During Hong Kong’s long hot summer a tub of ice-cream can really cool you down. However, commercial ice-creams are often high in sugar and fat. And that’s not good for your cholesterol or for you! So if you want to enjoy delicious ice-cream that’s also healthy, consider buying a home ice-cream maker and making your own. There are different types of ice-cream makers. Here is a guide to help you choose.

 

Comparison of different ice-cream makers

 

	Automatic cooling ice-cream maker	Pre-chilled ice-cream maker	Kitchen machine/food processor ice-cream accessories	Sorbet maker Shaved ice maker
Features	Professional grade refrigeration system No pre-cooling mixing bowl required Ready to make at any time	Pre-cooling mixing bowl required Variety of different sizes available	One machine for multi purposes Pre-cooling mixing bowl required	Make sorbet, shaved ice and other ice treats at home Use as a blender to make smoothies No need to add dairy products
Application/Usage	Prepare ingredients for making ice-cream Place directly into the ice-cream maker and wait for around 60 minutes Can add in other ingredients, mid process as garnish	Pre-chill ingredients Store the mixing bowl in the freezer overnight Take out ingredients and chilled bowl before making ice-cream Add in all ingredients to start the process	Place the mixing bowl in the freezer and the ingredients in your refrigerator Pour in ingredients for ice-cream Gradually add in other favourite ingredients	Use frozen ingredients Place ingredients as specified Follow instructions to make a dairy-free treat such as sorbet or shaved ice
Ideal for	Those who make ice-cream at home often Large families	Everybody Small families	Those who own a kitchen machine/food processor Large families	People allergic to dairy products

 

Tips for choosing an ice-cream maker

 

1. Some ice-cream makers require a pre-chilled mixing bowl. Consider whether there is enough space in your freezer for a mixing bowl before buying. Choose an automatic cooling ice-cream maker, a sorbet maker or a shaved ice maker that does not require pre-cooling to avoid taking up space in your freezer.

2. Consider the number of people who eat ice-cream in your home and choose a size accordingly to avoid wastage.

3. Mainstream recipes for ice-cream makers are usually made from dairy products and raw eggs. If you are allergic to these ingredients, consider getting a sorbet or shaved ice maker to make non-dairy, egg-free ice treats.

4. For best results, ingredients used to make ice-cream should be placed in the freezer in advance to avoid them becoming too soft at room temperature. The finished treat can then be transferred to the freezer to enhance the taste.

5. It is important that the ice-cream maker is easy to clean. Choose a model that is easily detachable for cleaning to ensure food safety.