1. It's healthier
Not only will the ice cream you make with your own machine be far healthier than the stuff you buy in the store, it will also be far healthier than the "no-churn" ice cream recipes that are so popular these days.
Store bought ice creams are often full of preservatives that you won't need in homemade ice cream (which is likely to be eaten very quickly!). They're also full of sugar. Sugar is important in ice cream. But you really don't need as much as they put in commercial ice cream.
Homemade ice cream is better for your tummy!
No-churn ice cream recipes are great because they're super quick and easy to make. But to work without a machine they have to be full of fat. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to whip air into them before you freeze them. And again they're high in sugar, as this also helps the texture when there's no machine involved.
With a proper ice cream maker you can reduce the sugar and the fat and still get really great results.
2. It tastes better
Yep, because you have complete control over the ingredients can make ice cream exactly how like it. With whatever ingredients and flavors you fancy. Including those you'd never find in the store!
Freshly made ice cream is smoother and tastes fresher too. And because you're not forced to use unhealthy levels of fat as you would with no churn ice creams, the flavors can come through stronger and brighter.
Homemade Pistachio ice cream tastes better than anything bought in the store
In short, an ice cream maker gives you far more control over the way your ice cream tastes so it allows you to make exactly what you want, exactly how you like it. You won't be able to do this without a dedicated machine.
3. Sorbets, Slushies, Frozen Margaritas
Despite the name, an ice cream maker isn't limited to just ice cream. You can make a whole range of other frozen treats too, including dairy free sorbets, all sorts of slushie drinks and frozen cocktails.
It's not just about ice cream though!
For sure: you can make sorbets and granitas without an ice cream maker. But it's really time consuming and difficult and the results will always be inferior to those made in a proper ice cream maker.
4. It's cost effective!
If you eat a lot of ice cream then you're going to save a huge amount of money by making your own. Especially when you consider that one of the best machines is available for less than $45 and will last a lifetime!
5. Get rid of the dairy
With more and more people keen to cut down their dairy consumption, or even quit all together, dairy free ice creams are becoming increasingly popular. But as yet there aren't too many decent options in the stores.
Non-dairy Coconut ice cream
An ice cream maker doesn't care whether you use dairy or not! Coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk. With the right recipe, pretty much any non-dairy milk can be whipped up a treat in an ice cream maker.
6. Use up overripe fruit
The best fruit ice cream is made with fruit that's actually overripe. Too ripe to eat by itself anyway. Usually you might end up throwing this fruit out. But with an ice cream maker you can whizz it into a creamy base and voila, you have some of best ice cream you'll ever taste!
Over ripe bananas are perfect for ice cream
If I've managed to convince you that you need to get an ice cream maker, then check out my comprehensive buying guide. I've tested every machine myself over a long period so I know what I'm talking about.
And there's something for every budget and kitchen set up, so you're bound to find one that's ideal for you circumstances.
