Factory Reconditioned Cuisinart ICE-20FR Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker, White

Chocolate chips, chopped fruit, nuts, and other special ingredients can be added toward the end. The chamber is nonstick for easy cleanup. Storing it in the freezer ensures a frozen confection is only 20 to 40 minutes away when the mood strikes. The machine measures 10 inches in diameter and 15 inches high and weighs 9-1/2 pounds. It carries a 90-day warranty. A detailed instruction booklet including many recipes is included. --Fred Brack

Editor's note: This is a reconditioned small appliance. Reconditioned generally means that the appliance has been returned to the manufacturer, who returns the appliance to like-new condition. Some appliances may contain cosmetic blemishes.

The maker itself looks very nice. After freezing the bowl, you simply pour in your ice cream base (generally milk, cream, eggs and vanilla) and turn it on. It is loud, but it IS an ice cream maker...besides, for 15 minutes, can we not just deal? About 5 minutes before finishing, you add your goodies--chocolate chips, candy pieces, etc. I recommend freezing your creation another 1-2 hours afterward because the consistency can be somewhat like ice milk right away. The ice cream is even better 2-3 days letter if frozen covered.

Ice cream recipe books are a good compliment, but plenty of recipes are also available online at various places. Overall, I give this my highest recommendation. For the price, you can't beat it. The finished product is excellent and easily created. Cheers!


Great value and easy to use!   December 12, 2000
Lisa Shea
68 out of 72 found this review helpful

We used to have one of those ice cream makers that works with salt and ice cubes. After fighting with it one holiday, a relative of ours bought us one of these ice makers instead. We LOVED it, and friends have had so much fun with it that they now have one as well.

It's very easy. Simply put the central unit into the freezer beforehand so it gets cold. Now dump in the ingredients, put that into the base, and turn it on. In 20 minutes you have fresh, delicious, all natural ice cream or yogurt, in whatever style you enjoy!

We found it easy to use, easy to clean up, and a huge hit with not only our own family but with whoever came over to eat with us. Definitely a keeper.


This is a MUST BUY!   January 14, 2001
43 out of 43 found this review helpful

I was hesitant about buying this item because of the rising population of "trendy" unused small appliances in my kitchen. I decided to take the plunge after seeing this sort of product used on the "Iron Chef" TV show. I couldn't believe that fabulous ice cream dishes worthy of a Japanese cooking contest could be created inside of 1 hour. I bought it that day! I put the freezing bowl in the freezer immediately after opening the box and blended up two cans of peach slices and a cup of plain yogurt. When the bowl was frozen (5 hrs) I dumped that stuff in and Voila'!! Ice cream with dinner! My kids think I'm the greatest and I sneaked calcium into their diet with no protests. If you have any doubts, don't. (one more thing: I didn't think the freezer space issue was a big deal, I put a bag of frozen peas inside the bowl to save space)


Ice cream made easy!   April 15, 2003
M. Hamilton (Omaha, NE United States)
37 out of 37 found this review helpful

Don't be scared of buying Cusinart reconditioned. I have bought two of these for the mere fact that the reconditioned ice cream makers cost less than buying just an additional freezer bowl! This way, I have two makers, or an extra bowl when I need it!
This machine works perfectly-makes the best home made ice cream in about 30 minutes-and if you or your family are true ice-cream hogs like my family is, then this will pay for itself in no time.
The recipes that are included are quick and easy. And keep in mind that you can adapt the recipes to be lower fat, or lactose free by substituting either condensed fat free milk for cream, 2%/1% or skim milk for whole milk (but don't go crazy with the skim or you'll have iced milk), or use Chocolate Soy milk for a lactose free version.
As far as it being reconditioned-well one of mine did have some minor blemishes, which would have appeared after use anyway. The other one was mint.
I'm very pleased with this purchase, and I'm sure you will be as well.


A Good Machine From A Mediocre Company -_-   May 21, 2001
35 out of 45 found this review helpful

The reconditioned one I got from amazon saved me [money]. Which is usually a good way to buy things and save some [money]. Alas, the one we got was somewhat defective, and did not freeze properly. I called them and they asked us to try it again and make sure we left the insert in the freezer for 2 days and blah blah stuff we had already done. We tried it; it failed again. So I called back and arranged to get it repaired for a...fee, plus I had to pay shipping. The machine works great now, everything it is cracked up to be... But I sort of lost money on the refurbished model dealie. So caveat! And I think I'll buy a krups next time, just on principle (until they screw up too)! ;D and i'll give it 3 instead of 5 stars ^_-