream makers, eventually narrowing down the list to just four machines. Here are our top picks and comparison chart.

If you want to make good quality ice cream from the comfort of your own home, it goes without saying that you’re going to need a good quality ice cream maker . It’s important that you know what to look for, as the best ice cream makers have certain qualities and features in common. Also, some aspects may be more important to you than others, depending on what your needs and preferences are. Here is a list of some things you should consider when deciding on which ice cream maker to buy.

Type – Bucket, Freezer Bowl or Compressor

The most common type of ice cream maker uses a freezer bowl or gel-canister. They are convenient for those who wish to fill the mixing bowl and allow the machine to complete the task. The canister has thick, hollow walls that are filled with coolant gel that must be frozen in advance. Ingredients are placed in the mixing bowl and the paddle will mix the ice cream until it is thick and creamy.

Advantages of these types of ice cream machines include the ease of use and consistent results when the bowl has been frozen for enough hours. The disadvantages of these machines, however, is that they can usually only make a small quantity and also require you to have ample freezer space for the cannister/bowl.

The second type of ice cream maker is known as the “bucket-style”, which has been around for centuries and is still used to this day. With these ice cream machines, the interior canister is filled with the desired ingredients, then the paddle assembly is inserted and the lid is put into place. The canister is then set into the exterior bucket. Layers of ice and rock salt, which accelerates the pace of ice melt, are used to fill the exterior bucket. A hand crank or motor turns the interior canister to make ice cream.

Advantages of this design include the large quantity it can produce and the portability of the manual version, which can be used outdoors. Disadvantages include the difficulty in finding rock salt in warm climates and the summer months. In addition, this model requires more expertise to sustain proper levels of ice and salt, which must be sustained to make thick ice cream.

Self-contained compressor models are the third type of ice cream makers. They are self-cooling and are usually more expensive that the other 2 types of ice cream machines. They utilize a built-in compressor that cools the gases that run through coils around the interior canister. As the temperature around the ingredients in the canister drops, it will begin to freeze. This model is for frequent users, as multiple batches can be made in rapid succession.

Advantages of this design includes the convenience of making multiple batches without any required supplies except for the ingredients. Additionally, every batch of ice cream will be consistently thick, like store-bought ice cream. Disadvantages include the cost, weight and size of the units.

Capacity

Those who want to have homemade ice cream on a consistent basis should choose either the freezer bowl or self-contained model. If you live alone or don’t have a large family to feed, then you can get away with the smaller batch sizes that these models produce (most models can only produce about 2 quarts at a time). However, if you have limited freezer space, then that might eliminate this model from the selection process.

If you need to make a lot of ice cream, then the self-contained model is by far the best choice, since you can make multiple batches right after the other.

The traditional bucket-type models can typically make about 4 quartz in a single batch, and are great for events and outings where you need to feed a large number of people.

Features

One desireable feature in an ice cream machine is one that has a container with a wide mouth, so that you easilly put the ingredients into it. Another feature that you should look for is multiple-speed settings, as many recipes will turn out better if the motor on the machine can be changed part way through the freezing process. A transparent is also a great feature to have, as it allows users to watch the ice cream as it freezes (some recipes require you being able to see the progress to know when to add mix-ins, like fruit and flavorings). Finally, a timer and an auto shut-off feature is a must have, as it will allow you to place your attention elsewhere without having to babysit the machine.

Price

The least expensive model will save you a few bucks, but it may not provide you with the performance or quality of ice cream that you expect or desire. While the traditional bucket-type machines are less expensive than the other two models, the requirements of space, ice and rock salt might be inconvenient. Quality of design and the motor should be heavily factored into your buying decision, not just price.