I had this question myself when writing a review about the Delonghi GM6000 gelato maker. It took me awhile to find the answer until I called up the tech support department at Delonghi’s product store.
The answer is yes and no. You can use ice cream recipes in the machine, but it will not taste exactly like American ice cream. Instead it will have more of a gelato consistency – let me explain why.
Gelato Ice Cream photo credit: Pietro Giordano
The reason is due to the hermetic air tight lid which must be locked in place for the machine to run. This prevents any additional air from mixing in during the blending process – usually 25-30 minutes. This is one of the critical differences between Italian and American ice cream.
If you use an ice cream recipe, you will be using cream rather than regular whole milk which gelato uses. But it is the fact that ice cream can contain up to 50% air – and this just isn’t going to happen with a gelato maker.
So, yes you can make ice cream – but it will have the consistency of gelato. If you own a gelato maker, then I would suggest experimenting. I know that people do use ice cream recipes in gelato makers, and sometimes just do not process it as long. There are lots of helpful recipes online at places like Amazon
If you haven’t read my review for what I consider the best gelato machine, you might want to do so because I cover a lot of other questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Liz w/ Simple Italian Cooking
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