Ice cream machine test & guide
Have you ever eaten home-made ice cream from an ice cream machine? We're sure - once you've tried it, you can no longer go without it. Super creamy, super easy to make, and you will always know what's in it. Ice cream from an ice cream machine is a real highlight. And not just in summer. The logical next step: buy your own ice cream machine. But which is the right one? In our large guide, we will show you what to consider when buying ice cream machines and how you can make the best decision. Are you ready?
Ice cream machine: comparison of features and performance
In the following, we'll present different models of ice cream makers. They can mainly differ in terms of the size, the amount of ice cream that can be produced and the volume at which the machine works. You also have to decide whether you want an ice cream maker with or without a compressor. There are also other features such as smart controls and so on. We'll show you which ice cream machine is best for you!
Ice cream machine with compressor
Product tip
Vanilla Sky
Chic design, large capacity and a powerful compressor: The Vanilla Sky provides ice cream for the whole family. With the keep-cool mode, the ice cream won't melt.
- 2-litre large ice cream holder
- 180-watt strong cooling compressor
- Ice cream in just 30 to 40 minutes
Compressor ice cream machines are real powerhouses. The powerful cooling compressor ensures that the ingredients are evenly cooled, while the stirring system stirs air into the mass. The result? Irresistibly creamy ice cream made from your favourite ingredients! Vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream or yoghurt ice cream: This ice cream maker does it all. No pre-cooling, no long preparation time. Just pure ice cream enjoyment.
- No pre-cooling of the cooling container
- Ice cream in 30-40 minutes
- Simple operation
Advantages:
- Heavy compared to devices without a compressor
- More expensive compared to units without a compressor
Disadvantages:
Ice cream machine without compressor
Product tip
Creamberry Ice Cream Maker
Prepare ice cream without a compressor. With the Creamberry, no problem. In just 20 minutes, ingredients are processed into delicious ice cream.
- Fast: Ice cream in just 20 minutes
- Easy to use: With stirring system in the lid
- Small and light: Fits anywhere
Ice cream machines without a compressor are lighter and cheaper than machines with a compressor. The decisive difference lies in the pre-cooling of the thermal container. This must have been in the freezer for at least 8 hours before your ice cream maker is ready to use. The process is then similar: The ingredients are continuously stirred into creamy ice cream while they are cooled in the container.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to operate
- Ice cream in just 20 minutes
Advantages:
- Pre-cooling time of 8 hours
- No keep-cool function
Disadvantages:
Fruit and soft ice cream machine
Product tip
Sweet Sundae Ice Cream Maker
Dispensing ice cream like a real soft ice cream machine? No problem with the Sweet Sundae. With a capacity of 1.5 litres and a keep-cool function, you can simply dispense the ice cream
- Cool look: Like a soft ice cream machine
- Convenient portioning
- Perfect for parties
Dispense ice cream from a machine and create a real soft ice cream feeling? Our fruit and soft ice cream machine makes it possible. Simply fill in the liquid ingredients, wait and then easily dispense. Thanks to the display, the machine shows you what is happening and whether it is ready. And the keep-cool function ensures long-lasting ice cream enjoyment!
- Easy portioning
- Easy operation
- Simply dispense soft ice cream
Advantages:
- Comparatively expensive
- Comparatively heavy
- No large pieces in the ice cream possible (biscuits, chocolate or similar)
Disadvantages:
Ice cream machine & yoghurt maker
Product tip
Yo & Yummy 2-in-1 Ice Cream Machine & Yoghurt Maker
Ice cream machine and yoghurt maker in one device? No problem with the Yo & Yummy. Thanks to various programs, this machine can do everything!
- Prepare yoghurt and ice cream
- With compressor
- Simple operation
If an ice cream machine alone is not enough for you, just get an ice cream and yogurt maker. This way, you have several functions in one device. On the one hand, you can make your favourite ice cream like milk ice cream, sorbet and frozen yoghurt. On the other hand, you can make delicious yoghurt yourself and refine it with anything you like. Perfect match, right? By the way: Frozen yoghurt is of course also no problem for the ice cream machine.
- All-rounder: Many functions in one device
- With powerful compressor
- Elegant look with stainless steel
Advantages:
- Comparatively expensive
Disadvantages:
Ice cream makers in comparison
| Vanilla Sky Ice Cream Machine | Creamberry Ice Cream Maker | Sweet Sundae Ice Cream Maker | Yo & Yummy 2-in-1 Ice Cream Machine & Yoghurt Maker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 litres | 1.5 litres | 1.5 litres | 1.5 litres |
| Cooling Type | Compressor | Without compressors | Compressor | Compressor |
| Weight | 10 kg | 2,8 kg | 17,1 kg | 11 kg |
| Power | 180 W | 9,5W | 9,5W | 9,5W |
| Dimensions | 27 x 36 x 31 cm | 19 x 23,5 x 19 cm | 28 x 47 x 41,5 cm | 38 x 25 x 26 cm |
| Features | - Includes 250 ml measuring cup and scoop - One-hour keep-cool mode - Simple operation with three buttons and digital display |
- Simple operation via two buttons and digital display - Adjustable timer between 20 and 40 minutes - Recipe ideas in the manual |
- Subsequent cooling function prevents the ice cream from melting after preparation - Safety lock in the lid - Easy cleaning due to removable parts |
- Four operating modes: stir only, chill only, ice cream, yoghurt - Ice cream mode: adjustable timer in 1 minute increments from 5 to 60 minutes - Yoghurt mode: adjustable timer in 1-hour increments from 4 to 24 hours |
Buying the right ice cream machine
After we've given you an overview of the different models, it should be much easier for you to decide on an ice cream machine! Each model has its advantages and disadvantages. But mainly, you should ask yourself these questions to make a good choice:
- Do I want to buy an ice cream machine with or without a compressor?
- Should my ice cream machine only make ice cream, or other things too?
- What is my budget for the ice cream maker?
- How much ice cream do I want to make at once?
After answering these questions, you can easily search for the perfect model for you and buy your ice cream maker. There are many devices to choose from in our online shop!
Ice cream maker FAQs
A good compressor ice cream maker should be 130 watts or more. This recommendation may differ for ice cream machines with a thermoelectric cooling system or without a compressor.
Basically, the function of an ice cream machine is very simple: Ingredients for ice cream are placed in a container that has either been previously cooled or is cooled by a compressor. At the same time as the cooling process runs, the ingredients are continuously stirred, which forces air under the mass. In this way, creamy ice cream is produced in a period of approx. 20 to a maximum of 120 minutes.
Most ice cream makers with compressors take about 30 to 40 minutes to make creamy ice cream from liquid ingredients. The preparation time varies depending on the ingredients. An ice cream machine with thermoelectric cooling takes about 2 hours to make ice cream. If the thermal container is well pre-cooled, an ice cream machine without a compressor can produce ice cream in just 20 minutes.
An ice cream machine without a compressor is very simple: A cooling container is placed in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. It is then inserted into the machine, then the ingredients are filled in and stirred continuously with a stirring system. Cold is transferred from the container to the ingredients, air is drawn in by the stirring and a creamy ice cream is created.
The creaminess of ice cream depends on various factors: Air: Due to the slow cooling and constant stirring, air is sucked in and small ice crystals form instead of large ones. The smaller the ice crystals, the softer and creamier the ice cream. Sugar: Sugar significantly affects the consistency of your ice cream. About 20% of the total amount of your ice cream should be sugar. Fine sugars are particularly suitable for this. Emulsifiers: So-called emulsifiers create a connection between water and fat. This is how they ensure that your ice cream gets nice and creamy. Examples of emulsifiers are, for example, eggs. Alcohol: Hard alcohol has a very low freezing point. In this way, it can ensure that your ice cream does not become too hard, even if it is already stored in the freezer.
A compressor ice maker has a refrigeration compressor. This ensures that the time-consuming step of cooling the container is no longer necessary. The ingredients are uniformly cooled. A compressor is therefore a great advantage if you want to spontaneously make ice cream yourself. One downside: Compressor ice cream machines tend to be louder than those without.
Most compressor ice cream machines use around 150 watts. That is about 4.5 kWh.
This always depends on the type of ice cream and the machine. On average, an ice cream machine with a compressor takes about 30-40 minutes to provide creamy ice cream.