Ice cream maker recommendations?

[trisho.]

Hi kids. I'm considering getting an ice cream maker. I'm vacillating amongst these models:

Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Makers
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...ppegeek-20 - $49.95
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/.../index.cfm - $59.95 Cheaper at Williams Sonoma once you count the free extra bowl (shipping costs extra though)

Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker - $79.95
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-ICE-30BC...bs_k_img_1

KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment - $74.92 (I already have the mixer)
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KICA0WH..._6?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1212182494&sr=8-6

Which do you recommend? It seems like the 2 qt maker gets better reviews. I would be completely happy with 1.5 qt and $30 more in my pocket. But, I also need to weigh how much I'm going to use this thing. I would like to make my own mint cookie ice cream with crumbles from my own mint chocolate cookies. There are a few other recipes I discovered that sound great: Blueberry Lavender, Honey Chamomile, and Gianduja Stracciatella Gelato. The last one finally made me start considering buying one. I poo pooed my boyfriend's suggestion a couple of weeks ago. Boy was I (possibly) wrong. Oh, and how often do you use yours and for how many people.

Thanks gang.

[freeradical]

I have the 1 1/2 qt Cuisinart model. It works great. You can make two batches of ice cream from one freeze of the bowl.

[shadow]

We have the Cuisinart ICE-30BC and it is dangerous. So far, we've made several batches of vanilla, chocolate, chocolate marshmallow, and mint chip. My waistline is expanding just thinking about it. BTW, I recommend always starting with a custard base - it gives a much more creamy and consistent final product. Though, it is a lot more work.

I can't remember why I chose the 2QT model instead of the 1.5QT one.

[Bixby]

No help here, but this is the one I want:

http://www.amazon.com/Musso-4050-MUSSO-L...11?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1212233190&sr=8-11

[OWC Jamie]

Sounds like the best ice cream maker is going to be you.

Where do we sign up for taste-testing ?

[trisho.]

Dude, Bixby...that's more than my rent. It's gorgeous as hell though.

freeradical: You bring up a good point. Is it then worth it for me to buy the set from Williams-Sonoma for $10 more to get the extra freezer bowl? I just tried searching for free shipping coupons and nothing's coming up. The shipping would be $11.50 for just that. I wouldn't need the extra bowl unless I wanted to make 2 flavours at once, right?

shadow: Is there a way to make lighter versions of ice cream in that? I would also like to try that besides the decadent ones.

Thanks guys.

[Big Daddy Cool]

Go for the one with extra freezer bowl.
Trust me, you'll need the extra bowl as they take at least overnight to freeze to the desired temp and I never got more than one batch out of one bowl when I had the Cuisinart. (I've since graduated to a self-contained restaurant machine with a compressor).

[Big Daddy Cool]

Supposedly, this link gives you free shipping at Williams Sonoma:

http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&url=http://www.williams-sonoma.com/index.cfm?bnrid=3101500&cm_ven=E3&cm_cat=EDM&cm_pla=080530%20Nonb&cm_ite=080530%20Nonb%20ShopBTN

[jesse]

I have the kitchenaid attachment and was really impressed with it. I keep the bowl in the freezer so that it's ready whenever I need it.

[Spiff]

Go for the Cuisinart. I gave the 2 quart model to my then GF, now fiance, and we both love it! Quiet (as quiet as a kitchen appliance can be), quick (30 minutes), and no hassle. Get the 2 vs the 1.5 quart as people complain that the 1.5 quart bin is not large enough and contents spill over. You can make some great fat free recipes if you really try and do research. However, the fat included stuff tastes soooooo much better. =)