I absolutely love ice cream. Unfortunately, it doesn’t love me. I know, there are worse things in life, but I do get a bit tired of lemon sorbet (the standard dairy-free option). And I miss gelato so loaded with “bits” that it feels like you’ve had a meal. So when I got the opportunity to review the new Tefal Dolci ice cream maker, I thought I’d try to make my own dairy-free versions – as well as full cream for the family. What did I have to lose? I’ll be completely honest, I didn’t have high expectations.
Well! To all my lactose-free and plant-based friends out there, listen up. The results were EXCELLENT! There was no iciness, graininess or bland flavour. I made the most incredibly smooth and decadent ice “cream” using only four ingredients in four minutes. I even gave it to my husband, who normally turns his nose up at my vegan concoctions, and he had no idea it wasn’t made from actual cream. The flavour in focus? My ultimate favourite: Pistachio Praline. Move over Messina. There’s a new Ice Queen in town.
Tefal Dolci ice cream maker review verdict
- Our rating: (8 out of 10)
- Why we rated it a (8/10): This gadget made decadent ice cream to rival what you can get from a gelateria, using simple ingredients in a matter of minutes.
Pros
- There are 10 dessert and drink options, from ice cream to sorbet and frozen yoghurt, so you can ensure the consistency will be just right for your ingredients and recipe. Plus, did I mention there’s a cocktail setting?
- The auto-rinse program makes clean-up a breeze.
- One-step perfector technology means the blades churn and aerate at the same time, so there’s no need to respin.
- Available in two colours: Rise (a lovely creamy white) and Black Knight (contemporary black)
Cons
- The machine only makes frozen treats, so unless you have ample storage for appliances, you really need to love ice cream, sorbet et al to warrant the bench space.
- It might be obvious, but the ice cream isn’t instant. You need to freeze the mixture for 24 hours before you put it in the maker.
What’s so special about the Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker?
This machine makes ice cream that tastes as good as what you can get in any gelateria. To say I was surprised to get this result from a home appliance was an understatement. I’ve used a variety of dairy and plant milks and get delicious results every time. I love that I can control the ingredients, which means a healthier treat for my family. Plus, experimenting with flavours is rather fun.
Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker materials and size
- Tritan and stainless steel construction
- Dimensions: 17.5cm wide x 30.5cm deep x 38.5cm high and weighs 7kg
- 3 Tritan tubs hold a total volume of 1.4L
- In the box you’ll get the ice cream maker, 3 storage tubs with lids and 1 ice cream scoop. Plus, this special edition comes with 3 bonus tins of Nesquik in Banana, Chocolate and Strawberry
How to use the Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker
- Once you’ve removed the packaging and plugged the machine in, you can get icing.
- Prepare your mixture. I find the best way is to measure the ingredients into the tub and blitz with a hand mixer to combine. You could also use a jug blender and then pour the mixture into the tub. Next, pop the lid on and put the tub in the freezer for 24 hours.
- Once your mixture is frozen, click the tub into the outer container and click this into the maker and shut the door. Select your setting and let the spin begin!
- If you want “bits” in your ice cream, you can sprinkle them in and use the Extras setting, or gently fold them in by hand. Otherwise, simply sprinkle on top before serving.
- Scoop and serve.
Results from our test
This machine doesn’t just ice desserts. It aces them. It’s opened up a whole new world of dairy-free options for ice cream flavours that I never thought I’d be able to enjoy again. And the fact that I can control the ingredients means when my son requests ice cream for breakfast, I can say yes, knowing it’s healthier than a bowl of cereal. Will it live on my benchtop? Though it certainly looks good enough to keep on display, my kitchen isn’t very big, so I will store it in the pantry – but at only 7kg, it’s easy enough to move around. With summer around the corner I know I’ll use it weekly. As for winter, I can’t wait to customise flavours to serve with hot crumbles and puddings.
Overall, is the Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker worth it?
At $349, this ice cream maker sells at a lower price point than its main competitors, and it’s no one-trick pony. From ice cream to sorbet to cocktails, it’s a party machine for all ages. It’s incredibly quick and easy to use, the design is one to display with pride and for me, it means dairy-free is a whole lot more fun. A final note: if you consider a visit to a gelateria can cost $30 for four ice creams, economically, this machine makes sense. And cents.
Where to buy Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker
- Tefal, with HB EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODE, $314.96
- The Good Guys, $349
- Myer, $349
- JB HiFi, $349
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