are the gears metal or plastic (as in cheaper freezers)
1171933
If the motor is a pale yellow color, it has has metal gears that tend to wear prematurely. I've purchased at least 8 of these in the past as gifts to my family. Only one is still working. the others have stripped gears. I've since purchased the newer redesigned models that have the dark green motors. All three so far have proven reliable over the last year. All of the White Mountain motors have metal gears, the newer generation may prove far superior than the yellow motors. Both the green and yellow motors were made in China. Certainly not the quality that the units we hand cranked in the 50's when I was a kid. Good luck! If the motor is a pale yellow color, it has has metal gears that tend to wear prematurely. I've purchased at least 8 of these in the past as gifts to my family. Only one is still working. the others have stripped gears. I've since purchased the newer redesigned models that have the dark green motors. All three so far have proven reliable over the last year. All of the White Mountain motors have metal gears, the newer generation may prove far superior than the yellow motors. Both the green and yellow motors were made in China. Certainly not the quality that the units we hand cranked in the... » Read More If the motor is a pale yellow color, it has has metal gears that tend to wear prematurely. I've purchased at least 8 of these in the past as gifts to my family. Only one is still working. the others have stripped gears. I've since purchased the newer redesigned models that have the dark green motors. All three so far have proven reliable over the last year. All of the White Mountain motors have metal gears, the newer generation may prove far superior than the yellow motors. Both the green and yellow motors were made in China. Certainly not the quality that the units we hand cranked in the 50's when I was a kid. Good luck! « Show Less
1171934
We had nothing but problems with ours. We ended up replacing the motor twice. The gears were metal but very cheaply made. Unless they have improved the quality of this freezer I would not buy it.
1171935
I bought three of these each one failed in the first to try. Cast metal gears are made in China. Read the reviews their consistent, worst product out there.
789409
The blades are stainless steel. My wife grinds frozen berries every day. So far they blend better than the original blades. Aluminum would not hold up with frozen food.
996571
They are plastic, but work really well. I'm an avid hunter and use this ALOT during season for jerky. The tray hold up really well, dishwasher safe, and hold quite a bit of product. Personally, as much as I use it, I will be upgrading to the stainless trays(which is a great option at the online store).
1032969
It has very durable steel gears and blades, there is hardly any plastic in this machine. It is VERY powerful and plastic would not hold up to the HP it puts out!!
1260288
The only metal visible are the shafts and handles. From the way it sounds, I'd guess the gears are plastic. Personally, due to history with an old drop spreader and corrosion, I think for this application, plastic is a superior material. Stainless steel? $$$$
1721656
As the previous person noted, metal and plastic. Do you want to buy my set? My husband used for about two weeks after surgery, they are in excellent condition.
1924601
Some kind of plastic. I have two and the are both in freezers. They don't frost or crack
968465
They are now metal because I asked Cuisinart about this and they said: "The Clips on the GR-4N are metal and not plastic."
707217
I think it's metal incased in a plastic coating. Very good unit, I highly recommend it.
946252
Looks like aluminum, but I'm not sure. I think this little freezer is great!
1648434
Hello, I am not sure I had mine for a while...I like the way the unit works ...However, my issue is with the company not standing by the plastic gears failing that I have had..the design is flawed and they do not want to acknowledge this....I will never buy another
263901
Plastic. I broke the original by letting it go too long - the ice cream got too thick, so am more careful now. Don't know if there is a metal option.
2253369
The blades (both of them) are stainless steel as is the shaft connecting the blades to the underside rotor. All I can see, other than what I described above is plastic.
1260289
The gears are enclosed in a plastic sleeve. I'd guess plastic, but I cannot tell. Do NOT purchase this product until you've read my earlier comments on the opening/closing door not closing!
1761139
the gears are made of high density plastic. it is clearly illustrated and described in the picture details
1879506
They are plastic but the part the machine sets on is metal they are great and give a new look to the machine
1630290
The pods are also plastic. It's flexible, so that way the jars don't crack when the food expands after being frozen.