Cuisinart ice cream makers have earned a great name in the industry, thanks to their excellent performance and durability. However, like every piece of machinery, they can also show problems. Things can and do go wrong over time with these ice makers.
Paddle not working is one of the common problems associated with the Cuisinart ice cream makers. Without an iota of doubt, paddle plays a key role in making soft and delicious ice cream. However, many users have complained that the paddle stops rotating at times.
In this troubleshooting guide, we will take you through some of the common reasons why the paddle of the Cuisinart ice cream maker may stop working. Let’s dig out.
How To Fix Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Paddle Not Turning?
The paddle of the Cuisinart ice cream maker stopped working? Here are a few easy fixes to try.
- Check If The Paddle Is Firmly Attached Or Not
Start by making sure that your Cuisinart ice cream maker is appropriately plugged in. Of course, if you haven’t connected it to a power source, it won’t get the electricity it needs to run, and the paddle won’t turn. Also, make sure that the circuit breaker is not tripped.
The first thing to check if the paddle of your Cuisinart ice cream maker stops working is whether it is properly attached or not. If it has gone loose, it won’t turn properly, and you will need to tighten it. You may need a screwdriver to remove the screws.
Luckily, it is a simple fix and will hardly take 2 minutes. Be sure to disconnect the power before working on your Cuisinart ice cream maker. This will ensure your safety while you inspect and repair the components. On the other hand, if it is firmly attached, proceed to check the grey belt.
- Check the Belt
A misplaced or damaged grey belt is another reason for a malfunctioning paddle. The belt serves an important purpose in keeping your Cuisinart ice cream maker running, and if there is something wrong with it, the unit will run into problems.
You will need to open your Cuisinart ice cream maker to check the grey belt. Take a screwdriver and remove the screws to open the unit. And yes, keep the screws in a box or some container so they don’t get misplaced.
If you are checking the components for the first time, consider reading the user manual. The company provides a user manual that has all the information you need to use the Cuisinart ice cream maker. So, if you are unsure about the location of any component, go through the user manual.
For the paddle to rotate smoothly, the grey belt must be on the white peg. If it has slid down, place it in the right position.
- Replacing the Belt and Peg
Moreover, have a close look at the grey belt and the peg of your Cuisinart ice cream maker and make sure that they are in proper working condition. Like all other components, they also wear out or get damaged over time, and when they do, it will cause problems to your unit.
If you see any signs of damage, replacing the component will resolve the issue. If you do not have enough knowledge, consider hiring an electrician.
Once you have replaced the components, put everything back together and turn on the Cuisinart ice cream maker to see whether it has fixed the problem or not. If it hasn’t, the problem could be with the paddle shaft or motor.
- Damaged Components
The shaft is often called the backbone of the paddle. For your paddle to rotate freely, its shaft must be in good health. Therefore, examine the shaft for any signs of damage or rust. Depending on the severity of the rust, you can clean the shaft.
If it is slightly corroded, cleaning it with hot soapy water can do the trick. However, if it has severely rusted, you will have to replace it.
- Testing the Motor
Apart from the paddle shaft, take a look at the paddle motor as well. You can use a multimeter to test the motor. A multimeter is a device used to measure the current and resistance of a component. To test the paddle motor, connect the leads of the multimeter to the motor.
The display of your multimeter will show a reading as soon as you attach the leads. Note this reading and compare it with the recommended reading. If the paddle motor is not getting any power, consider replacing it. A thick ice cream mixture can cause the paddle motor to stall.
So, make sure that the mixture is not too thick. In addition to stalling, a thick ice cream mixture can also lead to motor overheating.
An overheating paddle motor is bad news for you as it can damage other components of your Cuisinart ice cream maker as well. So, keep the mixture thin to avoid overheating and other issues.
- Corroded Gears
Furthermore, the gears of your Cuisinart ice cream maker can also corrode, hindering the normal rotation of the paddle. If that’s the case, lubricate them with a quality lubricant. Like other mechanical components, they also require lubrication to work properly.
- Frozen Ice Cream
If the paddle of your Cuisinart ice cream maker is not turning at all, the chances are that it has jammed. It usually happens when frozen ice cream accumulates along the edges of the canister. If so, open the canister and check its edges.
If you see that the frozen mixture has accumulated along the edges, use a spoon to scrape it off. Then, give the mixture a stir to make sure all the ingredients are mixed properly.
- Adding Rock Salt
If the mixture keeps freezing along the edges, it would be a good idea to add some rock salt. Rock salt reduces the freezing point of the water, thus keeping the mixture from solidifying. Without salt, the mixture will keep solidifying, impeding the normal rotation of the paddle.
If you have tried all the aforementioned solutions and the problem persists, there is a high likelihood that your unit is faulty. The manufacturer warranties the Cuisinart ice cream maker for three years.
So, check to see if your unit is in the warranty period. If it is, contact the company and ask for a free repair or replacement.
The Bottom Line
Cuisinart ice cream makers are known for their durability and cool features. However, it is seen that their paddles stop turning sometimes. First, be sure that the paddle is attached to the unit.
Furthermore, make sure that the paddle shaft, motor, belt, and gears are in good health. Consider trying the solutions mentioned in this guide before contacting customer care support.