The Cuisinart Ice 70 and the Cuisinart Ice 100 are both excellent machines for homemade frozen desserts, but they operate on fundamentally different principles. The Ice 70 is a freezer-bowl model that requires pre-freezing its bowl for 8-12 hours, making it a budget-friendly option for planned treats. In contrast, the Ice 100 has a built-in compressor, allowing you to make ice cream, gelato, or sorbet spontaneously, batch after batch, at a higher price point.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Cuisinart ice cream maker for your kitchen.
Cuisinart Ice 70 Electronic Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart Ice 70 is a popular entry-level ice cream maker known for its straightforward operation and reliable results. It uses a freezer-bowl mechanism, meaning you must place the double-insulated bowl in your freezer for a full day before you can churn your dessert. This simple design keeps the machine compact and affordable, making it a great choice for those new to homemade ice cream or who only make it occasionally.
- What it is: A freezer-bowl ice cream maker designed for home use.
- Key features: 1.5-quart capacity, a single push-button control panel, and an automatic shut-off feature.
- Price: Typically around $50 to $70.
- Dimensions: 9.5" D x 9" W x 13" H, making it relatively compact for storage.
- Materials/Construction: Durable plastic housing with a stainless steel churning paddle and a non-removable, pre-freezing bowl.
- Pros: Very affordable entry point for homemade ice cream. Simple one-touch operation is easy for beginners. Compact size is easy to store in a cabinet. Consistently good results for the price.
- Cons: Requires you to pre-freeze the bowl for at least 8-12 hours before use. Limited to one batch at a time until the bowl is re-frozen. Takes up valuable freezer space.
The Ice 70 is best for patient home cooks who make ice cream occasionally and can plan their dessert-making sessions well in advance.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/ice_cream_and_yogurt_makers/ice-70/
Cuisinart Ice 100 Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
The Cuisinart Ice 100 is a more powerful and convenient machine featuring its own commercial-style compressor. This technology chills the canister as it churns, eliminating the need for pre-freezing a bowl and allowing for continuous, back-to-back batches. It also includes separate churning paddles - one for creamy ice cream and another for dense, authentic gelato - giving you more control over the final texture of your creations.
- What it is: A self-freezing ice cream and gelato maker with an integrated compressor.
- Key features: 1.6-quart capacity, built-in compressor, digital controls with a 60-minute countdown timer, includes two distinct paddles for ice cream and gelato.
- Price: Usually costs between $150 and $200.
- Dimensions: 16" D x 12" W x 9" H, significantly larger and heavier than the Ice 70.
- Materials/Construction: Sturdy plastic housing with durable internal components designed to support the compressor system.
- Pros: No pre-freezing required allows for spontaneous dessert making. Can make multiple batches consecutively. Offers specialized paddles for better ice cream or gelato textures. Digital timer provides better process control.
- Cons: Substantially more expensive than freezer-bowl models. Larger footprint takes up considerable counter or storage space. Louder during operation due to the compressor.
This model is an excellent investment for avid dessert makers, larger families, or anyone who enjoys hosting and wants the flexibility to serve fresh homemade ice cream on demand.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/ice_cream_and_yogurt_makers/ice-100/
Cuisinart Ice 70 vs. Ice 100 Comparison
Cooling System & Convenience
The core difference between these two machines lies in how they get cold. The Ice 70 relies on a bowl filled with freezing liquid that you must store in a freezer for at least half a day. This system works well but requires significant planning and means you can only make one batch per day.
The Ice 100, with its built-in professional-style compressor, is a different experience. You can decide to make ice cream, pour your ingredients in, and start churning immediately. As soon as one batch is finished, you can remove it and start another right away, making it far more convenient for parties or experimenting with multiple flavors.
Features & Control
The Ice 70 is the definition of simplicity. You press a button, and it starts churning. It works well but offers no control over the process beyond turning it on and off. It is designed to make standard ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
The Ice 100 provides much more control and versatility. It comes with two distinct paddles - one that incorporates more air for light, creamy American-style ice cream, and another designed to incorporate less air for dense, rich Italian-style gelato. Its digital countdown timer also lets you set precise churning times, giving you more consistent results.
Dimensions & Footprint
If kitchen storage is tight, the Ice 70 has a clear advantage. It's a much smaller appliance that can be easily tucked away in a cabinet when not in use, although its freeze-bowl does require permanent residence in your freezer to be ready.
The Ice 100 is a larger, heavier countertop appliance. Because of its internal compressor, it's not something you'll want to move frequently. It’s better suited for kitchens where it can live on a counter or in a very large, accessible storage space.
Price & Value
There's a significant price gap here. The Ice 70 is a low-cost machine, making it accessible to virtually anyone curious about homemade ice cream. It offers incredible value for occasional use and proves you don't need to spend a lot to make great frozen desserts.
While the Ice 100 is more than double the price, its value comes from convenience and enhanced functionality. If you make ice cream more than a few times a year, the freedom from pre-freezing and the ability to make sequential batches and true gelato deliver a much better user experience that can easily justify the cost.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models are great machines, but they serve very different needs and habits.
Choose the Cuisinart Ice 70 if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You have ample freezer space for the bowl.
- You only plan to make ice cream a few times per year.
- You prefer a simple, no-frills machine that is easy to store.
Choose the Cuisinart Ice 100 if:
- You want the ability to make ice cream spontaneously without planning ahead.
- You make frozen desserts frequently or for groups of people.
- You are serious about exploring different styles, like authentic gelato.
- Convenience is more important to you than price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart Ice 70 and Ice 100?
The key difference is the cooling method. The Ice 70 uses a removable bowl that must be frozen for 8-12 hours before use. The Ice 100 has a built-in compressor, so it freezes the ingredients itself, with no prior planning needed.
Do I have to freeze any parts for the Cuisinart Ice 100?
No. The built-in compressor handles all the cooling, which is its primary advantage. You can use it right out of the box whenever you want.
Which model makes better quality ice cream?
Both machines produce high-quality, smooth ice cream. However, the Ice 100’s dedicated gelato paddle churns at a slower speed to incorporate less air, creating a denser and more authentic gelato texture that the Ice 70 can't replicate as effectively.
How long does it take to make ice cream in each machine?
Churning time for both machines is typically 20-40 minutes depending on the recipe. The major time difference is the Ice 70's mandatory 8-12 hour pre-freeze period for its bowl, which makes the total preparation time much longer.
Can the Cuisinart Ice 70 make multiple batches in a row?
No. Once a batch is finished, the freezer bowl loses its cold temperature. It must be thoroughly cleaned and re-frozen for another 8-12 hours before it can be used again.
Is the Cuisinart Ice 100 worth the extra money?
If you value convenience, make ice cream frequently, or want to make multiple flavors for a gathering, the Ice 100 is absolutely worth the investment. For occasional makers, the Ice 70 provides excellent results for a fraction of the cost.
Which machine is easier to clean?
Cleaning is similar for both models. The mixing bowls and paddles are removable and should be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Neither model's components are typically recommended for the dishwasher.
How much counter space does each one take up?
The Ice 70 is much smaller and ideal for kitchens with limited space. The Ice 100 is a larger, heavier countertop appliance that requires a dedicated spot, similar in footprint to a stand mixer or a large coffee machine.
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