The nation is currently enjoying a heatwave, with many indulging in ice cream to cool down. Some adventurous foodies might even be trying their hand at making their own.

One of the leading ice cream makers on the market is the Ninja CREAMi, but its hefty price tag of £169 (currently discounted from £199.99 at Ninja) makes it an expensive choice for most consumers. However, Amazon offers a more budget-friendly alternative - the Lakeland mini ice cream maker, now on sale for just £17.99, reduced from £19.99.

Additionally, Amazon Prime members can benefit from free delivery. The device can also be purchased directly from Lakeland for £14.99, although there's an additional £4 delivery charge.

The Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker boasts a 0.5-litre capacity and can be used to create homemade ice creams, sorbets, and even frozen yoghurts.

READ MORE: Amazon air conditioner ‘can cool an entire room in just 15 minutes’

READ MORE: Next's 'smart' jumpsuit is perfect alternative to dresses for weddings

It features a clear, easy-view lid, a non-slip base, and a compact bowl that fits neatly into the freezer. Before use, the bowl needs to be frozen for 8-12 hours, reports the Mirror.

Some customers have mentioned they keep the bowl permanently in the freezer so it's always ready to use.

Once the bowl is prepared, simply remove it from the freezer, attach the lid, turn on the machine, and pour in the ingredients. In just 25 minutes, you'll have homemade ice cream ready to enjoy.

Argos is currently offering Magimix's Glacier Ice Cream Maker at just £55. Designed to craft up to 1.5 pints of creamy delight, its large feed tube is perfect for adding that extra touch of flavour during the mixing process.

Meanwhile, over 200 units of the Lakeland mini ice cream maker have been snapped up on Amazon in just a month. One satisfied customer praised it, saying: "I couldn't afford one of the top-of-the-range models, so after a bit of research, I went for this one. It doesn't make a large portion, but it makes enough for me, and it's simple to use and delicious. It's easy to use and clean, and the recipes are a useful starter."

Yet not all feedback was glowing; another purchaser lamented the machine's output, noting: "I've had this a couple of weeks and have tried a few different recipes, all of which do not turn the ingredients into ice cream in any length of time. It's just a sloshy mess."

The same shopper expressed dissatisfaction, continuing: "I have to freeze it for an hour afterwards, which kind of defeats the object, I think. Anyhow, I've got it, so I'll have to use it, but it's not great."

Conversely, a different buyer shared a positive experience: "Wonderful little machine. We needed a tiny one for a tabletop freezer and this one works so well!".

One particularly pleased customer said: "Keep this in the freezer permanently now. It's great for making ice cream for 1-2 people. I use it predominantly to make Mr. Whippy ice cream.

"It takes less than 10 minutes when I pour 300ml in. It works well enough for me. Don't overfill it, or the ice cream won't thicken, or it will cover the upper lid/ stirrer."

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.