COWSAR IC3910 Ice Cream Machine: Full Review

The COWSAR IC3910 is an automatic ice cream maker that aims to provide homemade ice cream with minimal effort. This ice cream machine features a built-in compressor for fast freezing, a large 2.1 quart capacity, and a simple one-button operation.

In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at the design, build quality, ease of use, noise levels, ice cream quality, and cleaning process of the COWSAR IC3910. Key specs and features will be covered, along with a comparison of compressor vs non-compressor ice cream machines. To help you determine if this is the right ice cream maker for your needs, the pros and cons of the COWSAR IC3910 will be outlined. By the end, you'll have a good understanding of how this ice cream machine performs and whether it's a worthwhile investment for making frozen desserts at home.

Specifications

The COWSAR IC3910 is an automatic ice cream maker with built-in compressor. Here are the key specifications:

• Dimensions - 15.7 x 11 x 14.6 inches
• Weight - 43 pounds
• Capacity - 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters)
• Built-in compressor with R134a refrigerant
• Motor power - 180 watts
• Voltage - 110V, 60Hz
• Includes ice cream churn dasher and bowl, measuring cup and spoon
• BPA-free plastic housing and parts
• Digital control panel with LED display, touch buttons
• 6 hardness settings
• Keep cool function
• Audible alarm reminds you to add ingredients
• Pre-cooling time: 0-60 minutes, adjustable
• Freezing time: 30-60 minutes, adjustable
• Auto shut-off and sleep mode

The relatively compact size and moderate weight make it feasible to store the machine on your countertop or move it between storage and prep area as needed. The 1.5 quart capacity yields 6-8 servings of ice cream.

Design & Build Quality

The Cowsar IC3910 has a sleek and modern stainless steel exterior that looks great in any kitchen. The stainless steel build makes it easy to clean and keep looking new. The machine feels very sturdy and solid thanks to the metal construction.

The bucket that holds the ice cream mixture is made ofheavy duty plastic that seems durable enough for regular use. It has a large opening and rounded corners so it's easy to scrape ice cream out.

The dash is also plastic but has a smooth finish that can easily be wiped down after spills or messes. Overall the materials seem decent quality and built to handle frequent use and cleaning.

The paddles are metal and turn very smoothly when running a batch. The lid fits tightly over the bucket to prevent any leaking.

Some users do wish the bucket was also stainless steel instead of plastic, but for the price point the materials Cowsar selected seem reasonable. Just be gentle when washing the bucket by hand to avoid scratching.

Compressor vs Non-Compressor

The COWSAR IC3910 is a compressor ice cream maker. Compressor machines use a built-in freezer with a compressor to cool and freeze the ice cream mixture. This allows you to make ice cream without any pre-freezing required.

Non-compressor machines rely on the freezer bowl to be frozen for 6-24 hours before use. You must place the freezer bowl in your freezer overnight or longer before making each batch. This extra step can be inconvenient compared to compressor models.

Compressor ice cream makers like the COWSAR IC3910 offer more convenience as you don't have to pre-freeze the bowl. They can continuously run batch after batch without long waits in between. The built-in compressor creates fast and even freezing. This results in a smooth, creamy texture.

With non-compressor machines, the bowl must be thoroughly frozen to properly freeze and churn the ice cream. If not frozen solid, the mixture will not freeze fully, resulting in a soft, icy consistency. Pre-freezing is critical to get right with these models.

The powerful compressor in the COWSAR IC3910 eliminates any guesswork. You simply add your ingredients and turn it on for fresh homemade ice cream on demand. Overall, compressor models provide greater ease of use and faster ice cream making compared to non-compressor versions.

Ease of Use

The COWSAR IC3910 ice cream machine is very easy to assemble and operate. The unit comes with clear instructions that walk you through the simple process of putting the main parts together. Assembly only takes about 5-10 minutes.

The control panel is intuitive with simple buttons for on/off, setting the time, and start. The timer can be set from 0-60 minutes, allowing you to customize the freezing time. There is also a see-through lid so you can monitor the freezing process and texture without having to open the lid.

Adding ingredients is simple with the large feed tube opening. The opening accommodates most ice cream bowls, allowing you to easily pour your ice cream base directly into the freezing chamber. The paddles effectively fold in thick ingredients like cookies or candy pieces.

Overall, the COWSAR ice cream maker was designed for simplicity and ease of use. The straightforward controls and process allows you to go from ingredients to frozen dessert with minimal effort. It's a very user-friendly machine.

Noise Level

The COWSAR IC3910 is one of the quieter ice cream machines available. The compressor itself produces a low hum during operation that is comparable to a small refrigerator. This allows you to run the machine without too much background noise disruption.

Some user reviews mentioned the machine makes a bit of noise when the mixing arm churns and scrapes the sides of the bowl, but it is not excessive. Overall, the noise level is quite reasonable for a home ice cream maker with a built-in compressor. You can carry on conversations nearby without having to raise your voice much. The noise is unlikely to disturb other household activities.

Pre-Cooling & Freezing

The COWSAR IC3910 has a built-in compressor which can significantly reduce the pre-cooling and freezing time compared to non-compressor machines. The powerful compressor allows the bowl to reach the ideal temperature for churning in around 30 minutes.

Once the machine is pre-cooled, it takes approximately 20-30 minutes to fully freeze a 1.5 quart batch of ice cream mix into a creamy frozen dessert. The quick freezing time allows you to churn out multiple batches of ice cream in a short period.

Some key advantages of the fast pre-cooling and freezing include:

• Make ice cream whenever you want without needing to plan hours in advance
• Easily experiment with flavors and tweak recipes
• Entertain guests with freshly churned ice cream instead of store-bought
• Avoid waiting long hours between batches for the bowl to re-freeze

The rapid freezing capability makes the COWSAR IC3910 ideal for ice cream lovers who want to churn multiple batches conveniently.

Ice Cream Quality

The IC3910 makes ice cream with a rich, creamy texture and perfect consistency. The compressor cooling allows the mixture to churn and freeze smoothly, resulting in ice cream that is dense yet soft and scoopable straight from the freezer.

The flavor comes through beautifully in the finished product. The ice cream has a balanced sweetness and does not taste icy or crystallized. Many users comment that the ice cream rivals premium store-bought options in both taste and texture.

The compressor ensures an even freeze, preventing large ice crystals from forming. This results in ice cream that is smooth and velvety. The machine can handle mix-ins like chocolate chips and fruit without churning them into tiny pieces or freezing them rock solid. They retain their texture while embedded in the creamy ice cream base.

One downside is that some users find the minimum batch size produces more soft serve consistency rather than firm, scoopable ice cream. However, following recipes formulated for 1.5 quarts or more generally yields excellent scoopable results. The texture continues improving during the recommended 4+ hours of freezer time after churning. Overall, home chefs are impressed with the quality of ice cream from the IC3910.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The COWSAR IC3910 ice cream maker is very easy to clean and maintain thanks to its removable bowl, dasher, and lid. The stainless steel bowl can be removed from the machine and washed by hand or in the dishwasher. The plastic dasher and lid are also dishwasher safe.

After each use, it's recommended to disassemble the removable parts, rinse them under running water, and let them air dry. Then wipe down the body of the machine with a damp cloth. Never submerge the base in water.

The only part that requires special maintenance is the built-in compressor. The condenser coils should be cleaned every 3 months using the included brush. This prevents any dust buildup and ensures maximum cooling efficiency.

Overall, the cleaning process is quick and straightforward with no complex disassembly required. The lack of nooks and crannies in the bowl also minimizes the chances of trapped food residue. Following the proper cleaning procedures keeps the COWSAR ice cream maker hygienic and well-maintained after frequent use.

Pros & Cons

• Pros
  • Made by Cowsar, a reputable brand for ice cream makers
  • Automatic compressor for fast freezing
  • Can make 1.6 quarts of ice cream
  • Digital display and touch controls make it easy to use
  • Has pre-cooling and pre-freezing functions
  • Produces soft and creamy ice cream
  • Comes apart for easy cleaning
• Cons
  • On the expensive side for a home ice cream maker
  • Compressor is noisy when running
  • Bowls have to be pre-frozen overnight before each use
  • Prep and bowl freezing takes advanced planning
  • Smaller capacity than some competitors
  • Directions can be confusing

In summary, the COWSAR IC3910 ice cream maker has some excellent features like the built-in compressor and digital controls. It makes delicious soft ice cream consistently. But the noise, required pre-freezing, smallish capacity and high price may be downsides for some buyers. It's a quality machine for serious ice cream making if you don't mind the planning required.