Our Test Kitchen experts found the best ice cream maker for every kind of frozen treat fan.
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The Best Ice Cream Makers for Summer 2024 [Tested and Reviewed]
Updated Aug. 26, 2024
There’s lots to love about store-bought ice cream and scoops from your favorite ice cream shop, but there’s something special about homemade ice cream. It’s deliciously creamy and, best of all, totally customizable. So if you like extra cookie dough in your ice cream, there’s nothing stopping you from adding a little (or a lot) more.
But there’s a catch: You typically need an ice cream maker for homemade ice cream (this no-churn ice cream is the exception). Well, what’s the best option? Our Test Kitchen put the most popular home ice cream makers to the test.
Best Overall
Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Pros:
- Incredibly easy to use
- Churns out ice cream in a mere 20 minutes
- Small footprint on the countertop
- Easy to clean
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Requires extra chilling if you want a firmer ice cream
When it comes to adding a new appliance to your kitchen, space is always a concern. If you want an ice cream maker with a small footprint, try the Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker. This appliance takes up about as much room as a blender (though shorter), and we say it’s worth every square inch.
This gadget is incredibly easy to use. Freeze the canister overnight, then add your favorite ice cream recipe (we recommend this bourbon ice cream on a hot weekend afternoon). This machine will churn a batch of ice cream in 20 minutes. Says Ellie: “So fast and simple.”
The end result will have a velvety, soft serve-like consistency, according to Ellie, which is great for all you DQ fans. If you prefer a slightly firmer treat, Ellie recommends popping the finished product into the freezer for a bit before scooping and topping with hot fudge.
Best Family-Size
Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker
Pros:
- Large capacity, perfect for families
- Special mix-in shoot for custom creations
- Churns out ice cream in just 25 minutes
- Easy to clean
- Stainless steel construction
Cons:
- Louder than most ice cream makers (but nothing above a steady hum)
If you want to serve up a bit more than Cuisinart’s basic model can handle, our Test Kitchen recommends the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker. This appliance can make up to eight cups of your favorite frozen treat; that’s plenty to share with the whole family at your next ice cream social.
Besides its large capacity, our Test Kitchen enjoyed the easy-to-use functionality of this machine. Add your recipe to the frozen canister, pop it into the base and hit start—that’s it. In 25 minutes, your homemade ice cream will be ready.
This model has a spout that makes it easy to add mix-ins. Within 30 seconds, Ellie says those extras are evenly distributed.
So what about the frozen fancies this Cuisinart ice cream maker produces? Ellie has only the highest praise. “The ice cream is super smooth and created a really nice, creamy soft-serve texture,” she says. “The frozen yogurt comes out tasting like vanilla ice cream which is a pleasant surprise.”
Best Compressor
Breville Smart Scoop
Pros:
- No need to freeze canisters in advance
- Easy to customize the texture of your treats
- Creates from-scratch ice creams in about 40 minutes
- Professional-grade
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons:
- Takes up a considerable amount of space on the counter or shelf
- Pricey
Not every machine relies upon pre-frozen canisters. Compressor models don’t require any freezing in advance; just make your ice cream base, add it to the machine and press start. If these pro-level machines are more your style, you’ll want the Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Compressor.
To make frozen treats, just add the base to this Breville appliance, make your texture selection and let it go. “It’s very hands-off,” says Ellie. “The machine does all the thinking and work for you.” In about 40 minutes, you’ll have scratch-made froyo, ice cream or frozen custard ready for the scooping.
So what sort of results does the Smart Scoop Ice Cream Compressor deliver? Delicious ones, per Ellie. The ice cream is crystal-free and smooth, and the froyo is velvety and luxe. If you prefer a firmer frozen treat, stash your makes in the freezer for an extra hour—otherwise feel free to enjoy soft serve-texture ice cream right out of the canister.
This machine makes it so simple if you want to add mix-ins to your ice cream. A chime will sound when it’s time to add in your extras (like marshmallows and nuts for homemade rocky road). And that alarm? It can be a basic tone or an old-fashioned ice cream truck song. How cute is that?
Best for Gelato
Cuisinart Gelateria
Pros:
- Settings allow for texture customization
- Large capacity
- Durable construction
- Super quiet
Cons:
- Larger footprint
- Requires a little extra cleanup
As you may have noticed, several Cuisinart ice cream makers performed well in our test—the brand just does ice cream right! What sets the Cuisinart Gelateria Ice Cream Maker apart are its three churning functions for ice cream, gelato and sorbet.
While many machines churn until the mixture reaches a standard consistency, the Cuisinart Gelateria Ice Cream Maker will churn your frozen treats until they hit the right texture for whatever frozen treat you’re making. To get that perfect consistency and professional-level ice cream, just hit the switch that aligns with your recipe; it’s that easy.
Ellie says that this Cuisinart model produced her favorite ice cream. Gelato was velvety, ice cream was rich and even low-fat froyo felt like a treat. And with an eight-cup capacity, this ice cream maker lets you share these treats with friends on a hot day.
According to Ellie, the only drawback with this machine was that a little of the gelato mix dripped over the edge while churning a full-size batch. This didn’t impact the end result, but it required her to wipe down the machine afterward.
Most Affordable
Dash Everyday Ice Cream Maker
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Very easy to use
- Also suitable for homemade popsicles
- Mix-in spout allows for custom creations
Cons:
- Small capacity; best for one or two people
- Less durable construction
We know that not everyone wants to break the bank for homemade ice cream. If you want to experiment here and there with scratch-made frozen treats, our Test Kitchen suggests the Dash Everyday Ice Cream Maker.
This budget-friendly ice cream maker is still a great performer. Like other models, freeze the canister in advance, then add your ice cream, custard or froyo base. From there the machine does all the work to create terrifically smooth treats.
If you want to get super serious about ice cream or have many mouths to feed, this isn’t your model. Its max capacity is two cups. That’ll work just fine for a few servings for yourself but won’t be enough to top lots of a la mode desserts at your next get-together.
Best for Healthy Treats
Ninja Creami
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile
- Variety of settings for sorbets, gelatos and more
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Extremely loud
- May not mix as thoroughly as other models
The Ninja Creami is unlike any other ice cream maker on the market. And for that reason, it’s best suited for frozen treats that go beyond plain ol’ vanilla. You can freeze just about anything in the Creami—from protein shakes to frozen fruit in syrup—and churn out scoopable, soft-serve-style pints. There’s a reason this gadget has taken TikTok by storm.
To use, you pre-freeze your base in one of the included pints for 24 hours. Then, you add it to the machine canister to churn. The Creami has several settings for full-fat bases, light ice creams, sorbets and even frozen drinks. In our testing, Ellie noted a grainy texture after the first spin. “The manual suggests that this may happen and to put it back on and do a “re-spin” which is a feature on the display panel. It gently stirred it for about 1 more minute and it came out much smoother that time,” she says.
One caveat? This thing is loud. And with the need for a re-spin or two (the less fat in the ice cream, the more re-spins you’ll need) it runs for several minutes. Learn more in our Ninja Creami review.
What to Look for When Buying a Best Ice Cream Maker
Our team of experts sourced 10 of the most popular home ice cream makers for this test. In our Test Kitchen, the pros made ice cream, froyo and other frozen treats, all the while keeping these major considerations in mind:
Type of Ice Cream Maker
- Freezer Bowl Models: This type of ice cream maker requires that you completely freeze a coolant-lined container (into which you place your cooled ice cream base mixture) for every use. The container helps freeze the base as your ice cream maker churns it, and it will not work properly unless the bowl is completely frozen. These models tend to be more economical (meaning they’re more budget-friendly) but also more time-consuming (as you must wait for the bowl to freeze for every use).
- Compressor Models: This style of ice cream maker features a self-chilling bowl, meaning you don’t have to worry about keeping the container frozen or cold on your own—the machine does it for you. You still have to wait for the container to cool down, but you don’t have to manage that by finding space in your freezer. These models tend to run more expensive than freezer bowl models, but they’re somewhat simpler and more convenient overall.
- Traditional Salt and Ice Models: This is the most traditional version of an ice cream maker—the kind you may have found in a parlor during your childhood. It uses an ice and salt mixture to lower your ice cream base’s temperature enough to freeze. There are usually two versions of these ice cream makers: those with a hand-cranked churning device and those with an automatic paddle-style churner (with the latter being easier and more convenient, but the former being less expensive). Because of the extra required ingredients (salt and ice), this is probably the least convenient of the styles of ice cream makers, but it’s the most authentically traditional.
Capacity/Volume
On average, ice cream makers can produce one to more than two quarts per cycle. A single-quart ice cream maker is a good volume for a single person or two, whereas you’ll want to go for a larger option if you’re serving three or more. Of course, the capacity consideration is less dire if you’re making multiple servings and keeping them in your freezer (meaning not serving them immediately).
Speed and Efficiency
Some of the speediest ice cream makers still require about 20 to 30 minutes to freeze a base mixture into a smooth, dreamy ice cream. That doesn’t include the time it takes to cool down the canister (either by self-freezing or via a freezer bowl). Even the most efficient ice cream makers take an hour or more from start to finish (luckily, most of this time does not require active work). However, the longer you mix ice cream, the more consistent the texture is—meaning the more you mix your base, the creamier the ice cream. Additional time spent mixing yields the best product, as ice cream is a game of patience.
Ease of Use
- Controls and Features: Along with the style of ice cream maker you choose, the controls and features play a big part in how easy it is to use. Hand-cranked ice cream makers require a lot of manual labor to produce ice cream, as you must crank continually throughout the freezing process (and sometimes longer). Other automatic models come with mechanized paddles to do the churning for you. Top-of-the-line models have push-button controls, auto-timers and recipe-specific settings (ice cream, gelato, sorbet, etc.).
- Maintenance: Every ice cream maker requires some maintenance to continue working. The simpler the ice cream maker, the less maintenance it requires. For example, hand-cranked ice cream makers must only be cleaned between uses. The more high-tech a machine is, the more difficult it is to maintain. Some ice cream makers need to be examined by a technician if something goes wrong, resulting in additional costs.
Durability and Build Quality
- Materials: More inexpensive models are primarily made from plastic and aren’t as durable over time. Higher-end options will feature stronger materials like metal. The build quality also affects the overall longevity of your ice cream maker. Ultra-budget models might seem like less of an investment, but if you constantly have to replace the parts (or the whole machine), they could become a bit of a money pit.
Noise Level
At their core, ice cream makers are machines. And machines make noise. It’s the simple nature of how mechanical devices function. Some models make more noise than others, especially automatic models with built-in motors. Consider how much noise you can tolerate, and remember that the hand-crank and extremely high-end models tend to be the quietest.
Extra Features
- Pre-Cool Function: Freezer bowl and salt-and-ice models do not allow pre-cooling, but automatic ice cream makers do. This takes a little work out of the equation but usually comes at an added cost.
- Multiple Functions: Some ice cream makers have a bevy of other functions, including automatic timers, multiple settings (for different kinds of confections), etc. These functions are not necessarily dire but could increase your ice cream maker’s versatility and overall value.
- Keep Cool Feature: The last thing you want is for your ice cream to melt because you forgot to check it after it finished churning. A stay-cool feature ensures your ice cream stays frozen after you make it, even if you’re not around to check on it.
Price and Warranty
- Budget: The simpler an ice cream maker is, the more affordable it is. However, ultra-budget options might require frequent part replacements, so that’s a cost worth considering. Ice cream makers can range between $50 and hundreds of dollars. Settle your budget early on in your shopping process.
- Warranty: Pay attention to the length and scope of the warranty on any ice cream maker. Be especially cautious with high-end automatic models (as they’re harder to fix on your own and might require technical help if anything goes wrong). Also consider what activities might void your warranty, what kinds of issues the warranty covers (some only cover specific manufacturing defects) and whether you need to register your device.
How We Tested the Best Ice Cream Makers
To find the best ice cream makers, we first did our research. We spent hours investigating top brands, asking our team for recommendations and reading customer reviews. We then called in 10 of our top choices for firsthand testing. Our picks span eight brands and a range of price points—starting at $28 and climbing all the way up to $500.
In our Test Kitchen, culinary expert Ellie Crowley spent a week freezing, churning, mixing and tasting ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato. Each machine was evaluated on operation, taste, noise level, craftsmanship, cleaning, aesthetic and overall value. Only six models earned our designation of “Test Kitchen Approved.” The machines that fell short required too much attention or yielded too soft results.
Meet the Tester
As a culinary producer, Ellie is responsible for styling and photographing our high-performing recipes. She was previously a high school Culinary Arts instructor with 12 years of experience and knowledge in cooking and recipe development. Areas of expertise include development, knife skills, stocks and sauces, yeast doughs, bread baking and cocktails. As a true Midwesterner, she is excited to finally put her ice cream-tasting skills to the test!
Why You Should Trust Us
A senior shopping editor at Taste of Home, Katie Bandurski is a pioneer of the Taste of Home shopping team. She has personally reviewed hundreds of items in the food, kitchen, holiday and home spaces. She has over eight years of experience in home content, contributing to thousands of articles, including those in the kitchen and food sections, making her the ideal candidate to speak on ice cream makers.
Ellie Crowley has 14 years of professional experience in food and recipe development, including 11 years as a high school culinary arts instructor. She tested and researched each ice cream maker in this article.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
FAQ
Is it worth buying an ice cream maker?
If you enjoy making and experimenting with your own recipes (we’re looking at you, home chefs) and frequently enjoy having ice cream in your freezer, then an ice cream maker could be absolutely worth it. If you’re more of a casual enjoyer of these frozen treats—meaning you only partake occasionally—and prefer when someone else does the work, it might not be your cup of tea. It’s also important to remember that ice cream makers take up space, so you’ll either need dedicated counter space or a place to stash it between uses.
Which company makes the best ice cream?
This is extremely subjective, but the most popular ice cream brands in the United States include Ben & Jerry’s, Dairy Queen, Baskin-Robbins, Breyer’s, Blue Bunny and Häagen-Dazs.
Who is the top ice cream manufacturer?
According to Statista, Ben & Jerry’s is the most successful ice cream manufacturer in the United States, with annual sales approaching $1 billion.
Originally Published: May 03, 2024
