Keen cooks can whip up homemade ice cream and experiment wth different flavour combinations
Much of the nation is basking in sunshine this week thanks to the sizzling heatwave. Fans of sweet treats might be enjoying tucking into ice cream, while keen cooks might even be having a go at making their own.
One of the top ice cream makers on the market is a Ninja CREAMi, but with a price tag of £169 (currently on sale, usually £199.99), it’s not an affordable option for the majority of consumers. Over at Amazon, there’s a more affordable device in the form of a Lakeland mini ice cream maker on sale for £17.99, down from £19.99.
Plus, there’s a free delivery option for Amazon Prime members. The device is also available to buy directly from Lakeland for £14.99, however, there’s an added £4 delivery cost. The Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker has a 0.5-litre capacity and can be used to whip up homemade ice creams, sorbets, and even frozen yoghurts.
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It’s designed with a clear, easy-view lid, a non-slip base, and a small bowl that tucks neatly into the freezer. Prior to use, the bowl needs to be placed in the freezer for 8-12 hours. Some shoppers have said they leave the bowl permanently in the freezer so it is ready to use whenever.
When the bowl is ready, take it out of the freezer, add the lid, switch the machine on and then pour in the ingredients. Within 25 minutes, homemade ice cream is ready to serve.
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Thanks to the sale price, now is a good time for shoppers who have their heart set on a Ninja CREAMi. The original device comes with three tubs and a recipe book – it can be used to make gelatos, sorbets, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, as well as ice cream.
A mid-price alternative is Magimix’s Glacier Ice Cream Maker, which is on sale at Argos for £55. It’s designed with a large feed tube that allows users to add ingredients to their ice cream later in the mixing process. It makes 1.5 pints of ice cream.
More than 200 units of the Lakeland mini ice cream maker have been bought on Amazon in the past month. In the reviews, one shopper said: “I couldn’t afford one of the top-of-the-range models, so after a bit of research, I went for this one. It doesn’t make a large portion, but it makes enough for me, and it’s simple to use and delicious. It’s easy to use and clean, and the recipes are a useful starter.”
However, another buyer had issues with the consistency of their ice cream creations, writing: “I’ve had this a couple of weeks and have tried a few different recipes, all of which do not turn the ingredients into ice cream in any length of time. It’s just a sloshy mess.”
They continued: “I have to freeze it for an hour afterwards, which kind of defeats the object, I think. Anyhow, I’ve got it, so I’ll have to use it, but it’s not great.”
Another user commented: “Wonderful little machine. We needed a tiny one for a tabletop freezer and this one works so well!”
A fourth buyer concluded: “Keep this in the freezer permanently now. It’s great for making ice cream for 1-2 people. I use it predominantly to make Mr. Whippy ice cream.”
“It takes less than 10 minutes when I pour 300ml in. It works well enough for me. Don’t overfill it, or the ice cream won’t thicken, or it will cover the upper lid/ stirrer.”