What is gelato? It is an Italian treat that tastes just like ice cream, but it isn’t exactly the same. Gelato is awesome because it tastes as good as ice cream, if not better, but doesn’t have the same fat content. That is why you need a gelato ice cream machine to make it. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that an ice-cream machine can double as a gelato maker; it can’t. Making gelato is a different process that takes a different type of machine.
There are things that differentiate gelato from ice cream, and most of them stem from the way that it is made. The major differences between ice cream and gelato are:
Gelato is not made with cream. Gelato starts with milk and then reverses it, so it contains a lot less fat
Gelato is much more flavorful because it is denser. Ice cream is made through a process of air being whipped, so it doesn’t have the same taste sensation
You don’t need any cream or eggs to make gelato, just milk
Gelato doesn’t need to be frozen at the same low temperature, so you don’t have to worry about freezing it the way that you do ice cream
Gelato, when made with the right machine, is super easy to make
There are good gelato machines, and then there are better ones. It isn’t always about the price that you pay for your gelato machine. But if you want a good gelato machine, sometimes paying a bit more means that you make a higher-quality gelato that just tastes better. Gelato machines come with various options, but having more options doesn’t always make the best gelato. If you invest in the right machine, it can last a lot longer and make incredible-tasting Gelato.
Self-refrigerating
If you get a machine with a self-refrigerating mechanism, it will turn the gelato more slowly and give it a better consistency. If your machine doesn’t provide a self-refrigerating option, it may take hours to make the gelato, and then you have to let it sit in the freezer for hours before serving it. If you get a machine with a self-refrigerating mechanism, it can be ready to eat in twenty to thirty minutes.
Get a designated gelato machine
Although you can make gelato in an ice-cream maker, it won’t taste the same. A gelato machine is designed to make gelato with the right consistency and temperature. Ice cream machines introduce air into the process, which can spoil the richness of your gelato. Gelato is much denser, which is what differentiates it from its ice cream counterpart.
Find a machine that is quiet and will last
Even if you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money, it is important to find a machine that isn’t too noisy. If you skimp on the price and get a cheaper one, you might end up regretting it. If you want to run the machine during dinner, the last thing you want is the distraction of the noise. A gelato maker with a whisper-quiet operation is really a nice option. Although this option is a bit pricier, if you make the investment, you won’t end up having to listen to it or replacing it.
The size matters
If you have a bigger family or entertain guests a lot, then the higher-capacity machines will better fulfill your needs. Before you find the right gelato machine, consider how much you will want to make and what you will be using it for. Gelato makers typically come in 1.2 quarts sizes up to 1.5 quarts, so there isn’t just a difference in the amount they make; a smaller machine might be easier to store when you aren’t using it.
The manufacturer does matter
If you want to get the best gelato machine, then it is a good idea to get an Italian one. Since gelato is an age-old Italian delicacy, it would make sense that Italian manufacturers know best how to make it. Looking for a company that has Italian origins will likely ensure that you get the type of machine that will make you happy.
A gelato machine might seem like a fancy name for just another ice-cream machine, but it is critically different. If you want to get an excellent machine that works well, is quiet and easy to store, you might want to consider investing just a bit more to get one that lasts and does the best job to make the tastiest Italian treat ever.