A Comprehensive Guide to Buying an Electric Ice Cream Maker

Your Guide to buying the best Electric ice cream makers

Overview

An electric ice cream maker is a great way to make homemade, creamy ice cream in a fraction of the time it would take to make it the traditional way. This buying guide will help you find the perfect machine for your needs, by discussing the various features to consider when shopping, as well as potential advantages and disadvantages of electric ice cream makers. We will also provide information about budget models, as well as higher-end models, to help you find the best machine for your needs.

Key features

  1. Type: Consider whether you want a self-contained electric model, an electric model that uses an ice cream container, or a manual ice cream maker. Each type of ice cream maker has its own advantages and disadvantages.
  2. Size: Determine the size of ice cream maker you would like. Smaller ice cream makers are more portable, while larger ice cream makers are better for larger batches.
  3. Bowl Material: Most electric ice cream makers come with a plastic or metal bowl. Plastic bowls require less upkeep but can chip and crack over time. Metal bowls are more durable but require more maintenance.
  4. Noise Level: Check the noise level of the electric ice cream maker. Some models are very loud, while others are relatively quiet.
  5. Timer: Look for an electric ice cream maker with an adjustable timer. This allows you to set the timer to the desired amount of time, which helps ensure that your ice cream is not over-frozen.
  6. Storage: Some electric ice cream makers have built-in storage compartments for the ice cream bowl and attachments. This helps you keep everything organized and makes it easier to transport the ice cream maker.
  7. Compatibility: Make sure the electric ice cream maker is compatible with your other kitchen appliances. Some models require a specific type of outlet or are only compatible with certain types of attachments.
  8. Price: Consider the price of the electric ice cream maker. Prices can range from $30 to $300 and up depending on features and quality.
  9. Warranty: Check the warranty of the electric ice cream maker. Many models come with a one-year warranty, although some companies offer longer warranties.

See the most popular Electric ice cream makers on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • No manual stirring required - Electric ice cream makers are equipped with automatic stirring paddles that continuously stir the mixture. This means you don’t need to manually stir the ice cream as it is freezing, saving you time and effort.
  • Temperature control - An electric ice cream maker allows you to precisely control the temperature of the mixture, ensuring that it does not over-freeze or under-freeze.
  • Easy to operate - Electric ice cream makers are very easy to use and come with step-by-step instructions that make it even easier to make ice cream.
  • Available in different sizes - Electric ice cream makers come in different sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs.
  • Faster freezing - Electric ice cream makers have powerful motors that freeze the mixture quickly, giving you ice cream in less time.
  • Easier cleanup - Electric ice cream makers are typically equipped with removable parts that make it easy to clean them.

Cons

  • Cost: Electric ice cream makers can be more expensive than manual ice cream makers.
  • Time: Electric ice cream makers require more time to make ice cream compared to manual ice cream makers.
  • Noise: Electric ice cream makers can be noisy during the operation.
  • Cleaning: The bowl and the blades of an electric ice cream maker need to be disassembled and cleaned thoroughly after each use.
  • Storage: Electric ice cream makers require a lot of storage space due to their larger size.

Best alternatives

    Yogurt makers - electric kitchen appliances designed to make yogurt from milk and other ingredients. Frozen yogurt machines - countertop machines that churn out frozen yogurt. Soft serve ice cream machines - machines that let you make soft-serve ice cream at home. Gelato makers - electric gelato makers that allow you to make homemade gelato. Frozen fruit dessert makers - machines that let you make frozen desserts using frozen fruits. Ice cream makers - electric ice cream makers that let you make ice cream at home.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Ice cream bowl - The bowl of the electric ice cream maker is the inner chamber that is filled with the ice cream mixture and then frozen. Dasher - The dasher is the turning paddle that mixes the ice cream as it is frozen. Insulated bowl - The insulated bowl is what keeps the ice cream cold as it freezes. Tub or canister - The tub or canister is the outer chamber that holds the insulated bowl and the dasher. Lid - The lid is a piece that fits over the tub or canister to seal it while the ice cream is being made. Coolant - Coolant is a substance, usually a liquid, that is used to help keep the ice cream mixture cold as it freezes. Timer - The timer is used to set the amount of time the ice cream needs to freeze. Cord - The cord is used to plug the electric ice cream maker into an electrical outlet. Spatula - The spatula is used for scooping the finished ice cream out of the bowl.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of an Electric ice cream maker?
    An electric ice cream maker can make it easier to make delicious ice cream without needing to manually stir and monitor the temperature of the cream. It also gives you more control over the ingredients and flavorings you use, so you can create a unique ice cream experience.
  2. How long does it take to make ice cream with an Electric ice cream maker?
    The time required to make ice cream in an electric ice cream maker can vary depending on the model and capacity. Generally, it takes between 15 to 25 minutes to make a batch of ice cream.
  3. What ingredients do I need for an Electric ice cream maker?
    Depending on the recipe, you may need some combination of cream, milk, sugar, flavoring, and any other desired ingredients.
  4. How much noise does an Electric ice cream maker make?
    The noise level of an electric ice cream maker will depend on the specific model you choose. Generally, most models make only a moderate amount of noise, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors.
  5. Do I need a separate freezer to use an Electric ice cream maker?
    No, you do not need a separate freezer to use an electric ice cream maker. Most models come with an insulated bowl that can be refrigerated with regular freezer packs or ice cubes.
  6. Are Electric ice cream makers hard to clean?
    No, most electric ice cream makers are relatively easy to clean. You can usually wipe down the exterior of the machine and remove and clean the bowl by hand.

Trivia

In 2019, a chef in London created a Guinness-flavored ice cream using an electric ice cream maker. The unusual flavor featured chocolate chips, espresso coffee, Guinness and a pinch of sea salt. Initially the chef was unsure of how the finished product would turn out, but the Guinness-flavored ice cream was a hit with customers. The success of the dish even led to the chef being featured in a number of media outlets, including BBC Good Food Magazine. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.