Ice Cream Maker - Do you use yours?

freyasmum

Funnily enough, I was talking about this last night!

I'm not a big gadget person, but I have gaggia gelateria and I LOVE it. I'm not sure whether the one you're considering has a refridgeration unit or not; mine does and it's literally as easy as pouring the mix in and switching it on. The other ones require a bit more forethought and requires a lot more work/time.

Mine is not in daily use, but then there aren't enough of us to need to make ice cream every day! It IS in regular use though and is no more difficult than washing a bowl and spoon. Plus the ice cream it makes is vastly superior to anything you could buy - from plain, to salted caramel, to lemon meringue and apple pie.

If you're happy enough with value ice cream, then don't buy it. But if you're interested in making your own flavours or much better ice cream, go for it - as long as you anticipate that you WILL use it... not just leave it in a cupboard :rotfl:

Seakay

The countertop ones which normally are more expensive and have a refrigeration unit are fab if you have the counter or cupboard space; and the cheaper more usual sort where you have to freeze a bowl yourself before starting are great if you are the sort of person who always has a large amount of space (at least half a drawer and the full depth) free in their freezer.

Stephen_Leak

A Pyrex bowl for mixing and a flat Pyrex dish for freezing works for me.

valk_scot

And don't forget if you have a metal bowl for your mixer (you can buy one for your Kenwood Chef for example) you can make ice cream pretty well just using that. Indeed you can make ice cream in an old ice cream tub, with a bit of effort.

I'd love one of the counter top versions though. Except I'd end up even fatter than I am now, I expect!

freyasmum

valk_scot wrote: »

I'd love one of the counter top versions though. Except I'd end up even fatter than I am now, I expect!

Tis pretty much worth it though :A

I think my favourite flavour is plain - even just for the simplicity of it! Equal quantities milk, cream and sugar to taste. It's delicious and all I have to do is pour it in when I serve dinner and we have a delicious pudding (with perhaps a crumble/apple pie - or even a warm chocolate brownie - to accompany), all ready to eat by the time we're done with our main :j

Ben84

valk_scot wrote: »

And don't forget if you have a metal bowl for your mixer (you can buy one for your Kenwood Chef for example) you can make ice cream pretty well just using that. Indeed you can make ice cream in an old ice cream tub, with a bit of effort.

Could you explain more please? I have a kenwood chef with a metal bowl (very old 1970s model - if that matters any?). I've seen the new icecream attachment that would fit my kenwood, but it's about £40 so I've not bought it. I eat maybe 2-3 small tubs a year in the summer after all, but I'd like to be able to try making it sometimes as my local shops sell such limited flavours.

BigAunty

Thanks for all your advice. Now I know there are two types of machines, their respective (dis)advantages and that some food mixers can also help make icecream, I am much better informed and I'm on a better moneysaving path.

I want to make ice cream for friends that visit for dinner, try to be a better cook in general, and try out less conventional flavours so although I might only use it half a dozen to a dozen times a year, I would use it in a long term way I think.

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

I've got a small ice cream maker - the type where you put the bowl in the freezer before using. It's really easy to clean - I just leave it to defrost then wash in warm soapy water. Ice cream comes out really smooth and can be eaten straight away or stored in the freezer. I use it loads in the summer.

I'd also recommend the Ice N Easy recipe book too!!!

nearlyrich

I have one in the cupboard I have used it once in 10 years to be fair I won it so I didn't spend any money but we don't eat much ice cream here.

robertix

I also have an ice cream maker (it was a gift) and I never wanted to buy one.. because I have a freezer... but after comparing the two methods of making ice, I like the ice from the maker a lot better... it tastes better (maybe because of the stirrer) and it freezes really quick.. and the cleaning is not a problem.

um.. btw, whats this: :money: