Summer’s approaching. You can only imagine the tubs of ice-cream you will be devouring to dumb down the heat. If only there was a way to enjoy these delights more cost-efficiently.
Thanks to modern technology, you can get yourself a hand crank ice-cream maker to get the party started! Not only do you get to learn to make ice-cream but you get to bring your own flair into the recipes to channel your inner ice-cream magician.
However, finding the best hand crank ice cream maker can be a challenge. After a lot of testing (and tasting) we have reviewed some of the finest products for you to pick from.
[amazon table=”3178″]Best Hand Crank Ice-Cream Maker Reviews
1. Cuisinart Ice-cream Maker
Even an avid ice-cream aficionado likes to experiment with their choice of frozen desserts. But purchasing an ice-cream maker is quite a significant investment and it is kind of a permanent one. It is not every day that you have a line of frozen dessert makers in your home.
Well, this is where you could really benefit from the Cuisinart Ice-cream Maker. This multipurpose frozen dessert maker packs a punch with its multi-functionality. It makes frozen yogurt, sorbet and, of course, ice-cream all in the same contraption.
With the ability to whip up 1.5 quarts of ice-cream, you can now adequately prepare for the oncoming summertime. You don’t have to worry about waiting too long to get a new batch. In fact, it makes new recipes in about 20 minutes. You can keep experimenting over and over again with a multitude of flavors.
The double insulation on the blender keeps the drum cool to churn ice-cream without having to use any additional ice. The translucent lid allows you a clear view and even has a long tube so that you can add as many ingredients as you want. You can now make your sorbet jampacked with berries for that extra punch.
- It comes in 4 pleasant color options.
- The machine can make a range of frozen desserts.
- The long spout allows easy addition of ingredients.
- It can churn up to 1.5 quarts of ice-cream.
2. Donvier Manual Ice-cream Maker
You have a few kiwis in your refrigerator and you’re craving ice-cream. Put two and two together and you have yourself a mouth-watering bowl of kiwi ice-cream.
Heck, you can even turn it into a sorbet if you’re feeling lazy or blend up a great frozen and fruity slurpee if you like, thanks to the Donvier Manual Ice-cream Maker!
With this machine, you don’t have to worry about adding ice and rock salt at all. The lever helps to churn and the integrated aluminum tub can be stored in the freezer. If you’re wondering how difficult it will be to scrape off residue ice-cream off the canister walls, it’s not. Just wipe it down and you’re set!
There are about 4 color options that you can choose from. The beauty of this machine is that it isn’t too intrusive. It can blend with the rest of the kitchen appliances and does not take up too much space. This could be a great gift for your children or even for yourself if you want to fiddle with flavors.
Searching for some inspiration? The included recipe book can help you navigate through your flavor fetishes. If you want to work with flavors before investing in something a little more permanent, this is the best manual ice cream maker you’ll find in the market.
- No need to add ice or salt.
- The canister can be used for storage.
- It produces a quart of ice-cream.
- The added recipes are perfect for inspiration.
3. AMERIHOME Old Fashion Ice-cream Maker
If you adore the southern aesthetics, you will fall in love with this cute little contraption. The AMERIHOME Old Fashion Ice-cream Maker is truly a work of wonder. With the ability to churn ice-cream in two different ways, this opens up an array of possibilities for those just learning to make their own recipe.
You can either use the trusted hand crank to stir up a batch in the good old fashioned way or utilize the integrated electric motors that churns up a delicious batch within seconds.
This is, perhaps, the selling factor of this ice-cream maker. Sometimes recipes need vigorous churning which may be challenging due to the hand crank. Other times, you’ll find that electric motors are too powerful. You can really experiment switching between the two modes to maintain a proper whipping speed.
If you have a big family that loves your homemade batches of pure vanilla delight, this is perfect because it can hold up to 6 quarts of ice-cream. Whip up a batch within 30 minutes that will last weeks before you make a new flavor. If your vanilla recipe is scrumptious, you might need to make another batch in the next 30!
- It has two operating modes.
- It can hold up to 6 quarts of ice-cream.
- The additional tools make it a convenient machine.
- Other frozen desserts can be made in this as well.
4. Maxi-Matic Old Fashion Ice-cream Maker
Imagine you have a family of two beautiful but naughty kids and a spouse who’s always working. You’re quite the busy-bee yourself but it seems like the family never has time to enjoy some moments together. You don’t even go out for frozen yogurt dates anymore.
Well, family quality time is now scheduled to be enjoyed in a matter of 40 minutes! Just like the AMERIHOME, the Maxi-Matic Old Fashion Ice-cream Maker is pretty much the same but holds a smaller quantity in comparison. 4 quarts is enough to feed your family and even have some leftover.
Assembly is easy. Fit the cast iron hand crank to get thick and firm ice-cream. Or you can use the singular operating system to turn on the electric motors to get a batch of soft twirl ice-cream or a tart sorbet. The motors remain far from overheating and retaining permanent damage, so kick back with your ice-cream and relax.
Cleaning is just as simple. The aluminum canister is convenient in terms of holding the ice-cream and is ridiculously easy to clean up. The handle on the pine tub allows hassle-free mobility. The handmade wooden bucket is not only safe but also equipped well to handle the stress from the hand crank and the motors.
- This one can hold up to 4 quarts of ice-cream.
- The metal components are chemical-free.
- The iron cast hand crank has a long life span.
- The motor is protected well against overheating.
5. Hamilton Beach Automatic Ice-cream Maker
If you are looking for seamlessly effortless operation and results, look no further. The Hamilton Beach Automatic Ice-cream Maker is your knight in shining armor. With a completely electric system that stirs on its own and stops whenever the ice-cream is done, convenience can now bless your kitchen countertops.
The instructions are pretty clear: throw in the ingredients, add some ice and rock salt and then KICK BACK! In about 40 minutes, you get beautiful fluffy ice-cream that looks like it was served right out of the box. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try out the included recipe book that has over 20 surprises for you.
With the standard capacity to whip up 4 quarts of ice-cream, you can branch out in churning alternatives like fro-yo’s, milkshakes, gelatos, sorbets and many more. Hey, maybe you want to a spice kicked flavor or want a potato chips flavored ice-cream dancing on your tastebuds. What’s stopping you?
This is why the Hamilton Beach Automatic Ice-cream Maker is so versatile in its functionality. Because operating it is just as easy as pushing a button, you’ll have beginner’s luck every time because this is a foolproof churner that never compromises on the taste or the consistency.
- This is a perfect present for a DIY enthusiast.
- A recipe book is included that contains over 20 recipes.
- The blades stop turning when the ice-cream is ready.
- You can make a range of frozen treats in this.
6. Nostalgia Electric Ice-cream Maker
Do you remember when you’d hear the ice-cream truck outside and you’d be filled with an overwhelming sense of joy? You’d race to the door with a fistful of money and try to catch your breath so that the ice-cream man is able to make out the words that you’re hurling at him.
In this time and age, all you have are these nostalgic moments and a very tight time schedule. That’s why you have the Nostalgic Electric Ice-cream Maker to make up for those moments that take you back to your childhood, all in the convenience of modern technology.
This does not have a hand crank like the AMERIHOME or the Maxi-Matic. It’s not meant to since it is solely catered to those who like to have fun but have very little time to spare. This electric gizmo can produce 4 quarts of delectable serves of ice-cream within 20-30 minutes.
This machine does not limit you to trying out your own recipes. The best part is that it comes with some classic packaged flavors for you to try your hand at making ice-cream. Just add the ingredients in, and wait for the machine to churn, churn, churn!
- The blue plastic bucket is as easy to clean as wiping it down.
- It comes with select packaged flavors and other recipes for trial.
- The motor remains securely in position maintaining steadiness.
- Yogurts, sorbets, milkshakes, and other frozen desserts can be made in this.
7. White Mountain Electric Ice-cream Maker
Summer dinners are now going to be more exciting for sure. If you have an acquired taste for gourmet soft and creamy ice-cream recipes, then the White Mountain Electric Ice-cream Maker should be a part of your kitchen. This gadget has the superior ability to churn up silky smooth blends within 20-40 minutes.
The sheer artistry in building this construction is impeccable; the dark wood bucket is encircled with 3 protective steel hoops that retain the integrity and account for its longevity as well. However, the real wonder lies in its Triple-Action Dasher system that serves the resulting delicious bowls of ice-cream.
The twin blades can turn both clockwise and anticlockwise within the aluminum canister that keeps rotating in its position. This ensures even beating of the entire batch, producing consistently creamy and velvety ice-cream.
This is basically a replica of the hand whipping technique, the only difference is that it is automatic and rotates at 12,000 times per minute. This makes it a fun activity for the entire family. If you have a child wanting to try flavors of their own, it’s as simple as dumping the ingredients and plugging it in.
- The superior mixing mechanism produces desirable ice-cream.
- Galvanized hoops around the bucket maintains sustainability.
- The motor is extremely powerful and churns consistent results.
- It is perfectly portable to be taken in family outings like picnics.
How To Choose The Right Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker?
Capacity
Ice-cream machines come in different sizes: some can whip up a quart of ice-cream while others can whip up six. The selection really depends on the number of mouths you will be feeding and on the type of use.
If you have a small family or want to make ice-cream only for about 4-5 people, opting for a smaller capacity is ideal. They are an apt choice if you are just learning to make ice-cream and want to experiment with different recipes.
If you have a big group to feed, or if you have a small ice-cream parlor, a six quarts machine could perhaps be the best hand crank ice-cream maker for you.
Automatic Vs Manual
While some people, if not most, prefer electrical ice-cream makers for obvious reasons, others wholeheartedly prefer manual ones. The manual makers have a more authentic taste to the batch while electric makers produce flavors much faster than hand-held ones.
Electric makers are more expensive as well. However, if you’re part of a busy household, a manual ice cream maker is perhaps unsuitable for your needs. You’ll benefit from a manual maker if you just want to play with flavors and make them in a smaller quantity.
You’ll find some appliances that have both the functionalities – manual and electric. They come with an integrated motor which you can remove and replace with a manual iron cast hand crank.
Ease of Use
Of course, manual makers have their limitations, the biggest being a physically exhausting mechanism. However, you can find manual makers that don’t require any of ice and salt or the canisters are usually detachable so that you can stick them in the freezer for easy storage.
Electric makers have the same specialties and more. Some have minimal operational buttons while others have button options that determine the consistency of the ice-cream you will receive. Pick one that suits your needs, skills and knowledge of churning homemade ice-cream.
Final Words
The idea of being able to make your ice-cream has a certain sense of empowerment attached to it. This was once only a distant possibility; we couldn’t imagine ice-cream without the image of our beloved brands in our minds. Now, you get to make your own brand.
However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the entire process of making ice-cream and the various techniques that are involved.
You may have the best hand crank ice-cream maker at your disposal but it wouldn’t amount to anything if you don’t know how to combine different ingredients to yield savoring flavors.
Ice-cream making is nothing but a therapeutic sensation that people who love accomplishing things with their own efforts will understand. Happy churning!