Soft Ice Cream Maker

[2sp_]

I'm looking at getting a soft ice cream maker (one that makes soft ice cream, not a machine made from fluff!).

Does anyone have one that they would/wouldn't recommend?

[woofgang]

I have got a buffalo. Its a bit top of the range but the icecream is divine. I had a magimix gelato chef berore that but the design is poor the lid locks to the bowl with plastic lugs and the churning motor is on the lid which puts strain on the lugs that are on the body of the machine. Mine broke after two summer's light use, out of guarantee of course, rendering the machine useless.
Mine is this one
http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Buffalo-Ice-Cream-Maker/DM067/ProductDetail.raction
Big, heavy and expensive and you can't move it around because if you move it it needs to settle before use like a fridge.

[woofgang]

meant to add but well worth it IMO

[2sp_]

Oooo, looks exciting woof! I'll maybe see if the budget will stretch!

[DTCwordfan]

I have a fifteen year old Gaggia and it's brilliant - some weight though at about 60 pounds, very easy to clean and pretty quick at freezing, hence for batch work of different flavours, good on sorbets too (which I love). The new equiv is their Gelateria.

The Magimix equivalent is highly recommended but I can't speak for it, though I have plenty of their equipment like blenders and the gen purpose mixer. No issue with them.

[DTCwordfan]

So big and heavy goes with the turf, it seems.

[DTCwordfan]

http://www.italy-outlet.com/en-gbp/i/gaggia-ice-cream-maker-eismaschine-203/gaggia-gelatiera-570593.html

[2sp_]

Thanks to you both, I'll have a look online!

[woofgang]

Yes, the inbuilt freezing unit makes them all big and heavy.

[woofgang]

and these are the books you want
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[woofgang]

argh why can i only put one link in a post?
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[EDDIE51]

We use one of these at work, it is very good.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Baumatic-GELATO1SS-Ice-Cream-Maker-Sorbet-Machine-Gelato-Mixer-with-Freezer-/131205950357?pt=UK_HGKitchen_SmallApp_RL&;hash=item1e8c7beb95
This one is a real bargain 87% off we paid over £1000 for ours.

[woofgang]

that's interesting Eddie, apart from the on/off switch, thats identical to the Buffalo.

[DTCwordfan]

I think a lot of them cross reference, woofgang, a bit like washing machines and dishwashers.....

[Valmave]

Nigella has a very successful ice cream recipe which requires no special equipment. We have made coffee ice cream and it tastes delicious . Recipe is on her web site.

[2sp_]

Thanks everyone for all your answers and suggestions. Lots to think about!