The Kitchen Bench
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.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
✓ Specs checked
✓ Claims verified
✓ No paid placements
✓ Sources cited
On this page
Top picks
The reviewed ice cream makers in this category. Each review states what is verified and what to check on the manufacturer sheet before buying.
Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart Ice 100
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Ninja Creami NC301
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Whynter ICM 201SB
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart Cool Creations Ice Cream Maker ICE-70
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream Maker ICE-21
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Hamilton Beach Electric Ice Cream Maker 68330N
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Ice Cream Makers
Nostalgia 4 Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Head-to-head comparisons
Every difference page in this category — ice cream makers head to head, so you can compare two products directly before choosing.
How 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.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
Still deciding? Reveal the No. 1 pick.
The ranked roundup hides its winner until you tap — then shows the full ranking, the checks, and what to verify before buying.
Best Ice Cream Makers →Browse all reviews
Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements — every pick links to its full review.
The winner is insideGuides and fixes
In this category
The full ice cream makers cluster — the hub, the ranked best list, the buying guide, the problems-and-fixes article, and the use-case picks for this category.
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.