TAJ Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Any advice? I fancy one of the ones you do not need to freeze first, but they are a lot of money, so I would want some sound advice before putting it on my Christmas list. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 I have this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cuisinart-ICE40BCU-Ice-Cream-Maker/dp/B002A1ESXC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1354449785&sr=8-8 I liked the way I could do two different types at the same time. You do need to freezer the containers first but then I still find I need to put the ice cream in the freezer for a bit anyway as it's just too soft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 I have a Gaggia one, like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gaggia-Gelatiera-Ice-Cream-Maker-/251190743906?pt=UK_Kitchen_Accessories&hash=item3a7c229362 There is at least one newer model since then, probably more. It works really really well, especially after I read the instructions properly and learned to put alcohol in the pan the tin sits in, to make sure it gets properly cold. It's a refrigerated unit though, so it's not meant to be moved. When we first had it, we kept it out on the worktop, and we made loads and loads of gorgeous ice cream. It's very quick and easy, and the quality is excellent. We also made other things, with egg whites (forgotten what they are called now, my synapses don't fire so well these days).. sherbets. Yes, that's it, Sherbets. The downside of this is that all that ice cream is rather fattening, we were eating far too much, and so we ended up putting the ice cream maker in a cupboard.... and we only get it out on special occassions. If you have the money, and you love ice cream, I would definitely recommend going for a proper machine. (I previously had one where the bowl had to go in the freezer, that was a complete waste of time. The empty bow took up too much space, so I took it out - and it was never in the freezer when I wanted ice cream). If I was looking to buy now I would look at a newer Gaggia, or the similarly priced Cuisinart machine. Gosh, just typing this has made me very nostalgic for home made ice cream. I might have to get the machine out and give it a whirl. We're redoing out kitchen next year, and I think I might put in something clever so I can access the ice cream machine more easily..... Hope that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 I have the type of ice cream maker where you freeze the bowl in advance. I think it's a Phillips machine. Whilst it is a bit of a faff to have to remember to freeze the bowl in advance, I don't make ice cream often enough to justify having a 'proper' machine. The machine I have makes super ice cream - the main advantage of using the machine over not using a machine is the constant stirring to avoid ice crystals forming in the ice cream and my Phllips machine does this perfectly well. I'd have to get the ice cream out every hour or so and beat it by hand otherwise. I've made both ice cream and sorbets in mine and both were totally delicious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 We have the same one as LB and it does make superb ice cream with a perfect texture, this is our second machine and I recommend it highly - it could be the way to go as its quite cheap and you can see how much use/pleasure you get from it before trading up to a gaggia or similar? I just leave the bowl in the freezer permanently, its no bother. If you like ice-cream, making your own is a million times nicer than even the nicest bought ice-cream because you make it to suit your own palate - which in my case means less sugar (in fact I often prefer frozen yogurt). The other thing I really rate about it is that you know exactly what has gone into it and the flavours are very pure. Something like strawberry for example is delicate, and the ice cream is very pale, but it tastes like essence of strawberry. We only have ice-cream from time to time as we all know it isn't very good for you but it makes for a lovely treat. I think one of the nicest flavours is christmas pudding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 Gooseberry and Elderflower ice cream is a favourite in this house. It's a tasty (if not rather fattening) way of using the endless gooseberries my dad grows on his allotment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
