Cool Off This Summer with a New Ice Cream Maker
One of our favourite treats in the hot summer months is ice cream. If you love ice cream but prefer to enjoy high-quality treats instead of the cheaper store-bought snacks, why not consider purchasing an ice cream maker? You’ll be surprised by how quick and easy ice cream makers are to use, and they can help you to create a full range of sorbets and ice creams for your family this summer. Keep reading as we discuss everything you need to consider when purchasing a new ice cream maker.
Types of Ice Cream Machine
If you’ve never used an ice cream machine before, you may not be aware that there are a couple of different options on offer. Ice cream makers either have a freezer bowl or a built-in freezer. The machines with a freezer bowl have two elements, which include a mixer with a motor and an insulated bowl, which you will need to freeze before you start making your ice cream. The motor sits on the top of the bowl and then churns the mixture around with an attached panel. These types of machines will require a little more planning before you can make ice cream, as the bowl needs to spend between eight and 24 hours in the freezer before you start making your ice cream. However, these machines are much more cost-friendly, which is why they are the most popular option for at-home ice cream makers.
Alternatively, you could opt for an ice cream maker with a built-in freezer. Within just a few minutes, the machine will reach the optimum temperature thanks to the built-in element, which helps to cool down the entire bowl. Some machines have different settings, and they will allow you to create different types of ice cream with different textures. These are a slightly more professional option, so for most homeowners, the extra expense usually isn’t worth the additional cost.
The Capacity of Your Ice Cream Maker
The capacity of the ice cream maker will impact your experience making ice cream at home. Most home ice cream makers don’t have a huge capacity, so you’ll just be able to make enough to feed between about four and eight people each time. However, there are some much larger models on offer, which will help you to make a whole tub of ice cream, which you can place in the freezer in freezer containers until you are ready to eat it. It’s important to keep in mind that the size of the bowl in the device doesn’t indicate how much ice cream you can make, as it doesn’t take into account the paddle size and the churning space that’s needed. Make sure you check the specifications on the new model you are buying to ensure it will make enough ice cream in one go.
How Long Does it Take to Make Ice Cream at Home?
Making ice cream at home isn’t a quick process, but you can make it much quicker if you choose a model with a built-in freezer. With this type of freezer, you can make batch after batch without having to wait to refreeze the bowl. This is a good option for anyone who likes to meal prep, as you can get all of your ice cream making done in one day and then stock up your freezer for the next few weeks with all of your favourite flavours. These machines are a lot more powerful, as some people find ones with removable bowls aren’t effective enough to make more than a few servings of ice cream.
Working With Your Budget
An ice cream maker is generally seen as a luxury to have in your home, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more affordable models available. If you are interested in the machines with a built-in freezer, you’ll find these are a lot more costly but will often save you time and effort in the long run. If you are just looking to have a bit of fun this summer with a new ice cream maker, we recommend you stick to a cheaper model with good reviews, which will allow you to make a few treats for your family. Kids and teenagers will love being involved in the fun, and this is a great summer project for you to all enjoy doing together. Many people find that they only use this device for a few months each year, so keep this in mind before spending a fortune on a new ice cream maker.
Ice cream makers are a fun tool to add to your kitchen setup, and you’ll love spending time together as a family making ice cream this summer. You won’t necessarily save money by using an ice cream maker, but you’ll find that you can make fresh and delicious ice cream, and you’ll know exactly what ingredients are put into each scoop. When you purchase an ice cream maker, consider also buying a recipe book, which will offer you various recipe suggestions for ice creams and sorbets. You are sure to wow your family and friends with your homemade ice cream, and they’ll always be excited to visit to see what flavour you are making next.