Best Ice Cream Makers
Find the best ice cream makers for homemade treats.
Ninja CREAMi Original Pints 4-Pack
- ✓Reusable pints for unlimited frozen treats
- ✓Compatible with all CREAMi machine models
- ✓BPA-free containers with secure lids
Ninja CREAMi Original Pints 4-Pack
- ✓Reusable pints for unlimited frozen treats
- ✓Compatible with all CREAMi machine models
- ✓BPA-free containers with secure lids
Ninja CREAMi Swirl Pint & Lids
- ✓Genuine Ninja CREAMi compatible pints
- ✓Reusable pints for endless frozen treats
- ✓Includes lids for storage and freezing
Ninja CREAMi Swirl Pint & Lids
- ✓Genuine Ninja CREAMi compatible pints
- ✓Reusable pints for endless frozen treats
- ✓Includes lids for storage and freezing
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Frozen Treat Maker
- ✓Dual-drive motors blend and freeze 24oz treats
- ✓Includes 4 XL tubs with lids for storage
- ✓Family-sized capacity makes 4 servings instantly
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Frozen Treat Maker
- ✓Dual-drive motors blend and freeze 24oz treats
- ✓Includes 4 XL tubs with lids for storage
- ✓Family-sized capacity makes 4 servings instantly
Cuisinart 1.5qt Ice Cream Maker
- ✓Freezes and mixes ice cream in 20 minutes
- ✓Double-insulated freezer bowl for consistent results
- ✓1.5 quart capacity for family-sized batches
Cuisinart 1.5qt Ice Cream Maker
- ✓Freezes and mixes ice cream in 20 minutes
- ✓Double-insulated freezer bowl for consistent results
- ✓1.5 quart capacity for family-sized batches
Cuisinart 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
- ✓2-quart double-insulated freezer bowl
- ✓Brushed stainless steel construction
- ✓Large ingredient spout for easy mixing
Cuisinart 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
- ✓2-quart double-insulated freezer bowl
- ✓Brushed stainless steel construction
- ✓Large ingredient spout for easy mixing
Nostalgia Parlor Electric Ice Cream Maker
- ✓Makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato
- ✓Modern electric operation with convenient controls
- ✓Homemade frozen treats in minutes
Nostalgia Parlor Electric Ice Cream Maker
- ✓Makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato
- ✓Modern electric operation with convenient controls
- ✓Homemade frozen treats in minutes
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
- ✓Make thick and creamy ice cream at home
- ✓Fits most KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixers
- ✓Please verify your model number compatibility
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
- ✓Make thick and creamy ice cream at home
- ✓Fits most KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixers
- ✓Please verify your model number compatibility
Ninja Creami Deluxe Pint 2-Pack
- ✓Genuine Ninja Creami compatible pints
- ✓Make frozen treats in minutes repeatedly
- ✓Reusable pints for endless frozen creations
Ninja Creami Deluxe Pint 2-Pack
- ✓Genuine Ninja Creami compatible pints
- ✓Make frozen treats in minutes repeatedly
- ✓Reusable pints for endless frozen creations
Frostline Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream Mix
- ✓Makes soft serve in freezer bowl
- ✓Best results with 2% fat or whole milk
- ✓Creates creamy vanilla flavor at home
Frostline Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream Mix
- ✓Makes soft serve in freezer bowl
- ✓Best results with 2% fat or whole milk
- ✓Creates creamy vanilla flavor at home
Disney Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker
- ✓Makes single-serve ice cream in freezable mug
- ✓Compact portable design for countertop use
- ✓Creates parlor-quality texture at home
Disney Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker
- ✓Makes single-serve ice cream in freezable mug
- ✓Compact portable design for countertop use
- ✓Creates parlor-quality texture at home
Buyer's Guide
Capacity and Batch Size
Ice cream makers range from 1.5-quart models (6 servings) to 2-quart versions (8+ servings). The Ninja CREAMi uses individual pint containers, ideal for testing flavors or dietary restrictions but requiring 24-hour freezing per pint. Traditional churning models like Cuisinart's 1.5qt and 2qt options make full batches in 20-25 minutes after pre-freezing the bowl. Families should opt for 2-quart minimum; singles or couples can manage with 1.5-quart.
Freezer Bowl vs. Built-In Compressor vs. Pre-Frozen Method
Freezer bowl models (Cuisinart, KitchenAid attachment) require 12-24 hours of bowl pre-freezing and cost $50-100, but need advance planning and freezer space. The Ninja CREAMi freezes the mixture solid first (24 hours), then blades shave it into ice cream—unique texture control but longest wait. Compressor models ($200-400, not in this list) freeze while churning with no pre-freezing. For occasional use, freezer bowl models offer best value.
Texture Customization and Recipe Flexibility
Ninja CREAMi models excel at non-dairy bases, protein ice creams, and mix-ins (sorbets, gelatos) due to their blade-based method that handles low-fat mixtures traditional churners struggle with. Cuisinart and KitchenAid attachments produce classic creamy texture but require proper fat content (10-16%) for best results. CREAMi Deluxe adds mix-in functionality mid-process. Consider your dietary needs: CREAMi for experimentation, traditional churners for classic recipes.
Prep Time and Convenience
KitchenAid attachment requires owning the stand mixer ($30-50 attachment cost) but saves counter space. Cuisinart models are standalone with simple one-button operation. Ninja CREAMi demands 24-hour freeze time per pint but allows batch prep of multiple flavors. For spontaneous desserts with planning, choose Cuisinart; for variety and dietary customization, choose CREAMi despite longer waits.