Budget-friendly Appliance Emerges Victorious in Ice Maker Review
Craving Homemade Ice Cream? Affordable Devices Outperform High-End Models in Recent Test
With the sun shining brighter and temperatures on the rise, there's nothing quite like the refreshing delight of homemade ice cream to beat the heat. But with a plethora of ice cream makers on the market, it can be challenging to discern which devices are worth the investment. We set out to find the most affordable and efficient ice cream makers by testing four popular models.
Ice cream makers allow for customized ice cream creations, catering to individual tastes. Home ice cream enthusiasts Andrea Oppermann and her daughter Lisa put these four machines to the test, using the same recipe for all: a blend of strawberries, cream, and sugar. The ingredients were combined and churned in the ice cream makers, with the final evaluation revolving around taste and ease of use.
Selected Devices for the Test
The testing ice cream makers consisted of models from various price ranges and compressor capabilities. The devices analyzed were:
- Silvercrest Kitchentools SECM 12 D1 ice cream maker from Lidl (approx. €24.99)
- WMF Küchenminis 3in1 ice cream maker (approx. €67)
- MEDION ice cream maker with compressor (approx. €99)
- Ninja Creami ice cream maker Schwarz & Kupfer NC300EUCP (approx. €199)
Silvercrest Kitchentools SECM 12 D1 ice cream maker from Lidl (approx. €24.99)
Our test commenced with the budget-friendly option from Lidl. The SECM 12 D1 ice cream maker permits the production of one liter of ice cream or sorbet. The removable ice containers necessitate a freezing period of at least 24 hours prior to operation. The device has a capacity of 1.65 liters and comes with six recipes included in the instructions. Its dimensions measure 21 x 25.55 x 22.5 cm.
WMF Küchenminis 3in1 ice cream maker (approx. €67)
Just as with the Lidl option, the removable ice container from WMF requires prior deep-freezing. The slim freezing container possesses a capacity of 300 ml, making it ideal for smaller ice cream portions. The integration of a timer for setting the preparation time allows for distraction-free ice cream production. The device's dimensions are 18 x 16 x 19.5 cm, and it boasts a modest energy consumption of 12 watts.
MEDION ice cream maker with compressor (approx. €99)
The compressor-equipped model from Medion features a cooling function during preparation, thereby reducing the pre-run time. The ice cream maker has a capacity of one liter and showcases a power of 100 W. It ensures mixing, preparation, and simultaneous cooling of ice cream. The device's dimensions are: 28.1L x 40.2B x 24.5H cm.
Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker in Black & Copper NC300EUCP (approx. €199)
The most costly device in our test, the Ninja ice cream maker, freezes the entire ice cream mixture from the outset. As a bonus, this machine can make multiple servings, a feature appreciated by our tester, Lisa, who stated, "I might not just want strawberry ice cream, but also chocolate ice cream." The other ice cream makers could initially only produce a single flavor, distinguishing the Ninja model in this aspect. The device's dimensions are 40.5 x 16.5 x 27 cm.
Affordable Model Outshines High-End Competition
Two machines particularly impressed our testers, excelling in taste and performance. The Ninja model and the Lidl ice cream maker stood out, with the Lidl model proving a lost-cost winner for just €24.99. In addition to its excellent value for money, the Ninja model also delivered impressive quality, scoring highly in terms of taste and user-friendliness. The Ninja model demonstrated adept performance in the test, making ice cream production seamless. It's worth noting that making ice cream with any device requires time, so consider this when desiring a spontaneous indulgence. Overall, the taste of ice cream produced by all the tested machines received high marks from the testers.
Elvis Bogicevic, an expert in ice cream making, offered two exclusive tips for ice cream recipes: incorporating a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the strawberry flavor in strawberry ice cream.
In conclusion, the reliable and efficient Ninja model stands out as the top choice for homemade ice cream enthusiasts wishing to create delightful treats in the comfort of their own home without breaking the bank.
With the testing devices varying in price and features, an affordable model from Lidl, the Silvercrest Kitchentools SECM 12 D1 ice cream maker, proved to outshine its high-end competitors. Despite its budget-friendly price of approximately €24.99, it provided excellent taste and performance, making it a valuable addition to any food-and-drink or home-and-garden lifestyle.
For those seeking to impress their family and friends with homemade ice cream creations, the Ninja Creami ice cream maker in Black & Copper (NC300EUCP), priced approximately €199, also garnered high praise for its versatility, user-friendliness, and delicious results. These affordable and efficient ice cream makers offer an affordable way to indulge in the pleasant experience of cooking and enjoy various food-and-drink creations in the comfort of your own home.
