One of the tastiest ways to stay cool during the heat wave is by eating a cool, silky ice cream, and thanks to the best ice cream makers, it’s never been easier to make a tub at home. While the freezing, churning machines don’t come cheap, in usual fashion Aldi is launching a budget alternative – this time one that rivals Ninja’s premium creami.
Landing in Aldi’s specialbuys middle aisle next week, the Ambianu ice cream machine uses a “smoothify” technology that turns any frozen ingredient into a creamy consistency by shaving the food with a rotating blade. This means from homemade ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes and frozen cocktails, the frozen delights are endless.
At £69.99, it’s £130 cheaper than the Ninja creami that is ever-popular for its creamy scoops and versatility. with the Aldi machine boasts a similar design and accessories. The deluxe version is our best buy but comes with a hefty price tag, making Aldi’s machine even more tempting.
Upkeep is seemingly simple too, with a self-cleaning function, adjustable blade and dishwasher-safe accessories. Plus it comes with three 500ml preparation cups and ten preset programmes.
Read more: Salter launches affordable rival to the Ninja slushi – I put the two head-to-head
When can you buy Aldi’s affordable ice cream maker?
The ice cream maker will land in Aldi stores on Thursday, 16 July, as part of the supermarket’s limited specialbuys range. This means that once the stock is gone, it’s unlikely to return.
How much is Aldi’s ice cream maker?
Aldi’s ice cream maker will cost £69.99, so it isn’t as costly as investing in one of the best ice cream makers. There’ll be other kitchen devices landing in-store the same day, including a 9l dual air fryer (£49.99) and a milk frother (£14.99).
Best ice cream makers
Ninja creami deluxe
“If you’re tight on space and you want a machine that doesn’t only produce ice cream, the Ninja creami deluxe is the answer and the best ice cream maker I’ve tested,” said expert tester Rachael Penn in her review of the best ice cream makers.
It produced delicious, creamy soft scoop and boasts low faff clean up, as the freezable tubs are dishwasher-friendly. Its the priciest model in Ninja’s range, but we also rate the smaller, original Ninja creami (was £200, now £179, Sharkninja.co.uk). It’s often on sale, but it isn’t as big and has fewer settings.
Buy now £249.99, Ninjakitchen.co.uk
Cuisinart solo scoops ice cream maker
Cheaper than Aldi’s machine, the Cuisinart solo scoops ice cream maker was our best budget ice cream maker.
“The one-touch operation makes it incredibly easy to use,” said Rachel. “While you’re limited to one batch at a time, the results were consistently creamy and satisfying during testing, and you get a decent amount of ice cream with this machine.”
Buy now £29.99, Cuisinart.co.uk
For more recommendations, we’ve tested the best juicers
