The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino: Top Notch Construction

The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino is one of those appliances that simply puts a smile on your face. It harkens back to the days when companies actually cared about the quality of the products that they produced rather than searching for that last penny by cobbling together designs and then outsourcing to the lowest bidder in China.

I can assure you that this is NOT the case with the Lello 4080. This Italian-made jewel simply shines at the one job that it was made to do – making gelato and ice cream right in your own home.

It does this with no fuss, minimal aggravation, and is designed to last for decades.

This particular appliance really does a fantastic job of creating ice cream and other frozen concoctions. The Musso Lussino features a built-in chiller, which means you won’t need to pre-freeze a bowl prior to making a load of frozen treats.

It will easily produce consecutive batches, plus the additional freezing capability creates unbelievably fluffy ice cream. Every single batch we have created is comparable to that found at the most expensive chain parlors, such as Coldstone and Baskin-Robbins.

Since this device is very easy to operate, it enables you to be imaginative in your recipe creation without worrying about the hassle associated with ice, rock salt, or freezing bowls well in advance, as is the case with the more common non-compressor driven examples.

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker available on Amazon

The 1 1/2-quart capacity is ideal for a typical family, and will offer a little bit of leftovers suitable for later use. For large gatherings you will probably need to prepare additional batches.

Operation

It’s extremely easy to create a delightful frozen treat using the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino. Simply combine the ingredients (or activate the “churn” option, which enables the appliance to combine it for you) and fill the container. In 30 to 45 minutes you will have a frozen concoction suitable for satisfying even the most discerning of tastes.

The device includes a one-hour timer that provides an on and off function, as well as two control buttons. One of the buttons activates the churn features, while the second is the chill function. 

Needless to say, numerous back-to-back batches are not a challenge with the Lello 4080, and you can easily crank out three, four, or even more batches in a row without fear of this machine overheating. Its quality, all stainless steel construction, and powerful motor are designed for years of service.

Regrettably, the bowl can’t be detached, so you will need to wash it out with a cloth or sponge as well as detergent and water if you switch recipes. Some users on Amazon think this is a big deal, but it really doesn’t take more than a minute or so to clean it (I use a vinegar and water mixture) – simply pop the dasher off and wipe it out.

Additionally, it features a very rigid plastic lid (one of the few plastic parts, and one where it make sense) which is removal so that you have complete accessibility to the ingredients.

This makes incorporating additional components such as fruit, nuts, bits of broken candy bars, chocolate, and so on a piece of cake.

Among the many enjoyable aspects of this particular model is observing the ingredients changing into a tasty frozen dessert.

The Musso Lussino, unlike many of its competitors, allows you to watch every bit of the freezing process.

The difference between this model and most other compressor mounts is that the Lello 4080 has a bottom-mounted motor, providing unimpeded access to the top of the machine.

More importantly, with many other compressor models (i.e. those with top-mounted motors), you are forced to channel any extra ingredients through a little opening. Needless to say, feeding little pieces through a narrow chute can be quite a pain in the rear.

With the Lello, you simply open the lid and dump them in.

Simple.

Although described as a 1.5-quart model, you should work with recipes that are calculated for one quart to leave room for the added air. Most home machines don’t add air like the Lello, or the less expensive Breville model and the Cuisinart Ice-100.

This incorporated air is how these machines are able to achieve their silky smooth texture in the ice cream in the same manner as their commercial counterparts.

Construction

You will want to place the Lello in a permanent spot as it is hefty, and you don’t want to have to transport it into and out of a cabinet or other storage area every time you use it.

In comparison to almost every other home ice cream maker, all of the major pieces are constructed of stainless steel, including the dasher (blade).  It is an incredibly strong and robust piece of kit, albeit expensive.

The Lello 4080 is a strong, well-made appliance that will last for decades with care. The only plastic piece on the machine is the cover, which is made of a strong, clear plastic material that is designed to let you see the frozen goodness being churned within the machine.

This unique appliance is very attractive as well, featuring a stainless body and interior parts (including the blade) as well as a very nice fit and finish. It can become a centerpiece in your kitchen, and will definitely serve as a conversation piece when your guests get a good look at it.

The Musso Lussino features a direct drive motor and fan without any belts, similar to high-end coffee grinders (many of which are also Italian made).

Furthermore, it includes a clutch system connected to the motor – so theoretically (I don’t have the guts to try this), you ought to be able to operate it up until the ice cream becomes hard enough to halt the motor, and not burn it out.

Cleaning

If you want a machine that will last years, then this is one that you need to take a serious look at. The ONLY reason that we have not rated the Lello 4080 as our number one pick is because of the price.

It’s not cheap – it’s double the price of some of our other highly rated ice cream makers.

However, you do get what you pay for. And if you and your family love a regular supply of frozen desserts, then this one should be high on your consideration list.

You may be asking yourself whether it’s really worth the extra outlay of cash over most of the other compressor-based home ice cream makers. 

It is definitely well worth the price, due to its robust all-stainless steel construction and powerful motor. I’d personally suggest it to anybody who is intent on producing the best frozen concoctions at home. Check prices on Amazon now.