Ice cream makers

[Satya]

I just recently got interested in the raw food phenomenon and I purchased a few books with recipes and such. A lot of raw desserts are vegan ice creams and they advise using an ice cream maker. You don't have to ask me twice; I'm all about ice cream :lick: and I love the thought of controlling what ingredients I use, but now I need to know which one to get. If you have a maker would you mind telling me which one and what you like and don't like about it? ANd how sucessful your vegan ice cream recipes turnout.

Muchos gracias!
S

[missleigh]

We have this one: http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&storeId=301&langId=-1&productId=500565712

and it's super easy. We just store the middle part in the freezer, so anytime we want ice cream we're ready to go.

[NewbieVeg]

We were given the same kind as missleigh for a wedding gift, but we haven't used it as yet (i know - what's wrong with me?!?!?!), but a friend of mine had the same brand, and they loved it, and said it was super easy to use - just turn it on and let it do the work.
If you do get one, I agree with missleigh - store the middle section in the freezer so that anytime you want icecream you are ready to go. I don't think there could be anything worse than desperately wanting icecream, but having to wait a full 22 hours for the middle section to freeze.

[remilard]

I agree with Cuisinart. It is the best of its type. The salt and ice machines are too much of a hassle and the refrigerated ones are too expensive. I think Cuisinart is a no brainer.

You can also order extra bowls if you want to make multiple flavors, and they make a double machine (two flavors at once) for about $100.

There is an ice cream maker attachment for the Kitchen Aid stand mixer, works the same you put it in the freezer. That would have the advantage of not having an extra appliance taking up space but I haven't heard much about how well it works (it came out shortly before I "retired" from the housewares biz)

[MollyGoat]

I like the Cuisinart one a lot too. It works great! And homemade ice cream's where it's at!

[Minibean]

I have this one: http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/kitchen_appliances/food_prep/icecream_makers/68220.html

I love it. It's really easy to use and clean, hardly makes any noise at all and the ice cream is ready in 25-30 minutes. It was pretty cheap, too - I can't remember exactly but I think it was between $30 and $40 CDN. Way less than the Cuisinart.

NewbieVeg - I love your newest family member!!

[Satya]

Thanks for your replies. Yes, the Cuisinart has gotten really good reviews on Amazon. I guess my real concern is do the machines make good vegan ice cream. I have high standards when it comes to food. I loves to eat. :hungry: So I just want to know if the vegan ice cream (using soy & nut milks) turns out good with these machines cuz if not I'd just stick to my Soy Delicious <<--I mean they may go out of business if I start to make my own ;) .

[Satya]

C'mon all you vegan ice cream makers, I need to know if I can make really good vegan ice cream with these machines. Anyone, anyone??

[remilard]

C'mon all you vegan ice cream makers, I need to know if I can make really good vegan ice cream with these machines. Anyone, anyone??

Bryanna Clark Grogan's gelatto from Nonna's Italian Kitchen (can probably be found on the web) is really good. I like it better than tofutti or rice dream but less than SDPD or soy cream. The big upside is that you can make any flavor you want.

That being said I thought your OP implied that you wanted to make raw ice cream, I have no experience with that.