Why Make Ice Cream at Home?
Here are some of the most common reasons customers choose to invest in an ice cream machine.
- Making frozen desserts at home can save a lot of money over the course of a year.
- You can create desserts from fresh, all-natural ingredients that are free of preservatives and additives.
- You can adjust the sugar content to suit certain dietary restrictions.
- You can make creative flavors that aren’t commercially available.
- Making your own frozen treats is a fun activity for children with adult supervision.
- You can prevent waste by using up extra fruit that’s in danger of overripening or milk that is nearing its expiration date.
Types of Ice Cream Machines
Here’s an overview of the different varieties of machines available.
Small Countertop Ice Cream Maker
- This type is perfect for small households that make frozen desserts occasionally.
- Most machines consist of a removable dasher and a chilling ring that must be placed in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours before using, so planning is essential.
- Small countertop machines are typically the most affordable option.
Self-Freezing Ice Cream Maker
- This type of machine includes a self-refrigerating compressor instead of a removable freezer ring.
- The main advantage of this type of machine is that you can make frozen desserts anytime you want with minimal planning.
- These machines are typically larger and take up more room on your countertop or in your cabinet when not in use, but they also produce larger volumes.
Commercial Soft Serve Machine
- This type of machine usually only makes soft serve ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- A commercial machine makes large volumes that may be useful when you’re throwing a large party but are typically too much for everyday use.
- This machine is a great addition to a small business such as a café, coffee house or gas station.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Churn
- This type of machine uses ice and rock salt to chill a metal freezing container.
- An old-fashioned churn usually makes up to 4 quarts of ice cream, which is a great size for a summer cookout.
- This type of churn may take longer to freeze than other models.
Blender-Style Ice Cream Makers
- This type works much like a high-power blender.
- Instead of chilling the ingredients in the machine, the user freezes the ingredients overnight in single-serve mixing containers and processes them with the machine when ready to enjoy.
- Some varieties can make a variety of desserts, including ice cream, sorbet, gelato, slushes, milkshakes and more.
Types of Ice Cream
Different ice cream machines are designed to produce different types of desserts, and some machine can create multiple varieties. Before selecting a machine, think about which types you prefer. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular options.
Ice cream is typically made from milk or cream and some sort of sweetener, and it usually has a texture that is very dense. Some varieties of ice cream may also contain eggs.
Soft serve ice cream is similar to traditional ice cream but with a smoother, less dense consistency. Because soft serve is typically eaten at a slightly “warmer” temperature, it must be consumed right away. It usually becomes too hard when stored in the freezer.
Frozen yogurt can have the consistency of either ice cream or soft serve and is made from yogurt instead of milk or cream. This treat also contains live bacterial cultures.
Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream. Its texture is usually denser than American ice cream, and some have even described it as “elastic.”
Sorbet is a frozen dessert that doesn’t contain milk or cream. Instead, it’s made from either fruit or fruit juice, sugar and water.
Housing Material
Metal: A metal housing is easy to wipe clean and is the most resistant to scratches and dents.
Plastic: A plastic housing is also easy to clean, but some models may be less durable than others.
Wood: A wood housing is a nostalgic choice, but some models may require occasional treatment to prevent cracking or warping.
Handy Features
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Some models require handwashing, which can be time consuming. If you plan to use your machine often, look for models with parts you can run through the dishwasher.
- Freezer Storage Bowl: Some machines have a churning bowl that doubles as a storage container, which can be placed in the freezer. With some models, however, you’ll have to transfer leftover ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
- Mix-In Setting: This feature allows you to stir in cookies, nuts, fruit or other toppings once the ice cream base is set.