The number and types of ice cream makers in the market are plenty. From electric ice cream machines to automatic ice cream machines and everything in between them, there are numerous options. Whether you are trying to buy a homemade ice cream maker or whether you are on the lookout for a commercial ice cream machine, there are several factors you have to consider before making a purchase.
Best Ice Cream Maker Machines – Quick Comparison
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Types Of Ice Cream Maker Machines
Bucket-Type(Hand Cranked) Ice Cream Maker.
Hand-Cranked machines are the most economical way to make ice cream. It typically employs the use of an ice and rock salt mixture which has to be refilled for every new batch. This conventional approach uses a bucket filled with the ice and salt mixture and an inner container for the ice cream. It consists of a churning motor as well. The entire process is manual.
Canister-Type Ice Cream Maker
The Canister-type ice cream maker is the less expensive variant among the electrically operated ice cream machines. It consists of two components—an outer container filled with a cooling solution and an inner container filled with gel. You should cool the inner container in a freezer for a day before use. It typically takes twenty to thirty minutes to prepare the ice cream. After every batch, the inner gel-containing vessel has to be refrozen to make another batch. If you are looking for an electrically operated ice cream machine which doesn’t cost a fortune, and don’t have time constraints in producing batches of ice cream, this cheaper variant is the right choice. They are typically meant for use at home.
Compressor-Type Ice Cream Maker
This electrically operated variant has a built-in compressor. Unlike the Canister-type ice cream maker, it does not require a container to be pre-chilled. You should pour the ice cream mixture into the machine, and the ice cream is ready in twenty to thirty minutes. The added
advantage is the ability to make multiple batches without any gap between them. The built-in compressor adds to the expensive nature of this ice cream maker. Its use makes more sense in a commercial space rather than a home.
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Top Ice Cream Maker Brands In India
The Indian market is home to several popular ice cream maker companies. Consequently, the options to choose from are numerous. Choosing a well-known brand is a guarantee for a more robust product which is less prone to defects in quality. The following are the top ice cream maker brands in India.
Kitcheinf
Kitcheinf is one of the most popular brands of ice cream making machines. They mainly produce electrically operated ice cream machines. With a price point targeting the sub-5000 range, they target the mid to low-tier cost segment.
Cuisinart
Cuisinart is a well-known American home appliance brand which produces a variety of products including ice cream makers, coffee makers, cookware and food processors. It mainly targets the premium market segment. The electrically operated ice cream makers by Cuisinart can be used both at home and commercially.
Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach is another well-known producer of home appliances. Apart from ice cream makers, they produce a wide variety of products including blenders, mixers, toasters and air purifiers. They mainly manufacture electrical ice cream makers and target the sub ten thousand price point.
Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze is a brand that produces good quality ice cream makers. They mainly provide electrically operated ice cream makers. Their products are priced on the higher side, targeting a price point of under thirty thousand and are most suited to domestic needs.
Orbit
Orbit is another famous manufacturer of kitchen appliances. They offer one of the most budget-friendly ice cream makers targeting the sub-three thousand price point. They mainly produce electrical ice cream makers. Their products are most suited to homes.
Nostalgia
True to its name, Nostalgia is a brand that produces a variety of products with designs inspired by early 19th century America. From ice cream makers to grills and waffle makers, they manufacture it all. Among ice cream makers, they mainly produce electric machines. Their products are in the mid-tier to premium category targeting a price point of upwards of ten thousand and are most suited to homes.
Andrew James
Andrew James is another famous company that makes homeware and kitchenware. They mainly produce electrically operated ice cream makers. At a price point of sub seven thousand, they provide decently priced products. Their products are suited primarily for homes.
Top 10 Ice Cream Machines – Review
As mentioned throughout this article, ice cream making machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Among these too, there are several variants in terms of price. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each ice cream maker and the trade-offs that result as a consequence of a lower price, the following are the ten best ice cream makers in India.
Freeze EIM-700 Ice Cream Maker
The EIM-700 Ice Cream Maker offered by Mr. Freeze targets the more premium segment. It comes in at a price point of under thirty thousand. It’s thermoelectric freezing capabilities eliminates the need to freeze the container before preparing a batch of ice cream. The energy-saving Ninety watts usage is another plus point in its favour. You should ensure that the seller includes cabling for operation at 220V as the product has a rating suited to North American standards.
Cuisinart ICE-45 Ice Cream Maker
The electrically operated ICE-45 Ice Cream Maker by Cuisinart comes in at a slightly higher price bracket of under 25000. The three condiment containers provided by this machine gives it the extra edge. When you move the lever to dispense ice cream into a bowl or cone, the device adds the condiments as well. This feature makes it viable for commercial use. One thing to note, however, is that it operates at 120V. You have to make sure the seller provides you with the appropriate cabling to make it usable in India.
Cuisinart ICE-30BC Ice Cream Maker
Another product by the Cuisinart brand, the ICE-30BC Ice Cream Maker comes in at a price point of under 20000. At a capacity of 2 Quart which roughly translates to 2 litres, it is still slightly on the expensive side. But the heavy-duty motor and stainless steel casing are worth the price tag. For this product too, you have to make sure the seller provides the appropriate cabling as the product has an electric rating of 110V.
Nostalgia Double Flavour Ice Cream Maker
The Double Flavour Ice Cream Maker offered by Nostalgia is one unique product in the market. It provides two canisters, each at a capacity of two quarts. It allows you to make two flavours of ice cream at the same time. A minor inconvenience is its electric rating of 110V. You have to ensure you have the appropriate cabling before use.
Nostalgia ICMW400 Ice Cream Maker
The ICMW400 is an Ice Cream Maker by the famous brand Nostalgia that manufactures products with design inspiration from the 19th century. At a price point of under 12000 and a capacity of 4 quart which roughly translates to 3 litres, this bucket-shaped ice cream maker is a great buy. The only caveat is the electric rating of 110V which entails the use of appropriate cabling.
Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker
The Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker is an excellent buy at the sub ten thousand price point. It has a capacity of 4 quart which roughly translates to around 4 litres. An added advantage is that you do not have to freeze the inner container before use. You just have to pour in ice. It prepares the ice cream with the in-built rock salt mixture.
Andrew James Ice Cream Maker
The electrically operated ice cream maker by Andrew James is an excellent buy at a price point of under 7000. It is mostly suited for home use. A minor disadvantage with this product is that the inner bowl has to be placed in the freezer for about eight hours before use.
Kitcheinif Digital Ice Cream Maker
The Kitcheinif Digital is an ice cream maker targeting the sub-five thousand price point which is relatively decent. It is mainly suited for homes. With its ability to make ice cream, sorbet, slush and frozen yoghurt, it provides excellent value for its price tag. Another added advantage is the built-in digital timer that can be used to run the machine for a pre-set time duration. The only caveat with this product is that you have to freeze the ice cream bowl of the machine for 12-18 hours before use.
Kitcheinif Ice Cream Maker
A slightly budget-friendly variant of the ice cream maker produced by the famous manufacturer Kitcheinif, this product is similar in many ways to its counterpart, the Kitcheinif Digital. If having a pre-set timer that automatically shuts off, doesn’t seem worth the extra cost, you should choose this variant. At a price point of under 4200, this is one of the best ice cream makers in the market. The only caveat is that you have to freeze the ice cream bowl for 12-18 hours before use.
Orbit Ice Cream Maker
The budget-friendly ice cream maker by Orbit comes in at a price tag of under 2500. The inner container has to be placed in the freezer for about eight hours before use. Other than that this 1.5L capacity ice cream maker is one of the most excellent valued products one can find. If you are just starting in ice cream making and don’t want to spend a fortune, this is a great buy.
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Ice Cream Makers – Buying Guide
Buying an ice cream maker involves considering a variety of factors. The following list some of the possible factors to consider before making a purchase.
Use
It is one of the essential factors to be considered while making a purchase. A machine intended for home use might require something less durable and which produces a smaller batch. However, if you plan to use the device more frequently or if you intend to use it in a commercial environment, you should pick something very durable and long-lasting. A retail space might also require you to purchase a more massive machine, depending on the number of customers you expect to have at any given time.
Type
For a commercial environment, it makes sense to purchase a compressor type machine. For home-use Canister-type devices are more than sufficient. Also, you should keep in mind that for Canister-type machines, you have to freeze the container before use. Bucket-type machines are rarely sold these days, mainly due to the amount of effort you have to put in to prepare a batch.
Capacity
Again, it boils down to whether you intend to use it at home or in a commercial space. However, if you want to use the machine only during special occasions involving many guests, it makes sense to purchase a machine with a larger capacity. Otherwise, the standard capacity of 1.5L is more than sufficient to meet your needs.
Warranty
For a machine that is to be exerted a lot, in commercial spaces, a warranty is necessary. A warranty guarantees that you do not waste your investment. For commercial use, purchasing an additional warranty makes sense considering that you might spend a lot on the ice cream machine. For home use, the standard warranty offered by the company is enough as the device is generally not exerted much.
Budget
If you intend to use the machine on the odd occasion or are on a shoestring budget, there are a lot of cheaper variants in the market at the sub 3000 price point. However, these are generally not long-lasting if used very often. If you have a little bit of leeway in your budget and intend to use the machine more frequently, it is advisable to purchase a more durable machine. For commercial use, as there cannot be compromises on durability, buying a slightly more expensive product makes more sense.
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Ice Cream Machines FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Ice Cream Makers Work?
There are two methods – hand-cranking and using an electric motor. The container which contains the mixture is either pre-cooled or cooled using an in-built freezer. The electric motor churns the mix while the mixture is simultaneously frozen. This process produces aerated ice crystals. In the hand-cranking method, the container has to be pre-cooled, and you have to churn the mixture manually using a paddle.
Is The Price Worth It?
It depends on your use case. In a professional setting, you either need it or don’t need it. In a household setting, it depends on how often you intend to use it. If you’re interested in consuming healthy and preservative-free ice cream, it is worth it.
What About The Noise Factor?
It depends on the electric motor. Some machines produce little to no noise.
Can Ice Cream Makers Make Gelato?
Yes. There are few machines capable of making gelato.
What Is The Price Range Of Ice Cream Makers?
Ice Cream makers can cost as low as 3000 to upwards of 50000 for commercial grade machines.
How Long Does It Take To Make Ice Cream Using An Ice Cream Maker?
For the average machine, it typically takes between 25 to 40 minutes.
Why Did My Machine Stop Operating Abruptly While Making Ice Cream?
Every motor has a safety rating. The machine stopped due to overheating. Unplug the machine and wait for it to cool down. Either this will fix the problem, or you need to replace the motor.
Conclusion
There are numerous factors to be considered while purchasing an ice cream machine. If you intend to use the machine frequently, you need to buy a more durable machine. If you are on a shoestring budget and plan to make ice cream once in a while, there are numerous budget-friendly options. Keeping these factors in mind, Kitcheinif Ice Cream Maker provides the best value. With its stellar reviews and moderate pricing, it is one of the best ice cream makers in the market.
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