Homtone 2.64 QT Ice Cream Maker - User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Homtone 2.64 QT Ice Cream Maker. This appliance is designed to provide a convenient and efficient way to create delicious homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and more, without the need for pre-freezing. Featuring a powerful compressor and durable stainless steel construction, this machine offers ease of use and cleaning. Please read this manual thoroughly before operation to ensure safe and proper use.

Important Safety Instructions

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:

• Read all instructions before using the ice cream maker.
• To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or housing in water or other liquid.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
• Avoid contact with moving parts. Keep hands, hair, clothing, as well as spatulas and other utensils away from the mixing paddle during operation to reduce the risk of injury to persons and/or damage to the appliance.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been dropped or damaged in any manner.
• The use of attachments not recommended or sold by Homtone may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Always place the appliance on a flat, stable surface.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended household use.
• Do not clean with scouring pads or abrasive materials.
• Ensure the mixing bowl and mixing paddle are BPA-free for safe food contact.

Product Components

The Homtone Ice Cream Maker consists of several key components:

• Main Unit: Houses the compressor, motor, and control panel.
• Mixing Bowl: A 2.64-quart stainless steel bowl where ingredients are churned and frozen. Features a lift-out handle for easy removal.
• Mixing Paddle: A BPA-free paddle that churns the ingredients.
• Transparent Cover: Allows you to view the ice cream making process and includes an opening for adding ingredients.
• LCD Digital Display: Shows mode, time, and progress.
• Control Buttons: Power, Menu, Start/Pause, Time Increase/Decrease.

The main unit of the Homtone Ice Cream Maker, showcasing its sleek stainless steel design, transparent lid, and intuitive control panel with an LCD digital display.

Setup

Follow these steps to set up your ice cream maker for first use:

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
2. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the removable stainless steel mixing bowl and mixing paddle in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Wipe the main unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water.
3. Placement: Place the ice cream maker on a dry, stable, and level surface. Ensure there is adequate ventilation around the unit, especially near the hot air vent. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
4. Assemble Mixing Bowl: Place the clean mixing bowl into the main unit's chamber. Ensure it sits flat and securely.
5. Insert Mixing Paddle: Place the mixing paddle onto the motor shaft inside the mixing bowl. Ensure it is properly aligned and seated.
6. Connect Power: Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet.

Visual guide for preparing the ice cream maker, including pouring ingredients into the bowl, securing the lid, and interacting with the control panel.

Operating Instructions

The Homtone Ice Cream Maker offers three distinct operating modes for versatile use:

• Ice Cream Mode: Activates both cooling and mixing functions to churn and freeze your dessert.
• Cooling Only Mode: Maintains the cold temperature of your finished ice cream, preventing melting.
• Mixing Only Mode: Activates only the mixing paddle, useful for pre-mixing ingredients or adding mix-ins.

The digital display clearly indicates the three operational modes and their default timings for easy selection.

Making Ice Cream:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Ensure your ice cream mixture is prepared according to your recipe. No pre-freezing of the bowl is required.
2. Add Mixture: Pour the prepared mixture into the stainless steel mixing bowl. Do not overfill; leave space for expansion as it freezes.
3. Secure Lid: Place the transparent cover onto the main unit and twist to lock it into place. Ensure the mixing paddle is correctly positioned.
4. Select Mode: Press the 'Menu' button to cycle through the available modes until 'Ice Cream Mode' is selected. The default time is typically 60 minutes.
5. Adjust Time (Optional): Use the 'Time Increase/Decrease' knob to adjust the churning time if desired.
6. Start Operation: Press the 'Start/Pause' button to begin the ice cream making process. The LCD display will show the remaining time.
7. Add Mix-ins: If your recipe calls for mix-ins (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts), you can add them through the opening in the transparent cover during the last 5-10 minutes of churning.
8. Completion: The machine will automatically stop when the set time expires and emit an audible alarm. It will then enter a 2-hour 'Keep Cooling' program to maintain the ice cream's consistency.
9. Serve: Once complete, remove the lid and mixing paddle. Use a plastic or wooden scoop to remove the ice cream from the bowl.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and hygiene of your ice cream maker.

• Removable Parts: The stainless steel mixing bowl and BPA-free mixing paddle are removable for easy cleaning. They are dishwasher safe, or can be hand washed with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembly or storage.
• Main Unit: Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the unit in water. Ensure no water enters the ventilation slots.
• Storage: Store the clean and dry ice cream maker in a cool, dry place.

The removable mixing bowl and paddle are designed for easy cleaning, supporting both hand washing and dishwasher use.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Homtone Ice Cream Maker. For visual guidance, please refer to the official troubleshooting video below.

• Problem: Mixing bowl is stuck and cannot be removed.
  Cause: Water or condensation on the outside of the mixing bowl may have frozen, adhering the bowl to the machine's liner.
  Solution: Turn off the machine or ensure it is not in cooling mode. Wait a few minutes for the frozen droplets to defrost, then the bowl should be easily removable.
• Problem: Mixing paddle stops spinning during operation.
  Cause 1: The ice cream has reached its desired firmness, and the machine has automatically stopped to prevent over-churning or motor strain.
  Solution 1: This is normal operation. The ice cream is ready to be served or transferred for further hardening.
  Cause 2: The motor may have overheated due to continuous operation (e.g., multiple batches in a row) or very firm ingredients (like nuts). The machine has a motor protection feature that will turn off the motor to allow it to cool down.
  Solution 2: Allow the machine to rest and cool down for a period. Once the motor has cooled, operation can resume.
• Problem: Transparent lid does not fit or lock into place.
  Cause: The mixing bowl or mixing paddle may be misaligned or not fully seated.
  Solution: Ensure the mixing bowl is fully inserted and sitting flat in the chamber. Check that the mixing paddle is correctly aligned with the motor shaft and fully seated at the bottom of the bowl. Adjust as necessary until the lid can be securely locked.
• Problem: Mixing paddle is rubbing or banging against the mixing bowl.
  Cause: The mixing bowl may be damaged or deformed (e.g., an indent in the side).
  Solution: Carefully remove the mixing bowl and inspect it for any dents or deformities. If the bowl is damaged, it may need to be replaced to ensure proper operation and prevent further issues.

If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve your issue, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at cs@homtone.com for further assistance.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The Homtone 2.64 QT Ice Cream Maker is backed by a 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

For any inquiries, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact our customer service department:

Email: cs@homtone.com

You may also refer to the official User Manual PDF for additional details: Download PDF Manual