Ice cream machines .......

[hazelnunhead]

I am looking at (finally) getting an ice cream machine / maker in time for spring ..... but there seems to be an overwhelming number of choices!

Does anyone have one that they love, any pointers to look out for? or even brands that you have used and love....

I am hoping for one that is not too big, so it can be stashed away, is relatively simple to use?

any recommendations appreciated ....

[Mariamadeit]

Ours is from John Lewis, you keep the base in the freezer (so do check the dimensions of the container so it would fit into the drawer) then you make a custard, add fruit or whatever and pour it in, 20 mins later it's ready, easy peasy! You can also do sorbet.

[supergolden88]

I have a really cheap one from Andrew James. It does the job just fine, the bowl is not too big but it can't make large quantities of ice cream

http://www.supergoldenbakes.com/2014/09/salted-caramel-ice-cream-and-ice-cream.html

[sallyfran]

I had one that you had to put in the freezer and never used it. I then got one (second-hand off this forum) which has its own in-built freezer and use it a lot to make great ice-cream and sorbet in just 25 minutes. It is a Gaggia gelatiera and makes about 0.7l at a time. The only drawback (apart from the price - I got mine at half-price) is that it probably needs to sit on a worktop as the refrigeration fluid needs 24 hours to settle every time you move it. If you don't mind the type where you put the bowl in the freezer, I think that the Andrew James was a Which best buy. And I'd recommend 'A Perfect Scoop' by David Lebowitz for recipes!

[treehugger]

I have one which you keep in the freezer which works well. However, if you take it out to store it somewhere else, do refreeze with plenty of time in hand to make sure it's cold enough to freeze your custard (I would say at least 48 hours)....

[hazelnunhead]

Thanks for all the recommendations. Will definately measure freezer to see if bowl can go in!