[ShottleBop]

Several months ago, we bought a Hamilton Beach 1 1/2 quart ice cream maker for $25. It has a mixing bowl that you freeze beforehand. The motor and mixing blade, however, were kind of weak, and the thing has been cra**ing out on us. I had heard that the Cuisinart 1 1/2 quart ice cream maker had a better motor, and we were checking that out on Amazon, when we saw that KitchenAid puts out a kit for its kitchen stand mixers: an attachment that comes with a mixing blade and a bowl, tailored to the KitchenAid, that you freeze first.

Well, we KNOW how reliable--and strong--the KitchenAid motor is, and every mixing blade/paddle has been super-sturdy, as well. Plus--that KitchenAid sits on the cupboard all the time--we regain some counterspace if we buy the accessory. I will report back after we've had a chance to try it out.

[Granny Shanny]

As I began reading your post, my mind was going to KitchenAid before I ever got to the end. While I don't have the ice cream accessories, I've had my KitchenAid mixer for 25 years, had it rebuilt once back in the mid-1990s, and could absolutely not run my kitchen without it. Good luck with your ice cream!

[mzteacher]

you may want to check out the ice cream makers that are self contained....meaning you don't have to pre freeze the bowl...you simply pour in the ingredients and turn it on and 25-30 min. later you have ice cream... i would suggest one with a removable bowl...but even those with out that feature work great....if you decide on a pre freeze bowl model i would check out the donvier... you have tto turn it once or twice every five minutes or so...very easy to use and easy to clean....i have several in my class...for home i much prefer the ease of no pre freezing, no planning ahead and not using freezer space....the expense is higher but they are a wonderful gadget!
good luck with your search!
susan