When buying a soft serve ice cream maker, consider the capacity you will need. A large-capacity soft serve ice cream maker will enable you to make large quantities of ice cream, although the machine might take up a great deal of storage space. Compact models are good for single servings and small enough to keep on most counters. If you find these machines are difficult to locate, consider buying one online or from a home-shopping television network. You should also consider a soft serve ice cream maker that can create other frozen desserts, such as frozen yogurt and fruit smoothies.
Purchase a soft serve ice cream maker that comes complete with all accessories you will need. This is more convenient than having to search various stores for storage bowls and other items that might be needed. Look for set that comes with a freezer-safe mixing bowl. Another convenient accessory to look for is a recipe booklet to get you started.
As you comparison shop, consider the time it will take to create your desserts. Some ice cream makers take as little as 15 or 20 minutes to prepare your treats, while others can take 30 minutes or longer. When you are serving company, this may be an important factor. A built-in timer is a very handy feature to have as well.
A soft serve ice cream maker that has removable, dishwasher-safe parts may be convenient for clean up. Read the package label carefully, as not all ice cream makers include dishwasher-safe bowls and cups. Another option to consider is whether you prefer a manually operated ice cream maker or an electric model that could cost more money.
Some ice cream makers require the use of salt, which may be an inconvenience. If this is a concern, there are machines on the market that do not require salt for preparing soft serve ice cream. Again, it is best to read the packaging carefully as requirements may vary depending on the model.
If you are looking for a restaurant-quality or commercial soft serve ice cream maker, buy your product from a reputable manufacturer. Your options might include the choice of a single or twin flavor ice cream machine. Commercial-grade ice cream makers can be very expensive, so do some research before choosing one.