Ever dreamed of making perfect ice cream at home? Imagine creamy, delicious scoops, bursting with flavor, whenever you want! But, let’s be real, the world of ice cream makers can be a confusing place. So many models, so many features, and so many promises. Choosing the right one feels like a sweet, sugary maze, doesn’t it?
Finding the best ice cream maker can be frustrating. You don’t want to waste money on a machine that’s hard to use or doesn’t make great ice cream. You might be worried about complicated settings or the time it takes to make a batch. This is where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They test everything! They take the guesswork out of the process.
In this post, we’ll explore the best ice cream maker according to America’s Test Kitchen. You will learn what makes these machines stand out. You’ll also discover what to look for when buying one. Get ready to say goodbye to ice cream aisle disappointment and hello to homemade happiness! Let’s dive into the world of frozen desserts.
Our Top 5 Ice Cream Maker America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Ice Cream Maker America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor
Rating: 9.0/10
Do you love ice cream? The Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine lets you make it at home! This award-winning machine makes up to 2.1 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet. It’s easy to use and doesn’t need pre-freezing. Just add your ingredients and let the machine do the work. It has a built-in compressor, so you can make batch after batch! The sleek design looks great in any kitchen, and the LCD display is easy to read. This ice cream maker is the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat.
What We Like:
- It was named the BEST self-refrigerating ice cream maker!
- You don’t have to pre-freeze anything.
- It makes a lot of ice cream at once.
- You can use it over and over again.
- It has a nice, modern look.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find it is a bit expensive.
The Whynter Ice Cream Maker is a fantastic way to make your own ice cream. It is easy to use and makes delicious treats. You can enjoy homemade ice cream anytime you want!
2. CUISINART Ice Cream Maker
Rating: 9.1/10
The CUISINART Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, ICE30BCP1 lets you make delicious frozen treats at home! This machine is easy to use. It makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, and more in about 20 minutes. It has a stainless steel design. The machine includes a double-insulated freezer bowl. It also has a helpful recipe book and a large spout for adding your favorite ingredients. This product is also BPA free.
What We Like:
- It makes frozen desserts fast!
- The large spout makes adding mix-ins easy.
- The double-insulated bowl holds up to 2 quarts.
- It comes with a recipe book.
- It has a retractable cord for easy storage.
- The motor is heavy-duty.
What Could Be Improved:
- You must set your freezer to 0 degrees F.
- You may need to consult the user manual for questions about the warranty.
This ice cream maker is a fun way to make frozen treats. It is easy to use and makes great ice cream. This Cuisinart ice cream maker is a great option for anyone who loves frozen desserts.
3. 100 Techniques: Master a Lifetime of Cooking Skills
Rating: 9.4/10
The “100 Techniques: Master a Lifetime of Cooking Skills, from Basic to Bucket List (ATK 100 Series)” is a cookbook. It teaches you how to cook many things. This cookbook is from the America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) team. They share their cooking secrets. The book helps cooks of all levels improve their skills. It covers everything from easy dishes to more complex ones. You can learn new things and try them out in your kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has many cooking techniques.
- The book starts with the basics.
- It moves on to advanced skills.
- It is great for all skill levels.
- You can learn to make many different meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This cookbook is a good resource for cooks. It is a helpful guide for anyone who wants to learn. You can use it to improve your cooking skills.
4. Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine- Mix It In Ice Cream Maker for Frozen Yogurt
Rating: 8.8/10
Craving soft serve ice cream at home? The Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine lets you make delicious frozen treats. This machine makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and more! It’s easy to use and makes 1.5 quarts in about 20 minutes. You can even add your favorite toppings like sprinkles or chocolate chips. It’s a fun way to enjoy your favorite desserts.
What We Like:
- Makes soft serve ice cream quickly.
- Lets you add your favorite mix-ins and toppings.
- Easy to use with a simple handle to dispense the ice cream.
- Comes with a cone holder and a drip tray.
- Includes a keep warm cup and heating plate.
- Has a mix-in gauge to help with toppings.
- Offers a 3-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Make sure your mix-ins are small enough to fit through the gauge.
This Cuisinart ice cream maker is a great way to make your own soft serve at home. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat!
5. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine
Rating: 9.4/10
The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, ICE-70P1, is your ticket to homemade frozen treats! This machine makes up to two quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, or sorbet. It has a sleek stainless steel design and a helpful LCD screen. You can make delicious desserts in about 20 minutes. It has multiple speed settings and a handy timer, so you can make perfect treats every time. It also includes a recipe book to get you started.
What We Like:
- The machine makes a lot of ice cream at once!
- It works quickly. You can have ice cream in just 20 minutes.
- The LCD screen and timer make it easy to use.
- It comes with a recipe book to give you ideas.
- The ingredient spout helps you pour ingredients without making a mess.
- It is BPA free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The warranty is limited.
Overall, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is a great way to make your own frozen desserts at home. It’s fast, easy, and makes delicious treats!
Scoop Up the Best: Your Ice Cream Maker Guide
Are you ready for homemade ice cream? This guide will help you pick the perfect ice cream maker. We’ll focus on the America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) model. Let’s dive in!
Key Features to Look For
You want an ice cream maker that’s easy to use. Here are some important features:
- Capacity: How much ice cream do you want to make? Some machines make a small amount. Others make a lot. ATK models often make about 1.5 quarts.
- Freezing Method: There are two main types. One uses a freezer bowl. You freeze the bowl beforehand. The other has a built-in compressor. Compressors are like small freezers.
- Ease of Use: Look for a machine with simple controls. A timer is helpful.
- Cleaning: Easy-to-clean parts are a must. Look for removable parts.
- Recipe Book: Does it come with recipes? ATK models usually include great recipes.
Important Materials
The materials used matter. They can affect the ice cream maker’s quality.
- Bowl Material: The bowl should be made of durable materials. Look for stainless steel or a strong plastic.
- Motor: The motor turns the paddle. It needs to be powerful enough.
- Paddle: The paddle scrapes the sides of the bowl. It helps freeze the ice cream evenly.
- Housing: The outside of the machine should be sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an ice cream maker good or bad.
- Quality of the Bowl: A thick, well-made bowl freezes better.
- Motor Strength: A strong motor works better.
- Paddle Design: A good paddle scrapes the sides well.
- Ease of Assembly: A machine that’s easy to put together is better.
- Noise Level: Some ice cream makers are noisy.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an ice cream maker is fun! Here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: You’ll make the ice cream base. This often involves heating milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings.
- Freezing: You’ll pour the base into the bowl. Then, you turn on the machine. The paddle churns the mixture. It freezes the ice cream.
- Time: It takes about 20-30 minutes to freeze the ice cream.
- Enjoying: You can eat the ice cream right away! Or, you can put it in the freezer to harden.
- Use Cases: Make ice cream for parties. Make ice cream for a treat. Experiment with different flavors!
Ice Cream Maker FAQs
Here are some common questions about ice cream makers:
Q: What is the America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) ice cream maker known for?
A: ATK ice cream makers are known for their high quality and easy-to-follow recipes. They often make great ice cream.
Q: How does a freezer bowl ice cream maker work?
A: You freeze the bowl beforehand. The machine churns the ice cream base in the frozen bowl.
Q: What is a built-in compressor?
A: It’s a small freezer built into the ice cream maker. You don’t need to freeze the bowl separately.
Q: How long does it take to make ice cream?
A: It usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Q: How do I clean an ice cream maker?
A: You should wash the removable parts. Wipe down the machine with a damp cloth.
Q: Can I make other frozen desserts?
A: Yes! You can make sorbet and gelato too.
Q: What kind of recipes are included with the ATK ice cream maker?
A: The recipes are usually tested and well-written. They will guide you to great ice cream.
Q: Is an ice cream maker worth the cost?
A: If you love ice cream, it can be. Homemade ice cream tastes amazing.
Q: Is it hard to use an ice cream maker?
A: No, they are usually easy to use. You just follow the instructions.
Q: Where can I buy an ATK ice cream maker?
A: You can find them online and in some kitchen stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.