On a scorching day, nothing quite beats a refreshing scoop of ice cream. Savvy shoppers have stumbled upon a clever kitchen gadget for under £20 that's churning out 'the best ice cream I have had in years' — and it couldn't be simpler to use.
Compact and Affordable
Lakeland's Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker, which doubles up as a sorbet and frozen yoghurt machine, is available for £14.99 on Amazon — cheaper than the £24.99 price tag on the Lakeland website. Those with packed-out freezers will be pleased to know this compact device slots neatly into tight spaces. Simply pop the bowl in the freezer 8-12 hours beforehand, pour in the ingredients, switch the machine on for 25 minutes, and enjoy a gloriously smooth frozen treat.
Perfect Portion Size
The Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker produces 0.5L of ice cream, with one satisfied customer noting: "This produces the equivalent of a Ben and Jerry's tub, which is all my wife and I would buy anyway, and all that can fit in our freezer drawer so that's perfect." For some, however, that's not quite sufficient, with one reviewer admitting: "I both love and hate this machine in equal measure. It is incredibly easy to use, and the ice cream is delicious, but...it just doesn't make enough."
Larger Alternatives
Bigger households may prefer a larger model, such as the Freeze Ease Ice Cream Maker by Cuisinart. Currently reduced to £94.99 from £149.99 on Amazon, shoppers are hailing it as 'an amazing piece of kit' that produces 'lovely soft scoop ice cream' in 45 minutes. For those seeking a single or double portion in minimal time, the Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker could be exactly what you need. One delighted customer wrote: "Lovely compact ice cream maker, makes half a litre of delicious ice cream or sorbet in 15 minutes. Great for using leftover fruit and yoghurt. Have had it a week and already used it 3 times."
Dairy-Free and Versatile
Highlighting that it works brilliantly for dairy-free desserts, another reviewer commented: "Love this. It is so easy to use. Completely made up a dairy-free recipe and 20 mins later all tucking in to a little bowl of coconut and raspberry ice cream. Perfect size for us as we are on a boat." The appliance includes four recipes to get started, featuring homemade ice cream, refreshing sorbet, and tasty frozen yoghurt, though there's plenty more inspiration available online to try throughout the summer months.
Transparent Lid and Quiet Operation
To monitor the churning process, the ice cream maker features a transparent lid. At £14.99, customers are thrilled with the price point — one buyer noted: "This machine has already been worth the money! Made a nice lemon sorbet and a vanilla ice cream so far. You do have to freeze immediately when it is done, but it acts like store-bought ice cream after freezing (but yummier and far cheaper)." Many buyers are 'very happy' with the Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker, praising it for making 'lovely ice cream after only a few minutes'. Reviewers also highlight that it is 'not noisy' and 'easy to clean', making for a fun and hassle-free experience.
Other Options
Another wallet-friendly option is the Pro Cook 1.5L Ice Cream Maker, currently on sale for £39.20, which churns out ice cream or sorbet in 45 minutes. Those with a bigger budget may wish to look at SharkNinja's Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream Maker and Soft Serve, now reduced to £269.99 from £349.99.
