Best Ice Cream Maker for Kids

Everyone enjoys the pleasurable taste and smooth texture of ice cream, especially in the warmer months of the year. Ice cream is loved by kids and adults alike, but there is no more fun than getting your kids involved in making their own. The choice of flavours and textures, and the additions of sweets, fruit and biscuits to name but a few means that the making of the ice cream is almost as much fun as the eating. I did say almost!

Check out the Cuisinart ICE-45 for a fun way to make ice cream
Although we all agree ice cream is the best, choosing the right home ice cream machine is more of an issue. There are several different types of ice cream makers to choose from, and quite a different range of prices to pay. Are you looking to make a large batch of ice cream in one go, would you prefer just a small amount at a time or would you prefer a machine that can dispense ice cream into a cone or a bowl that your kids can manage fairly easily.

Home Made Ices

There are usually 3 types of ices that you can make with your home ice cream maker. Ice cream, which is normally more of a soft scoop type, although will harden up when stored in the freezer if you wish it. Gelato which is a lower fat, more dense type of ice, it’s usually churned slower so there is less air in the mixture and finally there is sorbet, this is usually made without any type of dairy, you make a sugar/water syrup then add in some pureed fruit or fruit juice. This is usually a very refreshing type of ice.

So your first job is to choose what you would like to be able to make and then choose your ice cream maker based on this, although your kids won’t be bothered what type as long as they can help make it, and more importantly eat it.

Ice Cream Machines

I’m going show you a couple of machines that are not too expensive and that kids can get involved with, to give you a flavour of what is out there.

Cuisinart ICE-45 Mix It In Soft Serve 1-1/2-Quart Ice Cream Maker, White

The Cuisinart ICE-45 is a great machine for using with your kids. It produces a soft serve ice cream, and is has 3 mix-in dispensers, which you can fill with different types of things that you like to add to ice cream, for example sprinkles, choc chips, anything that isn’t sticky and that fits through the gauge that comes with the machine so you know it will dispense. You can choose which goody you want in your ice cream, or you can choose them all and as the ice cream is pumped out it mixes the bits into it.

This machine comes with a double walled freezer bowl, which needs to be frozen overnight, but other than that you can use any ice cream recipe you wish, freeze it for 20mins before making, to help the freezing process. The machine is switched on and the ice cream batter is poured into an opening on the top of the machine. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for the ice cream to process and you can start dispensing it into a bowl or a cone, using the handle on the front of the machine.

It’s easy to use, kids can make their own cones, they can choose what goodies to add, and the hardest part of it is deciding which flavour ice cream to make. A great family favourite.

Check out Amazon.com for Free Delivery and special offers on the Cuisinart ICE-45

Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker

The Nostalgia ICMP400 is a great machine for getting the kids involved. This is an ice and salt type of ice cream maker, with an electric motor for churning the ice cream.

This makes a soft scoop type of ice cream, it is made in a container which is put into the blue bucket, with the ice cream batter inside, the lid is put on and then the motor part is attached. The kids like doing the next bit which is to surround the ice cream container with a layer of ice, then a layer of salt and repeat until it is filled. Switch on and leave for about 30 mins before checking.

This is a 4 quart machine so you can make a lot more ice cream in one go. It is a bit more messy with the ice and salt, but the ice cream can be scooped out and put in a cone or a bowl and any toppings added. This ice cream maker price makes it a great budget buy.

Check out any special offers at Amazon.com for the Nostalgia ICMP400

Verdict

Whatever ice cream machines that you consider, whether you go for the basic Nostalgia or the ICE-45, your kids will love making their own ice cream. With these 2 Ice Cream Machines for kids, hands on fun time is a certainty for this summer. I hope this has helped give you a couple of options to keep your kids happy making one of their favourite foods.

Buy the Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE  and the Cuisinart ICE-45 at Amazon.com