Lately, we have noticed an increasing discussion around ice cream makers. Social media is on fire, with users buying the viral device and sharing quick, easy & healthy recipes. And this is exactly why it has become so viral... the healthy, personalized options.

As the healthy lifestyle takes up more and more space in our lives, there is a growing need to control the ingredients of what we consume. Less sugar, no preservatives, and balanced combinations are just some of the things you can achieve with homemade ice cream.

Types of Ice Cream Makers

Let's take a look at the 3 main types of operation and what their differences are. 

✨ The Traditional Ones - With Freezer Bowl

These devices have a bowl with double walls, inside which there is a special cooling liquid. The secret to success is to place the bowl in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours before use, so that the walls freeze well, and then the preparation process can begin. What do you need to do? Simply place the mixture in the bowl and a stirrer will start to rotate it, touching the frozen walls. In this way, it gradually cools until it is completely frozen, while the stirrer incorporates air to make the ice cream light and creamy. 

These are ice cream makers that require planning ahead and make one batch at a time.

Why choose this type? It has a very low purchase cost, and it is a compact and convenient device that you can keep on your kitchen counter, store in a cupboard, or even move at any time to your vacation home.

✨ The Professional Ones - With Compressor

On the other hand, ice cream makers that have their own cooling motor-compressor allow the bowl to freeze automatically within a few minutes. Here, you simply press the button, pour in the mixture, and the machine starts cooling and churning at the same time. The result? Professional and smooth texture, as the cooling is stable and powerful.

These are devices with a higher purchase cost and a more robust construction.

Why choose it? You can make ice cream at any time and prepare multiple batches one after another, without having to wait for hours like with the previous technique.

✨ The creamy-style - With blade technology

Finally, devices with blade technology operate with the opposite process compared to those with a freezing bowl. First, you freeze your mixture (e.g., milk with fruit) in a special container in the freezer until it becomes a hard "brick" of ice. Then, you place it in the machine, which has a powerful blade that "shaves" and mixes the ice at extremely high speeds. It transforms even the most "difficult" ingredients (such as plain yogurt or fruit) into an incredibly creamy texture, similar to soft serve, without needing a lot of fatty cream or sugar.

These are noisier devices, similar to mixers, and they require the container to be frozen for 24 hours in advance.

Why choose it? It is ideal for fitness recipes, such as protein ice cream or sorbet, and it processes even the toughest ingredients in a very short time (2-3 minutes).

Below you can also see a brief comparison between the 3 different operating modes mentioned above to help you more easily choose the device that suits you:

Is the investment really worth it?

To answer this question, you need to consider two main factors: the cost and the quality of the ice cream you buy outside, compared to what you can make at home if you invest in an ice cream maker.

✨ Cost

• For example, the cost of an ice cream from a gelateria or a premium ice cream from a supermarket ranges around 15-20€ per kilo.
• Meanwhile, the cost of ingredients to make ice cream at home with a basic recipe (500ml milk, 250ml heavy cream, sugar, and eggs) is around 4-6€ per kilo.

So, if a family consumes 1 kilo of ice cream per week during the summer, a 100€ ice cream maker pays for itself in less than two months! And don’t forget, you’ll have this machine for years.

✨ Quality

Of course, beyond the above, don’t forget that by making ice cream at home you can control the quality of the ingredients you use, from the cream and milk to the type of sugar (if you use any) and the origin of the fruits. This way, not only do you have fresh ice cream whenever you want, but you can also use and add value to foods you might otherwise throw away. Very ripe fruits that you’re thinking of tossing can become the main ingredient for your ice cream.

Find the most viral recipes

If you still have doubts about whether this trend deserves to be everywhere in your feed lately, take a look at just a few of the recipes you can make and trust us, the result will convince you!