Hand Crank vs. Electric Home Ice Cream Makers
A Buying Guide for Selecting the Best Frozen Dessert Maker
Aug 27, 2009
Home ice cream makers can be quick and easy to use, allowing families to create custom flavors in varying quantities. Many types of ice cream makers exist and range in price from $15 to many hundreds of dollars. Understanding the ice cream machine's features is important and allows a consumer to make an informed decision.
A user should first take into account the types of ice cream makers, which come in both manual and electric models. Next, consider the size of family and quantity of ice cream it should make, as well as how long it takes to churn a batch of ice cream. And finally, determine how often the ice cream maker will be used to justify the price.
Types of Home Ice Cream Makers
- Compressor ice cream makers are powerful units which contain an internal compressor which freezes the bowl containing the ice cream ingredients. These ice cream machines are most convenient but can be much larger and heavier than other products. Also, these ice makers are usually the most expensive.
- Frozen bowl ice cream makers are compact units using a bowl insert which much be frozen prior to use. The frozen bowl is used as the freezing agent. Typically, this type has a smaller capacity of 1.5 quarts.
- Hand crank or motorized crank bucket-style ice cream makers are based on traditional models. Shaped like a bucket, the contain holds a mix of rock salt and ice as the freezing agent. An insert contains the liquid ice cream ingredients. This style comes with either a manual hand crank or an motorized crank which turns using electricity.
- Ball ice cream makers or 'play and freeze' ice cream makers are a spherical container shaped like a ball. Marketed as a functional toy, the ball ice cream is filled with liquid ingredients then rolled on the ground as a soccer ball. The agitation from playing with the ball churns the ingredients while also being frozen. This product uses a mix of ice and rock salt as the freezing agent. A great way to burn calories while making ice cream!
- Stand mixer ice cream attachments are common to some brands of mixers, like KitchenAid stand mixers. A frozen bowl insert is used as the insert. Unlike other options, mixer attachments do not require an additional small appliance and work with an existing stand mixer.
Consideration Recap for Home Ice Cream Makers
- Freezing Method - does it use a compressor, bowl or other freezing method?
- Capacity - how much ice cream can it make?
- Size and Weight - will it fit on the counter?
- Speed - how quickly does it churn a batch of ice cream?
- Electric vs. Manual - does it require electricity?
Popular Home Ice Cream Maker Brands
- Cuisinart
- Musso
- Rival
- Deni
- Krups
- KitchenAid
Home ice cream makers are a fun way to make custom ice cream flavors at home. Picking the right model for a given family is important and key ice cream maker features should be considered before buying.
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