Cuisinart has long been a trusted name in home ice cream makers. The ICE-60 is the classic, budget-friendly model, while the ICE-70 is its professional successor, offering smart controls and more precise texture options. Both are freezer-bowl style machines, perfect for making ice cream, gelato, or sorbet at home.
Main Difference Between ICE-60 and ICE-70
The ICE-70 introduces variable paddle speeds for ice cream, gelato, and sorbet, along with an automatic shutoff timer. The ICE-60 has a single-speed motor and requires manual monitoring. These differences make the ICE-70 more “guest-friendly” for multitasking in the kitchen.
Quick Comparison Table: Cuisinart ICE-60 vs ICE-70
| Feature | Cuisinart ICE-60 (Classic) | Cuisinart ICE-70 (Professional) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 Quarts | 2 Quarts |
| Control Logic | Manual Dial (On/Off) | LCD Touchpad (Countdown Timer) |
| Paddle Speed | Single Speed | Variable (Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet) |
| Auto-Shutoff | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Stops when timer hits zero) |
| Spout Design | Large Open Spout | Large Spout with Integrated Measuring Cup |
| Motor | 50W Standard | 60W High-Torque |
Texture & Gelato Paddle Speed
The ICE-70 is unique in that its Gelato mode actually changes the paddle speed. Gelato requires less air (overrun) for a dense, silky texture. The ICE-60 runs at a single speed, so the texture is uniform regardless of flavor, which can make gelato less authentic.
Over-Churning Protection
The ICE-70 automatically shuts off when the timer reaches zero. This prevents over-churning, overheating, or the mixture separating. The ICE-60 requires manual attention, which means the user must watch the timer to avoid buttery ice cream.
Freezer Bowl Tips
Both machines use a freezer bowl, so the temperature is critical:
- Pro Tip: Shake the bowl before use. If you hear liquid sloshing, it’s not ready. Freeze for at least 24 hours at 0°F (-18°C).
Mix-In Spout
The ICE-70’s spout is slightly improved over the ICE-60, preventing splattering when adding chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit at the end of the cycle.
Final Verdict
Buy the ICE-70 if you want the “Set it and Forget it” experience, with automatic shutoff and variable texture settings. Buy the ICE-60 if you are on a budget and don’t mind manually monitoring your ice cream during churning.
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