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Top 15 Best Ice Cream Makers

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There is nothing greater than an ice cream treat after long hour working. Especially in the blazing heat of this scorching summer, I find myself can’t stop thinking about how mouth-watering the salted pretzel ice cream with peanut butter. Do you crave for the combination of peanut butter and ice cream? Then, there is no such thing better than buying yourself the best ice cream maker.

The problem with store-bought ice cream is you have to deal with the amount of sugar and calories. If you follow some heathy diet and need to cut down on the amount of sugar in ice cream, I bet there is no other choice than homemade ice cream.

Making your own frozen treat with unlimited options of toppings and add-ins is only feasible with ice cream maker. Then, what are you waiting for? Let’s skim through my buying guide and jump to the top ice cream makers in the market.

Types of Ice Cream Maker

There are mainly three types of ice cream maker, which becomes more modern with digital features over time. The most advanced is built-in compressor while the most basic is traditional ice cream maker.

Traditional Maker

With the advancement of new technology, this type is classified into manual and electric maker. The traditional ice cream maker is composed of two parts the bigger tube for storing ice and rock salt. The smaller tube sitting inside contains ice cream mixture which is mixed and churned by the blade manually or by motor. When it finishes, the paddle will stall, which in the long run is harmful to the motor.

The electric traditional maker usually rotates the bowl with the stationary blade. On the other hand, with manual traditional ice cream maker, you have to crank the handle yourself and hence, move the paddle.

Pros

  • Makes a big batch of ice cream
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to use
  • No chilling and freezing required

Cons

  • Takes time cleaning the ice water
  • Spends extra pennies on rock salt
  • Takes great effort with manual models
  • No buzzer

Freezer Bowl

The ice and rock salt now are stored in liquid form in between the two walls of this bowl. However, now you need to put it in the freezer for between 7 and 24 hours before using. Then, you only need to pour the ingredients in and let the maker handle the rest. The average capacity of the bowl is 1.5 quarts.

There are two types of frozen bowl: electronic and manual bowls. The electronic model also uses the motor, while the manual needs more physical labor to crank, crank and crank for 25 minutes.

Pros

  • No need dealing with ice and salt
  • Easy to use and clean

Cons

  • Needs planning beforehand
  • Smaller size

Self-Refrigerating Compressor

These units are the high-end models with the most advanced features. Because of the built-in compressor, you don’t have to freeze the bowl overnight and the bowl is always kept at cold temperature. Hence, the texture is smoother, airier, and creamier.

Pros

  • Smoother ice cream texture
  • No planning ahead
  • Keep cool mode
  • Countdown timer
  • Buzzer

Cons

  • High price
  • Takes up larger storage space
  • Small capacity (1.5 quarts)

What Are The Best Ice Cream Makers To Buy?

As the best ice cream maker is mostly used at home for large family, you can check the best overall or best for home use ice cream maker. Otherwise, you can find the best one for picnic, or for keto diet.

Ice Cream Makers Comparison Chart

The best ice cream maker in my opinion must bring you the most benefits with all the advanced features. That’s why the list starts with self-refrigerating compressor and ends with manual traditional maker.

Best Ice Cream MakersTypeFinishCapacity (quart)
Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream MakerSelf refrigerating compressorStainless Steel1.6
Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker - Best for Home UseSelf refrigerating compressorStainless Steel1.5
Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker - Best CompressorSelf refrigerating compressorStainless Steel1.5
Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream MakerSelf refrigerating compressorStainless Steel1.5
Cuisinart ICE-70 Ice Cream Maker - Best OverallFreezer bowlBrushed Chrome2
Cuisinart ICE-30 Ice Cream Maker - Best Freezer BowlFreezer bowlBrushed Metal, Red2
Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice Cream Maker - Best for KetoFreezer bowlWhite, pink, red1.5
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment - Best AttachmentFreezer bowlWhite2
Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker - Best for Kids to UseFreezer bowlBlue glow, lagoon blue
Donvier Manual Ice Cream Maker - Best Hand-CrankManual Freezer bowlWhite, pink1
Yonanas Frozen Ice Cream MakerFruit GrinderSilver
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker - Best BudgetElectric traditional makerWhite4
Nostalgia 4-Quart Ice Cream MakerElectric traditional makerBlue4
White Mountain Ice Cream Maker - Best Electric TraditionalElectric traditional makerWooden6
YayLabs Softshell Ice Cream Maker - Best for PicnicManual traditional makerBlue, orange, raspberry, lime0.5

Top 15 Best Ice Cream Maker Reviews

To choose the best ice cream maker, you should make a comparison chart about product specifications with your wish list. The product specification below is based on the features of built-in compressor.

1. Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker

Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker

Whynter ICM-15LS ice cream maker is easy to use with only 3 control buttons: power, start/stop, and timer. On this model, the timer default is 60 minutes.

By pushing the button, the timer will go down in 10-minute increments. There is no way to add up time or change the timer once it starts working. Upon finishing, the maker will let you know by the alarming beeps. If you don’t remove the bowl immediately, it will turn to stay cool function.

Therefore, you can keep the ice cream cool for at maximum one hour. Since this is a built-in freezer ice cream machine, you needn’t to put the bowl in the fridge or deal with messy ice and salt. The compressor has a durable and decent motor, which works effectively.

Key Features

  • Audible timer
  • Motor protection
  • 1-hour keep cool feature
  • -0.4°F to -31°F temperature range

Product Specification

Keep cool1 hour
Churn bladeRemovable hard plastic
Timer60 minutes with 10-minute increments
SoundBeep
Dimensions18.5” W x 11” L x 10” H
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Consistent quality
  • Takes short time to get cold
  • Powerful motor
  • Easy to use and clean

Cons

  • Needs better timer control
  • Not responsive customer service

Watch this video to see the review of Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker Review

2. Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

(Best for Home Use)

Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

Breville smart scoop ice cream maker is outstanding from other compressors with some distinctive features. Before pouring the base into the insert, you can choose the pre-cool setting to save more time.

The hardness knob control adjusts the 12 hardness settings from softer to harder sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and ice cream with auto timer. After choosing the consistency you want, the timer can also be adjusted manually for your preference.

Therefore, between two options manual and automatic, you can always find the right one. Finally, the keep cool setting lasts really long, for up to 3 hours.

Upon finishing, the audible sound will alarm you with high, low, or musical melody. Just mute this melody if you find it annoying. This is a great option, right? Also, you will know when is the right time for adding in fruits and nuts with the beep.

Key Features

  • 14°F – 22°F pre-cool function
  • 12 hardness selections
  • 3-hour keep cool setting
  • Child lock mode

Product Specification

Keep cool3 hours
Churn bladeRemovable hard plastic
Timer5 to 180 minutes in 5-minute increments
Soundhigh, low, musical tune, or mute
Dimensions15.8 x 11 x 11 inches
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Spatula, cleaning brush, and recipes included
  • Automatic or manual timer
  • Hardness selection
  • Sleek stainless-steel appearance
  • Mute sound function

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Plastic lid

Watch this video to see the review of Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Test Drive Ice Cream Machines

3. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker

(Best Compressor)

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker

This big and sturdy ice cream maker from Musso is 40 pounds, one of the heaviest models in this list. This heavy-duty maker from Italy uses the mechanical timer with 5-minute increments.

There are only two buttons for chilling and churning functions. While the stainless-steel blade is removable, the insert stays inside and needs more effort for cleaning. The plastic lid sits on top rather than locking. Similar to Whynter machine, this guy will automatically shut off if the ice cream becomes too hard.

The built-in chilling setting enables you to pour in hot liquid. This machine only takes 25-30 minutes to turn the mixture into ice cream. Upon finishing, it will turn off.

Key Features

  • Built-in chilling setting
  • Italian heavy-duty ice cream maker
  • Stainless steel blade

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladeRemovable stainless steel
Timer5 to 60 minutes in 5-minute increments
SoundNo
Dimensions17.7 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Fast and easy to use
  • Heavy duty
  • Stainless steel blade
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Non-removable insert
  • Very high price
  • Not responsive customer service

Watch this video to see the review of Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5qt Ice Cream Maker Review

4. Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker

This compressor ice cream maker comes with two different paddles for gelato and ice cream. This unit comes with a lot of advantages. The timer starts to count down from 60 minutes which can be adjusted by the control button. One tip for easy changing the timer is press and hold to scroll down.

Rather than sitting on top of the compressor, the lid is tightly locked when you rotate it into lock position. If you don’t start the unit within 10 minutes, it reverts to standby mode. Upon finishing, the buzzer will beep three times.

The 10-minute keep cool function keeps your ice cream cool when you scraping it out. When it finishes the cooling cycle, it will beep 5 times and then go into standby mode.

Key Features

  • Blue LED-lit control panel
  • 60-minute timer
  • 2 paddles included
  • Integrated handle in the bowl

Product Specification

Keep cool10 minutes
Churn blade2 removable plastic blades
Timer10 to 60 minutes in 1-minute increments
BuzzerBeep three times
Dimensions16.73 x 12 x 9.33 inches
Warranty3 years

Pros

  • Durable and easy to use
  • No need to freeze the bowl
  • Two different paddles
  • Recipes included
  • Nice texture

Cons

  • Difficult to clean
  • Not working paddle

Watch this video to see how to make ice cream with Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Review

5. Cuisinart ICE-70 Ice Cream Maker

(Best Overall)

Cuisinart ICE-70 Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart ice cream maker has such a large capacity – 2 quart with short making time (from 25 to 40 minutes). However, just don’t forget to freeze the bowl in your fridge overnight at least.

There are three settings: ice cream – 25 minutes, gelato – 30 minutes, sorbet – 40 minutes. You can also adjust the timer by pushing the up or down button. To reset the unit, press start/stop twice. The display screen will show the countdown timer, which is an upgrade from the ICE-60 model.

If you want to add in chips and nuts, 5 minutes before its completion will be the right time. The integrated hole in the lid has a separate lid so you can pour in the ingredients more easily. The downside is the lid doesn’t lock tightly to the unit.

The mixing arm in ICE-70 is also distinctive from other typical blades. Although it is stationary, its structure introduces more air into the mixture, which makes the cream set up quicker. The motor underneath is strong enough.

Key Features

  • Three settings: ice cream, gelato, sorbet
  • Integrated hole in the lid
  • Countdown timer
  • Distinctive mixing arm

Product Specification

Keep cool30 minutes
Churn bladeRemovable stainless steel
Timer5 to 60 minutes in 5-minute increments
SoundBeep
Dimensions17.7 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
Warranty3 years

Pros

  • Large capacity for large family
  • Quick making time
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Smaller design compared to other compressors
  • Ingredient spout and recipes included

Cons

  • Not tight fid plastic lid
  • Bowl must be frozen beforehand

Watch this video to see how to make strawberry ice cream with Cuisinart ICE-70 Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: How to Make Homemade Ice Cream

6. Cuisinart ICE-30 Ice Cream Maker

(Best Freezer Bowl)

Cuisinart ICE-30 Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart ICE-30 Ice Cream Maker requires you to freeze the 2-quart aluminum insert beforehand. The motor of ICE-30 is around 21 rpm, which is much slower than the 56-rpm ICE-70.

This leads to the thick and denser texture of ice cream. The machine takes around 30 minutes to turn the cream to soft edge. However, if you cool the ingredients in the fridge first, the time will be shortened. The plastic blade still needs improvement as it won’t scrape off the cream on the wall effectively.

Cuisinart ICE-30 is slightly noisier than ICE-70 by 1-2 Db. However, it still makes delicious ice cream like Cuisinart ICE-70 with a more affordable price.

Key Features

  • Double insulated bowl
  • Large spout
  • Brushed metal housing

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladeRemovable plastic
TimerNo
SoundBeep
Dimensions10.5 x 10.88 x 16 inches
Warranty3 years

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Delicious ice cream
  • Small size
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Louder
  • No keep cool feature
  • Spout has large hole without lid

Watch this video to see the review of Cuisinart ICE-30 Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Ice Cream Maker - Cuisinart ICE-30BC

7. Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice Cream Maker

(Best for Keto)

Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice cream maker

All the Cuisinart bowls needs to sit in the fridge for at least 7-8 hours. Cuisinart ICE-21 features 1.5-quart bowl. It is simple to use with only one on/off button. The double insulated wall contains cooling liquid to freeze the ice cream faster.

This unit is suitable for keto recipes with the right texture if you follow some recipes from Carrie Browns. The downside is the spout lacks the tight lid.

Key Features

  • Double wall freezer bowl
  • Easy lock lid
  • Non-slip feet
  • Cord storage

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladeRemovable plastic
TimerNo
SoundNo
Dimensions9.5 x 9 x 11.25 inches
Warranty3 years

Pros

  • Easy to use with one button
  • Durable bowl
  • Suitable for keto recipes

Cons

  • No tight lid

Watch this video to see how to make keto ice cream with Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice cream maker:

Watch video: How to Make Keto Ice Cream in an Ice Cream Maker

8. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

(Best Attachment)

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

This bowl is compatible with all KitchenAid stand mixer except for KSM6573C and KSM7 models (the professional 7 or 8-quart models). Similar to other freezing bowl, you need to put this bowl in the fridge for at least 15 hours to freeze the liquid inside the wall.

The kit comes with adapter ring to fit with tilt-head models, dasher, double-wall bowl, and drive assembly. After assemble the drive to the mixer, put the blade inside the bowl, and leave the mixer do its job for 20-30 minutes.

The problem with the blue liquid inside the bowl has been fixed and you are guaranteed with 1-year warranty. As the bowl is near to the head, you may need no lid to cover the bowl while it is working. However, some suggest using the cling film to cover the top to keep the cold in.

Key Features

  • 2-quart double-wall insert
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Compact design

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladesRemovable plastic
TimerNo
BuzzerNo
Dimensions1 x 1 x 5 inches
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Compatible with 5 or 6-quart KitchenAid stand mixers
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • The bowl needs to sit in the fridge at least 15 hours

Watch this video to see how easy it is to use KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment:

Watch video: How To Use The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

9. Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker

(Best for Kids to Use)

Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker

This great ice cream maker is rather fun to make with your kids and family members. The kids are very inquisitive and always want to try a cool and novel dessert for their summer vacation. Besides regular ice cream, a bowl of shaved ice or bingsu can also make them extremely excited. This ice cream maker can completely satisfy the kids’ desire with the help of the best under-counter ice makers that can continuously and quickly create ice cubes.

Furthermore, for regular ice cream, you need to plan ahead and put this in the freezer for at least 24 hours. This maker works great for 1-2 small batches with only one or two people. If your family always crave for ice cream in hot weather, this guy isn’t the right choice.

After pouring the chilled mixture which could be anything from milk, yogurt, slushies, to frozen margaritas, you have to wait for 15-20 seconds and use the scraper to scrape all the ice cream. During scooping, you can also add nuts, sprinkles, or anything you prefer for toppings.

Key Features

  • Multi-functional plate
  • Scoop, spade and recipes included
  • Easy to use

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladesNo
TimerNo
BuzzerNo
Dimensions11 x 11 x 2 inches
WarrantyLifetime

Pros

  • Fun to use with your kids
  • Versatile with any mixture
  • Easy to use and clean

Cons

  • Needs planning ahead
  • Not suitable for big family

Watch this video to see how to make ice cream with Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: How to Make Ice Cream with the Chef'n Sweet Spot

10. Donvier Manual Ice Cream Maker

(Best Hand-Crank)

Donvier Manual Ice Cream Maker

Donvier Manual ice cream maker requires more effort and timing for cranking the maker. The aluminum freezer bowl must sit in the fridge for at least 7 hours.

Both the hand crank and churn blade are made from plastic. After around 15 to 20 minutes, when the crank handle is difficult to rotate, take the lid off to remove the bowl. Then, you can put it into the fridge or scoop it out to enjoy.

Key Features

  • Aluminum freezer bowl
  • 10-year warranty
  • Plastic hand crank

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladeRemovable plastic
TimerNo
SoundNo
Dimensions9.2 x 8.8 x 9 inches
Warranty10 years

Pros

  • Easy to use and clean
  • Quick process
  • Delicious ice cream
  • Requires no electricity

Cons

  • Hard to remove ring
  • Flimsy plastic blade and crank handle

Watch this video to see how to make vanilla ice cream with Donvier Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Donvier Ice Cream Maker Demonstration

11. Yonanas Frozen Ice Cream Maker

Yonanas Frozen Ice Cream Maker

Yonanas ice cream maker makes ice cream from frozen fruits, which is suitable for eat clean dieters or anyone who prefers the healthier ice cream from fruits.

Instead of churning milk or heavy cream like other units, this one works like a fruit grinder to make soft serve ice cream. You need to assemble the cone with the mixer housing. After that, lock the mixer into place, turn on the power button, and put the frozen fruits inside.

You should leave the fruits in the fridge at least one day before making the ice cream and thaw it around 5 to 7 minutes before grinding. All parts are dishwasher safe or easy to clean manually. The downside is this unit has short working time – 2 minutes.

Key Features

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Grinds frozen fruits quickly
  • Easy to clean

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladeRemovable plastic
TimerNo
SoundNo
Dimensions7.5 x 6.2 x 13.8 inches
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and clean
  • Healthy treat

Cons

  • Loud noise

Watch this video to see how to make ice cream with Yonanas Frozen Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Yonanas Frozen Healthy Dessert Maker Review

12. Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

(Best Budget)

Hamilton Beach 4-quart Ice Cream Maker

Hamilton Beach Ice cream maker has such a large insert bowl that it can hold 4 quarts of mixture. This electric traditional ice cream maker cools the bowl by rock salt and ice. Therefore, you needn’t to freeze the insert in the fridge beforehand.

The motor on top will help you stir the cream. It is easy to use with several simple steps. First, inserting the plastic blade in the middle of the aluminum bowl. Place the lid, and the motor on top. Don’t forget the layers of rock salt and ice around the bowl.

Upon finishing, the churn dasher will automatically stop with the buzzing sound. Don’t discard the cold salt water. If you want to be eco-friendly, just store the water in a bottle for the next batch of ice cream.

Key Features

  • 4-quart aluminum bowl
  • Easy lock lid
  • Recipes included in the manual

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladeRemovable plastic
TimerNo
SoundNo sound
Dimensions15.3 x 12.5 x 11.1 inches
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Large batch of ice cream
  • Easy to use
  • No freezing required

Cons

  • Flimsy plastic blade
  • Not durable gears

Watch this video to see how to make ice cream with Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker Review

13. Nostalgia 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

Nostalgia 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

Different from the Hamilton maker, this electric ice cream maker from Nostalgia has a built-in handle in the large bucket and takes more storage space.

The inner bowl is made from aluminum, which is moved by the motor during the making process. The plastic lid, blade and other parts are not dishwasher safe. The holes on the large blue bucket are for draining the ice water and also indicate the amount of ice you need to fill in.

The texture of ice cream from Nostalgia is not as hard as which from Hamilton. This unit also lacks the power button. When the ice cream gets too thick to be churned, the motor will stall.

Key Features

  • Draining holes
  • Blue color
  • Built-in handle in the large bucket

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladeRemovable plastic
TimerNo
SoundBeep when finishes
Dimensions15 x 17 x 16 inches
WarrantyNo information

Pros

  • Easy to use, clean up
  • Large quantity of ice cream
  • Easy to carry with handle

Cons

  • Easy to break plastic motor
  • Takes large storage space
  • No power buttons

Watch this video to see how to make ice cream with Nostalgia 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Nostalgia 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker Review

14. White Mountain Ice Cream Maker

(Best Electric Traditional)

White Mountain Ice Cream Maker

The White Mountain ice cream maker stands out from other electric makers with the metal motor with replaceable parts. Hence, the motor is sturdy and heavy.

Both the bowl and lid are made from stainless steel for extra durability. Moreover, the triple-motion dasher scrapes and churns the cream more effectively with small removable cast-iron dasher, and large movable dashers for ice cream sitting on the wall of the insert.

The classic vintage design from the pine wood bucket fits into any décor. The downside of this expensive maker is the wobbling motor, no power button and loud noise. Other than that, durability, ice cream texture, and quick process won’t let you down.

Key Features

  • Powerful and fast 12,000 rpm motor
  • Stainless steel canister and lid
  • Triple-motion action beater
  • 6-quart canister
  • Pine wood bucket

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladesRemovable heavy-duty cast iron
TimerNo
BuzzerNo
Dimensions13.4 x 13.3 x 20.6 inches
Warranty5 years

Pros

  • Fast process
  • Durable parts for long time
  • Consistent creamy ice cream every time
  • 6-quart batch
  • Powerful motor

Cons

  • Loud noise
  • No power buttons
  • Wobbling motor
  • Takes up much storage space

Watch the comparison between White Mountain Ice Cream Maker and Oster Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Testing Cheap vs Expensive Electric Ice Cream Makers

15. YayLabs Softshell Ice Cream Maker

(Best for Picnic)

YayLabs Softshell Ice Cream Maker

YayLabs Softshell Ice Cream maker is such a great concept that you can bring it to anywhere and play with it in 25 minutes to get the ice cream.

This ball has two openings one of which is for the ice cream ingredients. The other opening is for rock salt and ice. You just twist the caps tightly to seal it to the ball. However, the downside is its heavy weight and leakage. When the ice starts melting, the water leaks from the ball.

To make the ice cream, kids can roll it around or your dog can play with it for 25 minutes. Otherwise, my suggestion is you can do the workout with this ball and imagine it as the dumbbell.

Key Features

  • Easy to open handles
  • Wide openings
  • Recipes included

Product Specification

Keep coolNo
Churn bladesNo
TimerNo
BuzzerNo
Dimensions1 x 1 x 5 inches
WarrantyNo information

Pros

  • Funny concept
  • Suitable for picnic or tailgating
  • Delicious ice cream

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Leaking water

Watch this video to see the review of YayLabs Softshell Ice Cream Maker:

Watch video: Can A Playground Ball Make Ice Cream In 30 Minutes?

Buying Guide

To find out the best ice cream maker for you, you need to consider five following features. You can also ask yourself three questions: how much ice cream do you eat per week, how much time do you have and what is your budget and then look at the listed features below.

Capacity

Depending on your family members, you can choose between the typical capacity (1-2 quarts) of the frozen bowl and built-in compressor, or the large capacity 4 to 6 quarts of traditional ice cream maker. The capacity also decides the price range.

However, larger capacity requires bigger space and more effort in cleaning.

Paddle

Most paddles are removable and made from plastic because of its cheaper price. However, Nostalgia 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker and Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker stand out with stainless steel paddles. You should check carefully if the blade churn and scrape all the ingredients even on the wall thoroughly. How effective the paddle works is decided by the motor.

Motor with plastic gears are more like to break as the material can’t handle the frozen ice cream. Are you worried about the broken motor? Check if the manufacturer sells it separately or how long the warranty lasts to replace the motor.

Lid

Lid is usually made from plastic or transparent hard plastic. There are only a few lids made from stainless steel. The tightly fit lid is less likely to break and wobble when the unit churns the ingredients. However, the sitting on top lid will wobble and make noise.

Some Cuisinart ice cream makers have no cover for the hold in the lid which can be fixed by covering the cling film over.

Noise

The traditional ice cream makers make more noise than the frozen bowl and built-in compressor models. The noise might be from the stainless-steel bowls and paddles. However, for home use, the compressor models are bearable with not too loud noise.

Speed

On average, one ice cream maker creates soft serve ice cream in 25 minutes. You can refer to the rpm (revolutions per minute) to estimate how fast it is to make the creamy ice cream.

Tips for Using Ice Cream Makers

Each type of ice cream maker requires slightly different preparation and maintenance. The following tips will sum up what you need to pay attention to when using ice cream maker.

  • For the fastest result, put all the ingredients and bowl in the fridge before use
  • For freezer bowl models, start the motor first
  • Use the cool scrape to scrape ice cream into containers
  • Cover the ice cream with cling film
  • Mixture with large portion of alcohol, fat, gelatin needs more time to achieve the creamy texture and freeze

FAQs

Making ice cream and then storing it are not easy at all. However, you can skip the high fructose corn syrup and other preservatives in the store-bought ice cream.

How to make homemade ice cream last longer?

You first need to check your container if it

  • Is airtight
  • Has the ice cream covered with plastic wrap
  • Stored in the right temperature zone

After checking your container, you can check the temperature of the freezer.

How to prevent the ice cream freezing solid?

As I have mentioned previously, some ingredients like alcohol, fat, gelatin are harder to freeze. Therefore, you can add a little alcohol like vodka or fruit liquor into the recipe. Moreover, corn syrup, honey and gelatin work effectively as well to keep the ice cream softer.

My Top Pick

My choice is Cuisinart ICE-70 Ice Cream Maker although it is a freezer bowl model. Putting the bowl into the fridge beforehand to save extra pennies isn’t a big deal for me. Furthermore, this unit has 2-quart bowl with compact design to fit in the counter.

It also has three settings and quiet operation with only 79 to 80 Db. The automatic timer and beeping sound will notify me when it finishes.

What do you think about my option? What is the best ice cream maker to you? Right down in the comment section below and we can discuss together.

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