The 7 Top Ice Cream Makers, Put to the Test and Reviewed

Best Overall Ice Cream Maker

For rich, creamy ice cream straight from your kitchen, the Ninja Creami Deluxe is the perfect choice. With 11 versatile settings, this machine makes a wide range of homemade frozen treats such as ice cream, gelatos, frozen yogurt, sorbets, and milkshakes. Throughout our testing, this machine impressed us across the board. The consistency of the ice cream was spot on—every batch turned out perfectly. Our sorbet was just as remarkable—firm and smooth with no ice crystals or chunks. Even after freezing for two hours, there was only minimal crystallization on the sorbet.

The Ninja Creami is extremely user-friendly, with intuitive buttons that make it perfect for beginners. We’d definitely recommend this ice cream maker to anyone who wants a hassle-free experience without the trial and error. We appreciate that it comes with a built-in timer, so you don’t have to keep an eye on it unless you want to. Plus, it includes special buttons to adjust texture issues—something other ice cream makers we tested didn’t offer.

In terms of size, we found the Ninja Creami to be compact and unobtrusive. It’s about the size of a countertop coffee maker and has a modern, sleek design, so it won’t clutter your kitchen. One thing to note is that it can be quite loud—similar to a coffee grinder. However, since we only needed to run it for about 5 minutes during testing, it was easy to overlook. Also, it can only make up to 1.5 pints (or 3 cups) of ice cream at a time, which may not be ideal for larger families or gatherings.

Maximum Capacity: 1.5 pints | Dimensions: 12.01 x 8.4 x 16.6 inches | Weight: 14.44 pounds

Best Budget Ice Cream Maker

Despite its wood-inspired look, the Nostalgia 4-Quart Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker is anything but old-fashioned. It features an electric motor and a durable plastic paddle that can churn out ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbets in under an hour. 

This model stands out due to its 4-quart capacity (the largest of the ice cream makers we tested), making it perfect for big families, BBQs, or kids' parties. You can even create your own custom ice cream flavors using the included chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavor packets. Though it’s large, it should fit comfortably on most kitchen counters. We’d recommend placing it on an island without cabinets overhead for optimal space. 

We spent 38 minutes churning 2.6 quarts of the base mixture, resulting in 4 quarts of ice cream (plus a few extra minutes to add the mix-ins). Initially, we weren’t thrilled with the texture—it was too soft and difficult to scoop (we poured it into pint containers). However, after two hours in the freezer, the texture improved significantly. By the next day, the ice cream was scoopable, although we noticed a few bits of ice still present.

Our main complaint with this machine is that it can get quite messy, so it might be best to use it outdoors or near a sink. While the care instructions are straightforward (all parts can be washed by hand, and the motor can be wiped with a damp cloth), we found the cleaning process itself to be a bit messy as well. 

Maximum Yield: 4 quarts | Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 16 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds

Best Manual Ice Cream Maker

The Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker uses only a flat pan and two plastic spatulas to craft ice cream, gelato, slushies, and rolled ice cream—just like the ones you’d find in a Cold Stone shop. Despite being a manual machine, it surprisingly outpaced electric models in our tests, allowing us to create light and fluffy ice cream in less than 2 minutes. However, the bowl needs to be frozen for 24 hours beforehand to get started.

At first, the ice cream was quite stiff, making it a little difficult to work with. However, after a short time, it softened up and became one of the creamiest ice creams we tested. This set also excels at making sorbets, which stay creamy without needing milk or coconut milk in the ingredients.

While we really enjoyed how enjoyable and easy this ice cream maker is to use, we were a bit let down by the small batch size. During our testing, a 1/2 cup of dairy base (recommended by the manufacturer) yielded only 3/4 cup of ice cream. Overall, this is a great choice if you're after a fun ice cream-making experience and have plenty of time. Just be sure to hand wash the freezer bowl, as it isn't dishwasher-safe.

Maximum Yield: 3/4 cup | Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 2 inches | Weight: 4.88 pounds

Top Choice for Compressor Ice Cream Makers

Breville’s The Smart Scoop is a compressor ice cream maker, meaning there’s no need to freeze the bowl beforehand. During our tests, this model impressed with its user-friendly design and versatile settings, which do all the work for you. It even chills the base before churning for quicker results. Capable of making 1.5 quarts of ice cream, this machine works autonomously, alerting you when it’s time to add mix-ins and when the ice cream is ready.

After freezing for two hours, our ice cream had a creamy texture with only a few ice crystals, but the real magic happened after an overnight stay in the freezer. The flavor of the ice cream surpassed that of most other machines we tested.

This model offers four preset options for gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream, with 12 different firmness levels. There’s also a manual mode for greater flexibility. Additionally, it features a cooling function that keeps your frozen treats in the machine for up to three hours. We like the included recipe book, though we would have liked to see non-dairy recipes as well, as the machine doesn’t offer specific settings for plant-based ice cream.

We appreciate this compressor ice cream maker for its ease of use, complete with an LED screen that eliminates the guesswork involved in making ice cream.

Maximum Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Dimensions: 7.2 x 16.2 x 10.7 inches | Weight: 30 pounds

Top Choice for Beginner Ice Cream Makers

Cuisinart’s ice cream maker stands out for its ease of use. To make frozen yogurt, ice cream, and more, you simply turn it on—no complicated settings involved. While the bowl needs to be pre-frozen the day before, its simplicity makes it a perfect pick for beginners. In our tests, we created ice cream and sorbet in about 20 minutes each. Both desserts kept their shape well and were denser compared to those made with other machines we tried.

The motor and mixing paddle work efficiently to churn ice cream evenly, with a capacity to make up to six cups (1.5 quarts) in one go. You can even add ingredients during the churning process without pausing or opening the lid. The base is sturdy and heavy, ensuring it remains stable during use.

This Cuisinart ice cream maker was among the easiest models to operate, and the results were equally impressive. Just remember, the large freezer bowl requires ample storage space in your freezer.

Maximum Yield: 1.5 quarts | Dimensions: 9.5 x 9 x 11.25 inches | Weight: 10 pounds

Top Ice Cream Maker for Soft Serve

For those seeking an ice cream alternative made purely from frozen fruit, the Yonanas Classic Soft-Serve Dessert Maker is an excellent choice. We were able to transform two bananas and two cups of frozen strawberries into a delicious, non-dairy treat in under five minutes. The result was thick, creamy, and held its shape well, although some fruit chunks remained. The machine requires a bit of arm strength to push the fruit down, but other than that, it’s straightforward to operate.

This machine lets you customize your soft-serve by choosing the amount and type of fruit you want to use. It even includes a recipe book for flavor inspiration with plenty of fruit combination ideas.

Our only concern is the cleanup process, as some of its parts feature narrow grooves that can be tricky to wash. However, the good news is that all the components are dishwasher-safe, which is definitely a plus. In our tests, we found the Yonanas machine to be a fun and effective way to transform overripe bananas and leftover fruit into delicious soft-serve sorbet. If you're craving traditional dairy ice cream, though, you might want to consider a different machine from our list.

Maximum Yield: N/A | Dimensions: 6.15 x 7.52 x 13.78 inches | Weight: 3 pounds

Top Choice for Ice Cream Maker Attachment

For those who already own a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, this attachment is an attractive option, allowing you to make ice cream without purchasing another appliance. Though the stand mixer occupies significant counter space, the attachment—comprising a metal bowl and paddle mixer—is compact and can be conveniently stored away. We were impressed by the high quality of the components, which felt durable and robust, without any flimsy parts.

Despite the instructions suggesting that ice cream should be ready within 20 to 30 minutes, we found this to be inaccurate. After 20 minutes, our ice cream still resembled a milkshake, and we had to transfer it to storage containers instead of scooping it. Freezing it overnight didn’t improve the texture, as it turned rock hard and was difficult to scoop. Additionally, we added our mix-ins too early, which caused the ice cream’s color to dull to an unattractive gray.

On a positive note, the sorbet came out much better. It had a smooth and consistent texture that held its shape well right after serving, although it began to liquefy once transferred to a pint-sized container. After two hours in the freezer, it was still delicious, though a little denser and slightly grainy.

Even though the results were mixed, we would still recommend the KitchenAid attachment to those who already own the brand’s stand mixer and prefer not to buy an extra appliance for making ice cream. Just keep in mind that achieving the perfect texture may require some experimentation and practice.

Maximum Output: 2 quarts | Dimensions: 9 x 11 x 7 inches | Weight: 6 pounds

Final Assessment

Our top choice is the Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 XL Ice Cream Maker, offering 10 different settings and reliable performance. For those seeking a larger capacity, the Nostalgia Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker is an excellent option, able to make up to 4 quarts at once and at a very reasonable price.

Our Testing Procedure

Before we began evaluating ice cream makers, we spoke with Ryan O’Hara, co-owner of Big Spoon Creamery in Birmingham, Alabama. He offered expert insights on what to look for in an ice cream maker for home use, along with tips on how to craft high-quality desserts with these machines.

Next, we gathered all the necessary ingredients to test 20 ice cream makers using two recipes: dairy ice cream and sorbet. This involved 2.5 gallons of whole milk, 15 quarts of heavy cream, 192 egg yolks, 87.5 pounds of strawberries, four packages of Oreos, and more, resulting in over 100 pints of ice cream and sorbet.

As each ice cream maker has unique instructions, we made sure to thoroughly read the manuals before starting to ensure proper preparation. For example, the Ninja Creami (our top pick) required that the ice cream base be frozen overnight before using it in the machine. Other machines required bowls or plates to be frozen a day ahead of time.

While the mixtures were churning and freezing, we kept meticulous notes and evaluated each machine based on design, ease of use, performance, flavor, ease of cleaning, and more. We spent three days testing the machines and tasting the resulting ice cream and sorbet. (It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.) We focused on the consistency of the ice cream/sorbet, how easily it scooped, and the flavor, texture, and how well mix-ins incorporated into the treats.

How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Maker Like a Professional

Ice Cream Maker Types

There’s a wide range of ice cream makers available, from classic machines to simple freezer bowls, electric motor-powered canister models, and compressor ice cream makers. Here’s a breakdown of each type and what makes them unique:

Canister ice cream makers are among the most popular choices, perfect for making ice cream whether you're serving just one person or a crowd. These machines are user-friendly and often offer the ability to prepare sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt. When using these models, you’ll still need to chill the freezer bowl beforehand in the freezer, but once that’s done, you can have your favorite ice cream ready in minutes.

While old-fashioned ice cream makers eliminate the need for hand-churning, they still require you to add salt and ice to their containers to churn a batch of ice cream. Like other ice cream makers, these devices also use electric motors and paddles. The major selling point for old-fashioned ice cream makers is affordability—they are inexpensive and can handle making large batches of ice cream.

Compressor ice cream makers are known for their exceptional efficiency. “If you want the freedom to make ice cream on a whim, a machine with a built-in compressor is a great choice,” says Clary, product manager for Hamilton Beach Brands. These premium machines are expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars, but they let you make ice cream anytime without having to freeze any components beforehand. Additionally, they can be used to prepare other desserts like gelatos and sorbets. However, they are quite large and bulky, requiring considerable counter space and making them difficult to move around.

With a freezer bowl, you can have ice cream ready in minutes, but all the work is up to you. This system typically involves a large bowl (which needs to be frozen the day before) and plastic paddles to mix the ingredients. Although it takes the same time to make ice cream as with electric models, a freezer bowl takes up far less storage space.

Batch Size

Ice cream makers come in various sizes, typically capable of producing batches anywhere from 1 to 1.5 quarts (roughly two pints) up to 4 quarts, depending on the model. While old-fashioned machines are capable of making especially large quantities, the most common capacities tend to be 1 and 2 quarts. In our tests, we found that the Nostalgia Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker had the largest batch size—4 quarts. On the other hand, models like the manual Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker are designed for making just a single serving of ice cream at a time.

Features & Settings

During our three-day testing of ice cream makers, we explored a wide variety of machines, from straightforward, no-frills options to high-tech models with a range of settings. “When choosing an ice cream maker, think about your desired batch size, budget, and the types of frozen treats you’d like to make, such as traditional ice cream, gelato, or soft serve,” advises Clary.

For those who prefer an array of features, we recommend Breville’s The Smart Scoop, which offers preset modes for gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream, plus 12 hardness settings for ice cream. However, we also found that simpler machines can produce just as delicious ice cream. For beginners, the Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, & Sorbet Maker is a great option, with just an on/off switch and no complicated settings to worry about.

Jaffe recommends looking for an ice cream maker with a self-cooling bowl. “This feature lets you quickly whip up a batch,” he explains. “Some older models require you to pre-freeze the bowl, which can take up to 12 hours!”

Additional Ice Cream Makers Worth Considering

Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker: This basic model is an excellent choice for making smooth and creamy ice cream and sorbets, having performed well in our tests. However, it’s important to note that the freezer canister is quite large, so you’ll need to ensure your freezer has sufficient space to accommodate it.

Donvier Manual Ice Cream Maker: For those who prefer to make ice cream by hand without using an electric motor, this is a solid option. While we found it easy to operate during our tests, achieving the ideal texture and consistency requires a bit more attention from the user.

Cuisinart ICE-100 Ice Cream and Gelato Maker: This model boasts a sleek design and is incredibly user-friendly. While it’s straightforward, it lacks additional features, so if you're after something more complex, you might want to explore other models.

Common Questions

Is investing in an ice cream machine worthwhile?

If you love indulging your sweet tooth and spending time in the kitchen, purchasing an ice cream maker is a great investment. Jaffe concurs: “Ice cream machines are the best way to make homemade ice cream.”

With one of these machines, you can create top-tier ice cream in your own kitchen, and even experiment with new, exciting flavor combinations that are sure to wow your friends and family.

Can ice cream makers be used to make gelato and frozen yogurt?

Many of the ice cream makers we tested are also capable of making gelato and frozen yogurt, such as the Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker (a manual option) and Breville’s The Smart Scoop (a compressor model with specific settings for gelato and froyo).

Jaffe agrees that the same machines can be used to create these frozen treats. “It’s the recipes that make the difference,” he explains. “Ice cream uses more cream, while gelato uses more milk and sugar.”

How much should you expect to spend on an ice cream maker?

The ice cream makers we tested ranged in price from $35 to almost $500, with an average cost of $157. The higher-priced models are typically compressor machines, while the more affordable models are usually manual types with freezer bowls and paddles.

What is the typical lifespan of an ice cream maker?

According to Jaffe, the lifespan of an ice cream maker varies depending on the brand, usage, and how well it is maintained. With proper care, these machines can serve you for many years.

Trust us on this one

This article was authored by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributor to Mytour. In our Lab, we tested 20 ice cream makers and assessed them on factors like design, usability, performance, taste, ease of cleaning, and more. We also gathered insights from Alec Jaffe, founder and CEO of Alec's Ice Cream; Ryan O’Hara, co-owner of Big Spoon Creamery; and two appliance specialists from Hamilton Beach Brands: Sarah Clary and Laurie Klein.