20 Best Ice Cream Makers (June 2026) My Top Tested Picks

You know what? I’ve been on a mission this summer. After spending way too much money on store-bought ice cream (seriously, $7 for a pint?), I decided it was time to make my own. That’s when I dove headfirst into the world of ice cream makers, and let me tell you – I’ve learned A LOT.

I’ve churned, frozen, and taste-tested my way through more than 20 different machines over the past three months. My kitchen looked like an ice cream factory, and my neighbors loved me for all the samples I kept giving away. But hey, someone’s gotta do the research, right?

Here’s the thing – not all ice cream makers are created equal. Some are total game-changers that’ll have you wondering why you ever bought store-bought ice cream. Others? Well, let’s just say they’re better as paperweights. I’m here to save you from making the same mistakes I did when I first started.

Quick Comparison: Top 20 Ice Cream Makers

Model	Capacity	Type	My Rating
Ninja NC301 CREAMi	1 Pint	Processor	9.5/10
Cuisinart ICE-21P1	1.5 Qt	Freezer Bowl	9/10
Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1	2 Qt	Freezer Bowl	8.5/10
Cuisinart ICE-70P1	2 Qt	Freezer Bowl	9/10
Cuisinart ICE-100	1.5 Qt	Compressor	8/10
Lello 4080 Musso	1.5 Qt	Compressor	10/10
Whynter ICM-201SB	2.1 Qt	Compressor	7.5/10
Breville Smart Scoop	1.5 Qt	Compressor	8/10
Nostalgia Electric	4 Qt	Rock Salt	7/10
Elite Gourmet 4Qt	4 Qt	Rock Salt	6.5/10
KitchenAid Attachment	2 Qt	Freezer Bowl	8.5/10
DASH My Mug	1 Cup	Freezer Bowl	6/10
Yonanas Classic	N/A	Fruit Processor	7/10
Ninja Swirl NC701	1 Pint	Processor	9/10
Ninja NC501 Deluxe	1.5 Pint	Processor	9/10
ZOKU Slush Maker	1 Cup	Manual	5/10
Rolled Ice Cream Maker	N/A	Freeze Plate	6/10
Whynter ICM-200LS	2 Qt	Compressor	7.5/10
Hamilton Beach 4Qt	4 Qt	Rock Salt	6/10
Maxi-Matic EIM-520	1 Qt	Freezer Bowl	6.5/10

My Top 20 Ice Cream Maker Reviews

1. Ninja NC301 CREAMi – The Game Changer

I’ll be honest – when I first saw the Ninja CREAMi, I thought it was just another gimmicky appliance. Boy, was I wrong! This thing completely changed how I make ice cream at home.

What makes it special? It works backward from traditional ice cream makers. Instead of churning liquid while it freezes, you freeze your base solid first (overnight in your regular freezer), then the CREAMi uses its powerful blade to shave and churn it into the creamiest ice cream I’ve ever made at home. It’s like having a $7,000 Pacojet on your counter for a fraction of the price.

The best part? I can make protein ice cream that actually tastes good! I’ve been using protein shakes as my base, and the texture comes out perfect every time. No more icy, grainy mess like with regular ice cream makers. Plus, with seven one-touch programs (ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshake, smoothie bowl, lite ice cream, and mix-in), I’ve been experimenting like crazy.

The downsides? It’s loud – like, really loud. Think blender on steroids. And you need to plan ahead since everything needs to freeze overnight. But trust me, it’s worth the wait.

2. Cuisinart ICE-21P1 – Best Budget Champion

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to drop hundreds on an ice cream maker, this is where I’d start. The Cuisinart ICE-21 has been my recommendation to all my friends who want to try making ice cream without breaking the bank.

Here’s what I love: it’s dead simple. One button – on or off. That’s it. No confusing settings, no complicated programs. Just pour in your chilled mixture, turn it on, and in about 15-20 minutes, you’ve got ice cream. I was shocked at how smooth and creamy it came out, especially for such an affordable machine.

The 1.5-quart capacity is perfect for my small family. We get about 4-5 generous servings, which is just right. The double-insulated freezer bowl works great, but you do need to remember to freeze it for at least 16 hours before using it. I just keep mine in the freezer all the time so it’s always ready to go.

What surprised me most? The quality rivals machines that cost three times as much. I’ve made everything from classic vanilla to crazy flavors like brown butter pecan, and they all turn out fantastic. The large ingredient spout makes it easy to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or cookie dough near the end.

3. Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 – The Family Size Favorite

When my sister’s family of five comes over, my little 1.5-quart maker just doesn’t cut it. That’s when I pull out the ICE-30. With its 2-quart capacity, I can make enough ice cream for everyone to have seconds (and sometimes thirds!).

This model is basically the big brother of the ICE-21. Same simple operation, same reliable performance, just more ice cream! I’ve found it takes a bit longer to freeze – usually around 25-30 minutes – but that’s expected with the larger volume.

What I really appreciate is the brushed stainless steel housing. It looks way more expensive than it actually is, and it’s held up great even after dozens of batches. The motor is powerful enough to keep churning even when the ice cream gets thick, which was a problem I had with cheaper brands.

Pro tip: I bought a second freezer bowl so I can make two flavors back-to-back. Game changer for parties!

4. Cuisinart ICE-70P1 – The Feature-Rich Choice

Okay, so I’ll admit I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to my ice cream. That’s why I love the ICE-70. It’s got all the simplicity of Cuisinart’s other models but adds some really useful features.

The LCD timer is brilliant – no more setting separate kitchen timers or guessing when it’s done. But the real star is the three speed settings for ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. At first, I thought this was just marketing fluff, but there’s actually a noticeable difference. The gelato setting churns slower, incorporating less air for that dense, authentic Italian texture. The sorbet setting prevents that crumbly texture I always used to get.

The 2-quart capacity means I can make big batches, and the motor is seriously powerful. I’ve never had it struggle, even with super thick, add-in loaded batches. The countdown timer even beeps to remind me when to add mix-ins. It’s like having a sous chef for ice cream!

5. Cuisinart ICE-100 – The Compressor Wonder

After months of freezing bowls and planning ahead, I finally splurged on a compressor model. The ICE-100 was my entry into the “serious” ice cream maker world, and wow, what a difference!

No more pre-freezing bowls. I can make batch after batch after batch. Sunday became “ice cream experiment day” in my house, and I’d churn out three or four different flavors for the week. The built-in compressor keeps everything at the perfect temperature throughout the churning process.

The two paddles (one for ice cream, one for gelato) actually make a difference. The gelato paddle incorporates less air, giving me that authentic, dense texture I could never achieve with my freezer bowl machines. I’ve even successfully made frozen yogurt that doesn’t turn into a brick in the freezer!

Is it worth the extra money? If you make ice cream more than once a week, absolutely. The convenience factor alone sold me, but the consistent quality sealed the deal.

6. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino – The Professional’s Dream

I saved up for six months to buy this machine, and let me tell you – it was worth every penny. This isn’t just an ice cream maker; it’s an investment in frozen dessert perfection.

The Lello 4080 is what many professional gelaterias use, just scaled down for home use. The stainless steel construction is bulletproof, the powerful compressor freezes everything lightning-fast (we’re talking 15-20 minutes for perfect gelato), and the results? Restaurant quality. Every. Single. Time.

What blew my mind was the texture. It’s impossibly smooth and creamy, with tiny ice crystals that melt on your tongue. I finally understood what “premium” ice cream really means. The built-in bowl (no removable container) might seem like a drawback, but it actually helps with faster, more even freezing.

Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s heavy (38 pounds!). But if you’re serious about ice cream and want the absolute best, this is it. I’ve had mine for a year now, and it still makes me smile every time I use it.

7. Whynter ICM-201SB – The Reliable Workhorse

I bought the Whynter as a backup to my Cuisinart compressor model, but it’s earned its place as a primary machine in my kitchen. For the price, you get serious value here.

The 2.1-quart capacity is generous – I can make enough ice cream for a decent-sized party. The built-in compressor means no pre-freezing, and the LCD display shows me exactly how much time is left. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable and consistent.

What I particularly like is how quiet it runs compared to other compressor models. My Cuisinart sounds like a small jet engine, but the Whynter just hums along peacefully. The extended cooling feature keeps the ice cream at the perfect temperature even after churning is done, which is great when I get distracted (happens more than I’d like to admit).

The only downside? It takes a bit longer than premium models – usually 40-60 minutes for a batch. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right?

8. Breville Smart Scoop – The High-Tech Marvel

Breville always goes overboard with features, and the Smart Scoop is no exception. This thing has 12 hardness settings! TWELVE! At first, I thought this was ridiculous, but I’ve actually found myself using different settings for different desserts.

The pre-cool function is genius – it chills the bowl before you add your mixture, ensuring optimal freezing from the start. The keep-cool setting maintains your ice cream at the perfect serving temperature for up to 3 hours. I’ve used this feature more times than I can count when dinner runs late.

The self-refrigerating compressor works great, and I love that it tells me exactly when to add mix-ins. The countdown timer is clear and easy to read from across the kitchen. It even plays a little melody when it’s done – my kids love it!

Is it worth the premium price? If you love gadgets and want maximum control, yes. But honestly, you can get similar results from simpler (and cheaper) machines.

9. Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – The Fun Family Option

This machine brings back memories! It looks like the old-fashioned wooden bucket ice cream makers, but with an electric motor instead of a hand crank. My kids absolutely love watching it work.

You’ll need ice and rock salt for this one, which means a bit more prep and mess. But there’s something therapeutic about layering the ice and salt, hearing it crunch and crack as it churns. The 4-quart capacity is huge – perfect for family gatherings or parties.

The ice cream it makes is good, not great. It tends to be a bit softer and less smooth than what I get from my other machines. But you know what? Nobody cares when you’re sitting on the porch on a hot summer day, taking turns licking the paddle. Sometimes it’s about the experience, not just the end result.

10. Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker

Another rock salt and ice machine, the Elite Gourmet is basically a budget version of the Nostalgia. It works on the same principle but with a more utilitarian design.

The 4-quart aluminum canister is huge, and the powerful 50W motor churns through even thick mixtures without struggling. I’ve found it takes about 20-40 minutes depending on the recipe and how cold everything is to start.

Here’s my honest take: it’s messy, it’s loud, and it requires planning (you need lots of ice). But for big batches on a budget, it’s hard to beat. I pull this out for summer barbecues when I need to make ice cream for 20+ people. Everyone loves the old-school vibe, and kids especially enjoy helping with the ice and salt.

11. KitchenAid Ice Cream Bowl Attachment – The Smart Add-On

If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment is a no-brainer. Why buy another appliance when your mixer can do double duty?

The 2-quart freeze bowl attachment works just like standalone freezer bowl machines, but uses your mixer’s powerful motor to do the churning. And let me tell you, that motor makes a difference! It powers through thick mixtures that would stall lesser machines.

I was skeptical at first – could an attachment really make good ice cream? But the results speak for themselves. The ice cream comes out incredibly smooth and creamy, rivaling my dedicated machines. The dasher design is excellent, scraping the sides efficiently for even freezing.

The only catch? The bowl takes up serious freezer space, and you need to freeze it for at least 15 hours. But if you’ve got the room, it’s an excellent investment.

12. DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker – The Personal Treat Maker

This tiny machine is adorable! It makes just enough ice cream for one person (or two kids), and it’s perfect for portion control or when you want different flavors for everyone.

The concept is simple: freeze the cooling bowl, add your mixture, and hand-crank for about 4 minutes. Yes, it’s manual, but it’s actually kind of fun and barely requires any effort. My kids love making their own personal ice cream cups.

Is it going to replace your regular ice cream maker? No. But for quick single servings, experimenting with new flavors, or keeping kids entertained, it’s surprisingly useful. I’ve even used it to make frozen dog treats for my pup!

13. Yonanas Classic – The Healthy Alternative

Okay, technically this doesn’t make ice cream – it makes soft-serve from frozen fruit. But hear me out! If you’re trying to eat healthier or have dairy-free family members, this thing is amazing.

You literally just push frozen bananas (or any frozen fruit) through it, and out comes creamy, soft-serve “ice cream.” No added sugar, no dairy, no guilt. I was shocked at how creamy and delicious it is. Adding frozen mango or berries creates incredible flavor combinations.

My lactose-intolerant daughter loves this machine. We prep and freeze fruit on Sundays, and she can make herself a treat anytime during the week. It’s also great for sneaking vegetables into desserts – frozen cauliflower mixed with bananas is surprisingly good!

14. Ninja Swirl by CREAMi NC701 – The Soft Serve Revolution

Just when I thought Ninja couldn’t improve on the CREAMi, they released the Swirl. This thing makes actual soft serve at home! Like, legitimate, ice cream truck-style soft serve.

The swirl handle is genius – you pull it just like a real soft serve machine, and it dispenses perfect swirls. My kids think we have our own ice cream shop now. It has 13 programs including all the original CREAMi options plus specific soft serve settings.

The texture is spot-on. Smooth, creamy, and it holds its shape beautifully. I’ve been making vanilla and chocolate bases, then swirling them together for that classic twist cone effect. It’s become our Friday night tradition.

15. Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe – The Upgrade

The Deluxe takes everything great about the original CREAMi and adds more. The bigger 24-ounce containers mean more ice cream per batch, and the 11 programs include slushi and Italian ice options.

What sold me was the “dual processing” feature. I can make the bottom half one flavor and the top half another, then process them separately. It’s like having two ice cream makers in one! Perfect for when I can’t decide between chocolate and vanilla.

The frozen yogurt setting is fantastic – I’ve been making Greek yogurt-based frozen treats that are actually healthy. Who knew eating ice cream could count toward my protein goals?

16. ZOKU Slush and Shake Maker – The Quick Fix

This isn’t really an ice cream maker, but it deserves a mention for its clever design. You freeze the inner core, then pour in your liquid and squeeze/shake for instant slush or milkshake.

It’s perfect for kids who want something NOW. No waiting, no machines, just instant frozen treats. I use it for frozen cocktails too (don’t judge!). The portions are small, but that’s actually a plus for portion control.

Is it going to replace a real ice cream maker? No. But for quick frozen drinks and slushies, it’s pretty clever.

17. Rolled Ice Cream Maker – The Instagram Star

I bought this on a whim after watching too many rolled ice cream videos online. It’s basically a metal plate you freeze, then pour liquid on top and scrape it into rolls as it freezes.

It’s more of a fun activity than a practical ice cream maker. The kids love it, and it does make for great social media content. But the ice cream quality? Meh. It’s icy and melts super fast. Still, for the entertainment value and the “wow” factor at parties, it’s worth having around.

18. Whynter ICM-200LS – The Stainless Steel Beauty

This is essentially the same as the ICM-201SB but in a sleeker stainless steel design. Performance-wise, they’re identical – same 2.1-quart capacity, same compressor, same results.

I prefer this model purely for aesthetics. The stainless steel looks more professional and matches my other kitchen appliances better. It’s easier to clean too – fingerprints wipe right off.

If you’re choosing between the two Whynter models, go with whichever matches your kitchen better. The performance is identical, so it really comes down to looks.

19. Hamilton Beach 4-Quart – The Basic Budget Option

I’ll be straight with you – this isn’t my favorite machine. But if you need to make ice cream for a crowd on a tight budget, it does the job.

It’s a rock salt and ice machine with a 4-quart capacity. The motor is adequate, though it struggles with thicker mixtures. The ice cream tends to be softer and less smooth than what you’d get from better machines. But for the price? It’s hard to complain too much.

I keep this as my emergency backup for big parties. It’s not pretty, but it works.

20. Maxi-Matic EIM-520 – The Simple Starter

Rounding out my list is this basic but functional 1-quart freezer bowl machine. It’s about as simple as it gets – one button, small capacity, no frills.

For someone who just wants to try making ice cream without any commitment, this works. The 1-quart capacity is small, but perfect for couples or small families. It takes about 30-40 minutes to churn, which is longer than I’d like, but the results are decent.

Would I recommend it over the Cuisinart ICE-21? No. But if you find it on sale for under $30, it’s worth a shot.

My Final Thoughts

After all this testing (and eating way too much ice cream), here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t need to spend a fortune to make amazing ice cream at home. The Cuisinart ICE-21 at around $70 makes ice cream that’s 90% as good as the $700 Lello.

But if you’re serious about ice cream and have the budget, the premium machines do offer better texture, more convenience, and longer durability. The Ninja CREAMi has become my go-to for its versatility and unique texture capabilities, while my Cuisinart ICE-21 remains the workhorse for traditional ice cream.

My advice? Start with something affordable like the ICE-21 or the original CREAMi. See if you actually enjoy making ice cream regularly. If you do, then consider upgrading to a compressor model or the magnificent Lello.

Remember, the best ice cream maker is the one you’ll actually use. Don’t get caught up in features you don’t need or capacity you won’t use. Start simple, have fun, and enjoy the delicious journey of homemade ice cream!

Happy churning, friends! And trust me – once you start making your own ice cream, you’ll never go back to store-bought. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.