Best Ice Cream Makers to Buy
I’ve owned three ice cream makers over the past decade. The first one was a cheap $30 unit that I bought on impulse, and the ice cream it produced was… well, let’s just say it was closer to flavored ice than actual ice cream. The second was a mid-range Cuisinart that served me well for years. And the third? A compressor-based machine that completely changed how I think about homemade desserts.
Store-bought ice cream has its place. But once you’ve made a batch of salted caramel or mango sorbet with fresh ingredients and zero preservatives, going back feels wrong. The texture is different. The flavor hits harder. And you control exactly what goes in.
I’ve tested and compared the top ice cream makers you can buy in 2026. This list covers machines at different price points, from budget-friendly bowl-style units to compressor machines that need zero pre-freezing. I’ll tell you exactly which one I’d buy (and which ones I’d skip).
How to Choose the Right Ice Cream Maker
Before you spend money, you need to understand the two main types of home ice cream makers. The difference between them will save you from buyer’s regret.
Freezer bowl machines are the affordable option ($30 to $80). You freeze the bowl for 12 to 24 hours before making ice cream. They work fine, but the limitation is obvious: you can only make one batch at a time unless you own multiple bowls. And you need freezer space to store that bowl.
Compressor machines cost more ($200 to $500+), but they chill the mixture themselves. No pre-freezing needed. You can make batch after batch without waiting. If you’re making ice cream for a family gathering or just want the convenience, this is where you should spend your money.
Other things I’d pay attention to: capacity (1.5 quart is fine for a couple, 2+ quarts for families), noise level (compressor machines can be loud), and how easy the parts are to clean. Stainless steel bowls clean up faster than plastic ones.
The Best Ice Cream Makers to Buy in 2026
1. Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker, Stainless Steel
The Whynter ICM-15LS is my top pick for most people. It’s a compressor-based machine, which means you don’t need to pre-freeze anything. Pour your mixture in, press a few buttons, and you’ll have 1.6 quarts of ice cream in about 30 to 40 minutes. That’s it.
What I like most is the built-in compressor. You can make batch after batch without waiting hours for a bowl to re-freeze. The LCD timer and digital display let you monitor progress, and the motor has an auto-shutoff feature that kicks in if the mixture freezes too solid. Smart design choice that protects the machine long-term.
The stainless steel build feels solid. It’s not a plastic kitchen toy, it’s a real appliance. The downsides? It’s heavier than bowl-style makers (around 29 pounds), so you won’t be moving it around your kitchen often. And the 1.6-quart capacity might feel small if you’re feeding a large family. But for two to four people, it’s the sweet spot between price and performance.
2. Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
If you want a compressor machine from a brand that’s been making kitchen appliances for decades, the Cuisinart ICE-100 is a strong pick. It comes with two paddles: one for ice cream and one for gelato. That’s a detail most manufacturers skip, and it makes a real difference in texture.
The 1.5-quart capacity handles ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet. The commercial-quality compressor means no pre-freezing, and Cuisinart added a 10-minute “keep cool” feature that prevents your dessert from melting if you don’t serve it right away. All materials are BPA-free, which matters if you’ve got kids in the house.
The downside? It’s a Cuisinart, so you’re paying a brand premium. And 1.5 quarts is on the smaller side for families. But if you care about gelato specifically, this is the only machine on this list that comes with a dedicated gelato paddle. That alone makes it worth considering.
3. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker
This is the machine you buy when you’re serious about ice cream. The Lello Musso Lussino is Italian-made, built almost entirely from stainless steel, and it churns out 3 quarts per hour. That’s double what most home machines can do.
The operation is dead simple: pour ingredients into the 1.5-quart bowl, press two buttons, and walk away. Everything, including the housing, bowl, and paddle, is stainless steel, which means cleaning takes seconds. The machine measures 12 inches wide, 11 inches high, and 18 inches deep.
But I need to be honest: this thing weighs about 38 pounds. It’s not something you’ll pull out of a cabinet for a quick batch. You need dedicated counter space. And the price is steep, often well over $500. If you make ice cream once a month, it’s overkill. If you make it weekly for the family or for small events, it’s a tank that’ll last 10+ years.
4. Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker, 2.1-Quart
The Whynter ICM-200LS is the bigger sibling of the ICM-15LS I mentioned above. Same brand, same build quality, but with a 2.1-quart capacity. If you liked everything about the ICM-15LS but wished it made more ice cream per batch, this is your answer.
It has the same built-in compressor, LCD display, and timer. But the standout feature for me is the extended cooling function. Once your ice cream is done, the machine keeps it cold so it doesn’t melt while you’re getting bowls and toppings ready. The motor protection function is another nice touch: it stops churning automatically if the mixture gets too thick, which prevents overheating and extends the machine’s life.
The catch? At around $299, you’re paying about $15 to $20 more than the smaller model for that extra half quart. It’s also bulkier. But if you regularly make ice cream for four or more people, the larger capacity saves you from running two batches back to back. That alone is worth the upgrade.
5. Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
If you don’t want to spend $200+ on a compressor machine, the Cuisinart ICE-30BC is the best freezer-bowl ice cream maker you can buy. It’s the one I recommend to anyone who’s making ice cream for the first time at home.
The 2-quart double-insulated freezer bowl holds temperature well, and the brushed stainless steel housing looks good on any countertop. The heavy-duty motor churns ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet in about 20 to 25 minutes once the bowl is frozen. A large ingredient spout lets you toss in chocolate chips, fruit, or cookie dough mid-churn without stopping the machine.
The catch with any freezer-bowl machine is the same: you need to plan ahead. Freeze the bowl for at least 16 hours before you can make anything. And if you want a second batch, you’re waiting another 16 hours (unless you buy a spare bowl for around $25). But at its price point, this is the best value on the list. Consistent results, easy cleanup, and a brand that stands behind its products.
Which Ice Cream Maker Should You Buy?
I’ll keep this simple. If you make ice cream once or twice a month and don’t want to spend much, get the Cuisinart ICE-30BC. It’s affordable, reliable, and makes 2 quarts per batch. Just remember to freeze the bowl the night before.
If you want the convenience of no pre-freezing and you make ice cream regularly, the Whynter ICM-15LS is the best balance of price and features. It’s the one I’d buy if I were starting fresh.
And if you’re a serious home ice cream maker who does this weekly, the Lello Musso Lussino will outlast every other machine on this list. It costs more and weighs a ton, but it’s built like a piece of Italian industrial equipment. You’ll hand it down to your kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a compressor ice cream maker or is a freezer bowl machine enough?
For most people, a freezer bowl machine like the Cuisinart ICE-30BC works fine. You just need to freeze the bowl 16 to 24 hours before making ice cream. But if you want to make multiple batches in one session or hate planning ahead, a compressor machine is worth the extra $150 to $200. I switched to a compressor model after a year with a freezer bowl, and I don’t miss the wait time at all.
How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream stays good for about 2 to 3 weeks in an airtight container. After that, ice crystals start forming and the texture degrades. Store-bought ice cream lasts longer because of stabilizers and emulsifiers. I’d recommend making smaller batches more often rather than one large batch that sits in your freezer for a month.
Is making ice cream at home actually cheaper than buying it?
Not really, if you’re comparing to basic store brands. A batch of homemade ice cream costs about $3 to $5 in ingredients (cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla). A pint of store-brand ice cream costs about the same. But if you’re comparing to premium brands like Haagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s ($5 to $7 per pint), then yes, homemade is cheaper and tastes better. The real value is in controlling your ingredients and making flavors you can’t find in stores.
Can I make dairy-free or vegan ice cream in these machines?
Yes, all five machines on this list work with dairy-free bases. Coconut cream gives the best texture for vegan ice cream because of its high fat content. Cashew milk and oat milk also work well. Just keep in mind that dairy-free mixtures can freeze harder, so you might want to add a tablespoon of vodka or corn syrup to keep it scoopable.
How noisy are ice cream makers?
Freezer bowl machines like the Cuisinart ICE-30BC are relatively quiet, about as loud as a stand mixer. Compressor machines are noticeably louder because of the refrigeration motor. The Whynter models produce a steady hum that’s similar to a mini fridge running. You won’t be able to have a quiet conversation next to one, but it’s not unbearable. I run mine in the kitchen with the door closed and it’s fine.
What’s the best beginner recipe for a first-time ice cream maker?
Start with a basic vanilla custard base: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Chill the mixture for at least 4 hours (overnight is better), then pour it into your machine. This recipe is forgiving and works in every machine on this list. Once you nail vanilla, move on to chocolate or fruit-based flavors.
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