In this guide to the 7 Best Ice Cream Makers for Home, you’ll quickly see which models are best for families, small kitchens, and serious dessert lovers, so you can choose the perfect machine and start making better homemade ice cream fast.
1. The GreenPan Frost is a countertop ice cream and slushie maker with a built-in chiller, made for home users who want soft serve, sorbet, frozen yogurt, milkshakes and frozen drinks without pre‑freezing a bowl. It’s aimed at families and anyone who makes frozen treats regularly.
Design and build quality
With a 4‑pint capacity, integrated compressor and see-through lid, it feels like a full‑size kitchen appliance rather than a small gadget.
Comfort and fit
At around 25 pounds it is relatively heavy, so it’s best kept in a fixed spot on the counter, not moved in and out of cupboards.
Sound quality and performance
The built-in chiller and insulated chamber are designed for relatively quiet, rapid freezing, delivering batches in about 15 minutes, with six modes and seven texture levels for different styles of desserts.
Battery life and charging
This is a mains‑powered machine; a keep‑cool function helps maintain texture after the cycle finishes.
Connectivity and controls
An automatic mode, digital display, timer and auto shut‑off let you set a program and let the machine handle the rest.
Pros and cons
Pros
No pre‑freezing needed
4‑pint family capacity
Multiple modes and textures
Built‑in compressor, keep‑cool function
Dishwasher‑safe parts
Cons
Heavy and not very portable
Requires permanent counter space.
Who should buy this and who should look at other options
This suits households that frequently make a variety of frozen desserts and want fast, on‑demand results. Occasional users or those with very limited space may prefer a smaller, freezer‑bowl model.
2. The Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl is a countertop ice cream maker for home users who want to create portion-controlled frozen treats such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and milkshakes with ease. It allows for convenient preparation of frozen desserts with minimal effort.
Design and Build Quality
The machine has a compact, upright design with a silver finish, constructed from a mix of plastic and stainless steel. Weighing about 21 pounds, it feels solid and durable, more like a long-lasting appliance than a temporary tool.
Comfort and Fit
The 16 oz CREAMi pints are well-suited for individuals or small households. They are also dishwasher-safe, which makes them easy to clean and ideal for everyday use.
Sound Quality and Performance
As with most countertop machines, some noise is normal during operation. However, the automatic churning and soft-serve functions are designed to deliver a smooth and consistent texture without requiring manual intervention.
Connectivity and Controls
The machine comes with a digital display, an integrated timer, and programmable automatic settings, making it user-friendly. Users can simply choose a program and let the machine do the rest.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Offers 13-in-1 versatility for making various frozen desserts
Has a compact and upright design, saving space
Pints are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Comes with automatic programs and digital controls for ease of use
Cons
Who Should Buy This and Who Should Consider Other Options
This product is best suited for individuals or small households who want to make customized, small-batch frozen treats with simple operation.
3. The HiCOZY F3 is a countertop slushie and soft‑serve ice cream machine designed for home users who want frozen drinks, soft serve, milkshakes and cocktails without handling ice or complex steps.
Design and build quality
With a 1.2‑liter capacity and a stainless steel body, it feels like a compact, durable appliance made for frequent use rather than an occasional gadget.
Comfort and fit
At around 13 kg, it’s not ultra‑portable, so it’s best kept in a fixed spot on the counter, serving small families or gatherings.
Sound quality and performance
The built-in cooling system is designed to freeze mixes directly in the machine, while a keep‑cool function helps maintain texture after preparation, useful when serving multiple portions.
Connectivity and controls
Operation is fully automatic via a digital display with preset programs, so you select a drink type and let the machine handle timing and freezing.
Pros and cons
Pros
No external ice required
1.2 L capacity for families
Automatic cleaning function
Digital display with presets
Stainless steel construction
Cons
Who should buy this and who should look at other options
It suits households that regularly make slushies, soft serve and frozen drinks and want quick, mostly hands‑off operation. Those with very limited space or only occasional use may prefer a smaller, simpler ice cream maker.
4. This 1.1‑quart electric ice cream maker is designed for people who want quick, small‑batch ice cream, gelato, sorbet or milkshakes at home, typically 2–3 servings at a time.
Design and build quality
With an aluminum freezing bowl and plastic housing, it balances light weight with decent durability. The BPA‑free construction is a plus for health‑conscious users.
Comfort and fit
Its compact footprint and 2.78 kg weight make it easy to store and suitable for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs.
Sound quality and performance
Like most small electric makers, it produces some motor noise during churning, but the capacity and automatic operation are designed for relatively quick freezing cycles for small batches.
Connectivity and controls
The rechargeable design allows cord‑free operation during use, while simple on/off and automatic shut‑off keep operation straightforward and help prevent over‑churning or overheating.
Pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Who should buy this and who should look at other options
It’s a good fit for singles, couples, or small households that want occasional, fresh frozen desserts without a bulky machine. Larger families or frequent entertainers may prefer a higher‑capacity, compressor‑based ice cream maker.
For small spaces and small batches, this 1.1‑quart electric ice cream maker offers a convenient, easy‑to‑use option with sensible safety features and a compact design.
5. This automatic ice cream maker is designed for home users who want quick, small‑batch gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt and other desserts with minimal effort.
Design and build quality
It uses a plastic housing and comes with two pint‑size containers, keeping weight manageable while still feeling like a solid countertop appliance.
Comfort and fit
At around 8.37 kg, it’s best kept in a fixed spot, ideal for small families or couples who make frequent frozen treats.
Sound quality and performance
The built-in freezing system and low‑noise design aim to produce smooth desserts in just a few minutes, while a mix‑in function lets you add nuts, chocolate or fruit.
Connectivity and controls
Twelve one‑touch programs and automatic operation mean you select a setting and let the machine handle timing, churning and its self‑cleaning cycle.
Pros and cons
Pros
12 one‑touch dessert programs
Two pint containers for back‑to‑back batches
Low‑noise operation
Self‑cleaning and dishwasher‑safe parts
Cons
Who should buy this and who should look at other options
It suits small households that want frequent, quick frozen desserts with very simple controls. Larger families or entertainers may prefer a higher‑capacity, compressor‑style machine.
6. The Pukomc Ice Cream Maker is a compact, entry‑level machine designed for home users who want simple, small‑batch ice cream, sorbet or frozen desserts without a complicated setup.
Design and build quality
With a 0.9‑quart capacity and plastic construction, it’s lightweight yet sturdy enough for regular use. The anti‑slip base helps keep the unit stable during churning.
Comfort and fit
Weighing about 2.77 kg and with a small footprint, it fits well in small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms. Two bowls allow alternating batches or back‑to‑back flavors.
Sound quality and performance
As an automatic freezer‑bowl style maker, it produces the typical motor noise during operation. The capacity and design are geared toward small, reasonably quick batches rather than large‑scale production.
Connectivity and controls
Controls are intentionally simple: set up the pre‑frozen bowl, add your mixture, switch it on and let it churn automatically. This is ideal for users who prefer minimal settings and no complex programming.
Pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Who should buy this and who should look at other options
It suits singles, couples or small families who want occasional homemade ice cream with a low‑cost, easy‑to‑store machine. Those who need larger capacity or no pre‑freezing may prefer a compressor‑based model.
7. The Cuisinart 2‑Quart Ice Cream Maker is aimed at home users who want to make larger batches of ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, or sorbet quickly and without a complex setup.
Design and build quality
With a brushed chrome exterior and a 2‑quart freezer bowl, it looks like a mid‑range countertop appliance rather than a toy. At about 4.7 kg, it feels reasonably solid but still manageable.
Comfort and fit
The vertical design has a modest footprint, so it suits most kitchen counters. The removable bowl and paddle make cleaning straightforward, though parts are generally hand‑wash only.
Sound quality and performance
As a freezer‑bowl style machine, it relies on a pre‑frozen bowl and an automatic motor to churn. Operation produces the typical humming of a small motor, while the capacity and design are geared toward turning chilled mixtures into frozen desserts in roughly 20 minutes, assuming the bowl is fully frozen and the base is cold.
Connectivity and controls
Controls are intentionally simple: add the frozen bowl, pour in mixture, switch on, and let it churn automatically. There are no complicated programs or digital settings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Generous 2‑quart capacity
Brushed chrome finish looks good on the counter
Simple, single‑switch operation
Reliable freezer‑bowl design for most home recipes
Cons
Bowl must be pre‑frozen before each batch
Hand‑wash parts; no advanced presets
Not ideal for back‑to‑back large batches
Who should buy this and who should look at other options
This model suits families or entertainers who want straightforward, larger‑batch frozen desserts and don’t mind pre‑freezing the bowl. Users who want true on‑demand ice cream without advance planning may prefer a compressor‑based machine.
Summary
The ice cream makers in this roundup cover everything from compact, budget‑friendly units to full‑size compressor machines for serious home dessert makers.
GreenPan Frost – A heavy, family‑size compressor machine (4‑pint capacity) with a built-in chiller, multiple modes and texture settings, keep‑cool function and dishwasher‑safe parts. Best for frequent, high‑volume use if you have permanent counter space.
Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl (NC701) – A 13‑in‑1, portion‑focused system with two 16 oz pints, a soft‑serve handle and automatic programs. Ideal for small households that want customizable, small‑batch treats.
HiCOZY F3 – A 1.2 L stainless steel slushie and soft‑serve machine with digital presets, keep‑cool and automatic cleaning. Suited to families who regularly make frozen drinks and desserts.
1.1 Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker – Compact, rechargeable and BPA‑free, with about 2–3 servings per batch. Good for singles or couples in small spaces.
Automatic Ice Cream Maker (12 Programs) – Pint‑size, automatic unit with 12 one‑touch programs, low noise, self‑cleaning and dishwasher‑safe parts. Best for quick, frequent small batches.
Pukomc Ice Cream Maker – Lightweight 0.9‑quart machine with two bowls and an anti‑slip base. A simple starter option for occasional use.
Cuisinart 2‑Quart Ice Cream Maker – A larger freezer‑bowl model with brushed chrome housing and 2‑quart capacity, requiring a pre‑frozen bowl but offering straightforward operation for families and entertainers.
Overall, each of these ice cream makers fits a different type of home user—from singles and couples to full families and frequent entertainers. Pick the one that best matches your batch size, space, and how often you plan to make frozen desserts, and you’ll be set for regular homemade treats.