Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker uses ice and rock salt to prepare four quarts of ice cream in approximately 20 to 40 minutes. This model -- which should be used either outdoors or near a floor drain -- has an aluminum inner canister surrounded by a plastic outer bucket, which consumers say is easy to clean. Adding ice and rock salt can be labor-intensive, but most reviewers say operating this machine is relatively simple. It is loud during use, and some owners complain that the ice cream is too soft after preparation. Like most ice cream makers, the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker produces a soft-serve consistency; placing prepared ice cream in the freezer for few hours will firm it up to desired consistency. The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker costs considerably less than its White Mountain competitors, including the Rival White Mountain 6-Quart F69206-X (*Est. $240), which is surrounded by complaints of malfunctioning motors and leaky buckets.

Nearly 160 owners offer feedback on the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker on Amazon.com. Additional user reviews are found on Epinions.com and Viewpoints.com, but some reviews found on Viewpoints.com appear to be referring to a different model. CookwareTalk.com features a detailed individual review of this model, but unfortunately, the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker isn't included in any professional roundups.