Home & Kitchen

The Best Ice Cream Machines

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, Amazon customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Creating delicious homemade ice cream can be a rewarding experience, offering control over ingredients and flavors. The right ice cream maker can transform your kitchen into a personal creamery, making it easier to whip up frozen treats for any occasion. Investing in a quality machine ensures consistent results and years of enjoyment.

SaleNo. 1
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, Fully Automatic, 2 qt, ICE-30BCP1ES
  • DOUBLE-INSULATED FREEZER BOWL: Holds 2 qts of ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, or frozen drinks (pre-freeze first).
  • SUPERIOR FUNCTIONALITY: The brushed stainless steel ice cream machine features a fully automatic heavy-duty motor to make frozen desserts or drinks in under 30 minutes.
  • MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Large ingredient spout for easily adding favorite mix-ins, including retractable cord storage that keeps countertops clutter-free.
  • WHAT’S INCLUDED: Frozen yogurt machine comes with a double-insulated freezer bowl that holds up to 2 quarts of frozen dessert, and paddle.
SaleNo. 2
Ninja® CREAMi® 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream, Gelato & more, NC299AMZ
  • 7-IN-1 ICE CREAM MAKER -- A FROZEN TREAT FOR EVERY CRAVING: Choose from 7 one-touch programs -- Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-In --each delivering the perfect combination of speed, pressure, and time for...
  • CREAMIFY TECHNOLOGY -- INCREDIBLY SMOOTH, CREAMY RESULTS: Ninja's exclusive Creamify Technology finely shaves through a uniformly frozen pint, transforming it into smooth textured frozen desserts in minutes.
  • MAKE IT YOUR WAY -- TOTAL INGREDIENT CONTROL: Create protein-packed ice cream, low-sugar sorbet, dairy-free treats, and vegan options -- all from scratch with ingredients you choose. No preservatives, no fillers, just the flavors you love.
  • MIX-INS -- BUILD YOUR PERFECT PINT: After processing, mix in your favorite mix-ins – chocolate chips, candy, nuts, fruit, cookies, and more -- to customize every scoop. The Mix-In program distributes add-ins evenly throughout your frozen treat.
SaleNo. 3
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, Ready in 20, 1.5 qt Freezer Bowl
  • SUPERIOR FUNCTION: Mixing paddle makes frozen treats in 20 minutes or less (freezer bowl must be pre-frozen).
  • COOL FEATURE: Double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice.
  • CAPACITY: This ice cream maker can produce up to 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt.
  • EASY TO USE: Ice cream machine features an easy-lock transparent lid with large spout to make adding ingredients simple and mess free.
No. 4
Ninja® CREAMi® 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream, Gelato and more, NC301
  • 7-IN-1 ICE CREAM MAKER -- A FROZEN TREAT FOR EVERY CRAVING: Choose from 7 one-touch programs -- Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-In --each delivering the perfect combination of speed, pressure, and time for...
  • CREAMIFY TECHNOLOGY -- INCREDIBLY SMOOTH, CREAMY RESULTS: Ninja's exclusive Creamify Technology finely shaves through a uniformly frozen pint, transforming it into smooth textured frozen desserts in minutes.
  • MAKE IT YOUR WAY -- TOTAL INGREDIENT CONTROL: Create protein-packed ice cream, low-sugar sorbet, dairy-free treats, and vegan options -- all from scratch with ingredients you choose. No preservatives, no fillers, just the flavors you love.
  • MIX-INS -- BUILD YOUR PERFECT PINT: After processing, mix in your favorite mix-ins – chocolate chips, candy, nuts, fruit, cookies, and more -- to customize every scoop. The Mix-In program distributes add-ins evenly throughout your frozen treat.
SaleNo. 5
Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl 13-in-1 Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, NC701
  • SCOOP OR SWIRL: Customize flavors and choose between classic scooped or swirled treats. With 13 unique one-touch programs, there’s a frozen treat for everyone.
  • 6 ADDED SOFT SERVE PROGRAMS: Create rich, creamy swirled treats at the touch of a button with Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, CreamiFit, Swirled Frozen Yogurt and Lite Ice Cream.
  • CUSTOMIZATION: Control ingredients for low sugar, dairy-free, lower calorie, nut-free, highprotein, and vegan options. Your flavor, your mix-ins, your way.
  • SOFT SERVE AT HOME: Creamify Technology transforms scoops or spins soft serve programs at faster speeds to create smooth, creamy textures for perfect soft serve.
SaleNo. 6
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker 2 Pack Bundle, Half-Pint Freezer Mugs, Aqua
  • Frozen Treats Made Easy at Home: The Dash My Mug small Ice Cream Maker churns creamy soft serve for two; each Mug chills 24 to 48 hours, so freeze both, and one is always ready with one touch
  • Soft Serve in About 20 Minutes: This mini Ice Cream Maker churns small-batch ice cream, gelato, non-dairy nice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt with ease, then eat right from the Mug
  • Built-In Ingredient Chute: Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, fruit, nuts, or cookie dough near the end of churning for custom mix-ins; endless flavor possibilities for the whole family
  • Compact & Easy to Clean: This electric Ice Cream Maker disassembles in seconds for quick hand washing, and everything nests inside the Mugs with the SmartStore design for space-saving cabinet storage
No. 7
Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker, 2.1 Qt, ICM-201SB
  • CNN Best Ice Cream Maker: The Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker was recognized by CNN in 2026 as a Best Tested maker for ice cream and more
  • Upright Space Saving Build: This ice cream maker stands tall, fitting your gelato or sorbet into a stainless steel housing with a smaller counter footprint
  • No Pre Freeze Compressor: A self-contained compressor freezes the mix as it churns, so no bowl waits in the freezer overnight and a second batch can follow the first the same afternoon
  • LCD Timer Control: An easy-to-read LCD control panel displays the run time at a glance, while the built-in audible timer signals when your batch is ready
SaleNo. 8
Ninja NC501 CREAMi XL Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker, with 2 XL Family Size Pint Containers
  • ORIGINAL CREAMi XL DELUXE: The first-generation CREAMi XL Deluxe — 11 one-touch programs including ice cream, sorbet, gelato, Italian ice, and frozen yogurt.
  • XL CAPACITY: Create family-sized treats with (2) 24 oz. XL Tubs — 50% more capacity than the original CREAMi pint.
  • DUAL PROCESSING: Turn one frozen base into two separate mix-in flavors in the same tub.
  • TOTAL INGREDIENT CONTROL: Dial in low-sugar, protein-packed, dairy-free, and other customized treats.
SaleNo. 9
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker With 4 Qt Capacity- Old Fashioned Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or...
  • Effortless Ice Cream in Minutes: Say goodbye to the hassle of manual churning and hello to the convenience of this ice cream maker. With our powerful electric ice cream maker machine, you’ll have up to 4 quarts of rich, creamy ice cream ready in no...
  • Endless Frozen Dessert Possibilities: Why settle for one flavor when you can make it all? This homemade ice cream maker opens up a world of frozen dessert options. From indulgent gelato made with the gelato maker feature to smooth frozen yogurt, this ice...
  • Fun for Kids and Family: Want to turn dessert into a fun, family bonding experience? This ice cream maker for kids is the answer! The soft serve ice cream maker is safe, simple, and designed for young hands, so your kids can make their own delicious ice...
  • Classic Design Meets Modern Convenience: Love the vintage charm of an old-fashioned ice cream maker but hate the old-school effort? This vintage wooden style ice cream machine combines nostalgic appeal with modern efficiency. Powered by an electric ice...
No. 10
VEVOR Commercial Ice Cream Machine 20-28L/H 2200W 3-Flavor Freestanding
  • Pre-Cooling Fresh-Keeping: The freestanding commercial ice cream machine delivers up to 20–28 L/H, providing a steady output of 8–12 servings without interruption. Its pre-cooling fresh-keeping system chills the mix to ≤53.6°F (12°C), helping...
  • Upgraded Puffing & Hopper Agitation: Compared with standard puffing rods (20–25% rate), the built-in high-efficiency puffing pump reaches a 25–35% puffing rate, increasing air incorporation for smoother texture and higher yield. Combined with hopper...
  • High-Output Performance: Designed with 3 dispensers for 2+1 flavors to meet varied preferences. Equipped with a high-performance compressor and dual 6 L hoppers, it produces the first batch in ≤15 minutes, with subsequent batches ready in ≤5 minutes...
  • User-Friendly Controls: The LED display panel streamlines use with integrated controls for hardness adjustment, puffing, fresh-keeping, and one-touch self-cleaning. A low-mix alert activates when ingredient levels drop below the set threshold, ensuring...

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Machines

Capacity

Consider how much ice cream you typically make. Smaller machines are great for individuals or couples, while larger capacities are ideal for families or entertaining guests. Think about portion sizes when choosing.

Freezing Method

  • Compressor models: These have a built-in freezer and can make ice cream in one go without pre-freezing a bowl. They offer more convenience and speed.
  • Freezer bowl models: These require you to freeze the bowl for at least 12-24 hours before use. They are often more affordable but require planning ahead.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Look for machines with simple controls and easy-to-disassemble parts. Removable bowls and churners that are dishwasher-safe will significantly simplify the cleanup process after enjoying your frozen creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make ice cream?
The churning time typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the model and recipe. After churning, most ice cream needs to harden in the freezer for at least a couple of hours.
Do I need to pre-freeze the bowl?
For freezer bowl models, yes, the bowl must be thoroughly frozen, usually for 12-24 hours, before you can start making ice cream. Compressor models do not require this step as they have their own freezing mechanism.
Can I make sorbet or gelato with these machines?
Many ice cream makers are versatile and can also be used to create sorbets, frozen yogurts, and gelatos. Always check the product specifications to confirm compatibility with different frozen dessert types.
Are ice cream machines noisy?
Noise levels can vary between models. Compressor models might be slightly louder due to the motor and compressor, while freezer bowl models are generally quieter during the churning process. Reading reviews can offer insights into specific machine noise.

How we compare Home & Kitchen

1 Specifications: we compare the key features and specifications listed by the manufacturer and on Amazon.
2 Customer ratings: we take into account the average Amazon rating and the number of reviews.
3 Price: we check the current price and highlight notable deals.
4 Updates: comparisons are refreshed regularly as prices and availability change.

Our comparisons are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest products and prices.

Was this article helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Thanks — we'll work to improve this article.