If you’ve dreamed of making ice cream at home, you’re in the right place. Ice cream suits any occasion, whether enjoyed alone or with cake, pie, or cookies. With an ice cream maker, you can experiment endlessly with flavors and ingredients. We’ve selected the 9 best machines for performance, quality, and satisfaction, plus tips and FAQs to help you create delicious homemade treats.
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
- Elite Gourmet Electric Ice Cream Maker
- Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker
- UJR Slushie Machine with No Ice
- Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker
- Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker
- Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker
- Whynter Ice Cream + Yogurt Maker
- Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice Cream Maker
Small but mighty, this machine turns out rich and creamy ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes. The double insulated bowl keeps things cold while the mixing paddle does the work for you. An easy lock lid keeps everything in place, and cleanup is quick. With a 1.5 quart capacity, it is just the right size for small households that want fresh frozen treats anytime.
This charming wooden bucket machine delivers up to four quarts of smooth, creamy ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt, making it a hit at gatherings. A leak proof liner keeps things tidy while the electric motor quietly churns your mix to perfection. Just add your ingredients, layer in ice and rock salt, and let it work its magic. Durable, easy to use, and built for sharing, it brings a nostalgic touch to dessert time.
Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream MakerThis sleek stainless steel machine turns out up to two quarts of rich, velvety ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in under an hour, no pre freezing required. A built in compressor keeps the temperature just right while the LCD display and pause function add extra control. The removable bowl and churn blade make cleanup simple. Designed for smooth, consistent results, it is a solid choice for anyone serious about homemade frozen desserts.
UJR Slushie Machine with No Ice
This versatile machine whips up everything from smoothies and slushies to milkshakes and soft serve ice cream in minutes, no ice or pre freezing needed. FastChill technology delivers consistently smooth texture while the large capacity is perfect for both solo treats and party servings. Six preset modes and a real time temperature display make it simple to get results just the way you like them. Quiet operation and auto clean keep things easy from start to finish.
Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker
Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat MakerThis clever countertop machine turns base mixes and your favorite add ins into creamy ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in under half an hour. Smart vessel recognition fine tunes the settings automatically, and the intuitive touchscreen keeps things simple. With three included containers and parts that clean easily in the dishwasher, it is designed for quick, customizable frozen treats that feel indulgent without the hassle.
This compact maker creates a single serving of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes. After freezing the base, just add your mix, press start, and watch it work. A built in chute makes it easy to add toppings, and the mug doubles as your bowl for serving. All parts tuck neatly inside for storage, making it a smart pick for small kitchens or quick dessert cravings.
This playful gadget lets you make small batches of ice cream or other frozen treats right on a chilled metal plate. After pre freezing the surface, pour in your mix and scrape until it transforms into a smooth, creamy dessert. The nonstick finish and included scraper make the process simple, while its compact size means it stores easily. It is a colorful, hands on way to get creative with flavors at home.
This stainless steel machine turns out up to two quarts of creamy ice cream, gelato, or sorbet without the hassle of pre freezing. A built in compressor maintains the perfect chill while the LCD display, timer, and pause button give you full control over the process. The removable bowl and churn blade make cleanup simple, and a cooling function keeps your dessert ready to serve for up to an hour.
Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
This playful countertop machine serves up swirled soft serve, frozen yogurt, or sorbet in about 20 minutes. The double insulated bowl keeps your mix cold while a built in holder keeps cones ready. Three topping dispensers let you add sprinkles, chips, or nuts for extra fun, and the handle creates that classic soft serve twist. With removable parts for easier cleanup, it is a sweet way to bring the ice cream shop experience home.
FAQ
Are Ice Cream Makers Worth Buying?
If you love ice cream, an ice cream maker lets you create custom flavors with your choice of ingredients—low-fat, vegan, or gluten-free included. It’s cheaper and quicker than store-bought, lets you make any amount you want, and store leftovers. Plus, you can experiment with recipes, mix-ins, and toppings, making it a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends.What Is the Difference Between Gelato Makers and Ice Cream?
How Long Can You Keep Ice Cream in an Ice Cream Maker?
How long ice cream stays fresh depends on the maker type and storage. Built-in freezer models keep it at optimal temperature for up to 2 hours; manual-freeze models about 10 minutes. For longer storage, transfer to a shallow, airtight container, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Homemade ice cream lasts about 2 weeks but may lose texture or flavor. Always use fresh ingredients and store in a cold, clean freezer.Is Homemade Ice Cream Better?
Homemade ice cream offers several perks, including full control over ingredients so you can choose organic, natural, or local options and skip artificial additives. You can customize flavor, texture, and recipes to suit dietary needs like vegan, gluten free, or low fat, and it can be cheaper, quicker, and more flexible in quantity, letting you enjoy fresh ice cream anytime. On the downside, it requires an ice cream maker, which can be costly, bulky, and noisy, as well as planning, prep time, and freezer space. It also has a shorter shelf life, so it needs to be eaten quickly and stored in airtight containers.What Is the Secret to Making Ice Cream?
For the best homemade ice cream, start with quality ingredients like fresh cream, milk, eggs, and natural flavorings, avoiding low fat milk and excess sugar. Keep ingredients, bowls, and utensils chilled to speed freezing and minimize ice crystals. Cook the base to 170–180°F, thicken if desired, then strain for a smooth texture and chill overnight to develop flavor. Follow your machine’s instructions, avoiding overfilling, and churn to a soft serve consistency. Gently fold in mix ins at the end, freeze in airtight containers with plastic wrap on the surface, and let it soften briefly before serving. For extra fun, pair with cones, toppings, or other desserts.
What Size Ice Cream Maker Do I Need?
For occasional small batches, 1 to 2 quart models like the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, Dash My Mug, or Chef’n Sweet Spot are easy to use but need pre frozen parts. For frequent or larger batches, 2 to 4 quart compressor machines like the Whynter Upright, Whynter Ice Cream + Yogurt Maker, UJR Slushie Machine, or Ninja CREAMi churn without pre freezing but are heavier and pricier. Old fashioned options like the Elite Gourmet or Cuisinart Soft Serve offer high capacity and nostalgic charm.How Long Should An Ice Cream Maker Take?
Frozen bowl makers need 12 hours to pre freeze, churn for 15 to 25 minutes, then freeze 2 to 4 hours for best texture. Compressor makers churn in 20 to 40 minutes without pre freezing but may need 1 to 2 more hours in the freezer. Old fashioned makers take 20 to 30 minutes to churn with ice and salt, then 30 to 60 minutes more to harden.Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced 9 of the best ice cream makers on the market. We also give you tips and tricks for making the best ice cream at home.
Based on this article, the Cuisinart ICE-21 is a top-rated, budget-friendly ice cream maker that produces up to 1.5 quarts of frozen treats in under 20 minutes. With a no-ice-needed freezer bowl and automatic mixing paddle, it’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for homemade ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet.
Another top pick is the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker. With 11-in-1 functions and extra-large 24 oz. tubs, it gives you total control over ingredients and textures. Its advanced Creamify™ Technology and dual-drive motors create smooth and scoopable frozen treats like ice cream, milkshakes, or Italian ice. Plus, it allows dual-flavor processing and is great for those wanting low-sugar or dairy-free options.
We hope this article has helped you find the best ice cream maker. It may have also inspired you to try exciting ice cream recipes. You can have fun and be creative with the flavors, ingredients, and toppings.
