Magimix Gelato Expert ice cream maker review

Read our full review of the best ice cream makers

Let’s not beat about the bush here, this machine is expensive, but is it worth it?

It certainly looks the part with its huge footprint, sturdy construction and wipe clean stainless steel finish.

The built-in freezer and size of the machine make it a hefty weight, but two carefully concealed handles under the base make it easy and safe to lift.

Before setting up, it’s necessary to make a simple brine to help prevent the removable bowl sticking to the inner when churning. This only takes seconds, so not a problem, but must not be forgotten.

Putting the machine together is a doddle. Everything slips easily into place, with a sturdy screw to hold the paddle firmly in place. Then, all that’s needed is to switch the freezer unit on for five minutes and it’s ready to go.

But what to make? There’s a classic ice cream setting, a light creamy gelato, or granita. A manual setting gives you the option to churn to your chosen consistency.

With the motor running and lid open, pouring in the cream is easy. It took 20 minutes to make a super-smooth ice cream. Delicious then, delicious after hours in the freezer.

The machine will hold the ice cream in its finished state for up to two hours – perfect for making as and when needed and not taking up precious freezer space.

Another unique feature is the pause button, enabling you to taste the ice cream throughout the churning. This feature isn’t available on any other model we tested.

The automation, plus the quality of ice cream produced, make this a great buy for the home and semi-professional cook – it can be used over and over in succession. Just don’t forget the brine.

Magimix Gelato Expert ice cream maker specifications
Type: built-in freezer
Capacity: 4 litres (using two bowls)
Size: 29cm x 37cm x 26cm
Noise: Quiet
Settings: 5
Functions: one manual, pause and 3 automatic churns
Lid: transparent
Extras: spatula, static and removable bowl, measuring cup, 2 paddles
Guarantee: 3 years
Cleaning: all removable parts dishwasher safe

Read our full review of the best ice cream makers

Ice cream maker recipes

Browse some of our popular ice cream recipes and give them a try in your ice cream machine.

Real vanilla ice cream
Honeycomb ice cream
Pistachio ice cream
Quick banana ice cream
Lemon sorbet
Chocolate sorbet
Ice cream maker recipes and tips

More advice on buying electronic kit

The best food processors
The best blenders
The best toasters
The best kettles
The top 10 ice cream gadgets

This review was last updated in May 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

Do you have an ice cream maker? Leave a comment below...