What is an ice cream maker? Types, features, instructions for use

As the name suggests, an ice cream maker is a home appliance that allows you to prepare ice cream in just 20-30 minutes. At the same time, many modern models can prepare other delicacies, for example, cocktails or yoghurts. To use them correctly. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the types of models and instructions for use. This and other useful information on the topic can be found in the presented article.

Device and types

If we talk about what an ice cream maker is, we should start with the device. There are different types of devices, but the principle of their operation is approximately the same. It consists of simultaneously carrying out 2 processes:

• mixing cream with sugar;
• continuous freezing of the mixture.

Thanks to both procedures, the cream is frozen into very small crystals saturated with air. Therefore, in the end, it is not a piece of ice that appears, but a viscous mass, which is ice cream.

We can say about an ice cream maker that it is a device for producing such a mass based on a mixture of cream with a fat content of at least 30%, sugar and (if necessary) other additions, for example, vanilla.

Today, different models are manufactured, which, depending on the principle of operation, are divided into 3 types:

1. Manual mechanical – consists of a bowl, a movable mechanism and a handle. This ice cream maker rotates manually, which ensures autonomous operation (even in the absence of electricity).But today such devices are rare because they require effort.
2. Semi-automatic is an ice cream maker, the instructions for which describe it as a device powered by an electric motor. It is this that ensures the rotation and mixing of the ingredients, so no effort is required. But in order for the mass to cool, you need to put it in the freezer.
3. Automatic – a tool with a motor and cooling system. If we talk about what this type of ice cream maker looks like, we can say that it is practically no different from a semi-automatic one. But since the model is equipped with a cooling unit, you can do without a freezer. Essentially, this is a home “mini-factory” for the production of ice cream.

We can say about an ice cream maker that it is a device into which a mixture is poured to produce a treat. Moreover, the more modern the model, the more complex it is designed and the faster it prepares dessert. Thus, in automatic devices, the bowl is separated by two walls, between which a cooling agent is pumped, as in a refrigerator.

How to choose the right one

Knowing just the types of ice cream makers is not enough. Moreover, it is quite clear that the choice will be between a semi-automatic and an automatic device. The first one is cheaper, but the automatic device works autonomously and allows you to make ice cream even without a freezer.

However, in order to make the right choice of a specific model, it is necessary to take into account its technical parameters and dimensions. Among the most important criteria are the following:

1. Container type and material. Most often, devices are equipped with a removable container, as indicated by the instructions for the ice cream maker. If the container is removable, it is easy to pour cream into it, and then remove it and wash it.As for the material, plastic containers are most often made. Although you can also find models with stainless steel containers. They are more expensive, but much more reliable.
2. To quickly make ice cream, the machine must be selected based on power. The higher the indicator, the higher the cooking speed. For semi-automatic models, the parameter is usually in the range of 10-100 W. But it is better to purchase automatic devices with a power of 150-220 W.
3. Capacity volume. An ice cream making machine is usually equipped with a container with a volume ranging from 500 ml to 1-1.5 liters. Sometimes there are models with a capacity of 1.6-2 liters, but this is quite a lot and is not always justified. In addition, the larger the volume, the greater the amount of electricity consumed. Moreover, you need to understand that the output will be a product with a volume of 60% of the original mixture. For example, from 1 liter of raw materials it is realistic to make only 600 ml of finished ice cream.
4. Availability of additional functions - only automatic devices are equipped with them. For example, you can turn on the keep warm function to keep the food warm for 1 hour or another time. Some models allow you to prepare milk cocktails and yoghurts at home. There are devices for cooking using the “melting ice cream” or “fried” technique (the mixture is rolled out on a plane and resembles a “fried” pancake).
5. Finally, you can pay attention to the completeness. For example, some devices are sold along with a set of molds, a spare container, and even a book of recipes for various desserts.

Instructions for use

The ice cream machine always comes with instructions from the manufacturer. The algorithm of actions depends on the specific type of device.For example, manual and semi-automatic, after mixing, the bowl is placed in the freezer to cool. Automatic models are simpler in this regard - after processing, the mixture remains in them until completely cooled.

In general, the step-by-step instructions look like this:

1. The spindle of the rotating element is attached to the motor by turning it until it clicks.
2. A blade is put on the lower end.
3. The bowl is removed from the device (if it is removable) and a pre-prepared mixture of cream 30% or higher, sugar and (if necessary) other additions are poured.
4. Then install the cover along with the engine, making sure that the clamps fit as tightly as possible until they click.
5. Set the desired program (for example, for 20 minutes) and turn on the start button.
6. After finishing work, the bowl is removed again and placed in the freezer (if the ice cream device is automatic, the container is left in place).

After the ice cream is received, it is recommended to transfer it to another container. The bowl itself is washed with the usual product and wiped dry, then put back in place. Thus, the operating instructions for the device are quite simple. The main condition is to properly prepare the mixture to make ice cream and follow the described algorithm.