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Do you like sorbet? Ice cream? Gelato? Frozen yogurt? If yes, a sorbet maker is probably a worthy investment since you’ll be able to create hundreds of different combinations with a simple push of a button.
Ice cream makers allow you to control your ingredients, customize your flavours and mix-ins, and have fresh, delicious ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, or gelato even at 3 am when the mood strikes.
There are so many ways to customize when you make it yourself, and having a sorbet maker at home ensures you’ll never let a craving go unsated again.
If you’re starting your search for a sorbet maker, you’ve come to the right place. With the dozens of options, styles, types, features, and price ranges, it can be a challenge to narrow down your selection, let alone take the plunge and make a purchase.
After 26 hours of research analyzing 29 products and considering 953 customer reviews, we’re well-equipped to help you choose.
You’ll find the best sorbet makers in Canada on this list, and no matter which one you choose, you’ll have delicious, creamy sorbet in no time.
Following our last update, we recommend the Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker for its versatility, ease of use, and delicious results.
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Sorbet Maker Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP PICK
|
Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker
|
|
9.4/10 | See price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker
|
|
9.1/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
Yonanas 902 Classic Soft Serve Maker
|
|
8.9/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Sorbet Maker
Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker Review
The Best Overall
Cuisinart
For a balance of value and quality, choose the Cuisinart ICE-70C gelato, ice cream, and sorbet maker. Our top pick is user-friendly, easy to operate, easy to take care of and clean up after, and best of all, makes delicious fresh frozen treats with fully automatic functioning.
Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker Video Review
What We Think of The Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker
The Cuisinart frozen dessert maker is versatile enough to handle all types of frozen treats without any extra effort. It is equipped with three separate modes for gelato, ice cream, and sorbet to make each to perfection. These difference modes are useful since each type of frozen dessert is a little different, and this smart machine doesn’t rely on a single method of operation, resulting in richer, yummier sorbet or perfectly whipped ice cream.
This ice cream maker does require you to freeze the bowl beforehand, so we recommend keeping it in the freezer rather than in a cupboard so you’re always ready to start making a frozen treat when the mood strikes. Its large capacity doesn’t quite hit 2 litres, but it’s close enough that the entire family can enjoy ice cream out of a single batch. Of course, you also have the option of making multiple smaller batches if you want to enjoy a variety of flavours in quick succession.
I make a fair bit ice cream every month since my kids are obsessed with it, so to me it was worth buying a whole appliance. The timer function is super helpful and it makes a really thick fluffy ice cream that I’m very happy with. It is noisy, but it isn’t so loud that it’s unreasonable. The pre-sets make using it easy enough for my kids to do on their own, so I approve.
janet d.
This sorbet maker is one of the most user-friendly since it is lightweight at under 5 lbs, has non-slip feet for stability when in action, and has a timer function so you don’t have to use a separate device to monitor your mixing and cooling time. The lid even has a convenient spout for adding your mix-ins without stopping and taking the whole lid off.
Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.7” x 8.6” x 13.2”
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Colour: Silver
- Pre-Freeze: Bowl
- Modes: 3
- Capacity: 1.9 L
- Timer: Yes
- Warranty: 3 years
Philips Norelco Shaver 7100Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker
Pros
Pros
- Pre-set functions for sorbet, ice cream, and gelato
- Large capacity
- Ingredient spout in lid for mix-ins
- Efficient
Cons
- Bowl must be pre-frozen to freeze ingredients
Our Final Opinion about the Cuisinart ICE-70C Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
While it isn’t a top performer or the most affordable option, this balanced Cuisinart frozen dessert maker is the best all-around product for ease of use, value, and reliable quality that anyone can easily use to make delicious frozen treats at home.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Sorbet Maker
Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker Review
The High Performance Pick
Whynter
For some people, ice cream and sorbet are simply a nice way to cool off during the summer. However, if you’re one of those people who live for a giant bowl of frozen desserts year-round, the Whynter ICM-220CGY automatic ice cream maker will make all of your frozen dessert dreams come true.
Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker Video Review
What We Think of The Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker
The Whynter automatic ice cream maker is a high-end option that makes delicious frozen treats, but it’s a lot more than that as well. Not only does it make the usual ice cream, sorbet, and gelato, it can also make frozen yogurt AND normal yogurt, which is pretty spectacular. The versatility of this sorbet maker is accented by mix only and cool only functions that will do more around the kitchen than make dessert.
This sorbet maker operates via LCD display with an easily navigated menu and a countdown timer so you can plan your mix-ins, prepare your pie with perfect timing, and be alerted the millisecond your fresh sorbet is finished. There is also a pause button in case you want to check the consistency, do a little taste test, or add in your mix-ins through the spout.
Owning this is like having an ice cream parlour in your home. The results are incredible, way better than the store-bought ice creams. I love that it requires no pre-freezing of a bowl or ingredients since I can make frozen treats on a whim with no prep. The quality is great, stainless-steel parts that don’t wear down. It is controlled with a display that is very easy to use. 10/10.
eric c.
You won’t need to pre-freeze with this ice cream maker since it has a compressor that freezes your mixture for you. Not only is this more efficient, it also allows you to make ice cream with no prep or planning, which is often how your cravings for frozen desserts come about. Though it doesn’t quite make 2 litres, you’ll never run out of ice cream even if feeding your whole family since you can make more at any time without any hassle.
Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.75” x 11.25” x 10.25”
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Colour: Champagne gold
- Pre-Freeze: Not required
- Modes: 4
- Capacity: 2 L
- Timer: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Large capacity
- Can make yogurt
- Doesn’t require pre-freezing
- Has an auto-cool function
Cons
Cons
- Incredibly expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 1.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is an extremely expensive ice cream maker, but it includes every feature you could want for at-home frozen dessert making. Its display is simple to navigate, it is incredibly durable with a high build quality, and its results are worlds better than the store-bought versions of your favourite frozen treats.
Our Budget Pick for a Sorbet Maker
Yonanas 902 Classic Soft Serve Maker Review
The Budget Pick
Yonanas
If you love frozen fruit treats and want an easier way of making them at home without spending too much, we recommend the Yonanas 902 classic soft serve maker since its no-frills design and affordable price tag will make any budget-minded shopper pleased.
Yonanas 902 Classic Soft Serve Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Yonanas 902 Classic Soft Serve Maker
The Yonanas classic soft serve maker is the most unique on our list. It cannot make any dairy products like gelato and ice cream, but it is a very effective sorbet maker using any combination of frozen fruits you could think to put together. All you have to do is add in your frozen fruits, let the machine churn it all up for you, and catch the resulting sorbet in a bowl.
The capacity is quite small considering how bulky this device is, and it will only make 0.5 litres of sorbet at a time. Despite this, it does go through quite a few handfuls of frozen fruit to make one serving, so it does come with that added cost since the mixture is so pure using this machine. You can choose to make a single serving or whip up enough frozen fruit for the whole family – you just won’t have leftovers.
This works great, but you have to know how to do it properly. You won’t get smooth results unless you thaw your fruits for about 10 minutes first. This gets the consistency much smoother than a food processor. I love that it’s so healthy, and you can make any combinations you want. You do need a bowl to deposit your sorbet into though, it comes out through a spout.
miranda r.
This machine does not cool your sorbet for you, so you’ll need to start with frozen fruits every time. This can be a little inconvenient if you forget to freeze them or don’t want to wait for them to thaw for about 10 minutes first. This sorbet maker is not very powerful, so it can’t handle fully-frozen fruits. All parts are removable and dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup.
Yonanas 902 Classic Soft Serve Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 14” x 7.5” x 6”
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Colour: Black and silver
- Pre-Freeze: Fruits
- Modes: 1
- Capacity: 0.5 L
- Timer: No
- Warranty: 1 year
Yonanas 902 Classic Soft Serve Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Healthy 100% fruit concoctions
- Quick results
- Compact for simple storage
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Small capacity
- Very limited functionality
Our Final Opinion About the Yonanas 902 Classic Soft Serve Maker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The affordability of this Yonanas soft serve maker makes the limited functionality less irksome. While it can only make frozen fruit puree, it is user-friendly, simple to use, and easier to store than the bulkier ice cream makers on our list. If you want healthy sorbet at any time, this is the right option.
Alternative Products to Consider
Cuisinart ICE-21C Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker Review
The Simple Pick
Cuisinart
If you’re looking for a sorbet maker that can do it all without any effort or frills, you’re in luck. The Cuisinart ICE-21 frozen yogurt, ice cream, and sorbet maker is incredibly easy to use and will efficiently whip a batch of your favourite frozen dessert with just the touch of a button.
Cuisinart ICE-21C Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Cuisinart ICE-21C Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker
The Cuisinart frozen dessert maker could not be simpler to use. Once you’ve added your ingredients and closed up the lid, all you have to do is press a single button and the machine will do all the work. There are no menus to navigate, no extra steps in the process, just a single button and you can walk away. This design choice does limit the machine’s versatility and usefulness, but it is more affordable because of it.
This ice cream maker doesn’t use a compressor to chill your dessert, so you will need to freeze the bowl for about 24 hours beforehand to make sure it’s cold enough to freeze your ingredients. The bowl is easy to clean but the paddle may be a bit more of a pain given its shape, so we recommend taking full advantage of the 1.5 litre capacity each time you make sorbet so you have to clean less often.
I’m never buying store-bought ice cream again. This churns a few simple ingredients into a delicious and healthy ice cream with a perfectly soft, smooth, creamy texture. There is quite a bit left on the paddle when the cycle finishes, and it’s a bit of a pain to clean because of the shape. It works very well and could not be easy – just turn it on and walk away.
jamie v.
The lid has a large spout built in for adding toppings and mix-ins into your ice cream, and this is extra helpful on a model like this since you can’t pause and restart the process like you can with many other products. This ice cream maker is compact and lightweight, making it easier to handle than the models with compressors and heavier motors.
Cuisinart ICE-21C Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.8” x 10.8” x 16”
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Colour: White
- Pre-Freeze: Bowl
- Modes: 0
- Capacity: 1.5 L
- Timer: No
- Warranty: 3 years
Cuisinart ICE-21C Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Fully automatic one button operation
- Lengthy warranty
- Large ingredient spout for mix-ins
- 20 minutes or less wait time for frozen yogurt, ice cream, or sorbet
Cons
- Bowl has to freeze for 24 hours
- Paddle can be a bit difficult to clean
Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart ICE-21C Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This no-frills sorbet maker is ideal for people looking to save a few bucks while enjoying delicious homemade frozen desserts. While it isn’t as sophisticated as many others on our list, its simple functioning can be used by anyone and there is zero guesswork when making your own ice cream. Simple is not always a bad thing!
Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker Review
The Large-Capacity Pick
Hamilton Beach
If you REALLY love sorbet and want an efficient way of making a whole big batch at once, the Hamilton Beach 68330N automatic ice cream maker is the right choice for you since it can make nearly 4 litres at once and can be used as often as you like for sorbet at the snap of your fingers.
What We Think of The Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker
The Hamilton Beach ice cream maker is a little different from the other automatic options on our list. Rather than be powered by electricity to run a compressor that freezes your sorbet, this one uses ice and salt to cool the mixture. While this does require more work for you, and needs several pounds of ice per batch, it is one of the most affordable options on the market.
An easy-lock lid keeps things securely in place, which is a good thing since this machine requires quite a bit of force to mix such large batches of ice cream. Depending on the type and amount of frozen dessert you’re making, the process can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes using this sorbet maker, but there is no timer letting you know how far along the process is.
Fair warning, this thing is LOUD. The freshness and quality are great, way better than store-bought, and it’s fun making our own flavours and mixes. However, it is a bit of a pain to use since you need to layer ice and salt for it to freeze. It has to drain in your sink and it can be difficult to get the motor connected to the paddle properly. There’s a learning curve, but the results are delicious.
daniel g.
The beauty of this ice cream maker is that despite its bulky size, it only weighs 5 lbs when empty. This makes it easier to handle than other smaller machines with large motors and parts that make them 20+ lbs. It doesn’t have any extra functions, but it makes large amounts of frozen treats efficiently and with only a little added effort.
Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.3” x 12.5” x 11.1”
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Colour: White
- Pre-Freeze: No
- Modes: 0
- Capacity: 3.8 L
- Timer: No
- Warranty: 1 year
Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Don’t need to pre-freeze
- High capacity for bigger batches
- Makes all types of frozen treats
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be tricky to get the motor and paddle connected for proper churning
- Requires a bit of work to get going
Our Final Opinion About the Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
While it does take a bit more work, it’s also one of the most cost-effective sorbet makers on the market, so users will appreciate the cost savings in exchange for a little manual labour. The large capacity and simple operation make this a great choice for families needing bigger amounts of sorbet and ice cream at a time.
Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker Review
The Convenient Pick
Whynter
If you want to be able to make sorbet, gelato, or ice cream at a moment’s notice with zero effort, this is the right choice. The Whynter ICM-15LS ice cream maker requires no prep, starts and operates with a press of a button, and is super easy to clean when finished. Essentially, it is convenience in every sense of the word.
Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker
This Whynter model has a slightly smaller capacity than its cousins at 1.5 litres, and considering that the average capacity on ice cream makers is 2 litres, we’re a bit disappointed that this model is pretty expensive and has a smaller capacity than the lower-end options. That being said, it is still large enough to make a decent batch of ice cream that the family can share.
The fully automatic operation is useful, especially considering that there is no pre-freezing necessary. The display is very user-friendly with indicator lights when the machine is cooling and mixing. It has a timer function that counts down from up to an hour depending on the recipe you’re following, plus a start/stop button so you can pause and add your mix-ins without mess.
The first thing we made with this Whynter ice cream maker was simple vanilla ice cream and the results were very good. It was perfectly smooth and high-quality. I wish the instructions included timing for the recipes since it’s not very clear, but it just takes a bit of experimentation. It is quite fast considering nothing is pre-frozen, and the operating noise is barely noticeable.
rj b.
The bowl and churn blade are both removable for effortless cleaning after the machine has done its work. There is minimal background noise while it operates which is quite nice as well. This model does not perform extra modes and does not have any pre-sets for various recipes like Gelato and sorbet, so the high price tag is a bit of a tough pill to swallow. However, it does make delicious results and is worth it for many people.
Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 11” x 18.5” x 10”
- Weight: 27 lbs
- Colour: Silver
- Pre-Freeze: Not required
- Modes: 0
- Capacity: 1.5 L
- Timer: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- LCD temperature and timer display
- High-efficiency compressor
- Doesn’t require any pre-freezing
- Runs very quietly
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t have extra functions like yogurt or mixing only
Our Final Opinion About the Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this Whynter model is slightly overpriced for its functionality. While it is durable, easy to use, and delivers great results no matter what type of frozen dessert you’re making, its usefulness is a bit limited compared to others at the same price point.
Whynter Upright Ice Cream Maker Review
The Upright Pick
Whynter
Ice cream makers can take up quite a bit of room, and this doesn’t work for people in smaller home without much counter space. Luckily, the Whynter upright ice cream maker reduces its footprint by being vertical rather than horizontal to be more manageable in cramped spaces.
Whynter Upright Ice Cream Maker Video Review
What We Think of The Whynter Upright Ice Cream Maker
The Whynter upright ice cream maker is a very user-friendly option. It doesn’t require any pre-freezing since it has a compressor that cools the mixture for you. The inner bowl is stainless steel and removable for easy cleaning. This unit is powerful enough to cool your dessert to -31 degrees F, so you can make any type of frozen dessert efficiently at home with no trouble.
It holds 2 litres of ice cream and has a convenient fill line so you won’t go overboard in your excitement and overload the machine. Its size makes it a little less maneuverable than some other options since it weighs just over 24 lbs. Certainly not something you’ll want to carry around with you, but not unmanageable when being stored in the kitchen.
I got this upright ice cream maker because I got sick of the “freezing the bowl” style maker. The biggest improvement I’ve noticed is that there’s no hard layer of ice cream on the bowl, it comes off cleanly with a soft spatula. The ice cream tastes great and it’s super easy to make a bunch of different flavours and frozen treats. I’ve found the individual cooling and mixing functions helpful too.
jasmine w.
This sorbet maker operates in three different modes depending on what you need it to do: mixing only mode, cooling only mode, or both together which makes your frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbet. A helpful motor protection function will stop the blade from churning if the mixture becomes too cold and solid to avoid damage. The LCD control panel is simple to use and includes a pause function for adding mix-ins and toppings.
Whynter Upright Ice Cream Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.8” x 12.5” x 14.3”
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Colour: Silver
- Pre-Freeze: No
- Modes: 3
- Capacity: 2 L
- Timer: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Whynter Upright Ice Cream Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has cooling only mode, mixing only mode, and ice cream mode
- Ideal capacity
- Pause function for adding additional mix-ins
- Excellent build quality
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Whynter Upright Ice Cream Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
Though expensive, this Whynter Upright ice cream maker makes such great frozen treats that it offers incredible value for your dollar. It’s super easy to use, won’t take up too much space on your counter while it does its thing, and won’t require any forethought or pre-planning.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Sorbet Maker
What is the Difference Between Sorbet, Ice Cream, and Gelato?
Considering that all things sugary and frozen are delicious, you may not notice the subtle differences between sorbet, ice cream and gelato. However, they do exist, and they can make a big difference depending on your frozen treat preferences
Ice cream contains milk, cream, egg yolk, and sweetener. It can be made into any flavour with any mix-ins and is served at the coldest temperature of all the frozen treats. It is the fluffiest frozen dessert as well and can be made as a soft serve that contains more air bubbles.
Gelato is similar to ice cream but uses less cream and never an egg yolk, so it has less fat than ice cream but more than sorbet. It is as versatile flavour-wise as ice cream but is thick and dense with fewer air bubbles than ice cream. It also has a slightly warmer serving temperature and tastes richer than ice cream.
Sorbet is the simplest frozen dessert as it is made of frozen fruit puree and a sweetener like sugar or simple syrup. It has the lightest texture and tastes much richer than ice cream. This dessert can be made without added sweetener if you want to stay a bit healthier.
Is Sorbet Healthy?
The answer is yes and no. Sorbet is similar in calories as a low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt dish, but it usually has extra sugar to make up for the lack of fat, so it’s still a toss up over which is better for you.
Of course, when making it yourself, you can choose to limit the sugar to make it a bit healthier. It is a bit of a plus since it is usually dairy-free, making it the go-to frozen treat for anyone lactose intolerant. It is also vegan.
Why Make Sorbet at Home?
There are many reasons why making sorbet at home is beneficial for you. First of all, not many grocery stores carry a variety of sorbet options since ice cream is the most popular choice, so making it at home is more convenient.
You can customize your ingredients to avoid allergies or cut down on the calories even further. Plus, fresh is always best, and you can make the perfect amount for a treat without too much effort.
How to Properly Choose Your Sorbet Maker
- Price.
Some sorbet makers are quite expensive while others are very budget-friendly. The main determiner of cost when it comes to a sorbet maker is its size, but key features like how it works, its overall quality, and its capabilities also come into play.
There are several options no matter your budget, but the results won’t all be the same and you should expect to pay more for minimal involvement in the process.
- Capacity.
Depending on how much you love ice cream and sorbet, each user will prefer a different capacity. Some models make a single serving while others make a bucketful, so there’s lots of choice and variety out there.
Folks making sorbet for the family will do best with a 2L capacity, which is fairly standard across all types of sorbet makers, but some are as small as 0.5L or as large as 4L or so.
You should also consider how likely you are to become bored with a particular flavour before moving on so you aren’t wasteful.
A smaller capacity may sound like a bad thing at first, but when you consider that you’ll be able to make new flavours and combinations every few days or each week, it sounds more appealing.
- Modes.
Many ice cream makers have various settings for different types of frozen treats. These usually include ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt. However, this is not all you should look for.
Many sorbet makers will have a cooling only function or a mixing only feature so you have more uses with one appliance.
These modes may be combined in one unit, but you may also find sorbet makers that don’t have pre-sets for different frozen treats but can still have individual mixing and cooling functions. Some sorbet/ice cream makers may even be able to make yogurt.
- Timer.
Though not a necessary function per se, timers can be really helpful if you want to add mix-ins at the right time or plan your dessert for a certain time.
Not all sorbet makers will have a timer, but you can expect the machine to take between 15 and 40 minutes on average.
Of course, this depends on the type, size, and specific dessert you’re making, so this is just a general idea of how long you’ll need to wait. A timer paints a much clearer picture so you can plan ahead or be prepared to stuff your face the second your sorbet is finished.
- Pre-Freeze Requirements.
Depending on the type of sorbet/ice cream maker you’re using, your pre-freeze requirements will vary. Some machines require you to freeze the bowl, some have a compressor and you don’t need to pre-freeze at all, some require you to freeze your fruits before using them, and some don’t require pre-freezing but require ice and salt.
Each of these types of ice cream makers will involve a different amount of effort and pre-planning, so knowing how your machine works and how you need to prepare to make sorbet will help avoid disappointment if you’re craving sorbet and haven’t followed the necessary pre-freeze requirements for your machine.
- Size.
Most sorbet makers are fairly bulky machines since they need space to mix your ingredients and contain a motor to power the machine.
That being said, the shape of the sorbet maker has a big impact on its storability since a rectangle shape will easily fit in a cupboard while a large bucket-style ice cream maker will be more challenging.
There are horizontal and upright options available, as well as various sizes of each depending on their cooling source and capacity, so make sure you have a plan for storage before making your purchase decision.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of sorbet makers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
