The Best Ice Cream Maker: A Buyer’s Guide

Price: $229.99

Capacity: 24 Fluid Ounces

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker offers versatile and innovative frozen treat creation with seven one-touch programs. Its powerful "Creamify Technology" transforms ingredients into ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and milkshakes. The compact and sleek design includes two pint containers with storage lids, making it perfect for small kitchens and large gatherings. Enjoy full control with customizable settings to create delicious homemade frozen desserts.

Features:

• 800-watt motor base
• Seven one-touch programs
• Creamify Technology for smooth textures
• Two 24 oz. pint containers with storage lids

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Compact and sleek design
• Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
• Versatile capabilities including ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and milkshakes

Cons:

• Limited capacity for larger batches
• Mixed reviews on texture consistency

Price: $333.28

Capacity: 2.1 Quarts

The Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Quart Upright Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker offers an efficient and user-friendly solution for homemade frozen desserts. With a powerful compressor cooling system, it ensures consistent results without the need for pre-freezing. Its sleek, upright design fits well in any kitchen, while the stainless steel exterior provides durability and easy cleaning. The 2.1-quart capacity is perfect for families or small gatherings, and the LCD timer control allows for precise customization of your ice cream, sorbet, gelato, or frozen yogurt. Additionally, it features a BPA-free churn blade and a removable bowl for added convenience.

Features:

• 2.1-quart capacity for large batches
• Built-in powerful compressor for continuous use
• Stainless steel removable bowl for easy cleaning

Pros:

• Upright design for space-saving storage
• Automatic shut-off for added safety
• Overheat protection for durability
• BPA-free churn blade

Cons:

• Takes up significant counter and storage space

Price: $145.53 

Capacity: 1.5 Quarts

The Cuisinart ICE-45P1 Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is perfect for families and home entertainers. It features a unique mix-in option for adding toppings directly into your soft serve. The machine's pull-down handle dispenses ice cream into cones or bowls, making it interactive and fun. You can make up to 1.5 quarts of soft serve, frozen yogurt, or sorbet in just 20 minutes. The double-insulated freezer bowl ensures even freezing, while the easy-lock lid with window allows for mess-free operation and monitoring. Its sleek, durable design makes it a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen.

Features:

• Large 1.5-quart capacity for making soft serve, frozen yogurt, or sorbet
• Double-insulated freezer bowl for quick and even freezing
• Built-in dispenser for adding mix-ins during operation

Pros:

• BPA-free parts for safe use
• Removable parts for easy cleanup
• Sleek and durable design for stylish kitchen addition
• Pull-down handle for easy serving into cones or bowls

Cons:

• Takes up significant counter and storage space
• Can be noisy during operation
• Requires pre-freezing of the bowl, which can be inconvenient for spontaneous use