The Whynter ICM-1.5LS Ice Cream Maker is a popular model in the Whynter ice cream maker range. Whilst it is slightly smaller than the Whynter IC 2L, the interesting thing is that people generally seem to prefer this model.
Is smaller better? I will let you guys decide. As with all things, there are a few bits that aren’t so hot, but we will see just how bad they really are.
FEATURES
Whynter Inc. prides itself in making products that ‘redefine the way you live’. They understand that its not just rad and exotic recipes that make awesome ice cream. The gadget making it has to be top of the range too.
The Whynter 15LS is a fully automatic ice cream maker with an internal compressor. This removes any need for ice and salt mixing or having to freeze a bowl for up to 24 hours. It produces 1.5 quarts of ANY creamy dessert in 20 – 40 minutes. You may have seen a couple of compressor models and wonder what is so special about this one. Well, it has a few tricks under the hood that separate it from the crowd.
The 1.5 quart bowl is ideal for making experimental batches and feeding smaller parties of people. I find many people moan about size BEFORE they buy an ice cream maker, but unless you have a really large family gathering, I don’t see why you need more than 1.5 – 2 quarts. C’mon, that 3 whole Ben & Jerry’s tubs of ice cream!!!
This model comes with a removable inner bowl which totally allows for thorough cleaning and easier use. The unique paddle and powerful motor assist in making this ice cream maker a powerful and functional tool. Let me explain this, did you know that many commercial, store bought ice creams are up to 50 % air? They whip and churn till the mix is all fluffed up, but that’s just a lot of air.
Yeah, while this adds to the creamy and fluffy texture but it is draining on your pocket as you just want more and more and really, do you want to keep paying for air?? I didn’t think so.
Ease of use
The Whynter is dead easy to use. Simply turn it on and leave it for about 5 minutes to start to cool, then pour in your pre-cooled ice cream base. Put the lid on and walk away. I mean, how easy is that. If you are totally impatient or just plain forgot, you can pour the warm ice cream base in the machine. You will have to add another 20 minutes to the preparation time though.
The ice cream it produces is firmer than soft serve, unlike other machines. This is down to the strong 150W motor and unique paddle design that can produce ice cream, gelato, sorbet really easy.
3 tips for best use :-
- If you are going to use the recipes found on the manufacturers website, reduce the ingredients to about ¾ portions as the machine is slightly smaller than what the recipe was written for.
- Ensure that after you wash the metal bowl, dry it thoroughly inside and outside, else it will stick to the machine when it is being used.
- When you first receive your Whynter, let the machine stand for up to 6 hours before use. This is to allow the fluids in the refrigeration chamber in the compressor settle down after being shaken up during transportation.
Cleaning up afterwards
The bowl, lid and paddle all separate and can be washed by hand quite easily. Some people find the paddle a bit tedious to clean but my wife gladly licks it clean. LOL. Be rest assured that this appliance is extremely easy to clean.
Design
The Whynter ICM-15LS is a ‘big boy’, at 11 x 18.5 x 10 inches, it will take up space on your counter top. One tip is to clear out a space in your lower cupboards, instead of risking lifting this 27 pound machine over your head and risk it slipping and falling.
The symmetrical shape and stainless steel body adds to its very professional look. The whole unit is one solid machined piece and feels quite sturdy. You just have that feeling that it will never ever need break down.
Even more cool features
- When the dessert is firm and done, this machine has an auto shut off feature that turns it off temporarily. You may wonder why temporarily, but with its unique patented Extended Cooling feature, the compressor in the Whynter is turned on every 10 minutes to keep the dessert cool. Now that’s technology. You can set this feature for up to 1 hour. This means that your dessert will stay the same temperature for up to 1 hour after its prepared. This constant coolness ensures that you can scoop out your dessert and pop another base in straight away!
The cool digital LED readout to let you know how cold it is getting from the 40 o F at start to -28 o F at finish. Really nice to know that bit of not-really-relevant info. Still nice to know though. The digital display keeps track of time remaining.- The soft touch LCD control panel adds to the professional feel of this baby, but its all yours at home.
- While a recipe book isn’t included in the package, you can visit Whynter’s site and download it. You can get more cool recipes from either of these 2 awesome cook books – Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home, a ‘manual’ to creating fab desserts as it delves into the science of making frozen desserts, and lets you understand exactly why you do the steps you do when making ice cream. A global favourite, both their desserts and their recipes, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book.
- Need more mix-ins? – The opening chute on this model isn’t much bigger than the small 1 inch space on many ice cream makers, BUT, as this ones’ motor is mounted in the bottom, you can actually take the whole lid off whilst the machine is working and add in all the bits you need to add in. SUPER COOL!
- Comes with a well shaped spatula for getting into all those hard to reach areas.
- All backed by a one year warranty.
Cons
Like all ice cream makers with internal compressors, it will make some noise during use. With a 150W motor and an internal compressor running for up to 30 minutes at a time, there will definitely be some noise.
Don’t fret though, it isn’t more than that of a stand mixer at slow to medium speeds. You can still have a conversation over it.
My Recommendation
This is an example of when top of the range doesn’t equal SUPER EXPENSIVE. The Whynter ICM-15LS produces some of the creamiest ice cream and refreshing sorbet you can make at home. It costs a reasonable amount. Its dead easy to use.
What more do you need? Check out the latest prices, with free shipping!
#randomfact – This gorgeous model was featured in the August 2011 edition of Fine Cooking magazine
Photo Credit: sorbet with sprinkles, pink sorbet, sorbet in a cup
