The Cuisinart ICM100T gets the job done at an entry-level price, making it a reasonable starting point for casual homemade ice cream. At a 3.8 rating across 234 reviews, it sits in mixed territory, suggesting the experience varies depending on expectations.
First-time ice cream makers who want a low-cost way to try the hobby before investing in a compressor model.
Skip if
You want consistent, reliable results or plan to make ice cream frequently. The mixed rating signals that quality control can be uneven.
Capacity 1.5 qt
Material Plastic
Color White
Priced 86% below the category median ($279.95 across 25 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.5 qt - smaller than 82% of the 26 models we track
Pros
Very affordable at roughly $40
Compact footprint suits small kitchens
1.5-quart capacity is enough for a household serving
Easy to operate for beginners
Cons
Plastic construction feels less durable than metal alternatives
Freeze-bowl design limits batch flexibility
3.8 rating across 234 reviews reflects inconsistent user experiences
Our scorecard
3.8/5overall
Owner rating3.8/5
3.8 average across 234 owner ratings
Popularity2.5/5
234 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Cuisinart ICM100T is a freeze-bowl style machine with a 1.5-quart capacity, built from plastic in a white finish. At around $40, it lands squarely at the affordable end of the category, where expectations need to be calibrated accordingly.
With 234 reviews and a 3.8-star rating, buyer sentiment is divided. Satisfied buyers typically praise the low price and ease of use for occasional batches. Critical reviews tend to focus on inconsistent freezing results and the durability of the plastic construction.
The 1.5-quart bowl is enough for three to four servings, which works fine for a single household. Because the bowl must be pre-frozen before each use, you cannot make back-to-back batches on the same day without a second bowl.
Performance notes
The machine holds 1.5 quarts. No wattage, program count, or dimensional data is available for this model. The plastic bowl must be frozen solid before use, typically requiring 8 or more hours in a freezer.
What buyers say
With 234 reviews at 3.8 stars, opinion is split. Buyers who keep expectations modest and use it occasionally tend to leave positive notes. Those expecting more consistent results similar to pricier models are more likely to be disappointed.
Similar slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines to consider
Cuisinart generally recommends freezing the bowl for at least 8 hours, though overnight is more reliable. The bowl should feel completely solid and produce no sloshing sound when shaken before you start a batch.
Can I make sorbet or frozen yogurt in this machine?
Yes, freeze-bowl machines like this one handle sorbet and frozen yogurt in the same way as ice cream. The churning process is the same, so you can use any recipe that works with a standard ice cream maker as long as the total volume stays at or below 1.5 quarts.
Is this machine worth buying at the $40 price point?
It depends on how often you plan to use it. For occasional weekend batches, the price is hard to argue with. If you expect to make ice cream several times per week or want restaurant-quality texture, a compressor model in the $270 to $380 range would serve you better.
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