We used to make ice cream from a machine like this when I was a kid, except we had to crank the machine for what seemed like hours! So, I had my doubts about this machine, I watched multiple youtubes on it and i am so glad I bought it!  You will need rock salt and ice to add around the outside of the ice cream tub to make the tub cold.  It is easy to put together and it makes the best ice cream!  We made ice cream on hot days so it was more like soft serve but still amazing!  My only complaint is when you are storing leftovers, put it in a different container because if you leaft the ice cream in the aluminum contain that you make the cream in it will be rock hard and you will not be able to scoop it out.  Despite the container lid, it is not a great storage method.  Other than that, the best homemade ice cream!