5.0 out of 5 stars Makes Excellent Ice Cream. Here's how to present ingredient can from freezing to unit.

d. · April 27, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } It was time to replace our old and venerable Cuisinart freezer bowl ice cream maker after 25+ years. I decided to look at upright ice-cream makers with a built-in compressor. Most reviews named Whynter as one of the best ice cream makers. I chose this one, because it's an upright with a small footprint, and the 1.26 quart since there are only 2 of us.After allowing the machine to sit on the counter for 2 hours, per instructions, I made my first batch of ice cream. Knowing that it was out for delivery, I had my mixture done and chilling in the refrigerator. Needless to say, it came out perfect.The machine starts at a default of 60 minutes, so I set my phone cooking timer for 60 minutes. It had already stopped and the ice-cream was so frozen, I couldn't get the paddle out easily. I didn't want to force it, so I got out what I could and by that time, the paddle came out.I've learned that the freezer stops churning at round 30-40 minutes, using the recipe that I use. I set my cooking timer app for 30 minutes, and if it's stopped, I get the ice-cream out and into storage; if not, I let it continue to churn for another 10 minutes.I've made 3 loads, one right after another. Yes, the ingredient cannister will freeze to the inside of the machine. It's because there's frost on the outside from the previous load and air humidity. Simply empty the ice-cream into your freezer container, then add a cup of hot water to the can; it'll let loose immediately.You can prevent this from happening by spraying a small amount of any cooking spray to a cloth or paper towel, then rub it on the OUTSIDE of the ingredient holder, sides and bottom, which will prevent it from sticking.I prefer to make old-fashioned ice cream or gelato, but both require a cooked "custard" base with egg yolks. With the astronomical price of eggs, I've found a couple of ways to circumvent the eggs without compromising flavor or texture."American" modern ice-cream simply calls for a 2 to 1 ratio of milk to cream, plus sugar, and vanilla. There's nothing wrong with this. We prefer the richer texture and taste of the old-fashioned variety. I've found 3 solutions:1. Sicilian gelato. This uses cornstarch instead of egg yolks in the custard base. It also uses a 1 to 1 ratio of cream to milk. You can find a recipe easily on the internet. Like the old-fashioned recipes, this requires cooking, then cooling completely in the refrigerator prior to mixing with cream and freezing. I've found another way of creating an old-fashioned flavor without cooking.2. I use one 3.4 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding with 4 cups of milk, which makes a thickened base of the right consistency. I mix it with 2 cups of cream. I reduce the sugar and add vanilla for our taste. You can use sugar free pudding mix with a sugar alternative for people who don't like or can't eat sugar. It comes out like old-fashioned ice cream without tasting like pudding.I know many of you may not like all of the ingredients in instant pudding. Frankly, neither do I. I make my own vanilla extract, so I prefer an alternative to the pudding, so I came up with a third alternative.3. I use .75 ounce (21g) of an instant (no cook) modified food starch, in place of the pudding mix. I have a biochemistry degree. Modified food starch is simply food starch that's heated and pressed, which changes its structure, allowing it to thicken liquids without heating.The Whynter ice-cream maker makes beautiful ice cream without ice crystals. It freezes the mix more solidly than a maker that uses containers that require pre-freezing. I already have a yogurt maker, so I look forward to making frozen yogurt. We're also going to make frozen drinks. I've made homemade butter with my mixer. That's on the bucket list too.

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Machine, Outstanding Value

G.S. · June 17, 2025

TL;DR: It’s nice to make something that tastes so good and can easily be made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a big step up over mass-market ice cream or sorbet, much better even than the premium brands.After much research, I decided to get a Whynter ice cream machine. I wanted a large capacity and chose this one because it’s vertical and fits my storage space the best.I’ve made 5 batches so far: 4 ice cream and 1 sorbet. Every batch has turned out great and was very easy to produce. The machine is actually very simple to use, with only a couple of controls besides the power button. Each batch completed in 25 to 35 minutes. The timer is set to a default time of 60 minutes, but that’s a maximum, not the actual time required. The time required varies based on the size of the batch and the starting temperature. My longest churn time of 35 minutes was with my hottest starting temperature of 42°F (5°C). Also, 60% of the bowl is the maximum fill capacity (top of the mixing blade), so I made sure not to exceed that.Taste, texture, and flavor depend on the recipe you use, but they provide a book with dozens of recipes. Thousands of additional recipes are available online as well.Maybe the best part of the machine is the simple cleanup. It’s really just cleaning the stainless steel bowl and the plastic mixing blade, that’s it. The manual says not to put them in the dishwasher, but since they’re so easy to clean, there’s no need to do that anyway.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ice Cream at Its Best — A Truly Excellent Machine for Serious Dessert Lovers

R.D. · December 27, 2024

I’ve had the Whynter 2.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker (ICM-201SB) for about while now, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best kitchen appliances I’ve ever purchased. If you’re even slightly serious about making your own ice cream, gelato, or sorbet at home, this machine is a game-changer. It’s not just good—it’s dependable, efficient, and turns out consistently excellent results every single time.Setup and First ImpressionsUnboxing the machine, you immediately get the sense that this is a quality appliance. It’s built solidly with a clean, modern look that actually feels at home on the counter. The footprint isn’t small, but for what it does—and the fact that it has a built-in compressor—it’s surprisingly space-efficient and upright in design.Setup is minimal: take it out of the box, plug it in, and you’re ready to go. No need to pre-freeze a bowl 24 hours in advance like you have to do with cheaper models. That alone makes it worth the price for me. Being able to decide on a whim to make ice cream and have it ready in under an hour? That’s a luxury I didn’t know I needed until I had it.Performance and UseThis machine delivers. The built-in compressor chills quickly and keeps the mixture cold throughout the process, which makes a big difference in the final texture. I’ve made traditional vanilla custard bases, fruit-forward sorbets, dairy-free chocolate, and even experimental flavors like Earl Grey and honey-lavender. Every single batch has come out smooth, dense, and creamy—never icy or gritty.You pour in your chilled base, set the timer (usually 45–60 minutes depending on the recipe), and let the machine do its thing. It’s quiet enough not to be annoying, and the motor is clearly strong—no straining, even when the mixture starts to firm up toward the end of the cycle.The 2.1-quart capacity is more than enough for most needs. I typically make about 1.5 quarts per batch and still have room to spare. Cleanup is simple, too: the bowl, mixing paddle, and lid all come out and are easy to wash by hand.Extras and Thoughtful FeaturesThere’s a “keep cool” function that kicks in after churning to hold your ice cream at serving temperature if you’re not ready to scoop it right away. It’s surprisingly handy, especially when multitasking in the kitchen.There’s also a well-timed beep alert when the cycle is done. It doesn’t overdo it, just a friendly reminder that your frozen treat is ready. And the included recipe booklet, while basic, is a decent starting point if you’re new to making ice cream at home.⸻Pros:• Built-in compressor means no pre-freezing—make ice cream on demand• Consistently smooth, creamy texture with every batch• Generous 2.1-quart capacity is great for families or entertaining• Upright design saves counter space• “Keep cool” function is genuinely useful• Easy to clean with removable parts• Strong, reliable motor handles thick mixtures without issue• Works well for all types of frozen desserts (ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt)Cons:• Takes up some counter space and is a bit heavy (not a problem if you leave it out)• Slightly loud during operation—not obnoxious, but noticeable• No pre-cool function (though the compressor kicks in fast)⸻Final ThoughtsIf you’re on the fence about getting a compressor-based ice cream maker, don’t be. The Whynter ICM-201SB takes all the inconvenience out of homemade frozen desserts. It lets you focus on flavor and creativity without having to plan 24 hours ahead or fuss with freezer bowls.I’ve used it for everything from indulgent party desserts to dairy-free weekday treats, and I’ve yet to find something it doesn’t handle beautifully. It’s a reliable, well-built machine that does exactly what it promises—and it makes some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had, hands down. Highly recommended.

Me encanta

R.G. · April 17, 2023

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Me encanta mi nueva maquina para hacer helados! es facil de usar y no es necesario congelar el contenedor antes de utilizarla. super recomendada, ya le conte a toda mi familia tambien :P

Works great!

S. · October 12, 2022

Have had this for two years now and it rocks. Highly recommended.

Excellent.

F. · June 14, 2021

I have been using this machine to make frozen yogurt and once for ice cream ever since I received it and love the results. Easy to use and love tat I don’t have to worry about freezing the bowl for over 8 hours every time. The biggest selling point is that the churning bowl is made of stainless steel. Also love that being upright it takes up very little room. Looks solid.

Very useful

n. · February 18, 2025

My first cook took 2 hours because I put in too much, it's able to make icecream in about half-hour for on cup size, although on it's website it failed to mention this is a 110v machine, I was checking the menu and find out about it and get a step down transformer before plug-in, it is dangers to make this kind info clearly

Very bad, never purchase again

A.J. · June 16, 2024

First time running for around 30 second than burning smell started with white smoke. Can not able to return as it's purchase in KSA, and use in Pakistan. Will try to repair the motor if possible otherwise wast of my money. Please never purchase again it's China made poor quality machine. I lost total amount as as feeling bad why I purchased Chinese machine. Once again I am informing all interested Think twice before you purchase poor quality Chinese ice cream machine, I was thinking it was American manufacturers but it's cheaper and cheating by manufacturer. Company website never mentioned that it's China made poor quality machine. I did mistake please don't purchase any Chinese manufacturers ice cream maker machine with American big brands.its cheating with your trust.