Lakeland mini ice cream maker review

Available from Lakeland (£19.99)

Read our full review of the best ice cream makers

The Lakeland mini ice cream maker may be small (it only makes half a litre of ice cream), but it delivers big on cuteness with its pretty pink colour.

There are only three parts to the machine: the pre-freeze bowl, a lid which integrates the small motor and a slightly flimsy paddle. There are no added functions, just an on and off switch. Size is undoubtedly on the side of this machine if freezer space is at a premium – it will tuck into the smallest space and snuggle down comfortably next to the frozen peas.

The manual states the bowl will freeze in 8-12 hours, but on the first test, this wasn’t enough time to freeze the cream. Overnight gave much better results.

Once set up (which is easy with only a handful of parts) and switched on, pouring the cream into the tiny opening in the lid was tricky and best done with a jug.

The churning was noisy but not irritatingly loud. The machine also wobbled a little on the work surface, especially as the cream began to freeze.

After 20 minutes, it was clear the ice cream was as far as it could go – the consistency hadn’t changed for five minutes, and the bowl had began to defrost.

We were very surprised at the results, given its low price. The cream was beautifully smooth and light and could be served immediately – perfect for showing children how to make ice cream with quick taste tests!

We stored our ice cream, and after 24 hours it was still creamy. After 48 hours we noticed a little graininess, the freshly churned ice was by far the best.

Once defrosted, the maker is easily disassembled and washed-up.

This may be a tiny ice cream machine, but it packs quite a punch. It’s ideal for those after a small quantity of ice cream produced quickly and easily.

Available from Lakeland (£19.99)

Lakeland mini ice cream maker specifications
Type: pre-freeze
Capacity: 0.5 litre
Size: 14.5cm diameter x 17cm
Noise: a little noisy
Settings: on and off only
Functions: makes ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt
Lid: two openings
Extras: none
Guarantee: three years
Cleaning: paddles and lid dishwasher-safe
Instruction manual: yes
Recipes: yes

Read our full review of the best ice cream makers

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This review was last updated in May 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

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