We Tested Dozens of Ice Cream Makers, and the Best Treats Came from Machines Under $100
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Create your favorite ice cream flavor in the comfort of your own home
People / Will Dickey
Ice cream is one of the most nostalgic desserts out there — it’s the quintessential summer treat that can be enjoyed all year long. If you’re an ice cream lover who’s still searching for the perfect flavor, having an ice cream maker at home means you’ll never have to skimp on toppings or sacrifice your favorite combination of ingredients. These fun kitchen gadgets are the key to customizing your sundae. Depending on the model you choose, you can create new flavors, control texture and hardness, and even add in the mix-ins of your choice.
In search of the best ice cream makers available, we put dozens of the leading models through a series of culinary tests to determine functionality, ease of use, performance, and most importantly, taste. We learned that for the best results, from texture to flavor, a compressor model works best. These models tend to be more expensive, so unless you’re a serious ice cream connoisseur, you can still make high-quality ice cream at home with these other PEOPLE-Tested winners.
Gather your kids, neighbors, friends, or just your favorite ingredients, and try one of the best ice cream makers PEOPLE tested in 2024.
Best Overall: Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker
Pros
It’s lightweight and takes up as much space as a mixing bowl.
Solid, simple construction means it’s easy to understand and use.
This machine yielded some of the creamiest ice cream we tested.
It can also be used as a frozen margarita maker.
Cons
Ice cream made in this machine freezes harder and faster than some of the other makers we tested, so be mindful when scooping.
It doesn’t yield as much ice cream as some of the other products on our list.
It’s not dishwasher-safe.
Out of all the products we tested, one of the simplest and most affordable ended up being our favorite. The Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker yielded some of the creamiest ice cream of all we tasted, with minimal setup and maintenance.
To use, simply prepare your ice cream base then pour it into the frozen bowl and use the included spatulas to mix it up. We found that the simplicity of this gadget aided in its overall convenience — it’s lightweight and about the size of a large mixing bowl, so it doesn’t take up too much space on the countertop and doesn’t have extra parts to wash.
Throughout testing, this gadget performed exceptionally well — it made ice cream faster than any of the other products we tested and yielded creamy results with consistently dispersed mix-ins. Although it doesn’t yield as much ice cream as some of the larger, more advanced machines, it’s a great option for someone looking to experiment with making ice cream at home. (Plus, it doubles as a frozen margarita maker for summer.)
Style: Manual | Accessories: 2 spatulas | Yield: 3/4 cup finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Ninja NC501 Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream
Pros
It yields consistently creamy ice cream with no ice grit or separation.
It can also be used to make frozen cocktails or coffee beverages.
Though the parts are dishwasher-safe, they’re easy to clean by hand, too.
Cons
The motor can be really noisy when in use.
It only yields two pints at a time, so it’s not great for making large batches.
Another one of our favorite ice cream maker models is Ninja’s Creami Deluxe. This versatile gadget is electric, so it requires less manpower than the Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker, but it yields similarly creamy results. However, its $250 price point kept it from being our top pick.
Throughout the testing process, we were thrilled at how easy this machine is to understand and use, and its performance and versatility made it stand out from the competition. Its compact size means it’s easy to store and doesn’t take up a ton of space, and we love that the controls are easy to read — especially for beginners.
Eleven functions mean this electric ice cream maker is one of the more versatile options that we tested, and it can even be used to make frozen lattes or milkshakes. We love how hands-off this electric machine allows you to be, while still delivering exceptionally creamy results. This is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a compact gadget that can whip up different types of frozen treats. Keep in mind that because it’s on the smaller side, it doesn’t yield as much finished product as some of the other machines we tried.
Style: Electric | Accessories: Bowl and lid, creamer paddle, 2 pints with lids | Yield: 24 ounces finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: Removable parts, yes
Best Budget: Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, & Sorbet Maker
Pros
It yields smooth, creamy, and consistently mixed ice cream and sorbet.
The four feet provide a sturdy base, so this machine won’t move around while in use.
The machine is quiet and easy for beginners to understand and use.
Since this is such a simple machine, it’s great for kids or teenagers.
Cons
The churning process takes longer than some of the other machines we tested.
Because this uses a frozen bowl method, you’ll need enough storage space to store the bowl.
This simple, easy-to-use electric ice cream maker is perfect for beginners or someone who isn’t looking to invest a ton of money into a new gadget. It utilizes a frozen bowl method — which means the technique is simple and it yields perfectly creamy results with mix-ins that are consistently incorporated.
Throughout the testing process, we found that this machine was one of the simplest and easiest to use while still delivering top-tier results. The ice cream and sorbet were dense and creamy, without being runny or crystallized. It operates quickly, and the simple on-and-off switch is easy to understand and operate. We love that this machine has an ingredient spout so you can easily disperse ingredients without anything spilling out of the side.
Keep in mind that this machine took longer to churn the ingredients than some of the others we tried. Because this ice cream maker utilizes a frozen bowl, it does take up space in your freezer, so be mindful of that before purchasing.
Style: Freezer bowl | Accessories: Locking lid, creamer paddle, freezing bowl | Yield: 2 pints finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Right Now: Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker with Touch Activated Display
Pros
This is lightweight and doesn’t take up too much space.
Pre-set options for ice cream, sorbet, and gelato make it very simple to use.
It comes in five fun colors.
Cons
It doesn’t yield a large quantity, so it’s not great for big groups.
The cord is notably shorter than others we’ve tried.
This compact machine is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to make ice cream every week. The small base means it doesn’t take up a ton of room on the countertop, and the lightweight body means you can keep it out on your counter or transport it back and forth to the pantry with no problem. Throughout the testing process, we found that this streamlined machine is super easy to use, so it’s simple enough to use regularly without too much prep or maintenance.
The simple control panel has three pre-set functions: ice cream, sorbet, and gelato. Users can easily toggle between the presets and add more time as needed. We love how intuitive this control panel is to use and were happy to see how easy it is to add the base thanks to a clean and simple hatch. We love that you can add the base to the machine even while it’s churning without creating any mess.
While we love how easy this machine is to use, it’s worth noting that it yielded softer ice cream than some of the other machines on this list. While the texture was creamy, smooth, and consistent, it wasn’t as firm as standard hard-packed ice cream.
Style: Electric compressor | Accessories: Ice cream scoop, freezing bowl, mixing paddle | Yield: 1.5 quarts finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: Mixing paddle is dishwasher-safe, other parts are not
Best with Compressor: Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
Pros
A touchpad control panel with an LCD screen makes controls easy to use and operate.
The lid has a special spout that makes adding mix-ins clean and easy.
The resulting ice cream is super fluffy, airy, and light.
Cons
The compressor base makes this machine super heavy to lift.
It’s a little messy to use.
When it comes to expertly light, airy, fluffy, and creamy ice cream, this machine impressed us throughout the testing process. The touchscreen is easy to use and operate, thanks to the minimal functions. The simplicity of this ice cream maker made it easy to understand, and it still yielded professional-quality results despite the lack of extra buttons or functions.
It’s uncomplicated and attractive and an easy way to have an ice cream shop in your home. The compressor automatically cools the machine, so there’s no need to freeze the bowl between each use. While we loved using this machine in testing, we did notice that it’s a little messier than some of the others, and it’s a bit heavier than some machines of similar size.
Style: Electric compressor | Accessories: Transparent lid, 2 paddles, mixing bowl with lift-out handle | Yield: 1.5 quarts finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Compact: Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 Ice Cream Maker
Pros
This ice cream maker doesn’t occupy too much space on the countertop.
Simple design and basic on-off functionality mean this is one of the easiest ice cream makers to use of all we tested.
A scraper blade helps reach all the ingredients to incorporate them thoroughly.
This model yielded some of the best ice cream we made.
Cons
Because of its simple, compact design, this electric ice cream maker doesn’t have any special features.
This super-simple electric ice cream maker is small and compact, so it can yield delicious ice cream without taking up too much extra space on your countertop. Throughout our testing, it consistently delivered airy, fluffy ice cream that was sweet and light, with toppings perfectly incorporated throughout. In fact, this machine delivered some of our favorite ice cream of all the products we tested.
Its convenience was unmatched — in addition to being compact, it’s also super easy to clean. It’s easy to take apart and all of the pieces were easy to wash by hand, leaving no mess behind on the countertop or the electric base of the machine.
This product should not be placed in the dishwasher, and abrasive cleaning products aren’t safe to use on the freezer bowl. Overall, this quick, efficient, and hassle-free ice cream maker yielded excellent results.
Style: Electric | Accessories: 2 paddles | Yield: 1.5 quarts finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best for Vegan Ice Cream: Yonanas Classic Soft-Serve Dessert Maker
Pros
All fruit pulverizes instantly, so it doesn’t take much time at all.
It yields creamy sorbet and soft serve that scoops easily.
This can pulverize frozen fruit and turn it into sorbet, which means it’s great for making healthier desserts.
Cons
Pushing the fruit down the chute can be challenging.
This is only for dairy-free ice cream or sorbet.
This easy-to-use ice cream maker is perfect for kids or young people who want to make creamy frozen treats. It pulverizes fruit instantly and turns it into smooth, creamy, fruit-based desserts instantly. Simply add frozen fruit to the chute, and use the plunger to push it through.
Throughout testing, we found that this machine yielded fantastic results quickly and easily. It operates at a moderate noise level and even when pushing fruit through the grinder, we never felt like it was too loud.
Keep in mind that this machine only makes fruit-based, non-dairy frozen treats. Depending on the size of the frozen fruit you use, it can be challenging to push the fruit down the chute.
Style: Electric | Accessories: Motor base, chute, blade base, gasket, screw cap, recipe book | Yield: 24 ounces finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Large-Capacity: Vevor Automatic Ice Cream Maker with Built-In Compressor
Pros
This simple machine is easy to assemble.
Both sorbet and ice cream came out with a thick, creamy consistency.
Cons
It takes up quite a bit of space on the counter and in the pantry.
It can be heavy to lift.
This simple compressor-style machine is a fantastic option for families who like to make ice cream together at home. With just three parts — a bowl, mixing blade, and lid — it’s extremely easy to put together and even easier to take apart for cleaning. The machine has three buttons — start/stop, menu, and power — so it can be operated easily and therefore is a great option for kids or beginners. It yields a big batch of ice cream and sorbet, and throughout the testing process, we were thrilled to see how creamy, smooth, and thick each recipe came out.
We also love how clean and mess-free this machine is; it’s easy to add the base to the machine while it’s moving, and we didn’t notice anything dripping out of the sides. In fact, adding the mix-ins was mess-free, too. However, we recommend pouring the base in a slow, steady stream to avoid unnecessary mess.
This machine has an auto-shut-off safety mechanism that stops the machine when the consistency begins to get too hard. This helps protect the motor and the compressor, but it can make adding the mix-ins a bit more confusing. We recommend adding your mix-ins as you see the machine start to slow down; if you wait until the machine automatically shuts off, you’ll need to add in the mix-ins by hand which can be challenging and messy.
Style: Electric compressor | Accessories: Recipe book, manual, spoon, measuring cup, mixing rod | Yield: 2 quarts finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Old-Fashioned: Nostalgia 4-Quart Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker
Pros
This mimics the look of an old-fashioned machine with the convenience of an electric gadget.
It’s super easy to assemble and use.
Cons
Adding salt and ice can get a little messy.
Although this machine was convenient to use, the texture of the resulting ice cream was a bit inconsistent.
When it comes to treats, ice cream is just about as nostalgic as it can get. It embodies childhood memories and summer fun, and crafting it at home makes it even more special. If you’re searching for a nostalgic, easy-to-use gadget that can mix up creamy ice cream, this affordable ice cream maker is for you. We love how easy it is to assemble and use, and the simple functionality means it’s perfect for beginners or occasional users. We found it to be a great value for the price, and we love that it’s compact and doesn’t take up too much space in the kitchen.
This machine can get a little messy, and it yielded ice cream that was occasionally a little soft. It’s a fantastic machine for occasional users, but we wouldn’t recommend it for someone looking to make professional-quality ice cream regularly.
Style: Electric | Accessories: Ice cream bucket, lid, dasher, canister | Yield: 4 quarts finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Investment: Breville The Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
Pros
Twelve hardness settings allow you to easily customize your ice cream’s texture.
The machine can keep your ice cream at a designated temperature for up to three hours.
Cons
It’s one of the most expensive machines on our list.
It’s a bit large and bulky.
This loaded machine is packed with smart features that make it super functional and advanced. The compressor automatically cools the bowl before use, which means you don’t have to put it in your freezer each time you want to make ice cream. It features many presets that help beginners make everything from gelato to sorbet, and 12 hardness settings help users customize the exact texture of the ice cream they like.
Throughout testing, we loved that this machine yielded great-quality ice cream, and we love that you can set the preset function and walk away, allowing the automated machine to do all of the work for you. If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it type of machine, this is a great option.
We found that this is a large and bulky machine, so it’s not great for small spaces or kitchens that have limited storage space.
Style: Electric | Accessories: Cleaning brush, removable bowl, removable paddle | Yield: 1.5 quarts finished ice cream | Dishwasher Safe: No
Other Ice Cream Makers We Tried
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment: If you have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, this ice cream maker attachment makes crafting homemade frozen treats easier than ever. In fact, we discovered that this is Jennifer Garner’s go-to when making ice cream at home. (The KitchenAid partner used her attachment to whip up peppermint bark ice cream over the holidays.) The two-quart bowl requires just 20 to 30 minutes to churn out ice cream, although we needed the full 30. We followed the manufacturer’s instructions and added the mix-ins 13 minutes into the process, but it turned the finished ice cream a gray color, so we’d wait to add the mix-ins later in the process. While we liked the convenience and simplicity of this attachment, it didn’t produce the most consistent and smooth ice cream for us in the end.
Whynter ICM-220CGY Automatic Ice Cream Maker: We were able to get smooth, fluffy, and creamy ice cream from this top-rated ice cream maker after about 40 minutes. Even after freezing for a few hours, the mix-ins remained crunchy and the consistency was almost perfect. Because this machine has a built-in compressor, there’s no pre-freezing required. We also found this ice cream maker straightforward to use because of its digital display and a built-in timer that signals when the ice cream has reached the ideal consistency. Ultimately, we found the $400 price point a bit too high for a niche kitchen appliance that may not see regular use. However, we’d recommend this pick if you’re looking to invest in a high-quality at-home ice cream maker.
Lello Musso Pola 5030 Dessert Maker: This heavy-duty ice cream maker received five stars across the board in all our tests and created “phenomenal” ice cream, according to our tester. The results were creamy and light with a perfect distribution of mix-ins. The ice cream was easy to remove from the machine, and adding mix-ins was relatively mess-free. Plus, cleaning the machine was simple considering its size and complexity. This professional ice cream maker produces professional-level ice cream that rivals your favorite store brands. The only reason it didn’t make our final list is because of its steep price tag of $1,200. Our tester, however, said it’s well worth the money if you want extraordinary ice cream you can make at home.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Ice Cream Maker
Model Type
There are many different styles of ice cream makers, and the kind that’s best for you is a matter of personal preference. A freezer bowl ice cream maker, or canister-style, is one of the more popular styles for home use. This style utilizes a freezer bowl that must be frozen well in advance — sometimes up to eight hours in advance — so that all the ingredients are kept cold while churning. This style is easy to use and takes up relatively little space on the countertop, but remembering to freeze the bowl is an extra step that cannot be skipped. Freezer bowl ice cream makers are functional and yield great results, but typically, they’re best used for one batch at a time since the bowl needs to be frozen between each usage. Our best overall pick, the Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker, is a freezer bowl-style ice cream maker.
Another commonly used ice cream maker model is the compressor style. These models don’t need to be frozen in advance. Instead, they begin chilling after the ice cream mixture is added. Compressor models are a bit more advanced than freezer bowl models and often include different features and functions specifically designed for making gelato or sorbet. This style is efficient and functional, and it’s particularly great for making multiple batches at once since you need to clean the parts between uses. The Cuisinart ICE-100 is our favorite compressor-style ice cream maker.
Price
Just like most kitchen appliances, ice cream makers vary greatly in price. We tested multiple products that ranged from $35 to $500, with an average price of $150. Since ice cream makers aren’t essential, most households will likely only use one occasionally. Before purchasing an ice cream maker, consider the price and how often you plan to use it. Cost is directly correlated to extra features, so if you’re looking for an advanced machine that is more automated, you can expect to pay more than a simple machine with basic functionality.
Additional Items Needed
Do you need to pour a ton of ice into your ice cream maker for it to make the perfect sundae? You might want to consider purchasing a countertop ice maker. Do you want the option to make dairy-free ice cream or add lots of toppings? Depending on your use and model type, these are things to consider, as well.
On top of ingredients, another thing to consider adding to your cart is a quality ice cream scoop. "You do not need a proper scoop to eat ice cream...I’ve successfully consumed mint chip, cookie dough, and rocky road with a spoon, fork, spatula, and butter knife. But do I love a good-looking scoop," says Tyler Malek, co-founder and head ice cream maker at Salt & Straw. He adds that a quality ice cream scoop can make the difference between a beautifully presented bowl of ice cream and an injured wrist.
People / Russell Kilgore
How We Tested Ice Cream Makers
In search of the best ice cream makers, we put dozens of the leading models through a series of tests by — you guessed it — making ice cream for over 40 hours in our PEOPLE Tested lab.
Assembly: To start, we assembled each product according to the manufacturer’s instructions and took note of how intuitive or confusing the assembly and controls were.
Performance: We used each machine to churn a traditional, dairy-based ice cream batch. We timed how long the churning process took for each device and measured the amount of finished ice cream each machine produced. Next, we tested each machine by whipping up a batch of fruit-based sorbet. We repeated the same steps and measured how much finished product each machine produced.
Maintenance: We cleaned each product and its accessories according to the manufacturer’s instructions and noted how easy the overall maintenance was.
Consistency and Taste: After two hours in the freezer, we sampled both the dairy ice cream and the sorbet. When sampling, we assessed how easy each batch was to scoop with a standard scooper. We examined the consistency of each batch and paid special attention to how well the ice cream kept its shape. We observed how evenly our mix-ins were distributed, and tasted each product for flavor, consistency, and texture. We also set a batch of each ice cream in the freezer overnight
People / Russell Kilgore
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a compressor and an ice cream maker?
Unlike freezer bowl-style ice cream makers — which need to be placed in the freezer for hours before use — compressor-style ice cream makers have a built-in refrigeration system that chills the bowl automatically. This type of model helps save time and allows you to make multiple batches at once, so you don’t have to freeze the bowl in between each use. Compressor-style ice cream makers are more automated, making for a quicker process overall.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an ice cream maker?
Ice cream makers are a great way to have a homemade frozen treat on hand whenever you want it. Depending on the type of model you buy, these machines can churn out sorbet and gelato, and you can add your own flavorings or mix-ins. However, they can be messy, cumbersome, and challenging to store. Depending on the style you buy, some ice cream makers require advanced preparation — like freezing the bowl for up to two hours.
Is it worth it to make ice cream at home?
Like any other kitchen gadget, ice cream makers take up extra space in your pantry or countertop. They’re not an essential cooking tool for most houses, and typically they’re used for fun or special occasions, so the value of these machines is dependent on how often you plan to use them. If you’re someone who eats a lot of ice cream and likes to experiment with different flavors, textures, and mix-ins, having an ice cream maker at home is a great way to make a professional-quality treat in your own kitchen.
People / Russell Kilgore
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Laura Denby is a food, home, and lifestyle writer specializing in creating thorough and analytical product reviews to help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions. She has a Culinary Arts diploma from the Institute of Culinary Education and a WSET Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits. Her work has appeared in leading food and lifestyle publications like PEOPLE, Food & Wine, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Verywell Family, Southern Living, and more. For this article, she consulted our ice cream maker testing results and combined her knowledge of food (and cooking with kids) to bring you the best ice cream makers available today. We also consulted Tyler Malek, co-founder and head ice cream maker at Salt & Straw, on another important ice cream-making tool: the perfect ice cream scoop.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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