Elite Gourmet EIM-308L 4 Qt. Electric Motorized Maker Ice & Rock Salt, 4Qt. Freezing Canister, Creamy Ice Cream, Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, or Sorbet, Recipe Booklet, 4 Quart, Mint

So this item requires two reviews, one for company communication and the product itself, which I pretty much had to guess how to use. and one for the product itself. First, the company states right out of the box that in order to be sanctimonious stewards of the climate, they're no longer including a manual but if you scan this QR code, all will be revealed. So I scanned it. Well, in the registration, about the third thing it asked for was a credit card number. What do they need a credit card number for? I've already paid for the darned thing. So I gave them my bank credit card figuring that if there was any funny business going on, the bank fraud department would take care of it. Sure enough, as soon as I gave them the card number and confirmed, the app launched into a bunch of advertising spiels that made no sense and had NOTHING to do with the appliance. I hung up immediately and predictably, about a minute later, I got a fraud notice from my bank. We discussed the situation and the bank ended up not cancelling my card. But I proceeded to search for a manual online. I found one, and if it had been any more bare, it would have been butt naked. I was looking for a parts schematic - all I found was a written LIST of the parts, which, without something to match it up to, was useless. So, actually learning about the machine was a bust. I figure I'm on my own. I am not impressed when manufacturers - China, to be sure - spend more time trying to mine data than they do helping you figure out how to get the most out of your new gadget. So, on to Part Deux - performance.On this, I have to give a straight up five stars. I did follow the skimpy manual instructions for prep, pre-use care and then found a recipe on line for frozen yogurt. Follow the instructions as far as pre-freezing the barrel and it's easy peasy from there. I let the yogurt churn for about a half hour - produced a nice, soft-serve consistency. No crystals, either. One thing I noticed - the barrel stays cold for a lot longer than 30 minutes and a lot of the cold is in the bottom. Next time, I'm gonna start and stop the churning, let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes on the bottom, and then pulse (long pulse - don't want to burn the motor out) multiple times to bring the harder frozen mixture to the top and even up the freeze temp. Alternatively, I could let it churn for 45 minutes or so until the paddle begins to labor and see what happens from there. But for a first batch, with minimal guidance, the end result was more than satisfactory. I can't wait to build REAL ice cream (not frozen sugar-free yogurt) for my sweet-toothed granddaughters when they visit. And the amount of finished product, if you start out with a quart and a half of mix, is more than adequate for four people who love their ice cream. I'm gonna try sorbet and Gelato as well. So, five stars for performance and final product, two stars to the company that either makes it or distributes it for lacking on communications but Johnny-on-the-Spot for data mining under the pretense of being Earth conscious. Just beware the little QR code.

I feel like I need to write a response to some of the negative reviews concerning this great product. Following the instructions works! Go figure! Physics are physics. Common sense tells you that the freezing part of this product has to be solidly frozen before you turn it on and put in the ingredients! My freezer is set for -3* F. The booklet says to let the product set upright on a horizontal surface for 5 hours BEFORE you put the bottom part in the freezer. And you need to let it freeze for 24 hours at least before using. The recipe you can make up the day before and put it into the fridge. When you remove the freezing bowl, you should not hear or feel any swishing of the solution inside the bowl, as it should be frozen solid inside and the aluminum bowl inside with the plastic surface outside should immediately start making condensation frost. Connect the motor and paddle, make sure its secure and ruen it on.Then use a funnel to pour in the COLD recipe from the fridge and let it do its thing. I have to say that after 15 minutes I had amazing frozen ice cream that rivals what you get at Dairy Queen! I mean, it simply HAS to work if you use your noggin and do it right. Last note; the container stays frozen for more than an hour. I believe you could make a 2nd batch in this machine before you let it defrost, clean it and put it away for next time.

Love this . You need some expensive ingredients and it doesn't make a lot..I love the ice cream ..you need to put it in freezer 24 hrs ahead ..

Came loosen in a "three times its size" box with no instructions at all. Dissappointed!

Don’t put any frozen fruit in it without first putting it in the food processor. I did and it broke the little axis that holds the paddle. Had a little trouble ordering another one but it is on the way. I love the ice cream. It did a great job making ice cream in 15 minutes! Good value for the money! Just follow directions!

I did not have much luck with this machine... tried twice and can't seem to get it right.. Comes out like grown milk with icey particles.. back to the store bought kind.. darn.. was trying to avoid all that sugar and additives.. I'll be sticking with my blender and smoothies.If you have more luck.. please share. I would love to try again.

I gave this as a birthday gift to our 10yr old niece. She was thrilled and reports are that she’s enjoying using it.

I purchased this to see if I could make a decent frozen yogurt at home. I've recently started making my own yogurt in my bread maker, and wanted to get away from all the additives in store-bought frozen yogurt. This was very easy to use and once I found a good recipe, I am very happy with the item. This is mostly plastic, so I so not expect it to last for very long. But I didn't want to invest in the Cuisinart or KitchenAid until I knew I would use them regularly.For frozen yogurt...you need to drain it or use Greek, as the extra whey liquid in regular yogurt turns to ice and makes it too hard and not taste good. For a quart of Greek yogurt, I added about 1/2 cup whipping cream and it made all the difference! Tastes rich and creamy, and 10 minutes after taking it out of the freezer, it is easy to scoop. Doesn't become icy when refreezing, either.