Ice cream became popular and affordable in the second half of the 20th century, when industrial production began. The first recipe for a frozen delicacy was brought to Europe from the countries of the East by the great traveler Marco Polo, and the technology was improved on the island of Italy in Sicily. The modern product is prepared at catering establishments. When preparing, in addition to natural ingredients, manufacturers add dyes, food additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients. Therefore, many users think about how to prepare fruit dessert at home, how an ice cream maker functions and works.
Principle of operation
The device consists of containers for products and whorls for mixing. The device operates similarly to an electric mixer. After launch, the blades rotate, helping to create a homogeneous mass, preventing the composition from freezing.
The blades of the ice cream maker rotate, creating a homogeneous mass
The ice cream maker is used to prepare:
- treats;
- ice storage;
- frozen yogurt;
- sorbets;
- cocktails.
Operating rules
Manufacturers describe the process and recommend sticking to it. Thanks to this, the ice cream maker will last a long time.
In particular, it is not recommended to use metal spoons and knives to avoid damaging the surface of the bowl.
You should use wooden or plastic utensils that manufacturers supply with ice cream makers.
After use, the device must be washed immediately so that food residues do not stick to the walls and create a favorable environment for the growth of mold bacteria.
Knowing all these important details, any housewife will choose a suitable device for herself that will serve her conscientiously for a long time.
Types of ice cream makers
The main difference between the units is the type of control. There are 3 types on the market.
Mechanical
This type is an economical option, made in the form of a bowl with double walls. Between the containers there is a salt mixture with the addition of crushed ice. The dessert elements are added directly to the bowl, then a lid equipped with blades is installed on the device. There is a handle on top that allows you to mix the ingredients. Scrolling should be done every three minutes within half an hour. In some cases, the process is extended to 50 minutes.
Pros:
- low cost;
- operates without electricity.
Minuses:
- labor-intensive process;
- preliminary preparation of ice.
Semi-automatic
By analogy with the first type, they have a double vial, but the working process is 100% mechanical. No preparation of crushed ice is required, since the walls of the removable bowl are refrigerant. To use the device, you must first place the device in the freezer (6 hours) with the calculation of one batch per 400 g.
Pros:
- no need to mix manually;
- relatively low price.
The disadvantages of a freezer are due to the fact that the process of preparing 2-3 kg of ice cream can take several days.
Compressor (automatic)
The operating principle of the device is a mini-fridge powered by freon. Application requires the user to install the necessary components, connect to the network - then the process is 100% automated.
For information! There is no need for preparation in compressor ice cream makers. This is convenient for children's parties - you can prepare ice cream quickly and in large quantities.
Advantages:
- starts working 5-10 minutes after cooling;
- repeated filling in one cycle.
Minuses:
- electricity costs;
- high price tag.
Ice cream recipe without cream
Ice cream recipes in an ice cream maker, which are prepared without the use of cream, are dietary because they contain a minimum of fat.
Step-by-step cooking process
- First of all, the currant berries need to be sorted and peeled. Then rinse with warm water and dry on a clean cloth. If ice cream will be prepared from frozen berries, they must first be thawed.
- Then you should take a convenient bowl with a thick bottom, pour the berries into it and mash the blackcurrants to a puree.
- Next, you need to put the berries on low heat, bring the puree to a boil and cook it for 5 minutes. The puree must be stirred constantly so that it does not burn. When the berries are ready, remove them from the stove, then let them cool.
- While the berry puree is cooling, you need to wash the bananas, wipe them with a napkin and peel them. After this, the bananas should be broken into pieces, placed in a blender bowl and chopped.
- Then you need to add honey and yogurt to the banana puree and mix thoroughly.
- Add cooled blackcurrant puree to the resulting mixture. Mix everything together again.
- Afterwards, the finished mass should be transferred to the ice cream maker and the cooling function should be started for 20 minutes.
Basic criteria for choosing ice cream makers for your home
Mechanical drive desktops require pre-cooling. Whereas compressor units operate in automatic mode. How to choose an ice cream maker for your home? Experts recommend paying attention to the characteristics.
Power
The main criterion that does not apply to mechanical representatives. Electrical ones are divided into:
- Semi-automatic (4-35 W) - these indicators are enough to rotate the whorl, negligible power consumption;
- Compressor (150-200 W) - consume relatively little electricity. Powerful devices require a large volume of finished products and high speed of operation.
For information! There are models on the market that run on AA batteries. They can be installed in the freezer during operation, thereby saving energy costs.
Housing material
The bowl is the main element in contact with the products. There are two types of freezers based on the material used:
- plastic;
- steel.
Plastic ice cream maker Steel ice cream maker
Stainless steel is considered a hygienic option. While plastic ones require careful handling, because during operation small scratches and cracks appear, where pathogenic microorganisms enter.
Height of mixing container
The height of the bowl is important for semi-automatic ice cream makers; it varies in the range of 14-20 cm. This increases the volume of the container, which requires installation in the refrigeration compartment.
Accordingly, the higher the level, the more space the device takes up.
Bowl material and volume
The optimal volume of bowls (metal, plastic) is considered to be 0.5-2 liters. A family of four is recommended to purchase liter devices, since one cycle is enough to prepare 6 servings of treats.
Rotating blade material
Blades are made of plastic or stainless steel. However, the first option “slips” during operation, unable to mix the mass if it is too thick, and also often fails. In view of this, it is recommended to purchase a freezer with metal whorls, although this affects the price.
Compactness
Of course, the device is not used every day, so manufacturers took care of ergonomic dimensions.
Methods for making ice cream
To prepare this delicacy, you will need to make a mixture and pour it into a device connected to the network. You can make absolutely any type of ice cream: banana or strawberry flavored, chocolate or lemon flavored, fortunately, the range of mixtures is quite widely available in supermarkets. But you can also prepare the mixture yourself. For example, to make banana-flavored ice cream you will need:
- 300 grams of bananas,
- squeezed juice from half a lemon,
- 150 grams of sugar,
- 75 grams of milk,
- 75 grams of liquid cream.
The cooking process is as follows. You need to grind the bananas with a blender or in a food processor, then you need to add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Next, pour the resulting mixture into a running device and wait about half an hour.
Please note that the bowl must be pre-cooled. This applies if you are using a semi-automatic ice cream maker.
Another thing you need to know is that ice cream made using an ice cream maker melts very quickly. The shelf life of such ice cream is no more than one month in the freezer. Sorbet or frozen yogurt has a shelf life of 3 weeks. It is best to prepare as much ice cream as your family or guests can eat at once.
Extra options
When considering the topic of which ice cream maker is best to buy, you should touch upon secondary indicators:
- The second die is installed in compressor devices, allowing you to freely prepare the second portion while the first is being prepared;
- Portion cups are sold in volumes of 100 ml. The ice cream maker is equipped with 2-4 pieces, which allows you not to transfer the finished dessert;
- Timer - notifies about the end of the device operation;
Timer is a useful function of an ice cream maker - The presence of a cable storage compartment makes it possible to compactly store the cable;
- Viewing window - you can control the process of mixing the mass;
- The yogurt making function allows you to create kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt. As a rule, units in the expensive segment are equipped with this function;
- The presence of a book with different recipes is included even with budget representatives. Makes it possible to prepare dessert according to modern, classic instructions.
Attention! 1 liter bowls make it possible to cook servings for six people at a time.
Classic ice cream recipe
Ice cream recipes in an ice cream maker allow you to prepare a dessert at home, the taste of which will be similar to classic Soviet ice cream.
Step-by-step cooking process
First you need to separate the egg whites from the yolks. The whites can be set aside; they will not be used in this recipe. The yolks must be ground with powdered sugar until they have a homogeneous whitish structure. Then pour the milk into a thick-bottomed saucepan and add vanilla. After this, you should put the milk on low heat and heat it to a temperature no higher than 90°C. Now you need to combine the milk with the yolks. To avoid boiling the egg yolks with hot milk, you need to pour a small amount of the milk-vanilla mixture in a thin stream into the yolks, stirring constantly. Then pour it back and mix everything together until it has a homogeneous structure. The next step is to put the resulting mixture on low heat and heat, stirring, until it thickens. Do not allow the mixture to boil, otherwise it may separate into liquid and flakes. When it thickens, remove the mixture from the heat and leave it aside to cool. In the meantime, you can whip the cream. Pour the pre-cooled cream into a bowl and beat with a mixer until fluffy.
The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise you may end up with oil. Then you should carefully add the milk-yolk mass to the whipped cream and beat for another 2-3 minutes. Ice cream recipes in an ice cream maker
Then you need to take the bowl from the ice cream maker out of the freezer, put the finished mixture into it and run the machine for 20 minutes
The cooking time depends on the model of the ice cream maker, so you need to set it in accordance with the instructions from the instructions.
How to serve a dish
To serve, transfer the ice cream into bowls and decorate to your taste, for example, sprinkle with colored dragees, grated chocolate or chopped nuts.
Rating of the best manufacturers of ice cream makers for home
The rating of ice cream makers for home use allows you to decide on a freezer based on characteristics, appearance, and reviews.
Mechanical
The list of popular devices of this type of control makes it possible to understand which ice cream maker is best to buy for your home.
| Model | Characteristics |
| Budget model SUPRA ICS-1207 Mechanically driven, it comes with one bowl and instruction manual. Easy to use. General information:
Advantages:
No obvious deficiencies were identified. | |
| Mid-price segment - ARIETE 638 Although the power of the unit is only 6 W, the bowl volume of 0.8 liters compensates for the low speed. Compact dimensions and light weight make it easy to operate the model with mechanical control. Advantages:
Minuses:
| |
| Premium class - Nemox Gelato Duo Mio 1.1L A simple model, but not without advantages:
Advice! The modern new Duo Mio 1.1L turns work into a creative process. Housewives can experiment with taste by adding different ingredients. Negative sides:
|
Semi-automatic
The rating of models of this type of control allows you to decide which ice cream maker to choose.
| Model | Characteristics |
| Economical version Clatronic ICM 3581 The semi-automatic operating mode and medium size make it possible to conveniently use the freezer, but there are portion limits. This model is not recommended for large families. ICM 3581 prepares excellent dairy products that are not inferior in taste to machines that cost 50,000 rubles. Pros:
Flaws:
| |
| Mid range - CLATRONIC ICM 3650 The main difference from similar products in this category is two bowls, each with a volume of 500 ml, allowing you to prepare (time 15-30 minutes) 1 kg of cold delicacy. Positive indicators:
The only caveat is that it is pre-cooled in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. | |
| Premium class - Kenwood IM280Convenient kitchen assistant, operating in semi-automatic mode (power 6 W). The device is equipped with a large bowl (1.5 l). Peculiarities:
Advantages:
Negative indicators:
|
Automatic
It’s easy to choose which is the best ice cream maker in the compressor freezer segment. Users recommend the following models.
| Model | Characteristics |
| Budget representative BRAND 3811 Functional modern model from the Chinese manufacturer BRAND. Supplied with a removable container (1 l), measuring cup, and spoon. Properties:
Advantages:
The downside of the product is the cost of 13,000-16,700 rubles. | |
| Mid-range model - GEMLUX GL-ICM503 Kitchen equipment manufacturer Gemlux offers an excellent assistant, the GL-ICM503. A 1.5 liter capacity allows you to create a natural dessert in one hour. The material of manufacture is stainless steel, which ensures long-term, safe operation. The device is designed for making classic hard ice cream, fruit sorbet, yogurt, and smoothies. Pros:
Minuses:
| |
| Premium sector - BORK E801 After using this freezer, users no longer have a question about which ice cream maker is better. E801 is a godsend for housewives, large families, and those with a sweet tooth. The cost of 30,000-34,500 rubles is completely justified. The unit is equipped with a 1.4-liter capacity, three freezing modes, and adjustable motor power of 170-200 W. The preparation time for the cold dessert is 40 minutes. It's now easy to create real ice cream at home with minimal time investment. Positive properties:
Negative sides:
|
Top tips when choosing a device
- When choosing a device, focus on the size of the containers (1-5 liters). Infrequent use assumes a volume of 1-1.5 liters. For large families with constant use, 4 liters is suitable. The 1.5 liter bowl size is enough to prepare 900 g of product;
- Power does not determine product quality. Of course, compressor units operate faster when compared with semi-automatic or mechanical control. Automatic representatives have a power of 150-200 W, freezing mechanics - 4-35 W;
- Products with the ability to prepare additional fermented milk dishes are more interesting, since they will be used more often;
- The higher the bowl of the device, the more space it takes up;
- Doctors recommend purchasing steel equipment;
- You can save electricity on equipment equipped with batteries;
- Additional features include a timer, sound signal, second container, glasses.
- Before purchasing budget models, ask the seller for a first use test. This will ensure that there is no unpleasant chemical odor;
- Plastic containers quickly break down. Therefore, whenever possible, give preference to stainless steel.
Watch a video about choosing ice cream makers
Homemade Ice Cream Recipe
Presents to your attention a simple recipe for ice cream made at home.
Ingredients:
- Milk (3.2%) – 250 ml;
- Cream (20%) – 250 ml;
- Sugar – 4-5 tablespoons.
Preparation: mix cream, sugar and milk thoroughly until smooth using a mixer. Taste the resulting mass. If necessary, change the proportions to your liking. Place the mixture in the ice cream maker and continue cooking according to the instructions that came with the device. As a rule, you just have to select the desired cooking mode and wait until the device fulfills its main purpose.
