Electric Ice Cream Makers
Three Types of Electric Ice Cream Makers
Electric Ice Cream Makers
Making ice cream at home is a fun adventure for the entire family. And best of all, you get to control the ingredients that go into it. There are three types of electric ice cream makers: counter top, small freezer unit and large units with a freezing mechanism built in.
Counter Top Electric Ice Cream Makers
Counter top electric ice cream makers use a double walled bowl that must be frozen in the freezer before the ice cream mixture can be added to it. After the bowl is frozen, it is placed in the machine, the mixture is added and the maker is turned on. There is a paddle in the center of the maker that rotates and this stirs the mixture as it gradually freezes through contact with the frozen bowl. This process takes twenty to thirty minutes and when it is complete, you have a great tasting frozen delight to enjoy. This type of electric ice cream maker typically costs under one hundred dollars. Most are easy to use, easy to clean and have an automatic shut off when the ice cream is ready.
Small Freezer Electric Ice Cream Makers
This type of maker is placed inside the freezer with the mixture. It has a paddle that will turn every few seconds to stir the mixture. When the ice cream is ready, the paddle automatically stops rotating and it will lift up. The ice cream takes longer to freeze than when you use a counter top unit. If you decide to look into this type of electric ice cream maker, bear in mind that most come with a cord and you will have to close the freezer door over the cord. However, some refrigerators come with a specialized electrical plug that can be used with freezer unit makers. You can also purchase battery operated small freezer makers. These units usually cost approximately one hundred dollars.
Large Units with Built in Freezing Mechanism Electric Ice Cream Makers
These machines are larger machines but they already have a freezing mechanism built into them so there is no need to pre-chill a bowl or place anything into the freezer (except your delicious ice cream if there is any left over). You simply turn the machine on; add the mixture and your ice cream will be ready in approximately thirty minutes. There is no preparation and you can make another batch immediately after the first batch is finished. This type of electric ice cream maker begins at around one hundred and fifty dollars and can go up to one thousand dollars depending on the features and the size.
There are a lot of different electric ice cream makers to choose from and after you decide what type is right for you, it is important that you follow the instructions and also that you purchase one from a manufacturer that has been in business for a while and that has a good reputation like KitchenAid, Cuisinart and Lello to name a few. Always check for a warranty and shipping prices before you make any purchase.
