The Bottom Line
The Cuisinart ICE-21 remains the best-value ice cream maker for most people: a 1.5-quart freezer-bowl machine that churns good ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes for a low price. It’s the budget pick reviewers have recommended for years. The trade-off is the freezer-bowl method, you must pre-freeze the bowl 16+ hours and get one batch per freeze. If you want back-to-back batches with no pre-freezing, step up to a compressor machine; for fast single-serve, the FastFreeze is the newer option.
The Cuisinart ICE-21 is the ice cream maker that tested roundups keep crowning the best value, and for good reason: it’s been the default budget recommendation for the better part of a decade. As the r/icecreamery community puts it, the ICE-21 is still the first recommendation because it’s relatively inexpensive, compact, and produces good-quality ice cream. It’s a freezer-bowl machine, you pre-freeze the insulated bowl, add your base, and it churns frozen treats in about 20 minutes. The picks below evaluate the ICE-21 against its siblings and the compressor alternative so you can decide if it’s the right machine for you. For more frozen-treat gear, see our best ice cream maker guide.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Picks
Our Top Picks
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
ICE30BCP1 2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker for Homemade Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes
This Cuisinart ice cream maker uses a double-insulated 2-quart freezer bowl and automatic motor to churn ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in under 30 minutes without pre-freezing ingredients mid-process. Best for home cooks who want fresh frozen desserts without the bulk or complexity of compressor models.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fully automatic operation requires no manual cranking or monitoring during the 20-30 minute churn cycle.
- Brushed stainless steel housing resists fingerprints and fits most kitchen aesthetics.
- Includes a recipe book and replacement lid for experimenting with different frozen dessert bases.
Cons
- Freezer bowl must be pre-frozen for 12-24 hours before each use, limiting spontaneous dessert making.
- No built-in compressor means you cannot make back-to-back batches without a second bowl.
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.
Whynter
ICM-200LS 2.1 Qt Automatic Ice Cream Maker with Built-In Compressor — No Pre-Freezing Required
The Whynter ICM-200LS uses a built-in compressor to churn up to 2.1 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in a single batch without ever pre-freezing a canister. Home cooks who make frozen desserts regularly will benefit most from the continuous-use capability and extended cooling function that keeps finished batches firm until serving.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No canister pre-freeze required means spontaneous batches are genuinely possible, not just a marketing claim — the compressor handles all cooling internally.
- The 2.1-quart capacity is large enough to serve a family in one batch while still fitting on a standard kitchen countertop.
- The extended cooling function is a practical differentiator that keeps ice cream scoopable inside the machine after churning ends.
- Stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and holds up to the moisture and condensation common in ice cream making.
Cons
- At over 30 pounds, the built-in compressor makes this machine heavy to move or store, so it works best as a dedicated countertop appliance.
- The compressor-based design carries a higher upfront cost than canister-style makers, which may not be justified for occasional or seasonal use.
Cuisinart
Homemade Ice Cream in Minutes: Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker ICE-FD10
The Cuisinart FastFreeze ICE-FD10 uses five preset programs and a push-down freeze wand to produce ice cream, milkshakes, slushies, sorbets, and mix-ins in half-pint servings. Individuals or couples who want frequent small-batch frozen treats with non-dairy or fruit-based ingredient options will get the most out of this compact machine.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Five dedicated preset programs remove guesswork and produce consistent results across five distinct frozen dessert styles.
- Dishwasher-safe, detachable mixing cups make cleanup straightforward after every use.
- Small form factor stores easily in a kitchen cabinet without occupying permanent counter space.
- Supports non-dairy and fruit-based ingredients, making it usable for dairy-free and health-conscious households.
Cons
- Each batch yields only half a pint, so serving more than two people requires running multiple back-to-back cycles.
- The freeze base must be frozen 24 hours in advance, making last-minute dessert preparation impossible.
Editors' Picks
Cuisinart 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 AmazonEditors' Favorite
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 ICE30BCP1 2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker for Homemade Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes
Cuisinart
ICE30BCP1 2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker for Homemade Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes
This Cuisinart ice cream maker uses a double-insulated 2-quart freezer bowl and automatic motor to churn ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in under 30 minutes without pre-freezing ingredients mid-process. Best for home cooks who want fresh frozen desserts without the bulk or complexity of compressor models.
Check PriceGreat Value
Color: Brushed Chrome Size: 2-Qt. Dimensions: 8.25 x 8 x 11.25 inches Weight: 3.968320716 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 NowWhynter ICM-200LS 2.1 Qt Automatic Ice Cream Maker with Built-In Compressor — No Pre-Freezing Required
Whynter
ICM-200LS 2.1 Qt Automatic Ice Cream Maker with Built-In Compressor — No Pre-Freezing Required
The Whynter ICM-200LS uses a built-in compressor to churn up to 2.1 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in a single batch without ever pre-freezing a canister. Home cooks who make frozen desserts regularly will benefit most from the continuous-use capability and extended cooling function that keeps finished batches firm until serving.
$269.99 at AmazonColor: Stainless Steel Size: 2.1 Quart Dimensions: 11.25 x 16.75 x 10.25 inches Weight: 24.25 Pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowCuisinart Homemade Ice Cream in Minutes: Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker ICE-FD10
Cuisinart
Homemade Ice Cream in Minutes: Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker ICE-FD10
The Cuisinart FastFreeze ICE-FD10 uses five preset programs and a push-down freeze wand to produce ice cream, milkshakes, slushies, sorbets, and mix-ins in half-pint servings. Individuals or couples who want frequent small-batch frozen treats with non-dairy or fruit-based ingredient options will get the most out of this compact machine.
$83.95 at AmazonColor: FastFreeze, Pastel Size: 0.5 Pint Dimensions: 16.18 x 13.15 x 5.98 Inches Weight: 4.4 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowAbout These Recommendations
The technique above is the point of this guide; the products are here because they help. We have not tested them ourselves — we did not buy or use this gear. The recommendations come from comparing specifications and materials against the patterns in verified owner reviews, so treat them as a shortlist worth researching rather than a verdict from our own kitchen.
Availability and prices change often, so check the current listing before buying. We earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, which never affects what we recommend.
How We Compared
Our evaluation weighed the quality of the churned result, ease of use, capacity, the freezer-bowl versus compressor method, and value. We also read patterns across owner reviews and editorial testing from Serious Eats, Wirecutter, and the r/icecreamery community, all of which have ranked the ICE-21 as the best budget ice cream maker for years. We did not run a hands-on churn test; instead we ranked the ICE-21 and its alternatives against those benchmark criteria so you can match a pick to how often and how much ice cream you’ll make.
The Picks
The ICE-21 earns the value verdict, with alternatives ranked by capacity and method. All make frozen desserts; the key difference is freezer-bowl versus compressor.
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 (1.5-Quart, the pick) (Highly Recommended)
The machine this review is about and the best-value ice cream maker for most people. The 1.5-quart double-insulated freezer bowl churns ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes once frozen, and operation couldn’t be simpler: pour in your base, turn it on, and the paddle does the work. It’s compact, affordable, and produces genuinely good results, the reasons it’s topped budget rankings for years. For occasional home ice cream making without a big investment, this is the one to buy.
Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 (1.5-Quart, alt color) (Highly Recommended)
The same excellent ICE-21 in a different colorway. Identical 1.5-quart double-insulated freezer bowl, ~20-minute churn, and simple operation, the only difference is the finish. Choose between the ICE-21P1 and ICE-21RP1 purely on color and price; the ice cream they make is exactly the same. Whichever is cheaper or matches your kitchen is the right pick, since the performance is identical across the color variants.
Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 (2-Quart Freezer-Bowl) (Recommended)
The larger-capacity step-up. The ICE30 uses the same fully-automatic freezer-bowl method as the ICE-21 but in a bigger 2-quart size, making frozen desserts in under 30 minutes, better for families or entertaining where 1.5 quarts runs short. It still requires pre-freezing the bowl and gives one batch per freeze, just a bigger batch. Choose it over the ICE-21 if you regularly make ice cream for a crowd and want the extra half-quart of capacity.
Whynter ICM-200LS (2.1-Quart Compressor) (Recommended)
The no-pre-freezing alternative for frequent churners. Unlike the freezer-bowl ICE-21, the Whynter has a built-in compressor that freezes as it churns, so you can make back-to-back batches with no 16-hour bowl freeze, and at 2.1 quarts it makes more per batch. It costs considerably 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. The ICE-21’s main limitation, solved.
Cuisinart FastFreeze ICE-FD10 (5-in-1) (Recommended)
The newer single-serve, multi-treat pick. The FastFreeze is a 5-in-1 machine making ice cream, milkshakes, slushies, sorbets, and mix-ins via a freeze wand and two 0.5-pint cups, a different approach aimed at personalized single servings (similar in concept to the Ninja CREAMi). It’s the choice for someone who wants individual portions and variety rather than a 1.5-quart batch. Choose it over the ICE-21 if single-serve flavor experimentation appeals more than a family-size batch.
What to Look For
Freezer-bowl vs. compressor. The ICE-21 (freezer-bowl) is cheap and compact but needs the bowl frozen 16+ hours and makes one batch per freeze. A compressor machine freezes as it churns for back-to-back batches, but costs and weighs more. Choose by how often you’ll make ice cream.
Capacity. The ICE-21’s 1.5 quarts suits a couple or small family; step up to 2 quarts (ICE30) for crowds, or single-serve cups (FastFreeze) for personalized portions.
Ease of use. The ICE-21 is about as simple as it gets, pour and turn on. Simplicity is part of its appeal.
The bowl-freeze requirement. Plan ahead: the freezer bowl must be solid (16+ hours, no sloshing). Many owners keep it in the freezer permanently so it’s always ready.
Storage. The ICE-21 is compact and stores easily; compressor machines are bulkier.
At a Glance
| Model | Capacity | Method | Pre-Freeze? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE-21P1 | 1.5 qt | Freezer bowl | Yes (16+ hrs) | Best value |
| ICE-21RP1 | 1.5 qt | Freezer bowl | Yes (16+ hrs) | Value (alt color) |
| ICE30BCP1 | 2 qt | Freezer bowl | Yes (16+ hrs) | Bigger batches |
| Whynter ICM-200LS | 2.1 qt | Compressor | No | Back-to-back batches |
| FastFreeze ICE-FD10 | Single-serve | Freeze wand | Varies | Personalized portions |
Buying Tips
Be honest about how often you’ll make ice cream before choosing. If it’s occasional, the ICE-21’s freezer-bowl method is perfect and the value unbeatable, just keep the bowl in your freezer year-round so it’s always ready (the 16-hour freeze is the only real friction). If you’ll churn often or want multiple flavors in one session, the freezer bowl’s one-batch-per-freeze limit will frustrate you, and a compressor machine like the Whynter is worth the higher cost. For the ICE-21 specifically: start the machine churning before pouring in the base, or the mixture freezes to the bowl wall in a solid ring. And remember any freezer-bowl ice cream comes out soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a container and freeze a few hours for scoopable firmness. Use a good custard or cream base; the machine is only as good as what you put in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cuisinart ICE-21 still worth buying?
Yes, it remains the best-value ice cream maker for most people. It’s inexpensive, compact, simple to use, and produces genuinely good ice cream, gelato, and sorbet in about 20 minutes, which is why reviewers and the r/icecreamery community have recommended it for years. The freezer-bowl method (pre-freeze required, one batch per freeze) is the only real limitation. For occasional home churning, it’s hard to beat.
How long do you freeze the Cuisinart ICE-21 bowl?
Freeze the double-insulated bowl solid for at least 16 hours (some say 24) before churning, ideally at the back of the freezer where it’s coldest. It’s ready when you shake it and hear no liquid sloshing inside. Many owners simply store the bowl in the freezer permanently so it’s always ready to make ice cream on a whim.
Can you make more than one batch in a row with the ICE-21?
No. Like all freezer-bowl machines, the ICE-21 needs the bowl frozen solid again between batches (16+ hours), so you get one batch per freeze. To make back-to-back batches the same day, you need a compressor machine like the Whynter, which freezes as it churns. If you only make ice cream occasionally, one batch per freeze is rarely a problem.
What’s the difference between the Cuisinart ICE-21 and ICE30?
Both are fully-automatic freezer-bowl machines with the same method and bowl-freeze requirement. The ICE-21 holds 1.5 quarts and the ICE30 holds 2 quarts, so the ICE30 makes bigger batches, better for families or entertaining. The ICE-21 is more compact and usually cheaper. Choose the ICE-21 for value and smaller batches, the ICE30 for more capacity.
Does the Cuisinart ICE-21 make hard or soft ice cream?
It churns ice cream to a soft-serve consistency in about 20 minutes. For firmer, scoopable ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for a few more hours to harden. This churn-then-freeze process is normal for all freezer-bowl machines, not unique to the ICE-21. Eat it straight from the machine for soft serve, or freeze it for traditional scoops.
Final Take
The Cuisinart ICE-21 earns its long-running reputation as the best-value ice cream maker: affordable, compact, simple, and capable of genuinely good ice cream, gelato, and sorbet in about 20 minutes. The freezer-bowl method (pre-freeze the bowl, one batch per freeze) is the only real catch, and keeping the bowl in your freezer year-round neutralizes it. Step up to the 2-quart ICE30 for bigger batches or a compressor Whynter for back-to-back churning. Start the paddle before pouring, and firm the ice cream in the freezer for scoops. For more options, see our ice cream maker guide.
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