Whoever invented the method of using ice mixed with salt to lower and control the temperature of ice cream ingredients during its making provided a major breakthrough in ice cream technology. Also important was the invention of the wooden bucket freezer with rotary paddles improved ice cream's manufacture. Augustus Jackson, a confectioner from Philadelphia, created new recipes for making ice cream in 1832.

 

Nancy Johnson and William Young - Hand-Cranked Freezers

In 1846, Nancy Johnson patented a hand-cranked freezer that established the basic method of making ice cream still used today. William Young patented the similar "Johnson Patent Ice-Cream Freezer" in 1848.

 

Jacob Fussell - Commercial Production

In 1851, Jacob Fussell in Baltimore established the first large-scale commercial ice cream plant. Alfred Cralle patented an ice cream mold and scooper used to serve on February 2 1897.

 

Mechanical Refrigeration

The treat became both distributable and profitable with the introduction of mechanical refrigeration. The ice cream shop or soda fountain has since become an icon of American culture.

 

Continuous Process Freezer

Around 1926, the first commercially successful continuous process freezer for ice cream was invented by Clarence Vogt.