Rival GC9155 Gel Canister 1-1/2-Quart 2-Piece Electric Ice-Crea Review
In a variety of ways, the Rival GC9155 underperforms its rivals. Users complain it takes longer than 30 minutes to make ice cream, which often has a slushy, rather than solid, consistency. You have to freeze the bowl for at least an entire day before proceeding, and it weighs a hefty 10.8 pounds; users also gripe about faulty parts.
Unlike reviews for the best and good cheap ice cream makers on our list, Rival GC9155 reviews are very uneven. Consumers posting Rival GC9155 reviews on Amazon, for example, report an end product that's a far cry from ice cream, despite having followed the directions carefully; others report excellent results, with a few tweaks to the recipe, in less time than expected. On Viewpoints, reviews gripe about opening the lid to find slushy frozen ice milk while others praise the tasty results. But even consumers who seem satisfied with the ice cream or frozen yogurt or what-have-you find fault with this cheap ice cream maker. It uses a gel canister (no need for rock salt and ice) that some Rival GC9155 reviews say requires up to a week of pre-freezing despite instructions that specify 24 hours. Users also gripe about having to chill the mixture for 24 hours or longer, seals that pull apart on the freezer bowl, and a spout that's too small and awkwardly placed to accommodate the mixture that gets poured in after the machine starts running.
The Rival GC9155 is a bit smaller than some other cheap ice cream makers, measuring approximately 8x8x11 inches, although its capacity is the standard 1.5 quarts. This is a bottom-of-the-line model that uses a lightweight plastic body and a motor that could use more oomph. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Despite its moderate price, the Rival GC9155 lacks support from consumers. There are better and cheaper ice cream makers out there; let this one slide right past you.
Other Recommended Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart ICE-20 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart ICE-20 features a transparent top, removable mixing arm, and a non-stick chamber. Most users love its ease of use (no salt or ice required), consistently creamy ice cream in 20 minutes, and sturdy build. In the unlikely event this machine breaks, it's backed by a three-year warranty, the longest of any we researched. You can save a few dollars by buying a refurbished unit. Read more »
Industrial Revolution's Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker
This innovative approach to ice cream making is roundly lauded by adults and kids. The Play & Freeze is a lightweight polycarbonate "ball" that makes good ice cream in less than 30 minutes by being kicked or thrown around; it needs no electricity so you can take it anywhere. This one-pint model comes in a variety of colors; the quart version costs about $10 more.
Read more »
Hamilton Beach 68330R 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker
Favorable reviews for ice cream quality and quantity (four quarts, which is more than any other model on our list) for the Hamilton Beach 68330R, which features an easy-lock lid that lets you watch the process. Some users report it's noisy and some say the motor jams. Read more »
Deni 5205 Automatic Ice Cream Maker
The Deni 5205 is the only cheap ice cream maker on our list with any frills -- in this case, a candy crusher. Consumers like the ice cream but say the candy crusher is relatively useless. The Deni 5205 features a transparent lid, anti-slip rubber feet, and cord storage, and comes in several colors. Two models without the candy crusher, the 5200 (clear) and 5201 (color choices), are a few dollars cheaper. Read more »
