The Pros and Cons of Buying a Cheap Ice Cream Machine in Johannesburg

Have you ever entertained the long dream of making ice cream at home? If the answer is yes then one thing you will need is called an ice-cream maker. The good news is that if you are in Johannesburg, it is quite easy as there are quite a number of reasonably priced options available. On the other hand, it is also true that there are pros and cons if you choose to buy a low cost ice cream machine for sale. It helps customers to understand whichever option is most suited for them. Therefore, to further understand this topic let’s focus on the advantages and disadvantages of a cheaper ice-cream machine when one is in Johannesburg.

Pros of Buying a Cheap Ice Cream Machine in Johannesburg

1. Budget-Friendly

The main selling point of the ice cream machines is that they come cheap. If you are just getting started with the process or don’t want to risk a lot of cash, then budget models will help you to do so.

For those operating in South Africa, a good quality concentration machine will retail for around R800 granted it goes through the normal channels of purchasing. The price then can go up to about R2500 depending on the specifications you want in the ice cream machine. This makes it a set up that accommodates a big percentage of end-users.

For instance, low-end machines are capable of making from one to two liters of ice cream at a time which is acceptable if it is meant for personal use or small family gatherings. This low initial cost of investment can let anyone try and practice the homemade ice cream recipes without needing to buy the high end ice cream makers.

2. Convenience of Homemade Ice Cream

With a great cheap ice cream machine for sale, one would enjoy making ice cream at home as the process is not only enjoyable but much more interesting since the taste and ingredients can be tailored to the person’s liking. Whether it be dairy, sugar or even some unusual flavor that a person has in mind, ice cream prepared at home gives unlimited options on what goes in the ice cream.

This is definitely a plus for those who have medical and allergy issues or for those who are health conscious individuals. Store bought ice cream can be laden with preservatives and artificial flavoring, which can be avoided to make a more healthy product at home. To add to it, an ice cream machine will help make large quantities of ice cream and be eaten whenever desired, perfect for sudden hot summer days or parties.

3. Small and Portable

One of the advantages with many of the budget ice cream makers is their sheer size. For someone residing in a city like Johannesburg where space can be quite a constraint, such smaller machines make much more sense. These machines are usually light weight and can be easily stacked thus making them very suitable for use in kitchens which have space constraints on counter tops.

Practically all cheaper variants are portable and can be easily taken out for use during events and family get-togethers. This portability further enhances their efficiency during use in catering of small events since fresh ice cream can be made for the guests instantly.

Cons of Buying a Cheap Ice Cream Machine in Johannesburg

1. Limited Features and Capacity

Budget ice cream machines appear as a tale, alluring due to their low prices, however some budget and requisite features are lacking most of the time. Bulk of the affordable models have a smaller batch size volume that ranges from 1 to 2 liters at best which can be limiting if you are sorry ‘planning’ to serve a lot of people.

In addition, adjustable hardness levels or automatic mixing are typically features of high-end models and therefore, a wide range of budget ice cream machines are missing such advanced features. This entails that more manual control is likely needed on your part, thereby spending more time in ensuring that the required level of consistency is achieved. For those looking for a machine that will provide a variety of options, more expensive models may be their best bet.

2. Potentially Shorter Lifespan

Another factor to consider is that cheap ice cream machines are designed with low-level parts and components that are likely to be less durable and have a shorter lifespan. It is common knowledge that the more expensive ones are constructed using higher grade motors, compressors and other materials while the budget models often make use of cheaper components that wear off faster.

This is likely to be very bothersome if you plan to make use of an ice cream machine many times. The chance of breakdowns or lowering of efficiency is likely to rise and while the cost of maintenance is likely to be low, you are more likely to end up buying the machine long before you expect to. This further raises the overhead cost of running the machine whereby breakeven is likely to be achieved later on than expected.

3. Inconsistent Results

Yet another unpleasant common trait of less expensive ice cream machines is the poor consistency of results. Such models are seldom able to provide the thrice, twice or one ideal effect in creating ice cream. This is because most of these affordable models have poor motors and weaker freezing mechanism systems.

In a place like Johannesburg which is typically warm, it is also not easy to make good smooth creamy ice cream if one manages to get a cheap ice cream maker for sale. If your device does not have strong insulation or adequate freezing mechanisms, it stands to reason that the ice cream you whip up will melt too rapidly or not set at all, and enjoyable products remain highly elusive.

4. Limited Warranty and Support

Another reason why there are cheap ice cream machines available is the ever so low warranty and after sales support. Once an individual gets a cheap ice cream machine, all hopes of warranty or help are shattered because the support these models offer is nowhere near the high end ones. Certain companies that do defend their products with warranties often claim they cover manufacturing defects only and are very concise in their timelines to expiry. If anything breaks down, one must be prepared to bend over backwards, incurring expenses for maintenance and repairs.

Another common disadvantage in many budget models is the failure to include an adequate user guide, causing inconvenience at times during troubleshooting of a problem. In the absence of adequate customer service or timely and easy access to parts, several challenges may be encountered which can make the use of the product tedious and uncomfortable.

5. Noise and Power Efficiency

Some of the cheap models do have higher noise levels during operations than the expensive models. This is an important consideration particularly if the machine is to be used in households or where ice cream is to be produced quietly. It is worth noting that most budget electro-mechanical machines are equipped with low-end motors and compressors which are typically quite noisy during the churning process, much to the annoyance of users.

Also, these machines may not qualify as the most power efficient. This is primarily because they do not come with the expensive cooling systems that most premium models have, which could result in a high electricity bill while using the ice cream machine price in Johannesburg. Such details are critical given the frequency with which this machine would be used.

Conclusion

In making a decision on whether to consider an ice cream machine price Johannesburg, the advantages and disadvantages need to be balanced. The search for a cheap ice cream machine for sale may be worthwhile for those who don’t want to spend much or wish to try ice cream making at home, but not at a very large cost. They are user friendly, suit a moderate budget and provide a nice experience with variety.

On the other hand, if you want an appliance that lasts long, offers high performance even when used often, and makes ice cream in a consistent manner, it is better to consider buying a high end machine. Primarily, the decision should be based on the frequency of using the machine and desired quality of the ice cream in case you are making it at home.