KUMIO ICE-1032Y Ice Cream Machine: Full Review

From humble beginnings in 1984 as a small boutique manufacturing company, Kumio has now become one of the most popular brands for home ice cream makers in Japan. Based in Osaka, Kumio focuses solely on making high-quality, affordable ice cream makers for home use. Their patented compressor cooling system allows users to make smooth, creamy ice cream right in their own kitchens.

The Kumio ICE-1032Y is one of their latest models aimed at the North American market. Featuring a sleek, modern design and simple one-button operation, it exemplifies Kumio's dedication to making ice cream making accessible and easy for home cooks. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the capabilities and performance of the ICE-1032Y to see if it lives up to Kumio's reputation for quality ice cream makers.

Specifications

The Kumio ICE-1032Y is a compact and lightweight ice cream maker that comfortably fits on most countertops. It measures 11.4 x 8.3 x 10.2 inches and weighs just 9.9 pounds. Despite its small size, it has a 1.5 quart capacity which can make enough ice cream for 3-4 people in one batch.

The ice cream maker is powered by a built-in 80W compressor. Unlike freezer bowl ice cream machines that must be frozen overnight, the compressor allows the Kumio to be used instantly without any pre-freezing required. It can churn out delicious soft serve ice cream in as little as 7 minutes.

The double insulated bowl helps maintain the optimal temperature for creating creamy ice cream texture. The mixing paddle rotates at 55 RPM to evenly freeze the ingredients while injecting air for a smooth and fluffy consistency.

Overall, the Kumio delivers robust ice cream making performance comparable to much larger machines while taking up minimal space in your kitchen.

Another great product in the ice cream making realm is the Yonanas 988BK. This innovative machine transforms frozen fruit into a delicious soft-serve treat, offering a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. With its sleek design and easy operation, it allows users to create creamy blends without added sugars or dairy. Whether you desire a fruity dessert or need to satisfy a sweet tooth, the Yonanas 988BK is perfect for making guilt-free frozen delights, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen.

Design

The KUMIO ICE-1032Y features a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen counter. The machine has a glossy white finish and smooth rounded edges for an elegant look.

Despite its attractive exterior, this ice cream maker is designed for maximum functionality. The lid, bowl, and paddle are all made from high-quality, BPA-free plastic that is durable and easy to clean. The detachable bowl makes it simple to lift out your freshly churned ice cream. Controls are kept minimal with just an on/off switch and a timer dial, allowing you to focus on creating delicious frozen treats.

The KUMIO stands about 10 inches tall, making it compact enough to store easily in most kitchens. Rubber feet on the bottom keep the machine stable during the churning process. Overall, the aesthetic design is clean and user-friendly. Form and function combine in the KUMIO ice cream maker for excellent results.

In addition to the KUMIO, the Yonanas 902 offers a unique way to create guilt-free frozen desserts using overripe bananas and other fruits. It features a sleek design and is perfect for those looking for healthier dessert options. The Yonanas 902 can turn frozen fruit into a soft-serve style treat without the need for added sugars. With a simple operation and easy cleanup, it’s an excellent complement to any kitchen looking to indulge in delicious, nutritious desserts.

Features

The KUMIO ICE-1032Y has several handy features for making ice cream.

It uses an in-built compressor for continuous freezing rather than requiring pre-freezing of the bowl. This makes the process much quicker and more convenient since you don't have to freeze the bowl overnight before using it. The compressor enables the machine to churn out batch after batch rapidly.

The machine offers both automatic and manual operation modes. In auto mode, you simply pour in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the machine do all the work. It will automatically stop churning when the time is up. The manual mode gives you more control to churn until the desired texture is reached.

A 60-minute timer can be set so you don't have to watch the machine constantly. It will stop automatically when the time is up to avoid over-churning the ice cream. The timer is a very useful feature for walking away and doing other tasks during the freezing process.

Overall, the compressor freezing, dual modes, and timer make this an easy-to-use and versatile ice cream maker.

Ice Cream Quality

When it comes to ice cream quality, the KUMIO ICE-1032Y delivers deliciously creamy and smooth results. The texture is rich and dense thanks to the built-in compressor that churns the mixture effectively. You can expect a very smooth, consistent texture without any large ice crystals.

The ice cream's taste is also excellent, allowing you to create sweet treats with complex and pronounced flavors. The machine churns quickly while keeping the mixture cool, helping to develop nuanced tastes without dulling or muddying the flavors. Whether making vanilla, chocolate, or more elaborate recipes, the end result is ice cream with bright, indulgent flavor.

Overall, the KUMIO produces restaurant-quality ice cream at home with its ability to churn up rich, creamy, and smooth textures while preserving the intended tastes. The compressor freezing method simply outperforms manual crank machines when it comes to delivering quality ice cream.

Ease of Use

The Kumio Ice Cream machine is designed to be very easy to use.

• Setup is straightforward - the machine comes fully assembled out of the box. All you need to do is plug it in, add your ice cream ingredients to the freezing chamber, and press the start button. The digital control panel makes customizing and selecting recipes very simple.

• Customizing your own ice cream recipes is easy with the Kumio. There are built-in recipes you can select from the menu, or you can fully customize and save your own recipe with precise control over ingredients, mixtures, and time settings. The machine guides you through each step.

• Cleaning the Kumio is quick and simple. The freezing chamber is detachable and dishwasher safe. The body can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Since the machine freezes the ice cream mixture before dispensing, there is minimal mess or cleanup involved. The Kumio does a great job of automating the ice cream making process while keeping it easy and enjoyable.

Noise Level

The Kumio ICE-1032Y ice cream maker runs fairly quietly overall. The main sources of noise are the compressor and the motor that churns the ice cream mixture.

The compressor runs intermittently to freeze the bowl and does produce some noise when it kicks on. However, it is reasonably quiet and operates at around 50-55 decibels. This is similar to the volume of a normal conversation and less noisy than a refrigerator compressor.

The motor that churns and mixes the ice cream ingredients is also relatively quiet. It runs continuously while making ice cream and generates a low humming noise around 60-65 decibels. This is about as loud as typical office ambient noise.

The noise levels are not completely silent, but should not be disruptive in most home environments. The intermittent compressor and low-volume motor are comparable or quieter than many other domestic appliances. Users looking for a whisper-quiet ice cream maker may want a pre-freeze bowl model rather than a compressor model like the Kumio. But overall, the noise is acceptable for kitchen use and enables freshly frozen ice cream on demand.

Price

The Kumio ICE-1032Y Compressor with Built-In Metal Motor Ice Cream Machine currently retails for $149.99 USD. It was originally listed at $229.99 but is currently on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers.

The price puts it solidly in the mid-range for consumer home ice cream makers with built-in compressors. It's a great option for home chefs who want to invest in a decent ice cream machine without overspending on top-end commercial models.

While $149.99 is the standard retail price across major retailers, it's worth checking for any additional sales or deals that could bring the price down further. Kumio periodically offers coupons and discounts directly on their website that can make this machine an even better value.

Given the features and performance the ICE-1032Y offers, $149.99 is a very reasonable price point. However, with some searching and timing, it may be possible to grab it for $100-130 during seasonal sales events or holiday weekends. At those sale prices, it becomes an absolute bargain and worthwhile investment for ice cream lovers.

Pros & Cons

This ice cream maker provides some key benefits, as well as a couple shortcomings to consider:

Pros

• Makes high-quality creamy ice cream at home. Ice cream is soft, fully aerated, and smoother than most budget home machines.
• Compact and lightweight - only weighs around 4 pounds. Easy to store and clean.
• Powerful compressor produces fast results. Makes a batch of ice cream in about 25-30 minutes. No heavy ice bowl or time-consuming pre-freezing required.
• Affordably priced for what it offers. Provides professional-quality ice cream results at home for under $200.
• Easy to operate with automatic freezing and mixing cycles. Just add ingredients, turn it on, and it handles the rest.

Cons

• Small 1 quart capacity. Limited to making about 2 servings of ice cream at a time.
• Can be loud when the compressor is running. May disrupt conversations or TV listening.
• Lid does not seal tightly when operating. Leaks can occur if bumped or jostled.
• Base unit can vibrate and "walk" during use. Needs a stable, level surface.

Conclusion

The KUMIO ICE-1032Y is an excellent choice for an automatic ice cream maker that produces delicious frozen treats with little effort. It's easy to use, has helpful features like a viewing window and keep cool function, and makes ice cream in as little as 20 minutes. The self-contained freezing chamber means you don't have to pre-freeze a bowl or use ice.

The KUMIO would make a great addition to any home kitchen. It takes the hassle out of making homemade ice cream and sorbet. Comparable ice cream machines with similar quality, features, and ease of use include the Cuisinart ICE-70, the Breville Smart Scoop, and the Whynter ICM-200LS. However, the KUMIO comes in at a very reasonable price point, making it a great value.

Overall, if you're looking for an automatic ice cream maker that consistently delivers creamy and flavorful frozen desserts, the KUMIO ICE-1032Y is easily recommendable. It's simple to use, well-designed, and produces delicious results.