Top 6 Ice cream Makers for 2023 chosen by Top chefs

The following items are most likely to meet your needs:

• Best Overall: Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker

• Best for Budget: Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated 

• Best Compressed: Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Quart Capacity Upright Automatic Compressor Ice Cream Maker 

• Best for Kids: Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker with Easy Carry Handle 

• Best for Vegan: Whynter ICM-200LS 2-Quart Stainless Steel Automatic Ice Cream Maker With Compressor

• Best for Slurge: Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker, Stainless

 

---

What to look for in an ice cream maker

Machine Dimensions

Let's face it: ice cream machines aren't really necessary kitchen appliances in most households, so storing one may be difficult. They are, however, a lot of fun to play with, and most people enjoy a scoop or two of cold, super smooth ice cream all year long. So, if you can find a model that fits in your kitchen's storage space, an ice cream maker will most certainly be a pleasant addition.

Ice cream makers come in a variety of sizes, from compact, single-serve units that take up almost no counter space to non-electric bowls suited for freezer usage and enormous compressor models that are too heavy to move. 

Batch Amount

The amount of ice cream that an ice cream maker can make per batch varies. When buying for an ice cream machine, consider how much ice cream you want to create at once. 

The most popular ice cream makers normally generate 1 to 2 quarts (4 to 8 cups) of ice cream at a time, although there are additional versions designed to make one single-serve cup of ice cream, as well as large-capacity units that can produce up to 6 quarts or 24 cups at a time. 

A large-capacity machine is a fantastic choice if you have a large family or want to produce large batches of ice cream for gatherings. Larger models are less efficient at dealing with smaller batches of ice cream, however.

Options & Settings

The most basic ice cream machines may only have an on/off switch. Other machines have timers, automatic shut-off or "keep cool" functions, extra freezer bowls, gelato settings, unique paddles, and more. Compressor-style ice cream makers, in general, have more controls and options for manufacturing different types of ice cream than other models. While having alternatives and flexible appliances is excellent, sometimes a basic one that does one thing effectively is all you truly need.

Capability to Produce Multiple Batches

The type of ice cream machine you use will decide whether or not you can produce numerous batches at once. Freezer bowl models must be frozen before use, and most can only make one batch of ice cream before needing to be frozen again. It will be easier to create numerous batches back to back if an extra freezer basin is included. Compressor models can easily create a second or third batch. The salt-and-ice models can also handle as many batches as you want, as long as there is enough ice and salt to keep the unit cold. 

While some ice cream machines can theoretically produce an infinite number of batches of ice cream, churning hard ice cream can stress and overheat the engine of less-durable models. If you frequently create huge amounts of ice cream for major parties and gatherings, a low-end commercial machine may be a better choice than a lighter-duty home one.

Power Source 

Because electric ice cream makers do all of the churning, producing ice cream is as simple as adding the ingredients, pressing the start button, and waiting for the ice cream to finish. The procedure is identical to that of utilizing other hands-free kitchen appliances such as slow cookers.

Since churning ice cream might take 20 minutes or longer, and the process becomes more difficult as the ice cream solidifies, manual machines demand more work. Manual ice cream makers are portable because they don't need to be plugged in, so you can bring one to backyard parties, camping trips, and beach trips and let everyone—children included—help churn. Some manual types are even easier to use, needing simply that you whisk the contents in a freezer bowl.

Freezing Type

Many ice cream machines use a freezer bowl or insert that must be frozen before churning the ice cream. If you don't have enough freezer space, this may be inconvenient; also, if you want to create a second batch, you'll have to wait for the bowl to freeze again. Compressor models allow you to churn out batches after batches but take up more space and are more expensive. There are also ice cream producers that use the traditional freezing process of ice and salt.

Price

On average, you can buy dozens of good electric ice cream machines for $50 to $100. Some of the more basic ice cream machines cost less than $30, while heavy-duty compressor ones that function like miniature freezers can cost several hundred dollars. Although the supplies are not pricey, the more traditional salt-and-ice-style ice cream machines will require you to purchase salt and bags of ice every time you wish to make ice cream.

Warranty

Most ice cream makers have a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects, however others have longer or shorter warranties. Manufacturing flaws are more likely to show early in the product's lifecycle, but subsequent failures are more likely to be caused by regular wear and tear, which would not be covered under a standard guarantee. A good ice cream machine that hasn't been abused should live well beyond its warranty period, but if you've had terrible luck with appliances in the past or want coverage for unexpected breakage, you can buy extended warranties for most gadgets. Read the fine print before purchasing, as extended warranties normally begin on the date of purchase but cannot be utilised until the expiration date.

What are several types of ice cream makers?

Some kinds of ice cream machines for you to consider:

Ice and salt

Although hand-cranked salt-and-ice ice cream machines have been around since the mid-1800s, the approach is still effective. Some of these devices require physical cranking to turn the paddle, but others are electric and will do all of the work for you. To make numerous batches, just clean the machine, add more ice, salt, and ice cream ingredients, and begin churning again. 

If you go this route, make sure you have plenty of ice and salt on hand. Keep in mind that if you overfill these ice cream machines with ice, the cold, salty water will seep into the ice cream mixture and destroy it. Many salt-and-ice ice cream makers with bigger capacities are available, but not for home use.

Freezer Bowl 

Freezer bowl ice cream machines are the most commonly used at home. Most are electric, making them simple to use and taking up minimal counter space. The frozen bowls must be placed in the freezer at least eight hours before churning. This implies you should prepare ahead of time or keep the frozen bowl in the freezer so it's always ready to use. Before churning, the ice cream mixture should also be chilled; otherwise, it may not freeze as solidly as you'd like before the bowl loses its coolness. 

Churning a single batch of ice cream often warms the bowl sufficiently to prevent it from being used for a second batch. Some ice cream makers come with a second freezer bowl (or you can buy one separately), allowing you to manufacture two batches of ice cream at the same time. The only disadvantage is that several freezer bowls require additional freezer space.

Compressor

Compressor-style ice cream makers function similarly to mini freezers. Rather than chilling before churning, these models chill after the ice cream mixture is introduced, though certain machines can be pre-chilled before adding ingredients. These machines usually offer more functionality, such as settings for preparing gelato, sorbet, and other desserts. Some versions include timers to remind you when to add mix-ins and/or keep-cold functions to keep the ice cream chilly if you can't immediately move it to the freezer after it's finished churning.

Because you only need to clean the bowl between batches, this machine is ideal for preparing several batches. These machines are typically the most expensive, as well as significantly larger and heavier than other ice cream producers. While a compressor-style ice cream machine is probably overkill for most household kitchens, it produces great ice cream and is always ready to use.

---

A good ice cream maker will elevate your life greatly in this hot summer. Let’s have a look at the 6 best ice cream makers chosen by experts: 

#1. Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker: Best Overall

 

Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker (link)

Important Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 16.73 x 12 x 9.33 inches

• Item Weight: ‎27.2 pounds

• Capacity: 1.5 Quarts

Product highlights

Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker tops our best ice cream maker list because it contains a compressor that chills the ice cream base without the need to pre-freeze an insert or use a salt and ice mixture. That means you can make multiple batches of ice cream at once, without having to plan ahead and cool a canister or worry about freezer space. A batch of ice cream takes about 40 minutes to churn on average, and there is a "Cool" feature that will keep the ice cream cold for up to 10 minutes.

This type, like our top Cuisinart canister-model option, has a minimalist look and uncomplicated operation. The interface has three buttons: one to switch the unit on and off, one to adjust the churning time, and one to stop the machine.

The timer is set to 60 minutes by default, but it is readily customizable to your preferred churn time, and it may be stopped at any moment. The locking lid features clearly indicated arrows for easy attachment and removal. 

The bowl where the churning action takes place includes a wire handle that allows you to lift it out for easy ice cream transfer and cleanup. Once the bowl has been emptied and washed, you may start churning the next batch right away—just make sure to properly dry the edges, or the water will freeze the bowl to the unit.

Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What we like

• Convenient

• Programmable

• Easy to clean

Things to consider

• High, squared shoulders where ice cream would become trapped

Bottom line

Overall, the Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker is considered to make heavenly good ice cream by most Amazon buyers. With its price, this can be your best ice cream maker 2023.

#2. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated: Best for Budget

Cuisinart ICE-21P1 Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 9.5 x 9 x 11.25 inches

• Capacity: 4.6 kilograms

Product highlights

The ICE-21, our best ice cream maker for budget, may lack some of the bells and whistles of the brand's higher-end models, but it is entirely automatic and promises to create superb handcrafted ice cream in 20 minutes. The hitch, as we discovered, is that you must have a pre-frozen bowl.

The procedure is straightforward and intended to be as clean as possible. The double-insulated freezer bowl simply fits into the base of the "cold-scrape" type, as does the mixing paddle, and the plastic lid holds everything together. The paddle scrapes frozen batter from the internal walls and mixes it back into the mixture as the bowl rotates. We received fully churned ice cream that approximated soft serve after approximately 20 minutes. At that time, you must enter everything into the freezer.

Even with its simple design, this can help you make a superb batch of ice cream. If you wish to add mix-ins, simply toss them into the freezer bowl when the batch is almost finished spinning. Because this model has a lesser capacity (1.5 quarts) than some of Cuisinart's other models, keep batch size in mind when following recipes. During testing, we experienced overflow when we utilized a recipe that had not been entirely scaled down. However, cleanup was simple. Even the laziest dessert connoisseurs will have little to complain about here.

Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What we like

• Simple to use

• Simple to clean

• Produces a soft serve-like texture.

Things to consider

• Smaller capacity than comparable models

• The bowl must be frozen for 24 hours before use

Bottom line

This lightweight model has an unbeatable value-to-cost ratio. It chills the ice cream base with a pre-frozen, coolant-lined canister, avoiding the need for salt and ice or an expensive compressor. When properly frozen, the canister churns up the ice cream and other frozen desserts in the lowest amount of time of any model we tested. This simple type includes a single button, an easily snap-in lid, and a compact footprint for tight areas, making it undeniably our best ice cream maker for budget. 

#3.Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Quart Capacity Upright Automatic Compressor Ice Cream Maker: Best Compressed

Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Quart Capacity Upright Automatic Compressor Ice Cream Maker (link)

Important Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 10.75 x 12.5 x 14.25 inches

• Item Weight: ‎24.25 pounds

• Capacity: 2.1 Quarts

Product highlights

With Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Quart Capacity Upright Automatic Compressor Ice Cream Maker, our best compressed ice cream maker, you can produce numerous batches of ice cream in a day without needing to pre-freeze an insert. 

Since 2017, we've evaluated many Whynter ice cream makers, and this model has consistently outperformed the others. In our 2021 tests, the ICM-201SB produced fluffier ice cream than other models we tested; the results were nonetheless tasty and substantially less icy than ice cream from inexpensive models such as the KitchenAid attachment or the Nostalgia ice-and-salt machine we tested. So, if you want a lighter, more mousse-like texture, you could like the ICM-201SB ice cream, but if you prefer denser ice cream, you might choose one of our other selections.

The ICM-201SB is taller than most of the other ice cream machines we evaluated, but it has a smaller footprint and hence requires less counter space. It has numerous presets and a timer to help you perfect your desserts. Despite the fact that the shallow removable bowl can be a little slick to hold, scooping out frozen goodies and cleaning it were simple procedures for us. 

This ice cream maker, like most compressor-cooled devices, is more expensive than ones that need you to freeze the bowl first. The comparable, smaller-capacity, 1.6-quart Whynter ICM-15LS creates denser ice cream and normally costs less than the ICM-201SB, though we've observed that the price gap between the two machines changes quite a little.

Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What we like

• Big batches available

• No pre-freeze needed

Things to consider

• The price is a bit higher than counterparts

Bottom line

The larger-capacity ICM-201SB is one of the easiest to use, scoop from, and clean of all the compressor machines we've examined over the last four years. And, when compared to even more expensive options, this model's silky ice cream is unrivaled. Thus, Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Quart Capacity Upright Automatic Compressor Ice Cream Maker is the best ice cream maker 2023 for you.

#4. Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker with Easy Carry Handle: Best for Kids

 Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker with Easy Carry Handle (link)

Important Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 16 inches

• Weight: 5.15 lbs

• Capacity: 4 Quarts

Product Highlights

Long before the freezer, it was feasible to manufacture ice cream at home: all you needed was a bucket of ice and salt, a hand crank, and a lot of muscle force. (The salt is present to melt the ice and reduce the liquid's freezing point.) This machine, complete with wooden bucket, duplicates that method, though it mercifully electrifies the crank component. The Nostalgia model is entertaining for its nostalgia, but it also has a large capacity of up to a gallon of ice cream per batch, making it the best ice-cream maker for kids.

In testing, we discovered that you must get the salt-and-ice layering just perfect for the greatest results, which is disappointing because there aren't particularly explicit instructions on how much of each to use.

We recommend starting with at least 8 pounds of ice and 3 cups of salt, and loading up ice and salt around the edges until the inside container is flush with the bottom. In both testing, we had a lot of sorbet and ice cream that tasted fantastic but were a little soft and variable in texture. Although it's a hassle to stop and detach the motor, it did an excellent job mixing in the cookie bits evenly and thoroughly.

Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What we like

• There is no need to plan ahead of time.

• Children's entertainment

• Makes fluffy ice cream

Things to consider

• Loud

• Store and clean is not easy

• Less precise than a specially designed freezer bowl 

Bottom line

It's entertaining to use and produces excellent, fluffy ice cream, but the Nostalgia ice cream maker isn't for serious frozen dessert fans. Nevertheless, it’s still the best ice-cream maker choice for home use.

#5. Whynter ICM-200LS 2-Quart Stainless Steel Automatic Ice Cream Maker With Compressor: Best for Vegan

Whynter ICM-200LS 2-Quart Stainless Steel Automatic Ice Cream Maker With Compressor (link)

Important Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 11 x 10 inches 

• Item Weight: 27 pounds

• Unit Capacity: 1.6 quart

Product Highlights

The Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker produces great ice cream that is incredibly smooth, rich, and creamy, and it’s the best vegan ice-cream maker. It has an ideal capacity of 900 ml to 1000 ml (0.95 quarts to 1.06 quarts) of ice cream mix, generating approximately 950 ml (1.00 quarts) and 1100 ml (1.16 quarts) of frozen ice cream, respectively, with approximately 10% overrun.

The strong compressor can cool the removable bowl to -36°C (-32.8°F) when empty, and the huge 2.1 quart bowl makes extracting frozen ice cream quick and easy. It's the only domestic machine where the scraper blades make contact with the freezer bowl's side, resulting in minimum ice buildup and good heat transfer.

When an optimum 900 ml to 1000 ml (0.95 quarts to 1.06 quarts) of mix is frozen, the Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker produces outstanding ice cream that is incredibly smooth and creamy. It’s discovered that if you go beyond or below this optimal range, the texture becomes a little gritty. It makes ice cream with about 10% overrun that is dense and lacks airiness in the mouth. 

It is, however, far from ideal. Although it can freeze a large 1400 ml (1.48 quarts) mix, I've discovered that above the ideal 900 ml to 1000 ml (0.95 quarts to 1.06 quarts), it creates slightly grainy ice cream. The little teeth that link the rotating gear and dasher are quite small and slip as the dynamic freezing stage progresses.

Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What we like

• Good appearance and sleek design

• LCD display

• Great ice-cream, especially vegan-friendly

• Easy to clean

Things to consider

• Works best with 900 ml to 1000 ml mix

Bottom line

If you are a vegan and want an easy-to-use ice-cream maker that is not only dashing but does its job nicely, Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker is the best ice-cream maker for you.

#6. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker, Stainless: Best for Splurge

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker, Stainless (link)

Important Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 17.72 x 11.81 x 11.81 inches

• Item Weight: 18 Kilograms

• Capacity: 0.75 Liters

Product Highlights 

The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino, our best high-end ice-cream maker, is the machine for you if you're serious about creating ice cream as a hobby and are ready to take your setup to the next level—and you want to invest in the greatest home ice cream maker money can buy.

This model produces wonderfully smooth, creamy ice cream with a rich, delicious, gelato-like texture in record time. The large stainless steel machine is a compressor kind with no removable bucket, but cleaning up the bowl recess is simple.

The machine's components are all metal except for the plastic cover—it's the only type we tested with a stainless steel paddle. The user interface is straightforward, with one light-up button for churning, another for cooling, and a timer knob. However, this machine is not very budget-friendly for some people.

Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What we like

• Sleek design

• Fine, store-like ice-cream

• Easy to clean

Things to consider

• No removable bowl

• Expensive 

Bottom line

Overall, the Christopher Knight Home Avon Outdoor Acacia Wood Dining Set is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy outdoor dining and entertaining in style and comfort. Given the qualities it provides, the product stands out as the best for dining wooden bistro set.

---

What is the best way to clean an ice cream maker?

Of course, you follow the instructions in your ice cream maker's instruction manual! Every ice cream machine has its own set of guidelines, but you should always disassemble and properly clean everything after usage. Dishwasher-safe paddles and lids are available, but frozen bowls must nearly always be hand-washed. Never submerge or run water over the motor base or other electrical parts; instead, wipe off buttons and other surfaces with a sponge or damp cloth.

After washing, it's critical to fully dry all of the pieces, especially the freezer bowl, before reusing them. Ice can accumulate on the bowl's walls, causing damage and interfering with the operation.

Can you create gelato and frozen yogurt with an ice cream maker?

Yes! Much of the texture and flavor variance between ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurt is attributable to their distinct recipes, all of which will freeze in almost any type of ice cream maker. However, the volume and speed of churning also have an impact on the end product, and not every ice cream machine allows you to change these. You may obtain the best results with an ice cream maker that has several settings for different recipes, but you may also fine-tune your recipe and method for your unique machine.

Is it pricey to manufacture ice cream at home?

It is determined by the components used. Cream, milk, sugar, and sometimes eggs are the major ingredients of ice cream, which comes in both cheap and costly varieties. Fresh and local products, grass-fed dairy, and cage-free eggs are more expensive, but they make a difference in flavor. The same can be said for nondairy ice cream. Base ingredients such as soy milk or canned coconut milk are less expensive, however cashew milk can be fairly pricey.

What is the difference between homemade and store-bought ice cream?

There is no getting around it: Homemade ice cream is more flavorful and fresh than store-bought ice cream. The longer homemade or store-bought ice cream remains in the freezer, the more flavor it loses due to oxidation. Store-bought ice creams frequently contain binders or artificial flavors, as well as significantly more sugar than homemade ice cream. Making your own ice cream gives you full control of the ingredients and allows you to create flavors that aren't available in grocery store freezers.

What is the must-try homemade ice cream flavor?

It’s always recommended to master vanilla ice cream before moving on to more complicated flavors. This allows you to practice the technique without having to worry about your chocolate breaking or your fruit swirl becoming icy. Once you've mastered mixing and churning a beautiful vanilla ice cream, start with some basic mix-ins—cookie chunks or chocolate chips are good places to start—and then get inventive.

How does one go about making vegan ice cream?

Many ice cream recipes employ plant-based milk as a base, but non-dairy ice cream often requires an additional component to assist reduce ice crystal formation during freezing and ensure a smooth texture. We use coconut and oat milks in our basic vegan ice cream recipe, as well as xanthan gum, a thickening and stabilizer found in gluten-free breads and salad dressings. Coatney from Fifth Scoop has a different secret. For vegan ice creams, adding a little vodka to the mix before churning helps produce smoother, more scoopable ice cream because the vodka prevents it from freezing so hard.

---

Making your own ice cream isn't the quickest or easiest culinary project, but it's well worth it. You won't find any fresher ice cream on store shelves, and making it yourself provides you complete control over flavorings and ingredients. The problem is that without an ice cream maker, it's difficult to create ice cream at home. There are numerous shapes, sizes, and freezing methods available—how do you choose one? We took on the chore of producing and tasting dozens of ice creams to assist. It's a difficult task, but it has to be done. 

Overall, Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker is chosen as the best ice-cream maker for 2023. It's little but powerful, and it's usually under $75. This machine produces dense ice cream, but we find it to be chewy and rich. It's some of the smoothest ice cream you can create at home without upgrading to a compressor with a self-chilling feature.

Furthermore, when compared to our other options, the ICE-21 is a featherweight. It's also simple to use: there's only one switch (on/off), and this model has a large opening for tasting your concoction and quickly depositing mix-ins.

We hope this review is helpful to you. Leave us a comment if you have chosen the best ice-cream maker for yourself, we’ll be more than happy to hear your feedback. See you in our next articles!

---