I just received my Panasonic ice cream maker a little over a week ago, and I *love* it! So far I've made ice milk and non-fat frozen yogurt in it. It turns out so perfect! To be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I purchased it. I chose this one because it seemed so simple--no rock salt, no canister to pre-freeze. Just pop it in the freezer for about 3 hours and you have perfect ice cream! And I didn't expect the consistancy to be so great--it was so very creamy! Better than anything you could ever buy at the store. It also cleans up very easily. It's so small and compact, I could easily fit it into my tiny freezer. The only set back, of course, are the CR123A batteries used to power it (about $9 for two at Wal-Mart), which I can deal with, considering how great this little machine performs. (I'm still shopping around where I can find these cheaper). You can't go wrong with this ice-cream maker!

I rarely write reviews but this little machine is so worth it. I love homemade ice cream and so does my son. While Ben and Jerry's is awsome, nothing else satisfies when you really want homemade ice cream. It does take about 3 hours to make but it is worth the wait. It has the right texture and everything just like you went to all the trouble of the old fashioned maker. We also prefer texture of homemade right after it is made not after it has been refrozen, so this is perfect--No leftovers so you get fresh every time. I have used the type that you freeze the container and then turn the handle but it is not even close to as good as this little machine makes. Just make the ice cream and put it in the freezer before making dinner and then by the time you are ready for dessert, it is finished. I have yet to find one person who hasn't liked it!

Ever notice that however much dessert you make, you tend to eat it?

This sweet honey of an ice cream maker lets you make just enough to satisfy that sweet craving, without expanding your waistline- and the results taste so good you'll find you'll be satisfied with eating less than you would if it were storebought.

Making the ice cream yourself allows you to control what goes in it - so you can really go for premium ingredients - and this machine makes it all so easy to do. For example, I'm a big fan of dark chocolate, so I used a bar of Dagoba 59% cocoa dark chocolate as the chocolate ingredient in my ice cream tonight - it was amazing. Think of Godiva chocolate ice cream you can buy in the store, kicked up another notch. It really was THAT good.

The other great thing about this machine's size is that it fits SO very easily into the freezer and in your cupboard. I have a tiny apartment, and my freezer is probably 1/2 to 1/3 the size of a standard freezer - and it was absolutely no problem to fit it in.

So- would it be cheaper to buy ice cream from the store? Perhaps; it depends upon what you buy. But homemade ice cream, where you KNOW what goes into it, and you can make it as gourmet or premium as you like, tastes SOOOO much better.

It's really an amazing little machine; a very convenient size for the freezer, cupboard, and ice cream output. You'll really love this.

This machine makes a great small portion of ice cream. One cup is ideal for me. Atkins program followers can eat this even on the induction phase. Serving size 1/2 cup!
The battery supplied with this machine is exotic. I have never seen one in any store. The battery supplied with the machine is supposd to make a dozen or so batches and perhaps it will. Why this battery was chosen by the designer I have no clue. Perhaps it works well at freezing temperatures.
As the mixture freezes in the freezer compartment, the machine can be heard straining to scrape the walls of the stainless steel bowl even with the freezer door tightly closed. If you wait until the light goes out in about an hour, the mixture will be like a rock. You will not be able to remove the dasher and the dessert is ruined in my estimation. Ice crystals have formed and it is mindful of eating a popsicle not ice cream. The best texture is obtained by removing the machine from the freezer at about the time the solid freeze steady light comes on.
Try this receipe:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream beaten into soft peaks adding envelopes of Splenda sweetener to taste and a teasoon or two of high grade vanilla extract also to taste. Scrape the mix into the stainless maker bowl and snap it together. Push the start button and put it the freezer. Works well in my freezer in about 20 minutes.

I got this as a gift and I think it is fabulous. It is small, quick and makes wonderful ice cream.

I am sure I will have to replace the batteries some day but so what? I have an ice cream maker that is wonderful and I can control what I put in my ice cream. I sometimes wonder what people honestly expect from products. Sheesh.

Here is a quick recipe that is super easy: 1 can sweetened condensed milk, two tablespoons vanilla, 2 cups milk, 2 cups cream. Stir together, put half in the new freezer you just received (it holds 3 cups and this makes 6 ~ yeah!) Save the other half in the fridge to use in the next few days. It is also a great recipe with four cups milk and no cream. Tell me that isn't healthier for you than Bryers and their guar gum.