Got your eye on a new gadget this summer? Learn how to use an ice cream maker so you can make delicious frozen desserts from scratch.
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In the heat of summer, there’s no treat more satisfying than a scoop of homemade ice cream. Sure, it takes a bit of extra effort, but the results beat any novelty from the ice cream truck.
The first step to making this decadent treat, though, is learning how to use an ice cream maker. Once you master your new gadget, you’ll be on your way to a double scoop of scratch-made chocolate ice cream.
Types of Ice Cream Makers
Taste of Home
Before you learn how to use an ice cream maker, it’s important to know that there are different kinds out there—all of which make tasty frozen treats.
Frozen canisters:Â These ice cream makers are readily available and affordable. To use, you have to freeze a canister or insert a day or more in advance. Then you add your ingredients to the canister, hit the switch on the machine and let it go.
Mixer attachments:Â If you have a stand mixer at home, you can try an ice cream maker attachment that fits right onto your existing appliance. This is a great option if you don’t want to invest in an entirely new gadget.
Compressor models:Â If you use an ice cream maker with a built-in compressor, you don’t have to worry about ice or freezing. Just add your ice cream base and let the machine do its work.
Ice cream churns: When you think about old-fashioned ice cream, this is the sort of machine you’re thinking of. You’ll find electric versions and options with a manual crank handle.
Of course, there’s more to consider than just methodology, Here’s what you should consider when you’re shopping for an ice cream maker:
Time:Â How quickly do you want your ice cream? Churns take a lot of hands-on time and you need to prep a day ahead if working with a model with a freezer insert. Compressor ice cream makers, though, are ready at the touch of a button.
Volume:Â How much can the machine make at once?
Kitchen space:Â Bear in mind how much space you want to dedicate to an ice cream maker. Some models can be easily stored in a cupboard while others can take up as much space as a small microwave.
Price:Â Ice cream makers vary widely in price. This Cuisinart ice cream maker that our Test Kitchen uses costs about $90. Compressor models, though, can cost hundreds.
But if you really want to know which model to buy, be sure to check out the best ice cream makers. We found the best options no matter your preferred method.
How to Use the Most Popular Ice Cream Makers
Prep Your Ice Cream Base
Taste of Home
No matter what machine you use, the place to start is with your ice cream base or custard. This is the liquid mixture that gets churned into creamy, cold ice cream.
You’ll find that recipes vary, but most contain these basic ingredients: cream, milk and sugar. You may see recipes, like this best-ever vanilla ice cream from Taste of Home‘s very own ice cream fanatic Peggy Woodward, that contain eggs. This technically makes the ice cream a frozen custard. All that means is that this treat turns out extra creamy and smooth.
These ingredients (and other additions in your recipe) are heated until thickened, then chilled before churning. For best results, Peggy recommends letting your ice cream base cool in the fridge overnight. This will help improve flavor and texture. Once made, use your ice cream or frozen custard base in any of these ice cream machines, add a fresh waffle cone using a waffle cone maker, and its ready to serve!
Be sure to follow a few more of our Test Kitchen’s ice cream tips for the best possible ice cream.
These machines are the most common household models. You can find great options for under $100 at many kitchen shops. Our Test Kitchen’s go-to ice cream machine is made by Cuisinart.
To use this type of machine (and other similar models), you need to freeze the canister for at least 15 hours. It’s a good idea to just stash this in the freezer when it’s not in use so you can make ice cream anytime.
Once frozen, set the canister onto the base, add in the churning paddle and top with the lid. Just flip the switch and slowly add in your ice cream mixture. After about 20 minutes, you should have a soft ice cream that’s ready to firm up in the freezer.
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container (do not store it in the canister). Our editors like these Tovolo ice cream containers for homemade ice cream storage. They’re one of our must-have summer kitchen items.
How to Use a KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Just like models with a canister, the KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment also needs to be frozen in advance. KitchenAid recommends chilling it for at least 15 hours.
Then fit the paddle attachment into the mixer—just the same way you’d add the whisk or dough hook to your mixer. That’s one of the joys of using this model: If you’re familiar with using your KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment will be very intuitive to use in your kitchen.
Once everything is fitted in place, turn your mixer onto the lowest setting and gradually pour in your ice cream base. Keep the machine running for 20 to 30 minutes, and voila—ice cream!
For best results, transfer your freshly made treat to a freezer-proof container to chill a bit longer. This will help your dessert firm up a bit.
To use an ice cream maker with a built-in compressor, like this Breville Smart Scoop ice cream maker, you don’t need to prep the machine at all before use.
Simply add the paddle to the bowl, pour in your ice cream base and choose your setting. Machines like this often contain settings for all sorts of frozen desserts including frozen yogurt, sorbet, gelato as well as ice cream. Choose one and push start.
The compressor inside will fire up and chill your dessert to the right temperature while the paddle churns away. It’s really that simple. With this option, you can have ice cream in less than an hour.
How to Use an Ice Cream Churn
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Learning how to use an electric ice cream maker is pretty simple; it’s when you get to the old-fashioned churn models that you might want to take a few notes. These models—which either use a hand crank or electric motor to turn the crank—require a little more effort.
Old-fashioned churns consist of a canister and a dasher (the technical name for the paddle) surrounded by a larger insulated bucket.
To use this type of ice cream maker, fit the canister into the larger bucket. Then fill the bucket a little over halfway full with ice and add rock salt. Immergood, who makes one of our favorite manual ice cream churns, recommends two cups of rock salt. This will help the ice cream achieve the right consistency.
Then all that’s left to do is insert the dasher, fill the canister with cream and turn the crank. If you’re doing this process by hand, this should take about 30 minutes. It’s hard work, so be sure to get the kids, friends and neighbors involved. The reward is a generous scoop of freshly churned ice cream. For best results, use one of our editors’ favorite ice cream scoops.
How to Take Care of Your Ice Cream Maker
Taking care of your ice cream maker isn’t too hard. For electric models, you can wipe the outside of the appliance with a cloth spritzed with a little all-purpose cleaner. That should work just fine to keep the exteriors of the machines looking great.
As for the internal components, wash as recommended by the manufacturer. Many ice cream canisters have a nonstick coating, so be sure to wash those parts by hand. Also, be sure not to use metal utensils in these containers.
More Ice Cream Maker Recipes
Once you’re bitten by the homemade ice cream bug, you’ll want to use your new gadget as much as possible. Try these recipes.
Pumpkin pie is the perfect southern comfort food that everyone has on their table at the holidays, but truthfully, I want those cozy flavors any time of year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Forester, Memphis, Tennessee
Easy Chocolate Ice CreamThis super simple chocolate ice cream is the perfect treat at a moments notice. It's also a bonus that most of the ingredients are kitchen staples. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Coconut Ice CreamThis coconut ice cream recipe is a refreshing dessert that can cap off a warm summer evening. It has a nice coconut flavor without being too strong. —Tamra Kriedeman, Enderlin, North Dakota
Homemade Strawberry Ice CreamThis creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
Best Ever Vanilla Ice CreamAfter lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy vanilla custard at home that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin. Learn how to make vanilla custard ice cream.
Rocky Road Ice CreamMy daughters always want to put this rocky road ice cream in cones just like the ice cream shops do. We especially like the marshmallows, chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Sometimes we even add extra chips on top...and whipped cream, too.
-Dale Langford
Atwater, California
KulfiI grew up near Little India in California, and I loved the desserts from Indian sweets shops. One of them sold kulfi, a spiced and nutty frozen custard in cone molds. Here I use a shortcut method to make kulfi quickly and without any special equipment. The whole milk can be replaced with mango pulp for mango kulfi. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida
Rhubarb Crumble Ice CreamThis rhubarb crumble ice cream combines two of my favorite desserts into one fantastic creation! If you close your eyes, it actually tastes like you're taking a bite of fresh rhubarb crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Throw this into a waffle cone and enjoy a classic summertime treat! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Mint Chip Ice CreamWe have a milk cow, so homemade ice cream is a regular dessert in our household. This creamy version has a mild mint flavor. — Farrah McGuire, Springdale, Washington
Almond Butter Swirl Ice CreamWarm weather days require ice cream! However, dealing with dairy intolerances can be tricky. This dairy-free recipe is a favorite at our house, especially with kids! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Best Banana Ice CreamMy son-in-law says this is the best banana ice cream he’s ever had. It’s always requested at family gatherings. —Donna Robbins, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Triple Chocolate Ricotta Ice CreamYou're going to fall in love with this thick, rich chocolate ricotta ice cream. It has a creamy texture that can't be beat. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice CreamAfter sampling this flavor at an ice cream stand, I kept trying to duplicate it until it was just right. This blueberry cheesecake ice cream is a hit! —Melissa Symington, Neche, North Dakota
London Fog Ice CreamI took one of my favorite coffee shop beverages and turned it into this elegant London fog ice cream. For a star dessert, serve it with lemon sandwich cookies or in a simple glass rimmed with sugar, lavender and lemon zest. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Raspberry Ice Cream in a BagMaking homemade ice cream is fun for the whole family, and the fresh raspberry flavor of this treat makes it a perfect summer activity. Kids can shake the bags until the liquid changes to ice cream and then enjoy the reward! —Erin Hoffman, Canby, Minnesota
Toasted Hazelnut and Chocolate Ice CreamThe flavors in this ice cream take me back to European vacations I've enjoyed in the past. I am a big hazelnut fan, and who doesn't like chocolate? I've been caught red-handed eating Nutella out of the jar with a spoon! —Laura Majchrzak, Hunt Valley, Maryland
Homemade Vanilla Ice CreamWe don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest, too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions below to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. It's the perfect base for our best ice cream sundae ideas, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice CreamWhen I got my ice cream maker, a friend shared her dreamy freezy cheesecake recipe. For guests, I scoop this into tart shells. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with Paprika & AgavePair this rich and creamy ice cream with a cup of hot or iced coffee. It's mildly sweet with a hint of paprika. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Praline Crunch Ice CreamIf you're a caramel lover, you'll want to try Julia Register's recipe for homemade ice cream topped with pralines and a rich caramel sauce. The Huntersville, North Carolina cook reports that she has used this recipe for ice cream socials at her church. "The homemade caramel sauce goes over well."
Georgia Peach Ice CreamMy state is well known for growing amazing peaches. This ice cream has been a family favorite for more than 50 years! —Marguerite Ethridge, Americus, Georgia
Refreshing Rhubarb Ice CreamNo matter where my military family is stationed, this ice cream always makes me think of my parents’ backyard rhubarb patch in Rochester, New York. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii
Blueberry Ice CreamThe wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick
Old-Time Custard Ice CreamI think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and is the perfect splurge on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
No-Churn Blueberry Graham Cracker Ice CreamThis sweet and creamy no-churn ice cream features a fresh blueberry jam swirl and graham cracker pieces. You can use raspberries instead of the blueberries for a different berry flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Rhubarb Ice CreamYou don't need an ice cream freezer to make this rich refreshing treat. Years ago, we had a big rhubarb patch. A neighbor who knew I loved ice cream shared this recipe with me. —Jan Douglas, Dent, Minnesota
Pink Peppercorn and Sake Ice CreamThere's plenty of sake flavor in this rich ice cream studded with peppercorns. You'll get an interesting pop of heat with every bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Buttermilk Peach Ice CreamMy mother's family owned peach orchards in Missouri. I live in Tennessee, a top consumer of buttermilk. This summery ice cream combines my past and present. —Kim Higginbotham, Knoxville, Tennessee
Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Ice CreamEveryone loves a pumpkin-flavored cheesecake, so we decided to make a cool and creamy ice-cream version. We're thrilled with the result. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Corn Ice CreamYou have to give this novel sweet corn ice cream a try. It’s actually made with corn, sweetly flavored by vanilla extract and maple syrup. I plan to make this surprising treat every summer.—Diana Burrink, Crete, Illinois
Red Curry-Pandan Ice CreamThe curry and coconut flavors are subtle, allowing the flavor of pandan leaves to shine. Pandan is a tropical plant that grows in Southeast Asia with a naturally sweet, bright flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Butterfinger Ice CreamAdd Butterfingers to this icy, creamy combination, and you get a no-fail sweet everyone will love. —Tammy Drost, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Chocolate Crunch Ice CreamMaking ice cream goes smoothly when you do prep work in advance. I make the custard ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Plus, I toast the almonds beforehand and separate my add-ins into labeled containers. —Rosalie Peters, Caldwell, Texas
Lisa is an editor at Taste of Home where she gets to embrace her passion for baking. She pours this love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa is also dedicated to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.
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Updated: Aug. 31, 2022
