Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker Reviews

• Awesome and Easy!

  
  By A1YZQY1M9FAXJR on 2005-05-05
  I purchased this after much debate about whether or not I needed a two quart ice cream maker or just go with the original Cuisinart $49.95 one. I am so glad i bought this one. It is so great. Easy to use, makes alot of ice cream,so sleek looking.
  
  I have a tiny kicthen and everytime I turn around I am buying something that will clutter my counterspace, but I have to say this I don't mind. It is square, not to bulky and the cord fits nicely up inside the machine. It doesn't dangle or anything. It's right next to my KitchenAid.
  
  I have made two recipes out of the manual that comes with the machine. I usually don't like "manual recipes" however, these are fantastic. The Mango Gelato was a huge hit with family and friends. One girl who doesn't like ice cream, liked it. The simple ice creams that dont require making a custard, you just mix all the ingredients together and freeze, I was thinking it would be terrible. It wasn't, so you can make ice cream in 30minutes from start to finish with those recipes.
  
  I do keep the bowl in the freezer like others suggested with the smaller ice cream maker. It has been very useful to have it already frozen when I am ready to make ice cream.
  
  As far as noise, it is not as quiet as I thought, but don't let that scare you. It's not like turning on a blender and leaving it running for 25 minutes. It's not an annoying noise. Not like the old ice cream makers with the ice and stuff. It is fun to watch it churn too. So the noise just fades to the background.
  
  It's very interactive and a great thing to do with kids and company.
  
  I really can't say enough good. One of the best appliance investments I have mad yet.
  
  

• I love this machine!

  
  By AK7SKYSBFJR8K on 2005-05-23
  I used this to make a custard based ice cream (recipe below) and it came out WONDERFULLY! The ice cream was done in 20 minutes and the consistency was fluffy. The recipe I made before (non custard) didn't thicken as nice, but I believe it was because it was not made with the custard base. I have uploaded a customer image of the maker in action near the end of the cycle.
  
  *TIP* Make sure the bowl is completely frozen and do not pull it out until you are ready to pour the ingredients in.
  
  Custard Base Recipe:
  
  Ingredients for base - 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup sugar.
  For Ice cream - base, 1 cup fresh heavy cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  
  Directions - In a double boiler slowly bring milk to a boil. In a glass bowl mix together egg yolks and sugar until thickened. Slowly pour in the milk stirring constantly. Return to double boiler and slowly heat until thickened. (Mixture will stick to back of the spoon. DO NOT BOIL! Remove from heat and allow to cool. (I recommend putting it in the freezer for about 2 hours before using.) When the mixture is cooled mix in the heavy cream and vanilla. According to maker directions, turn on machine and slowly pour mixture in. If you want to add chips, fruit or anything else to the ice cream, do it about 5 minutes before the end of the cycle. Enjoy!
  
  

• Just Fantastic!

  
  By A3NEW1OQL95R23 on 2005-12-10
  If you like frozen treats and you like them easily made with very little mess and fuss...for goodness sake get this appliance BUT don't use the recipes in the machine's guide...also pick up Ben and Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book. We bought this frozen treat maker based on the reviews here and it exceeded our expectations...we've made a number of the recipes in Ben and Jerry's book but I'll describe our first effort because it's representative of all our efforts...here it goes...I threw together some sugar, milk, eggs, and cream for about 5 minutes...placed it in the machine, turned it on, did some chores for 23 quick minutes...two minutes before stopping the machine I added crushed Oreos...I stopped the machine and we enjoyed absolutely GREAT ice cream...clean up was a breeze...that's it! One warning...Ben and Jerry's recipes say a "generous one quart"...that means close to two quarts. I have to say the "problem" mentioned by some of having to keep the freezing bowl in the freezer wasn't an issue...in fact, I'll probably get another bowl and keep it in the freezer as well...they take up VERY little space. Get this machine and enjoy...it's a no-brainer folks!!!
  
  

• Fast and easy homemade ice cream without the mess

  
  By A3JOXXF9HW1IHX on 2005-08-18
  No crushed ice and rock salt. It uses a double-walled container/bowl that needs to be in the freezer for about 24 hours for best results. Of course it will depend on your freezer settings and how much time it is out of the freezer. Your mileage may vary. I have "gotten away" with 12 hours, but the final product is very soft and it takes longer to make. If after 45 minutes the ice cream isn't ready, then the bowl probably didn't freeze long enough. Put it in the freezer for an hour or two. It will be just as delicious, but will be more dense. It's best to transfer the ice cream to a plastic container with a lid so it won't absorb freezer odors. Ours never lasts long enough for this to be an issue. Store the bowl in the freezer so it's ready for next time.
  
  While it is larger than the ICE-20, it's still only 2 quarts. I've found this to be ideal for spur-of-the-moment ice cream fun for just my family. However, don't throw away your larger churn just yet. You'll need it for parties. But because it is small, I find that I'm more willing to experiment with flavors since I won't be "wasting" it if it doesn't turn out right. But the only time that happened is when I used 100% Splenda. (If you want to save calories/carbs, experiment with one of the sugar alcohols like Erythritol or Xylitol. They yield a better tasting product with better texture.)
  
  Overall, I am very pleased with this product. It couldn't be any easier to use. Simply freeze the bowl, put in the mixed ingredients and 20-30 minutes later you have great tasting ice cream.
  
  

• Easy and clean.

  
  By A2SS2Z1T1LXTWG on 2006-04-12
  If ice cream makers conjure memories of rock salt and ice all over your kitchen counter; a noisy churn going for an hour or more, well forget all that now!
  
  This is the one you want! Freeze the bowl before you use it and you have no mess. Just get it out of the freezer, drop it onto the base, turn it on then add your ingredients. 20-30 minutes later you have ice cream. Want it a little harder, freeze if for an hour or two.
  
  Clean up is very easy.
  
  Four stars because the churn is a little noisy.
  
  One word of caution. This may add inches to your waistline!
  
  Great unit, great price.
  
  
• Works wonderfully
  By A1V7V2R4LBTSYK on 2006-06-19
  The Cuisinart ICE-30BC works wonderfully. It is easy to use -- just one switch which says "on" and "off". In addition, it has a handsome design and is easy to store.
  
  If you like to experiment with foods, this is a great purchase.
  
  I had not previously owned an ice cream maker -- if you're in the same position, here's some things to expect:
  
  * Don't buy one if you're simply trying to save money on ice cream for the family. The maker is costly, as are good ingredients.
  
  * Good, rich ice cream requires cooking a custard-like mixture. Meaning double boiler on the stove, then a lengthy cooling process. Although you could avoid cooking and make a simple ice cream with the ice cream maker alone -- the results are not the same.
  
  * The canister part of the 2 quart Cuisinart maker must be placed in the freezer for about 24 hours before each use. Keep this in mind if you have a packed freezer and/or tend to like instead gratification.
  
  * The machine is noisy. A bit noisier that most blenders. And it needs to run for about a half hour.
  
  
  
  
• Who needs HagenDaz!?
  By A1GMWQFEHN6LH2 on 2006-04-19
  This machine makes great homemade ice cream easy! For those of you who complain about the machine being loud or messy, you must've never used one where you need ice and salt to freeze the cream. Yes, it does make some noise, but it's tollerable and it's only for 30 minutes.
  
  The ice cream does come out with more of a soft serve consistancy, but this is not unusual and you need to put it in the freezer for a firmer ice cream. Just being able to make fresh ice cream on your kitchen counter is worth it.
  
  
• Awesome!!
  By A319FO35UBQOHZ on 2006-03-19
  Great ice cream every time. I highly recommend this machine if you like ice cream, one note though, the add ins at the end of the churning (chocolate chips, cookies, nuts, etc....) I prefer to increase to two cups instead of one like the book says. With only one, there just doesn't seem to be enough, and also make sure to give your ice cream a few good manual stirs with a plastic or wooden spoon after the machine is done churning. Sometimes the added ingredients put in at the end don't make it to the bottom. I may put them in earlier than five minutes before the end to see if this helps. All in all, a great buy, plus free shipping!!
  
  
• Makes great l ice cream fast
  By A6R6THYJPGSRV on 2005-09-18
  We bought this to make low fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
  
  We keep the bowl in the freezer, along with the bowls we use to store the ice cream. So far we've done a not-so-low-fat chocolate that turned out like a creamy chocolate mousse (a big hit with co-workers and the volleyball team), a lemon sorbet, and right now I have a low fat vanilla in the machine.
  
  It's very fast and makes creamy ice cream but is much louder than I expected. We have an open floorplan so we hide it away in the laundry room with the door closed so we can watch tv at the same time. It's not a high whine or anything truly annoying - it's just a bit too loud to hang out in the same room for 25 min at a time. I think the noise is worth it to have control over the ingredients and large batches of ice cream at a time.
  
  Make sure you set a timer because if you leave it too long ice cream will start to come out the top of the machine when the last thing you want to do is waste it.
  
  I highly recommend this machine.
  
  
• Yikes! Shop around!
  By A24LXUGZ6OTCDT on 2007-04-29
  I paid $79.95 on Amazon for this...I guess Sam's Club carries this for $49.95. A nice product...but Amazon might not the best place to purchase it.
  
  
• Excellent Ice Cream Maker
  By A12DKQ9J2XCCD8 on 2005-09-14
  This is my first ice cream maker. I find it very simple to operate and have made excellent batches of ice cream to date. Instructions are clear, concise and easy to understand. Once you understand the principle involved, you can deviate and make all kinds of unique and interesting flavors. I suggest that you invest in "Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Dessert Book". It provides recipes to make the 3 "Sweet Cream Bases" that most all ice cream is made from. Enjoy this product. Thanks, Jim W from Little Compton, RI
  
  
• I love this machine.
  By A2UY4HD5EQTS9H on 2005-07-01
  Pros:
  Easy to use.
  Big 2 quart capacity.
  Easy to clean.
  Works quick.
  You can control your own ingredients.
  
  Cons:
  Cannister must be pre-frozen (standard for these type of units).
  
  
• Cuisinart ICE-30BC ice cream maker
  By A2EO75FC7ES1SO on 2005-07-25
  After doing a bit of research, we bought this model to replace an ancient Salton machine. It arrived promptly and in good condition--well packed in a sturdy box. I read the instructions and promptly put the tub in a freezer. The first batch didn't work out as described, my wife had tried to concoct a low fat mixture, so it was more a problem of the recipe than the performance of the machine. Our second attempt was pistachio ice cream (from the included recipe book)--WOW!! It was absolutely the best!! It was very creamy and flavorful. After this we did a batch of strawberry and it was equally delicious. This is a quality machine that lives up to its claims. The recipe book--at least what we've sampled so far--is a winner. I'd buy another.
  
  
• Wonderful machine!!
  By A33FY09S6G0HRQ on 2005-06-23
  I received my Cuisinart last week, and have already made three batches of ice cream. It is the best machine - better then I imagined!! You have to make sure the bowl is very very frozen - I had to move it from my refridgerator/freezer to just my freezer (which is colder) for a better outcome. You will love it - and get the Ben & Jerry's ice cream book too - it is great!
  
  
• Great for Sorbet too!
  By A1JCEGQWWH83NL on 2006-06-22
  I am a sorbet addict!!! It works great, and saves alot of money. I generally keep alot of fruit in the freezer, so as to always be ready to have a good nutritious dessert.
  
  Pros
  * It actually works! No loopholes, no fine print...it just works!
  * Quick & Easy cleanup (and that's coming from a guy)
  * We can have homemade sorbet in 30 minutes...anytime we want. The only labor involed is to puree the ingredients in a blender, turn on the machine, and cleanup. 10-12 minutes tops!
  * Cost of ingredients (fruit & sweetener) is significantly cheaper than store-bought sorbet
  
  Cons
  * This machine involves 1/2-hour of noisey operation (although it certainly is quieter than a blender or beater)
  * You have to keep the bowl in the freezer all the time unless you plan your desserts 24-hours in advance.
  
  
• Very Disappointing
  By A1RLG9HNIKTMEJ on 2006-01-28
  I tried several of my favorite recipes with this machine and the results are not acceptable to me. I followed mfgr's directions and froze the bowel for several days prior to use. The mixture after running the machine twice the recommended time reaches the consistency of a milk shake. It must then be placed in a freezer several hours to harden. I tried cooling the mixture in the frig for up to five hours before using the machine and the results were the same.
  
  
• Superb machine Price is NOT a discount
  By A3UE6RK4V3QDBR on 2006-09-04
  I have made 5 different frozen yogurt and low fat ice cream recipes from the book and off the internet. All excellent. Need about 45 min in the freezer after making. Soft serve consistency on completion. NO problems freezing as long as all ingredients are ice cold and bowl is well frozen. I froze 24 hours. SOO easy. Clean up a breeze. List price on Cuisinart web site and most other sellers list price was same as Amazon's "sale" price. It was worth it, but makes me look at Amazon pricing more closely.
  
  
• nice appliance, yummy results
  By A3G50ABKAXWUTP on 2005-07-30
  
  I wasn't sure which machine to buy and then when I zeroed in on Cusinart I wasn't sure if I should go for this one. But, like someone else who reviewed, I went for the 2Qt size and am very very glad I did. It makes a nice amount of ice cream, so you can freeze a little, and it is still a compact sized machine. The stainless steel is beautiful in the kitchen so I don't mind keeping it out on the counter where it's easy to use. The shell froze on the faster side of their time range, and it really is good. I made the peach ice cream recipe that came with the machine - delicious, but not as creamy as I like. So, next up was Ben and Jerry's base, which is very yummy. It is still pretty soft when complete but really good... so I go with the freezing afterwards.
  
  
  
  
• Small but easy to use
  By ALJF4KALVHLD2 on 2005-10-21
  The ice cream maker was small but extremely easy to use. The recipe book could be updated a bit - the basic vanilla and chocolate were very bland and could have had more variety, but we can find recipes elsewhere.
  
  Overall, a good buy!
  
  
• A Great Kitchen Indulgence
  By A1MXFS4G0Q175O on 2007-06-12
  This ice cream maker is so easy to use, even a child can successfully make ice cream. Directions are user friendly, and the ice cream results are delicious. One or two things are not as good as they should be. First, the ice cream churn is NOT DISWASHER SAFE, and quiet frankly is a pain to clean. Secondly, the canister does not release the frozen product easily from the bottom and sides. Other than those minor problems, the product is a winner!
  
  
• What can I say that hasn't already been said...
  By A2AB65RNMBKQ56 on 2006-06-23
  This machine is absolutely fabulous. I picked this up after a friend of mine told me he had just picked the same machine up. After making 3 batches of ice cream I can now state positively, that this machine makes some GREAT ice cream. I made vanilla, strawberry and chocolate all from the included recipe book and each was delicious.
  
  The only negative I can say about the machine is that is is a little bit loud, but that's really my only complaint. It cleans in a snap (rinse the ice cream residue out with warm water and toss the bowl back into the freezer). Also, the machine has a nice appearance and looks great on the counter.
  
  If your hesitant, or worried that the ice cream will not come out like the stuff you buy in the supermarket, please rest assured that it's the real deal. The only problem is deciding what to make next!
  
  Get this and you won't be disappointed. Great machine!
  
  
• You scream, I'll eat!
  By A2IPC51HL9UUYF on 2006-11-03
  This machine definately makes ice cream worth screaming for. We're making ice cream almost every night. This baby is a little more expensive than other models especially when you factor in the gym membership you'll need to overcome your new homemade ice cream addiction. It's worth every penny- a good, solid, durabe model.
  
  I keep the bowl in my freezer, so it is ready to go at a moment's notice. When I make ice cream, I wash the bowl right after the ice cream finishes so it doesn't have time to thaw out again. The whole process is really simple. Whip together some milk and sugar, add cream and whatever other ingredients you like to your recipe and 30 minutes later you have the best ice cream you'll ever eat piled in a bowl in front of you.
  
  We've made strawberry ice cream using just fresh strawberries, milk, cream, sugar and some vanilla extract. No one could stop eating the stuff. Tonight we made some pistachio ice cream- took about 5 minutes prep time, 25 minutes of processing and we were in heaven.
  
  The only thing to clean up is the bowl and the paddle and possibly the lid if you slop onto it. I should mention that the lid actuakky has a hole in the center for adding ingredients during the processing. Everything fits easily in the sink, rinses right off and presents no difficulty in cleaning. The unit is a little loud. I would say it is less loud than my kitchenaid blender but louder than my toaster. The noise sort of reminds me of the dishwasher running.
  
  The best part of this is the novelty of it. If you store some basic ingredients in the fridge, you can have ice cream any time and be creative about the kind you make. Left over Halloween candy? Throw it in! Some chopped nuts you didn't need? Throw them in! I think I'm going to try chocolate covered cherries next! Guests think this is fabulous- when they come over for dinner and you can start the ice cream going when everyone sits down to eat knowing there will be a fresh batch of creamy goodness ready at the end of the meal... well, you'll be the favorite hostess on the block.
  
  
• Wonderful Product
  By A2ZCFEIMIBKDJY on 2006-02-24
  Purchased this Ice Cream Maker after reading the reviews. It is absolutely wonderful. Makes Ice Cream in 25 - 30 minutes. Easy to use and clean. I store the bucket in my freezer so it is always ready to use. Had it about 30 days and used it 4 times. I recommend the Ben and Jerry's cookbook - basic recipes.
  
  
• Excellent Product
  By A38YTJY0UGAZ4U on 2006-03-02
  I have made ice cream and yogurt and was so impressed with the quality of both. I highly recommend this to anyone. Easy to use, very little clean up. I simply followed the directions and 25 minutes later had wonderful ice cream.
  
  
• Works like a charm
  By ALWY4OQ8BCOKZ on 2005-12-28
  Great machine! It worked like a charm. Though, we will work on adjusting the recipes to our taste; considerably too much sugar in the ingrediants. I don't consider that a negative about the product, just personal "taste" differences. Plus, it's very easy to adjust the portions w/out ruining the ice cream.
  
  Our only complaint would be that it is quite noisy, but I still give it 5 stars because it otherwise did what it was supposed to ... prepare the freshest, creamiest, and best ice cream!
  
  
• Top of the line
  By A26C5KNU4LT5QN on 2006-09-04
  This is probably the 5th or 6th ice cream maker I've owned in my life. This has got to be the top one. I do have to say the old fashioned hand cranked machines make the very best ice cream, but I don't have the strength to do that. If you don't either, this is the machine to buy. It easily and consistently makes great ice cream. It's extremely easy to assemble (which isn't true of many others). It's easy to wash. It does take up some counter space, but it looks just fine doing it. I made absolutely wonderful peach ice cream (and I don't even like fruit ice creams) that was smooth and had a great mouth feel. When my daughter (the actual purchaser) had her tonsils out (as an adult!) we made slushies for her twice a day with this machine. It took no effort and they were easy to eat and far better than store bought. If you're going to make ice cream, which does involve some commitment since you have to make a chilled base anyway, you may as well make a larger amount. Get this slightly bigger than average machine and indulge.
  
  
• This is a good product.
  By A2EJVAMST7Z4AC on 2006-11-20
  I am very happy with this easy way to make almost any kind frozen desert you could desire. There are some minor things about it that are worth mention.
  First, the price isn't going to kill your budget but it's more than the average ice cream maker.
  Second, your range of quantity is limited. You can't make more than 1 3/4 to 2 quarts (hey good ice cream can go fast with a few friends over) and at the other end you can't just make a pint very easily to test out recipes.
  
  But, it is an easy to use, good quality frozen treat maker. I can definitely recommend it with confidence.
  
  
• 1st time user
  By A31WK29FGSTHHH on 2006-03-10
  As a 1st time user of an ice cream maker I am pleasantly surprised at the ease of use. I did my research and settled on this Cuisinart and have no regrets. I've tried several of the recipes in the enclosed recipe booklet and they've all been excellent! One tip... I bought $8 vanilla beans and found that pure vanilla extract (at a fraction of the cost) gives the same taste result. The only down side to this appliance is the noise but its short term as the concoctions generally need to churn 30 minutes.
  
  
• You'll love it!
  By A35XJALQYVUTPX on 2006-06-18
  Well I bought this machine after like many others, mulled over which machine to buy. I have no regrets whatsoever.
  
  I orginally bought this machine to make ice cream and other frozen deserts for my family. We have a son with milk and egg allergies and I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and if that weren't enough, we're all on a low fat/healthier eating kick. Trying to find ice cream for everyone is a challenge and when you do, it can get pricey. This machine will pay for itself in a few months.
  
  The ice cream recipes that are included in the manual all have insane amounts of fat (sat and trans fat in particular). I did make one match of the strawberry ice cream and it was fantastic. Very fresh tasting and very delicious. I also made a low fat caramel ice cream with soy milk and splenda sweetner, (found recipe on the internet) and it was good. Although the texture wasn't as creamy as real ice cream, it was a good trade off for all the fat, cholestrol and carbs (sugars). I'm going to try other sweeetners and someone else mentioned in another review as soon as I can find them.
  
  The machine and recipes are very easy to use. The main thing is that the bowl needs to be throughly frozen when you use it, otherwise ice cream will be soft. If that happens, just put the ice cream in the freezer for a couple of hours. Despite what the maual says, I found that I get the best and most consistent results when the bowl is frozen for no less than 16 hours. Like every other reviewer mentioned, I keep my bowl in the freezer at all times, ready to use. I may also pickup another bowl.
  
  Clean up is super easy and it is a nice looking appliance. The noise is a tad loud but it is NOT a real issue.
  
  I'm now looking and experimenting with new recipes and it won't be long before you will also. Go ahead and buy this machine, you'll love it!
  
  
• Vegan Soy Cream TOO! Great Machine!
  By A2HUGYFPKKZCNX on 2006-07-11
  All the reviews of this machine are true! It is a great machine. As an Orthodox Christian, we have times when we fast from all animal products, including dairy; so, here is a great Soy Cream recipe to add to all the other recipes:
  
  Soy Ice Cream
  
  3 cups Silk Soymilk (Vanilla or Plain)
  1½ cups fresh or frozen Fruit, sliced
  1 cup Sweetener of your choice or to taste
  ¼ cup Soy Oil
  1 tbs. Soy Lecithin
  1 tsp. Vanilla or 1 whole Vanilla Bean
  1/8 tsp. Salt
  
  
  (If using vanilla bean split down the sides and halved lengthwise. Scrape out the insides and use the inner vanilla bean scrapings, i.e. seeds, for flavoring. Do not use the bean casing.)
  
  Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until smooth and creamy. Freeze according to your ice cream maker instructions. If you prefer chunks of peaches, chop the peaches separately and fold into the soymilk mixture just before freezing. Serving Size: approx. 6 cups. Preparation Time: 5 minutes. Freezing Time: freezing time depends on your ice cream maker.
  
  You could make it with regular whole or skim milk. I use Splenda, so it is sugar free too! The soy lecithin you can get at a vegetarian or health food store, it is very important, it is an emulsifier. It is necessary whether you use soy milk or regular milk. Delicious!
  
  

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