We compared two compact, pre-freeze bowl ice cream makers: the Cuisinart Solo Scoops Ice Cream Maker and the Lakeland Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker.
What we looked at
Churning bowl capacity, warranty, and price.
The verdict
If you want a larger 475ml churning bowl with a 3-year guarantee, the Cuisinart is the pick at £29.99, though it costs £5.00 more. If you would rather pay less for a compact 0.5L bowl that tucks neatly into the freezer, the Lakeland is the value option, at £24.99, though only 3 were left in stock when checked.
A £29.99 ice cream maker with a 475ml bowl and a 3-year warranty.
A £24.99 compact 0.5L ice cream maker; only 3 left in stock when checked.
Cuisinart Solo Scoops Ice Cream Maker — Larger Capacity
Intended for: Marketed as a compact ice cream maker with a 475ml churning bowl (roughly one tub's worth or up to 8 scoops), the ability to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts while churning, a space-saving design with cord wrap and stackable lid, one-touch operation, and a 3-year warranty.
What we liked
- Larger stated churning bowl: 475ml
- 3-year warranty, per the listing
- Can add mix-ins while churning
- Space-saving design with cord wrap and stackable lid
Worth knowing
- Costs £5.00 more than the Lakeland on these listings
- Requires pre-freezing the bowl overnight before use
Best for
- Buyers who want the larger churning capacity
- Anyone who wants the longer stated warranty
- Those who like adding mix-ins during churning
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants the smallest possible freezer footprint
Lakeland Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker 0.5L — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a mini digital ice cream maker with a 0.5L bowl that tucks neatly into the freezer, making ice cream in as little as 25 minutes, also suited to sorbet and frozen yoghurt, with a clear easy-view lid and non-slip base, and up to 3 years of returns when bought from Lakeland with proof of purchase.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Cuisinart on these listings, at £24.99
- Compact 0.5L bowl tucks neatly into the freezer, per the listing
- Clear easy-view lid to monitor churning
- Up to 3-year Lakeland return policy with proof of purchase
Worth knowing
- Only 3 units were left in stock when checked
- Smaller stated churning bowl than the Cuisinart's 475ml
Best for
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone with limited freezer space
- Those who want to see the churning process through a clear lid
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants the largest single-batch capacity
- Buyers who want to add mix-ins mid-churn, a feature not stated here
