Best Ice Cream Makers (2026): We Tested 7 and Made 30+ Flavors to Find the Best
Quick Comparison: Our Top Picks
| Model | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker | Overall best | ★★★★★ |
| 🥈 Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt/Ice Cream Maker | Traditional churning method | ★★★★½ |
| 🥉 DASH My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker | Small batches / limited space | ★★★★ |
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja CREAMi revolutionized home ice cream by flipping the process: freeze your base solid, then let the CREAMi drill through it to create creamy ice cream. No pre-freezing a bowl, no churning for 30 minutes. Dump your mixture in the pint container, freeze overnight, and the machine transforms it in 2-3 minutes.
It makes ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, gelato, and smoothie bowls. The texture is remarkably close to store-bought. At ~$200, it's an investment, but TikTok made it the most-wanted kitchen gadget for a reason. Our tester made protein ice cream (120 cal, 25g protein per pint) that tasted like real ice cream. Game changer for health-conscious dessert lovers.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 1 pint per batch
- Programs: 7 (ice cream, sorbet, gelato, etc.)
- Freeze Time: 24 hours (base)
- Process Time: 2-3 minutes
Pros
- No pre-freezing a bowl — just freeze the base
- 7 programs for different textures
- Protein ice cream tastes legit
Cons
- $200 — the most expensive pick
- Only 1 pint per batch
- Must plan 24 hours ahead (freezing)
Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt/Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart ICE-21 is the classic home ice cream maker that's been a bestseller for years. Pre-freeze the double-insulated bowl (takes about 12 hours), pour in your base, and the motorized paddle churns it into ice cream in 20-25 minutes. Simple, reliable, and proven.
At ~$55, it's the sweet spot of affordability and quality. The 1.5-quart capacity makes enough for 6 servings. Ice cream texture is excellent — smooth, creamy, and scoopable. Our tester's vanilla bean recipe rivaled Haagen-Dazs. The only hassle is remembering to freeze the bowl the night before.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Method: Frozen bowl + paddle churning
- Churn Time: 20-25 minutes
- Bowl Freeze Time: 12-24 hours
Pros
- $55 for reliable, great ice cream
- 1.5 quart capacity — feeds 6
- Dead simple to use
Cons
- Must pre-freeze bowl 12-24 hours
- Only one batch per freeze cycle
- Bowl takes up freezer space
DASH My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker
DASH My Pint makes personal-sized ice cream servings — about 1.6 cups per batch. Pre-freeze the organic-shaped bowl, add your base, and it churns a single serving in about 20 minutes. The adorable compact design takes up less counter space than a blender.
At ~$20, it's an impulse buy that actually delivers. Perfect for single people, dorm rooms, or portion control. The small batch size means you can experiment with crazy flavors without committing to a quart. Our tester's favorites: matcha, peanut butter banana, and strawberry cheesecake. All from a $20 machine.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 1.6 cups (1 serving)
- Method: Frozen bowl + paddle
- Churn Time: ~20 minutes
- Bowl Freeze Time: 12 hours
Pros
- Only ~$20 — cheapest option
- Adorable compact design
- Perfect for single servings
Cons
- Too small for families
- Must pre-freeze bowl
- Only 1.6 cups per batch
Frequently Asked Questions
Is homemade ice cream cheaper than store-bought? ▼
Why is my homemade ice cream icy instead of creamy? ▼
Can I make dairy-free ice cream at home? ▼
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