The Whynter ICM-201SB is an upright ice cream maker with its own compressor. No bowl goes in the freezer first, so it suits home cooks who want a 2.1 quart batch today. The manual says the compressor is designed to freeze the mixture within 30 to 60 minutes manual.
Whynter ICM-201SB at a glance
2.1quarts
Capacity
30to 60 minutes
Freezing time
3
Modes
2hours
Extended cooling
Whynter lists these specs on its ICM-201SB product page and in the owner's manual Whyntermanual.
Capacity
2.1 quarts
Freezing time
30 to 60 minutes
Modes
3 (ice cream, cooling, mixing)
Extended cooling
2 hours
Timer
5 to 60 minutes, in 1 minute steps
Housing
Stainless steel
Bowl
Removable stainless steel
Churn blade
BPA-free plastic
Cooling temperature
-0.4°F to -31°F
Refrigerant
R134A
Maximum power
180 watts
Voltage
110/120V 60Hz
Noise level
55 dBA or less
Size (W x D x H)
12.5 x 10.75 x 14.25 in
Net weight
24.25 lb
Warranty
One year limited
How long does the Whynter ice cream maker take?
The manual says the built-in compressor is designed to freeze the mixture within 30 to 60 minutes manual. The machine starts at a 60 minute setting. Whynter adds that the real time depends on how much mixture you use and how warm it is.
For a quicker batch, the manual says to use less mixture, or mixture straight from the fridge.
How much ice cream does it make?
The bowl holds 2.1 quarts Whynter. The manual says the mixture must not pass 60% of the bowl's capacity, because it expands as it freezes. By our maths, 60% of 2.1 quarts is about 1.26 quarts of mixture per batch.
How big is the Whynter ICM-201SB?
The unit measures 12.5 in wide, 10.75 in deep and 14.25 in high, and weighs 24.25 lb Whynter. It is the upright model in Whynter's range, so it takes less counter width than the flatter ICM-200LS Whynter.
Note
The air vents must stay clear, and the room should sit between 60°F and 90°F manual.
ICM-201SB or ICM-200LS?
All three of these Whynter machines hold 2.1 quarts and draw up to 180 watts. The ICM-201SB stands upright, and the ICM-200LS lies flatter and wider WhynterWhynter. The ICM-220SSY adds a yogurt incubator function Whynter.
→You want to make yogurt: pick the ICM-220SSY Whynter.
→You want a lower machine: pick the ICM-200LS Whynter.
→You want a smaller 1.6 quart batch: pick the ICM-15LS Whynter.
Good to know before you buy
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Let the machine stand upright for about 2 hours before you plug it in. This lets the refrigerant settle after transport, and the manual says it reduces the chance of a cooling fault manual.
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It runs on 110/120V 60Hz and needs a grounded 3 prong outlet. The manual says to skip adapters and extension cords, and suggests a separate circuit for the machine manual.
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Fill the bowl to 60% of its capacity at most. The frozen mixture expands, so keep the level under the top dasher of the churn blade manual.
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The bowl, blade and lid are not dishwasher safe. Wash them by hand before first use, and dry the outside of the bowl before you fit it manual.
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Whynter lists the machine for household use, not commercial use. The manual says other use voids the warranty, which runs one year from purchase manual.
How the Whynter ICM-201SB compares
Whynter ICM-201SB vs Breville Smart Scoop
The ICM-201SB takes a bigger batch, with a 2.1 quart stainless steel bowl and three modes. The Breville Smart Scoop lists a 1.5 quart bowl and 12 hardness settings Breville manualBreville. Its Keep Cool function runs for up to 3 hours Breville.
The ICM-201SB holds 2.1 quarts in a stainless steel bowl and runs quieter on paper. The compact ICM-15LS holds 1.6 quarts in an aluminum bowl, and adds an LCD temperature display Whynter.
No, the manual says no pre-freezing is required, because the machine has a built-in compressor manual. Whynter calls it a self-contained frozen dessert maker. The troubleshooting page adds that these machines need no salt either.
The manual does say to keep pre-frozen ingredients out of the bowl. Frozen ingredients can set the mixture before the ice cream is made.
Before you start
Do not power the machine on before the bowl and the clear lid are fitted properly manual.
What the 3 modes do
The Menu button moves between three modes, and each one starts at its own time manual.
Ice Cream mode churns and freezes, and starts at 60:00.
Cooling only mode freezes without churning, and starts at 30:00.
Mixing only mode churns without cooling, and starts at 10:00.
Whynter says Cooling only mode suits keeping frozen ice cream from melting. Mixing only mode suits pre-mixing, or stirring extra ingredients into a finished batch.
Holding Menu down for more than 3 seconds returns the machine to the setup screen and cancels the run manual.
How the timer and the beeps work
The Timer button sets the run in 1 minute steps manual. It runs from the 5 minute mark up to the 60 minute mark. The LCD shows 60:00 when you switch the machine on, which is the factory setting.
The timer counts down to 00:00, and the machine beeps three times when the mixture is ready manual. The LCD also shows the internal temperature in its top right corner.
Can you pause it to add nuts or fruit?
Yes, Start/Pause stops the timer and the churning at any point, and the machine keeps the mixture cool manual. Whynter suggests adding nuts and fruit near the end of the run, about 5 minutes from the end time.
Two timing notes come with the pause. The machine goes to standby if you leave it paused for 10 minutes. On restart it may hold the compressor for 3 minutes, which the manual says extends compressor life.
Does the Whynter ICM-201SB keep ice cream frozen?
Yes, the Extended Cooling Function keeps the ice cream frozen for 2 hours after the run ends manual. It starts by itself if you leave the machine on for ten minutes after the timer reaches 00:00.
In this function the compressor cycles on in six minute intervals across the two hours. The machine beeps 5 times at the end, then goes to standby manual.
The churn blade does not turn during Extended Cooling. To mix as well, the manual says to hold Menu for 3 seconds to reset. You can also switch the machine off at any time.
Can you make gelato and sorbet in it?
Yes, Whynter says the ICM-201SB makes ice cream, gelato and sorbet Whynter. The manual prints a custard ice cream base, a vanilla and a chocolate recipe, plus four sorbet recipes.
Whynter also keeps a recipe library on its own site, including protein ice cream and fruit sorbets Whynter recipes. For richer results, the manual says heavy cream gives the smoothest, most scoopable texture.
How to set up and use it
Unpack the machine and remove all inside and outside packing.
Stand it upright for about 2 hours before you connect the power.
Wipe the inside and outside with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
Hand wash the bowl, churn blade, clear lid, measuring cup and scoop.
Plug the machine in. The LCD shows "00" for standby.
Fit the bowl into the base, and check that it is aligned and dry outside.
Rest the churn blade in the center of the bowl.
Pour in the mixture, then fit the lid and turn it counterclockwise to lock.
Press Power. The LCD shows 60:00.
Press Timer to set the run, then Start/Pause to begin.
Wait for the three beeps at 00:00.
Press Power, turn the lid clockwise to unlock, then lift the bowl out by its handle.
Tip
Lift the finished ice cream out with the plastic scoop. A metal scoop can scratch the bowl manual.
Care and quick fixes from the manual
How to clean the Whynter ICM-201SB
Unplug the machine before you clean it.
Wipe the housing inside and out with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
Hand wash the bowl, churn blade, lid, measuring cup and scoop.
Dry the outside of the bowl fully before you fit it again.
The manual says these parts are not dishwasher safe manual. It also says to keep harsh chemicals away from the parts.
If the churn blade stops turning
The manual lists one cause: the mixture is too hard manual.
Switch the machine off.
Wait for the mixture to soften.
This is the Motor Protection Function at work. When the mixture gets hard, it stops the motor churning to prevent overheating or motor damage.
If it does not freeze
The manual lists three causes: a warm room, a warm mixture, or too much mixture in the bowl manual.
Move the machine to a well ventilated spot between 60°F and 90°F.
Use mixture straight from the fridge.
Keep the level under the top dasher of the churn blade.
If the ice cream is not firm enough
The manual lists warm ingredients, opening the lid too often, and a thick coat of ice on the bowl walls manual.
Use refrigerated mixture, kept under the top dasher of the blade.
Leave the lid shut during the run.
Dry the bowl fully after washing, before it goes back in.
If the ice cream is too icy
The manual lists low-fat mixtures, too much water, and undissolved sugar manual.
Use whole milk or buttermilk in place of nonfat milk.
Put the sugar on the fruit and let it melt into the juices, in place of syrup.
Check that the sugar has dissolved.
If it stops churning before the ice cream is ready
The manual says too many mix-ins can jam the churn blade, or they went in too soon manual. Wait until the mixture has thickened or frozen before you add chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
If the compressor does not restart
The machine may have entered its three minute compressor lockout manual. The manual says this delay extends compressor life. Once it passes, the compressor engages and cooling starts again.
If cooling still does not start, the manual says to contact the Whynter Service Department.
If the mixing bowl is stuck
Shipping pressure can suction the bowl into the freezing canister manual. The manual says to pull the bowl firmly up and out.
Whynter ICM-201SB FAQ
Does the Whynter ICM-201SB have a timer?
Yes, it has a built-in audible LCD timer Whynter. You set it with the Timer button in 1 minute steps, from 5 minutes up to 60 minutes.
What are the four buttons on the control panel?
From left to right they are Power, Menu, Start/Pause and Timermanual. The LCD shows the mode icons on the left and the timer in large digits at the bottom. The internal temperature sits at the top right.
Is the Whynter ICM-201SB quiet?
Whynter lists the noise level as 55 dBA or less Whynter. That is the same figure Whynter lists for the ICM-220SSY, and 5 dBA under the ICM-200LS WhynterWhynter.
What is the warranty on the Whynter ICM-201SB?
Whynter gives a one year limited warranty from the date of purchase manual. It covers the original owner in the 48 continental states. Keep the original receipt and the original box.
Where can I find the Whynter ICM-201SB manual?
Whynter posts the owner's manual for the ICM-201SB as a PDF manual. It holds the control panel guide, the recipes and the troubleshooting table.
How much is the Whynter ICM-201SB?
See today's price with the link above.
The verdict
4/4 PASS
No. 045 · Whynter Ice Cream Maker
Creamy homemade ice cream, no frozen bowl.
The Whynter ICM-201SB suits home cooks who want 2.1 quarts of homemade ice cream without planning a day ahead. Its own compressor freezes the mixture in 30 to 60 minutes. The Extended Cooling Function then holds the batch for 2 more hours. Inside Whynter's own range, the upright shape and the 55 dBA noise figure set it apart.
4/4 PASS
