Cuisinart is a very popular name when it comes to ice cream machines. They manufacture home ice cream makers and have 5 different models to choose from. They are very popular because they have fully automatic machines that require that you put in the ingredients and press a button and that’s it. You get your dessert within 20 minutes.
There is really not much to distinguish Cuisinart from other machines in terms of quality and price; they are pretty much par for the course. The only thing is that they have a wider selection than many other manufacturers who only have one or two models in their line up. A short review of their top three models is given below.
ICE-21
This is their cheapest machine and the smallest one too. It can make only 1.5 quarts at a time, but then at just $50 is a good buy if you don’t have too big a family. It makes ice cream within 20 minutes which means that if you put in your ingredients when you begin your meal, it will be ready when you finish.
ICE-35
This is their 2 quart version of the same machine but then this comes with a wooden finish outside bucket to give you the feeling of owning something traditional without any of the leaking that is associated with real wooden buckets. This one costs nearly $100 though and is purchased only by those who need more ice cream than the ICE-21 can give at one time. The price is par for the course when compared to other machines of this size.
ICE-45
This is their counter-top, soft serve machine. It is pretty much standard with a 11/2 quart capacity along with dispensers for ice cream and up to four other ingredients of your choosing with just a pull of a lever. At $100 it costs the same as the ICE-35, but comes with a much lower capacity. Get it only if you like soft serve that you can dispense in cones, or bowls. It is a big hit with children because you can create a great variety with just one machine.
Cuisinart also makes two other models, but then they are not as popular. Their commercial model just makes 11/2 of a quart and the only advantage that this gives is that it does not require pre-chilling. Although this may be a big help in commercial centers, we are yet to come across a commercial manufacturer who would be happy with this capacity.