What is an ice cream maker?

An ice cream maker is a machine used to create ice cream and other frozen desserts at home.

Do all ice cream makers have a freezing element?

Not all ice cream makers have a built-in freezing element, some models require pre-freezing the bowl.

Can I make other desserts with an ice cream maker?

Yes, many ice cream makers can also make gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbets.

How long does it take to make ice cream in an ice cream maker?

It typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the model and recipe.

What should I consider when buying an ice cream maker?

Consider factors such as capacity, freezing method, ease of use, clean-up, and price.

April 2, 2026

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10 Best ice cream makers of 2026

Save up to 40% off

Best Choice

1

Clicked 157 times in the last month

Ninja
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Treat Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Yogurt and More, 11-in-1 Programs, XL Capacity, Includes Two 24-oz Family-Size Tubs, Silver, NC501

12% Off
Main highlights

Versatile 11-in-1 Functionality
Create ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more with ease.

Ideal for Dietary Customization
Perfect for low sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options.

Praised Dense Creamy Texture
Customers love its ability to produce dense, creamy treats.
Key specs
- product dimensions:12.01L x 8.42W x 16.69H
- color:Silver
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Dishwasher Safe Parts
- capacity:24 Fluid Ounces
9.9

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.1
Simple to clean

8.9
Flavor

8.7
Simple to use
How do we rank?

Powerful technology We scan thousands of products and stores, analyzing reviews to find what matters most to users like you

Careful review Our team ensures quality, value, and fit based on real user feedback

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Real users impact

Thousands of users trust our site daily

Based on millions of stores and reviews

Shoppers influence our rankings
Analyzing top stores
Value for Money

2

Chefman

Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker, No Pre-Freezing with Built-In Compressor, Makes Ice Cream, Froyo, Sorbet, Sherbet, Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt, Digital Display w/ 3 Presets, 2 Pint Inserts Included

40% Off Limited Time Deal
9.8

Exceptional

Our Rating
3

Cuisinart
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Machine, Fully Automatic Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl Makes Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes, ICE30BCP1, Silver

20% Off
Main highlights

Superior Functionality
This ice cream maker churns frozen desserts in 20 minutes.

Ideal for Homemade Treats
Perfect for creating custom, sugar-free ice cream and yogurt.

User-Friendly Design
Customers love the large ingredient spout and easy-lock lid.
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Easy to build

9.7
Simple to clean

9.5
Simple to use
4

Cuisinart
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21P1, White
Main highlights

Quick Frozen Treats
The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 makes frozen treats in 20 minutes.

Ideal for Healthy Desserts
Perfect for creating low-calorie, healthy ice cream and yogurt.

Praised Easy Operation
Customers love its simple, foolproof operation and easy assembly.
Key specs
- product dimensions:9.5L x 9W x 11.25H
- color:New White
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Programmable
- capacity:1.5 Quarts
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Easy to build

9.7
Simple to use

9.7
Flavor
5

LCYHOMIEE

Rolled Ice Cream Maker Kit, At-Home Rolled Ice Cream Machine with Instant Freeze Tray & 2 Scrapers, DIY Homemade Rolled Ice Cream Tray for Kids & Adults, Stainless Steel Frozen Dessert Maker (White)
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating
See Today’s Deals & Prices
6

Elite Gourmet

Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350 Delicious Homemade Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt, 4Qt Aluminum Freezing Cannister, Durable Plastic Ice Bucket, Powerful 50W, Periwinkle
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating
7

Cuisinart
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet, Ready in 20 Minutes, LCD Screen and Timer, ICE-70P1

37% Off
Main highlights

Fast Dessert Creation
Create two quarts of frozen treats in just 20 minutes.

Versatile Use Cases
Ideal for making ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet.

Ease of Use
Praised for user-friendly operation and easy cleaning.
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating

9.5
lasts a long time

9.5
Simple to use

9.5
Flavor
8

Nostalgia
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker - Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes - Fun Kitchen Appliance - Vintage Wooden Style - Light Wood - 4 Quart
Main highlights

Convenient and Quick Ice Cream Making
Make homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in 20 minutes with an automatic operation.

Perfect for Parties and Family Gatherings
Ideal for creating delicious treats for large groups with its 4-quart capacity.

Quiet Operation and Nostalgic Design
Praised for its quiet motor and vintage wooden style, enhancing the user experience.
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.5
Simple to clean

9.3
Simple to use

9.3
Flavor
9

WesGen

Rolled Ice Cream Maker Kit - 2026 New Stainless Steel Instant Freeze Plate with 2 Scrapers & Tray, Easy DIY Homemade Ice Cream Rolls, At-Home Family Fun Dessert (Green)

23% Off
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating
10

DASH
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker - Makes Single Serving of Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet & More - Easy to Clean & Use - Aqua, 2 Bowls

16% Off
Main highlights

Personalized Ice Cream Making
Create single-serving ice cream with customizable mix-ins, no pre-made mix required.

Ideal for Small Households
Perfect for personal treats or small gatherings with quick preparation.

Praised for Easy Use
Users love its simplicity and the fun of experimenting with flavors.
Key specs
- product dimensions:7.48L x 5.39W x 13.5H
- color:Aqua
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Programmable
- capacity:0.5 Pints
8.4

Good

Our Rating

8.7
Simple to clean

8.0
Simple to use

8.0
Flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ice cream maker?
An ice cream maker is a machine used to create ice cream and other frozen desserts at home.

Do all ice cream makers have a freezing element?
Not all ice cream makers have a built-in freezing element, some models require pre-freezing the bowl.

Can I make other desserts with an ice cream maker?
Yes, many ice cream makers can also make gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbets.

How long does it take to make ice cream in an ice cream maker?
It typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the model and recipe.

What should I consider when buying an ice cream maker?
Consider factors such as capacity, freezing method, ease of use, clean-up, and price.

10 Best ice cream makers of 2026

1

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Treat Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Yogurt and More, 11-in-1 Programs, XL Capacity, Includes Two 24-oz Family-Size Tubs, Silver, NC501

9.1

8.9

8.7

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker, No Pre-Freezing with Built-In Compressor, Makes Ice Cream, Froyo, Sorbet, Sherbet, Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt, Digital Display w/ 3 Presets, 2 Pint Inserts Included

3

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Machine, Fully Automatic Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl Makes Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes, ICE30BCP1, Silver

9.9

9.7

9.5

4

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21P1, White

9.9

9.7

9.7

5

Rolled Ice Cream Maker Kit, At-Home Rolled Ice Cream Machine with Instant Freeze Tray & 2 Scrapers, DIY Homemade Rolled Ice Cream Tray for Kids & Adults, Stainless Steel Frozen Dessert Maker (White)

6

Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350 Delicious Homemade Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt, 4Qt Aluminum Freezing Cannister, Durable Plastic Ice Bucket, Powerful 50W, Periwinkle

7

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet, Ready in 20 Minutes, LCD Screen and Timer, ICE-70P1

9.5

9.5

9.5

8

Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker - Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes - Fun Kitchen Appliance - Vintage Wooden Style - Light Wood - 4 Quart

9.5

9.3

9.3

9

Rolled Ice Cream Maker Kit - 2026 New Stainless Steel Instant Freeze Plate with 2 Scrapers & Tray, Easy DIY Homemade Ice Cream Rolls, At-Home Family Fun Dessert (Green)

10

Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker - Makes Single Serving of Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet & More - Easy to Clean & Use - Aqua, 2 Bowls

8.7

8.0

8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

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