I’ve always been interested in an ice cream maker - but like many other people, this type of gadget falls into the category of “occasional gift from rich relative” or “wedding registry obligatory splurge”. Sort of like Fondue Sets…

This is a fully automatic compressor ice cream maker (no cranking required) that will do 1 1/5 quarts of your favorite frozen treat. The stainless steel housing looks commercially hefty and awfully boxy, and Cuisinart has not spared expenses in designing it. It has a 60 minute timer and a spout lid for ingredients. It requires neither pre-freezing of any parts (like a work bowl) nor any additional freezing aids (salt, alcohol, ice, etc.). Because of that, it’s easier to make batches one after the other, with the average time for a freeze said to be a little more than half an hour.

Well, at 250 smackers it’s going to remain on the “if I win the lottery” wishlist. Some people have also complained about the noise it generates, but I wouldn’t care about that. Just turn up the radio you have on anyway while cooking. Also, if you don’t care too much about it being brand new, I know they have refurbs at Amazon that are much cheaper…