Ice Cream Maker Reccos / Experience

I would like to buy an ice cream maker. I read the reviews at Cook's Illustrated (http://www.cooksillustrated.com/testing.asp?testingid=94) and just dont see paying $500 for a Lussino.

I tend to subscribe to Alton Browns "single use" rule and am looking at the frozen bowl type maker for my Kitchen Aid mixer ( http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/produ ... &prod=1226 ). It seems to be generally similar to the other frozen gel mixers. Any thoughts / advice?

Welcome to the Forum!

We have a Cuisinart ice cream maker that has the bowl one freezes. It works quite well and we have had no complaints at all. However, we only use it about 10, maybe 15, times a year. I think we paid about $60 for it a couple years ago.

Eric! Nice to see you. Still at Lilly?

We have a Cuisinart - we keep the bowl in the freezer at all times for spontaneous ice cream making, and it works fine.

Not sure about the KA one - haven't seen it in use.

Hi Eric! Good to see you here.

I make a fair amount of ice cream and I like to experiment with somewhat exotic flavors. Accordingly, my wife splurged and got me a Musso unit for Christmas. I have to say that it makes excellent ice cream and that it does so in record time. I was never all that good with the freezer bowl type of ice cream maker (I think because I didn't churn enough) and the texture of the ice cream was never very good. The Musso has made perfect ice cream every time so far. I use it every week or two.

That said, it's something that I think most people would never be able to justify. It takes up a fair amount of storage space and the price is ridiculous when compared to a Cuisinart, a Donvier, or comparable units. I would only say that if you can get one that churns automatically, then I'd do that rather than go with a manual unit. Most people seem to be able to make perfectly good ice cream with these.

And don't be a stranger around here!


Mike

I don't make ice cream at the moment, but, when I did, I had good success with a Donvier model. They key is to keep up the pace: stir, sit, stir, sit.

I'd like to try one of those 'shaking ball' ice cream makers!

[Jenise]

I'd like to try one of those 'shaking ball' ice cream makers!

Must. Not. Respond.

I'd like to try one of those 'shaking ball' ice cream makers!

Must. Not. Respond.

Does your cream freeze slow?
Does it wobble to and fro?
Can you throw it over your shoulder
Like a Continental soldier?
...

Ahem.

Very hummable.


Jeff

John -

After 16 years at Lilly I left about 18 months ago to start, with two other partners, an HR Consulting / Software firm.

The pay is a bit less, the hours a bit more, but I wouldn't have it any differently.

I looked at many of the pricier models and, frankly, the only thing that held me back was the size. My kitchen is far from large and I needed something that I can put back. Besides, I'm saving for an espresso maker!

I ended up getting the gel-bowl for my Kitchen Aid mixer. I made a traditional batch of custard last night and plan to convert/ripen today for when the kids get home from school. I'll report back.