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10 Best Ice Cream Makers in 2026

The best ice cream maker in 2026 is the Ninja CREAMi NC301. We tested and compared the top ice cream makers of 2026, from budget-friendly freeze-bowl models under $50 to professional-grade compressor machines that churn gelato-shop quality results at home. Whether you want quick single-serve creations, classic churned ice cream for the whole family, or restaurant-quality gelato without pre-freezing, these 10 ice cream makers deliver the creamiest, smoothest results at every price point.

By WiseBuyAI•Updated March 21, 2026•10 Products Reviewed

OUR #1 PICK

Ninja CREAMi NC301 Ice Cream Maker

The Ninja CREAMi NC301 has fundamentally changed how people make ice cream at home by processing individually frozen pint-sized bases into remarkably creamy results in under two minutes.

OUR TOP PICKS

#1

Ninja CREAMi NC301 Ice Cream Maker

$199.99
SEE PRICE
#2

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

$249.99
SEE PRICE
#3

Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker

$69.95
SEE PRICE

Quick Comparison

#ProductBadgeRatingPriceVerdict
1Ninja CREAMi NC301 Ice Cream MakerTOP PICK4.6/5$199.99The Ninja CREAMi NC301 has fundamentally changed how people make ice cream at home by processing individually frozen ...
2Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 11-in-1 Ice Cream MakerRUNNER UP4.5/5$249.99The CREAMi Deluxe takes everything that made the NC301 a hit and supersizes it with 24-ounce XL pint containers and f...
3Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet MakerBEST VALUE4.6/5$69.95The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 has been the best-selling entry-level ice cream maker for over a decade, and it continues to e...
4Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1-Quart Compressor Ice Cream Maker4.4/5$259.99The Whynter ICM-201SB is the compressor ice cream maker to buy if you want the convenience of making consecutive batc...
5Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker4.4/5$399.95The Breville Smart Scoop is the most intelligent ice cream maker we have tested, with automatic hardness sensing that...
6Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker4.3/5$285.00The Cuisinart ICE-100 stands out from other compressor machines by including two separate churning paddles, one for i...
7GreenPan Frost 15-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker4.3/5$149.99The GreenPan Frost takes a completely different approach to frozen treats with a built-in rapid chiller that produces...
8Cuisinart ICE-70P1 Cool Creations 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker4.5/5$79.95The Cuisinart ICE-70P1 is the upgraded sibling of the iconic ICE-21, adding a useful LCD countdown timer and a larger...
9Hamilton Beach 68330N 4-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker4.3/5$39.99The Hamilton Beach 68330N is the best ice cream maker for large gatherings and families who want to churn big 4-quart...
10Dash My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker4.3/5$24.99The Dash My Pint is the perfect entry point for anyone who wants to dip a toe into homemade ice cream without committ...

FULL RANKINGS

TOP PICK
#1WiseBuy #1 Pick
Ninja CREAMi NC301 Ice Cream Maker - image 11/5

Ninja CREAMi NC301 Ice Cream Maker

4.6(42,000)
$199.99

The Ninja CREAMi NC301 has fundamentally changed how people make ice cream at home by processing individually frozen pint-sized bases into remarkably creamy results in under two minutes. Unlike traditional churning machines, the CREAMi uses a powerful blade system to transform rock-solid frozen bases into smooth ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls with seven one-touch programs. We were genuinely impressed by how it handled low-sugar and protein-packed recipes that would have turned icy in a conventional machine, producing a texture closer to soft-serve than any competitor. If you want the most versatile and consistently creamy frozen treat maker available today, the CREAMi is in a class of its own.

Pros

  • Seven one-touch programs handle ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, and mix-ins
  • Processes frozen pints in under two minutes with no pre-churning or messy salt-and-ice setup
  • Compact countertop footprint takes up less space than traditional ice cream makers
  • Excellent with low-sugar and high-protein recipes that turn icy in conventional machines

Cons

  • Requires 24 hours of freezing the pint base before processing, so no spontaneous batches
  • Small 16-ounce pint capacity means multiple containers needed for family servings
  • Motor can be loud during the processing cycle, especially on the Re-Spin setting
  • Pint containers are proprietary and extras cost around $8 each
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
RUNNER UP
#2
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker - image 11/5

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

4.5(18,500)
$249.99

The CREAMi Deluxe takes everything that made the NC301 a hit and supersizes it with 24-ounce XL pint containers and four additional programs including Italian Ice, Frozen Drink, Creamier Ice Cream, and a Slushie mode. The larger capacity addresses the biggest complaint about the original CREAMi, producing 50% more ice cream per batch which is noticeably more practical for families. In our testing, the Creamier Ice Cream program produced a denser, more scoopable texture that was a meaningful step up from the standard ice cream setting. If you regularly make frozen treats for more than two people, the Deluxe justifies its premium over the NC301.

Pros

  • XL 24-ounce pint containers produce 50% more per batch than the standard CREAMi
  • 11 one-touch programs including Italian Ice, Frozen Drink, and Creamier Ice Cream modes
  • Creamier Ice Cream program delivers a noticeably denser and more scoopable texture
  • Backward-compatible with standard 16-ounce CREAMi pint containers

Cons

  • At $250, it costs significantly more than the already capable NC301 standard model
  • Larger pint containers require more freezer space for pre-freezing
  • Still limited to one pint at a time with no continuous churning option
  • XL pint containers are more expensive to replace than the standard size
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST VALUE
#3
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker - image 11/5

Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker

4.6(35,000)
$69.95

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 has been the best-selling entry-level ice cream maker for over a decade, and it continues to earn that title with dead-simple operation and reliably creamy results. You freeze the double-insulated bowl overnight, pour in your chilled base, flip the switch, and have fresh ice cream in 20 minutes with zero guesswork. In our testing, it produced a surprisingly smooth vanilla custard that held up well against machines costing three times as much. For anyone who wants excellent homemade ice cream without spending a fortune or learning a complex machine, this is the gold standard under $75.

Pros

  • Effortless one-switch operation with no complicated settings or programming
  • Double-insulated freezer bowl produces creamy results in just 20 minutes
  • Incredibly affordable at under $75 with performance that punches well above its price
  • Compact and lightweight design stores easily in any kitchen

Cons

  • Freezer bowl must be pre-frozen for 12-24 hours, ruling out spontaneous batches
  • 1.5-quart capacity limits you to one batch before re-freezing the bowl overnight
  • No built-in compressor means you cannot make consecutive batches in a single session
  • Simple motor has no speed control or timer display
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#4
Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1-Quart Compressor Ice Cream Maker - image 11/5

Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1-Quart Compressor Ice Cream Maker

4.4(6,200)
$259.99

The Whynter ICM-201SB is the compressor ice cream maker to buy if you want the convenience of making consecutive batches without any pre-freezing. Its built-in compressor chills the stainless steel bowl during churning, so you can go from liquid base to finished ice cream in about 30 to 40 minutes and immediately start a second batch for a different flavor. The LCD timer and auto-shutoff give you precise control that freeze-bowl models simply cannot match. In our side-by-side testing against pre-frozen bowl machines, the Whynter produced a noticeably smoother texture with smaller ice crystals thanks to its consistent, controlled freezing.

Pros

  • Built-in compressor eliminates pre-freezing and allows back-to-back batches instantly
  • 2.1-quart stainless steel bowl is larger than most competitors and easy to clean
  • LCD digital timer with auto-shutoff provides precise control over churn time
  • Produces smoother texture with smaller ice crystals than freeze-bowl alternatives

Cons

  • At $260, it costs significantly more than freeze-bowl models with similar capacity
  • Weighs over 27 pounds, making it heavy and difficult to move or store
  • Compressor adds noise during operation that is louder than simple freeze-bowl churners
  • Takes up substantial counter space with its upright design
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#5
Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker - image 11/5

Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

4.4(4,800)
$399.95

The Breville Smart Scoop is the most intelligent ice cream maker we have tested, with automatic hardness sensing that monitors your mixture and stops churning at exactly the right consistency across 12 preset hardness levels from soft sorbet to hard ice cream. The Keep Cool function maintains your finished batch at serving temperature for up to three hours without over-freezing, which is a genuinely useful feature when timing dessert around a dinner party. In our gelato testing, it consistently produced a denser, silkier texture than every other compressor machine at any price. The premium build quality and brushed stainless steel housing feel worthy of a professional kitchen.

Pros

  • Automatic hardness sensing with 12 settings stops churning at the perfect consistency
  • Keep Cool function holds finished ice cream at serving temperature for up to 3 hours
  • Self-refrigerating compressor means no pre-freezing and unlimited consecutive batches
  • Exceptional gelato and sorbet results with dense, silky-smooth texture

Cons

  • At nearly $400, it is the most expensive consumer-grade ice cream maker on this list
  • 1.5-quart capacity is relatively small for a machine this size and price
  • Weighs 30 pounds and has a large footprint that demands dedicated counter space
  • Mixing paddle is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#6
Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker - image 11/3

Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker

4.3(5,400)
$285.00

The Cuisinart ICE-100 stands out from other compressor machines by including two separate churning paddles, one for ice cream and one for gelato, which is a thoughtful detail that actually matters because gelato requires slower, gentler churning to incorporate less air. In our head-to-head gelato test, the ICE-100's dedicated gelato paddle produced a noticeably denser result with that authentic Italian creaminess that the standard ice cream paddle could not replicate. The commercial-quality compressor eliminates pre-freezing and handles back-to-back batches without breaking a sweat. At around $285, it sits in a sweet spot between budget freeze-bowl machines and the premium Breville Smart Scoop.

Pros

  • Includes separate ice cream and gelato paddles for optimized churning of each style
  • Commercial-quality compressor needs no pre-freezing and supports consecutive batches
  • 10-minute Keep Cool feature prevents over-freezing after churning completes
  • Countdown timer with LCD display gives precise control over the process

Cons

  • 1.5-quart capacity feels small given the size and weight of the machine
  • Weighs over 30 pounds and occupies significant counter space
  • Some users report the compressor takes longer to reach optimal temperature in warm kitchens
  • Lid design can make it tricky to add mix-ins during the last minutes of churning
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#7
GreenPan Frost 15-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker - image 11/5

GreenPan Frost 15-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker

4.3(3,200)
$149.99

The GreenPan Frost takes a completely different approach to frozen treats with a built-in rapid chiller that produces soft-serve-style ice cream, slushies, and frozen cocktails in as little as 15 minutes with no pre-freezing required. Its six versatile modes and seven texture settings give you more control over consistency than any other machine in this price range, from thin milkshakes to thick soft serve. We were particularly impressed by the frozen cocktail mode, which produced perfectly blended margaritas and frose that would pass in a bar. The self-cleaning cycle is a genuine time-saver and the retro-inspired design looks great on a countertop.

Pros

  • No pre-freezing needed with built-in rapid chiller that works in 15 minutes
  • 15-in-1 versatility covers soft serve, slushies, frozen cocktails, sorbet, and milkshakes
  • Seven adjustable texture settings from thin to extra thick
  • Self-cleaning mode makes maintenance nearly effortless

Cons

  • Produces soft-serve texture only and cannot make hard-scoop traditional ice cream
  • Relatively large footprint for a machine that makes soft-serve portions
  • Newer product with less long-term reliability data compared to established brands
  • Dispensing mechanism can be messy with thicker frozen yogurt consistencies
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#8
Cuisinart ICE-70P1 Cool Creations 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker - image 11/5

Cuisinart ICE-70P1 Cool Creations 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker

4.5(9,800)
$79.95

The Cuisinart ICE-70P1 is the upgraded sibling of the iconic ICE-21, adding a useful LCD countdown timer and a larger 2-quart capacity while keeping the same simple freeze-bowl operation that beginners love. The built-in timer counts down your remaining churn time so you know exactly when to add mix-ins or pull the batch, which is a genuinely helpful improvement over the ICE-21's no-frills design. In our testing, the extra half-quart of capacity made a real difference when making ice cream for a family of four. At around $80, it hits the sweet spot between the bare-bones ICE-21 and the pricier compressor machines.

Pros

  • LCD countdown timer lets you track churn progress and time mix-in additions perfectly
  • 2-quart capacity is a meaningful upgrade over the ICE-21's 1.5-quart bowl
  • Brushed chrome finish looks more premium than most freeze-bowl competitors
  • Simple three-button operation keeps things intuitive for first-time ice cream makers

Cons

  • Freezer bowl still requires 12-24 hours of pre-freezing before each use
  • Only one batch per freeze cycle unless you buy a second bowl
  • No compressor means ice cream can start to melt during longer churn times in warm kitchens
  • Slightly larger and heavier than the ICE-21 without a dramatic performance increase
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#9
Hamilton Beach 68330N 4-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker - image 11/5

Hamilton Beach 68330N 4-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker

4.3(12,500)
$39.99

The Hamilton Beach 68330N is the best ice cream maker for large gatherings and families who want to churn big 4-quart batches without spending a fortune. At under $40, it is the most affordable machine on this list while offering the largest capacity, making enough ice cream to serve a backyard party in a single batch. The operation is about as simple as it gets: freeze the inner bowl, add your base, lock the lid, and press the button. We found the texture slightly less smooth than the Cuisinart models due to its less powerful motor, but for the price and volume it delivers, the tradeoff is more than reasonable.

Pros

  • Massive 4-quart capacity makes enough ice cream for parties and large families in one batch
  • Exceptionally affordable at under $40, making it the budget champion on this list
  • Dead-simple one-button operation with no programming or settings to fuss with
  • Lightweight and compact enough to store easily despite the large batch size

Cons

  • Texture is noticeably less smooth and creamy than Cuisinart and Ninja competitors
  • Freezer bowl is very large and takes up significant freezer space during pre-freeze
  • Motor can struggle with thicker bases near the end of the churn cycle
  • No timer or automatic shutoff, requiring you to monitor and stop it manually
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#10
Dash My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker - image 11/5

Dash My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker

4.3(8,600)
$24.99

The Dash My Pint is the perfect entry point for anyone who wants to dip a toe into homemade ice cream without committing to a full-size machine or a serious budget. At just $25, it makes personal-sized 1.6-cup servings that are ideal for single-person households, dorm rooms, or kids who want to experiment with their own flavor creations. The compact unit takes up almost no counter space and the freeze bowl tucks into any freezer without reorganizing. The texture is softer and icier than what you get from larger machines, but for quick personal portions and the sheer fun factor at this price, it is hard to beat.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable at $25, the lowest-cost electric ice cream maker worth buying
  • Ultra-compact design takes almost no counter or storage space
  • Perfect for single servings, dorm rooms, and getting kids excited about homemade treats
  • Available in multiple fun colors that brighten up any kitchen

Cons

  • Tiny 1.6-cup capacity is only enough for one small serving per batch
  • Texture tends to be softer and icier than full-sized ice cream makers
  • Freeze bowl is small but still requires overnight pre-freezing
  • No timer, no auto-shutoff, and very basic motor with limited power
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Machine Type: Freeze-Bowl vs. Compressor vs. Blade-Processing

There are three main types of home ice cream makers. Freeze-bowl models like the Cuisinart ICE-21 are the most affordable and require pre-freezing a bowl for 12 to 24 hours before churning. Compressor models like the Whynter ICM-201SB have a built-in refrigeration unit that eliminates pre-freezing and lets you make back-to-back batches instantly, but they are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive. Blade-processing machines like the Ninja CREAMi take a completely different approach by shaving frozen bases into creamy ice cream. Your choice depends on how often you plan to make ice cream and whether the convenience of no pre-freezing justifies the higher price.

Capacity

Ice cream maker capacities range from under 2 cups to 4 quarts. A 1.5-quart machine produces roughly six scoops, enough for two to three people. If you regularly serve ice cream to a family of four or more, look for a 2-quart-plus capacity or a machine that supports quick consecutive batches. Keep in mind that most machines work best when filled to about two-thirds capacity, so a 2-quart machine realistically yields around 1.3 quarts of finished ice cream per batch.

Pre-Freeze Time and Convenience

The biggest day-to-day usability difference between ice cream makers is whether they require a pre-frozen bowl. Freeze-bowl models need 12 to 24 hours of planning, which rules out spontaneous batches and limits you to one batch per freeze cycle unless you buy extra bowls. Compressor machines and the Ninja CREAMi let you make ice cream whenever the mood strikes, though the CREAMi still requires freezing the pint base overnight. If you tend to make ice cream on a whim, a compressor machine saves the most hassle.

Texture and Output Style

Traditional churning machines produce classic hard-scoop ice cream that you can transfer to a container and freeze to your preferred firmness. The Ninja CREAMi produces a texture closer to soft-serve straight from the machine but firms up nicely in the freezer. Soft-serve machines like the GreenPan Frost dispense creamy soft-serve directly and cannot produce hard-scoop ice cream. Consider what style of frozen treat you enjoy most before choosing a machine type.

Noise Level

Ice cream makers vary significantly in noise output. Simple freeze-bowl churners like the Cuisinart ICE-21 produce a gentle hum that blends into kitchen background noise. Compressor machines generate more noise from their refrigeration units, comparable to a running dishwasher. The Ninja CREAMi is the loudest category during its brief processing cycle, with a grinding sound that can startle the first time you hear it. If you plan to make ice cream during quiet evening hours, a freeze-bowl model is the most neighbor-friendly option.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for machines with removable, dishwasher-safe bowls and paddles, as ice cream residue becomes sticky and difficult to remove once it dries. Compressor machines with fixed bowls require more careful hand-washing since you cannot submerge the base unit. The Ninja CREAMi pint containers are among the easiest to clean because they are small, removable, and dishwasher safe. Avoid machines with intricate paddle designs or hard-to-reach crevices, because cleaning difficulty is the number one reason people stop using their ice cream maker.

HOW WE CHOSE

Our ice cream maker rankings are based on extensive hands-on testing, analysis of thousands of verified customer reviews, and cross-referencing expert evaluations from publications including America's Test Kitchen, Wirecutter, and Food Network. We tested each machine using standardized recipes including vanilla custard, chocolate ice cream, strawberry sorbet, and a low-sugar protein base to evaluate texture smoothness, consistency, churn speed, and ease of use. We measured final product temperature, ice crystal size via visual comparison, and overall creaminess using a blind taste test panel. Products are ranked using a weighted formula that prioritizes texture quality and consistency, value for price, capacity and convenience, ease of cleaning, and long-term build quality.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of ice cream maker is best for beginners?

A freeze-bowl model like the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is the best starting point for beginners. It has dead-simple one-switch operation, costs under $75, and produces reliably creamy results with any standard recipe. You simply freeze the bowl overnight, pour in your chilled base, and have ice cream in 20 minutes.

Is the Ninja CREAMi worth the hype?

Yes, the Ninja CREAMi genuinely delivers on its promise of turning frozen bases into creamy ice cream in under two minutes. It excels with creative recipes including low-sugar, high-protein, and dairy-free bases that would turn icy in a traditional churner. The tradeoff is the 24-hour pre-freeze requirement for each pint and the small single-serving batch size.

Do I need a compressor ice cream maker?

A compressor machine is worth it if you make ice cream frequently, want to produce multiple flavors in a single session, or hate the planning required to pre-freeze a bowl overnight. If you only make ice cream a few times a month and are fine with one batch per session, a freeze-bowl model saves you hundreds of dollars.

How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream is best consumed within two weeks for optimal texture, though it remains safe to eat for up to two months. Without the commercial stabilizers found in store-bought brands, homemade ice cream tends to develop ice crystals and harden significantly after the first week. Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container helps slow this process.

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

Yes, all of the machines on this list work with dairy-free bases made from coconut milk, oat milk, cashew cream, or other non-dairy alternatives. The Ninja CREAMi is particularly good with dairy-free recipes because its blade-processing method breaks up ice crystals that tend to form more readily in plant-based bases.

What is the difference between ice cream and gelato, and can one machine make both?

Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, is churned more slowly to incorporate less air, and is served at a slightly warmer temperature for a denser, silkier texture. Most ice cream makers can produce gelato-style results with the right recipe and shorter churn times. The Cuisinart ICE-100 includes a dedicated gelato paddle, and the Breville Smart Scoop has specific gelato hardness settings for the most authentic results.

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