Ice Cream makers

[naomi24]

I'm thinking of buying an ice cream maker. Does anyone have one, and if so, do you think they're worth having? Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Jules001]

I think if you buy the really expensive electric ones, they are good, but I have got one of the kind where you have to freeze the bowl first and then make up the icecream. To be honest I have never really had any great success in using it, even though I have followed the instructions to the letter, plus the bowl takes up a lot of room in the freezer. This is the one I have http://www.amazon.co....-Maker/dp/B00008Z9XF. Mine doesn't get used very much anymore :(

[woozer]

I have got one of the same type as Jules but not the same make - I have had it for years and it gets used loads- I make sorbets and icecream at least couple of times a month - the only draw back is that it makes small batches - about half a litre a time - but I find the results excellent and we use up all sorts of left over bits and bobs of fruit - fresh frozen or canned.

[thugulike]

I have a Magimix which needs to bowl to be frozen. I've had excellent results but if you have a large family go for the bigger model. The quality is as good as Ben & Jerry but at a fraction of the price AND you know what goes into it.

[naomi24]

To be honest, I want to try to replicate a taste from childhood. There was a little shop near my home that sold home-made ice cream (made, I'm told, from a secret recipe) - and it was the best I've ever tasted in my life - so I thought I'd give it a go. Many thanks for your answers.

[Androcles]

Naomi, are you going to share the recipe?

[naomi24]

I haven't got the recipe, Androcles. I wish I did. Apparently all the big companies wanted it, but the owner of the shop would never sell it. The ice cream had such a distinctive taste, people came from miles around to buy it. When I think about it, I can still taste it. Yum! I just thought I'd experiment and see if I could replicate it. I'll let you know if I'm successful - and pass the recipe on! :o)