> wrote in message
oups.com...
> I'm looking for a salt & ice type electric ice cream maker, with a
> product capacity of under 4 quarts, that costs under $50. If someone
> has or knows of such a unit, please post (or email) the
> manufacturer's name and model number.

It has been a while since I looked for one, but Snbeam Used to make them.

> I'm also interested in
> knowing the cost of operation. How much it actually costs to make a
> batch?

That depends on the indredients. For a four quart batch you need maybe 3
quarts of cream. I use fresh fruit in season so the cost can vary from free
for peaches, two bucks for strawberries, maybe four dollars for raspberries.

> Is it necessary to purchase "mixes" or are ingredients
> available at neighborhood supermarkets?

No mixes needed. Most call for cream, (light, heavy, or both) sugar,
vanilla, fruit or chocolate, maybe a couple of eggs.

It is about making quality ice cream that you enjoy. It will not save any
money if that is an issue. If you buy a machine, there will be a booklet
with it for basic recipes. Ben & Jerry have a good book available that
tells you how to make a couple of bases and then you can build on that for
flavors.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/