Ice Cream Ball Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the plastic tool that comes with my Ice Cream Ball used for?
A:  When making ice cream, the ball gets cold and the plastic expands, making the end cap more difficult to open.  This unique plastic tool works like a wrench to make it easier to loosen the end cap.  DO NOT use the wrench to tighten the end cap; normal hand tightening is sufficient.

Q: What are the differences between the Original and MEGA Play & Freeze?
A:  Please refer to this helpful chart:

Differences	Original	Mega
Weight When Empty	2 lbs.	3 lbs.
Weight When Full	7 lbs.	9-10 lbs.
Ice Cream Capacity	1 Pint = 16 fl. oz.	1 Quart = 32 fl. oz.
Approximate Prep Time	20 min.	30 min. with cream, 35 min. with half & half

Q: I want the ball for my children. Which one is best for me?
A: We recommend that either Ice Cream Ball be used under the supervision of an adult.  Clearly the original ball is easier for smaller children to handle, whereas the MEGA is better with older children.  Either ball can be used safely by a family and all ages can enjoy having a ball (moving the ball around) and the wonderful ice cream at the end!

Q: What is most important to making good ice cream?
A: First of all, using quality ingredients is very important. For example, using cream instead of half-and-half makes a richer ice cream. The mixing step is also important to getting a good consistency. For a better consistency, open the ball after 10 minutes (15 for MEGA) and use a plastic or wood spoon to mix the harder ice cream (away from the can) with the soupier cream in the middle. Also, leave about an inch of space at the top of the can for expansion.

Q: The recipes call for "half-and-half" or "cream".  What should I use?

A: Worldwide there are an incredible variety of milk and cream products.  A few of them are listed below in order of increasing levels of butterfat.  In general, the milks and light creams at the top of the list will give a lighter ice cream while the heavy creams at the bottom will give a creamier ice cream (we love the taste of those heavy creams!).  Also, expect to spend a little longer playing and freezing with the products at the top of the list (25-30 minutes) versus the ones at the bottom (15-20 minutes).

• milk
• half-and-half
• half cream
• single cream
• light cream
• table cream
• coffee cream
• medium cream
• light whipping cream
• whipping cream
• heavy cream
• heavy whipping cream
• double cream

Q: Where can I get Rock Salt?
A: Rock salt is sold in most supermarkets in the salt/spice section (typically on the bottom shelf). Morton makes a 4 lb. box that is less than $2 that will make many batches of ice cream. If your supermarket does not have rock salt, try another supermarket or home supply store.

Q: Can I use anything else besides rock salt to make Ice Cream?
A: We have heard from customers that other salts such as sea salt and kosher salt will work. We recommend that you use rock salt first and if you cannot find rock salt, use a larger amount of another type of salt than the traditional recipe calls for. We DO NOT recommend using calcium chloride (used to melt driveway snow) in your Play & Freeze™.

Q: Can I make low-fat ice cream in my Play & Freeze?
A: You can use any variety of milk in your Play & Freeze. Whole milk or low fat milk takes longer to freeze so you may have to play with the Ice Cream Ball for 20-30 minutes to make Ice Cream with the desired consistency.

Q: What kind of ice should I use?
A: Most kinds of ice cubes are fine. If there is a choice, pick smaller cubes. Some very large cubes may have trouble fitting into the opening of the ball. Crushed ice does not work as well as cubes for making ice cream.

Q: How do I clean my Play & Freeze™?
A: We recommend hand washing the can end of your Play & Freeze™ using soap and warm water. It is also important to make sure and rinse the ice/salt side of the ball to remove the salt residue from the insides. Using warm water or soap and water is best for this.

Q: Can I throw or kick my Play & Freeze™?
A: We recommend you shake, rattle and roll the Ice Cream Ball. It is fine to pass it back and forth and even bowl with it. When the Play & Freeze™ is filled with its ingredients, it is heavy and could be damaged or hurt someone if thrown or dropped. It is not intended to be kicked so be careful. We don't want you to hurt a toe in the process.

Q: What should I use to mix my ice cream?
A: We recommend a hard plastic spoon or a wooden spoon for mixing the ice cream. Metal can scratch the aluminum and is not recommended. Even a harder spatula is fine. Best results are obtained when you use an up and down motion along the can to remove the harder ice cream and mix it with the soupier ice cream in the middle.

Q: I can't get the top off. What should I do?
A: First use the plastic wrench tool that came with your ball to try and gently but firmly remove the top. It's stored in the aluminum can when your ball is new. If you don't have the wrench, wait until the ball comes to room temperature and it should be easier to remove. If this does not work and you must use pliers to twist the cap off, place a towel between the pliers and the plastic cap to prevent it from cracking the plastic. DO NOT use the wrench to tighten the cap. It only needs to be hand tight.