Cuisinart ICE-20 Automatic 1-1/2-Quart Ice-Cream Maker, White
Review by M. J. Walters "dargelos" : Recommended with a reservation or two

Upfront: Yes, I recommend this machine. It's easier to use than any other ice cream maker I've ever owned. However, there are a couple of things to remember or you're going to be very frustrated by the experience. First off, the freezer bowl has to be frozen solid. Near solid isn't good enough. I suggest you leave the bowl in your freezer for two days just to make sure it's cold enough. Be sure your ingredients are very cold, too. I use condensed and/or evaporated milk in a couple of my recipes and a day or two in the refrigerator is really important. Room temperature just won't cut it. And the thicker the better with this machine. A custard base is an excellent way to start.Next, don't dawdle. Get your ingredients right into the bowl. It begins to thaw pretty quickly, especially in hot weather. And that's when ice cream is best, isn't it? And finally, twenty-five minutes to half an hour is about as long as the freezer bowl lasts, so if you've gone that long and it's still looking like soft-serve, get it right into a container and toss it in the freezer for a while before serving.I know it sounds complicated, but it's not really. Most of it is just remembering to get things to the right temperature. This isn't a big, fancy freezing unit, it's a relatively inexpensive way to make your own ice cream at home. You're going to have to make some adjustments. That said, I have to tell you that it's a great deal of fun to watch the ice cream freezing and to turn it out into bowls and see the eyes of your family light up when you say, "The ice cream is ready!"I put this item in the fun to have but not a necessity category.

Cuisinart ICE-20 Automatic 1-1/2-Quart Ice-Cream Maker, White
Review by PT Cruiser "PT Cruiser" : A super easy way to make ice cream and frozen desserts

Length:: 6:37 MinsI bought this ice cream maker because I wanted to make ice cream that was a little lower in calories and that I could make with fresh ingredients. This one filled all my expectations. It's easy to use, easy to clean and it's not too noisy. And most important, it makes great ice cream. In the video I'm making a soy ice cream, but I've had great success using milk and half & half and yogurt as well. You really have a lot of options when you make your own and all of my experiments with recipes have turned out pretty well.

I'm posting this video review so you can see how it works. Because the bowl has to be frozen it didn't allow for many "do-overs" so please excuse some of the jerky movements of the camera. (I think I need a new one with stabilization features!)

The recipe book I referred to in the video is the The Vegan Scoop: 150 Recipes for Dairy-Free Ice Cream that Tastes Better Than the "Real" Thing. I love these Airtight Food Storage Container Set - 15 Piece Lock 'n Lock of containers for storing the ice cream since they're airtight and can go in the freezer.

Cuisinart ICE-20 Automatic 1-1/2-Quart Ice-Cream Maker, White
Review by Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" : Ice Cream keeps us warm in winter?

After several failed attempts, I began to wonder if I would ever be able to make creamy dreamy ice cream at home. Finally, I ordered the right one! This ice cream maker really does work. The only time it will not work is if your freezer is not set to the coldest setting. I keep the freezer bowls in the freezer at all times, that way they are ready to go.

So, set your freezer to the coldest setting two days before you intend to make the ice cream. I also found the extra freezer bowl to be indispensable. Instead of waiting for the ice cream mixture to cool, simply use one of the freezer bowls to cool it down and then pour it into the second freezer bowl. This drastically speeds up the process.

I also use the freezer bowl for other items I want to cool down quickly. I use it to cool down Jello when making a Raspberry Mousse. I have been known to place the whole contraption right into the freezer. I guess you are not supposed to, but I am still alive.

So, once you have everything all frozen, set the machine up and make sure it is on a nice level surface (in or out of the freezer). Then, mix up your ice cream recipe. All you do is pour the liquid into the ice cream maker and with a flick of the switch the paddle starts to turn and in about 20 to 30 minutes you will have the ice cream of your dreams.

When washing out the bowl, you will notice that you have to use hot water or you may find the cold water starts to freeze on the inside. I recommend placing a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the bowl when storing it in the freezer so there is no need to rince the bowl. I also disobey the instructions and let the ice cream freeze until solid in the ice cream freezer bowl. I found it just works faster that way. That way your ice cream is ready in 40 minutes! Yes, it takes 20-30 minutes and then 10 more minutes in the freezer. At least that is how it goes in my kitchen. It is still well worth the wait. If you start the ice cream before dinner, you won't even notice the time.

Here is a favorite recipe for a slushy. Yes, you can make those too and it works quite well.

PINK GRAPEFRUIT SLUSH

Use grapefruit juice found in the cooler section of your grocery store or use fresh squeezed and strained juice. If you enjoy sitting outside and want to keep your drinks ice cold, purchase a few "gel mugs" which you can keep in the freezer.

4 cups pink grapefruit juice

1/4 cup orange blossom honey

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Pour grapefruit juice into a tall jug. Heat honey in the microwave and stir into juice.

2. Set up ice cream maker. Pour in juice, freeze 10 minutes or until slushy. Serve in tall glasses with straws.

Makes 4 glasses

~The Rebecca Review

Cuisinart ICE-20 Automatic 1-1/2-Quart Ice-Cream Maker, White
Review by umsami "amazon-junkie since 1996" : Simple to Use! Fabulous Results!

I ordered the Cuisinart Ice Cream maker after reading all of the reviews on Amazon and it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. To be honest, I thought that making home-made ice cream would be just too difficult, but with the Cuisinart, I've made it three times in the past week. You simple mix-up the ingredients, chill, and then pour into the pre-frozen bowl. Perfect every time. I highly recommend the book, "Gelato! : Italian Ice Cream, Sorbetti & Granite" by Pamela Sheldon Johns as a great add-on. I ordered the book with the hope of being able to duplicate the Stracciatella(?) Gelato I had while on vacation in Italy. The recipe was simple (heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and shaved chocolate) and the results were fabulous. This machine would make a great gift as well!