Whynter ICM-128BPS Ice Cream Machine: Full Review

The Whynter ICM-128BPS is a compact automatic ice cream maker that allows you to create up to 1.5 quarts of frozen desserts like ice cream, gelato, sorbet and more in around 30 minutes or less. This stainless steel ice cream machine features a built-in compressor so no pre-freezing is required. It has an 128 oz capacity cylindrical freezer bowl with a double-insulation wall. The Whynter ice cream maker also includes an ingredient measuring cup and ice cream scoop. With its powerful motor, dedicated internal freezing system and large capacity, this ice cream machine delivers fast and efficient ice cream making for homes, parties or small businesses.

Design & Build Quality

The Whynter ICM-128BPS has a sleek stainless steel exterior that gives it an elegant look that will fit right in on any countertop. The body is made from heavy-duty stainless steel which gives it a sturdy feel and added durability.

The removable bowl has a double-walled construction with an air-tight lid which provides maximum insulation to keep the ice cream cold during the freezing process. The bowl, paddles, and lid are all BPA-free and made from food-safe materials.

The built-in compressor is designed for continuous use without overheating and the CFC-free R600a refrigerant is environmentally friendly. Overall, the solid stainless steel body coupled with the insulated bowl and BPA-free accessories make this a well-constructed ice cream maker built to last.

Ice Cream Making Capacity

The Whynter ICM-128BPS can make about 1.25 quarts of ice cream in a single batch. This is a decent capacity for home ice cream making, enough to serve 3-4 people in one go.

The machine can complete an ice cream batch in around 25-40 minutes. This is relatively fast for a home ice cream maker that doesn't require pre-freezing the mixing bowl. The quick freezing cylinder technology allows the machine to pull down the temperature rapidly during the freezing process.

There is built-in temperature control that automatically adjusts the consistency during the churning process. An internal sensor monitors the ice cream's thickness and hardness as it's being made. This helps ensure your ice cream turns out smooth and creamy every time.

You can customize the hardness of the final product by letting it churn for a longer or shorter duration. This gives flexibility if you prefer your ice cream soft and scoopable straight out of the machine or firmer and more frozen dessert-like.

Overall, the Whynter ICM-128BPS provides solid ice cream making abilities for the home chef. The generous 1.25 quart capacity, fast churn time, and automated temperature control allow you to churn out batch after batch of delicious frozen treats.

Ease of Use

The Whynter ICM-128BPS ice cream maker is designed for easy operation with its simplified control panel. The setup process is straightforward - just plug it in, add the ingredients to the removable aluminum freezing bowl, and turn it on.

The control panel has an easy-to-read LCD screen and touchpad buttons. It allows you to set the consistency, stirring cycle, and timer. The automatic mode takes the guesswork out of ice cream making by fully automating the process once you've added your ingredients.

Cleaning up after use is simple since the aluminum freezing bowl, dasher, and lid are all removable and dishwasher safe. The plastic components can be hand washed with warm soapy water. The Whynter ice cream maker is also designed for hygienic storage with a built-in cord compartment to keep the cord organized after each use.

Overall, the Whynter ICM-128BPS offers straightforward operation and hassle-free cleanup, making homemade ice cream a breeze for users. The intuitive controls, removable parts, and storage features allow for easy ice cream making each time.

Noise Level

When selecting an ice cream maker, noise level is an important consideration - especially if you'll be using it frequently or making ice cream when others are sleeping. The Whynter ICM-128BPS uses an air cooled compressor, which does produce more noise than models with built-in freezers.

However, the noise rating is about average for domestic ice cream machines. Users describe it as similar to a household refrigerator. There is some compressor noise when starting and stopping, and a low hum while in operation. But it shouldn't disturb normal conversations.

The noise level may be a downside if you were planning to make ice cream late at night. But for daytime use, it should be reasonably quiet. Just don't expect whisper quiet operation. Overall the noise is comparable to average counters - not as quiet as high-end models but also not excessively loud.

Safety Features

The Whynter ICM-128BPS ice cream maker has several important safety features that make it a wise choice for any home.

First, it has an auto shutoff function that turns the machine off after the cycle is complete or if it's left idle for more than 60 minutes. This prevents the danger of overchurning your ice cream and helps avoid potential electrical hazards from leaving an appliance accidentally running for long periods.

In addition, the Whynter ice cream maker alerts you with an audible beeping noise when the ice cream is ready. This removes the guesswork of when your frozen treat is perfectly churned. The alert system ensures you never burn or over-freeze the ice cream.

Finally, the Whynter machine has a stable upright design that sits securely on your countertop. This reduces the chances of accidentally knocking over the appliance while in use, which could lead to messy cleanups or even injury from hot partials. The sturdy build gives you confidence that this ice cream maker won't tip or wobble during churning.

With auto shutoff, audible alert tones, and a sturdy upright build, the Whynter ICM-128BPS provides key safety features for worry-free homemade ice cream making. You can trust this ice cream machine to churn delicious frozen treats without compromising your home or family's wellbeing.

Extra Features

The Whynter ICM-128BPS comes with some nice extra features that help set it apart from competitors. One of the key features is the built-in compressor. This allows the machine to continually churn and freeze the ice cream mixture without needing pre-freezing. The compressor is quiet and efficient, allowing you to make ice cream with minimal effort.

This ice cream maker also comes with a number of handy accessories. It includes two transparent lids - one for compact and one for large capacity. This allows you to observe the mixing process as the ice cream freezes. It also comes with an ice cream scoop, so you have everything you need to serve up your freshly made frozen treats. The package also contains a recipe book filled with delicious ice cream recipes to try.

Overall, the built-in compressor and included accessories add functionality and value, making this a versatile ice cream machine. You don't have to pre-freeze anything or purchase any additional items to get started making refreshing homemade ice cream.

Pros

• Large 2.1 quart capacity makes ice cream quickly and in good quantity for families or entertaining
• Integrated freeze bowl with built-in refrigerant gel means no pre-freezing required
• Powerful compressor delivers fast freezing results in as little as 30 minutes
• Clear lid allows monitoring of ice cream consistency without interrupting the process
• Automatic timer and auto shut-off provides hands-free operation and safety
• Quiet operation compared to cheaper ice cream machines
• Easy to use control panel and recipes included

Cons

While the Whynter ICM-128BPS performs well overall, there are some downsides to consider:

• Smaller ice cream capacity - The 1.5 quart capacity is smaller than many other ice cream machines in this price range, which often hold 2 quarts or more. This means you can only make a limited amount of ice cream at a time.

• No window on lid - There is no clear window on the lid to view the ice cream as it churns. You need to remove the lid to check the consistency.

• Louder operation - The compressor does make audible noise during the freezing cycle. This may be distracting in some environments.

• Non-stick bowl harder to clean - The non-stick aluminum bowl, while preventing sticking, can be more difficult to completely clean after use. Food may get stuck in grooves.

• No automatic shutoff - There is no auto shutoff feature when the freezing cycle finishes. You need to manually power off the machine yourself.

Conclusion

The Whynter ICM-128BPS is a solid choice for a home ice cream maker that delivers quality results without breaking the bank. Overall, it performs very well and produces creamy ice cream with good texture in around 30 minutes.

The self-refrigerating compressor allows you to keep making batch after batch without needing pre-frozen bowls or cans. The dual paddles provide even mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl. It's also easy to use and cleanup is simple with removable parts.

While not as feature-packed as some higher-end models, the Whynter offers good value given its performance and thoughtful design. The compact size works well for most home kitchens. It operates quietly enough for daytime use and has nice safety features.

If you're looking for an automatic ice cream maker that delivers consistent results without a lot of fuss, the Whynter ICM-128BPS is an excellent option worth considering. It provides the convenience of self-refrigeration without the steep price tag of many competitors. For home ice cream enthusiasts, it's a very solid choice.