Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice Cream Maker Review

Last updated on August 6th, 2022 at 11:42 pm

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Is the Cuisinart ICE-21 a good ice cream maker? Find out with our review.

The “cuisinart ice cream maker ice-21” is a product that has been reviewed by many people. The reviews of the product have been positive, with some people saying it is worth the money.

Cuisinart ice-21 next to ice cream sundae

The Cuisinart ICE-21 ice cream maker is a fun tool that lets you prepare wonderful sweets at home. This analysis will assist you in determining if it is the best option for your house.

Introduction

For my first try at producing ice cream using an automated machine, I used a Cuisinart ICE-21 many years ago. It was the first time I’d ever had non-handmade homemade ice cream, and the results were fantastic.

Sure, there are a slew of no-churn ice cream recipes out there. Allowing an appliance to perform the heavy lifting for you, on the other hand, is considerably more convenient. It will also elevate your dessert-making skills to new heights.

For good reason, the Cuisinart ICE-21 is a top-rated product. It’s inexpensive, but not without capability, and it fits into tiny kitchens owing to its size. When you consider how simple it is to operate, it’s easy to understand why Cuisinart sells so many of them.

You can’t have it all, as with any ice cream machine. There are some drawbacks to purchasing an entry-level model, so read on to see whether they’re deal-breakers for you.

Are you undecided about which ice cream maker is ideal for you? Check out our comprehensive list of the best ice cream producers in 2020.

The Cuisinart ICE-21 is reviewed.

Feature	Rating
Create high-quality products.	⅘
Aesthetics	⅘
Quality of ice cream	4.5/5
Money well spent	5/5
Dishwasher noise	⅗
Convenience	⅗
Overall rating	⅘

What is the mechanism of the machine?

A freezable bowl is lined with a specific liquid in the Cuisinart ICE-21. You can hear it splashing about at room temperature. The liquid, on the other hand, freezes solid when put in the freezer. The bowl will keep cold for about an hour after being retrieved from the freezer.

It’s vital to remember that the bowl may only be used once before being frozen again. This isn’t the product for you if you want to create numerous batches in one day.

The Elements

Let’s take a look at The Elements that make up this machine. All the freezable bowl models produced by Cuisinart are similar in that they have four parts. They are built “solid as a rock” and are well known for their longevity.

The ICE-21 base, paddle, bowl and lid next to each other

This machine is made up of just four parts.

1. The foundation

At first impression, the ICE-21 lacks the sleek, high-end appearance of some of its rivals. But don’t be fooled by it. It’s a well-made machine that can keep churning out frozen goodies for years without breaking down. The engine is strong and capable of churning frozen foods such as frozen yogurt, sherbet, sorbet, and a variety of other frozen sweets.

The base is well-made and available in a variety of colors.

There are four rubber feet under the base that provide stability to the machine while it is in use. There’s a little area to put the unused cable, which keeps the surface tidy and reduces the risk of mishaps.

There is enough room to add the rope for more security.

2. The paddle for mixing

During churning, the paddle (or dasher) is in charge of mixing and adding air to the mixture. It’s made of sturdy plastic, and damaged paddles are uncommon. If necessary, they may be bought individually.

The paddle, which has a patent pending, is quite effective.

The paddle is a patent-pending device that is unusual in that it does not revolve. Instead, it’s stuck in a single position. A 12-tooth gear extending from the base secures the freezer bowl. As a result, rather than the paddle, the bowl spins. This technology is employed in all Cuisinart models with detachable bowls, and it provides outstanding power. Others may struggle when the ice cream thickens, but this powerhouse will keep going.

Many household ice cream machines have a slight problem in their design. Between the inner wall of the bowl and the edge of the paddle, there is a little space. As a consequence of this oddity, a thin coating of frosty mix forms around the inside of the bowl. Churning takes longer than if the paddle made contact with the bowl’s side.

To remove the accumulation, turn off the machine and scrape the edges of the bowl. To prevent melting, you must complete this task as swiftly as possible.

A container of raspberry ice cream scattered with fresh berries.

Make ice cream that is considerably better than store-bought ice cream.

Overrun The air is included into the ice cream when it is churned. A 50 percent overflow indicates the base has expanded in volume by half at the conclusion of the churning process.

The Cuisinart ICE-21 promises a 40% overrun, which is more than plenty. Commercial machines may include up to 100% overrun into their products; however, premium ice cream overrun will be far lower.

3. The serving bowl

The bowl is a well-made component that holds a cooling liquid between two insulated walls. At room temperature, you can hear the sloshing sound of this liquid. You’ll need to freeze the bowl overnight before using it.

The bowl is sturdy and almost indestructible.

The user may prepare 1.5 quarts (1.5L) of frozen dessert using this dish. This is the smallest bowl in the Cuisinart collection, but it’s still a good size.

Because the bowl is 7 inches in diameter, it may be difficult to fit into certain freezers. If your freezer is always full, you may want to look at a machine with a built-in freezer.

4. The cover

The Cuisinart lid, like the paddle, is made to last. It would be tough to open the lid, whether it was with rowdy youngsters or clumsy adults. The plastic is also transparent, which makes it easy to keep track of how your dessert is coming along.

It’s simple to inspect your ice cream with a transparent cover.

Unlike some other appliances, which are not as user-friendly, an easy-lock groove enables the user to simply attach the lid.

An arrow pointing at the lid-lock on the ICE-21 lid

The lid-lock makes it easy to put the unit together.

The inclusion of an ingredient spout enables the user to add ingredients like as chocolate, almonds, fruit, and sauces without interrupting the freezing process. Because the ice cream must be churned as rapidly as possible to optimize texture, this hole is important. It would be counterproductive to interrupt the churn cycle to add ingredients.

There are six stages to making ice cream.

You’ll follow the same methods whether you use a Cuisinart or another brand. You’ll need to ice the bowl overnight before you begin. Always put the bowl in a freezer bag or wrap it in cling wrap before freezing it. This safeguards the bowl by preventing ice crystals from accumulating within.

Place the bowl in the freezer’s rear section to ensure it becomes as cold as possible. The temperature at the front of the freezer changes, which isn’t ideal.

Preparation is the first step.

A crucial stage is to lay the foundation. You may have the best gadget in the world, but it won’t help you if your ingredient ratios are off. However, great recipes are easy to get by on the internet.

Select a recipe that will not overflow the machine.

Cuisinart also provides a recipe booklet in the package, so you’ll be able to experiment with different tastes right away. Check the yield of any recipe you use to be sure it won’t overfill your 1.5 quart basin.

Pasteurization is the second step.

This is an optional step for handmade ice cream, depending on the recipe you select. There are a lot of egg-free recipes out there that don’t need you to heat your milk combination. The purpose of the heating procedure is to eliminate any hazardous germs in the eggs.

Even if you don’t use eggs, keep in mind that the cooking process might help with flavor infusion. When using spices and herbs, you’ll need to cook the base along with the other ingredients to enable the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Getting Older

Allowing the combination to age enables it to cool for many hours, ideally overnight. Ageing the custard is necessary because it enables the flavors to develop further and enhances the final ice cream structure. Also, using a combination that isn’t cold enough will almost always result in a failed ice cream. Before beginning to work, the frozen dish will warm up.

Quick Tip: Set the refrigerator temperature to the coldest setting possible to make your ice cream churn quicker. After aging, some home cooks put their combination in the freezer for half an hour to cool it down even further. Then, in a food processor, they blitz it to break up any ice crystals.

Freezing (Step 4)

The bit about freezing is the most enjoyable. Before you take the bowl out of the freezer, have everything ready. Allowing the frozen dish to begin warming would be a waste of time.

Set the freezer temperature to the coldest setting.

What to think about before you freeze

Place your Cuisinart in the proper location and plug it in.
Make that the lid and paddle are in good working order.
Prepare the ingredients and utensils ahead of time.
Place the mix-ins in the fridge to cool if you’re using them.

You may now take the bowl out of its frozen bag and remove it from the freezer. It should be placed on the base, followed by the paddle, and lastly the cover. Everything will fall into place without difficulty.

Last but not least, turn on the ice cream machine. The Cuisinart ICE-21 control panel is simple, with no confusing settings. When you press the start button, the bowl will begin to rotate. You may now start the waiting procedure by pouring the liquid down the chute.

This machine is easy enough for anybody to operate.

Because the bowl is small yet the motor is strong, you’ll find that making wonderful frozen treats takes just 20-30 minutes. This time varies based on the amount of ice cream you’re making, the recipe you’re using, the room temperature, and the temperature of the freezer bowl.

The freezing technique will only be attempted once. There’s something wrong if you’ve waited 45 minutes and it still hasn’t hardened. Unfortunately, you’ll have to put the bowl back in the freezer overnight and try again the following day.

Step 5: Adding Finishing Touches

At the conclusion of the churning process, add more ingredients to the bowl. Some components, such as biscuits and brownies, can crumble to crumbs if you add them too soon, resulting in an undesirable texture. In addition, churning excess volume puts undue pressure on the engine.

Candy is a great way to spice up your sweets.

Before putting in any add-ins, make sure they’re chilled. If they’re at room temperature, they’ll foster the creation of frosty crystals, which you want to prevent.

Hardening (Step 6)

When the churning is finished, you’ll get something that looks like soft serve ice cream. It won’t have the same firm feel as store-bought items. To thoroughly harden, place in the freezer for 2-3 hours.

Turn off the machine and remove the cover after the churning is completed. You can simply scoop off the remainder of the ice cream after you’ve removed the paddle and scraped it into a container. Use a gentle spatula to avoid scratching the bowl.

Choose an airtight container with a large surface area for storage. The conventional supermarket packaging for premium ice cream is not suitable. They’re great for fitting into tight spots in the freezer, but they don’t enable ice cream to freeze as rapidly. It’s better to use a shallow, broad container. You may use cling film to cover it if it doesn’t have a lid.

4 Ice Cream Hardening Tips

Place the container in the freezer’s rear corner. This is the coldest location and does not see as much temperature variation as the front.
Set the freezer to the coldest setting possible to expedite the freezing process and make superior ice cream.
Before adding the ice cream, place the storage container in the freezer to chill.
To prevent ice crystals from forming, cover the ice cream with cling wrap before attaching the lid.

When you’re done, here’s how to clean up.

Because it has so few pieces, cleaning it is a breeze. The freezer bowl, lid, and paddle may all be cleaned with a gentle cloth in hot, soapy water. Abrasive cleaning products should be avoided.

If you’ve spilled anything on the base, a warm, moist towel may be used to clean it.

If the freezer bowl is still cold, avoid wiping it off with a towel. The fabric will adhere to the inside wall of the bowl, making it difficult to clean.

Is the Cuisinart ICE-21 a good investment?

The ice cream prepared by this machine will wow your family and friends. It has a quick freeze time for a low-cost residential appliance. This quick cooking time produces a wonderful smooth, creamy texture that even the pickiest diner would adore.

Pros

Capable of making excellent ice cream.
When not in use, it fits into compact kitchens and may be kept in a cabinet.
A cost-effective model that is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.

Cons

It is difficult to watch television with the machine running close since it is noisy.
To make the ice cream, you’ll need to be organized and pre-freeze the bowl.
In the freezer, the bowl takes up room.
It would be better to use a two-quart bowl.

Best Replacements for the Cuisinart ICE-21

Do you need a different appliance?

1. ICM-15LS Whynter

“A popular model with a Compressor built-in that makes life a lot simpler in the kitchen.”

The Whynter ICM-15LS is a mid-range ice cream maker with an integrated compressor. This may be a better choice for you if you want the convenience of being able to produce frozen delicacies whenever you want.

The Whynter produces ice cream of substantially higher quality than the ICE-21. If your budget allows, it is definitely worth the expenditure.

What are the advantages of the Whynter?

Makes delectable sweets
Compressor built-in
Time to churn is short.

What isn’t so great

a higher price
It takes up more kitchen counter space.

ICE-30 (Cuisinart)

“For those who desire a larger bowl without paying a lot of money”

The Cuisinart ICE-30R is another simple, entry-level ice cream maker that is hard to beat for affordability. If your household isn’t a big consumer of sweet treats for dessert, then this is a great option. It doesn’t use lots of space, and the price is much lower than the a higher price compressor models.

In terms of quality, the ICE-30 can produce some fantastic ice cream. Check out what we discovered after thoroughly reviewing the ICE-30.

What are the advantages of the ICE-30?

Affordable
It doesn’t take up a lot of room on the bench.
A well-made, high-quality product

What isn’t so great

Every time you use the bowl, you have to put it in the freezer.
When in use, it is rather loud.

A bowl with scoops of strawberry and vanilla ice cream next to scattered cones.

Ice cream that has just been produced.

Details about the product

Width	9″
Height	11.25″
Depth	9.25″
Weight	9.9lb
Loudness	79-82Db
Paddle mixing speed	32rpm
The length of the power wire	24″
Overrun	40%
Warranty	3 years

A scoop of vanilla ice cream with a garnish of mint

On its own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is delicious.

The Final Word

The Cuisinart ICE-21 is a solid contender for making quality ice cream. It holds its own against some of the a higher price models. This product doesn’t use up a lot of space in the kitchen, and it’s simple to use. It is a well-built piece of equipment, which is why it’s such a popular product.

Keep in mind that this model doesn’t have a Compressor built-in, so you need to freeze the bowl overnight before use. If you have a small freezer or don’t like to plan ahead by freezing the bowl, this may not be the best ice cream maker for you.

For individuals who wish to try their hand at creating ice cream at home, the Cuisinart ICE-21 is an excellent entry-level model. There’s no need to stop there, however. Get to work making gelato, sorbet, soft serve, and even frozen beverages in quarts (slushies).

The pricing of this model is what makes it so appealing. Nothing is more frustrating than spending a lot of money on an appliance only to have it sit unused for months. A new Cuisinart may be yours for the price of around half a dozen pints of store-bought quality ice cream. You’ll have infinite pints of ice cream that tastes just as good as, if not better than, store-bought ice cream. Even better, you may keep it natural by excluding any unnecessary stabilizers, colors, or tastes.

A bowl of chocolate ice cream covered in sprinkles

Sprinkles elevate any dessert.

If the 1.5-quart bowl capacity isn’t enough for you, I suggest the Cuisinart ICE-30BC, which has a two-quart bowl. It’s easy to see the difference in size.

The Cuisinart ICE-21 creates incredibly smooth, quality ice cream that a chef would be proud of for such a basic machine. Cuisinart is a well-known brand that knows how to produce durable ice cream machines.

There are fewer moving components, therefore there is less chance of equipment failure. However, if you do run into any problems, you can rest certain that your purchase is backed by a three-year guarantee. The Cuisinart ICE-21 is a sturdy machine that I suggest to anybody who wants to create ice cream at home.

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The “Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice Cream Maker Review” is a review of the Cuisinart ICE-30. It compares and contrasts the two machines, with pros and cons of each machine. Reference: cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30.