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Whynter Automatic Ice Cream & Yogurt Maker, 2.1 Qt vs Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Whynter Automatic Ice Cream & Yogurt Maker, 2.1 Qt ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on texture, speed & batch size, cleaning & noise.
The biggest complaint about the Whynter Automatic Ice Cream & Yogurt Maker, 2.1 Qt is ice cream sticks to the paddle; for the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker it's loud whine, slower than the ice-21. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Whynter Automatic Ice Cream & Yogurt Maker, 2.1 Qt | Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in ice cream makers | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Compressor | Freezer bowl |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 5% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Texture | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Speed & batch size | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Ease of use & prep | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Cleaning & noise | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | — |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Whynter Automatic Ice Cream & Yogurt Maker, 2.1 Qt
- Ice cream sticks to the paddle
Food & Wine had to scrape a lot of ice cream and sorbet off the paddle. Serious Eats saw base freeze on the bottom of the bowl in its first test (it mixed in when scraped).
Source: Food & Wine, Serious Eats - Small mix-in window
The flip-up window is only a few inches wide, so pouring in caramel and peanuts took care to avoid spills (Serious Eats).
Source: Serious Eats - Large, heavy, and pricier than canister models
About 24 pounds and takes significant counter or cabinet space (Food & Wine). Amazon owners are split on value, and about 14 of 48 reliability mentions are negative.
Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
- Loud whine, slower than the ICE-21
Serious Eats' unit made a loud, wheezing whine that grew louder as it churned. Wirecutter found it louder and slower than the ICE-21.
Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter - Icy buildup and less-smooth sorbet
Serious Eats saw icy buildup on the bowl walls that took effort to scrape, and a lid that wouldn't fully lock. Wirecutter found its treats icier than its picks, and Food & Wine's sorbet was less smooth than from machines with sorbet settings.
- Pre-freezing and a real limit below 2 quarts
The bowl must be frozen ahead (6 to 22 hours per Serious Eats' spec box). Food & Wine says to stay below the 1.5-quart line for base plus mix-ins to avoid overflow.
Source: Serious Eats, Food & Wine
Who should pick which
Pick the Whynter Automatic Ice Cream & Yogurt Maker, 2.1 Qt if
Frequent ice cream makers who want no pre-freezing
2-quart batches
Also making homemade yogurt
Skip it if: Counter or cabinet space is tight; You add lots of sauces and mix-ins mid-churn; You only make ice cream a few times a year
Pick the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker if
Bigger batches without paying for a compressor
Simple on/off operation
Small kitchens
Skip it if: Noise bothers you; You want the smoothest sorbet; You can't plan a day ahead
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