Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 vs ICE21 can be hard to choose. It’s like picking between two friends you love most. I have spent time with both models. Each of the has own strengths and weakness. I want to share my personal experience with you so that you will know which one is right for you.
Cuisinart ice30bcp1 Overview
The Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 is a stylish ice cream maker. It is designed for those who love making larger batches of homemade ice cream. It has a 2-quart capacity. Its smooth steel exterior provides durability. The premium look of the ice maker fits well in modern kitchens. I love the model because it can produce dense and creamy ice cream. You need to pre-freeze the bowl to use the maker. It can take a bit longer to churn. But I have to say the model has quiet operation and a sturdy build system. If you love ice cream and want quality and style, you can choose this model.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 2-quart capacity | Takes up more counter space |
| Brushed steel design | Slightly heavier build |
| Dense, creamy ice cream | Slower freezing time |
| Quiet operation | Bowl needs pre-freezing |
| Durable construction | Higher price point |
Cuisinart 21bcp1 Overview
The Cuisinart ICE21 is a compact ice cream maker, and it is also affordable. I would suggest that you choose this model if you have smaller households. The capacity is only 1.5 quarts. It is better for quick and smaller batches of ice cream. Although it has limited space, the model is lightweight and easy to store. One thing I love most about this model is that it can churn ice cream faster than the largest models. The maker produces a smoother texture because it has a higher overrun. One thing I do not like most is that the model has a plastic housing. It looks less premium than metal. The model is ideal for those who are looking for budget budget-friendly and compact ice maker.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast freezing time | Smaller batch size |
| Lightweight and portable | Plastic housing |
| Easy to store | Slightly louder operation |
| Affordable price | Less dense ice cream |
| Simple to use | Bowl needs pre-freezing |
Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 vs ICE21
| Feature | Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 | Cuisinart ICE21 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2-quart capacity for larger batches | 1.5-quart capacity for smaller batches | ICE30BCP1 |
| Build Quality | Brushed steel design, durable and premium | Lightweight plastic housing | ICE30BCP1 |
| Ice Cream Texture | Dense and creamy ice cream | Smoother, airier ice cream | Depends on preference |
| Freezing Time | Slower freezing due to larger bowl | Faster freezing for quick batches | ICE21 |
| Noise Levels | Relatively quiet operation | Slightly louder operation | ICE30BCP1 |
| Ease of Use | Simple setup with clear lid | Compact design, easy handling | ICE21 |
| Counter Space | Larger size but efficient footprint | Compact and space-saving | ICE21 |
| Price | Higher price point but premium features | Budget-friendly option | ICE21 |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Easy to clean brushed steel body | Easy to clean but prone to stains | ICE30BCP1 |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Sleek brushed steel finish | Simple plastic design | ICE30BCP1 |
Capacity
The first difference you should look at Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 vs ICE21 is capacity. The ICE30BCP1 gives a 2-quart bowl space. Within this 2-quart bowl, you can make about 8 cups of ice cream in every single batch. The size is ideal for a relatively large family that needs lots of cups of ice cream together.
On the other hand, the ICE21 has a 1.5-quart capacity. You can make 6 cups per batch using the maker. The ice cream maker is especially good for a small family that does not need lots of cups of ice cream. You can also choose the maker if you need to make ice cream frequently. You have to keep in mind that both makers require the bowls to be pre-frozen for at least 6 hours before you can use them.
Build Quality
The ICE30BCP1 weighs about 13.5 pounds. It features a brushed steel exterior that gives you a premium feel. The steel exterior not only gives you a nice look, it also makes your ice maker more durable so that you can use it for a long. Also, the steel finish of the ICE30BCP1 resists stains and fingerprints better. The maker looks fresher over time. Your kitchen may look aesthetic as well.
On the other hand, the ICE21 is lighter at around 9.9 pounds. It has a plastic housing. The plastic housing makes the ice maker easier to move from one place to another. But I have to say, it may not last longer compared to The ICE30BCP1.
Ice Cream Texture
If I have to talk about the texture of the two ice makers, there are huge differences between them. The ICE30BCP1 mixes ice cream at about 21 revolutions per minute (rpm). So the ice cream will be dense with roughly 27% overrun (air incorporated). I love the maker because it can make high-quality and indulgent textures.
On the other hand, the ICE21 spins faster than the ICE30BCP1. It can spin at 32 rpm and achieves about 40% overrun. As a result, you will get fluffier ice cream that is more akin to soft. I get the best result using the ICE21’s smaller bowl. The faster paddle speed of the maker helps me freeze the mixture more quickly.
Indeed, if you prefer dense ice cream, you should go for the ICE30BCPI. But if you like lighter and airier textures, you should go for ICE21.
Freezing Time
The ICE21 has a smaller-sized bowl. The smaller the bowls are, the faster it will freeze. So, ICE21 has only taken 20 minutes to complete freezing per batch. If you want ice cream in a short time, you may choose this model.
On the other hand, the ICE30BCPI has taken 30 minutes to complete freezing. Because the model has a little larger bowl compared to ICE21. The larger the bowl, the more time it will take.
The ICE30BCPI has taken 10 minutes longer time than ICE21. 10 minutes is not a huge amount of time, but think about having to make multiple batches of ice cream every time. It may take a longer time to complete your ice cream-making job. In such a case, you should go for the bigger bowl of ICE30BCPI. You can make many cups of ice cream at a time, and you do not have to make ice cream multiple times.
Noise Levels
Both ice cream makers make almost similar noises. It’s hard to differentiate normally. They make noises at 79 to 82 decibels. But for me, I feel that ICE30CPI produces a deeper noise that is kind of noticeable. The ICE21 almost produces the same noise. It is louder, but I feel it is more comfortable personally.
Ease of Use and Counter Space
The ICE21’s footprint measures 9″ wide by 9.25″ deep and 11.25″ tall. On the other hand, the ICE30BCP1 is slightly smaller in base dimensions at 8.5″ by 8.5″ but a bit taller at 11.5″. Interestingly, the ICE21’s base is larger. Despite the ice cream maker is smaller in capacity, it takes up more counter space than the ICE30BCP1.
Price Point
The ICE21 is generally more affordable than the ICE30BCPI. You can buy the ice cream maker at a budget-friendly price. On the other hand, the ICE30BCPI may cost more money than the ICE21. Because it is built in more premium and has larger capacity.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly ice cream maker and do not need extra luxury, you should go for ICE21. But if you do not care about money and need extra facilities, you should go for ICE30BCPI.
Cleaning and Maintenance
You can clean both models easily. Both bowls of the machines are dishwasher-friendly. When it comes to cleaning the body, you may get an extra advantage with ICE30BCPI. It uses a steel body so that you can clean it more comfortably, and the ice maker will look more fresher. On the other hand, the ICE21 has a plastic body. You may feel a dirty spot on the plastic body, and it can be a little messy to clean.
Aesthetic Appeal
I love the ICE30BCPI because it has a brushed steel finish. It gives a modern look to my kitchen. The appliance looks high-quality when it comes to the display. On the other hand, the plastic body of the ICE21 still looks decent, but I have to say it is not eye-catching. If you are looking for a stylish ice cream maker, you should pick the ICE30BCPI. And if you prefer a simple one, you should go for the ICE21.