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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for the Best Ice Cream Makers in 2022

  1. Whynter Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker
  2. Lello Musso Pola Ice Cream Maker
  3. Cuisinart Compressor Ice Cream Maker
  4. Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
  5. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker
  6. MaxiMatic "Mr Freeze" Elite Compressor Ice Cream Maker
  7. Nostalgia Electrics 4 Quart Ice Cream Maker
  8. West Bend IC13886WB Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
  9. Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt and Ice Cream Makert
  10. Yaylabs Ice Cream Ball, Blue, Quart
  11. Buyer's Guide

All over the world, ice cream has been a decadent dessert loved by people for centuries. Originally, ice cream was created using what was called the pot method, something much more complex than the modern way of creating a large batch of this chilly treat. All this changed when a brilliant inventor named Nancy M. Johnson patented the first ice cream maker. This invention called the 'artificial freezer' had the basic elements of what we still use today, including a tub, a cylinder, a lid, a dasher, and of course, a crank. New innovations in technology continue to advance humanity all of the time, and this helps all of us who adore this delicious creamy dessert. The newest ice cream machines boast features that take the work out of making ice cream. So whether you want to make ice cream the old-fashioned way like grandma, or you prefer the machine to crank it for you, both options are available. There are even machines out there that are designed to allow you to do both! We've scoured the internet for the best of both worlds, and have compiled what we think are the ten top ice cream makers on the market. Check out our list below, as well as our accompanying buying guide to help pick out the right one for you!

Our Top Ten Ice Cream Makers

Whynter Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker - Best Ice Cream Maker Overall

Capable of making 2.1 quarts of ice cream, the Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker will have no problem keeping up with you or your family’s appetite for top quality ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurts. The Whynter comes in at about 11 inches high by 17 inches long and 10 inches deep. It has an extended cooling function so ice cream doesn’t melt after it’s finished and a motion detector switch shuts off the motor if the ice cream becomes too hard. This unit makes a batch of ice cream in about 30 to 40 minutes, with both the bowl and churn blade being removable for very easy cleaning when you’ve wrapped things up.

Lello Musso Pola Ice Cream Maker - Runner Up

If price isn’t holding you back and you want to make larger quantities of high quality ice cream, then the Lello Musso Pola 5030 Dessert Maker is just right for you. These machines are frequently used in commercial settings with some performing for 10+ years without breaking down. You can make up to 6 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet per hour, making this model a perfect machine for larger families hungering for ice cream. The 5030 Dessert Maker measures in at about 20 inches long, 14 inches high and 12 inches deep. It’s also a heavy unit at over 50 pounds thanks to the massive, built-in freezing unit built-in.

This beast has a manual timer and two switches, one for your basic “on and off” and then one to turn off just the freezer part of the machine while it’s still churning up your decadent frozen treats. Sadly there’s no removable bowl, so although cleaning can be done by wiping it out with a damp cloth, it’s still a bit more labor intensive to clean than some of the other options on this list.

Cuisinart Compressor Ice Cream Maker - Honorable Mention

If counter space is at a premium but you still want high quality ice cream, the Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker might be just what you are looking for. The ICE-100 sacrifices speed for size, coming in at 16 inches deep, 9 inches high and 12 inches long. That means a smaller freezer size, and this unit can take up to 1 hour or more to make 1.5 quarts of ice cream. However, the Cuisinart ICE-100 would be the perfect ice cream maker for a couple or a small family. This unit comes with two churning paddles, one for ice cream and a specialized paddle for gelato. It also features a 10 minute cooling function to keep your ice cream from melting before you can remove it, and a removable bowl makes cleanup a breeze. It comes with a 3 year limited warranty.

Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker - Consider

If you want multiple setting on the hardness of your ice cream, try the Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker. With 12 different hardness settings, you'll get the right consistency that you want, every time for maximum ice cream enjoyment. The Breville will make 1.5 quarts of hard ice cream in about an hour but it will take less time if you want softer ice cream.

This ice cream maker will keep your frozen treats frozen for 3 hours after it’s finished, and if the pre-cool setting is turned on about 20 minutes before you begin, it will shave about 10 minutes off of ice cream production time. Although fully automatic, this unit can be run manually if you want to experiment with different times and ingredients. At 16 inches long by 10 inches deep and high, it is fairly compact too.

The BCI600XL is versatile in making sorbet, frozen yogurt and gelato, and although it is rated at making 1.5 quarts of ice cream per batch, in actuality it’s more like 1 quart so take that into consideration if you decide to choose this model.

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker - Best Gelato Maker

If versatility is what you want in your gelato maker, than the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker is what you might be looking for. Made in Italy, the Lussino excels at making excellent gelato as well as a range of other frozen treats. The Lello 4080 is made entirely of stainless steel including the freezer bowl and mixing paddle, meaning clean up is as easy as wiping it down. This self-contained unit will produce 1.5 quarts of gelato an hour and the slow mixing/freezing process keeps the air out during gelato production. The simple push of a button after the ingredients are added makes it extremely user-friendly. Although the 4080 comes with a 1 year warranty, the actual compressor unit has been reported to last over 10 years during continual usage.

best MaxiMatic "Mr Freeze" Elite Compressor Ice Cream Maker

MaxiMatic "Mr Freeze" Elite Compressor Ice Cream Maker - Best Ice Cream Maker Overall

The MaxiMatic "Mr Freeze" EIM-550 Elite Compressor Ice Cream Maker is a versatile ice cream maker also capable of making frozen yogurt, custard, sherbet and gelato. This ice cream maker is totally self-contained; simply add the ingredients, push a button, and it automatically goes to work. Soft serves are done in about 40 minutes while hard ice creams may take up to an hour but if you freeze the bowl ahead of time, you'll shave off about 10 minutes of production time. This unit makes 1.5 quarts of ice cream per batch, and the stainless bowl and housing are simply wiped down when you’re ready for clean up. It has a transparent top and an ingredient spout for a straightforward method of adding ingredients while your favorite frozen treat forms up.

Nostalgia Electrics 4 Quart Ice Cream Maker - Best Ice Cream Maker Overall

For parties, large events, or just big families hungry for ice cream, you can't beat the Nostalgia Electrics ICMP400BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker. This is a modernized version of the classic ice cream bucket, and capable of making up to four delicious quarts of ice cream the old fashioned way via salt and ice added into the exterior freezing container.

Add the ingredients into the mixing bowl, mount the motor, switch the unit on, and in about 40- 50 minutes, you'll have a full batch of soft serve ice cream; you can even make gelato and frozen yogurt if you feel like it. The aluminum ingredient container and the mixing paddle is dishwasher safe, while both buckets, the outer plastic freezer, and inner ingredient container can be rinsed and wiped clean.

best West Bend IC13886WB Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine

West Bend IC13886WB Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine - Best Ice Cream Maker Overall

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly ice cream maker, look no further than the West Bend IC13886WB Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine. This model is built to look like an old fashioned ice cream dispenser and functions just like one too. It uses the freezer bowl method where you freeze the freezer bowl for about 12 hours, add ingredients into the mixing container, and fire the mixer up. In about 40 minutes you'll have soft serve ice cream you can dispense right from the machine into a bowl, cone, or cup. Kids will absolutely love this ice cream maker and since it makes a full quart there will be more than enough to fill multiple waiting ice cream cones. It has an easy-add ingredient opening for adding your favorite sweet condiments, syrups, nuts or whatever else you desire during the mixing process.

Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt and Ice Cream Makert - Best Budget Ice Cream Maker

If you want proven ice cream quality, the rugged Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker makes it to the top of this list. Just put the freezer bowl in the freezer between 18 to 24 hours, load your preferred ingredients inside, and mount it on the motorized base. Push one button to begin the mixing process and in about 20 minutes you'll have 1.5 quarts of ice cream. Clean-up is merely rinsing out the freezer bowl and then putting it back into the freezer. The Cuisinart ICE-21 is simple and easy to use which makes it perfect for kids and adults alike. With a three year manufacturer’s warranty it will last for years to keep providing you with delicious, quality ice cream.

Yaylabs Ice Cream Ball, Blue, Quart - Best Old Fashioned (Manual) Ice Cream Maker

Sometimes innovation wins out over tradition, and the Yaylabs Ice Cream Ball is definitely the most fun way to make ice cream. This ice cream maker is constructed in the shape of a hollow ball with two compartments; one side is filled with ice and salt while the other side is filled with ice cream ingredients which can be as simple as cream, sugar and vanilla flavoring. Once the cover is attached, you merely roll the ball around for about 20 minutes and after that, you'll get 1 pint or quart of soft serve ice cream depending on the model you choose.

This ball allows you to easily make ice cream virtually anywhere, from campsites to backyard parties. Kids will absolutely love it and the reward will be a cold and delicious treat. The optional inflatable covering allows for even more aggressive rolling for more complete ice cream production. For the best and most innovative way to make ice cream, the Yaylabs Ice Cream Ball takes the crown.

Buyer's Guide

There is nothing better than ice cream, especially on hot summer days. Sure, you can buy it from your store or grocery shop, but why not make it yourself? Homemade ice cream tends to taste better and provides you with more power. Making ice cream by yourself is fun and easy. The only thing you need is an ice cream maker.

Ice cream makers have now made it possible to make your own ice cream and enjoy it anytime, anywhere. But picking the right ice cream maker can be tricky since there are various types at different prices.

And since there are many options to choose from, it can be challenging to select the one that fits you the best. Our guide will help you navigate the market and determine which ice cream maker suits your needs best.

Tips For Using Ice Cream Makers

✓ For the best results, freeze the ingredients before use

✓ Switch on the paddles before inserting them in the ice cream mix

✓ You can store the homemade ice cream overnight for achieving a nice consistency

✓ The ideal temperature for a great ice cream consistency is 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit

✓ Ice cream tastes the best on the day it is created, but you can freeze it for up to one month

✓ Be sure that you follow the recipe book that comes with your ice cream maker

What Should You Consider Before Buying An Ice Cream Maker?

Types

Ice cream makers with a freezer bowl require you to pre-freeze the container. In some cases, pre-freezing may take only a few hours, but others must be in the freezer overnight. This means there will be a bit of scheduling required before making your ice cream.

Ice cream makers that have a built-in freezer are very useful because they don't need any pre-freezing. Unlike others, these machines cool down the bowl to the perfect ice cream-making temperature. So, if you are the kind of person that wants ice cream as soon as your craving kicks in, then an ice cream maker with a built-in freezer may be the best decision.

Capacity

Ice cream makers usually come in three standard sizes: 1.5 quarts, 2 quarts, and 4 quarts. The 1.5 quarts is the size container you will see at stores, and it gets the job done for a small group of people. But if you're making ice cream for the whole family or a bigger group, then we suggest you get the 2-quart ice or 4-quart cream maker.

Ease-of-Cleaning

Every kitchen appliance that you make food needs to be cleaned after every single use. The Ice Cream Maker that you consider buying must be easy to clean, so this way, you can avoid the buildup of bacteria and dirt that might contaminate the product

Time

When choosing a homemade ice cream machine, it's essential to consider the time it will take to make the ice cream. While most ice cream makers usually take less than an hour, some can require more than 24 hours for a single batch.

What is the Price Range of an Average Ice Cream Maker?

Price is probably the biggest deciding factor for most consumers. Most ice cream makers range from $30 all the way up to $250. You need to be completely sure that you're purchasing something that is inside your budget but make sure to keep in mind that a decent ice cream maker with a quality motor and extended warranty might cost you a little more.

How Did We Pick The Best Ice Cream Makers?

To pick out the best ice cream makers, we have put into consideration a couple of crucial factors, did in-depth research and comparisons. We compared features, reliability, prices, and the finished product to get a full picture of what you'll get from each ice cream machine. We hope our 100% honest and unbiased reviews will help you decide which ice cream maker suits you the most.

What Are the Most Common Features for an Ice Cream Maker?

Digital Control Panel

Having a digital display can make it a lot easier for you to control the machine as well as the temperature. Fewer buttons should also help users who want a straightforward ice cream-making experience.

Cool down & stay cool

Both of these features are pretty common in compressor ice cream makers. The cool-down function allows you to make ice cream without the need to pre-freeze the bowl. And the stay-cool function keeps the ice cream frozen and lets you enjoy your freshly made ice cream without transferring it to a freezer container.

Spare bowl

Some frozen bowl ice cream makers come with an additional frozen bowl or sell extra ones. This is an excellent feature for people who love electric ice cream makers and love to make a lot of ice cream.

Sound alert

This feature is pretty common in most set-and-forget machines and comes in handy for people who are multi-tasking. It is a ringer to call everyone for dessert!

Hardness settings

Adjusting these settings allows you to achieve the right texture of various desserts, from ice cream to sorbet to gelato.

Conclusion

Ice cream maker machines reduce the work and provide you with high-quality ice cream in the comfort of your home. Rather than spending every time buying the ice cream flavor of your choice, it is better to invest in the ice cream maker and make it on your own. We hope our buyers' guide for ice cream makers will help you make a wise decision.

Some Buyers Also Ask

Q: Is homemade ice cream healthier?
A: Yes! By making homemade ice cream, you can choose what exactly you want in the mix. So you can easily sweeten your ice cream with the use of natural fruit sugars, which are a lot healthier and more delicious options, and you're easily able to use lower-fat milk.

Q: How long does the ice cream maker take to make ice cream?
A: Typically, ice cream makers can produce around a liter of ice cream in about 30-40 minutes. Of course, it all depends on the type of ice cream and the ingredients that are used.

Q: Does an ice cream maker make noise?
A: Ice cream makers make some normal noise while operating, but a few countertop home ice cream makers will make a huge noise. Be sure to check the noise level of the machine.

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