The most common ice cream maker problems, from 5,871 verified buyers

1. The most common ice cream maker problem owners report: “Broke down or developed a fault”, raised in 27% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Icy, watery or powdery results” (9%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Easy to set up and use”, in 27% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 91% of verified buyers rated their ice cream maker 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; ice cream makers rank 24 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 6% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 17.
5. Across the 4 ice cream makers with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 91% to 94%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these ice cream makers had a median of 93% happy buyers, against 92% for the cheaper half (up to £219).
7. Owners rate “great choice” and “good with caveats” models about the same here (a median of 92% and 93% happy buyers): the caveats experts raise rarely put owners off.
8. Buyers in Asia, Africa and Oceania were the happiest (98% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the rest of Europe the least (90%).

Share of the 513 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault27%
   Came up on 3 models
2. 2. Icy, watery or powdery results9%
   Came up on 3 models
3. 3. Noisy8%
   Came up on 4 models
4. 4. Not worth the price, or little better than the last model4%
   Came up on 3 models
5. 5. Heavy or bulky4%
   Came up on 2 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault (27% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

2. 2. Icy, watery or powdery results (9% of complaints)

   Follow the recipes made for the machine, freeze the base long enough and use enough fat and sugar: low-sugar bases freeze icy.

3. 3. Noisy (8% of complaints)

   If it will run near a bedroom, a desk or the TV, look for a published noise figure (in decibels) and read what reviewers say about it on its normal setting.

4. 4. Not worth the price, or little better than the last model (4% of complaints)

   Compare it with last year's model, which is often much cheaper and nearly the same.

5. 5. Heavy or bulky (4% of complaints)

   Check the weight and size against where it will live and who will lift it. A model you have to move often should be one you can carry easily.

Share of the 344 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Easy to set up and use27%
   Came up on 5 models
2. 2. The ice cream tastes great26%
   Came up on 5 models
3. 3. Makes sorbet, milkshakes and more16%
   Came up on 3 models
4. 4. Healthier treats: you choose what goes in8%
   Came up on 3 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.