6 Best Ice Cream Makers For Frozen Treats in 2026

Nothing beats a bowl of freshly churned, homemade ice cream on a warm afternoon. But with so many options out there, picking the right ice cream maker can feel overwhelming.

You want a machine that is easy to use, delivers smooth results, and fits your budget and kitchen space.

That is exactly why we put together this guide. We researched, tested, and compared the top models available in 2026 so you can make a smart, confident decision.

1. Cuisinart ICE-21P1 Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker — Best Overall

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is the top-rated ice cream maker for home use in 2026, and it has earned that title by being consistently reliable, simple, and affordable. Multiple independent testing sites including Serious Eats, Wirecutter, CNN Underscored, and Forbes have all named it their top pick. That kind of unanimous praise says a lot.

This machine uses a double-insulated 1.5-quart freezer bowl. You freeze the bowl for at least 12 hours, then attach it to the machine, pour in your mixture, and it churns out creamy ice cream in 20 minutes or less. The motor is quiet and steady, and the mixing paddle does a great job of incorporating air evenly throughout the base.

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 works beautifully for ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt. It is compact enough to fit in most kitchens, and cleanup is quick because all parts rinse clean with ease. The transparent lid allows you to watch the churning process and add mix-ins at the right moment.

For beginners and casual ice cream lovers, this machine delivers premium results without a premium price tag. It is the starting point that most experts recommend before spending more on a compressor model.

Pros:

• Very affordable price point
• Produces creamy results in under 20 minutes
• Compact design saves counter space
• Easy to use with minimal learning curve
• Makes ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt

Cons:

• Bowl must be frozen at least 12 hours in advance
• Only one batch possible per freeze cycle
• 1.5-quart capacity is smaller than some competitors
• Bowl takes up significant freezer space

2. Ninja CREAMi NC301 Ice Cream Maker — Best for Customisation

Last update on 2026-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Ninja CREAMi NC301 is unlike any traditional ice cream maker on this list. It changed the way people think about homemade frozen treats and it has built a massive following online for a very good reason. This machine gives you more creative control than any other model available.

Instead of churning a liquid base, the Ninja CREAMi works with a fully frozen solid. You prepare your mixture, pour it into a pint container, freeze it solid overnight, then place it in the machine. The machine uses a powerful processing blade to transform that solid block into smooth, creamy ice cream in just minutes.

The result is outstanding. You can make traditional ice cream, gelato, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, sorbets, and frozen drinks all from the same machine. The customisation options are what make this product truly stand out. You can use protein powder, Greek yogurt, fruit, or even leftover smoothie as your base.

People who follow specific diets, including high-protein, low-sugar, vegan, and dairy-free plans, absolutely love the Ninja CREAMi because they can make frozen treats that match their goals. The included recipe inspiration is a bonus that helps new users get started quickly.

Pros:

• Extremely versatile with 7 built-in programmes
• Perfect for protein ice cream and diet-friendly recipes
• Produces smooth, rich results from frozen bases
• Great for single-serving customised batches
• Huge online community with endless recipe ideas

Cons:

• Requires overnight freezing before each use
• Pint containers are small (16 oz per batch)
• Blade cleaning requires care and attention
• Takes more preparation time than other models
• Can be loud during processing

3. Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL Ice Cream Maker — Best Compressor Model

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you want the most premium, hands-off experience possible, the Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL is the machine for you. This is the gold standard of home ice cream makers. It is a compressor-style machine, which means it has its own built-in freezer. You never need to pre-freeze a bowl or wait before making ice cream.

The Breville Smart Scoop features 12 hardness settings, ranging from very soft sorbet to very firm ice cream. It also includes a pre-cooling function that chills your mixture to the ideal temperature before churning begins. This level of precision is something you will not find in budget models.

The machine produces up to 1.1 quarts of ice cream per batch and typically takes 30 to 50 minutes depending on your chosen hardness setting. It automatically switches to a keep-cool mode once your ice cream is ready, so you do not have to watch it constantly.

Yes, this machine is expensive. Yes, it is large and heavy. But if you are serious about ice cream making and want a machine that works perfectly every single time without pre-planning, the Breville Smart Scoop is worth every dollar. It is the machine professional home ice cream enthusiasts choose again and again.

Pros:

• No pre-freezing required at any time
• 12 hardness settings for precise texture control
• Built-in compressor for back-to-back batches
• Automatic keep-cool function after churning
• Pre-cool mode for optimal results

Cons:

• Very expensive compared to other models
• Large footprint and weighs around 32 pounds
• Smaller 1.1-quart capacity despite the price
• Not ideal for small kitchens with limited space
• Takes longer per batch than freezer bowl models

4. KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment — Best Stand Mixer Attachment

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, the KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment is one of the smartest purchases you can make. It turns your existing appliance into a fully functional ice cream maker, giving you excellent results without buying a whole new machine.

The attachment consists of a double-walled freezer bowl and a dasher that connects directly to the mixer’s power hub. You freeze the bowl for at least 15 hours, attach it to your mixer, pour in your prepared base, and let the machine do the churning for you. The process takes 20 to 30 minutes and produces up to 2 full quarts of ice cream per batch.

The results are genuinely impressive. The KitchenAid motor is powerful and consistent, which means the churning is smooth and even throughout. Users consistently praise the creamy texture this attachment produces, especially for gelato and custard-based ice creams.

This attachment is compatible with most KitchenAid stand mixer models, though it does not fit the 7-quart or 8-quart professional models. It is compact, easy to store, and very easy to clean. If you want to add ice cream making to your kitchen without buying a dedicated appliance, this is the most practical and effective solution available.

Pros:

• No new appliance needed if you own a KitchenAid mixer
• Makes up to 2 quarts per batch (larger capacity)
• Produces very creamy, smooth ice cream
• Easy to attach, use, and clean
• Much more affordable than standalone compressor models

Cons:

• Requires a compatible KitchenAid stand mixer to work
• Bowl must be frozen 15 or more hours before use
• Not compatible with 7-quart or 8-quart mixers
• Only one batch per freeze cycle
• Does not include a dedicated motor or housing

5. Whynter ICM-201SB Automatic Ice Cream Maker — Best Upright Compressor

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Whynter ICM-201SB is the best compressor ice cream maker for people who want professional performance without paying the premium price of the Breville Smart Scoop. It is an upright-style machine with a 2.1-quart capacity and a built-in compressor that requires zero pre-freezing.

This machine features an LCD digital display with a timer, multiple speed settings, and a clear lid so you can watch your ice cream take shape in real time. The upright design is clever because it has a smaller footprint than traditional horizontal compressor machines, which makes it much easier to store in a standard kitchen cabinet.

Consumer Reports named the Whynter ICM-201SB its editor’s choice for ice cream makers, and that recognition is well deserved. The machine consistently produces smooth, dense, and creamy results across ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. The 2.1-quart capacity is also one of the most generous on this list, making it great for families and dinner parties.

The Whynter is built from stainless steel, which gives it a professional look and excellent durability. It is heavier than freezer bowl models, but much lighter than the Breville. For the combination of capacity, features, quality, and price, the Whynter ICM-201SB delivers exceptional value.

Pros:

• No pre-freezing required thanks to built-in compressor
• Large 2.1-quart capacity for family-sized batches
• LCD display and timer for easy monitoring
• Compact upright design saves counter and cabinet space
• Stainless steel construction for lasting durability

Cons:

• More expensive than freezer bowl models
• Heavier than basic models at around 22 pounds
• Takes longer per batch (up to 40 to 60 minutes)
• Louder than some competing compressor models
• Larger upfront cost may not suit occasional users

6. Cuisinart ICE-70P1 Ice Cream and Gelato Maker — Best for Large Batches

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Cuisinart ICE-70P1 is the bigger, more feature-packed sibling of the ICE-21P1. If you loved the idea of the Cuisinart ICE-21 but wanted more capacity and more versatility, this is the machine that delivers exactly that. It makes up to 2 full quarts per batch, which is significantly more than the ICE-21.

What makes the ICE-70 stand out from other freezer bowl machines is its three setting options. You can select ice cream, gelato, or sorbet mode and the machine adjusts its churning speed accordingly. Gelato mode runs at a slower speed to create the denser, richer texture that Italian gelato is known for. This thoughtful feature makes a real difference in the final product.

The ICE-70 uses a 2-quart freezer bowl that you pre-freeze for at least 16 to 24 hours before use. It also includes a countdown timer on the lid so you always know how much time is left in the churning cycle. The transparent lid makes it easy to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or cookie pieces at the right moment.

Reviewers love this machine for its consistent output, smooth textures, and ease of use. If you regularly make ice cream for a crowd or simply love having large portions ready to go, the Cuisinart ICE-70P1 is the smartest choice in the mid-range freezer bowl category.

Pros:

• Large 2-quart capacity for families and entertaining
• Three modes: ice cream, gelato, and sorbet
• Countdown timer built into the lid
• Produces very smooth, creamy results
• Affordable price for the features it offers

Cons:

• Bowl requires 16 to 24 hours of pre-freezing
• Only one batch per freeze cycle without a spare bowl
• Larger bowl takes up more freezer space
• Not suitable for multiple batches in the same day
• Heavier than the ICE-21P1 model

Side-by-Side Comparison of All 6 Ice Cream Makers

Machine	Type	Capacity	Pre-Freeze Needed	Best For
Cuisinart ICE-21P1	Freezer Bowl	1.5 Quarts	Yes	Beginners and Budget Buyers
Ninja CREAMi NC301	Paddle-Style	16 oz Pints	Yes (Base Frozen)	Diet and Custom Recipes
Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL	Compressor	1.1 Quarts	No	Premium Convenience
KitchenAid KICA0WH	Freezer Bowl Attachment	2 Quarts	Yes	KitchenAid Mixer Owners
Whynter ICM-201SB	Compressor	2.1 Quarts	No	Families and Volume
Cuisinart ICE-70P1	Freezer Bowl	2 Quarts	Yes	Gelato Lovers and Large Batches

How to Make Perfect Ice Cream at Home

Making great homemade ice cream comes down to a few key practices. Start with a cold base. Your mixture should be fully chilled before it goes into the machine. This helps the churning process go faster and produces a creamier result.

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The flavour of your ice cream is only as good as what you put in. Fresh cream, real vanilla extract, and ripe fruit will always taste better than low-quality substitutes.

Follow the recommended fill line for your machine. Overfilling can prevent proper churning and leave you with a soft, uneven result. Most machines work best when filled to about two thirds of the bowl’s capacity.

Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit pieces during the last five minutes of churning. Adding them too early can prevent proper incorporation. Adding them too late means they do not blend in fully.

Finally, let your freshly churned ice cream firm up in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. This step gives it the scoopable texture most people love. Soft-serve lovers can skip this step and enjoy it straight from the machine.

Tips for Storing Homemade Ice Cream

Storing homemade ice cream correctly keeps it fresh, creamy, and scoop-ready for longer. Use an airtight, freezer-safe container with a tight lid. This prevents ice crystals from forming on the surface and keeps the texture smooth.

Press a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before putting the lid on. This extra layer blocks air contact and significantly reduces freezer burn.

Store your ice cream in the back of the freezer where the temperature is most consistent. Avoid placing it near the door where temperatures fluctuate every time the freezer opens.

Homemade ice cream generally stays at its best quality for one to two weeks. Unlike commercial ice cream, it lacks stabilisers, so it can become icy over time. Making smaller, fresher batches often is better than storing large amounts for extended periods. Always label your containers with the date and flavour so you know what is inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Ice Cream Maker

Even with a great machine, small mistakes can affect your results. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.

Not freezing the bowl long enough is the most frequent mistake with freezer bowl models. If the bowl is not completely solid, your ice cream will not firm up properly. Always freeze for the full recommended time, which is usually 15 to 24 hours.

Pouring in a warm base is another common error. A warm mixture takes much longer to churn and can strain the motor. Always refrigerate your base for several hours before churning.

Overfilling the bowl is a mistake many new users make. Ice cream expands as it freezes and incorporates air. Filling beyond the recommended line leads to overflow and uneven results.

Churning for too long can also cause problems. Over-churned ice cream becomes buttery as the fat separates. Most machines have a recommended churning time, and you should follow it closely.

Finally, do not skip the transfer step. Moving freshly churned ice cream to a pre-chilled container and placing it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes gives you the best texture and scoopability.

FAQs

What is the best ice cream maker for beginners?

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is the best choice for beginners. It is affordable, simple to operate, and produces creamy results in under 20 minutes. Most experts recommend it as the perfect starting point for first-time ice cream makers.

Do I need to pre-freeze the bowl before every use?

It depends on the type of machine you own. Freezer bowl models like the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 and Cuisinart ICE-70P1 require the bowl to be frozen solid before each use. Compressor models like the Whynter ICM-201SB and Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL do not require any pre-freezing at all.

How long does it take to make ice cream at home?

Most freezer bowl machines churn ice cream in 20 to 30 minutes. Compressor models typically take 30 to 50 minutes. The Ninja CREAMi processes a frozen base in about 3 to 5 minutes, but the base itself needs to freeze overnight beforehand.

Can I make dairy-free ice cream with these machines?

Yes. All six machines on this list can make dairy-free ice cream. You can use coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew cream as a base. The Ninja CREAMi is especially popular for dairy-free and vegan recipes because of its ingredient flexibility.

How much does a good ice cream maker cost?

Good ice cream makers range from around $30 to $500. Budget-friendly freezer bowl models like the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 cost around $50 to $70. Mid-range models like the Whynter ICM-201SB cost around $150 to $200. Premium compressor models like the Breville Smart Scoop can cost $400 or more.

How do I clean my ice cream maker?

Most removable parts, such as bowls, paddles, and lids, are dishwasher safe or easy to hand wash with warm soapy water. Never submerge the motor base or electrical unit in water. Always dry all parts fully before storing to prevent mould and odours.

Can I make gelato with a standard ice cream maker?

Yes. The Cuisinart ICE-70P1 even includes a dedicated gelato mode that churns at a slower speed to create the denser, lower-air texture that defines real gelato. Other machines can also make gelato with the right recipe, though they may not churn at the ideal speed.

Is a compressor ice cream maker worth the extra cost?

If you plan to make ice cream regularly and want the freedom to make multiple batches without planning ahead, a compressor model is absolutely worth the investment. The Whynter ICM-201SB offers the best balance of price and compressor performance on this list.