The 5 Best Gelato Makers: Satisfy Your Gelato Cravings


Best Gelato Makers

The weather is changing rapidly, and with the temperature on the rise, you need some relief from this constant heat. Unless you want to spike up the electricity bill, you’ll have to look for other ways to cool yourself down this season.

For all the people who have a sweet tooth, digging into a cup of your favorite ice cream is the best way to beat the heat. You can always get your favorite frozen dessert from the mart, but what’s the fun in that? When you have the option to make gelato at home, why settle for store-bought desserts?

With the help of the best gelato makers, you can experiment with a variety of recipes and choose the ingredients that you like.

Gelato vs Ice Cream

You have friends over, and they want some cool ice cream to settle down after a tiring day at work. No problem! But wait… are you sure they want ice cream and not gelato?

Now, most people may not know the difference between gelato and ice cream, but there are several.

With the steady increase in health-conscious individuals, the demand for ice cream is rapidly going down as more people opt for gelato.

Since there’s no stark difference between the two, it’s only the gelato or ice cream enthusiasts who’d be able to tell the difference.

Let’s take a look at the differences.

  • Ice cream, as the name suggests, is made from cream. Gelato, on the other hand, is made from milk. You can easily make it without adding eggs or cream to the mixture. Just by substituting the main ingredient, you can make sure that your frozen dessert, the gelato, has way less fat than the average scoop of ice cream.
  • People who want great texture and a more flavorful experience can find it all with gelato. Unlike ice cream, gelato doesn’t have any air whipped in it, which provides a more dense texture.
  • With ice cream, you have to be careful that it stays at the right temperature or it’ll melt. Freezing is the only way you can ensure the consistency of an ice cream scoop. With gelato, you have peace of mind as you don’t need to freeze it.
  • Lastly, making gelato is easier than scooping up a cup of ice cream!

Now that you know the differences between gelato and ice cream, it’s obvious that you will need different appliances for both the desserts.

Last update on 2021-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

The 5 Best Gelato Makers

Today, we’ll help you choose from one of the best gelato makers on the market. So just go through the list and set yourself up for a cool summer this year.

 

Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker

Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Gelato Maker

Weight: 32 pounds

Size: 16.73 x 12 x 9.33 inches

Material: Steel

Getting the weekly fix of your favorite gelato just got easier with the help of Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker.

If you have been looking for an appliance that helps you avoid the labor-intensive process that goes into making homemade gelato, you have just the thing you need.

Complete with a compressor, you can say goodbye to the trouble of freezing the mixing bowl. But the best part about the Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor is the dual functionality it offers. You can switch between gelato and ice cream easily with the help of the two kneading paddles.

The compact size saves storage space, and stainless steel housing ensures you get a product that adds to the aesthetic value of your kitchen. But what customers really like is the convenience provided by the touchpad controls and LCD readout. Checking how much time is left on the timer just got easier for all the people who fancy a cup of their favorite gelato!

To make the process easier, the model features an opening in the lid. Forgot to add an ingredient? No worries! You can use this feature to add the ingredients even while the appliance is working.

The automatic shut-off feature of the Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Gelato maker stops the machine when your gelato is ready and even keeps it cool.

However, the 60-minute countdown might seem too long for a fresh batch of gelato. But this isn’t the biggest concern that users face when using this model. Users are more worried about the loud noise that the appliance emits during the gelato-making process. Other features that users didn’t like about the product are the heavyweight of the model and also the high price tag.

Pros

  • BPA free
  • Compact size
  • Touchpad controls
  • 1.5 quarts capacity
  • Short cord safety feature
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • 60-minute countdown timer
  • 10- minute Keep Cool feature

 

Cons

  • Noisy
  • Heavy
  • Expensive compared to other models

 

DeLonghi GM6000 Gelato Maker

Weight: 34 pounds

Size: 12.8 x 15.75 x 9.57 inches

Material: Stainless steel and plastic

You’ve just got 30 minutes and you’re craving a cup of your favorite gelato. Well, there’s no need to worry. With DeLonghi GM6000 Gelato Maker, making your favorite frozen dessert just became easier!

With a sleek design that catches the eye, the model has a list of other features too that makes it a fan-favorite among gelato enthusiasts.

The manufacturers have included the mixing bowl in the front of the machine, which makes it easy to add ingredients even during the mixing process. The placement of the bowl also makes cleanup easy.

But by far, a feature that all users agree is the best one is the self-refrigerating compressor that doesn’t require pre-freezing. You can save time with this feature and even make more than one batch in a go.  And it’s the BPA-free plastic mixing arm, a healthy alternative to regular plastic arm, that does all the hard work for you.

Another ecological feature that the ice cream maker offers is the use of the refrigerant R134a, which has a minimum effect on the ozone layer.

The digital control panel and the child-safe lock are additional features that make DeLonghi Gelato Maker the perfect fit for your home. And since it doesn’t make much noise during the mixing process, you can actually enjoy the whole process.

The only drawback to this remarkable machine is the slightly high price tag. But now that you know about all the features it offers, you know that the DeLonghi Gelato Maker is worth every penny you spend on it.

Pros

  • Less noisy
  • Takes 30 minutes to prepare a batch
  • Uses eco-friendly R13A refrigerant gas
  • Digital control panel and child-safe lock features
  • A self-refrigerating compressor means no pre-freezing

Cons

  • Low quality plastic mixing paddles
  • Expensive compared to other models
  • Doesn’t always freeze gelato to a hard consistency

 

Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Gelato Maker

Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Gelato Maker

 

Weight: 30 pounds

Size: 16.2 x 10.5 x 10.2 inches

Material: Stainless Steel

If you are looking for some high-end gelato makers, the Breville BC1600XL should be at the top of the list.

Most people may be deterred by the high price, but once you see all the features that help ease the gelato-making process, you’ll understand that every penny is justified.

The first feature that’s worth mentioning is the dual modes of the gelato maker. You can use the preset settings to make a batch of your favorite gelato in minutes (30-40 minutes usually), which matches the consistency that you like. Or, if you are a hands-on person, just use the manual mode to set the timer to get the perfect blend of texture and flavor.

With a built-in freezer, Breville Smart Scoop, one of the best gelato makers, ensures that you don’t have to go through the hassle of pre-freezing the bowl.

Whenever you feel like having a cup of your favorite gelato, all you need to do is switch on the machine, add the ingredients, set the timer, and you’ll soon have a fresh batch of your favorite gelato to enjoy with your friends and family.

The control panel also features an LCD screen, with many control buttons – the manual timer arrows, pre-cool button, sound button, power button, Start/Pause button, etc. – for your convenience. The large screen helps you choose the right option and even shows the remaining time.

The removable bowl makes it easy to get the gelato out and clean up the appliance. The transparent lid features a flap that you can lift to add extra ingredients during the gelato-making process. But the best bit is the accessories that come with the model. You get a small plastic spatula that fits right in the bowl and helps you clear out all the mixture. A thin brush is also included that is perfect for cleaning.

Though all of these features may provide an increased level of convenience, users couldn’t help but notice that the machine is too bulky. Some users also complained about the machine making icy gelato, but the biggest turn-down for users was that the gelato doesn’t keep warm afterward, especially if you leave the lid open.

Pros

  • Pre-cool feature
  • High-quality body
  • 1.5 quarts capacity
  • 12 hardness settings
  • Automatic and manual modes
  • Allows users to adjust alarm volume

Cons

  • Large and heavy
  • Produces ice gelato
  • Only 1-year warranty
  • Doesn’t keep gelato cool afterward

 

Lello 4090 Gelato Pro Quart Gelato Maker

Lello 4090 Gelato Pro Quart Gelato Maker

Weight: 3 pounds

Size: 12 × 11 × 18 Inches

Material: Stainless steel

Lello 4090 Gelato Pro Quart may not look like the conventional gelato makers, but it does offer all the benefits of a modern machine. Making homemade gelato has gotten way easier with the help of Lello 4090 Gelato Pro Quart!

The built-in compressor surely takes the lead and helps give the gelato consistency and texture that you love. All it takes is 45 minutes for the magic to work, and then you can enjoy a fresh batch of homemade gelato.

The bowl has a capacity of 2 quarts and is removable. Easy to clean and serve from, the removable bowl is rated as one of the best features by users.

Next up is the built-in timer that signals once the gelato is ready. The alarm sets off, indicating that the freezing time is over. But the manufacturers have taken it a step further. The model comes equipped with an auto shut-off mode so you can save energy.

Once the gelato is ready, the machine will conveniently shut off automatically. This ensures that you don’t need to monitor the machine during the process.

Although there are many features of the Lello 4090 Gelato Pro Quart that won the hearts of its users, there are also a few drawbacks of this model. It may look compact, but it is heavy, which greatly affects its portability. The hefty price tag is also a significant concern for users, but with a plethora of features, you can say that it’s entirely justified.

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Removable bowl
  • 2 quarts capacity
  • Digital control panel
  • Automatic shut down
  • Self-contained freezing unit

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive than other gelato makers

 

Whynter ICM-15LS Gelato Maker

Whynter ICM-15LS Gelato Maker

Weight: 27 pounds

Size: 11 x 18.5 x 10 inches

Material: Stainless steel

Whynter ICM-15LS is the ultimate convenient ice cream maker that brings the ease of artisan gelato right to your kitchen. The appliance has a long list of features that haven’t failed to impress gelato lovers.

So let’s begin and explore some of the best features that make Whynter ICM-15LS one of the preferred models in the market.

This model has a self-refrigerating feature. Without the need to pre-freeze the bowl, you can go about making several batches of your favorite gelato in one go. With no need to wait for the bowl to freeze for 8+ hours, you can complete the process easily and have the gelato ready in no time.

The powerful motor of one of the best gelato makers has a decreased turn-around time and can make a fresh batch of gelato within 30-40 minutes. All you need to do is add the right ingredients, select the right option form the control panel, and you can let the gelato maker work its magic.

The built-in timer and the temperature display also make it easy to make a batch, but it’s the effortless cleanup that has really won their hearts.

An issue with most gelato makers is that they can sometimes overdo the mixture and churn the mixture until it becomes solid.

With Whynter ICM-15LS, you can prevent the motor from overheating and save your gelato from being ruined. The motor protection function switches off the appliance as soon as the mixture becomes solid, giving you the perfect textured gelato.

However, there are some drawbacks to this model. Users weren’t impressed with the non-BPA plastic that’s used for the inner body parts of the model. Another feature that didn’t sit well with the users was the large body of the model, which takes up too much counter and storage space.

Pros

  • Electric timer
  • Easy to clean
  • LCD control panel
  • 2.1 quarts capacity
  • Temperature display
  • Motor protection function

Cons

  • Non-BPA plastic
  • Leaves a big carbon footprint

 

Final Thoughts: Best Gelato Makers 2021

With the help of these best gelato makers, you can make your summer fun again.

Enjoy homemade gelato, with your choice of ingredients, and take the opportunity to invite your friends and family around.

You may be looking for something that fits within your budget.

The list of gelato makers mentioned above includes the best of the best, so just go through the options and pick one that suits your needs.

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