If you are the one who loves soft-serve ice cream then you would be happy to know that it’s actually possible to make this treat at home using a soft-serve ice cream machine and eat it whenever you desire. The best home soft-serve ice cream machines are electric and can make that familiar soft-serve texture in no time. There are two main types of electric machines: those that use a freezer bowl and those that feature a compressor.
You’ll need to plan ahead if you choose a machine that uses a freezer bowl since that piece typically needs at least 24 hours in the freezer; the payoff is particularly well-churned ice cream. A compressor-style ice cream machine doesn’t have parts that need to be frozen ahead of time, but this kind of machine can sometimes be bulky.
Although there are a lot of products available in the market, it’s difficult to select the best home soft-serve ice cream machines. For this, we have gone through a lot of products and created a list by analyzing product prices, designs, functions, and customer reviews.
Home Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine: Buying Guide
When selecting a home soft serve ice cream machine, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you pick the best one for your needs. Here’s a buying guide that will help you make the right choice:
Capacity
Consider how much ice cream you wish to make at once. Home soft serve machines typically have a capacity of one to two quarts. Choose a size that meets your family’s needs while avoiding making too much or too little ice cream at once.
Freezing Method
There are two main types of home soft serve ice cream machines: those with built-in freezers and those that require pre-freezing the bowl. Built-in freezer types allow you to manufacture ice cream on demand without pre-freezing, although they are more expensive. Pre-freezing models need you to freeze the bowl beforehand, which takes up freezer space and needs pre-planning.
Mixing Mechanism
Consider the mixing mechanism of the machine. Some models have a built-in mixing paddle or dasher, while others require manual mixing. Automatic mixing machines provide a consistent texture while reducing the need of manual intervention.
Size and Storage
Consider the machine’s size and weight, especially if you have limited counter or storage space. Compact models are best suited for smaller kitchens or for occasional use, while larger machines may have additional features but require more storage.
Versatility
Decide whether you want a machine that simply makes soft-serve ice cream or one that also makes frozen yogurt, sorbet, or gelato. Some models come with multiple settings or attachments for added versatility.
Ease of Use
Look for a machine that is simple to use, assemble, and maintain. Intuitive controls, easy-to-follow instructions, and dishwasher-safe parts can all help make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Price and Budget
Set a budget based on your tastes and requirements. Home soft serve ice cream machines are available in a range of prices, from budget-friendly alternatives to high-end models with advanced features. Determine how much you are willing to invest in a machine that fulfills your needs.
Warranty
Check the warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period provides peace of mind and protection from defects or malfunctions.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Look for reputable brands that produce high-quality home soft serve ice cream machines. Read customer reviews and feedback to discover their experiences with different models, such as performance, durability, and customer service.
By considering these factors and comparing different models, you can find the best home soft serve ice cream machine that suits your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.
Best Home Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines
1. Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
This soft-serve ice cream maker comes with an easy-lock lid with a window. The Lid is designed to remove and lock easily. An ingredient window allows you to pour ingredients directly through the top and watch the freezing process, Base – Contains a heavy-duty motor strong enough to make and dispense ice cream.
Further, the mixing arm mixes and aerates ingredients in a freezer bowl to create smooth soft ice cream. It comes with a dispensing bracket with a handle that dispenses the soft ice cream when the handle is pulled down.
The three condiment containers dispense the mix-ins of your choice. The front condiment container with a curved edge dispenses small mix-ins such as sprinkles. Two rectangular condiment containers dispense larger mix-ins such as mini M&M s or mini chocolate morsels.
Reviewer says: “Outstanding. It does have a learning curve – you have to freeze the core at least 24 hours, and only get the core out and in the machine when you are ready to make ice cream. But this is the way to make Dole Whip at home!” says one buyer.
2. Cuisinart Electric Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart Electronic Ice Cream Maker makes 2 qts of ice cream in just 20 minutes! The machine includes a lid with an ingredient spout and integrated measuring cup, a 2 qt freezer bowl, and an improved paddle for faster processing time.
The housing is a sleek brushed chrome with a simple LCD display with push pad settings for ice cream, gelato, or sorbet. It’s also great for making frozen yogurt!
The machine even features a count-down timer and shuts off automatically. Includes full instructions and a selection of recipes.
Reviewer says: “I love this machine. I am experimenting with a lot of recipes and so far so good. The machine is a bit loud but that’s okay. I recommend buying an extra bowl insert so you can make multiple batches at a time.” says one buyer.
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3. Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Now you can make your favorite frozen yogurt at home in just 20 minutes or less! The fully automatic Cuisinart Frozen Yoghurt Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker lets you turn ingredients into a delicious and healthy frozen treat with no fuss and no mess. Simply add your ingredients to the bowl, press ON, and the machine does the rest!
Reviewer says: “I love it. I made tangerine sorbet and it was done so fast. I’ve always wanted an ice cream maker because I loooove ice cream but didn’t think the machine was worth it. Let me tell you, IT IS WORTH IT. More than satisfied.” says one buyer.
4. Royal Brew Ice Cream Maker
Modeled after retail ice cream shop systems, the machine does all the churning so that you can enjoy freshly made ice cream at home, saving you time and money on expensive trips to the ice cream parlor.
One of the ice cream makers that does not require you to freeze the bowl before using it! The 140 Watts Compressor Cooling system creates a signature Royal Brew Ice Cream Parlor experience.
Enjoy the great taste of ice cream from the convenience of home! Enjoy unlimited flavors and control exactly what ingredients are in your ice cream, to make it as unique, as sweet or as healthy as you like!
Easy Touchpanel + LCD Display allows you to choose between Hard-Ice Cream mode and Soft-Ice Cream mode to create your own custom flavors of ice cream or frozen yogurt!
Reviewer says: “I was a bit skeptical at first about the reliability; however, after several batches of ice cream, it is still working as designed. Don’t overfill the mixer since the mix expands as the machine works the ice cream. Clean up is pretty easy.” says one buyer.
5. Whynter Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Take on dessert-making like never before! Make delicious homemade ice cream that you can fully customize to taste with the Whynter ICM-200LS 2.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker.
Incredibly easy to use, you can create delicious ice cream, rich creamy gelato, and sorbet all in the comfort of your own home. Ideal for entertaining, this high-capacity unit makes up to two quarts of your favorite frozen dessert in a single batch.
This full-featured ice cream maker offers premium functions not available in budget ice cream makers. A built-in powerful compressor freezer allows for continuous use without the inconvenience of having to pre-freeze the mixing bowl. Not only is it so much easier, but it also tastes a whole lot better.
The Whynter ICM-200LS features an Extended Cooling function that prevents the mixture from melting and a Motor Protection function that stops the motor from churning to prevent overheating or damage to the motor when the mixture becomes solid. This unit also includes an electronic timer, an ice cream scoop, and an easy-to-follow recipe guide.
Reviewer says: “This is very simple to operate. You get your mix ready and pour into a cup and turn it on. About 1 hour later you have ice cream. It is a bit loud but well worth it in the end. I place it out of the way and don’t give it another thought until it is done.” says one buyer.
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