Hamilton Beach 68330R 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker

Comment: I bought this unit after giving up on the crummy frozen-bowl type of maker (see my other reviews). I looked around quite a bit and settled on the Hamilton Beach because of the reviews and the super-cheap price. I can't believe what some of the hand-cranked machines go for! As a kid, we had the kind with the wooden tubs, so I knew how much they leaked. Anyway, this unit has been everything I'd hoped for. Yes, it is lightly built and could be damaged easily. I'm pretty easy on equipment, so that shouldn't be a problem. It works like it should. At least I knew what to expect from my previous machine. You still should chill your ingredients and shouldn't expect the ice cream to be firm until it's been stored in the freezer overnight. I like the large capacity so that I can add a lot of good chunky stuff (heath bars, oreos, almonds, etc.) Couldn't do that with the little 1-quart unit. The motor has a good fan on it and doesn't overheat EVER! I didn't really think it was all that loud. I use it in the kitchen sink for convenience and the noise wasn't any louder than the dishwasher. Great machine for the money.

Comment: The first two times I made ice cream, it turned out great. When I tried for the third time, the motor wouldn't run.

Comment: THe Item have a big capacity, and so far do the job very good, the only problem is the motor noise, but you can leave it in some place that can't bother you.

Comment: I have been researching ice cream makers and settled on this one after reading lots of reviews. I had been looking at more expensive ones, but since I didn't know how much I'd actually use it, and since the recipes are so fatteningly delicious, I figured I shouldn't be eating it too often anyway. :) I got it in the mail yesterday from Amazon. I made the custard recipe that came with the unit. I followed all the diretions, and allowed the mixture that I cooked to cool over night in the fridge. Today I made it. 25 minutes, about 8 lbs of ice and 2 c. of rock salt...and we had out of this world, home made frozen custard. The machine shut itself off and the consistency of the ice cream was mainly soft serve, but the stuff towards the bottom was already becoming more firm. The directions clearly state that to get the solid ice cream, it needs to go in a freezer, OR pack it with ice and let it set 2 hours in the sink. So, just make sure you understand, that when it is "done" churning, it is at soft serve state....VERY thick soft serve, and oh so delicious!!! I am so glad I didn't spend over $100 to get a White Mountain brand. This little guy makes 4 Qts. of ice cream flawlessly! Just follow the directions!

Comment: I love my ice cream maker. It was so easy. My first try was Butter Pecan Ice Cream and it was wonderful. Everyone loved it. I would definitely recommend this ice cream maker.
Thanks for a wonderful product.