Ice Cream Maker Review: Americas Test Kitchen Reveals The Best Machines That Will Sweeten Your Summer

In the realm of frozen desserts, ice cream reigns supreme. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and endless possibilities for customization make it a universal favorite. But not all ice cream makers are created equal. That’s where America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) comes in, with their rigorous testing and expert recommendations to help you churn out the perfect scoop. Join us as we delve into ATK’s ice cream maker review, uncovering the best machines for crafting delectable frozen treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.

The Contenders: A Lineup of Ice Cream Maker Heavyweights

ATK’s ice cream maker review put six contenders to the test, each promising to deliver smooth, creamy frozen desserts with minimal effort. Let’s meet the contestants:

• Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker: A budget-friendly option with a compact design.
• Donvier Ice Cream Maker: A high-end machine with a built-in compressor for quick freezing.
• KitchenAid KICA0311CU 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker Attachment: An attachment for KitchenAid stand mixers, offering convenience and power.
• Lello Bio Gelato 4080 Sorbet & Ice Cream Maker: A sleek Italian-made machine with a unique self-refrigerating system.
• Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream & Milkshake Maker: A versatile machine that can also make milkshakes, smoothies, and frozen cocktails.
• Whynter ICM-201SB 2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker: A compact machine with a built-in compressor for fast freezing.

The Testing Process: A Rigorous Evaluation of Performance

ATK’s testing process was thorough and comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the best ice cream maker. They evaluated each machine based on the following criteria:

• Ease of Use: How easy was it to assemble, operate, and clean the machine?
• Freezing Time: How long did it take to churn ice cream to the desired consistency?
• Noise Level: How loud was the machine during operation?
• Capacity: How much ice cream could the machine make in one batch?
• Texture and Taste: The most important factor, of course, was how the ice cream tasted and felt in the mouth.

The Results: Unveiling the Top Performers

After hours of testing, churning, and tasting, ATK revealed their top picks for ice cream makers:

• Best Overall Ice Cream Maker: Donvier Ice Cream Maker
• Best Budget Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker
• Best Ice Cream Maker for Small Batches: KitchenAid KICA0311CU 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker Attachment
• Best Ice Cream Maker for Fast Freezing: Whynter ICM-201SB 2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
• Best Ice Cream Maker for Versatility: Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream & Milkshake Maker

In-Depth Analysis: Breaking Down the Winners

Let’s take a closer look at each of the winning ice cream makers and what makes them stand out:

Donvier Ice Cream Maker: The Overall Champion

The Donvier Ice Cream Maker emerged as the clear winner, impressing ATK‘s testers with its exceptional performance across all categories. It churned out smooth, creamy ice cream in just 20 minutes, and its built-in compressor ensured a quick freezing time. The machine was also easy to use and clean, making it a joy to operate.

Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker: The Budget-Friendly Contender

For those on a budget, the Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker is an excellent choice. It may not have the bells and whistles of the Donvier, but it still produces delicious ice cream with a relatively fast freezing time. Its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or those with limited storage space.

KitchenAid KICA0311CU 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker Attachment: The Perfect Partner for KitchenAid Stand Mixers

If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, the KitchenAid KICA0311CU 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker Attachment is a great way to expand its capabilities. It attaches easily to the mixer and churns out small batches of ice cream quickly and efficiently. The attachment is also easy to clean and store.

Whynter ICM-201SB 2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker: The Speedy Option

For those who value speed above all else, the Whynter ICM-201SB 2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker is the way to go. Its built-in compressor allows it to freeze ice cream in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for impromptu dessert cravings. The machine is also relatively easy to use and clean.

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream & Milkshake Maker: The Versatile All-Rounder

The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream & Milkshake Maker is a versatile machine that can do more than just make ice cream. It can also make milkshakes, smoothies, and frozen cocktails. The machine is easy to use and clean, and it comes with a variety of accessories for different tasks.

Summary: Churning Out Perfection with the Best Ice Cream Makers

With so many ice cream makers on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. But with ATK’s expert guidance, you can be confident in selecting a machine that will churn out delicious, creamy frozen treats for years to come. Whether you’re a budget-conscious shopper, a speed demon, or a lover of versatility, there’s an ice cream maker out there that’s perfect for you. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let the ice cream-making adventures begin!

Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Your Ice Cream Maker Queries

1. Can I use an ice cream maker without rock salt?

Yes, you can use an ice cream maker without rock salt. However, rock salt helps to lower the temperature of the ice bath, which speeds up the freezing process. If you don’t use rock salt, it will take longer for your ice cream to churn.

2. How long do I need to churn ice cream?

The churning time will vary depending on the type of ice cream maker you have and the desired consistency of your ice cream. In general, you should churn ice cream for at least 20 minutes.

3. Can I make ice cream in a blender?

Yes, you can make ice cream in a blender. However, the texture of the ice cream will be different from ice cream made in an ice cream maker. Blender-made ice cream will be more like a milkshake or soft-serve ice cream.

4. How do I store ice cream?

Ice cream should be stored in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Ice cream can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.

5. How do I clean an ice cream maker?

The cleaning instructions for an ice cream maker will vary depending on the model. In general, you should wash the removable parts of the ice cream maker in warm, soapy water. The base of the ice cream maker should be wiped down with a damp cloth.