STACK #257 March 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Your guide to creating frozen treats at home

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What are the main types of frozen treat makers? • Ice cream and frozen dessert makers These are your traditional-style machines, designed to churn a cold mixture into ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt, or sorbet. Some use a pre-frozen bowl that you keep in the freezer, while others have built-in cooling systems that freeze as they churn. They’re great for families, batch making, and classic scoopable ice cream.

• Shave-and-spin style machines Instead of churning liquid, these machines start with a solid frozen base and shave it down to an ultra-smooth texture. The result is creamy, dense, and surprisingly close to store-bought ice cream or soft serve. They’re also big on customisation, letting you add mix-ins like chocolate, nuts, or fruit after the main spin. • Soft serve specialists Some machines can include dedicated soft serve programs and dispensing handles, turning your kitchen bench into a mini dessert bar – sprinkles optional, but welcome! If soft serve ice cream is your go-to indulgence, you’ll get that same smooth, airy texture you enjoy from an ice cream store or van. • Slushie and frozen drink makers These dedicated drink machines freeze liquids evenly without ice, so flavours stay bold and textures smooth. They’re perfect for juice, soda, coffee-based drinks, and party-ready frozen cocktails. Some can even keep drinks frozen for hours, so you can pour on demand.

• All-in-one hybrids These multitaskers combine several of the above functions into one unit, with preset programs for different textures and treat styles. If you like variety (and hate clutter), a combo model is the way to go.

Customising your frozen treats One of the biggest advantages of making frozen goodies at home is control. You choose the ingredients, which means you can go classic and indulgent, or adapt recipes for low sugar, dairy-free, vegan, or high-protein options. Many machines include mix-in functions that gently fold extras into your finished treat, so chunks stay chunky. You can also adjust thickness, re-spin for extra creaminess, or split batches into different flavours from the same base.

Things to know before you buy

Some machines require bowls or

tubs to be pre-frozen overnight, so freezer space matters as

much as bench space. Others freeze as they go – great for sudden cravings, but it can take a bit longer to create the perfect texture. • Capacity matters – smaller units are great for personal treats and quick experiments, while larger machines are better suited for families and entertaining. • Noise levels can vary – shave-and-spin styles, in particular, can sound more like a blender than a whisper-quiet appliance. • Check customisation options – if you love mix-ins, soft serve, or tweaking textures, choose a machine that gives you that flexibility.

When you’re done The good news is that most frozen treat makers are designed with easy cleanup in mind. Removable tubs, paddles, and lids are often dishwasher safe, and some machines even include rinse or self-clean programs. Do I need one? If you love ice cream, tasty frozen desserts, entertaining, or just messing around with flavours, absolutely! Frozen treat makers aren’t just about dessert and drinks – they’re also about having fun. They turn your kitchen bench into an ice cream station, dessert bar, or party HQ – and of course they’re a big hit with kids! Ultimately, any appliance that can whip up delicious ice cream or slushies whenever you want them deserves a spot on the kitchen bench.

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28 MARCH 2026

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