Ice Cream Makers

This is how an Ice Cream Maker works

An ice cream maker is absolutely the easiest way to make your very own homemade ice cream.

The machine actually takes care of most of it for you; you just need to set it up and add your favorite ingredients.

Most ice cream makers can make ice cream in under 1 hour, and in fact, some models can do it in just 15 minutes.

An ice cream maker ensures a homemade ice cream with good consistency, which can be difficult to achieve without a machine of this type.

Many experience that their homemade ice cream crystallizes a lot, which makes the consistency worse.

The ice cream maker frequently stirs the mixture and, as mentioned, ensures a pleasant and flavorful consistency.

Some ice cream makers can also make e.g. sorbet or frozen yogurt, or simply be used to mix various ingredients together into a cool mixture for other desserts.

7 Things to Consider Before Buying an Ice Cream Maker

Before purchasing a new ice cream maker, it is important to consider precisely what you expect from it.

Ice cream makers vary significantly across different brands, and some can do a bit more than others.

Below, we will go through a range of specifications you should consider before choosing an ice cream maker so that you get a machine that meets your personal needs.

#1 - Size/Capacity of Your Ice Cream Maker

The actual size is probably self-explanatory, as it determines how much ice you can make at one time.

Ice cream makers come in many different sizes, and in fact, there are some versions that also have 2 bowls, so you can make large quantities of ice, even two different types of ice at the same time.

You can expect an ice cream maker to have a capacity of between 1-2 liters in each bowl.

However, some machines are very quick at making ice, allowing you to simply make several batches and store the first one in the freezer until everything is ready.

If you plan to use an ice cream maker for large dinner parties, it may be a good idea to choose an ice cream maker with a large capacity, like the mentioned versions with multiple bowls.

That way, you can actually make up to 4 liters of ice in a short time.

#2 - Preparation Time in the Ice Cream Maker

Depending on the model you choose, you may experience very different times for preparing your ice cream.

Some machines can handle it in just 15 minutes, while others take about 60 minutes.

The time also depends on how much ice you are making; if you only make 500 ml instead of 2 liters, it takes significantly less time.

However, most ice cream makers have a preparation time that fits perfectly if, for example, you need to make a 3-course meal.

You can simply prepare your ingredients and throw them in the machine, so the ice is ready exactly when you want it.

This can also be done with a timer function, where you just set when your ice should be ready.

#3 - Ice Cream Maker with Cooling Element/Keep Cool Function

If you choose an ice cream maker with a cooling element, or a so-called “keep cool” function, you won’t have to worry about the ice melting.

With this function, you can leave the ice in the container for a longer time, and you don’t have to serve it immediately after it’s done.

If your machine doesn’t have this function, it may be necessary to serve the ice relatively quickly, or move it to another container and put it in the freezer.

#4 - Ice Cream Maker with Compressor

An ice cream maker with a compressor ensures the best possible and most consistent preparation of your ice cream.

Ice cream makers without compressors require you to insert a cooling element or cool the ice bowl for up to a day before use.

This is a disadvantage, as it also means that the ice is made less consistently and can often crystallize.

An ice cream maker with a compressor can add cold to the ice while it is being made, so you have a completely finished and delicious product incredibly quickly.

Most modern ice cream makers use a compressor, as it is simply the smartest and most efficient way to make homemade ice.

#5 - Programs in Your Ice Cream Maker

The most advanced ice cream makers come with a range of programs that make it easier for you.

Some ice cream makers can be used for more than just ice and can also make mousse and other desserts.

The programs can typically be set with a single press on the machine and only require you to add the right ingredients.

#6 - Ice Cream Maker for Sorbet & Frozen Yogurt

In addition to regular ice, some ice cream makers can also be used for other desserts, such as frozen yogurt or sorbet.

This type of ice cream maker often has pre-set programs, ensuring that the preparation suits the type of ice you want to make.

However, you do not necessarily have to use a program, as you can also just add the ingredients for, e.g., sorbet, and keep an eye on it yourself.

#7 - Power Consumption in Ice Cream Makers

If you are concerned about using a lot of power, an ice cream maker without a compressor might be the choice for you.

For even though it is significantly more cumbersome to use, it must be said that it uses much less power than an ice cream maker with a compressor.

Some ice cream makers without compressors have a power consumption as low as 15W, while most with compressors have a power consumption of 150-200W.

So you may find that your ice cream maker with a compressor uses 10x as much power, but it also delivers a much better result.

The choice is entirely up to you; the advantages of an ice cream maker without a compressor are lower power consumption and that they are much cheaper.

An ice cream maker with a compressor makes a significantly better quality of ice, but uses more power and is often much more expensive than its counterpart.