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New Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker not freezing

16 years ago

I bought a new 1 1/2 qt. Cuisinart IC Maker a couple of weeks ago and put it in my freezer for a week and it was not completely frozen.

Next I put it in my new Sub Zero freezer way in the back. And the darn thing is still not frozen and it's been over 48 hrs now.

Should I take it back?

Michelle

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Comments (12)

centralcacyclist
16 years ago
Have you tried making ice cream with it? It may be plenty cold enough to do it's job. You will end up with a soft-serve product that will require additional time in the freezer. It's the nature of the process.
cloudy_christine
16 years ago
The container in my ice-cream maker never freezes solid; it sounds as if ice and slush are in it. Whatever is in it must have a very low freezing point. Maybe yours is fine.
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Bellsmom, Ice cream freezers are a pretty mature technology, and Cuisinart isn't likely to turn belly up during your warranty period, so why not? :) I like that the 100 has the different paddles, though I don't know how big a difference it makes. I donated counter space that wasn't all that useful anyway to mine, but I wish it did a magic appear/disappear act. :) Yours should be fine in the pantry if you have a solid counter and a plug. It's sure to vibrate a lot and needs some clear space for the circulation of warm air (i.e., not right up against your foodstuffs because they want cool pantry, and a freezer will warm it up). Those are the biggest problems with putting it in the pantry. Do you have a laundry room where you could put it? Maybe keep a cloth over it when not in use to keep away lint, etc. Or even a protected porch? The lack of water shouldn't be a big issue because of the removable bowl. You can take all the main parts to the sink for cleaning (maybe keep a little dishpan with the machine to dump them in, and just bring a sponge or rag and a small bowl (or the dishpan) of water to the machine for wiping it down. Kids love making frozen treats, and it's also a great way to teach them about what's in what they're eating. Be really honest with yourself, however. Do you really want to be carrying the ingredients back and forth? And the clean-up? Would you rather have it on the kitchen counter? Would giving up freezer space be no issue because you'd be using the space you usually fill with bought ice cream for the bowl of a non-freezer model? Will you use it more if it's just ready to go? Will you use it less if you have to unearth the bowl from a pile of stuff in the freezer? I know the arias are beautiful, but imagine yourself doing the conducting. Read through the instructions online and imagine yourself doing the work. See which model you'd really rather have to fit into your real life and way of doing things, and your particular cooking setup. You're already well informed. That's the next good step to making a choice.
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Cathy seems to be right. The first time I used it, I poured the mixture into the bowl, then turned it on. The mixture in the center was creamy but there was about 1/4 inch thick of ice cream hardened on the side of the bowl. The 2nd time, I turned the machine on and then pour the mixture in slowly. There was only a thin layer of ice cream a little harden but not as hard as the first time. Both times I used the same recipe. From then on, I turned the machine on first then, pour in the mixture. By the way, my mixture usually have small pieces of fresh fruits when mixing and it came out fine.
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Do you have a freezer thermometer? If not, you should get one to find out exactly what temperature your freezer is. It must get down to 0Â°F in order for the ice cream maker to work. As also said above, if the room temperature is too high, it will take longer. I've noticed that if people open the freezer too often, it causes the freezer temperature to rise, and so I'm very happy now that I have an ice dispenser in the door so that my freezer door is very seldom open now. If the door does get opened, it should be closed as quickly as possible - it is very bad to stand browsing with the freezer door open - I won't tolerate that. Also, when you are getting something out of the freezer, you should get it out as quickly as possible and close the door as quickly as possible in order to keep the temperature down. This is more critical on older freezers, but it will also save you energy on the newer ones. How old is your freezer? Are you able to measure the temperature? Lars
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Just 10 days ago I bought a red 1 1/2 qt Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker thru Amazon.com. $48.65 no shipping, no tax, came thru in 3 days. I believe the white was $2 cheaper. Have made 3 batches so far. First batch recipe was wrong, then I switch to my 'old favorite' and the others has been great. I keep the bowl in the freezer all the time, ready to go. I find on this 1 1/2 qt size five cups of mix is quite enough. As it freezes it expands. No mess with the ice and salt. We use a 30 minute time, it is soft set at this point, then put in the freezer to set up. Perfect size for the two of us. I think a busy young family would need the 2 qt. size. Sure you need the Ice Cream Maker !!
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lsr2002
16 years ago
Mine will only freeze to "slushy" sounding in the freezer of my side by side, and does not work well like that. But it freezes solidly in my chest freezer, which is where I now store it.

Keep us updated after you try it.

Lee
Bizzo
16 years ago
The thing we learned about making ice cream (and that's my husband's realm) is to make the custard the day ahead, and put it in the fridge to cool way down. Then put it in the ice cream maker (pulling the bowl out of the freezer), and then back to the freezer.

Not the question you asked, I know, but I'd try it out and see if you like the results before you take it back. It may work fine!
msafirstein
Original Author
16 years ago
I've tried twice to make ice cream with no luck. Both times the ice cream had been put in the frig for at least 24 hours. After about 45 minutes in the machine there was no difference in consistency what so ever.

I will try it one more time. This is very disappointing.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Michelle
centralcacyclist
16 years ago
Have you checked the temp on your freezer? Just a thought. Maybe the freezer compartment just isn't quite cold enough. I have the 2 flavor Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker and it seems to work fine. Soft, though, when first done. Maybe if you do it early in the morning before the kitchen gets warm you'll have better luck.
kathleen_li
16 years ago
Ohhh, you are making me nervous...I haven't tried mine yet, and I also have a side by side! Mine is the 2 qt. As soon as I try it I will let you know Michelle.
homesforsale
16 years ago
The first time I tried..I had not cooled the blueberry "stuff" enough..and my basket was not chilled enough..

Chest freezer works for me..and I agree make sure ALL ings are cold cold before making it..and allow for a good freezing period after making it..:) I was disappointed first time too..It takes a good 24 hr freeze in the chest for mine to work..
msafirstein
Original Author
16 years ago
kathleen, I KNOW..I thought of you after my second attempt was botched! Dang it all!! But I will try one more time this weekend. Jain's Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream is excellent even though I had to freeze it without the IC Maker.

Michelle
msafirstein
Original Author
16 years ago
Rest assured Kathleen....the darn thing finally froze. Geesh, it's been in 2 freezers for almost 2 wks now and this morning I checked it and sure enough frozen solid.

Michelle
kathleen_li
16 years ago
Wow, you really have to plan ahead!! I still can't fit it in the freezer...dh keeps buying meat...and Blue Bunny Ice cream cause it was a good sale!LOL
lsr2002
16 years ago
Michelle, I'm glad it finally froze! When I use mine, as soon as I take the ice cream out and pack it in another container and put it in the freezer, I rinse out the canister with cold water, and shake it off (drying it will result in bits of lint freezing to the sides). I then put it in a plastic bag and right back into the chest freezer. Don't even be tempted to try to make a second batch of ice cream before it refreezes overnight.

Lee

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