Rival GC8250 Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

The Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker has an automatic timer that starts when you turn the machine on. After 22 minutes, a tone will sound for 10 seconds, and the indicator light will change from red to green, indicating that the ice cream is ready. (For firmer ice cream, transfer soft-serve ice cream to a plastic container and place in the freezer until it reaches desired texture.) The clear plastic cover locks in place while the paddle rotates. When the time is up, just tilt the whole canister, rest it on the nonskid bracer feet on the canister collar, and press the dispenser button.

Clean-up is very easy; warm soapy water will do the trick, and there is a brush for cleaning the hard-to-reach parts. (The upper motor section is not immersible.) The gel canister should not contact hot water until it is near room temperature, and it should be completely dry before being frozen again. When fully assembled, the Rival Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is 9-3/4 by 11-1/2 wide and 11-1/2 inches tall. Rival products include a one-year warranty against defects and come with a detailed booklet of instructions, recipes, and tips. --Garland Withers