Unold 48870 ice cream maker
This time I have for you the Unold 48870* looked more closely. It is a Ice cream machine with compressor, which is very popular. With approx. 300 Euro it is at the upper end for self-cooling ice machines in the mid-price segment.
Tests on ice machines are unfortunately rare. However, the Unold 48870 was tested by the Test magazine in 2017 with very well assessed and valued at the Test winner crowned. Also has Foundation Warentest 2021 the extremely similar Unold ice cream maker Exclusive (48872)* tested. This shared with another ice machine the 3rd place and was awarded a total of well rated
Should you rather opt for a Top model for private household you are interested in, feel free to read my Articles about the Cube 750 and the Comparison with the Musso Lussino Mini through. However, with these machines you are in a price range of approx. 700 - 900 Euro.
At the beginning of your own ice cream production, you can definitely start in the medium price segment.
Summary
Unold 48870 technical details
The Unold 48870 * has a cubic design and a unusual stainless steel case. She is a real eye-catcher as you can see in the pictures.
If you are save a few euros you can use the identically constructed Unold 48872* Buy ice cream maker. The difference lies in the material used. The 48870 is made of stainless steel manufactured, while the Unold 48872 stainless steel is manufactured. The look of the 48872 is also sleeker.
The technical details of the Unold 48870 can be found in the following table.
| Dimensions | 27.5 x 31.5 x 36.7 cm (W/D/H) |
| Weight | 13 kg |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 2 liters |
| recommended max. filling quantity | 1.5 litres |
| Performance | 180 watt |
| Scope of delivery | Machine with removable container, stirring arm and lid, operating instructions |
| Display | LCD display |
| Buttons | Power, menu, start/pause and rotary wheel |
| Ice making duration | 30 - 45 minutes |
| Programs | 3 programs (Mix & Freeze, Freeze, Mix) |
| Post-cooling function | up to 2 hours |
| Automatic switch-off | Automatic at firm consistency of the ice cream |
| Dishwasher safe parts | No (according to manufacturer) |
Plus points
- The machine impresses with a space-saving, cubic shape and is from Stainless steel manufactured. The Solid workmanship and that noble design (crystal look) are an eye-catcher in any kitchen.
- The Cover can be lifted off without the machine stopping. Therefore can ingredients like melted chocolate at Stracciatella ice cream or rum raisins at the Malaga ice cream can be added without problems at the end of the freezing process while the machine is running.
- Due to the removable container, the machine can be Quick cleaning.
- The machine is usually used as quiet felt.
Criticisms
Below I have collected various criticisms that I have read or heard about the Unold 48870. I will then give you my opinion on the most serious points. personal assessment.
- Through the removable container is the Cold transmission more inefficient than machines without an additional container.
Personal assessment: this is a common problem with all ice machines with this design. Machines without removable container are for example the Cube 750 and Musso Lussino Miniwhich are significantly more expensive. On the other hand, cleaning is more time-consuming. For a better cold transmission can be used before each use a small amount (please approach slowly) of a high percentage vodka be filled before inserting the container. This significantly improves the cold transfer. - When Too much ice mass is filled into the Unold 48870, the ice cream mass can be over the edge of the container are pressed and flow into the gap.
Personal assessment: This can be easily avoided by following the Maximum filling level holds. This point must be considered for each ice cream maker. Because capacity is not the same as the amount of filling. When the ice cream freezes, the volume increases. Therefore should generally only 75% of the capacity be filled in. - In part, the Engine considered too weak described. The Automatic switch-off results in the stirring process being switched off by the machine above a certain strength. This is to avoid overheating of the motor, but sometimes leads to the fact that the Freezing process not always to the end is carried out. Therefore, the machine also still has a program to freeze the ice cream mass until the end. The supplied manual recommends freezing through in the freezer for fruit ice cream and sorbet.
Personal assessment: a sufficiently strong engine is very important for an ice cream machine. Freezing the ice cream mass at the end without stirring leads to a reduction in creaminess. Should the ice cream be eaten immediately, the point of criticism is not so decisive. If you want to store the ice cream in the freezer, this disadvantage is serious. - The Agitator has no optimal Design. When the ice solidifies, it gets stuck in between and cleaning becomes more difficult than necessary.
- Included in delivery is no plastic or wood scraper included for the removal of ice. Actually, this is the rule in the scope of delivery of ice machines. However, for about 10 euros you can buy yourself a whole Set scraper* buy.
Conclusion Unold 48870
The Unold 48870* is a solid, self-cooling ice cream maker with attractive appearance and good workmanship. Unfortunately the Motor under certain circumstances to weak be to freeze the ice cream to the end. This is at the expense of the creaminess of the ice cream. In my opinion, the manufacturer should make improvements here.
An alternative in a similar price range is the Cuisinart ICE100E* (Cuisinart article) or the Springlane Elisa* an.
*With the affiliate links in this post you support my blog without any disadvantage. Thank you very much for that!
Good day
Regarding Unold vs Cube750
I have already asked the following question in the appendix of your article on Cube750 and Musso. As you also refer to the Cube in your article on the Unold, I think it makes sense to place it here as well.
I have a Unold 48870 and it has 180W. Apart from the fact that the material and workmanship of the Cube are probably better or significantly better, one thing in particular bothered me about the Unold. As you mentioned yourself, when making milk ice cream, the Unold's mixer often stops towards the end before the ice cream is ready. You then always have to wait a bit, fiddle with it and finally switch it on again and let it continue running. Apart from the fact that this adds to the production time, the fiddling around mentioned above is also simply tedious.
Among other things, the Cube is praised for the power of the mixer. But the point is that the Unold has 180W and the Cube only 140W. This makes me a little unsure about the effect mentioned. Although I like making milk ice cream, e.g. chocolate ice cream, which is quite "hearty" or has a relatively thick consistency, I think that a really good ice cream maker or a machine as expensive as the Cube should be able to cope with this. I also usually add rhum or something similar to the milk ice cream after a certain stirring time, which also thins the mixture a little.
What do you think; can the Cube cope WITH ANY kind of milk ice cream despite the lower wattage, without the difficulties / interruptions mentioned?
Thanks and greetings
U.We
Hello U.,
I also told you under your other comment in the comparison of the Cube vs. Musso answered.
As I wrote in the article on Unold, I can't understand the automatic switch-off function on this appliance and see it as a big minus point. Of course, the motor should be protected from overheating, but many other ice cream makers (including the Cube) show that it works without it. I have never actually had the problem of the motor of an ice cream maker threatening to overheat during operation. It is a different matter if you switch off the mixer in the meantime and a thicker layer of ice forms and you start it up again. This can overload one or other motor.
So take a look at my blog and decide on a different ice cream maker. The Cube is certainly a top appliance and should easily meet your requirements. However, there are also cheaper ice cream makers that can do the same. As far as I have found the information, I mention in my articles or in the tables whether an ice cream maker has an automatic switch-off function or not. But unfortunately, even I am not immune to mistakes 😉
Best regards