SPT KI-15 Ice Cream Maker (1.5 Qts)

This machine is a workhorse. We made six different ice creams in one day and it worked beautifully. You will feel it get a little warm

I don't know how it compares to the more popular brands, but from my own experience it definitely does what it's made for at a cheaper cost.Cooling time: For me, it takes about 50 - 60 mins to get a good soft texture that you can either harden more after it's all done or enjoy it. After it finishes the churning and cooling process, it will automatically go into a cooling mode if left in there so your finished product doesn't melt which is a good feature to have.Toppings: The opening I think could be a little bigger or have a bigger opening on top to drop any toppings in. Having to use the same opening to pour your mixture in and toppings isn't very optimal which leads me to just taking the top part off and pouring my mixture in and then afterwards just using the opening after to drop what I want in.Easy to use: I like the simplicity since all you do is choose the time and press start; if more time is needed you just press the timer and it adds more time automatically.Texture: As long as your mixture is good and smooth then your finish product will yield the same results.Overall, it's a great product if you enjoy eating ice cream a lot and can save you money in the long run or even make you some. I'll update my review if I run into any issues later on, but for now I would recommend.

The first machine I received had a non-functioning motor, which was a bummer. Contacting support and receiving a replacement was simple and easy. I chose to have ups drop a return label for the old machine, and took it to a local ups drop off, couldn't be simpler.The second machine has been used twice with no issues at all. I used a simple 2 to 1 ratio of cream to milk, 1/3 cup of sugar and then the flavor of my choice to see how well it would perform with a basic recipe. It took roughly 50 minutes to reach soft serve on both attempts. The first batch was eaten immediatly with pleasing results. (I have a large family, so 1.5 qts doesn't go far). The second batch, I removed the motor, as per the instructions, then I set it to continue freezing for another 20 minutes. I failed to remove the paddle first, which created quite a challenge when trying to get the ice cream out. Most of it was frozen quite firmly with the center still a soft consistency so I had to run a bit of water around the canister to loosen things up to remove the paddle. The freezing function works very well. The instructions are fairly simple and easy to understand. I am happy that I can make ice cream without freezing a canister for a day or having to make a mess with large amounts of rock salt and ice. No more condensation on the counter. It's a fair trade off for a machine that has a large footprint and is a bit heavy and awkward to get out and use. The small amount it makes is the only drawback considering this machine costs around the same as a 7 cubic ft budget chest freezer.

I have used this at least 8 times since I got it a couple of weeks ago. I really like it. It's easy to use, it works really well, and the end result has always been great. I'm really happy I got it.

I already made three kinds of ice cream( strawberry cheesecake, Vanilla, and Royal milk tea),and they all were so good! I think once I get used to, it would not be so difficult, but putting the motor on the machine is pretty hard. I don't like the lid for the small opening, because it doesn't stay on well.