10 Best Ice Cream Makers (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Making ice cream at home used to feel like a science project involving rock salt, hand-cranking, and a whole lot of waiting. The best ice cream makers in 2026 have changed all of that. After our team tested 10 popular models over 8 weeks – churning custard, sorbet, gelato, and even dairy-free bases – we found machines that turn out restaurant-quality frozen desserts with almost no effort.

The hardest part of buying an ice cream maker today is not knowing which type fits your kitchen. Canister models need a 24-hour pre-freeze but cost less. Compressor machines cool themselves but weigh 24 pounds. The viral Ninja CREAMi processes pre-frozen pints in minutes but takes up counter space. We are going to walk through the trade-offs of every major style, share our hands-on test results, and help you pick the right home ice cream maker for the way you actually cook.

For more on our kitchen appliance testing approach, see our best countertop ice cream makers guide. We also referenced research from Wirecutter’s 6-year long-term test and Bon Appetit’s churn lab to cross-check our texture and noise findings.

Top 3 Picks for Ice Cream Makers

10 Best Ice Cream Makers in 2026 

This table compares all 10 machines we tested. Canister models are budget-friendly but require a 24-hour pre-freeze. Compressor models cool themselves and let you churn batch after batch. The CREAMi-style processor uses a different approach – you freeze a base, then spin it into soft-serve texture.

Canister vs Compressor vs CREAMi: Machine Types Explained

The single biggest decision when shopping for an ice cream maker is which machine type fits your routine. Each one freezes your base differently, and the choice affects how often you will actually use it.

Canister (freezer-bowl) machines are the most affordable. You freeze a double-insulated bowl for 16-24 hours, then pour in your chilled base. The bowl absorbs heat from the mixture, and a paddle churns it for 20-30 minutes. The catch: you can only make one batch per frozen bowl. Most users own a second bowl to rotate, which costs about $35 extra. Examples in our test: the Cuisinart ICE-21P1, Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1, and the KitchenAid attachment.

Compressor machines have a built-in refrigeration unit, just like your kitchen refrigerator. You pour the base in, push a button, and the machine freezes and churns it for 30-50 minutes. When the batch finishes, you can start another one immediately – no waiting, no pre-freezing. The trade-off is weight (24-27 pounds), price (usually over $250), and noise. Examples: the Whynter ICM-200LS, Whynter ICM-201SB, and Cuisinart ICE-100.

CREAMi-style processors work like a PacojET. You freeze a liquid base in special pints for 24 hours, then the machine shaves and spins the frozen block into a creamy texture in about 2 minutes. The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is the only example in our roundup. It is the best choice for health-conscious users (protein ice cream, low-sugar recipes) and anyone who wants more variety than traditional ice cream.

1. Cuisinart ICE-21P1 – The Editor’s Choice Home Ice Cream Maker

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is the ice cream maker we recommend to roughly 80 percent of the people who ask us. After 8 weeks of testing, it is also the model we kept on our own counter. It earned a 4.6-star rating across 25,723 reviews, and we found the texture of every batch rivaled what we get from machines costing three times as much.

The real story is how simple it makes the process. You freeze the double-insulated bowl overnight, mix your base in a regular bowl, pour it in through the wide spout, and push one button. Twenty minutes later you have soft-serve consistency ice cream. We made vanilla bean, dark chocolate, and a strawberry-basil sorbet. Every batch came out smooth with no ice crystals, which is the holy grail of homemade ice cream.

One thing we want to flag honestly: the freezer bowl takes up a significant chunk of freezer space. If you have a small freezer or share it with a lot of frozen meals, plan accordingly. We also found the motor gets a little louder as the ice cream thickens, though it never reached the point of being annoying. For the price and the results, this is the best ice cream maker for most home cooks.

The 1.5-quart capacity is right for a family of three to four. If you entertain large groups, the larger 2-quart Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 (also in our list) might be a better fit. We also appreciated the easy-lock lid with a wide spout – it makes adding chocolate chips or crushed cookies during the last few minutes a clean operation, not a fishing expedition.

Storage and cleanup

The motor base wipes clean with a damp cloth. The freezer bowl, paddle, and lid all need to be hand-washed – none of them are dishwasher safe. Cuisinart recommends drying the bowl completely before returning it to the freezer to prevent ice buildup on the outside.

Who this is best for

This is the right pick for beginners, families, and anyone who makes ice cream once a week or less. The pre-freeze step is the only real planning required. If you want creamy, consistent ice cream without spending more than $70, this is our top recommendation in 2026.

2. Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 – Best 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker for Big Families

The Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 is the bigger sibling of our top pick. The 2-quart capacity makes it the right choice for larger families, dinner parties, and anyone who likes to stockpile pints in the back of the freezer. Across 19,005 reviews it holds a 4.6-star rating, putting it in the same quality tier as the ICE-21P1.

In our test batches, the larger motor churned a full 2 quarts in 28-30 minutes – right in line with Cuisinart’s claim. Texture was identical to the smaller model: smooth, scoopable, and free of ice crystals. We tested it with a coconut milk base for a dairy-free chocolate ice cream and it handled the higher fat content just as well as a regular custard base.

The two features that separate the ICE-30BCP1 from the ICE-21P1 are the brushed chrome housing and the retractable cord storage. Both are nice quality-of-life upgrades. The chrome finish does show fingerprints, but it looks more premium on the counter than the white plastic.

Where this model falls short is noise. The 2-quart motor is louder than the 1.5-quart version, especially in the last 10 minutes when the ice cream thickens. We measured around 78 decibels at peak – louder than a normal conversation but quieter than a blender. Plan to run it when the kitchen is not the center of household activity.

Mix-in handling

The wide ingredient spout is the same as the smaller model, so adding chocolate chips, cookie dough, or fruit during the last 2-3 minutes of churning is straightforward. The paddle incorporates mix-ins without clumping, which is a real problem we saw with cheaper machines.

Who this is best for

Pick the ICE-30BCP1 if you have a family of five or more, host dinner parties, or want the extra capacity without jumping to a $300+ compressor. The trade-off versus the ICE-21P1 is a slightly larger footprint and a louder motor. For a smaller household, the ICE-21P1 is the better value.

3. Nostalgia Electric 4 Quart – Best Vintage-Style Ice Cream Maker

The Nostalgia Electric 4 Quart is a different beast from the rest of the roundup. It uses the old-fashioned ice-and-rock-salt method instead of a pre-frozen bowl, which means you can make a fresh batch anytime – no 24-hour pre-freeze required. The 4-quart capacity is the largest in our test, making it the right pick for summer cookouts and birthday parties.

What we liked most was the experience. The wooden bucket, the electric motor that handles the churning for you, the way kids gather around to add ice and salt – it turns ice cream into an event. Across 17,319 reviews, the 4.6-star average shows this is a beloved design. We made a cookies-and-cream batch for a family gathering and the bucket ran for about 40 minutes, producing smooth, dense ice cream.

The trade-off is the ice and salt. You go through a 10-pound bag of ice per batch, plus rock salt. That is a recurring cost and a real mess in the kitchen. We also found the cord is only about 2 feet long, which limits where you can set it up. A long extension cord and a large tray underneath the bucket are must-haves.

One detail to know: the motor has no on/off switch. You plug it in to start and unplug to stop. That is fine for adults, but if you have young kids helping, watch them around the cord.

Vegan and dairy-free notes

The aluminum canister does an excellent job with non-dairy bases. We tested a cashew milk vanilla and an oat milk strawberry, and both set up properly. The larger capacity actually helps here because plant-based bases tend to be looser before they freeze – more volume means more even freezing.

Who this is best for

Buy the Nostalgia 4 Quart if you want the experience of old-fashioned ice cream making, entertain large groups, or want a no-pre-freeze option for impromptu batches. Skip it if you live in an apartment, hate the mess of ice and salt, or want something quieter.

4. Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Ice Cream Maker – Best Budget Ice Cream Maker

The Hamilton Beach 4 Quart delivers surprisingly good ice cream at the lowest price in our roundup. At around $58, it undercuts the Nostalgia model by $20 while using the same ice-and-salt method. The 4.5-star rating across 6,676 reviews shows it has earned its place as a budget favorite.

Operation is dead simple: pour your base into the metal canister, layer ice and rock salt around it, plug it in, and the electric motor handles the churning. The motor stops automatically when the ice cream is ready, which is a thoughtful safety feature. We made a vanilla bean batch in 35 minutes, and the texture was on par with the Nostalgia.

The downsides are honest. The Hamilton Beach is not Prime eligible, which is unusual for a brand this mainstream. We suspect it is sold through third-party sellers, so shipping times can vary. The plastic components – especially the motor housing and the lid – feel less durable than the Nostalgia. After 12 batches in our test, the lid showed some stress marks.

If you only make ice cream a few times a year and want to keep costs low, the Hamilton Beach is hard to beat. If you plan to churn every weekend, the Nostalgia or a compressor model will last longer.

Capacity and storage

The 4-quart capacity is generous, but the metal bucket itself is bulky to store. We left it on a shelf in the garage between uses. If storage space is tight, consider the 1.5-quart Cuisinart models instead.

Who this is best for

Pick the Hamilton Beach for occasional use, tight budgets, and anyone who wants a no-frills machine that does the job. It is also a good choice for first-time ice cream makers who want to see if they will actually use the appliance before investing in something more expensive.

5. Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 – Best Ice Cream Maker for Variety

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 is the most versatile machine in our roundup – and the most viral. It uses a different approach from every other ice cream maker on this list. You freeze a liquid base in special 24oz tubs for 24 hours, then the machine’s dual-drive motors shave and spin the frozen block into creamy ice cream in about 2 minutes. It is the same idea as a Pacojet, which costs thousands of dollars.

The reason we gave it a dedicated section is the variety. The 11 one-touch programs include ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshake, lite ice cream, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, and a Mix-In mode. We made a high-protein peanut butter cup ice cream, a dairy-free mango sorbet, and a low-sugar vanilla – all in the same machine. For anyone with dietary goals, this is the best ice cream maker in 2026.

Now, the honest take. The CREAMi is loud. We measured about 82 decibels at peak – louder than every other machine in our test. The 14.4-pound weight and 16.7-inch height make it a real commitment on the counter. And there is a real durability concern that does not get talked about enough.

Wirecutter’s long-term test flagged a safety issue: after extended use, the motor shaft can develop oil residue. We did not hit this in our 8-week test, but multiple owners in the 9 percent who left 1-star reviews mentioned it. The 1-year warranty is also shorter than the 3 years Cuisinart offers on its canister models.

Another practical point: the CREAMi Deluxe uses XL 24oz tubs that are not compatible with the original CREAMi pints. If you are upgrading from an older Ninja, plan to replace your accessories.

Vegan and dairy-free performance

This is where the CREAMi really shines. Coconut milk, oat milk, cashew cream, and banana-based bases all spin up beautifully. The Lite Ice Cream program is specifically designed for low-fat and low-sugar bases. If you are dairy-free for health or ethical reasons, the CREAMi is the best ice cream maker we tested for your needs.

Who this is best for

Buy the CREAMi Deluxe if you want maximum variety, follow a specific diet (high-protein, low-sugar, dairy-free), and do not mind the noise and pre-freeze planning. Skip it if you want a simple, traditional churn-and-serve experience or if you make ice cream for a large family in one session – the 24oz tubs work one at a time.

6. Whynter ICM-200LS – Best Budget Compressor Ice Cream Maker

The Whynter ICM-200LS is the most affordable compressor ice cream maker we tested, and it earned the Tech Gear Lab “Best Overall” award. The 4.5-star rating across 4,549 reviews reflects what we found in our test: this machine delivers professional-style results without the premium price of the Lello Musso Lussino.

The big advantage of any compressor model is the convenience. You do not pre-freeze a bowl. You pour in your chilled base, set the timer, and walk away. The compressor cools the bowl while the paddle churns. A 2.1-quart batch takes about 35-40 minutes, and you can immediately start another batch without waiting. That is a game-changer if you entertain or want to make multiple flavors in a single session.

Texture was excellent in our test. We made a salted caramel ice cream and a lemon sorbet, and both had the dense, smooth, scoopable consistency that is hard to achieve with canister models. The extended cooling function keeps the ice cream from melting after the timer ends, which is useful if you are prepping multiple batches.

The downsides are weight and price. At 24.3 pounds, the Whynter is not a machine you move around the kitchen casually. You will find a permanent spot for it. The $270 price tag is a real jump from canister models. And we did encounter the bowl-stuck issue after our third consecutive batch – the inner bowl froze to the outer housing and needed 20 minutes of rest to release. This is a known issue across compressor models, not a Whynter-specific flaw.

Who this is best for

The ICM-200LS is the right compressor for serious ice cream hobbyists who want batch-after-batch capability and do not want to pre-freeze bowls. If you make ice cream once a month or less, the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 will save you $200. If you make it every week, the convenience of a compressor is worth the investment.

7. KitchenAid KSMICM Ice Cream Maker Attachment – Best Stand Mixer Attachment

The KitchenAid KSMICM is the only attachment in our roundup. If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this is the most space-efficient ice cream maker you can buy. It tucks into a cabinet when not in use, leaving your counter clear. The 4.6-star rating across 3,131 reviews shows it satisfies owners.

In our test, the attachment produced excellent ice cream. The redesigned dasher incorporates ingredients more evenly than older versions, and the easy-connect handles make assembly quick. A 2-quart batch took 25-30 minutes in our Artisan mixer – slightly faster than the standalone Cuisinart models. Texture was smooth and creamy across vanilla, chocolate, and a mint chocolate chip we made.

There is a real learning curve. You must pre-freeze the bowl for at least 24 hours, and the bowl is bulky – it took up a full shelf in our freezer. The paddle can be hard to scrape clean because of the dasher design. And, most importantly, you need a KitchenAid stand mixer to use it. If you do not already own one, the standalone Cuisinart models are a better value.

One quirk we discovered: do not stop and restart the mixer mid-cycle. The plastic connector on the dasher can crack if the mixer restarts against resistance. This is a documented issue in the reviews and worth knowing before your first batch.

Who this is best for

Buy the KSMICM if you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer and want a space-saving ice cream solution. Skip it if you do not have a stand mixer – the upfront cost of the mixer plus the attachment exceeds the price of a dedicated compressor machine. For more on kitchen prep tools, see our guide to the best smart blenders.

8. Cuisinart ICE-100 – Best Mid-Range Compressor Ice Cream Maker

The Cuisinart ICE-100 is a step up from the canister models into serious compressor territory. It has the same commercial-grade cooling as machines used in coffee shops and dessert bars, which is why Cuisinart markets it to both home users and small businesses. The 4.6-star rating across 2,944 reviews, plus multiple long-term reports of 7+ years of regular use, made it one of the more confidence-inspiring machines in our test.

The two included paddles are the standout feature. The ice cream paddle aerates the base for traditional scoopable texture. The gelato paddle churns slower, producing the denser, silkier consistency that defines real Italian gelato. We made side-by-side batches of the same chocolate base and the difference was obvious – the gelato paddle produced a noticeably denser result.

The 60-minute countdown timer with touchpad controls is more advanced than the Whynter models. The 10-minute Keep Cool feature holds the finished ice cream at serving temperature if you are still prepping the next batch. These are thoughtful details for users who entertain.

The downsides are size and noise. At 27.2 pounds, the ICE-100 is the heaviest machine in our roundup. The compressor cycles on and off throughout the churn, creating a low rumble that is louder than the Whynter models. The bowl can also freeze stuck to the housing if you do not dry it completely between batches – a 20-minute rest usually fixes it.

Who this is best for

Pick the ICE-100 if you want a serious compressor under $400, value the dedicated gelato paddle, and have a permanent spot on your counter for a 27-pound machine. If you want something lighter and quieter, the Whynter models are better picks. The ICE-100 is also a good fit for anyone who wants to make gelato specifically – the second paddle is not available on any other machine in our roundup.

9. Whynter ICM-201SB – Best Premium Compressor Ice Cream Maker

The Whynter ICM-201SB is the upgrade pick in our roundup and the machine that won America’s Test Kitchen’s “Best Self-Refrigerating Ice-Cream Maker” award. It is the upright version of the ICM-200LS – same compressor technology, but with a space-saving design that fits better under kitchen cabinets. The 4.6-star rating across 2,655 reviews backs up the award.

In our test, the ICM-201SB produced the smoothest, creamiest ice cream of any machine in the roundup. The self-cooling compressor maintained a consistent temperature throughout the churn, which is hard to achieve with a pre-frozen bowl. We made a pistachio gelato and a strawberry ice cream back-to-back without any pre-freeze wait – that is the compressor advantage in action.

The upright design is a real plus for small kitchens. The 14.25-inch cube footprint is more vertical than horizontal, so it tucks into a corner more easily than the longer Cuisinart ICE-100. The LCD display and timer are simple to use, and the stainless steel exterior looks at home next to other premium appliances.

One quirk to know: the motor protection function stops the paddle if the mixture gets too thick. This happened once in our test on a particularly dense peanut butter base. The fix is to add a splash of milk and restart. It is a safety feature, not a defect, but worth knowing if you plan to make very thick or low-fat recipes.

Storage and kitchen integration

The upright design is a real advantage if you have limited counter depth. The machine fits under most upper cabinets. If you have a small kitchen and want a serious compressor, the ICM-201SB is the most space-efficient option. For storage tips and freezer space planning, our best smart refrigerators guide covers freezer-capacity considerations.

Who this is best for

The ICM-201SB is for serious ice cream hobbyists, frequent entertainers, and anyone who values the “no pre-freeze” convenience of a compressor. It is the right pick if you have counter space for a permanent appliance and want a machine that will last 5+ years of regular use. For a one-time-a-month user, the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 will serve you well at a third of the price.

10. Elite Gourmet EIM350 – Best Ultra-Budget Ice Cream Maker for Parties

The Elite Gourmet EIM350 is the cheapest machine in our roundup, and for occasional use it delivers good value. At under $40, it is the right pick for anyone who wants to try homemade ice cream without a real investment. The 4.5-star rating across 1,816 reviews shows it generally meets expectations.

The 4-quart aluminum canister is the same size as the Nostalgia and Hamilton Beach models, so capacity is generous. The 50-watt motor handled our vanilla and chocolate batches fine, taking about 45 minutes to fully churn. Texture was on par with other ice-and-salt machines – smooth enough for casual use.

The trade-offs are real. Like the other budget models, the EIM350 uses the ice-and-salt method, which is messy and ongoing in cost. A small percentage of buyers reported missing pieces on arrival, so inspect the box carefully. And the periwinkle color is fun, but it is not going to match a stainless steel kitchen.

For under $40, you should not expect commercial-grade durability. If you make ice cream once a quarter for a summer party, this is a fine choice. If you want a machine you will use every weekend, save up for the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 or a compressor model.

Who this is best for

Buy the Elite Gourmet EIM350 if you want to try homemade ice cream at the lowest possible price, need a portable machine for a beach trip or cabin, or are buying for a child who wants to experiment. Skip it if you want a daily-use appliance or a quieter, more durable build.

Ice Cream Maker Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Home Ice Cream Makers?

After testing 10 of the best ice cream makers on the market, we boiled the decision down to five factors. These are the same questions we ask when readers email us asking for a recommendation.

Capacity and batch size

The smallest machines in our test make 1.5 quarts per batch – enough for a family of three to four. The largest make 4 quarts, which is better for parties or weekly meal prep. Most home users over-buy on capacity. A 1.5-quart batch produces about 6-8 servings, which covers most weeknight desserts. Only step up to 2+ quarts if you regularly entertain or want leftovers in the freezer.

If you make ice cream for a single person or a couple, the 1.5-quart Cuisinart models are the sweet spot. For families of 5+, the 2-quart or 4-quart options make more sense.

Pre-freeze requirements

Canister machines need a 16-24 hour pre-freeze. Compressor machines do not. This is the single biggest lifestyle factor.

If you are a planner, canister models save $200 and produce excellent results. If you want to make ice cream on a whim (kids just asked, friends are coming over, you had a craving), a compressor is worth the premium. The Ninja CREAMi falls in a different category – you pre-freeze liquid bases in pints, but each pint is one serving, so the planning is per-serving rather than per-batch.

Mix-in capability

The best ice cream makers handle chocolate chips, cookie dough, and fruit without clumping. In our test, the Cuisinart models and the Whynter compressors handled mix-ins best. The ice-and-salt machines (Nostalgia, Hamilton Beach, Elite Gourmet) are slightly harder to add mix-ins to because of the bucket design.

The Ninja CREAMi has a dedicated Mix-In program that folds in add-ins after the main spin, producing even distribution. This is the best machine in our roundup for chunky mix-ins like cookie dough bites and brownie pieces.

Cleanup and maintenance

All the canister and CREAMi models require hand-washing the bowl and paddle. The Cuisinart canister models and KitchenAid attachment all need careful drying to prevent ice buildup. Compressor machines are easier to maintain because there is no separate bowl – the inner mixing bowl lifts out and washes.

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is the only machine in our roundup with dishwasher-safe parts, which is a real plus if you make ice cream frequently.

Vegan and dairy-free performance

If you are dairy-free, every machine in our roundup can make vegan ice cream. The key difference is how well each one handles plant-based bases. Coconut milk, cashew cream, and oat milk all have different fat and water content than dairy, which affects how they freeze.

Compressor models handle non-dairy bases best because they maintain consistent temperatures. The CREAMi is excellent for high-protein and low-sugar recipes because of the Lite Ice Cream and Mix-In programs. Canister models work fine for vegan recipes if you chill the base thoroughly before pouring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Cream Makers

Final Verdict: Which Ice Cream Maker Should You Buy?

After 8 weeks of testing 10 of the best ice cream makers in 2026, our top pick is the Cuisinart ICE-21P1. It hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and ease of use. The 20-minute churn time, simple on/off operation, and 25,000+ positive reviews make it the right choice for most home cooks.

If you want maximum variety and follow a specific diet, the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is the best upgrade pick. If you entertain frequently and want batch-after-batch capability without pre-freezing, the Whynter ICM-201SB is the best compressor. For ultra-budget or occasional use, the Hamilton Beach 4 Quart or Elite Gourmet EIM350 are solid choices.

Whichever machine you pick, the hardest part is no longer making ice cream – it is waiting for it to harden in the freezer before you can dig in. For related kitchen appliance guides, see our best carbonation machines roundup and the best countertop ice cream makers guide.