DASH My Pint Ice Cream Maker Machine (Aqua): Multi-Purpose Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine for Homemade Gelato, Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt, Includes Mixing Spoon, Easy to Clean and Store

The media could not be loaded. The key to enjoying this item is to have realistic expectations. It’s not going to preform in the same way as a much more expensive machine. That being said, I’ve had a really great experience so far. There is a pretty steep learning curve and my first few attempts were not so successful. Here are some things that I’ve learned that have attributed to my success:1. It is small. Like two scoops small. Don’t overfill it or you’re going to have a bad time. If you have two kids you might think about buying two of these. (It also needs a full 24 hours of freezer time between uses.)2. Make sure to have everything ready to go. It will immediately start freezing around the edges once liquid is added.3. Don’t make the mixture too thick. Liquid consistency is better.5. Have enough fat in your recipe. Less fat means more ice crystals and less creamy texture.6. The lid doesn’t exactly lock in place. It does have some grooves that it will click into. After you set the lid on turn the lid and you can feel it click into place.7. You’re not going to get rock hard ice cream like at the store. It’s more along the lines of soft serve. If you wanted a more ice cream like consistency you’d need to freeze it after churning. If that’s what you want just buy the big ice cream machine.I have only used this for frozen yogurt but it works really well. I out about a cup of plain Greek yogurt 5% fat) in a bowl and add some almond milk and a splash of half and half. Then I add whatever flavoring or fruit that I want and stir it all up. I get the best results when it is liquid or near liquid in consistency. I’ve found it’s a good way to get extra protein while still satisfying the ice cream cravings.It’s easy to clean. The paddle detaches from the motor. It comes with a plastic spoon. I haven’t used any other spoons but I don’t think metal is a good idea. I hand wash everything and it doesn’t take much time.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Small enough for one serving . I have used it once for frozen yogurt. I froze the container as instructed, scooped a container of refrigerated coffee yogurt into the bowl and started the motor. In about 5 to ten minutes I had a little bowl of soft serve yogurt. I checked the consistency until it was what I wanted. I find that if you set the unit on a damp kitchen towel it doesnt move around as much. I did steady it with my hand just in case the lid came loose. Perfect for one person. I will try the vanilla recipe next and see how it comes out.

I have a fancy upscale ice cream maker but I only need to make one pint or so every so often. This little gadget does the job for me. I don't eat ice cream every day. I can make a pint or so and hold the extra mixture for the next day.Be aware, you really can't make two batches in a row. It has to refreeze and I give it a full 24 hrs. for refreezing. I've not been disappointed.The ice cream is soft so I usually put it in the freezer for about 30 mins to firm up. It doesn't take up much space in the freezer. I am very, very please. But if you need 1/2 a gallon, use a full sized ice cream maker.Finally, it cleans up easily. Follow the direction for care. Only the freezer portion goes in your freezer. The remaining parts can go on a shelf next to your coffee/tea mug.

I love the idea of this little machine. I store the freezing section in my freezer at all times so I can make an ice treat whenever the urge arises. It makes enough for two people in a portion size we SHOULD eat (probably a lot less than what we WANT TO - or USUALLY - eat). So if portion control is important to you, this is a good thing. Otherwise you might be disappointed. The first time I used it, I followed all recommendations in the instructions as well as those given by reviewers, and my ice cream turned out perfectly. However, not so always after that. I found that temp in the room will affect the freezing ability, as well as the recipe you are using AND, most importantly, where in the defrost cycle was your freezer when you took this out and used it? Or how often had you been going into your freezer before you used it? So the bottom line for me is to keep it in the back of the freezer; don’t use it except when the freezer has sat unopened for several hours; don’t use it is you have heard the defrost cycle going; wrap a towel around it for additional insulation as it’s churning; and be satisfied with less than perfection every time. It will in most cases do enough freezing that the ice cream will still be icy and delicious. While you can and should put the churned ice cream in the freezer to harden up after churning, I find that it quickly goes from just perfect to too hard, so plan to check it regularly and eat it at just the right moment.