Nothing beats a sweet, creamy, and frozen homemade treat in summer without going to an ice cream parlor. That's where the best ice cream maker machine in 2023 comes in handy! An ice cream maker allows you to churn ice cream of whatever kind you fancy, all in the comfort of your own home.
But which is the best model? We have rounded up the best ice cream maker machines for home use in 2023 to make your decision-making easier.
What are the benefits of having an ice cream maker?
Apart from portability and ease of use, homemade ice cream is healthier than most frozen desserts you can buy in the store. A homemade ice cream maker allows you to create your own flavor and put ingredients that you think are beneficial to you.
Another benefit of having a homemade ice cream maker is the ability to make delicious frozen treats anytime. These machines allow you to make different ice cream flavors effortlessly. In addition, you can use a hundred percent real fruits and fresh dairy products, making them more tasteful.
With that in mind, Let's dive in and look at the top five Best ice cream makers in the market.
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1. Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The new patent-pending mixing paddle makes...
- COOL FEATURE: Double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need...
- CAPACITY: Makes up to 1-½-quarts of your favorite ice cream or...
- EASY TO USE: Easy lock transparent lid with large spout makes...
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting...
The Cuisinart ice-21RP1 ice cream maker is a fun appliance that allows you to make velvety-smooth ice cream from your own home. This quality ice cream maker has a double insulated freezer bowl that eliminates the need for ice. Once you remove the freezer bowl from the freezer, it will stay cold for approximately one hour.
Image credit: b3h2.scene7.com
At first glance, the ICE-21 does not have the sleek look that some of its competitors have. However, it has been solidly built to pump out great ice cream for years. The ice cream maker motor is powerful and can easily churn your frozen favorites. It is also lighter and smaller than compressor machines, making it more portable and easy to store.
With just one switch, the ICE-21 is easy to use. What makes the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker even better is its clear instructions for making your favorite ice cream treats. It also comes with easy-to-follow ice cream recipes, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sandwich cookies, bonbons, and cake mixes.
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2. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker
- Makes up to 2.0 quarts of ice cream, gelato or sorbet in 20-30...
- Dasher rotates inside the bowl to spread, scrape and mix...
- Easy to clean with warm soapy water.
- Some tilt-head models will require the adapter ring to fit...
- For use with KitchenAid stand mixers; includes freeze bowl,...
The KitchenAid Ice cream maker is another best ice cream machine that we recommend. With a capacity of 2 quarts or 1.9 liters, this automatic ice cream maker will produce enough ice cream for a medium-size family.
image credit: KitchenAid-h.assetsadobe.com
The freeze bowl is one of our favorite features of this ice cream machine. Made entirely of plastic to decelerate the freezing process, the bowl works on both tilt-head and bowl-lift models.
Besides its great capacity, another thing we love about this machine is the consistency of the ice cream. If you chill your freezer bowl for a couple of hours, you will create thick, smooth ice cream. However, if you prefer your ice cream hard, you only need to place your ice cream base in the freezer for more hours before placing it in the ice cream maker.
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3. Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Capacity Ice Cream Maker
- Delicious versatility - Make ice cream, frozen yogurt, custard,...
- Fully automatic - no stirring needed. Just add ingredients, ice &...
- Over 20 recipes included - Try the recipes inside or create your...
- Easy-lock lid - Easily fits on top and locks in place with a...
- 4 quart capacity - The perfect size for families and special...
If you want to make creamier ice cream, we recommend this salt and ice chilled machine. With a modern twist on its motorized churn, the ice cream maker allows you to enjoy making traditional ice cream with ease. This affordable ice cream maker can hold up to four liters of ice cream base in its canister, which is then covered by layers of salt and ice that freeze the base.
image credit: thespruceeats.com
We love this ice cream machine because it provides delicious versatility allowing you to make custard, sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt, and the creamiest ice cream. Again it is fully automatic; meaning operations are super easy.
The best bit is that the machine comes with over 20 recipes and a well-elaborated guide to help you make maximum use. This best ice cream maker is ideal if you are looking for a soft serve make or a keto ice cream machine.
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4. Whynter ICM-200LS Automatic Ice Cream Maker
- Award Winning: Best ice cream maker Rachael Ray Every day...
- Stainless steel housing; Reliable built-in audible timer
- 2.1 quart (2 liter) capacity; -0.4ºF to -31ºF Cooling...
- BPA-free aluminum removable mixing bowl and churn blade for easy...
- LCD timer control; Motor Protection Function that shuts off to...
Whynter ICM-200LS is a compressor-style ice cream maker ideal for people with extra kitchen countertop spaces. These machines are abit more expensive than most other machines on the list, but you will definitely get great value for your money.
Image credit: Whynter
The Automatic Ice Cream Makers are the best for making vegan ice cream. It can churn out delicious vegan cookie dough ice cream with a great creamy texture. In addition to making frozen yogurt and sorbet, you can also make delicious dairy ice cream.
What we like most about this ice cream maker is its convenience. It is super easy to set up and use, with an exceptional distribution of mix-ins. Furthermore, it has an extended cooling function that ensures your ice cream won't melt immediately.
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5. Breville Smart Scoop
- Note: Kindly review the videos under the image section and user...
- 12 hardness settings; sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and ice...
- Self refrigerating compressor: Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts Power:...
- Fully automatic or manual functionality: Keep cool setting for up...
- Pre cool setting to optimal operating temperature
If you love ice cream, you should consider purchasing the Breville Smart Scoop. This stainless steel comes with very impressive features and superb functionality. It has twelve easy-to-operate settings that will provide the consistency you need, from soft serve ice cream to extra hard ice cream.
Image credit: thespruceeats.com
Another notable feature we love about this ice cream maker is the incredible mode that holds ice cream's consistency for hours. It also has a bright backlit digital control panel that is easy to read, and buttons are simple to operate.
Although this machine is heavy, it comes in very attractive and will look amazing on your kitchen counter. The ice cream maker has classic ice cream truck tunes that alert you when your ice cream is done churning.
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Different types of Ice Cream Makers
1. Compressor models
Compressor ice cream makers are machines that operate like small freezers. Unlike other models that require you to freeze the bowls before churning your ice cream, these models start chilling after the ice cream mix-ins are added.
In most cases, these machines usually have more features and are the easiest for making multiple batches. However, the machines are more expensive, bulky, and heavier than other ice cream makers. These machines are the most expensive, much larger, and heavier than other ice cream makers.
2. Salt and Ice
Even though the salt and ice type machines have been in the market since the 1800s, they are also effective. Most ice and rock salt machines require manual cranking, but you can also find electric models that will do the cranking automatically.
The ice cream-making process is also straightforward. However, if you opt for these models, you will require plenty of salt and ice. Also, most rock salt and ice-style ice cream machines are available with larger capacities than other styles designed for home use.
3. Soft Serve
Soft serve ice cream makers are specially designed to churn and dispense soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt. These models usually come with a freezer bowl and function like the freezer bowl-style ice cream makers, but they tend to keep the ice cream chilled at a higher temperature. This means your ice cream will not harden and will stay smooth and soft.
4. Freezer Bowl models
Freezer bowl ice cream makers are mostly designed for home use. Most of them are electric and have a compact design, meaning they will only take up a little countertop space. However, the freezer bowls must be put in the freezer before you begin churning, typically for about eight hours. This means you must plan ahead to make your ice cream. Also, with these models, you will need to have your ingredients chilled before churning.
What Factors Should I Look for in an Ice Cream Maker
Image credit: thespruceeats.com
1. Machine Size
A homemade ice cream maker is not necessarily a kitchen-must have for most home cooks. However, it is crucial to check the machined size before you purchase one since you want to get one that fits in your kitchen space. Some ice cream makers are more compact, while others will take up much of the countertop space. So if you want to save space, consider purchasing a more compact ice cream machine.
2. Bath size or capacity
The ice cream makers range in how much ice cream they can make per batch, and they come with different capacities that typically range from a pint to six quarts. So basically, you will get a machine based on the size of your family.
Most home ice cream makers produce between 1 and 2 quarts which are 4 to 8 cups—of ice cream. For large families, it would be best to pick a machine with high capacity. If you are only looking to make ice cream for one or two people at a time, a machine with a smaller capacity will work just fine. It is necessary to note that the larger models are less efficient at handling smaller batches of ice cream.
3. Type Of Ice Cream
While most ice cream makers can make various frozen treats, some can only make one type of ice cream. So you need to double-check and ensure you get the right machine.
4. Freezing Style
Many ice cream makers come with a freezer bowl or freeze insert that requires to be frozen before making ice cream. So if you don't have enough freezer space, this might not be convenient. Also, if you want to make another batch, you will have to wait for the insert to freeze again.
If the pre-frozen bowl or insert is not convenient for you, you can go for the compressor models, which will allow you to make your ice cream one batch after another. The major drawback of the compressed models is that they tend to be more expensive and take up more space.
5. Power Source
You will also need to consider the power source of the ice cream machine you purchase. For instance, a manual or traditional ice cream maker requires manual operation, and it can take more than 20 minutes to make a batch of ice cream. With these manual machines, you can be limited to making soft ice cream since making ice cream can be difficult. The major advantage is that you will not need to plug it in, making it a more portable option.
Many ice cream makers come with a freezer bowl or freeze insert that requires to be frozen before making ice cream. So if you don't have enough freezer space, this might not be convenient. Also, if you want to make another batch, you will have to wait for the insert to freeze again.
6. Settings and Accessories
Most ice cream-making machines usually have an easy-to-use on and off button. However, other types have amazing features like timers, automatic shut-off, settings for making gelato, special paddles, and keep cool features.
In most cases, the compressor ice cream makers are designed to have more controls and options. They allow you to make different types and styles of ice cream compared to other models. Again you will need to pick a machine with the essential add-ons. With the proper tools, you will be able to make professional-looking desserts.
Image credit: scotsman.com
