There’s a particular pride in scooping ice cream you made yourself, the flavor exactly how you want it, no gums or stabilizers, still soft from the churn. A good ice cream maker turns that from a once-a-summer project into a weekend habit, and the machines have gotten genuinely easy to live with.
The category splits three ways: freezer-bowl machines (cheap, you pre-freeze the bowl), compressor machines (pricier, freeze as they churn so you can make batch after batch), and the viral Ninja CREAMi (a different approach that freezes a base solid then spins it into ice cream). Each suits a different kind of ice cream lover, and the picks below cover all three.
We’ve gathered five ice cream makers we love, from the long-reigning Cuisinart favorite to the family-size Ninja CREAMi Deluxe and a no-pre-freeze compressor model. Here’s what each does best and how to choose.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Picks
Our Top Picks
Ninja
Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato Made Easy: Ninja CREAMi NC301 7-in-1 Frozen Dessert Maker
The Ninja CREAMi NC301 uses proprietary Creamify Technology to shave a frozen pint into smooth ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, or smoothie bowls with a single button press, giving you full control over every ingredient from protein-packed bases to dairy-free options. It is built for households that want customizable, preservative-free frozen desserts without the complexity of traditional ice cream machines.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Seven dedicated programs remove the guesswork from making different frozen dessert styles, each dialing in the right speed and pressure automatically.
- Full ingredient control lets you build recipes around dietary needs, including vegan, low-sugar, high-protein, and dairy-free formats, without relying on pre-made mixes.
- The compact motor base fits on a standard countertop without displacing other appliances, and the 800W motor handles dense frozen bases without stalling.
- Dishwasher-safe parts mean cleanup after making a batch takes the same effort as rinsing a bowl.
Cons
- The base requires a 24-hour freeze before processing, so same-day spontaneous batches are not possible without planning ahead.
- Pint compatibility is limited to NC299 and NC300 series accessories, which means replacement containers or accessories from other CREAMi lines will not fit this unit.
Cuisinart
Make Homemade Ice Cream in 20 Minutes: Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Double-Insulated Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 churns ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in 20 minutes or less using a double-insulated freezer bowl that requires no ice or rock salt. Home cooks who want fresh frozen desserts without complicated setup or expensive equipment will find this machine delivers consistent results with minimal effort.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The double-insulated bowl removes the need for ice entirely, simplifying the process compared to traditional canister machines.
- A 20-minute churn time is faster than most competitors at this price point, reducing wait from hours to under half an hour.
- The transparent lid lets you monitor texture and add ingredients without lifting the cover and disrupting the freeze cycle.
- A 3-year limited warranty is notably longer than the one-year coverage common among similarly priced ice cream makers.
Cons
- The freezer bowl must be pre-frozen for at least 16 to 24 hours before use, so spontaneous same-day batches require advance planning.
- At 1.5 quarts, the capacity may feel limiting for households that regularly serve six or more people in a single sitting.
Cuisinart
Make Homemade Ice Cream in 20 Minutes: Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 1.5-Quart Double-Insulated Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 uses a double-insulated freezer bowl and mixing paddle to churn ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in under 20 minutes without needing ice or salt. It suits households that want fresh frozen desserts on demand without complex setup or extra equipment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The double-insulated bowl eliminates the need for rock salt or bagged ice, simplifying the entire process.
- A 20-minute churn time means you can make fresh frozen desserts without planning hours ahead.
- The transparent lid lets you monitor texture and add ingredients mid-cycle without guesswork.
- The 3-year limited warranty is longer than most entry-level ice cream makers in this price range.
Cons
- The freezer bowl must be pre-frozen for at least 16 hours before use, so spontaneous batches require advance planning.
- At 1.5 quarts, the capacity may fall short for larger households or parties requiring multiple consecutive batches.
Ninja
Make Larger Batches of Homemade Ice Cream with the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Frozen Dessert Maker NC501
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 processes fully frozen bases into smooth ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and 8 other frozen desserts using Dual-Drive Motors and CREAMify Technology, with XL 24-oz tubs that hold 50% more than the original CREAMi. Households that want full control over ingredients, including protein, dairy-free, keto, or low-sugar options, get the most value from this machine.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The Dual-Drive Motor system applies downward pressure while spinning, which processes a rock-solid frozen base into smooth texture without pre-churning or monitoring.
- XL 24-oz tubs hold 50% more than original CREAMi pints, making this a practical upgrade for families or anyone who batch-preps multiple flavors.
- Eleven dedicated programs remove guesswork and deliver consistent results across a wide range of frozen dessert styles from one appliance.
- Dishwasher-safe tubs and lids reduce post-use effort, and the included storage lids allow pre-frozen bases to stay in the freezer until ready to process.
Cons
- The NC501 is only compatible with NC500 Series XL tubs and will not accept pints from the NC100, NC200, NC299, NC300, or NC700 series, so existing CREAMi accessories will not transfer.
- Additional XL tubs are sold separately, meaning the two included tubs limit how many flavors you can have frozen and ready to process at the same time.
Whynter
Homemade Ice Cream Without Pre-Freezing: Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Qt Compressor Ice Cream Maker Review
The Whynter ICM-201SB uses a built-in compressor to churn up to 2.1 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in one session without requiring any bowl pre-freezing. Serious home dessert makers who want back-to-back batches and full ingredient control will find this machine eliminates the main friction point of traditional ice cream makers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- America's Test Kitchen named it the best self-refrigerating ice cream maker, validating its compressor performance against competing machines.
- No pre-freeze requirement means the machine is ready to use on demand, which removes the most common barrier to making homemade ice cream regularly.
- The extended cooling function keeps finished product from melting in the bowl while you prepare toppings or finish a meal.
- The upright, space-saving footprint takes up less counter depth than most compressor models in its class.
Cons
- At 2.1 quarts per batch, output may fall short for households regularly serving more than four to six people at once.
- Compressor-based machines carry a higher price point and added mechanical complexity compared to pre-freeze bowl models.
Editors' Picks
Ninja Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato Made Easy: Ninja CREAMi NC301 7-in-1 Frozen Dessert Maker
Ninja
Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato Made Easy: Ninja CREAMi NC301 7-in-1 Frozen Dessert Maker
The Ninja CREAMi NC301 uses proprietary Creamify Technology to shave a frozen pint into smooth ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, or smoothie bowls with a single button press, giving you full control over every ingredient from protein-packed bases to dairy-free options. It is built for households that want customizable, preservative-free frozen desserts without the complexity of traditional ice cream machines.
$179.99 at AmazonEditors' Favorite
Color: Silver Size: (2) 16 oz. Pints Dimensions: 12.07 x 6.52 x 15.95 inches Weight: 13 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowCuisinart Make Homemade Ice Cream in 20 Minutes: Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Double-Insulated Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart
Make Homemade Ice Cream in 20 Minutes: Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Double-Insulated Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 churns ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in 20 minutes or less using a double-insulated freezer bowl that requires no ice or rock salt. Home cooks who want fresh frozen desserts without complicated setup or expensive equipment will find this machine delivers consistent results with minimal effort.
$51.71 at AmazonGreat Value
Color: New White Size: 1.5 Quart Dimensions: 9.5 x 9 x 11.25 inches Weight: 10.141264052 Pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowCuisinart Make Homemade Ice Cream in 20 Minutes: Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 1.5-Quart Double-Insulated Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart
Make Homemade Ice Cream in 20 Minutes: Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 1.5-Quart Double-Insulated Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 uses a double-insulated freezer bowl and mixing paddle to churn ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in under 20 minutes without needing ice or salt. It suits households that want fresh frozen desserts on demand without complex setup or extra equipment.
$56.95 at AmazonColor: Red Size: 1.5 Quart Dimensions: 10.75 x 10.75 x 15 Inches Weight: 10.3 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowNinja Make Larger Batches of Homemade Ice Cream with the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Frozen Dessert Maker NC501
Ninja
Make Larger Batches of Homemade Ice Cream with the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Frozen Dessert Maker NC501
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 processes fully frozen bases into smooth ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and 8 other frozen desserts using Dual-Drive Motors and CREAMify Technology, with XL 24-oz tubs that hold 50% more than the original CREAMi. Households that want full control over ingredients, including protein, dairy-free, keto, or low-sugar options, get the most value from this machine.
$174.95 at AmazonColor: Stone Silver Size: (2) 24 oz. Pints Dimensions: 12.01 x 8.42 x 16.69 Inches Weight: 14.44 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowWhynter Homemade Ice Cream Without Pre-Freezing: Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Qt Compressor Ice Cream Maker Review
Whynter
Homemade Ice Cream Without Pre-Freezing: Whynter ICM-201SB 2.1 Qt Compressor Ice Cream Maker Review
The Whynter ICM-201SB uses a built-in compressor to churn up to 2.1 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in one session without requiring any bowl pre-freezing. Serious home dessert makers who want back-to-back batches and full ingredient control will find this machine eliminates the main friction point of traditional ice cream makers.
$259.99 at AmazonColor: Stainless Steel Size: 2.1 Quart Dimensions: 10.75 x 12.5 x 14.25 inches Weight: 24.25 pounds Product Group: Major Appliances Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowHow We Evaluated These Picks
This guide is research-based, not a hands-on test. We did not buy, cook with, or measure the products above. What we did compare: manufacturer specifications, materials and construction, capacities and wattages, and the patterns that repeat across large volumes of verified owner reviews — especially the complaints that only surface after weeks of use, like coatings failing, motors weakening, controls drifting, or a design proving awkward to clean and store.
Where this page describes how something performs, it is reporting what the specifications state and what owners consistently report — not a result we produced ourselves. Prices and availability change constantly, so check the current listing before buying. We earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, which never affects which products we include or how we rank them.
The Picks We Love
Ninja CREAMi NC301 (7-in-1 Frozen Dessert Maker)
The viral pick that genuinely earns the hype. The CREAMi works differently from churning machines: you freeze a base solid in its pint container, then the machine shaves and spins it into ice cream, gelato, sorbet, smoothie bowls, and more. The magic is flavor experimentation, mix any base you like, freeze, and spin, and the single-pint format is perfect for personalized treats and dietary tweaks (protein, low-sugar). For someone who loves trying new flavors and wants single-serve control, it’s a delight.
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 (1.5-Quart Freezer-Bowl)
The long-reigning favorite and the machine tested roundups have recommended for years running. This freezer-bowl model makes 1.5 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in about 20 minutes once the bowl is frozen, and it’s affordable, simple, and reliably produces creamy results. The catch is the freezer-bowl routine: pre-freeze the bowl 16+ hours and you get one batch per freeze. For most home ice cream lovers who don’t need back-to-back batches, it’s the best value and the easy recommendation.
Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 (1.5-Quart, alt color)
The same beloved Cuisinart freezer-bowl machine in an alternate colorway. Identical 1.5-quart capacity, ~20-minute churn, and the same simple, reliable performance that made the ICE-21 a perennial top pick. Choose between this and the ICE-21P1 purely on color and price, the ice cream they make is the same. A great affordable entry into homemade ice cream either way.
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 (11-in-1, XL 24oz Tubs)
The family-size CREAMi for households that want bigger batches. The Deluxe steps up to 11 programs and larger 24-ounce tubs, so you make more per spin than the single-pint NC301, better suited to feeding a family or making several flavors. It keeps the CREAMi’s flavor-experimentation magic at a larger scale. If you love the CREAMi concept but the standard pint feels small for your household, the Deluxe is the upgrade.
Whynter ICM-201SB (2.1-Quart Compressor)
The no-pre-freezing pick for serious or frequent churners. This compressor machine has a built-in freezer, so it chills as it churns, no waiting 16 hours for a bowl, and you can make batch after batch in one session. At 2.1 quarts it also makes more per batch than the freezer-bowl models. It costs more and takes more counter space, but for someone who makes ice cream often or wants to churn multiple flavors in an afternoon, the compressor convenience is worth it.
How to Choose
Start by being honest about how often and how much ice cream you’ll make. If it’s occasional and you want the best value, a freezer-bowl machine like the Cuisinart ICE-21 makes excellent ice cream cheaply, just remember the 16+ hour bowl freeze and one batch per freeze (keep the bowl in the freezer permanently to be always ready). If you churn often or want back-to-back batches without waiting, a compressor machine like the Whynter freezes as it churns and is worth the higher cost and counter space. And if your joy is experimenting with flavors, especially single-serve, protein, or low-sugar bases, the Ninja CREAMi’s freeze-then-spin approach is uniquely suited to that, with the Deluxe for bigger households. Match the machine to your habit, not the other way around. For related frozen treats, see our popsicle mold guide.
Care and Use
A few habits keep any ice cream maker performing and lasting. For freezer-bowl machines, the bowl must be frozen completely solid, no liquid sloshing when you shake it, which means 16+ hours and ideally storing it in the freezer year-round; start the machine churning before pouring in the base so it doesn’t freeze to the walls in a solid ring. For the Ninja CREAMi, freeze bases on a level freezer shelf so they set evenly, and follow the re-spin prompt if the first spin looks crumbly. Compressor machines need a bit of breathing room around the vents and shouldn’t be moved right before use. Across all types, hand wash the bowls and paddles (most aren’t dishwasher safe), dry fully, and never submerge the motor base. Letting churned ice cream firm up in the freezer for a few hours gives a scoopable texture.
Pairing and Ideas
Homemade ice cream is the centerpiece, but the fun is in the finishing and serving. A good scoop (warmed under hot water or a dedicated dishwasher-safe scooper) makes serving easier, and airtight containers keep pints from forming ice crystals in the freezer. The Ninja CREAMi especially rewards a stocked pantry of mix-ins, chocolate chunks, cookie pieces, swirls of caramel, since you can fold them in during the spin. For a party, churn a couple of flavors ahead and set out toppings for sundaes. Round out your frozen-dessert setup with our ice cream scooper guide and our popsicle mold picks for the kids.
Reader Q&A
What’s the difference between freezer-bowl and compressor ice cream makers?
A freezer-bowl machine uses a bowl you pre-freeze for 16+ hours, then churns one batch before the bowl needs re-freezing, affordable but slower. A compressor machine has a built-in freezer that chills as it churns, so you can make back-to-back batches with no pre-freezing, but it costs more and is bulkier. Choose freezer-bowl for value, compressor for frequent or multi-batch use.
Is the Ninja CREAMi worth it?
If you love experimenting with flavors and want single-serve control, yes. The CREAMi freezes a base solid then spins it into ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and more, which makes it uniquely good for trying new recipes, protein or low-sugar versions, and personalized pints. It works differently from churning machines, so it’s about flavor experimentation rather than large batches; the Deluxe handles bigger portions.
How long does homemade ice cream take to make?
Freezer-bowl machines churn a batch in about 20 minutes once the bowl is frozen (but the bowl needs 16+ hours of freezing first). Compressor machines take roughly 30-60 minutes including the freezing, with no pre-freeze wait. The Ninja CREAMi requires freezing the base 24 hours, then spins in a few minutes. For scoopable firmness, most ice cream benefits from a few hours in the freezer after.
Why is my homemade ice cream icy instead of creamy?
Iciness usually comes from a base low in fat or sugar, not churning long enough, or a freezer bowl that wasn’t fully frozen. Use a custard or cream-based recipe, make sure the bowl is rock-solid, and churn until thick. A little alcohol or corn syrup in the recipe also keeps ice crystals small. Storing it airtight prevents freezer-burn iciness later.
Do ice cream maker bowls go in the dishwasher?
Most freezer bowls and CREAMi pints are hand wash only, since dishwasher heat can damage the freezing gel in bowls or warp containers. Always check the specific model. Hand wash with warm soapy water, dry fully, and for freezer-bowl machines, dry completely before returning the bowl to the freezer to avoid frost buildup.
The Last Word
The best ice cream maker comes down to how you like to make it: the Cuisinart ICE-21 is the affordable, long-favorite freezer-bowl pick, the Whynter compressor frees you from pre-freezing for back-to-back batches, and the Ninja CREAMi is the flavor-experimenter’s dream. Match the type to your habit, respect the freezing requirements, and let pints firm up before scooping. Homemade ice cream, exactly your way, is closer than you think. Pair your machine with our ice cream scooper guide.
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