I have attended the International Housewares Show in Chicago in recent years and this ice cream maker is amazing! It is so easy to make awesome ice cream in 50 to 55 minutes to a perfect serving consistency! It is easy to clean and is designed with hygiene and sanitation in mind. There is no mechanical parts on the bottom of the inside of, the machine that can lead to contamination of the product.The motor sits on top of the clear lid and can be removed at any time during the freezing process.The machine has a removable insert to place the ingredients, a mixing paddle, cover and Add-ins lid on that fits on the top of the clear plastic cover. Once the ingredients have been added to the ice cream cylinder, simply press the power buttonand press START. The machine Counts down from 60 minutes. When the mixing dasher blade slows down or completely stops, you just lift up the Motor and check out your delicious delight! It is so easy to clean! The recipes included, even the ones that do not require you to heat the mixture are fabulous. My Sunpentown Ice Cream Maker sits proudly on my black granite countertop, never stored away.Its stainless steel accents, along with the black housing, provides and attractive fit and finish. You will use it more often than you think, especially the summer months. It also makes wonderful slushes, granitas, sherbets, sorbets, and soft serve, and frozen custard.Simply add nuts, fruit, and sweet additions like candy bits to almost firm ice cream and make phenomenal dessert creations. The possibilites are endless. You do not have to to spend up to a thousand Dollars or more to get a quailty ice cream maker that has its own freezing compressor on board. No cylinder to place in your freezer and then wait for it to freeze. Top Quality ice cream in less than an hour! Truly amazing! And what is even more amazing, the machine is so affordable, and will give you and your family and friends years of enjoyment! This machine is truly a "No Brainer"!