Cuisinart ICE-20 Automatic 1-1/2-Quart Ice-Cream Maker, White

My only complaint is how loud the machine is. I can't really let the machine run while we are having dinner unless I put the ice cream maker far away from the kitchen and dining room. But other than that inconvenience, I can't complain.

I would agree with the other reviewers -- use cold ingredients, and start your ice cream as soon as you take the bowl out of the freezer. I let my bowl freeze for at least two days before using it. I put it in a plastic bag, and then put a zip-loc bag of ice in the container just to be sure.

I have a hard time using all of the egg yolks and heavy cream to make true "ice cream" (although a splurge once in awhile isn't a bad thing!). I try to stick to the lower fat recipes. You can find endless recipes and ideas on the internet. I must admit that when in a hurry I just throw together some milk, half and half, real mexican vanilla, sugar, and a pinch of salt (no recipe here, just taste it to your own creaminess and sweetness level) to make ice cream for dessert. It's like having fresh soft serve. Yum!

If you would like your own ice cream maker, you can't go wrong with this machine!


Excellent Ice Cream   May 5, 2000
 223 out of 228 found this review helpful

So far, my wife and I have made a batch of mint chocolate chip, and cookies and cream. Both were excellent! We made these using the "simple" recipe (no eggs or cooking required). These recipes taste like Breyer's (which is an A+ rating by our standards). Not a surprise, because if you examine a carton of Breyer's, you'll see the same simple ingredients (cream, milk, sugar, real vanilla or mint extract) -- no "xantham gum" or what-not. I disagree with the other review here that says the ice cream doesn't freeze well (after making) -- in fact, we think the texture is better after it firms up a bit. We compared this product to a similar one by Krups, but the Cuisinart has a more powerful motor and a better warranty. We are looking forward to trying frozen daquiris, slushies, and other ice cream flavors. This is a great machine!


Simple to Use! Fabulous Results!   July 17, 2000
 121 out of 124 found this review helpful

I ordered the Cuisinart Ice Cream maker after reading all of the reviews on Amazon and it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. To be honest, I thought that making home-made ice cream would be just too difficult, but with the Cuisinart, I've made it three times in the past week. You simple mix-up the ingredients, chill, and then pour into the pre-frozen bowl. Perfect every time. I highly recommend the book, "Gelato! : Italian Ice Cream, Sorbetti & Granite" by Pamela Sheldon Johns as a great add-on. I ordered the book with the hope of being able to duplicate the Stracciatella(?) Gelato I had while on vacation in Italy. The recipe was simple (heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and shaved chocolate) and the results were fabulous.

This machine would make a great gift as well!


Ice Cream keeps us warm in winter?   September 28, 2000
 83 out of 89 found this review helpful

After several failed attempts, I began to wonder if I would ever be able to make creamy dreamy ice cream at home. Finally, I ordered the right one! This ice cream maker really does work. The only time it will not work is if your freezer is not set to the coldest setting. I keep the freezer bowls in the freezer at all times, that way they are ready to go.

So, set your freezer to the coldest setting two days before you intend to make the ice cream. I also found the extra freezer bowl to be indispensable. Instead of waiting for the ice cream mixture to cool, simply use one of the freezer bowls to cool it down and then pour it into the second freezer bowl. This drastically speeds up the process.

I also use the freezer bowl for other items I want to cool down quickly. I use it to cool down Jello when making a Raspberry Mousse. I have been known to place the whole contraption right into the freezer. I guess you are not supposed to, but I am still alive.

So, once you have everything all frozen, set the machine up and make sure it is on a nice level surface (in or out of the freezer). Then, mix up your ice cream recipe. All you do is pour the liquid into the ice cream maker and with a flick of the switch the paddle starts to turn and in about 20 to 30 minutes you will have the ice cream of your dreams.

When washing out the bowl, you will notice that you have to use hot water or you may find the cold water starts to freeze on the inside. I recommend placing a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the bowl when storing it in the freezer so there is no need to rince the bowl. I also disobey the instructions and let the ice cream freeze until solid in the ice cream freezer bowl. I found it just works faster that way. That way your ice cream is ready in 40 minutes! Yes, it takes 20-30 minutes and then 10 more minutes in the freezer. At least that is how it goes in my kitchen. It is still well worth the wait. If you start the ice cream before dinner, you won't even notice the time.

Here is a favorite recipe for a slushy. Yes, you can make those too and it works quite well.

PINK GRAPEFRUIT SLUSH

Use grapefruit juice found in the cooler section of your grocery store or use fresh squeezed and strained juice. If you enjoy sitting outside and want to keep your drinks ice cold, purchase a few "gel mugs" which you can keep in the freezer.

4 cups pink grapefruit juice

1/4 cup orange blossom honey

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Pour grapefruit juice into a tall jug. Heat honey in the microwave and stir into juice.

2. Set up ice cream maker. Pour in juice, freeze 10 minutes or until slushy. Serve in tall glasses with straws.

Makes 4 glasses

~The Rebecca Review