Secura BL300 Ice Cream Machine: Full Review

Secura is a brand known for making kitchen appliances and tools that are affordable yet high quality. The Secura BL300 is one of their automatic ice cream makers designed for home use. This counter-top model can make up to 1.5 quarts of creamy ice cream, gelato, sorbet or frozen yogurt in around 30-40 minutes.

The Secura BL300 ice cream machine allows you to create custom flavors and textures of frozen desserts with the convenience of an automated appliance. It takes the guesswork out of making frozen treats by evenly freezing and churning mixtures for a smooth, creamy consistency. This review will cover the key features, pros and cons of the Secura BL300 to help you determine if it's the right ice cream maker for your needs.

Design & Appearance

The Secura BL300 electric ice cream maker has a sleek and modern design that would look great on any kitchen countertop. It has a stainless steel finish and a plastic housing that comes in either black or white.

The dimensions of the machine are 11 x 15 x 9 inches and it weighs just under 11 pounds, making it a compact size that doesn't take up too much space. The slightly rounded edges and smooth lines give it an attractive look.

One minor downside in terms of appearance is that the plastic parts have a cheaper look and feel compared to the stainless steel. But overall, the streamlined shape and neutral color options allow it to blend in seamlessly with most kitchen decors.

The machine isn't overly large or clunky looking. It strikes a nice balance of having a substantial presence without appearing too bulky. The stainless steel finish gives it a premium, elegant aesthetic.

Capacity

The Secura BL300 ice cream maker can make up to 1.5 quarts of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, or gelato in a single batch. This is enough to make ice cream for 3-4 people at a time. The 1.5 quart removable aluminum freezing bowl needs to be frozen for at least 24 hours before use, so you'll want to keep it in the freezer if you plan on making ice cream regularly. Once frozen, you can make batch after batch as long as you refreeze the bowl between each use. The machine will produce ice cream in around 30-40 minutes per batch. With a little planning ahead to keep the bowl frozen, you'll always be ready to churn up a fresh pint or two of homemade ice cream on demand.

In addition to the Secura BL300, you might consider the Elite Gourmet EIM-924L#. This unit is designed to make up to 1.5 quarts of ice cream as well, providing similar capacity for family gatherings or parties. It features a simple one-button operation for easy use and a built-in cooling mechanism for consistent results without pre-freezing bowls. Ideal for those who want a hassle-free experience, the Elite Gourmet model can create delicious frozen treats in under an hour.

Ease of Use

The Secura BL300 ice cream maker is designed to be very easy to use. The control panel has an on/off switch and a timer dial that allows you to set the freezing time. Simply add your ingredients to the freezer bowl, turn on the machine, set the timer, and let it run. The timer can be set from 0-60 minutes, giving you flexibility on freezing time based on the recipe.

The ice cream paddle attaches to the motor drive with a simple twist and lock mechanism, making it easy to put in place. All parts that come in contact with food are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze. The freezer bowl can be placed in the freezer before use, or put in the refrigerator overnight, then transfer it to the machine. This helps speed up the initial freezing. Overall, the Secura ice cream maker is designed for simplicity and ease of use from start to finish.

Another excellent option is the Whynter ICM-200LS, which features a powerful compressor and can churn out delicious ice cream in as little as 20 minutes. Its stainless steel housing not only provides durability but also an elegant look, making it a nice addition to any kitchen. The removable bowl makes it easy to transfer your ice cream, and the unit is ideal for creating gelato and frozen yogurt as well. With a generous capacity, the Whynter ICM-200LS is perfect for larger batches, accommodating family gatherings and parties effortlessly.

Ice Cream Quality

The Secura BL300 ice cream maker produces ice cream with a creamy, smooth texture and consistent results. The cooled bowl allows the mixture to churn slowly, infusing flavors thoroughly without incorporating too much air or iciness.

Since the freezing bowl needs to be pre-chilled, there is enough time for the base ingredients to fully hydrate and blend before churning begins. This helps develop a lush, velvety mouthfeel. The double insulated walls also help maintain an ideal chill for optimum texture without becoming too hard.

Flavors come through bright and balanced. Base mixes infuse fully with any added fruits, chocolates, or other mix-ins. The slow churn prevents over-agitation which can cause butterfats to separate. The end result is ice cream with an indulgent, satisfying mouthfeel and pronounced flavors.

Overall, the Secura ice cream maker consistently delivers smooth, creamy, flavorful homemade ice cream thanks to its powerful compressor and chilled bowl design. The texture rivals high-end ice cream shops without artificial additives or stabilizers.

Noise Level

There have been some mixed reviews regarding the noise level of the Secura BL300. Overall, most users report that it is moderately noisy while in operation. The motor and compressor that freeze and churn the ice cream mixture will emit a humming sound that can be audible from across a room. However, the noise is not obtrusive or excessively loud. It's comparable to the volume of a standard blender or food processor running. Some users note you may have to raise your voice slightly to talk over the noise, but it shouldn't drown out conversation. The noise level will also vary depending on what setting you are using and how thick or frozen the ice cream mixture is. The initial freezing stage in particular tends to be the loudest part of the process. But the noise is intermittent, not constant. So while it may require some accommodation, the Secura BL300 noise won't disturb your entire household or neighbors. If operated in a kitchen or living area, it can blend into the ambient household noises without necessarily standing out. Just don't expect a completely silent operation with this model. But for most users, the noise level is acceptable for an appliance of this type.

Safety Features

The Secura BL300 ice cream maker has several important safety features.

• Auto Shutoff: The machine will automatically shut off after 60 minutes of churning to prevent overheating or over-churning the dessert. This is an essential safety feature, especially if you get distracted and forget you're making ice cream.

• Stability: The heavy duty motor and sturdy plastic bucket give the ice cream maker stability during churning. There's no rocking or wobbling that could cause spilling. The feet on the bottom also prevent sliding on counter tops.

• Electrical Safety: This unit is ETL approved, meaning it has passed independent testing for compliance with US product safety standards. The ice cream maker has no exposed heating elements and the body remains cool to the touch during operation. The cord is also the appropriate gauge for the wattage.

Accessories

The Secura BL300 comes with a few handy accessories to get you started making homemade ice cream right away.

• It includes a measuring cup to portion out the ingredients. The cup has convenient fill lines for common measurements needed for ice cream recipes.

• There is also a plastic churn paddle that fits into the freezer bowl. The paddle agitates and aerates the ice cream mixture as it freezes to create a creamy, smooth texture.

• An additional lid for the freezer bowl is included. You can use this to safely store any leftover ice cream base in the freezer for your next batch.

• The package also contains a small cleaning brush. After each use, you can scrub the freezer bowl and churn paddle with the brush to clean any residual ice cream off the surfaces.

• Lastly, there is a user manual with a number of popular ice cream recipes to try with your new machine. The recipes range from classic vanilla to more inventive flavors like cookies and cream or mint chip.

Warranty

The Secura BL300 ice cream maker comes with a 1 year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear and tear is not covered.

The warranty only applies to the original purchaser and proof of purchase is required. The warranty is not transferable if you sell or give away the ice cream maker.

The warranty does not cover damage from improper use, accidents, disassembly, alterations or lack of maintenance. It also does not cover consumable parts like the freezing bowl.

To receive service under warranty, you need to contact Secura support with a description of the problem. If they determine it qualifies, they will provide instructions for repair or replacement.

You are responsible for packing and shipping charges when sending the unit in for warranty service. Secura pays for return shipping back to you.

The warranty only applies in the country of purchase. So if you bought the ice cream maker while traveling abroad, you would need to ship it back to that country for service.

Overall the warranty provides decent protection against defects for 1 year. But it does not cover wear and tear or accidents. Make sure to handle the appliance with care to maximize the lifespan.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Compact size takes up minimal counter space
• Large 1.5 quart capacity makes ice cream for the whole family
• Easy to use with fully automated operation
• Prepares creamy and delicious ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, and gelato
• Quiet motor doesn't disrupt conversations
• Safety features like auto shutoff prevent accidents
• Comes with recipes and all accessories needed
• 1 year warranty provides peace of mind

Cons:

• Lid can be tricky to properly secure
• Ice cream consistency is slightly icier than premium makers
• Longer freezing time required compared to more expensive models
• Ice cream drips down the sides during the churning process
• Limit of only making one batch at a time
• Noise level increases substantially during heavier mixing

The Secura BL300 ice cream maker has a lot going for it in terms of ease of use, quality, and safety features. The compact size and quiet motor make it convenient for home use. While the ice cream could be creamier and limits on capacity exist, overall it produces delicious frozen desserts for a very reasonable price point. Just be prepared for a bit of mess during churning and to make ice cream in smaller batches. For most casual home users, the pros likely outweigh the cons with this affordably priced machine.