STACK #257 March 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Your guide to creating frozen treats at home

If there’s one thing that can instantly upgrade your kitchen’s fun factor, it’s an appliance that can quickly turn everyday ingredients into icy treats like slushies, ice cream, gelato, party cocktails, and more. Here’s what you need to know about frozen treat makers. Words Scott Hocking

Are they easy to use? Very. Most frozen treat makers have one touch programs that handle speed, time, and temperature for you. You just prep the base, press a button, and let the machine do its thing. Preparation time can vary depending on the type. Pre-freeze models generally require a bowl or base that’s been pre frozen overnight, but the actual churning can take as little as five minutes. Machines with built-in cooling or drink focused designs can turn liquids into frozen treats in roughly 15 minutes, depending on volume and ingredients. Either way, it’s mostly hands-off – and a lot easier than it sounds.

T hese countertop appliances, designed to turn liquids or pre-frozen bases into delicious desserts, ice cream, and frozen drinks, have quickly become a must-have for the kitchen bench. Some churn, some shave, some freeze as they go, and some do a bit of everything. But what they all have in common is they’ll save you

trips to the servo, café, or ice cream shop – and let you play mad scientist with flavours and mix-ins at home. Size-wise, they range from compact units to larger machines built for entertaining. If bench space is precious, check capacity and footprint before committing – especially if you’re eyeing something party-sized. What can they make? Depending on the type of machine, frozen treat makers can whip up scoopable classics like ice cream, gelato, and frozen yoghurt, as well as lighter options like sorbet and fruit-only desserts. Many can also make frozen drinks such as slushies, frappés, milkshakes, frozen juice blends, iced coffee, and cocktail-style creations. More versatile models can blur the line between desserts and drinks, giving you more flexibility. Prefer a thick, spoonable texture to a pourable one? Simply select a different program or tweak the temperature.

26 MARCH 2026

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