ice cream maker guru

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70: Compared and Reviewed

Cuisinart has indeed dominated the market for producing the best ice cream machines. With its variety of versatile home ice cream makers, you’re sure to get top-peak quality only. But the problem comes when you have to compare their ice cream machines against each other. Like the Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70, which is better?

Coming from the same brand, there’s no doubt that all their ice cream makers make the cut for anyone looking for high-quality appliances. Yet, we still can’t deny that they can’t be the same in everything.

In this Cuisinart ice cream maker comparison, we’ll put the two machines against each other and compare their features, performance, and price to help you choose the best.

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70: Product Specs

Product Name
Cuisinart ICE-30
Cuisinart ICE-70
CUISINART Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl,...
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2 Quart, Cool Creations Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet Maker, LCD...
Overall Score
4.5/5
5/5
Weight
13.5 lbs.
14 lbs.
Capacity
2 quarts
2 quarts
Type
Freezer bowl
Freezer bowl
Warranty
3 years
3 years
Churn Time
45 minutes
20 minutes
Bottom Line / Product Summary
Cuisinart ICE-30 is easy to use, affordable, and makes good quality ice cream.
Cuisinart ICE-70 comes with extra settings and is a perfect machine not only for ice cream but other treats such as sorbet or gelato.
Product Name
Cuisinart ICE-30
CUISINART Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl,...
Overall Score
4.5/5
Weight
13.5 lbs.
Capacity
2 quarts
Type
Freezer bowl
Warranty
3 years
Churn Time
45 minutes
Bottom Line / Product Summary
Cuisinart ICE-30 is easy to use, affordable, and makes good quality ice cream.
Other Info
Product Name
Cuisinart ICE-70
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2 Quart, Cool Creations Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet Maker, LCD...
Overall Score
5/5
Weight
14 lbs.
Capacity
2 quarts
Type
Freezer bowl
Warranty
3 years
Churn Time
20 minutes
Bottom Line / Product Summary
Cuisinart ICE-70 comes with extra settings and is a perfect machine not only for ice cream but other treats such as sorbet or gelato.
Other Info

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70: Key Features

Incredible Design

Both ice cream makers have incredible designs. The Cuisinart ICE-70 comes with a beautiful chrome finish that makes it perfect for any modern kitchen setting. It features a tall and sleek design but is still narrow enough to fit in a very small area without taking too much space from your kitchen countertop. The only downside is the freezer bowl, which is a little heavy.

Cuisinart ICE-30 also features a beautiful brush steel housing with a rounded shape. The classy metallic finish makes the Cuisinart ICE-30 a very attractive appliance that will look perfect in any modern kitchen setup. Both devices have thick carafes made from stainless steel that do not break easily and are easy to clean.  

Convenient Controls

The Cuisinart ICE-70 has a control panel that allows you to choose from up to 3 different pre-set programs. Whether you prefer gelato, sorbet, or ice cream, this ice cream maker will allow you to adjust its motor’s speed and fill the storage compartment with ice and salt. 

On the other hand, the Cuisinart ICE-30 has a simple choice between “On” and “Pulse”. A handy scoop is also included in all new models so that you can taste your creation without dirtying any dishes.

The Size

When it comes to the size comparison, you might expect the Cuisinart ICE-70 to be considerably bigger than the Cuisinart ICE-30. Well, you’re wrong. Both freezer bowls come in the same size enabling the two ice cream makers to make up to 2.0 quarts of your frozen treats. Even if you look at the two ice cream makers at a glance, you’ll notice that they’re pretty much the same in size. The difference, if any, might be very small for you to notice immediately.

And since they make the same ice-cream quantity and are pretty much the same in size, you don’t expect much of a difference when it comes to their weight. These two ice cream makers from Cuisinart have only a slight difference in weight as the ICE-30 weighs about 13.5 lbs, while the ICE-70 weighs 14 lbs.

Noise Levels

So, will you be able to watch your television or listen to your music in peace while churning your ice cream? Probably yes. Like other ice cream makers in the market, the Cuisinart models also make a little noise but are not loud enough to disrupt other activities in the house. When you compare the two, Cuisinart ICE-70 is slightly louder than ICE-30. It churns at 80-82 decibel levels, while ICE-30 is a little bit quieter at 79-80 decibels.

Timer and Temperature Settings

Cuisinart ICE-70 comes with a digital timer to time your ice cream-making sessions, whereas the Cuisinart ICE-30 does not have this function. However, both these models come with pre-programmed settings for soft, medium, and hard settings. 

The ICE-70 has a range of -10 degrees to +30 degrees Fahrenheit for different types of frozen desserts, whereas the ICE-30 has a temperature range between 0 degrees to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Cuisinart ICE-70 is one step ahead in this contest since it features 12 hardness settings with a digital timer that makes it easier to create different types of frozen desserts than ICE-30.

Usability

The Cuisinart ICE-70 is much better because it has an automatic mechanism that allows you to eject the dasher after the ice cream has been set. In contrast, with Cuisinart ICE-30, you have to use an object like a knife or spoon to remove it manually.

Both Cuisinart ICE-30 and ICE-70 have a design with a three-year limited warranty, and the dashers can be washed in a dishwasher or by hand. They’re both very easy to use, and your entire household can find them comfortable making ice cream.

Want to check out other Cuisinart ice cream maker models? Read our latest Cuisinart ICE-21 vs ICE-60 comparison guide

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70: Performance Comparison

Majority of the users who’ve tested any of the Cuisinart ice cream makers agree that they both require about 20 minutes of freezing time before the ice cream has been churned to perfection.

Regarding their size comparison, Cuisinart ICE-70 is just a few pounds heavier than ICE-30. So if you have a small cupboard, you might want to consider placing it there and forget about it for some time, until you need it again. Meanwhile, the Cuisinart ICE-30 can easily fit in the topmost drawer of your refrigerator and be moved around with ease.

Another thing to note is the ease of use of both ice cream makers. They are both incredible when it comes to usability as they have simple operation, easy cleaning, and automatic mixing.

Users have mixed reactions when it comes to noise levels while in operation. Others note that ICE-70 provides them with smooth operation, but at the same time, is pretty noisy. While ICE-30 is much quieter than its predecessor, it is also said to be noisier than other ice cream makers with similar performance.

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70: Pros and Cons

Cuisinart ICE-30

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Cuisinart ICE-30 is very easy to use. It has a simple design, which doesn’t take up much storage space, and it has indicators that tell the user when ice cream is ready.
  • It produces high-quality ice cream with its ice/salt mixture mixing system. It produces up to 2 quarts of ice cream, which is perfect for the family.
  • It has a strong and steady motor.
  • The compact footprint makes this ice cream maker efficient and easily fits anywhere in the kitchen.
  • Cuisinart ICE-30 can produce ice cream within 20 minutes, which is relatively faster than other brands.

Cons   

  • Cuisinart ICE-30’s price is very high as compared to other ice cream makers with similar features. However, it’s still cheaper than its counterpart the ICE-70.
  • Even though Cuisinart ICE-30 is much quieter than its predecessor, it is also said to be noisier than other ice cream makers with similar performance.

Cuisinart ICE-70

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • You’ll appreciate Cuisinart ICE-70’s fast processing time, which is expected, given its high price tag. It can even process more than 6 quarts of ice cream in half an hour.
  • Cuisinart ICE-70 produces uniform ice cream that looks similar to regular homemade ice cream that’s churned by hand or with a hand mixer.
  • Aside from making ice cream, this is versatile enough to churn other frozen desserts such as sorbet and even cocktails.
  • Cuisinart Ice-70 is one of the easiest-to-use ice cream makers with its one-touch operation.
  • It is also easy to clean since it has non-stick material on all of its parts which only requires soap and water to do the job.

Cons

  • ICE-70 is the most expensive among Cuisinart’s line of ice cream makers, which makes you wonder if it is really worth it since there are cheaper models with almost the same features.
  • Its noise level while churning is very noticeable, even though some users are perfectly okay with it.

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70: Value for Money

While both Cuisinart ice cream makers are worth every purchase, Cuisinart ICE-70 is much more expensive than the ICE-30. One thing that makes the ICE-70 more costly is that it comes with extra settings, including the control panel that features an LCD screen.

But when you compare the two ice cream makers from Cuisinart with other brands in the market, there’s no doubt that you’ll be making the best purchase no matter the one you pick. Both machines can churn incredibly to produce the best quality ice cream mixture at home. Their performances are almost the same minus a few features on the ICE-70. Choose between Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70, and you’ll still make the best ice cream machine investment for the entire family use.

What to Consider When Buying Ice Cream Makers

Churn Time

One thing that most buyers pay attention to is the time it takes for the machine to churn ice cream. And with the two Cuisinart machines, both deliver 15 minutes of churning time for one batch of soft serve or regular frozen dessert. The ICE-70 machine yields about 20% more than that due to its double paddles and wider freezer bowl volume. You surely won’t go wrong with any of them.

Paddle Type

There’s nothing as good as having a paddle-type that will make ice cream mixing quicker and easier. And with the food processor Cuisinart ice cream makers have, you’ll be getting both machines with different paddle types for soft serve or regular frozen desserts.

The ICE-30 model comes with an aluminum single-paddle that mixes ingredients at around 15 rotations per minute. Meanwhile, the ICE-70 comes with a double paddle that does 25 rotations per minute.

Cuisinart ICE-30

Freezer Bowl

Though some ice cream makers don’t come with the freezer bowl, this is something worth considering when choosing an ice cream machine. You can buy replacement bowls for the Cuisinart models, making it easier to make more servings of ice cream.

However, you’ll need to be ready to invest in some freezer bags, too, if you’re thinking of keeping your ice cream for later. You can always use regular zip lock freezer bags or any plastic bag that is sturdy enough not to preserve your ice cream for the required time.

Ice Cream Capacity

How much ice cream are you willing to make within a given time? This should be at the back of your mind when buying an ice cream maker so you know the right capacity that will suit your needs.

Most ice cream makers come with a 1.5-quart bowl while others are designed to make up to 2 quarts, which should meet the needs of most families. If you live alone or have just a few people at home, then you can settle for these smaller countertop appliances that will serve the same purpose as the larger varieties.

However, for bigger ice cream cravings throughout the week, you can invest in a countertop appliance that is designed to produce up to 4 quarts of your favorite confection. With this capacity, you’ll have enough supply to serve several people or store some extra servings in the freezer for later consumption.

Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70 FAQS

Do Cuisinart ICE-30 and ICE-70 come with compressors?

No, both Cuisinart ICE-30 and ICE-70 are batch freezer types, which means you have to freeze the bowl before using it. If you need models that come with a compressor, you should look elsewhere.

Do Cuisinart Ice cream makers make noise?

Yes, it makes a noise when in use, and there is no way to turn the noise off. However, the noise might not be too loud to disturb other activities such as waking up a sleeping family member or interfering with the sound of your music. They’re just within an acceptable range.

Are Cuisinart ICE-30 and ICE-70 easy to clean?

Both models come with detachable parts that are dishwasher safe. You can also wash them by hand using warm soapy water. But they are both generally easy to clean.

Cuisinart ICE-70-ice-cream-maker

Our Verdict on Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70 Review

These two Cuisinart ice cream makers are both quality and affordable ice cream makers in their own right. Both can make the perfect treats for you and your family to enjoy. They’re great investments that are worth your money. But, if you’re looking for specific features in an ice cream maker, choosing between these two Cuisinart products might be challenging to make.

So which one should you choose?

If you need additional settings, such as an alarm that tells you when it’s time to add more ingredients, then maybe the Cuisinart ICE-70 is a better choice. On the other hand, if you just want a simple and straightforward ice cream maker with only the most basic settings, the Cuisinart ICE-30 is a perfect option.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with these Cuisinart ice cream makers. They’re both high-quality ice cream makers with many customer reviews that are full of praise about how delicious their recipes turn out to be. So just choose whichever one works best for your needs and budget. Good luck choosing between Cuisinart ICE-30 vs ICE-70 ice cream makers!