I’ve spent weeks researching and analyzing the best ice cream makers on the market, consulting expert reviews from CNN Underscored, Good Housekeeping, Food Network, TechRadar, Reviewed, and countless user experiences from Reddit and Amazon. Making ice cream at home has never been more popular—and I’m here to help you find the perfect portable ice cream maker or countertop model that fits your needs and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ve evaluated dozens of ice cream makers based on real-world performance, user reviews, expert testing, and value for money. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to make ice cream at home for the first time or a premium compressor model that can churn out multiple batches, I’ve got you covered. I’ve included everything from traditional freezer bowl models to innovative new machines that are taking TikTok by storm.
What you’ll find here is honest, balanced information—real pros and cons based on actual testing and user feedback, not marketing hype. I’ve looked at price points ranging from under $30 to over $300, so there’s something for every budget and skill level. Let’s dive into the top 10 ice cream makers that will transform your kitchen into an artisanal ice cream shop.
Top 10 Best Ice Cream Makers
1. Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker
The Best Budget Champion
The Cuisinart ICE-21 consistently ranks as the best value ice cream maker you can buy. After testing dozens of machines, experts at CNN Underscored found this model delivered some of the creamiest ice cream while being one of the cheapest options available.
Pros:
- Exceptional price-to-performance ratio at around $70-80
- Makes incredibly smooth, creamy ice cream in just 15-20 minutes (faster than machines costing hundreds more)
- Simple one-switch operation—perfect for beginners
- 1.5-quart capacity is ideal for 2-4 people
- Compact design doesn’t hog counter space
- Minimal ice buildup on bowl sides compared to competitors
- Easy to clean (though hand-wash only for the bowl)
Cons:
- Requires freezing the bowl for 16-24 hours before use
- Quite loud during operation (not ideal if your kitchen is near living spaces)
- Can only make one batch at a time without an additional bowl
- Slightly grainy texture with some recipes compared to premium models
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, beginners, small households, and anyone who wants excellent ice cream without breaking the bank
2. Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker
The Viral TikTok Sensation
This is the machine everyone’s talking about on social media, and for good reason. The Ninja Creami Deluxe takes a completely different approach to ice cream making—instead of churning as it freezes, you freeze your base first, then the machine’s powerful blade “creamifies” it into silky smooth ice cream in just minutes.
Pros:
- Makes incredibly creamy ice cream, gelato, sorbet, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and more (11 programs total)
- Perfect for high-protein, low-sugar, keto, vegan, and dairy-free recipes
- Ready in 2-5 minutes once base is frozen
- Can process half-pints, saving the rest for later
- Includes two 24-oz pint containers
- Re-spin function for ultra-creamy texture
- Dual processing allows two flavors/mix-ins in one batch
- Digital countdown timer
Cons:
- Requires 24-hour freezing of base mixture before processing
- Very loud during operation (louder than traditional churners)
- More expensive at $229-$280
- Takes up significant counter space
- Learning curve for getting recipes just right
Best for: Health-conscious users, protein ice cream enthusiasts, people who want maximum versatility, and those willing to plan ahead
3. Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Compressor Ice Cream Maker
Best Compressor Model for Home Use
If you’re serious about making ice cream at home and don’t want to deal with pre-freezing bowls, the Whynter ICM-201SB is the gold standard. CNN Underscored named it their top compressor pick after finding it churned the creamiest ice cream in their entire testing pool.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor means no pre-freezing required—ever
- Can make multiple batches back-to-back without waiting
- Surprisingly quiet operation for a compressor model
- 2.1-quart capacity
- Upright design takes up less counter space than other compressor models
- Stainless steel bowl is easy to clean
- Extended cooling function prevents melting
- Motor protection prevents overheating
- LCD timer and audible alerts
Cons:
- Expensive at $300-$350
- Heavy (30 pounds)—needs a permanent countertop spot
- Longer churning time (30-45 minutes average)
- Can be challenging to scrape ice cream from paddle
Best for: Serious ice cream makers, families who make ice cream frequently, anyone who hates planning 24 hours ahead, and those with counter space to spare
4. GreenPan Frost 15-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker
Best for Soft Serve at Home
The GreenPan Frost is the closest thing you’ll get to a professional soft-serve machine for home use. It has a built-in compressor and dispenses beautiful swirls directly into cones or cups—no pre-freezing required.
Pros:
- No pre-freezing needed—built-in compressor does it all
- Ready in as little as 15 minutes
- Dispenses authentic soft-serve swirls
- 6 modes including slushies, milkshakes, sorbet, and spiked slushies
- 7 texture settings from soft to firm
- 2-quart (64 oz) family-size capacity
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Premium price at $380-$400
- Large footprint on counter
- Mostly plastic construction
- Can’t add mix-ins during processing
- Some mixture sticks in hopper where blades can’t reach
Best for: Soft-serve enthusiasts, families who love slushies and frozen drinks, people who value aesthetics, and those who want minimal prep time
5. Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL
Most Feature-Packed Premium Option
The Breville Smart Scoop is the Ferrari of home ice cream makers. It’s expensive, but it automatically senses hardness, has 12 different settings, and can keep your ice cream at perfect temperature for up to 3 hours.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor—no pre-freezing required
- Automatic hardness detection
- 12 hardness settings from soft-serve to rock-hard
- Pre-cool function chills machine in 5-10 minutes
- Keep-cool function maintains temperature for 3 hours
- Settings for ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt
- Stainless steel construction looks premium
- Produces exceptionally smooth, creamy ice cream
Cons:
- Very expensive ($400-$500)
- Heavy at 30 pounds
- Takes up significant counter space
- Central drive shaft makes scooping awkward
- Can take up to 40 minutes to churn
- 1.5-quart capacity is smaller than some compressor models
Best for: Ice cream perfectionists, tech enthusiasts, those who entertain frequently, and buyers who want the absolute best regardless of price
6. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment (KICA0WH)
Best for KitchenAid Stand Mixer Owners
If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment is a no-brainer. It transforms your mixer into an ice cream maker for a fraction of the cost of a standalone unit.
Pros:
- Much cheaper than buying a separate ice cream maker ($60-$100)
- No additional countertop space needed
- Makes up to 2 quarts (larger than many standalone models)
- Fits most 4.5-quart and larger KitchenAid mixers
- Variable speed control from your mixer
- Easy to store—bowl fits in freezer
- Dishwasher-safe drive assembly and dasher
- Ready in 20-30 minutes
Cons:
- Requires owning a KitchenAid stand mixer
- Bowl must be frozen 16+ hours before use
- Requires complete thawing before washing and refreezing (another 24 hours)
- Some users report blue liquid leaking from bowl
- Takes up freezer space
- Hand-wash only for freezer bowl
Best for: KitchenAid mixer owners, people with limited kitchen space, anyone looking to maximize their existing appliances, and budget-conscious buyers
7. Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
Best for Ice Cream and Gelato Enthusiasts
This professional-quality model comes with two paddles—one for ice cream and one specifically designed for gelato. If you want Italian-style frozen desserts, this is your machine.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor eliminates pre-freezing
- Dedicated gelato paddle for authentic texture
- Makes incredibly smooth, creamy gelato
- 1.5-quart capacity
- Commercial-grade build quality
- Can make multiple batches without waiting
- Stop/start button to sample mid-churn
- Stylish brushed stainless steel design
Cons:
- Expensive at $290-$380
- Large and heavy (not small-kitchen friendly)
- Quite noisy during operation
- Takes up permanent counter space
- Some inconsistency in batch results reported
Best for: Gelato lovers, serious home cooks, anyone who wants professional results, and people who value having dedicated tools for specific tasks
8. Dash My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker
Best Portable & Budget Option
This adorable little machine is perfect for single servings, dorm rooms, RVs, camping, or anyone with limited space. At around $20-30, it’s an absolute steal.
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable ($20-30)
- Ultra-compact—about the size of a travel mug
- Perfect for single servings (1.6 cups)
- Great for kids and camping trips
- Can be used manually or electrically
- Available in fun colors (aqua, white, pink)
- Parts stack for easy storage
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Included mixing spoon and recipe guide
Cons:
- Small capacity not suitable for families
- Bowl must be frozen 24 hours before use
- Results in very soft texture (needs additional freezing)
- Learning curve to get amounts right
- Takes up freezer space
- Not ideal for entertaining
Best for: Singles, college students, RV owners, campers, kids’ activities, people with tiny kitchens, and anyone wanting to try making ice cream at home without major investment
9. Ninja Swirl by Creami
Best for Authentic Soft-Serve Cones
The newest addition to the Ninja Creami family, this machine dispenses gorgeous soft-serve swirls directly into cones. It’s like having an ice cream shop in your kitchen.
Pros:
- Dispenses authentic soft-serve swirls
- 13 preset functions (both scoopable and soft-serve options)
- Mix-in function adds toppings during dispensing
- Makes four small cones per 16-oz pint
- Consistent soft-serve texture
- Large 24-oz capacity option available
- Includes multiple containers
- Versatile for various frozen treats
Cons:
- Requires 24-hour pre-freezing of base
- Very expensive ($300-$350)
- Extremely large footprint
- Loud during operation
- Difficult to clean thoroughly
- Smaller pint size (16 oz) than Deluxe model
Best for: Soft-serve lovers, families with kids, people who entertain, and those who don’t mind advance planning for special occasions
10. Cuisinart ICE-70 Electronic Ice Cream Maker
Best Mid-Range All-Rounder
This electronic model offers great features at a reasonable price. The LCD screen and timer make it more user-friendly than basic models, and it produces consistently good results.
Pros:
- LCD screen with countdown timer
- 2-quart capacity (larger than ICE-21)
- Extra-large ingredient spout for easy mix-ins
- Produces smooth, creamy ice cream
- Cord storage in base
- Attractive stainless steel design
- Multiple color options
- Reasonably priced for features offered
- Ready in 20-25 minutes
Cons:
- Requires 16-24 hours freezing time for bowl
- More expensive than ICE-21 without compressor
- Takes up more counter space
- Hand-wash only for freezer bowl
- Noisy during operation
- Can only make one batch at a time
Best for: Home cooks who want more features than budget models, families needing larger capacity, and anyone who values digital controls and timers
Things to Consider Before Buying an Ice Cream Maker
1. Compressor vs. Freezer Bowl Models
This is the most important decision you’ll make. Compressor models have built-in freezing systems, so you can make ice cream whenever the craving strikes. They’re more expensive ($250-$500) but incredibly convenient for frequent use. Freezer bowl models require pre-freezing the bowl for 16-24 hours before each batch. They’re much cheaper ($30-$150) but require planning ahead. If you make ice cream weekly, a compressor model pays for itself in convenience. For occasional treats, a freezer bowl model is perfectly fine.
2. Capacity Matters More Than You Think
Ice cream makers range from 1.6 cups to 4 quarts. Here’s what works: 1.5-2 quarts serves 3-6 people comfortably. Smaller capacities are great for singles or couples who want variety without waste. Larger capacities are essential for families or entertaining. Remember that homemade ice cream doesn’t last as long as store-bought (1-2 weeks), so don’t go bigger than you’ll use.
3. Counter Space and Storage
Compressor models are heavy (25-35 pounds) and large—they need a permanent home on your counter. Freezer bowl models are lighter and can be stored away, but the bowl needs to live in your freezer. Measure your available space before buying. If you have a small kitchen or limited freezer space, consider a compact model like the Dash My Pint or a KitchenAid attachment.
4. Speed vs. Quality Trade-offs
Traditional churning (20-40 minutes) generally produces better texture than rapid processing (2-5 minutes). The Ninja Creami works fast but requires 24-hour prep. Compressor models churn slower but need zero prep. Freezer bowl models are middle-ground. Think about what matters more to you: immediate gratification or superior texture.
5. Noise Levels Are Real
Ice cream makers can be surprisingly loud. The Cuisinart ICE-21 and Ninja Creami models are particularly noisy—you won’t want them running during movie night. Compressor models like the Whynter are quieter. If noise sensitivity is an issue, check reviews specifically mentioning sound levels or opt for models reviewers describe as “whisper-quiet.”
6. Budget Beyond the Machine
Factor in ongoing costs: quality ingredients (cream, milk, sugar, flavorings), storage containers, and potentially additional freezer bowls for back-to-back batches. Premium ingredients make a huge difference—cheap ice cream ingredients produce cheap-tasting ice cream. Budget $10-20 per batch for quality ingredients.
7. Cleaning and Maintenance Reality Check
Hand-washing is non-negotiable for most freezer bowls. Compressor models have more parts to clean. The Ninja Creami requires thorough cleaning between flavors to avoid cross-contamination. Models with simpler designs (one bowl, one paddle) are easier to maintain. If you hate dishes, this matters more than you think.
8. Special Dietary Needs
If you’re making dairy-free, low-sugar, or high-protein ice cream, the Ninja Creami excels because it processes frozen mixtures that traditional churners struggle with. Standard ice cream makers work better with classic recipes containing higher fat content. Consider what types of recipes you’ll actually make most often.
Affiliate Disclosure
Transparency matters to me. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase or sign up for a service—at no additional cost to you.