The Kitchen Bench
Best Ice Cream Makers in 2027
An ice cream maker churns and freezes cream, milk and flavourings into smooth ice cream, sorbet and frozen yoghurt. Compressor models freeze on their own; freezer-bowl models need the bowl frozen solid first. The picks below cover the category's main types and sizes. Where a standalone review exists, it is linked; where it does not, the card states what to verify before buying.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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The picks
Ranked 10 picks for ice cream makers — the number is the roundup rank, not a rating.
The suspense ends hereReveal the No. 1 pick →Tap to uncover the winner — the full ranking follows below.
Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart Ice 100
Rank 1 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Ninja Creami NC301
Rank 2 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream Maker ICE-21
Rank 3 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Whynter ICM 201SB
Rank 4 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL
Rank 5 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart Cool Creations Ice Cream Maker ICE-70
Rank 6 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Hamilton Beach Electric Ice Cream Maker 68330N
Rank 7 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker
Rank 8 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Ice Cream Makers
Nostalgia 4 Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker
Rank 9 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Stand Mixer Attachments
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker
Rank 10 of 10 in Best Ice Cream Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
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Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements — every pick links to its full review.
The winner is insideHow to choose
Compressor vs. freezer bowl
Compressor models make batch after batch without planning. Freezer-bowl models cost less but need 16–24 hours of bowl freezing first.
Capacity
Match the bowl to your household. A small bowl means multiple batches for a family dessert.
Churning and texture
A good dasher incorporates air and scrapes the bowl evenly, giving smooth texture rather than ice crystals.
Add-ins
A chute or opening for mix-ins lets you add chocolate, nuts and fruit without stopping the machine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bowl need to freeze?
Usually 16–24 hours at the coldest freezer setting. Check your model's manual.
Why is my ice cream icy?
Too little fat, too slow a freeze, or too much water in the base. A richer base freezes smoother.
Can I make sorbet and frozen yoghurt?
Yes — most machines handle sorbet, frozen yoghurt and sherbet with the right recipes.