Sunbeam Gelateria GL8200

Best Ever Ice Cream Maker – Easy to make and use also Easy to clean Best Ice Cream Machine Makes Ice Cream in 40 minutes Does though need a Big Bench Space The Ice Cream Custard Is easy to m ake Show details

I was surprised to discover how old my machine is! – My Gelateria is now over 12 years old (I bought it in February 2007) and I love it. I'm really surprised to see reviews here that claim it doesn't make real ice cream. It does if you put the right ingredients in. Cream, Milk and Eggs are obligatory for real ice cream. Yes, the ice cream is soft when it comes out of the machine, but it's the same… Read more ·  4

with other ice cream makers too. The mixture needs to go into a freezer for a couple of hours. If you leave it for a day or so it gets quite hard (harder than the stuff that passes for ice cream these days) but placing it in the fridge for a while will soon bring it back to the consistency you want. If you leave it out at room temperature it will get too runny around the edges (as does the "stuff" mentioned above).

COMES TOP OF THE CLASS WITH EASE – Easy to use.Easy to clean.Easy on the eyes.Easy to follow recipe booklet.Easy to love. Fortunately I have a large counter space in my kitchen because its size is conducive to permanent display .failing which you would not use it often because of the issue to pull it out from the depths of a drawer or cupboard.Absence does make your heart… Read more ·  1

colder.No issue with noise which I find in the usual range. N problems with anything to date.I would use it on average once a month.

It's pretty spiffy for an icecream maker – It technically produces gelato not icecream due to the lack of overrun. What I love is the built in air compressor unlike manual ice cream makers this means you don't have to freeze the machine for 24 hours prior but i have had better textured ice cream using the manual ones. The paddle doesn't quite get the sides and bottom of the metal tin which… Read more

means it builds up (would be better if it was able to scrape down) and the paddle and lid top are plastic which are flimsy as mine has a small crack in it. It works best if the mixture being churned is thinner rather than too thick but overall it's fun to use to make a variety of iced treats.

dud does not do what it is made for!!! – The paddle does not turn once the ice cream starts to freeze around the edges of the bucket. I gave up after the 2nd attempt & it has remained in the cupboard for a very long time . About to get rid of it.... very interesting to read others reviews.

Works great, very noisy – Had my machine 13yrs, probably only made 20 batches of ice-cream, so it hasn't paid for itself yet by any means. Just getting into it as strawberries are so cheap at the moment, and came across this site looking to see if other people had the same noise issue. Seems that they do. I measure mine at 77dBA@1m, which is about the sound level of a… Read more

typical vaccuum cleaner. The compressor is reasonably quiet, the problem is the gears in the lid that turn the paddle. The sound is grating too, I put the unit in the garage when it is running so I don't hear it so much.

Other people have complained that the unit doesn't chill well. I haven't found that to be a problem at all, with mixing continuing until the icecream is so thick that the paddle can't turn. While people have complained about the paddle being plastic, my observation is that it needs to be flexible to allow the lid to be opened once the ice cream has thickened. I think you do need to keep a watch on it though, once the ice cream gets so thick that the paddle can't turn, there would be a lot of stress on the paddle and drivetrain that could lead to part failure fairly quickly. Trust me, with the noise of it, it's hard not to know when the paddle starts to struggle.

I'm happy with how the unit works apart from the noise. If it was quiet I would give it 5 stars.

Can't understand the negativity! – I have always wanted to buy this machine - then, it was discontinued. So, I bought an unused machine on eBay. Guys, read the instructions! It works absolutely perfectly if you follow the directions! Sure, the paddle motor struggles, but, if it's struggling, the ice-cream is nearly done! I've made over 10 batches of ice-cream with this machine -… Read more

and yes, it does all the things that negative posters have mentioned, but, it also nails perfect ice-cream provided you follow the directions! I absolutely love it and am so happy I now own the machine I always wanted!

noisy but great – I have made hundreds of batches of ice cream with my GL8200 it works well but is very loud unfortunatly?? It freezes fantastic!!!! the latch that holds the churning motor on is broken but doesn't effect the performance of the machine which surprised me?? I would rate it 3/5 stars  Show details

Pride of place on the rubbish bin – Pity there is a no star option. Complete waste of money, sides freeze, paddle unable to mix - it's supposed to mix icecream...but it can't. Don't waste your money buy anything else. We have a cheaper, older Breville machine - less than half the price of this expensive piece of junk - that works better.  Show details

Apparently it's not supposed to make ice cream – So, for years I have tried all sorts of recipes for making ice cream (from the booklet as well as from different recipe books. All I get is the same consistency as I put in. It does not cool enough to even get some sort of spoonable texture. I called Sunbeam to discuss and was told by the person answering the call that this machine is not supposed… Read more

to freeze but just to mix the mixture! I wonder why am I using this machine for mixing when I have a great stand mixer :) I did ask if she knew what she was talking about and we basically had an argument on the phone where she assured me that the Gelateria is only for mixing, and after that's done I need to put the sauce in the freezer where it will freeze. I am still waiting for her supervisor to call me back...

I do understand that it most likely will not freeze the mixture solid, but I am expecting it to be a spoonable consistency. This is why I believe I have a faulty unit but didn't get anywhere with Sunbeam.

Great for making a milkshake – No matter which of the supplied recipes I use, ice cream will not thicken more than a thin milkshake consistency... I follow every direction to the letter too...so dissapointed. Considering the $300+ price tag, it feels like a real rip off... I wish I had purchased a cheaper option as reviewers of other brands seem to be happy with their results. Guess it pays to read reviews BEFORE purchasing.  Show details

Purchased it broken but easy fix – Makes ice cream and sorbets fast! Having much fun with this unit. Purchased unit 2nd hand and broken but easy fix as I found it's the side of the output shaft into which the paddle is connected to which breaks off. TO FIX: unscrew 3 screws in mixer head. Plastic-weld the broken piece back onto shaft (use soldering iron). I also removed the 3… Read more

gearbox screws, re-spread around the existing blue grease, and screwed back on the gear box cover. Then screw back on mixer cover.

The broken plastic shaft piece allowed the paddle rod to jammed easily. This overloaded the motor's current protection override, preventing the paddle from rotating.

Now I stick to recipes but as a precaution, am using half of every ingredient to see if repair breaks again. If not will up the ingredients.

Its the little things they don't get right – This model has a problem with the plastic housing for the paddle which is fragile and now broken - as per other comments below. We also have a problem with the bucket, which is aluminium not stainless steel (not a great idea when you use salt water underneath to stop it freezing in) and now has holes in it. Also the handle mountings have broken… Read more

so we have to pull it out with pliers. For such an expensive machine Sunbeam has skimped on the 'little things' that would make this a worthwhile investment lasting more than 1 summer. Our engine is still doing well (compared to the previous model that died on us!)

Maybe we (with other commentators below) can add all our bits together to make 1 complete machine ... haha

Have to give ONE star because I can't give less!!! – On our second one in a 3 year period. First one stopped working at the motor (made horrible grinding noise) and the second one makes very good custard - but that is where it stops. My left arm is now huge from churning the ice cream for christmas!!! To sum this product up in one word - SHITHOUSE!!!!!  Show details

Sunbeam Gelateria GL8200 – Our ice cream maker is 2 years old and the paddle no longer works due to poor design. The paddle is plastic and inserts in a plastic housing that is part of the rotating mechanism. As ice cream chills, the pressure on the paddle increases. My paddle now stops about 5 minutes into the 20-25 minute chilling cycle. I thought I would be able to replace the part but evidently not. This is extremely poor for a machine that costed over $250.  Show details

Current model, no spare parts. BEWARE! – Current model ice cream maker. Paddle motor assembly is made of fragile plastic. Plastic has broken because of poor design and side stresses from paddle rotation. New paddle motor assembly not available from factory. If you are lucky, it will break BEFORE the 12 month warranty expires. Unfortunately ours was older than 12 months so we are stuck with a dud.  Show details

Another sucker attracted by the Sunbeam name but disappointed by the shoddy paddle mechanism – I have just come off the phone from Sunbeam to find out if they have done anything about improving the paddle mechanism. The freezer part is excellent, but the paddle mechanism is a toy. A coworker and I have the same machine and both have the same problem. Sunbeam have done nothing to produce an improved mechanism and there is no stock of replacement mechanisms, with none coming in the future. What a disappointment

Paddle Motor not working – I have the same problem as many people here. The chiller and timer still works fine but I am long out of warranty. However, the paddle motor is not working and I guess there is no opportunity for replacement these days? I would like to persevere but not sure if Sunbeam are still making these motors

Wouldn't buy this machine again – This is an update to my original review written a few years ago. My original machine lasted less than six weeks before the motor running the paddle wore out. It was replaced under warranty by the good guys. Fortunately i bought an extended warranty on the replacement because the second one lasted about 2 years before the motor running the paddle… Read more

failed again. Lucky for me the good guys no longer stocked this machine so they gave me a store credit as a replacement and I bought myself a new vacuum cleaner instead.

the maddle motor is completely inadequate for the job. Don't waste your money!

A disappointing buy – After trying several of the recipes in the instruction booklet to no success, I tried using the Gelateria using various recipes, techniques and advice from multiple sources - all attempts churned out ice-hard ice-cream that couldn't be eaten. After several attempts, the paddle motor completely stopped working. An expensive and very disappointing buy.

Very Weak Motor – I have had a couple of reasonable results but overall I have problems with the motor strength. The motor regularly stops while the icecream etc is still very soft. (supposed to be indicator that it is ready but far from it)! I then have to disconnect the motor and turn the stirrer blade by hand for 5 minutes or more. My Gelateria has only… Read more

been used about 8-9 times over 4 year period or so. The reason for little use is because results were not good unless finishing by hand which defeats the purpose of an automatic icecream/Gelato maker.

I keep persevering every so often but because I can't find receipts etc and anyway I doubt if it would be covered now despite little use.

Surprised it is still being sold – We purchased the GL8200 Ice Cream Maker about 10 years ago. Worked well for a few months then started having problems with the paddle drive (similar to all the other review complaints). We persevered by finishing off by hand and putting in the freezer. The refrigeration side still works well. We now use intermittantly. I though Sunbeam wound have… Read more

sorted out the paddle drive by now. Sonething more heavy duty. It sounds like the gears are plastic and wear quickly. The parts list show the paddle drive as "no longer available". My surprise is that the machine is still being sold (by the dates of ther latest reviews) and that the 10 year old design problem hasn't been addressed. Not a good look Sunbeam.

Expected better for the price – Much like many of the other reviewers here i find the plastic paddle on this machine very flimsy. The machine stops churning quite early on as it doesn't seem strong enough to cope with a slightly thickened solution. I am still using it however and the kids don't complain about the results. If I was buying another one however, i would research a bit more and look for an alternative

Seems unable to churn, noisy – Hi - we bought this unit a while ago and having given up the first time around we got it out again today. It seems that the motor is simply not able to churn the mixture once it gets a bit thicker. I was able to take off the motor and easily churn the mixture by hand. And it's very, very noisy (about as loud as a kitchen mixer). For a ~$300 purchase I would have expected better.

Don't bother buying the Sunbeam Gelateria – Big,bulky heavy machine that does not do the job. Ice cream is always runny despite using different recipes from the book. I don't know what is wrong with it but I'm going to throw it out despite the high price for what it doesn't do. Am very disappointed as I bought it on the good name of Sunbeam.

Good domestic grade appliance – Have used the ice cream machine for two and a half years. Predominantly use it for frozen yogurts and deserts. Works well. Occasional ice creams and with acceptable results. You do need to put it in the freezer to firm up. If you are not expecting shop bought ice cream but the opportunity to make varied cold or frozen deserts you will enjoy it. The weight is because of the refrigeration unit built in.

Do not buy the Sunbeam Gelateria GL8200 – The Sunbeam Gelateria GL8200 is a great disappointment. It is unable to fulfil its only purpose (to churn ice cream) because its paddle motor is very weak, causing it to stall well before the ice cream mixture has even approached becoming frozen. Because of this it is utterly useless; so bad I cannot in conscience on-sell it. Unable to fulfil its only purpose - making ice cream - because the churning function is so weak

Not Happy with the product – Followed all the instructions and every time the paddle stop too early and turn the opposite way even though the ice cream mixer wasnt ready. I don't mind the weight or the design this is the only fault in the design I'm not happy about. Not sure how to improve it. Paddle stopped too early.

Waste of money - big time!! – Bought this a few years ago. Hated it from day dot. Actually thought I must have gotten a dud but after seeing these reviews I think its just the machine. Wanted to get rid of it but my husband complained that we spent a lot of money on it so thought id dust it off and give it another go. brought back all the memories of why I hated it in the… Read more

first place. first of all it weighs an absolute ton!!! its a huge machine which is ridiculous considering the small size of the canister and the hopelessness of the motor! the machine itself is so noisy I cant even hear the tv or a conversation over it and remembered that when I first got it I had to use it in the spare room at the other end of the house with the door closed. Mixes for a few minutes before the frozen build up on the rim of the canister blocks it from churning any further. so what you end up with is a soup with a millimetre of frozen rim. absolute rubbish!!!! considering all the new makes and models you can get nowadays that are small, silent and cheap its a wonder they still sell this junk!!!!! absoluetely nothing!!!!!! heavy, big, noisier than a trcuk, doesnt even make icecream.

Sunbeam GL8200 is a dud – I bought the Sunbeam Gelateria GL8200 ice cream maker last year. I was excited when I first bought it as I thought I can have home-made ice-cream. Not so. From day one, I was disappointed. It always end up with runny ice-cream soup. The machine never really finishes the job. I tried everything such as refrigerating before putting it in the machine… Read more

to churn. But no success. The paddle always stop after 7 to 8 minutes. The motor is not powerful enough to finish the job. I tried all sorts of consistencies, such as custard base, puree fruit base, whipped cream base etc, all of which have been cooled from refridgeration before putting into the machine to churn. no success. I gave up after many hours and days of attempts. I have never used the machine for a while. Now I decided to give it another go.

I went to the Internet and read about the product reviews and found many people in the same boat.

I paid good money for it ($319). Money spent on an inherently dud machine. Sunbeam should face up the responsibility to have this fault rectified. Nothing. Waste of time and money Everything. It does not do the job.

Disapointing – Purchased the gelateria years ago and was very pleased with the first dozen or so batches, and yes using salt solution , making custard day before so well chiled. Now it can churn for up to an hour and mixture never thickens and just have runny mix. Would not recommend to anyone as very expensive and the plastic transparent lid cracked within the… Read more

first few uses now needs replacing, but am not willing to pay out any money. Very disappointed as Sunbeam is usually reliable. It is also very noisy and has been right from get go. I did read the instruction manual before use.

not happy with results

Just doesn't do the job – When I first bought the gelateria i was enthralled with it. I was so excited to be making my own icecream. It turned out pretty good. It was always soft and needed time to firm up in the freezer, but I thought this was normal. I wasn't in a hurry as I was making really great icecream, and good things take time. But then it stopped sooner, and… Read more

sooner and sooner. It got to the point where it was still really runny on the inside of the bowl but frosting up on the edges and as soon as the paddle met any resistance it stopped turning. I stopped making ice cream. Then I came back to it about 2 years later and tried again.

But had many frustrating attempts where I would get part way through, have to stop it, take it out and put the mix in the freezer, clean the bucket and paddle and then give it time to chill again before putting the mix back in for another go. I could get reasonable icecream if I did this 3 times. So the icecream churning process was taking about 3 hours in total. That was just not worth the effort.

I rang sunbeam after reading the reviews and they agreed to send me a new paddle motor. After many false promises a new one did arrive. It doesn't work any better. It just stops as soon as it meets any resistance. I've packed it up and sent it to salvos (with a covering letter for anyone buying it).

A friend has given me a really old Il Gelateio 1600, Ice Cream Man by Breville. It is about 30 years old. I cannot believe the difference! Makes the icecream in 20 mins, is better aerated with smoother texture and less cleaning up. If this one dies, I'll be buying the Breville one. Initially I thought it was good because I didn't have to prefreeze the bucket. It doesn't produce icecream, just a mess.