We decided to go for the electric ice cream maker, due to our busy, demanding lives.  Not as much fun as the hand-crank that we had years ago, but still churns out delicious home-made ice cream.  This model is great looking (just like our old hand-crank variety), and well-made with quality parts.  Our only complaint is the noise - it is SO loud! But it is also very quick, so it doesn't last long.  I would have preferred more recipes - the included booklet has very few - but I can find so many on-line, that really wasn't a problem either.  All in all, a terrific purchase!