La Sorbetière: From its Birth to Modern Innovation

The Fascinating Evolution of the Ice Cream Maker

The ice cream maker, this emblematic tool in the world of frozen desserts, is popular with professionals and amateurs alike. It is available in numerous models to satisfy all needs. But do you know its history, its evolution, as well as the traditions that continue through it? Let's focus on this instrument adored by ice cream makers!

The Birth of the Ice Cream Maker

Ice cream, a delicacy that dates back centuries, was considered a rare luxury around 1800. The first revolution came in 1846 with American Nancy Johnson who created the first ice cream maker. Equipped with a crank and using coarse salt, this invention makes ice cream more accessible to the general public. However, this ice cream could not be kept for long.

This sealed device, made up of blocks of ice and salt, allows a metal bowl containing the preparation to rotate. Transformation into ice cream or sorbet took about 30 minutes. This model, still popular in Guadeloupe and Martinique, is commonly called “West Indian ice cream maker”.

Towards Innovation

The electrification of homes in France paved the way for the electric ice cream maker. With the advent of the domestic refrigerator, it became possible not only to make ice more quickly thanks to a motor, but also to preserve it. This model still constitutes the classic version of the entry-level ice cream maker, although developments have seen the light of day.

What about today ?

Although tradition is preserved in the manufacture of ice cream and sorbets, current machines are designed to be more ergonomic, efficient and quick.

The market is divided between two types of products:

  • Ice cream makers with cold storage
  • Ice turbines

Cold storage ice cream makers, often used by individuals for small quantities, require the container to be pre-cooled in the freezer. Ice turbines, on the other hand, are more precise and are generally used by professionals. They produce their own cold and can make ice cream in half an hour.

At Hubert Cloix, we offer a wide range of ice cream machines, from the pasteurizer to the ripener, including the professional turbine and the NEMOX range of table turbines. In short, everything you need to create perfect frozen desserts!

Historic ice cream maker