(checked 2026-10-10)4% 1-star + 1% 2-star of about 2,984 ratings.
A simple compressor machine with a separate gelato paddle that Serious Eats' editors like, but Wirecutter ranked its ice cream last and found it slow. Owners often mention a squeaky motor, and durability reports on Amazon are split.
Top complaints
- Slow, and last in Wirecutter's taste test
Wirecutter says it took a long time to churn and its ice cream ranked last in taste tests. Serious Eats averaged 46 minutes for ice cream.
Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats - Squeaky, noisy motor
Serious Eats' unit made a repetitive squeak like a dog toy that never fully went away. Amazon's summary says some find it rather squeaky; about 116 of 195 noise mentions are negative.
- Mixed durability
Amazon's summary says some owners report it breaking down on the third try; durability mentions are split (about 56 positive vs 64 negative).
What owners love
- Silky ice cream and gelato paddle
Serious Eats made silky ice cream and frozen yogurt with no noticeable iciness, and it includes a special paddle for thick sorbet and gelato.
Source: Serious Eats - Very simple controls
Just power, timer and start/stop buttons plus a 10-minute keep-cool mode (Serious Eats). Ease of use is a strong Amazon positive (about 343 vs 29).
- Proven for big projects
A Serious Eats senior editor churned nearly two dozen pints of ice cream in it as wedding favors.
Source: Serious Eats
- You want the fastest churn
- Squeaky noise bothers you
- You need more than 1.5 quarts at a time
- Simple three-button compressor operation
- Gelato and thick sorbet (dedicated paddle)
- Several batches in a day
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Editor-favorite compressor ice cream maker (updated 2026-07-21): silky results and simple controls; squeaky motor and a small mix-in window.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Couldn't compete with other compressor models: slow to churn, and its ice cream ranked last in taste tests.