Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
->Buy Now Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I've had mine for just about a year and it's given us no problems. It does a great job with small batches which is a problem a lot of the machines seem to have. Unless I'm having lots of folks over I'd rather make small batches more often and have it fresh - isn't that the point? But you can definitely make multiple quart batches pretty fast if you really have to.
Since it's not relying on frozen stuff you don't have to be super concerned about adding something that's a bit warm or has too much vanilla in it (the little bit of alcohol in vanilla makes it a bit harder to freeze - I had trouble with some cheap machines because of that). You can pretty much dump any random juice or even a can of soda in it and just see what happens. If it isn't as great as you hoped it's no big deal to just add a bit of sugar or try some other idea entirely and try again right away since it doesn't have to refreeze. If you like to experiment it's a lot of fun!
I do remember the first few times that getting everything seated properly was a bit confusing but it's a complete non-issue at this point.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I am happy to have the Gelato 4070.The machine works perfectly making high quality icy treats. I would have given 5 stars but...
Excellent customer service by Amazon. I, unfortunately got a defective unit.A simple click on the link led to a simple form; which led to an immediate email; which begot a new and proper functioning Gelato 4070 in three days. The 5th star will be given next year after the first summer of trouble free use.
The Gelatolization of my summers cooling eats and treats life has begun.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
This product is great!... now that my techie whiz husband pulled on the contacts in the head so they actually make a connection when you set the lid on. When it arrived, they were recessed, so the motor never started up.
After that one minute fix, it's terrific.
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Finally I enjoy now sorbets, sherbets, ice milk with the ingredients of my choice. I am lactose intolerant and I use Lactaid milk to make my ice milk with Gelato. It is great. Gelato is very easy to use and in about 30 minutes I get a perfectly made dessert tailored to my taste and needs.
It will work fine for years if you use it properly in following instructions.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
The Lello 4070 Junior is a great little ice cream maker for the great price of less than $170 from Amazon. I have always wanted an refrigerated ice cream maker but didn't want to pay $400 for one. We bought two, one for us and one for a gift. One was defective, but Amazon took care of it immediately, we got a replacement in 3 days. The Lello works great and we make ice cream now any time it suits us. The machine is easy to use and makes a quart of ice cream in a half an hour. You don't need to freeze a container or use ice and salt as the other machines that cost almost half as much. I mean how does it feel to save eighty bucks to have a mess in you kitchen? If you love ice cream, this is the machine to get. Plug it in, put in your ingredients, push a button and thirty minutes later you get ice cream. The machine comes with a recipe book, but one can improvise and do what ever one wants. We have developed a "Butterfingers" candy bar recipe that is just fabulous. You can do anything you want with this machine. It works great and the price is right. Give it five stars for best value and ease of use. Thank you, Amazon.
->Compare Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I've had Lello Junior about 3 years, and have used it about a dozen times. It's great - easy to operate, reliable, easy cleanup, no maintenance. I did much research before buying this model. Ice cream makers seemed to fall into two categories - unreliable models below $100, and expensive models $350 or more. Only Lello Junior was in the $100-200 category, with consistently positive reviews. I'm extremely pleased I chose this model. It's been fun to use, and makes great ice cream.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I bought the Lello 4070 Junior because I was wanting to make ice cream that you can find in the store; plus it is thicker and less fluffy. The machine comes with a recipe book with some great ideas on how to begin using your Gelato machine right away. The machine is compact, not very noisy and is easy to clean. You don't need to buy any rock salt or keep ice in the freezer, which SAVES a lot of money and space (this makes up for the somewhat larger size). With a spare bucket you can make one batch of ice cream right after the next. I like the fact the machine comes with a smaller bucket because you aren't stuck eating the same ice cream for weeks, plus you can change the flavors more often. I recommend you chill the custard or ice cream mix prior use, otherwise it takes about 1 hour to solidify in the machine. Once the ice cream is finished I usually put it in the freezer over night to harden, which makes it nicer to scoop. I love this machine, and I enjoy being able to control what goes into my ice cream. I have made some pretty disgusting ice cream, but with practice you can find the right recipe that will make everyone invite you over (only if you bring ice cream, well at least that's how I made friends) HA!
->Cheap Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I would have given this product a 5 out of 5, but I do not own or have ever owned a comparable product. This tool does everything it says it does. In 30 minutes time, you have fresh sorbet, gelato, or ice cream of any flavor. With a few dollars worth of natural ingredients and homemade some simple syrup, you now have an easy way to make sorbet and ice cream at home. There is no need to go out and buy it anymore. This machine is worth its weight in Neapolitan ice cream. On that note, this is a heavy appliance and has the feeling and design of solid state quality. I wouldn't be surprised if it last for 25 years like my father's first color Sony Trinitron TV.
->Prices Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Most of the time it makes good, if not great, frozen goodies. You have to experiment. A sorbet made of pure fresh fruit puree can come out icy, due to water content. Would you believe that CREAM makes the best ice cream? Yogurt works well. Milk and skim milk are so-so. Soy is a disaster. Bananas pureed with unsweetened cocoa require no cream or sugar to make a super, creamy, dessert.
You do have to keep watching it, however. It does not always stop automatically when it is supposed to, and sometimes stops prematurely. This directly relates to the type of mix you've given it. You have to experiment, but its fun to taste both the successes and the failures, provided you used good ingredients to start.
I sincerely hope that Lello/Simac/DeLonghi (its coporate lineage as I've determined so far) keeps making things in Italy instead of China. DO NOT hold me to this review if they desert Italy.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I really like my gelato junior. It is nice to be able to make ice cream the same day it shows up in your door and not only that but the fact that you can keep making ice creams if you have party or just want to make different flavors the same day. A couple of complains are thatthe machine keeps beeping constantly. The machine is heavy so I didn't return it to don't have to pay for shipping. Also the part that stirs keeps falling off when you cleanned and try to put it away. Overall, I think this machine is great. My husband comes everyday asking if I have made more ice cream. :)
->Buy Online Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I never thought making ice cream could be so easy, creative, delicious, quick, and mess-free. Not one penny of regret here! We look forward to every new batch. The excitement of creating and joy of eating is only surpassed with the incredible ease of use and simplicity of operation. I highly recommend to anyone to try this over another brand where it is necessary to freeze the canister first. Home-made ice cream has always been delicious, and now it is easy too!
->Deal Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
freezer gets 5 stars, amazon shipping gets NONE. they sent me a repackaged (probably a return, maybe even used already)unit and the repackaging was deploreable. it came apart in shipping and had to be patched and re-taped by UPS. nothing on the box aout the contents, so it ended up on our porch upside down, which is a no-no for any refrigerent product. decided to try it because it was a b.d. present for my wife.
freezer has worked perfectly. instructions are fine. quality of the ice cream depends on the recipe used and quality of ingredients. the freezer just chills the mix and stiffens it. a finished batch is soft, sure, but so is the product at the ice cream factory until package gets to the freezer - how could you get a hardened product into the package otherwise? if we start with everthing at room temp, it takes 38-40 minutes to freeze, but if you prechill the pail a little ahead, then add the mix and chill another ten minutes, freezing takes 25-30 minutes.
cleaning can be an issue if stuff drips in the wrong places. we've made 12-15 batches and have zero complaints, so i don't know why anyone would want to pay for a higher priced machine other than to get a little more capacity. I'M STILL MAD AT AMAZON THOUGH, for sending me what is probably a used unit.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
The best thing about this machine is that I can have real ice cream in less than an hour after I get the craving for ice cream. This is a great machine for making small amounts of first quality ice cream. Although the ice cream finishes somewhat soft, it is still ready to eat. Cleanup is a snap. I bought a replacement bowl so I can make two batches in less than an hour and a half. A definite STAR!!!
->Purchase Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I have found the machine easy to use and clean up. It took a little patience to find the amount of time to get the consistency of my gelato right, but it was well worth it! Yum!
->Purchase Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I am normally the most critical of every product that I purchase but this one is truly amazing. It's easy to clean, careful not to use too hot of water, it may warp the plastic and then parts don't fit. However, since you don't have to freeze the bucket over night you can decide to make gelato right away and it's outstanding. So far I have made 4 different gelatos, 3 different sorbets and 2 different kinds of ice cream, all of them have turned out beautifully. And if the size of the container is what you are worried about, have no fear, the 1 quart container is more than enough for at home use. DO NOT buy the bigger machine unless you plan on making ice creams and gelatos on a commercial level. Since you can make batches back to back, I was able to make 3 different sorbets for 12 people in a 6 hour period. This is the only gelato/ice cream machine that I would ever buy!!!
->Best Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
got my machine and made my first batch of strawberry ice cream and my my my it was delicious!!!! Then i tried slushies by just poring coca cola into the container and let it go just for 15 minutes and you have the perfect slushie! Then I tried the sorbets in the receipe book, you won't have to fly to Italy, you make it right at home! Then a week later company came over and i chilled a bottle of our favorite wine in it within 15 minutes!!!!! This machine is just grand! It is heavy and takes up counter space, but believe me it is worth it. I rate it 4 stars because it doesn't shut off automatically, but that should not sway you from making this purchase. Well worth the purchase, and the money you will be saving, and not only that, your ice cream is healthier!!!!!!!!!!
->Deal Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Having read almost all the reviews, let me break it down this way...yes, it's a great machine!
It's heavy...no kidding. It has the same parts a small air conditioner will have so why does that shock people?
It doesn't shut off on it's own...so? Go but a $500 machine if you want every option. You don't get a Lexus for $10,000 new do you?
It's noisy...actually no. I'd put the noise level at no more than my old freezer bowl type, which is much less than most of my other appliances.
It doesn't freeze the ice cream solid. No, it's not designed to. ANY ice cream book will tell you that the machines only freeze to soft-serve state and that you have to put the mix into a container and into a below-zero temp freezer. It's called tempering. Do you get upset at the oven when you find that it hasn't actually frosted your cake also?
People, this is a DARN fine machine at a DARN fine price and seems to be built rock-solid. Some of the parts appear to be Oster but that'a s plus for me since I've had Oster appliances that it took me years and years to kill.
Don't keep hesitating...if you want it order it and be happy!
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Easy to use, easy to clean,idiot proof...only negative is it's size and weight, a bit cumbersome..makes great ice cream, gelato, and sorbets!!!!
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
This machine does as it promised; produces great gelato in little time. Wish I had bought the larger version!
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
The machine is great but I ruined the recipe/instruction book and now find that the Lello people want SEVENTEEN DOLLARS for a replacement! It's only 40 pages and small...$17! What a ripoff.
Update: I sent a snarling email to the Lello people and they sent me the recipe book for free.
->Best Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
1. Machine is too large and terribly heavy. Awkward to use and takes up counter space.
2. Instructions say 25 minutes for most recipes. Wrong! Make it an hour and still not firm ice cream or sorbet.
3. $135.00 has been wasted.
Need to just get out old fashion crank ice cream maker and turn for 25 minutes.
Would not suggest for anyone.
->Best Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
well it is a great machine and it is easy but it is too small
it only makes about 2 cups and it takes a long time........
I returned it and I will buy the bigger one. Thanks
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
It is a name for the machine, and it ends there.
I admit to thinking it was a real Gelato machine. It is not.
It does the same thing that any other machine will do-except press and fold the mixture to a dense Gelato consistancy-That must still be done by hand :(
On a lighter note, it does freeze as expected -- and for the ice cream or italian ice artisans, this machine will not do you wrong. It freezes well, and and does not make much noise either.
I am giving it two stars because I believe the name of the machine "Gelato" is very misleading.
Thanks,
AnnaMarie
NB: I have some hints for the gelato fans:
No machine necessary.
Make your mixture and freeze it solid in any container you like (I used plastic bags).
Take it out and let it soften some.
Drizzle heavy cream on top (just enough to loosen things up a bit).
Fluff with a hand held mixer.
Freeze 30 minutes.
Fold the mixture over and over until very few air bubbles are left.
Pack and freeze!
To serve: Let it sit for a few minutes. If the gelato is done right, it will start melting quickly, so move fast. And enjoy! :-)
->Cheap Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
After living with the machine for 4 months and learning a basic thing or two I feel it's only fair that I post another review. In my original review I complained about the liquid getting only partially frozen resulting in a very slushy mixture. Others here have said that the machine is not designed to freeze the ice cream solid. Clearly a silly comment. Soft serve consistency would be fine. But lots of people, myself included, wound up with an icy liquid. Well HERE'S THE SECRET: Add salt! Not alot, several pinches for half a bucket. This slows down the freezing process (recall the salt on the streets back east) and allows the liquid to freeze slowly. It comes out totally frozen and a surprisingly smooth, creamy texture. And no, it does NOT need any furthering freezing to make it solid. If I had bothered to read a recipe (something I still have not done) I would have come to this brilliant discovery sooner. Now for the best part: this desert fits into my low carb diet perfectly. I continue to lose weight and eat ice cream several times a week. My favorites: mixing in decaf, artificially sweetened, coffee from Starbucks or artificially sweetened blueberry syrup. Whipping cream is very low in carbs as are the other ingredients. BTW- I don't find the machine very large, heavy or noisy. I love it! [Note: I still don't believe those folks that claim they pour a can of soda in the machine and get a perfect slushy as a result. That was the first thing I tried. The liquid froze solid against the wall of the bucket within minutes making the blade immovable! Curious...]
->Lowest Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
It's a great little machine ... quiet ... easy to use ... a bit heavy and big but I guess that's to be expected for a self-refrigerating gelato maker. It's so easy to make gelato, ice cream and sorbet that we've all put on a few pounds. I'm looking for low sugar, low fat recipes now!
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I absolutely love the new Gelato Junior that I recently purchased from Amazon.com. I have made countless quarts of ice cream without all the mess of ice and rock salt. Because it makes around a quart each time, I feel free to experiment with different flavors. I even made avocado ice cream. The only draw-back to the machine is that it takes around 60 - 70 minutes to make the ice cream instead of the 25 - 30 as advertised. I would recommend it to anyone who loves ice cream. It has been especially good for me because I am lactose intolerant. I buy lactose-free milk to make the ice cream, and I have been able to get back to the luxury of having one of my favorite desserts.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I just made my first batch of Death by Chocolate ice cream. I refrigerated in over night and when it came out of the frig, it was already slightly thick. I put it in the Lello 4070 and set the timer for about 25 minutes. To my surprise it was done in about 10 minutes. Even the blade stopped and was giveing a steady beep. We took it out and put it in the freezer. I think it was becasue we had refrigerated the mix. It was the best tasting chocolate I have ever had. used both coco powder and semi-sweet chocolate squares. What creamyness. Can't wait to do the second batch.
I also only gave it 4 stars because the instruction book is very very poor. I had a little trouble putting the top motor on and getting it to work. Didn't know that you have to push down to make sure it seals and is secure. But I learned.
UPDATE:
I am surprised that so many people expect the ice cream to be as frozen as in the grocery store. Have you never heard of ripening? Even commercial Ice cream is like soft serve before it is put in to a sub 0 degree freezer. In my youth( A long timae ago) I worked in a ice cream plant. I think this machine works well. Every ice cream I did was done in 20 to 30 minutes. the trick is that you should make the mix the night before and refrigerate. Than just before putting it into the machine, put it in your regular freezer for 10 minutes and no more with the dasher. While it is freezing for the 10 minutes, turn your Lello on. When the 10 minutes are up then make your gelato or ice cream. It will be done in 30 minutes or less and perfect.
The advice isn't contained in the manual but should have been. Especially about freezing for 10 minutes. It shocks it.
->Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
This was a present and on arrival did not work. We called the company and they instantly sent a replacement. The slip to return the old one did not even arrive til long after our first batch of ice cream was made. The Jr is easy to use, comes with a variety of receipes and makes good ice cream rapidly.
->Shipping Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
This ice cream maker is great. We bought it to make low sugar ice creams, and it has been easy and wonderful.
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This is a great little gelato machine - the refrigeration unit is self-contained - it' s so easy to use. gelato, sorbet, ice cream all within 25-30 minutes. It's a great way to use summer fruit.
->Lowest Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I always used the gel freezer bowl and there is just no comparison...this machine is the best!!!I received mine today- set it up- made a base and got it running...the 4 stars are because the instructions are very small type and poorly written..the reviews here helped totally or it would have been a lot harder....I have Arthritis very severly and was very worried about being able to manage the machine- like getting the beaters in or putting the lid on...it was very easy and worked perfect...the machine is very quiet- the gel bowl was so loud we put it in the utility room to use- this is very quiet..I can't say enough good about it!
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I have owned this machine for two years. I use it quite frequently, as I give ice cream away a lot as small "thank-you" gifts and other gestures of spoiling those around me.
It is a pretty quiet machine that has the nice perk of having a removable bucket (for cleaning) where the ice cream is contained. I gave the machine four stars because I have a problem properly repositioning the gasket in the mixing chamber once it's taken out. I would also suggest not utilizing the small lidded opening intended for adding things like chocolate chips, nuts, etc. It's impractically small. Just gently fold stuff like that into your recipe once it's been churned.
I acknowledge that the timer is just that...a timer. The machine does not stop churning, but a farily loud alert will sound off. I don't mind hovering around the thing, anyway, but that's me.
The Gelato Junior WILL stop churning if the contents get too stiff, however. I have found that most recipes will render a texture just beyond soft-serve. You can then transfer it into another container and freeze until solid. That is, if the ice cream actually makes it that far without getting totally eaten;)
I find it a pleasure to use, nonetheless. It bears repeating, as others have mentioned...THE RECIPE MAKES THE RESULTS. I must strictly advise...do not let your world relative to this ice cream maker begin and end with the instruction booklet. Heavens, no! Please, please explore recipes from other sources!
Yes, this thing is heavy. You've been told! Other than moving the thing, this machine is quite simple to use. As I mentioned, the work is in preparing the recipe, not really in using the machine.
A nice long-term investment if serving those with dietary restrictions and/or children, or if you just want to create your own high-quality desserts.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
This has been everthing I thought it would be. Shipped in excellent time. I'm very happy with the product.
->Purchase Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I really like this ice cream maker. I have never cared for the machines where you have to put the bowl in the freezer. This machine has its own freezing unit so all you have to do is put your ingredients in the bowl, place it in the machine and turn it on. In 30 minutes you have the best ice cream you have ever tasted.
The unit is heavy and you can't move it easily around like a toaster, but it isn' t bad.
My first machine was damaged during shipping, but I had no problem getting another machine. I had great service from Amazon.com.
If you want to make your own ice cream without any fuss then this is the appliance for you.
->Sale Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I finally bought the Lello Gelato Junior after careful consideration. It is *very* heavy, which is not a bad thing, but it is something to consider if you're thinking about purchasing this. (I'm considering making a gelato machine cozy and just keeping the thing on my counter permanently.) The instructions in the enclosed booklet are a tad difficult to read, but then again, this isn't a difficult machine to operate. The booklet also contains some good recipes (interestingly, in much more legible type than the instructions). We inaugurated our Lello by making a batch of lemon sorbet using the recipe in the booklet. It was fast, easy and utterly fabulous. The following night we created our own sorbet recipe using frozen strawberries, an orange, and lemon juice--again, fabulous. We love, love, LOVE this this gelato machine. I'm not crazy about the timer on the machine, but I consider this a minor detail for us (your mileage may vary). I find my oven timer easier to use in conjunction with the Lello. Personally, I've had no trouble at all either fitting the can into the machine or the top onto the can. There is some noise, but I don't consider it obtrusive--it's about the same decibel range as our dishwasher. All in all, this is a simple-to-use, solid, well-made ice cream maker that delivers everything it promises. I recommend it heartily to anyone who is considering purchasing such an appliance, especially at Amazon's 50%-off price. (Tonight, cherry sorbet!)
->Deal Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
This is the greatest machine since the discovery of ice cream. At first I was skeptical when I read that it only made a pint, but depending on the recipe, the Gelatto is so rich that a pint is more than enough, and if you want more it only takes a few minutes to whip up a second batch...you can also order an extra container for the machine , so that you can make double the amount of you selection. It is very easy to follow the recipies in the booklet that was supplied with the gelatto machine, and the taste is outstanding, and beats anything that you can buy in the stores regardless of which brand is your favorite.
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I have other electric ice cream makers that require the ice and salt, and they are great for a large group; but for 2-4 people, this machine can't be beat. My husband and I can whip up a batch in 30 minutes and the clean-up is almost nothing. I "created" my own recipe which requires no cooking and I make it ahead of time and keep a supply in the frig for those "urges". I realize you have to eat alot of ice cream to warrant the price of this machine, but if you can afford the luxury, it's wonderful.
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I decided to wait for one year after purchase to create a review in case the machine quit on us. But it hasn't and we are very happy with the Lello 4070.
After doing research I was nervous to buy something at this price range. Some reviews state that any ice cream machine under $500 is not worth it. But this model has proved this to be untrue.
We have only made ice cream in this and it is true what another person has said about the recipe being very important. After experimenting though, I have found that you can make your own recipe by using 1 part half-and-half to 1 part cream (whipping). Then you add sugar to taste and other flavorings like rum extract, chocolate syrup, mexican vanilla, well-chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, etc., etc. If you use only half-and-half or milk it will turn out icy. If using only cream it will be too thick and foamy.
The machine cools quickly and does a good job. But, I recommend placing the ice cream bucket in the freezer after making the ice cream, for at least 15 minutes before serving although 30 minutes is ideal. It is a bit noisy but not like a blender or the like. Not a problem.
I have seen that some people have trouble with the lid but I have not experienced the same. As with all things, a little patience can iron out those types of issues.
Be ready for one thing though, the machine is very heavy so careful with your back!
My only complaint is the amount of ice cream it produces. Realistically you can really only make enough for 6 adults who just finished a meal or 4 hungry adults. But for the price a person cannot expect more I suppose.
Would I buy this product again or recommend it to family? Absolutely. This is a real winner and worthy of four stars.
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I have owned this machine for about 3 years and have made about a dozen batches of ice cream and a few batches of frozen margaritas. The machine stopped working. Apparently there is no electricity getting to the motor assembly. Trying to get it fixed is out of the question. The base needed to be sent back and the weight of it made it too expensive. It is cheaper to buy another machine. That being said, the machine, while it worked, made excellent ice cream. I have found that your ice cream is only as good as the recipe. I have found only 2 outstanding recipes so far. There are several tips I can offer when making ice cream. The first is that the ice cream mix MUST be aged at least 8 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it chills the better it gets. The mix must be chilled before placing it in the machine. The ice cream will only come out in a soft serve consistency, not hard like a grocery store brand. Many recipes will change texture and get rock hard once they are put in the freezer. A 10 second zap in the microwave will help. So if you are expecting ice cream that is like what you buy at the grocery store- forget it. Would I buy this machine again? Yes. I hope this helped.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I'm very impressed with this icecream maker. As soon as it arrived i began making excellent icecream. A neighbor liked it so much she bought some then shared it with her friends, now her friends want to buy some too!
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I love this product as it is quiet and makes just enough ice cream for two of us. We make several different flavors so we have plenty for guests. I have experimented with several recipes I found on the internet. There are recipes out there that do not cost a lot of money and are truely delicious. I would buy it again in a heart beat.
->Prices Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
My wife and I were excited about this machine after we read the reviews. But the icecream texture is too rough for our taste, we have tried sorbet and icream recepies and it is never smooth...you can feel the little ice crystals. It is very fast though, under 30 minutes you'll have your icecream, but if you just mix your fruit with frozen milk or cream and have a very good blender, you'll get very similar results...I would not have bought it if I had tried it first. Maybe the blade is too slow, or it freezes too fast, whatever it is, is not great texture icecream, that's for sure. Not gelato, that's is for sure!!!
After a few more weeks of use, we have tried some good recepies and you get somewhat better results, so I guess the recepie has a lot to do with it, but do not expect that you blend milk, sugar, fruit and put it in this thing and presto...if you want good icecream you'll have to cook it right before you put it on...maybe it was just my ignorance on how icecream is made...
->Affordable Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I had been interested in the Lello ice cream maker for awhile. I had a Cuisinart ice cream maker and found the need to pre-freeze the container rather a hindrance. I had looked at the reviews for the Lello and the new electric Cuisinart and decided to go with the Lello after finding a good deal on Amazon. The machine is better than expected. I had read about the noise and was concerned, but the noise is no louder than that of the Cuisinart pre-freeze machine. I have found that I need to run the machine longer about 5 to 10 minutes longer than the suggested time but that is truly the only draw back. Some of the reviews mentioned the size of the machine. I do have a large kitchen so space is not a problem, although I can see that it would be a problem for those with a small kitchen. The quality of the ice cream is great - very creamy. I have enjoyed the machine and appreciate an ice cream maker that doesn't require a pre-frozen canister. I would definitely recommend the Lello to anyone interested in this type of ice cream maker.
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Product arrived in time stated, we enjoyed making fresh ice cream and are happy with this appliance.
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We own a small internet coffee shop in Montana, and I wanted to make my own ice cream, but on a small scale. This machine has been wonderful. Love it. It's one and only downfall is that the lid is hard to clean because of the attached fan and the basin is kind of hard to get into. But other then that, I love it. We are even thinking of getting a second one come summer. I would suggest buying an extra bowl though. It just makes it easier to make slighty bigger batches.
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Oh, my! I can't believe how easy, and how good....I just got my Lello Gelato Jr today. I opened the box, read through the recipes, and saw that I would need to make some simple sugar syrup, so I made that this morning. This evening, I peeled and quartered fresh peaches, and in 30 minutes we were eating fresh peach sorbet.
I had done lots of research on sorbet/ice cream makers, and knew that each kind of freezer had different problems, so I made sure not to tip the gelato maker over to read the serial number (you might have a mirror handy when you open your box).
This unit may seem to weigh only slightly under a ton (which made it hard to get out of the box and onto the counter, and that's the reason for the 4 rating rather than a 5), but I plan to keep it there in the laundry room, because the bucket comes out for ease of mixing. Nothing to freeze ahead of time, no problems with the mixture, and it served three with lots left over.
I can't wait to try watermelon and grapefruit. And, of course, chocolate. And there are lots other recipes to try, although I have a little problem looking forward to the chicken soup and dill sorbet that's in the book.
Now I don't have to wait for a trip to the big city for gelato. That's what we'll try next.
->Compare Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I have made about 30 or 40 batches of ice cream with this machine so far. The machine itself is fairly easy to use and clean. One of the main things in ice-cream making is ice formation. The faster the machine cools the less icy and more creamy your ice-cream gets. This machine does a decent job at freezing the ice-cream. In it's price range it's very good. However, if you want very smooth creamy ice-cream then get a more expensive model. I will when I win the lotto.
I still love this machine.
->Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I have used my gelato machine two or three times a week for a year and loved it. Even though it didn't come near the freezing time....it is more like 50+ minutes. I liked it because I could make ice cream that had very little fat content or sugar-free.
One week after the limited warranty time (if I had purchased it) the machine started knocking. I have only let the machine run until it stops 1 time. Was that one time too many?
I am a faithful purchaser of Amazon products. I have looked high and low for a place to get some attention on this.
This could be a great product. I would be interested to know how many of the machines are still running after one year. Do you dare ask?
->Discount Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I've had my machine over a year now and used it endlessly last summer, as many as 2-3 batches per day (I was testing recipes for my catering business).
It's been a trooper. I agree with one reviewer that a stainless bucket would be nice, but overall I can't complain.
It's worked well with all recipes I've tried, even when I tested it with room temperature mix..still froze the mix well.
The add-ins slot is too small, as well. Aside from the two minor imperfections, this machine has served me well.
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I purchased this machine in May of 2004, so I have had it for over a year. I have used it frequently and am always delighted with the results. Like many others here,I too have used other ice cream makers-from the hand cranked w/ rock salt and ice type to the cannister in the freezer styles and this maker is the best. There is very little prep work involved in making excellent ice cream time after time.It is quiet and makes a quart of delicious ice cream in about 30 minutes. If I am cooking the ingredients, I make them the night before and allow the mixture to cool overnight. I have never tried pouring the mixture right from the stove top into the cannister-seems like too much stress on the freezing unit to attempt.All-in-all, this machine for under $200 is the buy of a lifetime.
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
The first thing I would like to make clear is that if you buy items based on company reputation and warranty quality, please look elsewhere. The first unit I purchased looked like a reconditioned unit straight out of the box and after the first several uses it was apparent that the typical freeze time was running 50-60 minutes. The enclosed recipe book states that the ice cream should freeze in 25-30 minutes. I called the customer support number for Lello and after being shuffled from one number to another by some of the rudest people imaginable I finally got a "customer service" representative on the phone. The woman that I spoke to said they receive lots of complaints about this unit and there was nothing that could be done to repair my unit. Despite the fact that the unit was taking 20 minutes longer than the instructions state and despite the fact that the unit was only 2 month old they refused to honor the warranty. All I was looking for was a repair. At this point I contacted Amazon and they were very helpful and sent me an exchange even though I had purchased the unit over 30 days prior.
Okay, new unit. This one looked better out of the box and seems to operate more quickly. About 35 minutes to freeze as opposed to an hour. Over all I am much happier with my new ice cream maker however I am still going to stick by my low rating due to the fact that I have no confidence in Lello honoring their warranty in the event that I should have a problem with this unit. I place a great deal of emphasis on customer service and Lello failed miserably. At any rate if you are comfortable with the price I won't recommend that you overlook this item but I would strongly recommend that you make sure it functions properly well within Amazons return time. Lello will not make good on their warranty. I would like to make one other observation, I purchased this item based on prior reviews and I know that other people had good experiences with their customer service so it is entirely possible that I had isolated incident. However, based on the attitude and response of everyone I spoke to at Lello I would not get my hopes up for a better experience in the future. Good Luck regardless of your decision!
->Compare Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
The machine was a gift for Christmas.
Pro's
--Machine runs well, even when you make multiple batches. No sign of overheating. I made ice-cream for fifty people with no problem.
--Ice cream is very tasty
--It is easy to make ice-cream using the machine. I have thrown out my Donvier already.
Con's
--Machine is not well designed. Using it can be "fiddly."
--As noted by others, you need to get the pail lined up just right in the unit or it won't close.
--The paddle, lid and motor are all attached to each other. (The paddle can be removed for cleaning.) I often found I wanted to take the lid/paddle/motor assembly off the machine, but had nowhere to put it down that was stable. It is useful to find a heavy glass mixing bowl or pot that you can stand the lid/paddle/motor unit up in. This lets you stop the machine in mid-cycle to test for sweetness, add nuts, etc.
--Drips can get between the lid and the motor housing. (Especially if you lay the unit down on the counter, rather than stand it up in a pot.) To get the unit really clean you need two Phillips head screwdrivers so the lid can be removed from the motor housing. This is an example of what I consider "fiddly" design -- the use of two screws of two different sizes to fasten the lid to the motor.
--Finally, if your mix isn't cold enough the icecream can be a tad grainy.
But bottom line -- if you like home-made icecream and you aren't made of money buy this machine.
->Best Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
But to no avail!!! I got this maker for Christmas. Imagine the disappointment I and my children experienced when the blade froze after running approximately 5 seconds, never to run again!!! This item may not be the most expensive, but it is still spendy enough that one should be able to rely on its quality!!! And I thought I had done enough research and read enough reviews... ah well, it's off to Mio Gelato we go!
->Prices Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I bought this ice cream maker in September 2003, after having used a hand-crank Donvier for many years. All the issues I had with the Donvier were resolved with my purchase of this machine: I don't have to remember to pre-freeze the canister; I can make several batches consecutively; and, my arm doesn't get tired!
If you love ice cream, you will LOVE the Lello! Pour the ice cream custard into the machine, press the button, and about 30 minutes later, it's done! With the Lello, you can freeze the custard to ready-to-eat consistancy (although the flavor of the ice cream does improve after several hours "ripening", regardless of the type of machine used). Add any "stir ins" (nuts, chocolate chips, etc.) at the very end, to avoid pulverizing them.
I would highly recommend "How to Make Ice Cream: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Ice Cream" from the Cook's Illustrated "How to Cook" series as an excellent resource for basic ice cream recipes and "how-to's" - master these recipes and in no time you'll be creating your own original flavors.
I use this machine so much that a few months after I bought it, I purchased an ice cream cone maker, too! Why would you put your scrumptious homemade ice cream in a flavorless, store-bought cone, I ask you??
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I am one of those that for my own well being I can't keep ice cream at home. If it is in the freezer, I will have it 3 meals a day. I admit it, I have no will power and have lost the ice cream wars. To keep my cravings at bay, I will treat myself to a store bought cone or cup of my favorite flavor. While it limits the amount I can eat this method of self control is really expensive. A one scoop cone at our mall Hagen Daz shop costs more than $5. My answer, the Lello 4070 Gelato Maker.
My machine worked right out of the box. I was surprised at how quiet it was. You can hear the motor but it is a low hum and we did not find it at all distracting. This machine is large. I have lots of counter space in a large kitchen and my Lello sits in a corner yet it is the first thing folks notice when they walk into my kitchen. Do read the teeny tiny instructions first and keep them handy. Even so I managed to turn the machine off rather than just the churn. No biggy, you just have to wait 5 minutes to start it up again.
Even with lousy instructions the machine is very easy to use. I should note that I read all the reviews and tried to pick up on the tricks before getting started. To avoid problems pay particular attention to how the churn/lid, dasher, and bucket were installed as you unpack the unit. There are notches for where the handle joins the bucket and the handle should lay flat and be flipped to the side closest to you. Also, install the dasher in the churn/lid before attaching to the machine. I tried dropping the dasher into the custard and then attaching the churn/lid and could not get it together. My only negative, the churn and transparent lid are joined together. If the tiny slot is used to add wet fruit (peaches, pineapple)chocolate or carmel sauce, the lid is impossible to clean with just a damp towel--running water is essential. I assume the churn part will be ruined if it gets drenched with water. My solution, I do not use the slot to add stuff. I just pretend there is no slot and add all ingredients to the mixture before starting the machine. If you stop the churn (not the machine) to add stuff you may not be able to get the dasher back into the slot of the churn/lid.
I've noticed that others felt that the ice cream did not get hard enough. I have gotten scoopable ice cream in 15 minutes with a chilled batch of custard (in frig overnight) to 30 minutes with a not hot mixture (stuck in frig for 15 minutes so it was not hot). If you like rock hard ice cream the machine allows for this. Churn until the mixture thickens and gets done, turn off the churn, remove churn/lid and take out the dasher. Put the lid back on and leave the machine on(not the churn, this makes sense when you have the machine) until ready to serve. With only the refrigeration unit on the ice cream has gotten so hard, I've had to let it sit on the counter to soften.
With the Lello I can freeze just the amount of ice cream I want or should have. The cooked custard mixture I use to avoid the raw egg issue can be refrigerated up to 3 days. It actually tastes better IF I can wait 24 hours before churning. I have used from 2 to 4 cups of custard mixture. Whatever you do don't overfill the bucket. The mixture expands as it freezes and can overflow making clean up difficult. The ice cream will not get as hard and will take longer to freeze.
The Lello is so easy to use and clean I don't think twice about making a batch. It is not so easy to use that one can let a child use it unsupervised. My 6-year-old can set the timer, fill the bucket and get the dasher in the slot but the churn/lid is too heavy to handle on her own. The average 14 or older teen should have no problems. Order the extra bucket for multiple flavors or batches. Do take advantage of free shipping because it is heavy and costly to ship. If you find a nice looking plastic ice cream scoop get one of those to. The one that comes with the Lello works well but is unattractive and cheap looking. Overall a great and happy buy. Absolutely no buyer's remorse.
->Affordable Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I have gone through my share of ice cream makers. I have had the hand crank and electric version of the ice/salt mix and I had the Villaware ice cream maker available here on Amazon, sold it and my old icewater/salt type at a garage sale. None of them compares to the Lello Gelato Junior when it comes to convenience and ease of use. You just dump the ingredients in the little bucket, put the mixer/lid on and go. With other models you have to keep the bucket in the freezer or mess with an icewater/salt combination. Sure it might take some of the fun out of making your ice cream by eliminating the turning of the hand crank, but so does buying store bought ice cream or for that matter store bought butter.
The big plus with this model is that you can even dump in the ice cream mix while it is still warm off the stove (you have to cook a custard ice cream base). Just turn on the compressor a few minutes before you begin and it will start chilling the bucket.
You might be concerned about the noise this machine makes when running, don't be. It is quieter than a microwave running and by far quieter than almost every diswasher on the market. I would say it is louder than my Bosch dishwasher, but my Bosch is the quietest dishwasher you can get. You're not going to notice the noise from the Lello.
A note about their recipie for vanilla ice cream. When it recommends using a vanilla bean, do it. They are very expensive, like $8 a bean, and for good reason. It is the greatest vanilla ice cream you have ever had. The smell of fresh vanilla will forever blow your budget because you won't ever want to use vanilla extract for anything again. Save the rinds of the bean in a small tupperware bowl full of sugar, you can use it for baking or flavored coffee or something.
A few little things to note about this machine:
1. The opening for adding ingredients is small, m&m's are about the largest thing you can reasonably expect to put down the "chute"
2. The timer won't shut off the maker when it expires, just lets you know your ice cream is ready to eat.
3. It weights about 30 pounds or so. If you can't lift that amount easily without straining youself, leave it out on a counter somewhere.\
4. Unless you are the type of person who likes the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard, don't even think of using a metal utensil in the aluminum bowl, you will cringe like never before. Can you say chewing on tin foil with fillings in your teeth?
5. Keep excercising regularly, with this thing you are going to have lots of extra calories to burn.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Previously using machines that had containers that had to be placed in the freezer(a Donvier hand-crank, a Cuisinart electric), I found it annoying not to be able to make more than one batch at a time. I bought the Lello. The machine IS heavy and large due to the refrigeration unit. It works quickly and quietly and turns out batch after batch with ease and speed. I was surprised at the quiet operation, making much less noise than the Cuisinart which had no refrigeration unit. Any complaint would be minor. Appears very well made. Excellent value.
->Deal Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Wonderful machine. Easy to use, easy to clean, makes great ice cream.
->Purchase Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
great product, makes a quart of delicious ice cream, sorbet or gelatto effortlesly. Just make the mix, cool mix and and then place in ice cream maker while you do something else, i.e. make dinner. Self contained machine works like a charm. It is heavy and it is noisy but its about 300 to 400 dollars less than a stainless import and it does the same job. If you need an ice cream maker, look no further. By the way the recipes that are included are ok, but way too sweet. Buy The Ultimate Ice Cream Book by Bruce Weinstein, cut the sugar by half and you'll never know the difference.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
This thing works great!!! Gets super cold and makes ice cream so fast.
The bucket and paddle detatch and are dish washer safe.
Top Notch
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
UP: Can make multiple batches. Everything washes/sponges well.
My purpose for the ice cream maker was to make diabetic, no sugar, soy milk type recipes. I read the Amazon reviews, I scanned the internet for recipes, I'd gone bonkers trying to use the freeze cannister type ice cream maker. I was ready. When the machine came, the recipe book was more sophisticated, it used liquid sweetener. It takes more freezing time than the recipe indicates to get it cold enough, but if the beater is off and the machine is on, the ice cream will stay cold until you are ready to use it.
I did the recipes as written. My first and still our favorite is the maple syrup ice cream with pecans. I also use honey in this recipe. I have tried various other internet recipes and find that soy milk works best with pureed mango, chunk fruit added at end to prevent ice crystals. I have not made any custards using egg yolks, fat/colesterol,but am investigating a recipe using liquid lecithin. I've tried frozen yogurt, gelatin for thickener, and find that you either make a gelato/sorbet or make a rich cream ice cream. Inbetween takes alot of skill and practice. Plus,in a pinch, even strawberry jam and evaporated milk will make a great ice cream!
DOWN: Awful aluminum basket. I don't use aluminum anything, and would pay more for stainless steele. Everytime I scrape the ice cream out, I cringe. At first, there can be a buzzing sound if the beater insert unit is minutely off center, all you have to do is gently tweak right or left to perfectly align the beater head.
->Buy Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes shortly after purchasing this item. I was thrilled to find out that the custard ice cream recipes are high in protien and could be made with Splenda! (although the substitution makes the ice cream freeze harder) I have experimented with a variety of recipes and indulged my sweet tooth that way!
Our first machine we received was damaged in shipping, Amazon had a new machince out to us by FedEx within 2 days, and provided free shipping back for the damaged item. We were very pleased with the service. This machine is quiet, easy to use, and a MUCH better investment than one of the cheaper varieties...you'll get your money's worth and never go back to store-bought junk. :)
->Discount Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
i decided i need a great dessert to my bbq this summer with 107 defrees in scottsdale especially when i come out of the pool.
this machine makes great sorbet--blend blackberries,blueberries,rasberries and sugar water and orange and lemon juice!
will need to eat less of other food groups to eat ice cream!!
www.thebarbecuemaster.com
->Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I received one just two weeks ago and it is great. Made a batch of fresh strawberry ice cream and the children ate it all. Bought Ben & Jerry's ice cream book and have made several batches. The children are always asking if I have made some more ice cream. This machine is simply to use and clean up. It makes a quart of ice cream in about 30 minutes with nothing more than pouring in the ingredients and pushing a button. I highly recommend it for those that love fresh ice cream.
->Best Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
worked great for me right out of the box. I only have one batch under my belt (literally) LOL; honey strawberry-banana non-fat frozen yoghurt. it tasted as good as it sounds. everythink worked as expected, freezer component worked perfectly, no muss no fuss. threw everything in a blender then pored it into the bowl. close the lid (the handle on the lid must face away from the motor or the motor won't seat properly, this is not explained in the manual).
32 minutes later, I had perfect frozen yoghurt. To get it really hard and frozen like in the store it needs the refridgerator freezer for 20 minutes after coming out of the machine. but the freezer element in the machine worked great, actually the yoghurt was hard frozen on the edges of the container. Now we'll see how long it lasts...
->Compare Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
The replacement part arrived one day ahead of time, and I must say this is one heck of good machine. I grabbed a chocolate icecream recipe out of the Ben & Jerry's Book, and I modified it a little to accommodate my Atkins Diet. Rather than using sugar, I used Splenda, and rather than using milk, I used heavy whipping cream for the entire recipe. Rather than a pinch of salt, I used about a half a teaspoon. And rather than 2 large eggs, I used 3. I figured that the eggs are what give the icecream that custard texture. It really does pay to follow the recipe....lol. Oh well, my recipe had a little too much salt, but the rest of it turned-out pretty well. If I'm not mistaken, some people stated that the timer should be set to 40 minutes instead of 30, but what I found was that the warning beeper alerted me that the paddle was stuck at 40 minutes. In the future, I'm going to try 30 minutes instead, for that gelato texture. 40 minutes makes it more like icecream. I'd say, I didn't do too bad, considering this was my first batch. I think next time I'll try some Peppermint Gelato. I now HIGHLY-RECCOMMEND the Lello 4070 Gelato Junior, with enthusiasm. I don't see any need to spend $600 for an italian icecream maker, unless you feel that you need the ABSOLUTE BEST machine money can buy. Trust me, you'll be PLENTY happy with the Lello. And I have first-hand experience with Lello Customer Service. Did they require me to send back the defective part, after troubleshooting the problem I was having? NO! I merely called them up, they figured-out what the problem was, and the very next day, they had a replacement part on the UPS truck. It took two days for the part to arrive. Once it got here, I was SO excited that I drove over to the grocery store and stocked-up on my ingredients, came home and whipped-up some Beautiful Gelato. Yes, I initially did have a "Bad Out-of-Box Experience", but that problem was immediately taken care of, and I am now in Gelato Heaven. I can't wait to make up some Peanut butter, butter pecan, and any number of other recipies that are in the 3 icecream books I bought. For $200, you can't go wrong with this machine. You too will be in Gelato Heaven when you purchase this FANTASTIC little machine. If you're hesitating because you're not sure if it's worth $200, let me put your mind at ease.........IT IS!!!
->Deal Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I've decided to give this machine one more chance. The Lello Service Dept is sending me out a replacement Churn Motor for the paddle. If it still doesn't work, then it's going back to Amazon for a refund, and then I'm going to get the Musso 4080 Lussino Icecream maker, which is ALL stainless steel, including the paddle. I'll let you know how it goes. My hopes are still high, and I haven't given-up hope yet. I want very much to believe that the Lello is a HIGH-QUALITY machine. Just two more days until my replacement part arrives. I have to admit though, it's just a little disheartening when your hopes are so high, and then to be let down like this, with Amazon sending me a defective machine. But, we'll see. I have a feeling this replacement part will do the trick.
->Deals Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
The reason I ordered the Lello 4070 Gelato Junior was because of all the positive reviews, the price was right, and from the description it appeared to be a neat little machine. I'm not in the position to make a critique of the pros & cons of this machine because I never got a chance to use it. Upon receiving the package, I was loaded with excitement. I unpacked it to find a very sleek-looking icecream maker. It appeared to be in MINT condition. I set it up on my countertop, poured in some cream just to see if it worked, plugged it in, turned on the power, set the timer, and pushed the start button. The paddle started moving very slowly, then 20 seconds passed and the paddle stopped moving, and then a few seconds later the digital timer started beeping, signaling me that there was a problem. In the instructions, it said that the beeper will alert you if the paddles gets stuck. Well, it certainly DID get stuck! Infact, when I turned the machine off and disassembled the motor which runs the paddle from the machine, the paddle wouldn't even budge, I couldn't rotate it even a quarter turn. I called Lello Customer Service, and after some troubleshooting, the Lello Rep concluded that the Motor/Lead Assembly Unit (the motor that churns the icecream) needed to be replaced. Well, the bottom line is that I just received this machine today, and I'm not in the mood to wait a week or two for the replacement part to arrive. Because of all the pleasant reviews, I had very high hopes for this machine, and all my hopes were shattered after I turned it on. I emailed Amazon and told them I wanted a refund. Fortunately they're going to pay the return shipment fees, only I get stuck having paid $85.00 for overnight delivery of the machine to my home. I HIGHLY suggest that if anyone is going to buy this machine, choose the Super Saver Free Shipping at Checkout. It'll save you a lot of headaches when you plug your machine in and find-out it doesn't work. I gave this machine a 1-star rating because of my bad out-of-box experience. Like I said, I don't know if it's a good machine or not, because I never got a chance to use it. My suggestion to anybody looking for a good icecream maker is to buy the more expensive model Musso 4080 Lussino Dessert Maker. I can't critique that machine either because I've never used it. But where the Lello lacks in quality with it's cheap plastic parts, the Musso more than makes up for, with it's ALL stainless-steel body and parts. As soon as my refund has been processed, I'm buying the Musso 4080 Lussino Dessert Maker.
->Best Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I was debating about spending $200 for this machine. Finally, when Amazon had it on sale for $159, I immediately purchased it. I've been trying different recipes ever since. I used to drive 45 min to San Francisco to get tropical flavor gelato; now I can make it at my own convenience and I can add more flavor if I want. Too bad Amazon has discontinued this product. I totally love this magic machine!!
->Prices Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
We got this machine because of its all-in-one convenience, and it basically lives up to expectations -- with two caveats. First, its really big. About 1.5 times the size of a large bread maker. So it requires plenty of counterspace, and a lot of cabinet space to store it when not in use. And its pretty heavy, too. But that's to be expected; its got a refrigerator built in, so it really should be on the heavy side. Second, and more problematic, is the fact that the freezer doesn't quite freeze. It comes close, but our creations have, thus far, been somewhere on the Slurpee-Sorbet continuum.
On balance, we're happy with it, and see ourselves using it with some regularity. But its not exactly the same as having a Marble Slab creamery in your kitchen.
->Sale Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
As a child of the midwest, I grew up with some of the best ice cream and frozen custard in the world. Over the years, I've tried in vain to recreate that experience by buying and then throwing away nearly ever ice cream maker ever made. The problem - they either didn't work or they whipped so much air into the mixture, it tasted like frozen cotten candy. But all that changed when I bought the Lello Gelato Junior. I've had this machine now for about two weeks and I've made ice cream, gelato, and ummmmmm... frozen custard. After about ten batches, I had to pack the thing back and in the box and put it in the garage because I was eating way too much!! Aside from the extra weight I've put on, I can't say enough about this machine... it's so easy to use (it takes about as much thought as cooking a TV dinner) and it makes some of the best ice cream I've ever tasted - and I've tasted it ALL. (Even so, having the right recipe is essential. Start with the included recipes as they are EXCELLENT!) And if you goof up, no need to worry - just dump it out, wipe it down, and start again. At only 30 - 40 mins. a pop (gelato takes about 30 mins., ice cream about 40 mins.), you can afford to make a mistake or two. I highly recommend this machine.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
A few simple steps: Turn on the machine and the refrigeration unit. Pour unfrozen ice cream or sorbet mixture into removable metal bucket. Insert stirring blade, set timer and start. Ice cream is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Refrigeration is more than adequate, moving parts are sturdy and well-designed, the price is 1/3 that of similar machines.
The unit is large but sleek. It looks fine on a countertop. Capacity is small, up to about 1 quart, but this isn't a real problem since it is so easy to make multiple runs.
No mechanical problems so far (2 months). I love my Gelato!
->Lowest Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I love this one. I had a cuisinart before and it never froze the ice cream.
This one is a bit more expensive, but worth it when you have kids because it ensures perfect results each time. One thing, the instructions are TEENY TINY and I looked for them for about 10 minutes until I realized they weren't the usual warnings. The instructions are what bring it down to 4 stars instead of 5. Also, I had to freeze the ice cream for about 15 minutes longer than the recipe called for, but not a big deal.
->Prices Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I ordered this unit from Amazon.com when it was offered on a Friday Sale at such an attractive price that I could not let it go. Some reviewers commented that the booklet could come with a better instruction... I agree !! The first time I tried to use the machine the paddle would not turn around because the lid was not closed properly. I was trying to figure out why ? It was because the freezing basket was not placed in properly. After I figured it out then everything else worked great.
The recipes from the included booklet assume certain things like when you buy frozen rasperries, they are the kinds with sugar or syrup. The kind I buy is without sugar added. So the first raspberry ice cream I made was kinda tart as the recipe did NOT call for sugar. Now I know I have to add sugar to the frozen raspberries that I buy !!
The negatives to this unit ? I wish the timer was set so it would shut itself OFF automatically; I went like 10 mins longer than it should and the ice cream was totally frozen in the unit and the paddle was stuck in it. So, you do have to watch your time. This is NOT a set it and forget it type unit !! But what do you expect from an INEXPENSIVE Gelato maker ??
I do enjoy this unit and I made passion fruit sorbet which was out of this world. I used passion fruit concentrate with a little water. I also made lemon sorbetto using fresh lemon juice, organic evaporated cane juice ( it is unrefined sugar) and water. The intense flavor and the creamy texture was just sublime. There is NOTHING like a freshly made sorbetto !!!
Since this is relatively small unit one can bring to trips or other places and make ice cream / sorbetto on site but since this has freezing unit built in, one need to be aware that you have to set this machine horizontal ALL THE TIME and never tip or place it upside down. Even the outside box has an arrow pointing UP so the delivery guy knows it should not turn the box on the side.
So for the price / performance , this unit is just wonderful !! Why 4 stars ? Poor instruction booklet.
->Lowest Price Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I'm new to the world of home made ice cream, but this machine makes it all seem easy. And it is! We've had our 4070 for less than a week, and have already whipped up several batches of ice cream and frozen yogurt. Works flawlessly, though I agree with other reviewers that you need to add about 5-10 minutes to freezing times. Spring for this machines ... you won't be sorry!
->Purchase Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I waited nearly two months for this, and when it finally came I was thinking it wouldn't see use until next summer. I was wrong. I've had to restrain myself to keep from making a batch a day! It's hard to imagine something much easier: mix the ice cream, pour it in, set the timer and go watch TV until it's done. The compressor is as quiet or quieter than the motor driving the paddle, so noise isn't a problem. The "manual" is really just a recipe book (with lots of delicious recipes), but what's to figure out? If I had to pick nits, I'd say that the slot to add ingredients mid-process is a bit skinny, and the fact that the freezer chamber lid can't be removed from the motor can make cleaning it a tad difficult.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I have been playing around with cheap ice cream makers for years - I always give up after a few batches because it's too much trouble. This machine is so easy that in my first week I made a batch a day (to my kids' delight). The book is helpful, but I wanted really thick creamy gelato like they serve in Rome, so I surfed the web and created my own formula using what seemed important (liquore to keep it from freezing, egg yolk for the custard flavor, corn starch helps it be really smooth, etc). It's a lot of fun and very easy. My only complaint is that the hole for adding ingredients is pretty small -- it's difficult to pour in a stream of thick fudge, for example. But really, it's a great little machine and really fun to play with.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Got mine today after waiting for it to come off back order. For a few weeks I've been using a $30 quart-and-a-half machine that requires one to put the container in the freezer. It's been adequate, but the gel or glycol or whatever in the container's jacket doesn't seem to hold enough chill for some recipes. Also it takes up a lot of space in my freezer, and one has to remember to put it there. This Lello machine provides its own chilling: I (probably foolishly) put 170-degree runny custard in it and simply let it run for a bit over an hour, and ended up with good vanilla ice cream: unthinkable with the other machine.
I do have a few worries, hence the 4-star rating rather than a 5:
the container that holds the mix/product fits very snugly into a shiny (stainless steel?) sleeve: deform the container at all and it probably won't fit at all. Also, there's that problem of Chinese quality (the shipping box is that Asian cardboard and tipped me off right away): fit and finish look excellent apart from a spot on the mixing paddle that should have been trimmed flat, but I wonder how long this machine will hold up. It's heavy and has a sturdy look and feel to it, and I do have other Chinese-made appliances that are lasting quite well (bread machine, tiny but incredibly heavy microwave oven, etc.), but there's a faint nagging doubt, irrational perhaps. And of course if these machines catch on, they'll be a third of the price in a few years -- but meanwhile I'll get to enjoy this one.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
After using a Simac Il Gelato Magnum for seven years and making ice cream approximately 3 times weekly, I can only say that the Simac/Lello line of ice cream makers are the BEST. The new Lello 4070 is in the same class as the Magnum as far as the smoothness and creaminess of the finished product. The included recipe book is wonderful and has ingredient combinations that you just don't find in other recipe books. All you need to make perfect ice cream is this maker and the Cook's Illustrated "How to Make Ice Cream" and you are in business! I will also agree with the other reviewers in that you need to add approximately 10 minutes to the recommended times to achieve a desired finished temperature of 18 degrees.
Silkly smooth without a trace of iciness. That is what the Lello produces. What else can you say? This is truly the "Rolls Royce" of ice cream makers.
->Shipping Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Heavy in weight but worth every pound.
Simple, easy best tasting ice cream you ever have in under an hour. Great for those on Atkins.
Winner for me!
->Prices Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I've had this machine for about a year and at first it made really great ice cream...but things have recently started to change. First, the control panel became disconnected from the top of the machine. Shortly afterward, the mechanism (black rubber knob) that provides power to the churn mechanism fell down into the casing. Since I am overseas and it is very expensive to ship this heavy machine for repairs, I decided to see if I could repair it myself. After wrestling with non-standard screws that hold the case in place, I discovered that both the control panel and the black rubber knob were held in place by very flimsy plastic brackets and metal screws. These brackets had broken apart in several places, leaving the machine unusable. Buyer beware - as usual, you get what you pay for.
->Comparison Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Great machine, ultra quiet and easy to use! We had company over a long weekend and this thing kept cranking out batch after batch of ice cream. We also made margaritas (which were exceptional). The only beef I have is with the instruction manual. While it's true the machine is easy to use, I wish there was some sort of trouble shooting page and/or list. There's a trick to inserting the bowl, and it took a few minutes to figure out (it would have been nice to have had some sort of reference just to make sure I did it right).
->Compare Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
I finally bought this ice cream maker after incredible research, including lots of debating whether to go with a substantially higher priced product. After reading the glowing reviews of the earlier, now discontinued, version (the 4060), I was thrilled to see this product on amazon and bought it right away. What a great investment!
This machine makes fantastic ice cream. I couldn't stop eating the peanut butter ice cream I made - - now that I'm going low carb, I'm looking forward to the sugar-free versions! The machine is considerably quieter than I had expected (I had it running in the same large kitchen/dining area where we ate dinner with guests, and no one noticed it was running). Done in 35 to 40 minutes. Highly recommended.
->Prices Lello 4070 Gelato Junior
Just received and tried out the Gelato (reportedly manufactured by Simac...but the company name on the machine is Lello..don't know why a different name). Results were great! The machine is rather large and heavy, due to the self-contained compressor, but that means you don't have to plan ahead or take up freezer room to prefreeze the bucket. Makes enough ice cream for about four people, although if you need more you can start another batch right away by moving the first batch to another container (or your mouth
The machine runs quietly and freezes well (albeit I would add 10 minutes to times listed in the included receipt booklet). A timer is included to signal when the "set time" has ellapsed. The timer does not stop the churner or turn off the machine. However, according to the manual the machine will shut off before mechanical damage is done, if the ingredients become too frozen and the churner stops.
For a few dollars more than models requiring prefrozen buckets, you can buy this model and reap the benefits of higher priced models. You may get a larger capacity bucket on some higher priced models, but for home use this machine will put you in the ice-cream maker "big league" with no apparent short comings.