The Whynter ICM-255SSY is a sophisticated upright ice cream maker designed for home use, offering the convenience of creating a variety of frozen desserts, including ice cream, gelato, sorbet, slushy drinks, and even yogurt. This high-capacity unit can produce up to 2.5 quarts (2.64 liters) of your favorite frozen treat in a single batch, making it ideal for entertaining or for families who enjoy homemade desserts.
A key feature of the ICM-255SSY is its self-contained freezing mechanism, which includes a powerful built-in compressor. This eliminates the need for pre-freezing the mixing bowl, a common requirement for many other ice cream makers. Users can simply prepare their ingredients and pour the mixture directly into the removable stainless steel mixing bowl, and the machine will handle the freezing process from room temperature. The unit is designed to freeze mixtures within 30 to 60 minutes, providing quick access to freshly made desserts.
The design emphasizes ease of use and durability. It features a sleek stainless steel exterior that complements any kitchen decor. Operation is managed through an easy-to-use knob and a digital control panel with an LCD display. The control panel allows users to select from various modes: Ice Cream mode, Cooling Only mode, Mixing Only mode, and Yogurt mode.
In Ice Cream mode, the machine churns and freezes simultaneously. The default operating time is 60 minutes, which can be adjusted using the control knob in 1-minute increments, with a maximum of 70 minutes and a minimum of 5 minutes. An ice cream icon is displayed on the LCD when this mode is active.
The Cooling Only mode is designed to freeze the mixture without churning. It defaults to 10 minutes, adjustable in 1-minute increments up to 70 minutes or down to 5 minutes. This mode is particularly useful for preventing already frozen ice cream from melting, and a snowflake icon indicates its operation.
For pre-mixing ingredients or adding extra components to a finished mixture, the Mixing Only mode is available. This mode churns for a default of 30 minutes without cooling, also adjustable in 1-minute increments. A mixing icon is displayed when this mode is active.
A unique feature of the ICM-255SSY is its Yogurt mode. In this mode, the unit operates for a default of 8 hours, displayed as "08H" on the LCD. The time can be adjusted in 1-hour increments, with a maximum of 24 hours and a minimum of 4 hours. After the set operation time, the unit beeps three times and automatically enters an Extended Cooling Function to keep the yogurt frozen. During this function, the compressor cycles on and off, and the display flashes "COOL" until the unit is manually turned off or the internal temperature exceeds 48°F (9°C), at which point it restarts cooling.
The machine also incorporates a user-customized consistency control feature. In Ice Cream mode, when paused, the control knob can be used to increase or decrease the firmness of the ice cream, with indicators for soft, medium, and hard consistency displayed on the panel.
Speed selection is another customizable aspect, available in Ice Cream or Mixing Only modes. Users can choose between low, medium, and high churning speeds by pressing the Speed Selection Button, with corresponding speed indicator bars on the display.
The START/PAUSE button initiates and pauses operations. Pressing it again resumes the process. A notable safety feature is the Motor Protection Function, which pauses the motor from churning if the mixture becomes too solid, preventing damage to the unit. Additionally, an Extended Cooling Function activates automatically after the set operation time in Ice Cream mode if the unit is not turned off within ten minutes. This function keeps the ice cream frozen by cycling the compressor for six-minute intervals over two hours.
For optimal performance and longevity, proper installation and maintenance are crucial. The appliance should be placed on a flat, level, and solid surface, with at least 5 inches (127mm) of clearance around it for proper air circulation. It should be plugged into an exclusive, grounded 3-prong outlet. The unit is designed for indoor, non-commercial household use.
Maintenance features are straightforward and designed for effortless cleaning. The removable stainless steel mixing bowl, churn blade, and transparent lid are all washable. It's recommended to hand-wash these parts with a low-foaming powdered detergent after each use, or if the unit will be used again within one hour, to clean and sanitize them to prevent residue buildup. The mixing paddle has a bottom hole that should be cleaned with a brush.
Sanitizing involves using a diluted bleach solution (3 teaspoons of 5.25% hypochlorite bleach per gallon of water, or 2 teaspoons of 8.25% hypochlorite bleach per gallon of water). The interior and exterior of the lid, bowl, and mixing paddle should be wiped down. For the bowl and paddle, they can be placed in the freezing chamber, filled with sanitizing solution, and run on MIXING ONLY mode for 2 minutes. The lid should be immersed in the solution for 2 minutes. After sanitizing, parts should be air-dried without rinsing.
The housing base and freezing chamber also require cleaning and sanitizing, especially before first use and if they come into contact with food. This involves wiping them down with a wet cloth and then with a sanitizing solution, ensuring no excess liquid runs into the housing vents. The vent cover on the rear of the unit can be removed for cleaning underneath.
To prevent overflowing, users should ensure that the mixture does not exceed 60% of the removable mixing bowl's capacity, as frozen mixtures expand. For quicker results, using fewer ingredients and/or refrigerated ingredients is advised. The temperature of ingredients should ideally be between 77°F (25°C) and 41°F (-5°C). After making ice cream, it is recommended to store it in a clean, dry container using a plastic scoop to avoid scratching the mixing bowl.
The ICM-255SSY is a versatile and user-friendly appliance that brings the joy of homemade frozen desserts and yogurt to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum convenience.
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