Skip to main content

We got brain freeze from this fridge’s built-in ice cream maker  

General Electric is coming out with a fridge with a built-in Keurig coffee maker this year, but at IFA 2015, we couldn’t stop drooling over a fridge that contained its own ice-cream maker. U.K. appliance maker Beko had its HomeCream machine on the show floor, and while it didn’t actually whip up any sweet treats, the possibilities were enough to give us a tooth ache.

If you want make your own ice cream, you can use a special KitchenAid mixer attachment, procure some liquid nitrogen, or get a full-blown, dedicated machine. The last option takes up a lot of space, but the ice cream maker in the HomeCream is pretty small. It even saves room for an ice maker in the machine, so you’re not sacrificing that convenience feature for your dessert. The fridge and freezer have around 21.5 cubic feet of space combined.

The idea is that you’ll be able to put whatever you want in your ice cream, free of preservatives and with less sugar. There’s a touch screen on the front of the appliance that lets users quickly change the temperature of the specially cooled compartment. It’s on sale now in Europe for around $1,025 (€920).

Haier Smart Window Fridge 6
Jenny McGrath / Digital Trends
Jenny McGrath / Digital Trends

Other amazing fridges we saw at IFA 2015 were the Haier Smart Window models, a side-by-side and a four-door. Two were on display, and it was a sight to see. When you walk up to the fridge, motion sensors trigger the door’s LED display, turning a panel from opaque to translucent. You get a look at what’s inside without having to let out cool air. If you see something you like, just grab it through the door-in-door compartment, which will also save energy. The two fridges will go on sale next year, and while the price isn’t set, a Haier representative said the four-door model will be around $3,345 (€3,000).

Jenny McGrath
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jenny McGrath is a senior writer at Digital Trends covering the intersection of tech and the arts and the environment. Before…
Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring and Nest are responsible for some of the best video doorbells available. With easy-to-use smartphone apps, simple installation processes, and the ability to customize your motion alerts, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Nest Doorbell have quickly established themselves as two of the best video doorbells money can buy.

But what exactly is the difference between these two popular gadgets? And which is better for your smart home?

Read more
The best Apple HomeKit devices for 2023
A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

While not as widespread as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit remains one of the most popular smart home ecosystems of 2023. The software plays well with iOS devices, and several other gadgets such as smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled using the fancy technology. If you’re looking to build your smart home around Apple’s ecosystem, here are the best HomeKit devices available today.
Locks

HomeKit doesn’t have the largest selection of smart locks, but that doesn’t really matter when you have something as well-rounded as the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Not only does it offer full HomeKit support, but you’ll even gain access to Apple home keys -- allowing you to unlock your door with your iPhone or Apple Watch. There’s also the standard keypad for entering a passcode, along with a fingerprint sensor that can store several dozen fingerprints (so your whole family can enter the home without worrying about forgetting their password or smartphone).

Read more
Secure your home with Ring Floodlight Cam Plus and save $80
Ring Floodlight Camera placed on a wall outside.

Best Buy has one of the best security camera deals at the moment with $80 off the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera. Usually priced at $200, it's down to $120 for a limited time only so if you're fast enough, you'll save a lot of cash. If you're looking to secure your home, keep reading while we tell you all about the advantages this security camera offers.

Why you should buy the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus
Considered to be one of the best floodlight cameras for someone seeking a hard-wired solution, the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera is a highly effective home security measure.

Read more