We do not need an ice cream maker to make ice cream at home. I bought 1.5 litre Kenwood Ice Cream Maker IM280 on Groupon for RM199 few months ago and it is still in the box. It is one of the few electrical appliances that I regret buying. I sent it in for Kenwood warranty service before I started using. The paddle could not be fit into the power unit. This was the second faulty product I received from Groupon. I was kind of sad. I lose confidence in Groupon. I lose confidence in Kenwood brand.
Kenwood Ice Cream Maker Review
Kenwood is a good brand but Kenwood appliances are especially expensive. I got a replacement for the faulty one. However, I am wondering whether that replacement is brand-new. Inside the product box, you will find ice cream maker power unit, lid, paddle, freezer bowl and product information sheet (with recipes). Go to Kenwood Ice Cream Maker Recipes.
Specifications and features:
- Wide ingredients feeder
- Completely removable non-stick freezer bowl
- Non-slip base for safe operation
- Homemade ice cream in 15 to 30 minutes
- Convenient On/Off switch
- Easy to disassemble
- Fast freezing double insulated freezer bowl
- Practical side handles
5 Reasons not to buy Kenwood Ice Cream Maker:
- The freezer bowl must be freeze 24 hours in advance before using. I find it inconvenient. I cannot keep it in the freezer as the freezer bowl is quite big and occupies a lot of space in a normal refrigerator.
- Taking care of the freezer bowl is quite troublesome. It is suggested to place the freezer bowl in a plastic bag before freezing. Make sure the bowl is thoroughly dry and freeze it in the upright position. Remove the bowl from the freezer only if the ice cream mixture is ready.
- The freezer bowl must be allowed to reach room temperature before attempting to clean. Although the freezing solution in the freezer bowl was stated as non-toxic in the information sheet, I am still a bit worried as it is still chemical I believe. If the freezing solution appears to be leaking from the bowl, the maker has reached the end of its life.
- It takes up to 15 to 30 minutes for the mixture to churn until frozen or the desired consistency. The ice cream produced is a soft spoonable type (not the hard type). So, if you like the hard type ice cream (like me), you have to transfer the ice cream to a separate container to firm the ice cream for a few hours before eating.
- This ice cream maker is quite expensive. I have seen cheaper and better Chinese ice cream makers on Lazada, if you really need one. There is no need to freeze anything and ice cream can be made with the touch of a button.