Best Ice Cream Maker Reviews 2023

Can you name a treat that says "party" even if you aren’t really celebrating anything? Here are some clues – it’s refreshingly cold, sweet and luscious, and your little ones absolutely love it. That’s right, we’re talking about that heavenly bowl of ice cream! You know this dessert beats the rest fair and square when your “Who wants some ice cream?” question rarely gets a “Not me.” What if you could work some magic and whip up a variety of ice cream right in your kitchen? That’s why we’ve researched far and wide to bring you five of the best ice cream maker brands in the world. These are sure to give that ice cream truck a run for its money!

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Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Freezing time

Bowl capacity

Convenience

Operation

Able to make

Our Top Choice

Cuisinart Mix It In™ Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

Standing true to its brand promise of making you ‘savor the good life’, Cuisinart has created a soft-serve ice cream machine that is sure to please the whole family.

Add up to 3 types of garnishing. Fully automatic. 1-1/2 quart capacity. Easy pull tab for soft serve dispersion. No ice or salt required

Mixing bowl must be frozen before use. Slightly heavier

20 minutes

1-1/2 quart

On/off dial, cone holder

Fully automatic

Ice-cream, yogurt, sorbet,sherbet

Best Value

Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

One look at the Hamilton Beach product catalog and you know this brand can address all your routine kitchen woes, including the desire to create perfect frozen dessert!

Ice cream, gelato, custard, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and sherbet ready in 20-40 minutes. Fully automatic. Over 20 ice cream recipes included

The machine may be loud

20-40 minutes

4 quarts

Easy-lock lid

Fully automatic

Ice cream,sorbet,custard,gelato

White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker

White Mountain is known for its premium manufacturing techniques. Founded in 1853, this brand has consistently created some of the finest traditional and modern ice cream machines.

Large 6-quart capacity. Powerful 12,000 rpm electric motor. Stainless steel canister. Pine wood bucket with lock brackets

Slightly heavier. Bucket may suffer from mild leakage after prolonged use

20-40 minutes

6 quarts

Drive motor, triple action dasher

Fully automatic

Ice cream, gelato, slushies

Aroma Housewares 4-Quart Traditional Ice-Cream Maker

When it comes to homeware, Aroma commands a repute like very few. It’s known for its blend of efficient and convenient technology, evident in this quality 4-quart ice-cream maker.

Traditional ice cream. Large 4 quart mixing bowl. Fast freezing. Ice cream recipes included

Hand crank must be handled with care to avoid breakage

60 minutes

4 quarts

Electric motor, aluminum canister

Semi-automatic

Ice cream, frozen yogurt

Nostalgia Vintage 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

Nostalgia offers a range of uniquely crafted products that are sure to evoke the child in you. It is a blend of advanced technology, retro design and class-apart functionality.

Electric motor for powerful churning. Motor locks. Chemical-free. Lightweight. Vintage look

Ice cream may require churning for a longer time

35-40 minutes

4 quarts

Transparent lid, motor locks

Fully automatic

Ice-cream, frozen-yogurt, gelato

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Watch Our Ice Cream Maker Review

What is the Best Ice Cream Maker?

We understand that every buyer has different needs. You could be looking for the perfect ice cream maker for your home kitchen, or a professional one for your busy shop. We've brought you a list of five fabulous ice cream makers from well-renowned brands. You can choose from a range of feature-packed machines for the one that suits your needs, budget, and taste. Now that you’re well advised on what to look for, it’s time to sample what the market has to offer and make your pick!

Our Top Choice

You can now make your favorite ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet with a dash of some vibrant sprinkles right in your own kitchen thanks to the Cuisinart Mix It In™ Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. Looking for a basic frozen dessert machine with just as much power? Take a look at this no-mess frozen yogurt-ice cream & sorbet maker from Cuisinart.

Cuisinart Mix It In™ Soft Serve 1-1/2 Quart Ice Cream Maker with Built-in Sprinkler Dispenser

Features

When it comes to features in an ice cream maker, the more the merrier (just like ice cream). Cuisinart has been one of the strongest market players in kitchen appliances. Its product portfolio boasts some of the most unique kitchen tools that push the boundaries to give you much more than the basics.

We aren’t surprised then that their Mix It In™ Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is a single machine that makes smooth and delicious ice creams, frozen yogurt, sorbet and sherbet, while giving you the option of adding not 1 or 2, but 3 mix-ins of your choice – sprinkles, chocolate chips, marshmallow, you name it! What’s more? You just need to pull a tab for some creamy, tasty soft serve. You think all this (and more) would come with a hefty price tag. The answer is, no. Based on our latest report, this wonder machine is available for just $99.95. Sweet!

Well, that’s not all. Take a look at what else is in store for you:

Easy-lock lid so that you can pour your ingredients right in with no mess
Cone holder for a stack of ice cream cones
Detachable drip tray
Mixing arm for smooth, lump-free frozen desserts
Mix-in gauge for accurate measurement

You’ve got a super powerful ice cream maker now. But, we like to spoil you for choice. So, if white is not the color for you, this fascinating Mix It In™ Soft Serve Maker is also available in pink. Go ahead; choose the one that matches your kitchen!

Sprinkle some extra goodness with the Cuisinart Mix It In™ Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker. Buy now!

Best Value

The 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker from Hamilton Beach is perfect for birthdays, dinner parties or just about any time your sweet tooth calls out. Just pour in your favorite ingredients and a delectable frozen dessert is ready in 20-40 minutes! Can’t wait that long? Hamilton Beach also has an Ice Cream Machine that creates treats in less than 20 minutes.

Hamilton Beach Automatic Frozen Dessert Maker - 4 Quarts of Ice Cream in 20-40 Minutes

Features

You may not feel like eating ice cream every day. Before you call us insane, consider this – you could also crave for some fresh fruit custard or a cool glass of sherbet. What if we told you there’s an ice cream maker that could do all this? Yes, the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker can create all your beloved icy desserts including gelatos and frozen yogurt. It does not take more than 40 minutes to work its wonders in your kitchen. This fully automatic machine can make up to 4 quarts of ice cream (or nearly any frozen dessert) – that’s enough to leave your family and friends smiling from ear-to-ear. Priced at just $34.99, based on our latest research, we’d say you should definitely go for this deal.

Guess what? There’s more:

No stirring needed
Hand washable
Easy-lock lid for spill-free ice cream making
The machine stops when the ice cream reaches the desired consistency

With such great features and a pocket-friendly price, this ice cream maker is tough to look past. It is also available in a pristine white color. Now you can pick the one you love.

Get the 6-in-1 Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker today!

The White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker has a powerful electric motor for smoother ice creams. It has a unique dasher that gently folds the ingredients when churning. This retains the right amount of air leaving the mixture soft and delicious. Need the same features at a lower price? White Mountain also offers a budget-friendly ice cream maker.

White Mountain Ice-Cream Maker with Wooden Bucket – Makes Ice-cream, Gelato & Slushies

Features

Age-old ice cream making was not easy. It required the freshest ingredients, hours of churning, and constant folding. The result was a surreal bowl of wholesome sweetness. What if an ice cream machine could do all that with absolutely no manual effort?

That’s right – the White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker uses a 12,000RPM (that means very powerful) engine to churn your ice cream to perfection. Its twin-blade, triple dasher gives you the creamiest dessert with zero labor. No wonder this machine has a large 6-quart capacity. With a taste so good, second helpings are bound to be asked for. When we last checked, this beautiful frozen dessert maker was priced at $269.99 – coming from a premium brand like White Mountain, this sure is a tempting deal.

Let’s take a look at some more features of this solid ice cream maker:

Durable buckets with galvanized hoops and electroplated fittings
Includes a great recipe booklet
Stainless steel lid and canister prevent ice cream from sticking
Ice cream is ready to serve in 20-40 minutes
Beech wooden blades for fluffy desserts
Can be used to make gelato, sherbet, slushies, frozen yogurt and sorbet

If you don’t like the idea of automatic ice cream machines, you could also check out the great range of efficient and traditional Hand-Crank Ice Cream Makers from White Mountain.

Get the power-packed White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker today to see what smooth means!

The Traditional 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker from Aroma Housewares is a unique mix of age-old legacy and modern technology. With a hand crank system and an electric motor, you’ll have the best of both worlds right in your kitchen! Need to please a larger crowd? This 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker from Aroma offers the same great taste in a larger capacity.

Aroma Housewares 4-Quart Ice Cream Machine with Traditional Die-Cast Hand Crank and Fir-Wood Bucket

Features

From coffee makers and kettles to grills and rice cookers, Aroma Housewares has been creating some of the most convenient kitchen tools that are crafted with years of experience and expertise. So when a brand of that stature produces an ice cream maker, you know you are in for a treat. Presenting, the terrific 4-Quart Traditional Ice Cream Maker!

We know you love ice cream. We also know how dearly you miss grandma’s ice cream. There’s nothing quite like it, is there now? You have to admit…that soothing bowl of creamy goodness tastes even better when made by someone you love. That’s why the 4-Quart Traditional Ice Cream Maker comes with a die-cast hand crank. After you’ve done your job, leave it to its electric motor to give your dessert a smooth finish. What’s more? You can also get some amazing classic ice cream recipes with this magic maker. Our latest research says that this machine is available at just $79.99!

This ice cream maker just refuses to stop pleasing. Here’s what more it has to offer:

Durable, handmade fir-wood bucket
Aluminum canister for rapid freezing
4-Quart - Large capacity perfect for the whole family
Convenient storage and easy assembly
Great for making frozen yogurt too

Create lip-smacking ice creams the good ol’ way. Buy the Aroma 4-Quart Traditional Ice Cream Maker today!

The 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker from Nostalgia’s Vintage Collection™ has an epoch design that will take you back to the classic ice cream days, and a power-packed electric motor that will create that same taste without you breaking a sweat! Need a larger capacity? Check out this 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker from Nostalgia.

Nostalgia Vintage Collection 4-Quart Ice Cream, Frozen Yoghurt & Gelato Maker

Features

Hot chocolate is divine. It’s even better when made by mom with those extra marshmallows. Some things are always better when they are homemade…just like ice cream. Taking homemade to an all new level is the Nostalgia Vintage Collection™ 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker.

It starts off the classic way: you pour in your ingredients in the 4-quart aluminum canister; place the canister in the bucket; layer it with some salt and ice and cover it with the lid. The next part is where this innovative ice cream maker glides into modern-day ease – all the ingredients are churned to perfection by a remarkable electric motor for some super-fine ice cream, gelato or even frozen yogurt. Our latest report suggests that this amazing ice cream maker is available at just $44.99!

Let’s take a look at some of its other cool features:

Firm-grip handle for convenient carrying
Plastic bucket for easy maintenance
See-through lid
Plastic churn paddle
Churns soft serve and smooth ice cream faster

If blue is not for you, the Vintage Collection™ from Nostalgia also offers a petite electric ice cream maker in pistachio. It is just as powerful at work and oh-so-classy in design.

See vintage and vogue come together with the Nostalgia Vintage Collection™ 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker!

How Do I Choose the Best Ice Cream Maker?

The skies are blue, temperatures are beginning to soar, and the one-time sun-lovers have now started complaining that it’s too much. Summer is at the door, and you are wondering how to enjoy it without burning up. An ice cream maker will help you churn up delicious, cold, and refreshingly creamy ice creams, gelatos, and sorbets, allowing you to chill and soothe your parched throat. For those who are after a healthier, low-calorie alternative, do not forget to buy a quality blender and make various smoothies with your favorite fruits and vegetables. With a good beverage refrigerator, your smoothies will remain fresh and tasty all day long.

With the skyrocketing commodity prices, more people are finding it difficult to regularly treat their families to creamy, cool, and exquisitely delicious ice cream. Store-bought ice creams are often full of excessive sugar, additives, and other fattening agents. Buying a good quality ice cream maker is a worthy investment. You will not only be cutting back on the expenses associated with eating out, but you will also be able to involve your children and other family members in the ice cream-making process and control what goes into your frozen treat!

The popularity of ice cream makers has grown over the past few years, which is quite understandable since homemade desserts tend to be tastier, compared to the store-bought ones. These machines are affordable, convenient, and easy to use. However, the numerous models on the market make the process of selecting a good ice cream maker challenging. It is important that you take the time and effort to select the best machine.

Here are some important considerations to help you in your purchase process. Do not forget to include a yogurt maker on your shopping list to ensure you never run out of delicious, healthy desserts.

Price

Price is among the biggest factors affecting your purchase of an ice cream maker. A fairly good ice cream maker (one suited for a beginner) will cost you about $30, while larger ones (suited for heavy-duty or regular use) can go for $300 or more. The type of appliance you choose will directly affect its price. Compressor models happen to be the most high-priced, because they usually have extra features that shorten the churning process. These models eliminate tedious tasks, such as treating the bowl with rock salt and ice cubes, or freezing it before putting in your chilled mixture.

A machine with a solid manufacturer’s warranty will ensure your financial protection in case you encounter any problems with the appliance. While there are cheap ice cream makers available that will give you pretty good results, the motors on these models are not designed to withstand extended use. Spending a little bit more upfront will usually ensure that you get a product that will last longer.

Features

A good ice cream maker should offer more than producing simple ice cream. It should be easy to wash and have a good-sized bowl for mixing. A good machine should also make ice cream in a short amount of time. Here are some other features to consider:

Method of Freezing

Different ice cream makers have different methods of freezing. Traditional ice cream makers require the bowl and the ice cream to be chilled before and after the churning procedure. This means additional hours in the preparation period, which can be a problem if you are in a hurry. The soft serve models, on the other hand, require absolutely no freezing after the churning process. They are also preferred for other delights with a creamy consistency, such as frozen yogurt and gelato. Depending on what model you choose, you might be required to treat the canister using ice cubes and rock salt before use. Machines with compressors have one major advantage: you don’t have to freeze the mixture after use, as the mixture inside the bowl is kept at freezing temperature. Ice cream makers with compressors can easily make several batches of ice creams in one go.
Churning Time

The churning time usually depends on the capacity of the machine. Appliances with a smaller volume can easily churn the ice cream in just 15 to 20 minutes. Larger machines normally require about 30 to 40 minutes for the mixture to be correctly churned. The churning time will also depend on whether the appliance is automatic or manual.

Construction and Design

Every ice cream maker manufacturer comes up with different design models each year, with various colors and aesthetics to appeal to your eyes. These appliances will fall into the three major categories discussed below:

Rock Salt and Ice

These machines are typically buckets of ice and salt. They have inner containers to carry the ice cream, and motors that run paddles that spin to churn the ice cream. If you don’t mind working out your triceps, you can opt for a model with a hand crank. Making ice cream with this machine is pretty straightforward. Just dump your ingredients into the bucket, add your ice cubes and rock salt, and power on the machine. However, you’ll need to have adequate ice cubes on hand, and that may be a snag if you don’t have enough space in your freezer.
Freezer Bowl

Most modern ice cream makers come with a special chilling bowl that you can put in the freezer overnight. When it's frozen, you simply put it into the machine, pour the ingredients and let the machine stir to produce your ice cream. You'll need some space in your freezer, plus you'll need to plan in advance (one day ahead) before you prepare the ice cream.
Compressor

High-end ice cream makers use compressors to do the chilling, in the same way an icebox works. With this type of machine, there’s no need for ice cubes, and you don’t need to remember to freeze your bowls. Just add your ingredients and you’re ready to go, whenever you need it. Additionally, you'll get ice cream with a smoother texture, and you can generate your ice cream much faster.

Performance and Ease of Use

Making ice cream should not be like a tedious workout in the gym! It should be simple and interesting. That’s why it’s critical to choose an ice cream maker that offers simplicity in design, ease of use, and lets you perform the task at hand with little hassle. Consider these factors:

Automatic vs. Manual

Electric ice cream machines, also referred to as automatic ice cream machines, come with mixing blades or automated paddles that churn your mixture until it gains a creamier consistency. While these models are clearly more expensive than the traditional ones, they are more practical, and they allow you to engage in your daily chores as the appliance performs all the work. Those on a budget can opt for the old-fashioned route by going for the hand crank ice cream maker models. These machines definitely require more effort to handle, and the churning process takes longer, but they are more affordable and exude the old-fashioned, traditional charm. These ice cream makers are smaller and excellent for light to moderate usage. They are also easier to clean than their automatic counterparts.
Extra Features

When shopping for an ice cream maker, check out other capabilities as well. You never know when you will start craving another kind of dessert, so it pays to look for an appliance with extra features. Most ice cream machines can also make other types of delicious treats, such as gelato, frozen yogurt, sherbet, or sorbets. There are models that can concoct frozen drinks such as margaritas or slushies. Some more expensive appliances are also equipped with extra features such as timers. You can simply feed in your ingredients and wait for the alert when your ice cream is ready.

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best Ice Cream Maker of 2023!

Wow! You now have an impressive list at hand. Grab the ice cream maker of your choice and get ready for some pretty amazing compliments, or some envious "How do you do it?" stares. Hopefully we've helped you find a fabulous ice cream maker to add to your kitchen shelves. But if we didn’t, check out the other options from these trusted brands we’ve reviewed.

Our Top Choice

Cuisinart Mix It In™ Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

Best Value

Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker

Aroma Housewares 4-Quart Traditional Ice-Cream Maker

Nostalgia Vintage 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

Go back to the start of the reviews

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