How to Compare Ice Cream Making Machines
Ice cream has had a fascinating history as a dessert and snack, beloved especially during hot and humid summers and as a nostalgic part of childhood. If you choose to make ice cream at home, it is important to compare the types of ice cream makers available, to pick one that best suits your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hand Crank
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Hand cranked ice cream makers haven't changed much since the early 1800s. The labor-intensive, old-fashioned bucket models have a paddle arm that stirs the cream, which sits inside a metal canister. Surrounding the canister, rock salt and ice keep the cream cool as you turn the crank, rotating the cream and keeping smooth and creamy.
Pre-Chilled Canister
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When using a pre-chilled canister type ice cream maker, often called Donvier types, you must first place a double-sided cylinder with coolant in a freezer for a few hours. Once the cylinder is cool enough, you remove the canister from the freezer, place the ice cream mixture inside the canister and stir. According to Reader's Digest, Donvier type models create ice cream faster than hand-crank models and stores the dessert easier.
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Electric Model
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Countertop models are available with built-in refrigeration, for easy ice cream making at the flip of a switch. Once you pour your ice cream mixture into the canister, you flip a switch and a motorized paddle stirs up the cream as it freezes.
Pros & Cons
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Hand crank models are traditional and easy to use, but finding rock salt may be a challenge, and it takes a lot of physical effort to make ice cream. Pre-chilled Donvier type ice cream makers make ice cream easily, but can be an inconvenience taking up freezer space. Electric models do most of the work for you, easily making ice cream on your countertop, but the convenience can come with a hefty price tag.
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References
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- Photo Credit ice-cream image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
