Cuisinart Ice-200 Review

I’ve tested a lot of ice cream makers over the years. Some need you to freeze the bowl overnight. Others are loud enough to wake the neighbors. But when I unboxed the Cuisinart ICE-200, I knew right away this one was different.

This machine doesn’t mess around. It’s got a built-in compressor, which means no pre-freezing required. You pour in your ingredients, pick a setting, and you’re good to go. In my experience, that’s a game changer if you’re like me and forget to prep the night before.

Let me walk you through everything I found, the good and the not-so-good.

The Cuisinart ICE-200 is a 6-in-1 slushy and soft-serve maker with Quick-Freeze Chill Technology. It’s designed to make soft serve ice cream, sorbet, slushies, frappes, frozen cocktails, and even wine slushies.

What sets it apart? The self-refrigerating compressor. Most countertop ice cream makers need a frozen bowl that you stick in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours. This one doesn’t. You can make batch after batch without waiting.

The Cuisinart 6-in-1 Slushy & Soft-Serve Maker comes with automatic churning, a digital control panel with preset programs, and a keep-cool function that holds your frozen treats at the right temperature.

Key Features at a Glance

Here’s what you get with the ICE-200:

• Built-in compressor (no pre-freezing required)
• 6 preset programs (soft serve, sorbet, slushies, frappes, cocktails, wine)
• 1.7-quart capacity (about 54 ounces total)
• Quick-Freeze Chill Technology
• Ultra-quiet motor (around 55.9 decibels)
• Smart dispense control for smooth pouring
• Auto-clean cycle
• 3-year limited warranty
• Stainless steel mixing vessel
• Digital control panel with timer

The capacity is a bit smaller than some high-end models like the Breville Smart Scoop, but it’s enough for a family of four or a small party.

Pricing & Where to Buy

The Cuisinart Ice-200 is priced at $329.95 in the USA, though you can often find it on sale for around $294.99 on Amazon. In the UK, it’s marketed as the “Frost Fusion” and costs about £300 at retailers like Lakeland, John Lewis, and Curry’s.

For Canada, pricing varies depending on the retailer, but expect it to be in a similar range when converted.

You can buy it from:

• USA: Amazon, Target, Macy’s, Walmart
• UK: Lakeland, John Lewis, Curry’s
• Canada: Amazon Canada, select kitchen appliance stores

If you’re comparing this to other compressor ice cream makers, it’s more affordable than the Breville Smart Scoop ($499+) and the GreenPan Frost ($399), but slightly pricier than the Ninja Creami Deluxe ($349.99).

When I opened the box, everything was packed neatly. No missing parts, no damage. That’s always a good sign.

Box Contents Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• The Cuisinart ICE-200 main unit
• A large drip tray
• A star-shaped soft serve adapter (for that classic swirl look)
• An instruction and recipe manual
• A registration card
• Safety information
• A QR code card for digital tips and recipes

One thing I noticed right away is that the instruction manual is included in print. Some newer machines only offer a QR code to scan, which can be annoying if you don’t have your phone handy. This one gives you both options.

Assembly Instructions

Assembly is super simple. The machine comes mostly assembled. You just need to:

1. Remove all packaging materials
2. Slide the drip tray into place at the front (it has a small nub to hold it steady)
3. Attach the star-shaped adapter if you want soft serve with a swirl (it snaps right in)
4. Plug it in

That’s it. No complicated setup, no confusing diagrams.

First-Time Setup Steps

Before your first use, you’ll want to clean the removable parts. The front cover pops off easily, and the paddle assembly slides out. Wash these with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.

The stainless steel mixing vessel is not removable, which is a bit of a letdown. You’ll need to clean it while it’s still inside the machine. More on that later.

Once everything is clean and dry, you’re ready to make your first batch.

This machine looks sharp. It’s got a modern, sleek design with a white plastic housing and stainless steel accents. When you’re choosing the right kitchen appliances, design matters, and this fits in well with most kitchen styles.

Appearance & Materials

The body is made of durable plastic, and the mixing chamber is stainless steel. The handle feels smooth and solid, with a rubber seal to prevent leaks. The controls sit on top with a digital panel that’s easy to read.

One nice touch is the clear funnel at the top where you pour in ingredients. You can see what’s going on inside, which is helpful if you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit.

The drip tray is large and does a good job catching any drips. It’s not firmly locked in place, but it stays put well enough during normal use.

Dimensions (with Storage Challenge Explanation)

Here’s where things get tricky. The Cuisinart Ice-200 is narrow but tall.

• Height: Just under 18 inches (17.83″ to be exact)
• Width: About 6 inches (7″ officially)
• Depth: About 19 inches from back to front (18.42″ without the drip tray)

If you have standard upper cabinets, this might be a tight fit. In the UK especially, where kitchen counter space is often more limited, this has been a pain point. Multiple reviewers mentioned it fits “by a smidgen” under typical cabinets.

For me, it fit, but just barely. If your cabinets are on the lower side, you may need to store this machine elsewhere or keep it out on the counter permanently.

Durability & Warranty Coverage

The build quality feels solid. The paddle assembly is heavy-duty, and there’s a metal rod running through the center, which is a good sign for long-term reliability.

Cuisinart backs this with a 3-year limited warranty, which is better than most ice cream makers. Most only come with a one-year warranty, so this gives you some peace of mind.

From what I’ve seen, Cuisinart has a strong brand reputation for durability and customer support. If something goes wrong, they’re generally responsive.

Let me break down what makes this machine tick.

6 Preset Programs

The ICE-200 has six preset modes, each designed for a specific type of frozen treat. You select the mode with a button on the control panel, and the machine adjusts the freezing time and paddle speed automatically.

Soft-Serve Ice Cream Mode

This is the most popular setting. It’s designed to give you that classic soft serve texture, smooth and creamy.

In my testing, the soft serve came out a bit softer than I expected. It tasted great, but it wasn’t firm enough to hold a cone shape right away. One reviewer said it was “almost like thick whipped cream.” That’s pretty accurate.

The machine doesn’t let you adjust the freeze level for soft serve, which is frustrating. If it’s too soft, you’ll need to tweak your recipe or let it sit in the freezer for a bit after dispensing.

Sorbet Mode

Sorbet mode works well. It’s designed for fruit-based frozen treats with no dairy. The texture is smooth, and the freeze time is slightly faster than ice cream.

I made a simple strawberry sorbet, and it turned out great. No ice crystals, just a clean, fruity flavor.

Slushies Mode

This is where the machine really shines. The slushy setting is excellent. I tested it with soda, and the results were spot on. The texture was smooth, and the machine kept it mixed and chilled even after the cycle finished.

The ICE-200 has a higher capacity for slushies (44 ounces max) compared to ice cream (30 ounces max), which makes sense since slushies don’t expand as much.

Cocktails & Frappes

The frozen cocktail and frappe settings work similarly to the slushie mode, but with slightly different freezing times. I tested a frozen margarita, and it came out perfect. Smooth, slushy, and strong.

The machine can handle alcohol just fine, though you’ll need to adjust the sugar and liquid ratios to get the right consistency.

Wine Mode

This is a unique feature. The wine slush setting is designed for frozen wine cocktails. I haven’t tested this one personally, but it’s a fun option if you’re entertaining.

Quick-Freeze Chill Technology

This is Cuisinart’s name for the built-in compressor system. It uses a powerful motor to maintain a consistent freezing temperature throughout the process.

The advantage here is speed and convenience. You don’t need to plan ahead. You can make multiple batches back-to-back without waiting for a bowl to refreeze.

In my testing, the machine took about 15 to 20 minutes to complete a full cycle, which is on par with other compressor models.

Smart Dispense Control

The smart dispense control is a nice touch. When you pull the handle, the paddle automatically starts spinning to push the frozen dessert out. When you release the handle, it stops.

This prevents clogging and makes dispensing smoother. It also intermittently stirs the mixture to keep everything evenly mixed.

The opening is wider than many other soft serve machines, and the distance the ice cream travels is short, which helps prevent jamming.

Keep-Cool Function (Feature Explanation)

The keep-cool function is designed to maintain the temperature of your frozen treats after the cycle finishes.

For ice cream, it keeps it chilled for about one hour. For slushies and frozen drinks, it can hold for up to 12 hours.

In my experience, the one-hour hold for ice cream is a bit optimistic. One reviewer mentioned their chocolate ice cream was “completely liquid” after 20 minutes. I saw similar results.

If you want to keep your ice cream for longer, you’ll need to transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Auto-Clean Cycle

The auto-clean cycle is handy. You press the self-clean button, add warm soapy water, and the machine runs the paddle without the compressor. This helps loosen any stuck-on residue.

It’s not a full cleaning solution, but it makes hand-washing easier.

Ultra-Quiet Motor (Noise Comparison Data)

Cuisinart markets this as “ultra-quiet,” and honestly, they’re not wrong. During my sound test, the highest reading was around 55.9 decibels.

For comparison:

• Normal conversation: 60 decibels
• Refrigerator hum: 40 decibels
• Ninja Creami: 80+ decibels

This machine is noticeably quieter than most other ice cream makers, especially the Ninja Creami, which sounds like a jet engine.

Let’s talk about how this thing actually performs.

Cycle Time & Speed Performance

The cycle time is fast. Most batches finished in 15 to 20 minutes, which is impressive for a compressor ice cream maker.

The machine signals when it’s done with an audible alert, and the paddle stops spinning. To dispense, you pull the handle, and the paddle starts again automatically.

Ice Cream Quality & Texture

The ice cream quality is good. The texture is smooth and creamy, with no large ice crystals. The flavor is clean, and the consistency is even throughout.

However, the texture is on the softer side. If you’re used to hard-pack ice cream from the store, this will feel more like soft serve straight from the machine.

For best results, you’ll want to transfer it to a freezer-safe container and let it firm up for 30 minutes to an hour.

Soft Serve Consistency (Detailed Testing)

This is where things get tricky. The soft serve consistency is the biggest pain point for many users.

In my first test, the soft serve came out too soft to hold a cone. It tasted great, but it dripped everywhere. Not ideal if you’re serving kids or guests.

I found that the consistency depends heavily on your recipe. If you use too much liquid or not enough fat, the soft serve won’t firm up properly. The machine also tends to “freeze over” if you’re making a small batch, which can make the texture icy.

Pro Tip from My Testing: The texture issue comes down to something called “overrun,” which is the amount of air whipped into your ice cream. Home machines like the ICE-200 typically produce ice cream with 20 to 50 percent overrun, which creates that dense, creamy texture. If you want to learn more about how air affects ice cream texture and consistency, it really helps you understand why some batches turn out perfect and others don’t.

Here’s what I learned:

• Use full-fat ingredients: Whole milk, heavy cream, or full-fat coconut milk work best.
• Watch your sugar levels: Too much sugar lowers the freezing point, making it softer.
• Don’t overfill or underfill: Stick to the recommended 30 ounces for ice cream.

If you follow these tips, the texture improves significantly.

Slushie & Frappe Results

The slushie and frappe settings are where this machine really excels. The texture is perfect, smooth and slushy without being watery or icy.

I tested it with soda, and it worked flawlessly. The machine kept the slush mixed and chilled even after the cycle finished, which is a huge plus.

One reviewer said, “Just put in any soda pop and let it run.” That’s exactly right. It’s almost foolproof.

Actual Noise Level Measurements

As I mentioned earlier, the noise level is very low. During my testing, the machine stayed around 55 to 56 decibels, which is quieter than most kitchen appliances.

If you’re making ice cream late at night or early in the morning, this won’t wake up the house.

This machine is beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never made homemade ice cream before, you’ll figure this out quickly.

Initial Assembly Process

Assembly is straightforward. No tools required, no confusing steps. Everything snaps or slides into place.

Control Panel Navigation

The control panel is simple. You’ve got a power button, a self-clean button, and a selection button to choose your program.

The snowflake buttons let you adjust the freeze level for slushies, frappes, and cocktails. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the freeze level for soft serve or sorbet, which is a missed opportunity.

Step-by-Step Usage Guide

Here’s how to use it:

1. Pour your ingredients into the funnel at the top (20 to 30 ounces for ice cream, up to 44 ounces for slushies)
2. Press the power button
3. Select your program (soft serve, sorbet, slushies, etc.)
4. Press start
5. Wait 15 to 20 minutes
6. Pull the handle to dispense

That’s it. No complicated settings, no guesswork.

Intuitive Features

The machine is designed to be intuitive. The controls are clearly labeled, and the digital timer counts down so you know exactly when it’s done.

The smart dispense control is a nice touch. You don’t need to manually start or stop the paddle. Just pull the handle, and it does the rest.

Cleaning is easy, but there’s one major drawback.

Using the Auto-Clean Cycle

The auto-clean cycle is helpful. You add warm soapy water, press the self-clean button, and the machine runs for a few minutes to loosen any residue.

After that, you just wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Hand-Washing Complete Guide

The front cover and paddle assembly are removable and should be hand-washed. They’re not dishwasher safe, but they’re easy to clean by hand.

The stainless steel mixing vessel is not removable, which is a pain. You’ll need to clean it while it’s still inside the machine. This makes it harder to reach all the nooks and crannies.

To clean the mixing vessel:

1. Use the auto-clean cycle first
2. Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth and warm soapy water
3. Rinse with a damp cloth
4. Dry thoroughly

Dishwasher-Safe Parts

Unfortunately, most parts are not dishwasher safe. The drip tray can go in the dishwasher, but the paddle and front cover should be hand-washed.

Maintenance Schedule

For regular use, clean the machine after each batch. If you’re making multiple batches in one day, a quick rinse between batches is usually enough.

Deep clean the machine once a week if you’re using it frequently.

One of the best things about the Cuisinart Ice-200 is how versatile it is. Here are some recipes to get you started.

Soft Serve Ice Cream Recipes (4 Variations)

Classic Vanilla Soft Serve

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Mix everything together, pour into the machine, and run the soft serve cycle.

Chocolate Soft Serve

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk the cocoa powder into the milk first to avoid lumps.

Strawberry Soft Serve

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (pureed)

Blend the strawberries first, then mix with the other ingredients.

Peanut Butter Soft Serve

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup peanut butter

Warm the peanut butter slightly so it mixes smoothly.

Sorbets & Frozen Yogurt (4 Recipes)

Lemon Sorbet

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

Heat the water and sugar until dissolved, cool, then mix with lemon juice.

Mango Sorbet

• 2 cups mango puree
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Blend fresh or frozen mango, mix with sugar and water.

Berry Frozen Yogurt

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup mixed berries

Puree the berries and mix with yogurt and sugar.

Peach Frozen Yogurt

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh peaches (pureed)

Blend peaches and mix with yogurt and sugar.

Slushies (4 Recipes)

Classic Soda Slushie

• 44 ounces of your favorite soda (Coke, Sprite, etc.)

Pour it in and run the slushie cycle. That’s it.

Lemonade Slushie

• 3 cups lemonade
• 1 cup ice

Mix and run the slushie cycle.

Blue Raspberry Slushie

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup blue raspberry syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar

Mix and freeze.

Watermelon Slushie

• 3 cups watermelon juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup sugar

Blend watermelon chunks, strain, add sugar, and freeze.

Cocktails & Frappes (4 Recipes)

Frozen Margarita

• 2 cups tequila
• 1 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup sugar

Mix and run the cocktail cycle.

Pina Colada

• 1 cup rum
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup coconut cream

Mix and freeze.

Coffee Frappe

• 2 cups cold brew coffee
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar

Mix and run the frappe cycle.

Mocha Frappe

• 2 cups cold brew coffee
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Mix and freeze.

Pro Tips for Consistency

Here are some tips I’ve learned through trial and error:

• Chill your ingredients first: Cold ingredients freeze faster and more evenly.
• Use full-fat dairy: Low-fat milk and cream won’t give you the same smooth texture.
• Don’t overload: Stick to the recommended fill lines.
• Adjust sugar levels: Too much sugar makes it softer, too little makes it icy.
• Let it firm up: Transfer to the freezer for 30 minutes if the texture is too soft.

If you’re tight on space, here are some ideas.

USA Kitchen Considerations

In the USA, most kitchens have standard upper cabinets at 18 to 20 inches above the counter. The ICE-200 should fit, but measure first.

If it doesn’t fit, consider:

• Storing it in a pantry or cabinet when not in use
• Keeping it on a lower shelf or island
• Using it in the garage or basement if you have space

UK Storage Challenges & Solutions

In the UK, where counter space is often more limited, this machine can be a challenge. Multiple UK reviewers mentioned it fits “by a smidgen” under their cabinets.

If you’re in the UK:

• Measure your cabinet clearance before buying (you need at least 18 inches)
• Consider a corner spot or lower shelf
• Store it in a pantry or utility room when not in use

The power cord is long (about 4 to 5 feet), which gives you some flexibility with placement.

Canada-Specific Storage Tips

For Canadian kitchens, the storage challenges are similar to the USA. Most standard cabinets should accommodate this machine, but it’s always smart to measure first.

Let’s see how this stacks up against other popular ice cream makers.

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vs. Ninja Creami Deluxe

The Ninja Creami Deluxe is a popular choice, but it requires you to freeze a pint container for 24 hours before processing. That’s a major drawback if you want ice cream now.

The Ninja is much louder (80+ decibels) and processes frozen ingredients rather than churning them. The texture is smooth, but the process is very different.

If you want flexibility and speed, the Cuisinart ICE-200 wins. If you don’t mind planning ahead and want more texture control, the Ninja Creami is solid.

vs. Breville Smart Scoop

The Breville Smart Scoop is the premium option. It’s more expensive ($499+), but it offers 12 hardness settings and a removable bowl, which makes cleaning easier.

The Breville is also larger and heavier, which can be a drawback if space is limited.

For most people, the Cuisinart ICE-200 offers better value. The Breville is worth it if you’re a serious ice cream enthusiast who wants maximum control.

vs. GreenPan Frost

The GreenPan Frost is similar to the ICE-200 in terms of features and performance. It’s slightly more expensive at $399 and has fewer preset programs.

The GreenPan has a removable bowl, which is a big advantage for cleaning. However, it’s not as widely available as the Cuisinart.

vs. Whynter ICM-200LS

The Whynter ICM-200LS is the budget compressor option at $269. It has a larger capacity (2.1 quarts) and a removable bowl, which is great for cleaning.

However, it’s louder, slower, and the build quality isn’t as solid as the Cuisinart. The controls are also more manual, with no preset programs.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Whynter is a decent option. But for most people, the extra $60 for the Cuisinart is worth it.

This is the most common issue with the ICE-200. Let me help you fix it.

Why Soft Serve Comes Out Too Soft

The soft serve comes out too soft if:

• You’re using too much liquid or not enough fat
• Your sugar ratio is too high
• The machine is underfilled or overfilled
• Your ingredients aren’t cold enough

The ICE-200 doesn’t let you adjust the freeze level for soft serve, so you need to get your recipe right.

Why Machine Freezes Over

The machine can freeze over if you’re making a small batch or if the temperature is too cold. This causes ice crystals to form on the sides of the mixing vessel.

To prevent this:

• Fill the machine to at least 20 ounces (the minimum fill line)
• Don’t overfill past 30 ounces for ice cream
• Use the correct preset for your recipe

Recipe Consistency Adjustments

If your soft serve is too soft:

• Increase the fat content (use heavy cream instead of milk)
• Reduce the sugar slightly
• Chill your ingredients in the fridge before adding them

If your soft serve is too hard or icy:

• Add a bit more liquid
• Increase the sugar slightly
• Make sure you’re using the soft serve preset, not the sorbet preset

Temperature & Ingredient Guidelines

Here are some guidelines for best results:

• Milk and cream: Use whole milk and heavy cream for the smoothest texture
• Sugar: Aim for about 1/2 cup per batch (adjust to taste)
• Ingredients should be chilled: Store ingredients in the fridge before using
• Don’t add hot liquids: Let everything cool to room temperature or below

Let me break down the good and the bad.

Top 10 Advantages

1. No pre-freezing required: The built-in compressor means you can make ice cream anytime.
2. Fast cycle time: Most batches finish in 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Ultra-quiet operation: At 55 decibels, it’s one of the quietest ice cream makers on the market.
4. 6 preset programs: Makes soft serve, sorbet, slushies, frappes, cocktails, and wine slushies.
5. Smart dispense control: Automatically starts and stops the paddle for smooth dispensing.
6. 3-year warranty: Better than most competitors who only offer 1 year.
7. Sleek design: Looks great on the counter with a modern, professional appearance.
8. Auto-clean cycle: Makes cleanup faster and easier.
9. Narrow footprint: Only 6 inches wide, so it doesn’t take up much counter space.
10. Easy to use: Simple controls, clear instructions, and beginner-friendly.

Top 8 Disadvantages

1. Soft serve consistency issues: The soft serve comes out too soft for many users, and you can’t adjust the freeze level.
2. Non-removable mixing bowl: The stainless steel vessel is fixed in place, making deep cleaning harder.
3. Height clearance: At just under 18 inches tall, it’s a tight fit under standard cabinets, especially in UK kitchens.
4. Small capacity for ice cream: Maximum 30 ounces (less than a quart), which is smaller than advertised.
5. Keep-cool function doesn’t hold long: Ice cream turns liquid after 20 to 30 minutes, not the advertised 1 hour.
6. Recipe tweaking required: The included recipes are underwhelming, and you’ll need to experiment to get the texture right.
7. No dishwasher-safe parts: Most components need to be hand-washed.
8. Paddle stops after cycle: You need to pull the handle to restart the paddle for dispensing, which can be confusing at first.

This machine is great for certain people and not ideal for others.

Ideal Use Cases

You should buy the Cuisinart ICE-200 if:

• You want homemade frozen desserts without pre-freezing a bowl
• You make ice cream, sorbet, or slushies regularly
• You’re hosting parties or entertaining guests
• You value quiet operation
• You have limited counter space (width-wise)
• You’re willing to experiment with recipes to get the perfect texture
• You want a machine that’s easy to use and beginner-friendly

Not Recommended For

Skip this machine if:

• You want hard-pack ice cream straight from the machine
• You need a large capacity (more than 1.5 quarts)
• You have low cabinets and limited height clearance
• You prefer a removable bowl for easier cleaning
• You want plug-and-play recipes with no tweaking
• You’re on a tight budget (the Whynter is a cheaper compressor option)

Let’s talk about the practical stuff.

Warranty Details

The Cuisinart ICE-200 comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal home use.

What’s covered:

• Motor and compressor failures
• Defective parts
• Manufacturing defects

What’s not covered:

• Normal wear and tear
• Damage from misuse or neglect
• Commercial use

To activate your warranty, register your product online at Cuisinart’s website or mail in the registration card.

Customer Support Contact

If you have issues, you can reach Cuisinart customer support at:

• USA: 1-800-726-0190
• Email: Through their website contact form
• Website: cuisinart.com

Cuisinart has a solid reputation for customer service. They’re generally responsive and helpful.

USA Retailers (Target, Amazon, Walmart)

In the USA, you can buy the ICE-200 from:

• Amazon: Often on sale for $294.99 (regular price $329.95)
• Target: Full price $329.99, sometimes with promotions
• Walmart: Similar pricing to Target
• Macy’s: Occasionally on sale

UK Retailers (Lakeland, Curry’s)

In the UK, the machine is called the “Frost Fusion” and is available at:

• Lakeland: £300
• John Lewis: £300
• Curry’s: Check for seasonal promotions

Canada Availability

In Canada, the ICE-200 is available through:

• Amazon Canada: Pricing varies, typically in the CAD $400 to $450 range
• Kitchen appliance specialty stores: Check local retailers

Let me answer some common questions.

How long does it take to make ice cream?

About 15 to 20 minutes once you start the cycle. No pre-freezing required.

Does it require pre-freezing?

No. The built-in compressor means you can make ice cream anytime without freezing a bowl overnight.

What is the capacity?

1.7 quarts total. For ice cream, the maximum is 30 ounces. For slushies, it’s 44 ounces.

What are the dimensions?

17.83 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 18.42 inches deep.

How many watts does it use?

The wattage isn’t listed in the manual, but it runs on 120 volts. Power consumption is relatively low.

How do you use the Cuisinart Ice-200?

Pour in your ingredients, select a preset, press start, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then pull the handle to dispense.

What can you make with it?

Soft serve ice cream, sorbet, slushies, frappes, frozen cocktails, and wine slushies.

How do you clean it?

Use the auto-clean cycle first, then hand-wash the removable parts. The mixing vessel stays in place and must be wiped down by hand.

What is the keep-cool feature?

It keeps ice cream chilled for up to 1 hour and slushies for up to 12 hours after the cycle finishes. In reality, ice cream turns liquid faster than advertised.

Is it quiet?

Yes. It runs at about 55 decibels, which is quieter than most kitchen appliances.

Is it worth the money?

If you make frozen desserts regularly and value convenience, yes. If you only make ice cream occasionally, a freezer-bowl model might be more cost-effective.

How does it compare to Ninja Creami?

The ICE-200 doesn’t require pre-freezing and is much quieter. The Ninja Creami needs 24 hours of freezing and is louder, but offers more texture control.

What’s the difference between soft serve and ice cream?

Soft serve has more air whipped in and is served at a slightly warmer temperature. It’s softer and creamier than hard-pack ice cream.

Can it make slushies?

Yes. The slushie setting works great with soda, juice, or any liquid you want to freeze.

Why is my soft serve too soft?

This is usually due to too much liquid, not enough fat, or high sugar content. Try using heavy cream and reducing the sugar slightly.

How do you fix freezing over?

Make sure you’re filling to at least 20 ounces and not exceeding 30 ounces for ice cream. Small batches or overfilling can cause freezing over.

Is it hard to clean?

The auto-clean cycle helps, but the non-removable bowl makes deep cleaning more difficult than models with removable bowls.

Can it make dairy-free ice cream?

Yes. Use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream as a base. Full-fat versions work best.

Where can I buy it in UK/Canada?

In the UK, it’s called the “Frost Fusion” and is available at Lakeland, John Lewis, and Curry’s. In Canada, check Amazon Canada or specialty kitchen stores.

What’s the price difference?

USA: $329.99, UK: £300, Canada: approximately CAD $400 to $450 depending on the retailer.

Does it come with a recipe book?

Yes, but the recipes are basic. You’ll likely need to experiment and adjust them for best results.

Can you make multiple batches in a row?

Yes. The built-in compressor means you don’t need to wait between batches.

How loud is it compared to other machines?

At 55 decibels, it’s quieter than most compressor ice cream makers. The Ninja Creami is 80+ decibels, and the Whynter is around 65 decibels.

What’s the warranty?

3-year limited warranty, which is better than most competitors who only offer 1 year.

Does it fit under standard cabinets?

It’s 17.83 inches tall, which fits under most standard cabinets (18 to 20 inches clearance), but it’s a tight fit. Measure your space first.

After testing this machine for several weeks, here’s what I think.

Value Proposition Summary

The Cuisinart ICE-200 is a solid mid-range compressor ice cream maker that deserves a spot among your essential kitchen appliances. At $329.99, it’s more affordable than premium models like the Breville Smart Scoop but more expensive than freezer-bowl models.

What you’re paying for is convenience. The built-in compressor means no pre-freezing, and the fast 15 to 20 minute cycle time means you can make frozen treats on demand.

The quiet operation (55 decibels) is a major plus, especially if you’re making ice cream when others are sleeping or watching TV nearby.

The 6 preset programs give you versatility, and the slushie mode works exceptionally well. If you make slushies and frappes regularly, this machine is a winner.

However, the soft serve consistency is a real issue. Without the ability to adjust the freeze level for soft serve, you’ll need to experiment with recipes to get it right. Some users love it, others find it frustrating.

The non-removable bowl is also a drawback. It makes deep cleaning harder and less convenient than models with removable bowls.

Best For / Not Recommended For

Best for:

• Families who make frozen desserts regularly
• People who entertain guests and want to serve fresh soft serve or slushies
• Anyone who values quiet operation
• Home chefs willing to experiment with recipes
• People with limited counter space (width-wise)

Not recommended for:

• Anyone who wants hard-pack ice cream straight from the machine
• People with low cabinet clearance (under 18 inches)
• Those who prefer plug-and-play recipes with no adjustments
• Anyone on a tight budget (freezer-bowl models are much cheaper)

If you’re looking for a reliable, quiet, and convenient ice cream maker and don’t mind tweaking recipes, the Cuisinart ICE-200 is worth the investment. If you want perfect soft serve consistency with zero effort, you might be disappointed.

For me, I’d buy it again. The convenience of making ice cream without pre-freezing and the quiet operation outweigh the soft serve consistency issues. But I’d recommend budgeting some time to experiment with recipes to get the texture you want.

Looking for more information on ice cream makers and frozen desserts? Check out these helpful resources:

• Best Ice Cream Makers 2025: A comprehensive comparison of compressor vs. freezer-bowl models
• Homemade Ice Cream Recipes: 50+ tested recipes for all types of ice cream makers
• Soft Serve vs. Hard Ice Cream: Understanding the differences and how to achieve each texture
• Ninja Creami vs. Compressor Models: Which is better for your needs?
• How to Make Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Tips and recipes for vegan frozen desserts
• Ice Cream Maker Buying Guide: Everything you need to know before purchasing
• Troubleshooting Ice Cream Texture Issues: Common problems and solutions

If you found this review helpful, share it with friends or family who are considering buying an ice cream maker. And if you have questions or want to share your own experience with the Cuisinart ICE-200, drop a comment below.