Can the ice cream really come out firm on the hardest level? I hate soft serve and like firm scoops.

It will not be firm like what you have out of your freezer. It will be more like soft serve, you need to put it in your freezer for a bit after it is done. But really, that's the way all ice cream is, even what you get in a creamery. I actually returned this unit and bought a Cuisnart instead. I wasn't pleased with the paddle on this unit. It seemed very flimsy and when the ice cream got thicker had a hard time stirring. At one point it even stopped stirring and burned up the bearings. They replaced it for me at no charge but by that point I had already decided to change brands. If you look at it and compare to the Cuisnart you will see what I mean, the paddle just needs a little reinforcement IMO.

Hello , I am quiet not able to decide between Breville and Cusinart ICE100, also my concern is does 12 hardness settings actually work as described.

I love my Breville. The consistency settings range between sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and ice cream (softer to harder). I think the settings work, but I like to make ice cream, so I now just keep it on the hardest setting. That setting will give you the consistency of something near a soft serve. One of the reasons I chose this one over the Cuisinart ICE100 is that it has the "auto" setting. You cannot always gauge how long it will take when using different bases and styles of ice cream (this one has both options). Additionally, you can set it to make a sound when it is time for mix-ins and when it is ready. Also, it has the "pre-cool" feature (which I love!) that will get the temperature right before adding the mix (I compare it to pre-heating an oven). Finally, the "keep cool" function REALLY comes in handy (if you have used the freezer bowl types, you know that time is of the essence once it is done!) I'm glad I went with this one. P.S. I HIGHLY recommend using Sweet Bliss containers to store your ice cream. They are the best I have found or seen anywhere for storage, and you can write on them w/ a Sharpie. They are so sturdy you can reuse them (but I usually give them as gifts). Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_kitchen?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Sweet+Bliss+Containers&node=284507.

Will this machine make half batches?

I have never tried to make a half batch. I have made batches less than a full batch and it worked fine. Breville only wants you to use 3-1/2 cups of liquid so a full batch is only a little over a quart anyway. Most of the recipes in the gelato/ice cream books are just about right for this machine - about 3-1/2 cups of liquid. I suspect most of the machines on the market are about the same.

Product Care Instructions	Refer to instruction booklet
Material	Stainless Steel
Color	Silver
Item Weight	30.9 Pounds
Capacity	1.1 Quarts
Operation Mode	Manual
Special Features	12 hardness settings for sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and ice cream

Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker BCI600XL, Brushed Stainless Steel

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