ice cream maker guru

What is the Difference Between the Top Ice Cream Makers?

Ice cream may be one of the best inventions of the human race. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement, but come on, who doesn’t love all of the creamy sugary decadent goodness we’ve all indulged in? If you want to harness the seriously awesome power of ice cream making in your own home, then you’ll want to consider buying your very own ice cream maker.

There are many differences between these devices, and it can be hard to choose which one is best for you. Making your own ice cream can be fun and can save you money too!

Here are a few things to take into consideration when searching for the best ice cream maker.

How Much Is An Ice Cream Maker

Obviously, the top ice cream makers are going to be more expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a top machine for a reasonable price. Even the top brands have machines that fall below $100.

Type Of Ice Cream Makers

There are three different types of ice cream makers, and each one has machines that can be considered best in class.

  • Old Fashioned Ice Cream Makers – This type of ice cream maker has been around for a long time, and makes ice cream in the traditional bucket. These can also make much more ice cream than other types. They also are considerably cheaper than some of the other higher end units.
  • Self-Cooling Ice Cream Makers – Less expensive units require a pre-frozen bowl and many times require more freezing after the ice cream is churned. Self Cooling makers, on the other hand, freeze the cream as it is being made, which means you get your ice cream quicker. This is the most expensive type of machine.
  • Mixer Attached Ice Cream Makers – This type can be less expensive, yet only because the machine is actually something you already own. If you have to buy the mixer in addition to the ice cream maker kit, you’ll have to pay significantly more. This type also requires pre and post freezing of the canister and cream.

Size Does Not Matter

Size usually has nothing to do with the cost of an ice cream maker. That being said, if you’re looking at a top of the line ice cream maker, it should have an output commensurate with the amount of ice cream you need to produce in one go.

The Rolex Of Ice Cream Makers

Sometimes you might look at a machine and think that one is priced so high because it is better. That isn’t necessarily true. Like many other appliances, ice cream makers are sometimes priced higher because of the brand name and little else.

Things To Consider

Before you go out and buy an ice cream maker, you should know three things:

  1. How much you want to pay
  2. How much ice cream you want to make
  3. How you want to make it

Have a budget and stick to it, because these makers can get very expensive and higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better ice cream. You should know about what size you want, and what is available. These machines range in size from 1.5 quarts to 6 quarts. Finally, you should know which type of maker you want. If you want convenience, the self-cooling ice cream maker is the best on the market. If you want more control over how the ice cream is made, the mixer attached is best. Take your time to determine what your specific ice cream making needs are and shop around.

Check out our reviews page where we have done all the hard work for you – all you have to do is decide which ice cream maker to choose!