brand of ice cream maker? Susan and I want to know

[valchemist]

(There may have been a thread on this a while back...not sure. If there was sorry.)

SusanL and I have been tempted by all the recent ice cream and sorbet recipes. We are both considering purchasing an ice cream maker. (I saw your posts, Susan http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ).

What brand do you have, how much did it cost, how big is it, how do you like it, how fast is it?

Thanks,
Valerie

[valchemist]

I see that there are some comments on various brands of ice cream makers on the ice cream thread, so that helps some. But I need lots of info before I buy something. Can any of you posters add any more info to what you already said? Or Is there anyone who hasn't posted who wants to add their 2 cents?

editing here...oops, I see susan and I posted at the same time!

[This message has been edited by valchemist (edited 06-19-2001).]

[SusanL]

Thank you Val!!! Inquiring minds want to know. On the "I made ice cream" thread, some people posted the brand that they bought but I would appreciate all of the answers to the questions you asked!!

Also, did you see the Cinnamon Ice Cream recipe? Egads, they all looked wonderful... can I eat a different flavor each night? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[Mamasue]

Val and Susan....don't know how much I can tell you but...I have the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker and love it. I got it last year as a present from my sister (Of course she bought one for herself too) and it came with an extra freezer bowl for $50.00 from Cooking.com. My extra bowl was accidently dropped down the stairs and busted. Anyway, basically what you do is freeze the bowl ahead of time. The booklet suggests 6 to 22 hours. I have a standup freezer in our basement and the freezer bowl is always in there ready to go. It makes 1 1/2 quarts. The secret to success is very chilled liquid and frozen bowl to make great ice cream/sorbet. When I make ice cream with a custard base I plan on two days. The first day make the mixture and chill in frig until the next day and then process. The Cuisinart takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to get to the soft stage which you want and which it won't get any harder. The mixture will harden more when you put in a container and freeze. Oh, and the paddle is a good size for licking! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Mamasue (edited 06-19-2001).]

[MelissaAS]

I have a Krups that sounds like it works exactly like Mamasue's. We have a big freezer and are just two people so in the "ice cream season" we just keep the bowl in the freezer at all times (in case of ice cream emergency). It really is fun and great to bring to parties/cookouts, etc!

Melissa

[valchemist]

Thanks Mamasue and Melissa!

okay, I got around to doing a search.

here are some threads:
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/007298.html
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/007611.html
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20000711-1-000048.html
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20010228-1-000432.html
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20010301-1-000672.html

This will keep me busy. But if anyone who hasn't posted yet has an opinion, I would love to hear it.



[This message has been edited by valchemist (edited 06-19-2001).]

[Melman]

I had been considering buying the Krups model for a Father's Day present. When I called William-Sonoma, he told me they had just dropped the Krups model and had started selling the Cuisinart instead. He said he preferred the Cuisinart model better than the Krups. He had some comments about the way the Cuisinart canister just fit on top of the motor...and how you sort of had to put together the Krups model. Epinions.com had slightly more folks leaning toward the Cuisinart than the Krups.

I ended up buying the Cuisinart but, so far, my dad hasn't had a chance to use it. He's planning on giving it a test run this week. I'm waiting anxiously for the results because I'm ready to buy one for myself!!!

[gertdog]

I have the little Donvier (1 1/2 quarts) hand-crank one. It cost me $30 a few years ago. We've been quite happy with the results, although sometimes it seems to take forever (in reality about 1/2 hour, sometimes more) for the ice cream to stiffen, and it's still quite soft when it's finished. You only turn the crank every few minutes, though, so it's not a huge workout!

I do have to say that I covet the Cuisinart model that does the churning for you, and probably would have purchased that instead of the Donvier if I'd known about it.

Last Sunday we made strawberry-sour cream ice cream... mmmmmm....

[This message has been edited by gertdog (edited 06-19-2001).]

[LGBurns]

Crate and Barrel has the Cuisinart with an extra bowl for $59.99. Every where else I looked the Cuisinart is 59.99 w/out the extra bowl and the extra bowl runs about $22 so that's a pretty good deal. I was fantasizing yesterday about buying one, but we're really watching our pennies right now so I don't think I can afford one. I wish I had a b-day or something coming up to ask for it. Sigh. Also, Amazon.com has a factory reconditioned Cuisinart for $39.99--the reviews had a few people who had problems with their's but many were very happy with it. For those with a Cuisinart, some have commented that they are really noisy (one woman said she has to put it in another room!), have you found it to be noisy? Oh, one other thing I found out in my research: the Krups top apparently starts to come loose after some use (I think the user said she'd had it for 2 years) and can come flying off if not watched carefully.

[Laura B]

Chef's and Williams-Sonoma both also currently have the Cuisinart for $59.99 with a free extra bowl. So, if thinking of buying, I would check shipping costs at each place and go with the lowest!

[heatherfeather]

I have a Deni ice cream maker and it is a very good machine. It takes up very little space on the counter, by the way. The bowl goes into the freezer to harden up (I usually stick it in either at night or early in the morning.) It is very, very easy to use and clean. I paid around $39 for mine through QVC. They still sell it, but I think the price has gone up a little. Extra bowls are also available. I get a real kick watching cooking shows and many, many times the chefs on Food Network are using the Deni machine - I have personally seen both Sara Moulton and Emeril Lagasse use "my" model on their shows. The ice cream comes out so delicious! You can use evaporated fat free milk for great ice milk, by the way.

[RunnerKim]

I am very happy with my cuisinart. I too got the extra bowl and don't have a freezer space problem, so always keep at least one of the bowls in the freezer. I received it for my birthday in Nov. and only used it a couple of times during the winter, but I've been using it all the time for the past couple of months. (i.e., it's easy to use and not a big deal to clean up).

I second everything Mamasue said. We plan 2 days for any custard recipes. Very important to keep everything cold. In fact I even put the crushed oreos in the freezer while I'm waiting to add them for the cookies and cream flavor. If I need an immediate ice cream fix, I try to keep a box of chocolate pudding on hand so I can make the fudgesicle flavor that comes in the booklet.

Kim

[Melman]

For anyone searching for the Cuisinart ice cream maker, stop by your local Sam's Wholesale and see if they have any in stock. I bought one on Friday that came with the extra canister plus an ice cream scoop....for $50!!!

My dad just reported in. He made mint chocolate chip ice cream as his first attempt. He said it was a little soft but very good. I hadn't suggested making the mix the day before and cooling it in the fridge. He said he'd try that the next time.

[valchemist]

wow, thank you everyone. Lots to think about now.

[philamark]

I have a Cuisinart and had a Krups previously. I much prefer the Cuisinart as it is more powerful, easier to put together, and definitely makes a better ice cream consistency. It's a great investment!

[Curleytop]

I also have the Deni Scoop Factory! Love it!
Got it Costco last year for $39.00. Website:www.deni.com/scoop.html. It looks exactly like the Cuisinart and does the same thing. All it has is an off and on button.
It consists of the body,(with the off and on buttons) retractable cord, freezer container and the stirrer and a plastic dome top with a hole in the middle. It comes with a recipe book as well. Very simple! Take a look at it on the above website!

[This message has been edited by Curleytop (edited 06-20-2001).]

[munchies]

Well, I can't add much more than what Mamasue and Kim mentioned. I, too, have a cuisinart. I've only had it a few days, but it has been wonderful so far. I don't find it too noisy. I have found that it is very important to have your mixture chilled AND have the bowl very frozen. This makes much harder ice cream. And, after putting it in a rubbermaid container and freezing again, it is just like hard-packed ice cream. Hope my thoughts help you out...
Oh-- the new July issue has gelato recipes in it, many of which call for an ice cream maker. I'm very tempted to start making these... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[RunnerKim]

I have made the strawberry-buttermilk gelato and its is wonderful. Strawberries are incredible here in Oregon right now. I did cut the recipe in half as there was no way I was getting 8 cups out of my cuisinart. Or should I say "in".

Kim

[BosunsWife]

I have a Cuisinart that I just bought a month or so ago. I like it. Chilling your ice cream mixture first is probably a good idea. I thought it worked very quickly, but since I don't have anything to compare it with...

I got mine online through the military exchange system and I paid around $50 for it. Generally its free shipping and no tax, but I paid $4.00 to have it shipped to Hawaii so I wouldn't have to wait the typical 2-3 weeks for it to arrive standard mail.

[funnybone]

Originally posted by heatherfeather:
I have a Deni ice cream maker and it is a very good machine. It takes up very little space on the counter, by the way. The bowl goes into the freezer to harden up (I usually stick it in either at night or early in the morning.) It is very, very easy to use and clean. I paid around $39 for mine through QVC. They still sell it, but I think the price has gone up a little. Extra bowls are also available. I get a real kick watching cooking shows and many, many times the chefs on Food Network are using the Deni machine - I have personally seen both Sara Moulton and Emeril Lagasse use "my" model on their shows. The ice cream comes out so delicious! You can use evaporated fat free milk for great ice milk, by the way.

I was channel surfing on the weekend and saw this machine. I can't remember exactly, but I think the price was around $30.

I have a Donvier that I received as a gift about 15 years ago. I think I only used it once. I couldn't be bothered with the hand crank. Now, it it were electric, then maybe I would have used it.

[Zinnia]

I have never made ice cream in my life, and all this talk on this board has got me wanting another kitchen gadget http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif! I LOVE ice cream and saw an ad in last Sunday's paper for a "Rival 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker", and it's only $21.99.
Not sure if it goes in freezer(?), it comes in many colors and it says in ad- "Enjoy delicious homemade ice cream in only 25 to 40 minutes. Machine shuts off automatically when ice cream is ready to serve". I am thinking of purchasing one and was wondering if anyone has one, and what their opinion of it was? $21.99 sounds good to me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia
Here's a picture (if it works!).
http://168.143.166.4/index.asp?pagename=moreinfo&zipcode=99508&uniqueid=169852

[SusanL]

Val I am leaning towards the Cuisinart, sounds as if it is the most popular! Will have to wait until the middle of July to get one but it is worth the wait.
Which way are you leaning?
PS Thank you all for your time and suggestions, they are greatly appreciate- A big Mamasue graphic of a smiling face!!

[This message has been edited by SusanL (edited 06-20-2001).]

[funnybone]

Originally posted by Zinnia:
I have never made ice cream in my life, and all this talk on this board has got me wanting another kitchen gadget http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif! I LOVE ice cream and saw an ad in last Sunday's paper for a "Rival 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker", and it's only $21.99.
Not sure if it goes in freezer(?), it comes in many colors and it says in ad- "Enjoy delicious homemade ice cream in only 25 to 40 minutes. Machine shuts off automatically when ice cream is ready to serve". I am thinking of purchasing one and was wondering if anyone has one, and what their opinion of it was? $21.99 sounds good to me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia
Here's a picture (if it works!).
http://168.143.166.4/index.asp?pagename=moreinfo&zipcode=99508&uniqueid=169852

I happened to be in a Wal-mart yesterday and they had Rival Ice Cream makers for $19.99 in the aisles near the checkout. I looked at it and it was the salt kind. Not sure if it is the same one you are referring to, but if you have a Wal-Mart near you, you may find it there as well (that is if you like the salt type).

[valchemist]

I am leaning cuisinart too. Especially if I can find that same deal that melman did at Sam's Club. (we are members there)

[browneye]

Hi valchemist...

I think I might have posted on another thread, but here goes anyway.

I have a Cuisinart I.C. maker, and just love it. Previously I had a hand crank that gathered dust in the garage!
I second everything Mamasue mentioned- and I have never found it very noisy at all. I just love, love, love it. Did I mention how much I like it?
I can't wait to get the July issue, so I can try the new gelato recipes in there.
I saw a used one at a garage sale a few weeks back, I wish I had picked it up for you! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[valchemist]

Oh I wish you had picked one up for me too!
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[lengels]

This is so funny! I came on to post a request for recommendations for an ice cream maker and saw this post right away! It looks like Cuisinart is the most recommended. I will have to give it a try. Thanks to all those who made the recommendations!

[This message has been edited by lengels (edited 06-20-2001).]

[saw]

RunnerKim--

I would love to have the fudgeesicle ice cream recipe you mentioned! I have had my ice cream maker (which I love) for about five years now, and I have no idea where the recipe booklet that came with it is. So, if you have time to post it, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Sarah

[Zinnia]

Originally posted by funnybone:
I happened to be in a Wal-mart yesterday and they had Rival Ice Cream makers for $19.99 in the aisles near the checkout. I looked at it and it was the salt kind. Not sure if it is the same one you are referring to, but if you have a Wal-Mart near you, you may find it there as well (that is if you like the salt type).

TY funnybone,
I will be reading up on this thread for sure! I don't know whether I want a "salt" one or not; and the one I mentioned doesn't sound worth it. Thanks again, http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia

[Melman]

It's SHOPPING time! :-) I got my July issue yesterday! After reading the gelato recipes, it's time to head back to Sam's to see if there are any Cuisinarts left. My fingers are crossed!!

If they still have one, my next major ordeal will be trying to find enough freezer space!! That's going to be almost as tough as trying to figure out which recipe to make first!!!

PS....that raspberry sorbet recipe sounded wonderful. Unfortunately at $2.50+ for a HALF PINT...there's no way I can justify spending almost as much on one batch of frozen dessert as the whole ice cream maker costs!! UGH!! We just don't have raspberries around here!!

[Mamasue]

saw...Here is the Chocolate Fudgesicle Ice Cream recipe from Cuisinart.

Chocolate Fudgesicle Ice Cream
Makes eight 1/2 cup servings

2 cups whole milk (I use 2%)
1 4-ounce package chocolate instant pudding

Place ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and combine until well blended. Pour into freezer bowl, turn the machine ON and let mix until mixture thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately, or if desired, transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer.

Jessica.....As I am typing this I have a variation of the Coconut Mango Sorbet freezing in the Cuisinart. Replaced Strawberries for Mango and can't wait to try it out. Hoping that the pineapple juice doesn't take over the strawberry flavor. I want to try blueberries the next time. Yum

[saw]

Mamsue -- the fudgesicle recipe looks great! Thanks for posting it. I think I will have to break out the ice cream maker this weekend (even though I already have three homemade batches in the freezer right now!)

Sarah

[Jessica]

mamasue--let me know how that strawberry version of the mango sorbet turned out, please.

[Jessica]

We got the Rival ice cream maker because it was the only one at Target. It only cost about $40 and I cannot tell the difference between the ice cream it makes and the ice cream from my mother-in-law's Krups, which cost almost twice as much.
It is the kind with a bowl that you put in the freezer.

[heatherfeather]

Just thought I'd point out that there are several different types of ice cream maker types (not just brands). The least expensive types generally are the kind readily available in most stores like Wal-Mart etc. - they are electric machines that require the addition of a large amount of ice cubes and rock salt in order to freeze the ice cream mixture. Rock salt is readily available and if you have an ice maker, then this type would work for you. There are also hand crank versions that are completely non-electric. Then you have the electric models that come with a removeable, washable freezer bowl that you stick in your freezer, then once it is frozen, pour in your ingredients, stick on the electirc base, flick a switch and 20-30 minutes later you have ice cream. These types do not require any ice cubes or rock salt.

For the person who wanted to make raspberry sorbet - why not use frozen raspberries in the recipe you wanted to try? Since the beries get frozen anyway, I think they would be a very inexpensive substitute for fresh berries. I have used frozen strawberries in recipes for ice cream & sorbets with great success.

[Mamasue]

Jessica.....The strawberry variation came out good. The flavor of the strawberry is weak though and the pineapple and lime are more prominent. It is still refreshing. The strawberries that I used were not seasonal which might make a difference. If the rain holds out my sister and I are going strawberry picking this morning and I will try it again with fresh picked sweet strawberries.