CuisinartIce Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated, White, ICE-21P1

Great little machine! And even though the paddle attachment is plastic, it’s pretty durable. Wanted to review it after the first time I used it, and it went great! I’m not exactly sure how cold my freezer gets. But I put it in the back for a couple of days, made the custard base the night before, and churned it this afternoon. Even after about 18 minutes, the stuff was starting to get pretty thick. I still churned it for the duration that the recipe asked for, about 30+ minutes, and it was nice and frozen by the end. Almost like a thick gelato. I will say, it’s stuck to the paddle a bit, but the machine still did its job really well. I really enjoyed the process. I can’t wait to clean and refreeze the bowl for my next frozen treat. I also really like the price. It’s a great little starter machine, and I may stick to this brand when I get the more expensive model down the line. I think the manual is really cool. So many little recipes in there. The one I made isn’t from that. I believe the website is called Joy Food sunshine, and they have some fun ice cream recipes on there, but I’m eager to try a few from the manual,, especially the butter pecan, s’mores, and mint kinds. I think it makes enough for two to three people, but may need multiple batches for more. Thankfully, most homemade ice cream recipes that I’ve seen last several months in the freezer. Anyways, I was really pleased with how it went.

I had a older (+20yrs )version of this ice cream maker but unwisely gave it away, when I was downsizing to move a couple of years ago. Even though I'm going to have to dispose of something in my kitchen storage space to make room for it, I've missed it so much I decided to replace it with this newer model. It is SO EASY to use and is almost failsafe. I use it when I'm having company: I'll pour in the mixture (whipped up in advance and refrigerated), just as we're sitting down for the main course....and Wowzah!....homemade ice cream for desert! It never fails to astonish and please my guests. This very reasonably priced machine is compact and easy to store and to clean--I just keep the bowl in the freezer, so it's ready to use, when I get the urge. I also like that it only makes a small amount, because then I don't have much (if any) left over after serving it to company. I've even found some very tasty sorbet recipes which I can whip up and indulge in without feeling guilty. The accompanying instruction book has some very good recipes and lots of helpful hints/tips for experimenting with ingredients and potential substitutes (e.g., for heavy cream or milk products). And because of the small capacity, one doesn't feel that it's too wasteful to experiment and try alternatives. Almost everything I've tried is so much better than "store-bought" ice cream, because I control what goes into the ingredients and I can serve immediately after it's made. (which by the way only takes 15-20 minutes, depending on one's preferred softness). Lastly, because it's a pretty simple machine with limited parts, it stands up to long-term use. After all, my +20 yr old one was still in perfect working condition, when I unwisely gave it away!

This works very well. Easy to assemble. I change the recipes a little and the ice cream comes out wonderful. My fav is peanut butter with pecans.

I have relied on my Rival ice cream maker for many years, churning out many, many batches of good ice cream...but after so many years, i got tired of the rock salt and ice ordeal so i went for this model. GLAD I DID! I've made half a dozen batches so far and i'm pleased to say this works better than the salt/ice machine. A few comments:First, it's easier to do, and doesnt take any guessing on how much ice to salt than the traditional ice/salt machine. THer'es no messy clean up of salt and/or ice off the counter/floor, either.Second, it's quicker than advertised. While eveything says 20-25 minutes, i have yet to have a batch take longer than 15 minutes.Third, I did not have to turn my freezer down to the lowest setting either (i was concerned about wasting energy just for this!). I have it on a "5" out of "9" settings, and it's fine. I stuck the canister in the back, on the bottom shelf--which I assume is the coldest place. Just make sure the recipe you use is VERY cold before you throw it into the machine. (i often put it in the freezer for 30 min before i make ice cream). ANother tip: put the exterior clear casing into the freezer for a while before making the ice cream--it just helps insulate the canister all the more when it's turning.)Fourth, it's the quietest ice cream machine i've heard. No, you cant hear a pin drop in the other room, but i use it in the kitchen and can comfortably watch TV in my adjacent family room without having to adjust the volume at all. I can hear the machine churing, but it doesnt get in the way of hearing the TV.Fifth, so why 4 stars instead of 5? Her'es the only downside of the frozen canister v. salt/ice machines. Scooping the finished ice cream out of the heavy and awkward-to-handle canister and into a container for freezing, is challenging. The canister, understandably, is VERY cold. It seems off balance as you try to do this, too. And if you wait more than a moment, the ice cream quickly starts to freeze hard to the canister, so a rubber spatula (never use metal or you'll scratch the canister!), cant scrape the hardened ice cream off the sides very easily.Overall, GREAT ice cream maker. THe quality of the ice cream is good, with a nice, smooth texture.