Gelato the Easy Way

I've had my Lussino ice cream machine for almost three months. During that time, I've stirred up delicious Italian-style gelato on an average of twice per week with superb results.

While the machine is very large and heavy (about 40 lbs.) and takes up a lot of kitchen real estate, I think it's well worth the amount of space that it occupies. This is not an appliance that's easily moved from cupboard to counter top so you'll need to have a spot for it, and leave it there.

The machine is constructed from top-notch material. Solid and gleaming stainless steel from top to bottom. Controls are easy to operate, and very intuitive. A button controls the refrigeration unit, and a second button controls the stirring mechanism. There is a timer dial that must be turned to allow the refrigeration or stirring to operate. You can set the timer for up to 60 minutes, more than enough time for freezing any recipe I've used.

The work bowl is integrated seamlessly into the stainless steel machine case. While the bowl isn't removable, the machine is extremely easy to clean, requiring nothing more than a damp sponge and a soft towel to return things to their original gleaming state. I find that I can clean up everything in about two minutes. The dasher is also heavy steel, and machined to very close tolerances. It's easily removed by simply unscrewing a large nut at its top. The work bowl has a heavy-duty clear plastic cover, allowing you to see the freezing process.

The machine is completely self-contained. It requires no fluids, lubrication, or maintenance. Beyond an occasional wipe down and a little buff with a soft cloth, no other maintenance is required.

After some experimentation with various recipes, I've found that I'm able to turn out gelati, sorbets and ices that would rival any that I've eaten in Italy. Ice cream and gelati are super smooth, dense, and intense in flavor.

Once your dessert is frozen, you simply transfer it to a bowl and place it in the freezer to temper for about thirty minutes to an hour -- with delicious results. The Lussino comes with a clear plastic scoop that perfectly conforms to the contours of the work bowl, making it easy to scoop out every last bit of your delicious creation.

The Lussino is capable of turning out a quart and a half of frozen dessert in about thirty minutes, provided your base has been chilled to 40F. or less, before you pour it into the machine. I've found it's helpful to turn on the refrigeration about five minutes before I pour in the base, ensuring that the freezing bowl is good and cold before starting.

You should also set the timer for at least forty minutes, ensuring that the machine doesn't turn off before the ice cream is frozen to optimal denseness. If the machine switches off, you've got to wait about 5 minutes before turning the refrigeration back on while the compressor equalizes. Personally, I'm not sure why this machine needs a timer, unless it's there as a safety feature in the event that you walk away and forget that you've left it running.

About the only shortcoming I can think of, is the machine is relatively noisy. It makes about the same amount of noise as a large stand mixer. After a typical thirty minute freezing cycle, you're happy to be switching it off.

I've been extremely pleased with this appliance. It has greatly exceeded my expectations, so I give this machine my highest recommendation.