Pacojet

A Pacojet system on a countertop

The Pacojet was invented by Swiss engineer Wilhelm Maurer in the early 1980s by adapting a drill press to function as an ice cream maker.[5] In 1988, he sold the patent to a venture capital group who incorporated and designed the system based on the input of dozens of top chefs.[6] The Pacojet was introduced in Europe in 1992.[7] It was first test marketed in the United States in 1996 and became available the following year.[8] Pacojet systems have no set retail price, and quoted prices vary from customer to customer.[9]

In 2012, the Pacojet 2 was introduced, the first major redesign of the appliance, and featured a redesigned motor, additional sensors, and a touchscreen interface.[10] Pacojet Junior, a lower-cost model, was introduced in 2017.[11] Pacojet 2 Plus was introduced in 2018 and featured a repeat function.[12] In October 2022, to commemorate its 30th anniversary, the Pacojet 4 was released. The Pacojet 4 comes with a large LC touchscreen providing the user with guidance with an animated assistance feature; as well as a new smart device detection mode to protect against misuse and damage to the Pacojet.[13][14]

Following the expiration of the Pacojet's patent, SharkNinja released the Creami ice cream maker, which Wired referred to as a "fairly shameless (and much cheaper) knockoff of a Pacojet" in its review.[15]

In May 2023, Groupe SEB acquired Pacojet AG.[16]

Ingredients are placed into the Pacojet beaker and frozen for at least 24 hours at –22 °C/-8 °F. The beaker is then attached to the Pacojet machine and the number of portions desired is selected.[17] Its blade spins downward at 2,000 revolutions a minute, shaving a micro-thin layer off the top of the block of deep-frozen ingredients.[18] This process is called "pacotizing", a verb coined to describe the unique function of the Pacojet.[19] The Pacojet operates in a sealed mode with a pressure of 1.2 bar / 17 lb. in.[20] The Pacojet produces smaller ice crystals than traditional ice cream makers, resulting in smoother and creamier textures.[8]

In May 2005, chef Shea Gallante referred to the Pacojet as "one of the premiere inventions of the past 10 to 15 years."[21]

In October 2010, Forbes wrote that the Pacojet "has developed a bit of a cult following among tech-obsessed foodies without cash-flow issues… The PacoJet turns the ice cream making process inside out, using a lot of exquisitely calibrated machinery in the process."[22]

In 2011, Modernist Cuisine named Pacojet "must-have tool for the modernist kitchen" in its top-ten list.[23]

The Pacojet is featured prominently in the 2022 film The Menu. It is used as subtle commentary on the gastronomy-obsessed character Tyler who brags about owning one despite having no actual skills in food preparation. It also features in a fight scene where it is used to bludgeon a character.

• Official website