What is a countertop ice cream maker?

A countertop ice cream maker is a kitchen appliance that allows you to make ice cream at home on your countertop.

How does a countertop ice cream maker work?

It works by freezing and churning an ice cream mixture to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

What features should I consider when buying a countertop ice cream maker?

Consider features such as capacity, speed of operation, ease of use, and whether it has a built-in freezer.

Can I make other desserts with a countertop ice cream maker?

Yes, some models can also make sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt.

Do countertop ice cream makers require a lot of maintenance?

Generally, they require regular cleaning after use, but not extensive maintenance.

April 1, 2026

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9 Best countertop ice cream makers of 2026

Save up to 40% off

Best Choice

1

Clicked 176 times in the last month

Whynter
Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-201SB, Stainless Steel

16% Off
Main highlights

Self-Refrigerating Convenience
Automatic ice cream maker with built-in compressor for easy use.

Perfect for Custom Creations
Ideal for making gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt at home.

Highly Praised Performance
Customers love the smooth, creamy texture of the ice cream.
9.9

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.9
lasts a long time

9.9
Noise level

9.7
Simple to clean
How do we rank?

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

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Based on millions of stores and reviews

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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

12% Off
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
- material:Plastic
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Programmable
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Easy to build

9.7
Simple to use

9.7
Flavor
5

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.
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating

9.5
lasts a long time

9.5
Simple to use

9.5
Flavor
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6

Cuisinart
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21RP1, Red
Main highlights

Quick Frozen Treats
Makes frozen treats in 20 minutes or less with a patent-pending mixing paddle.

Ideal for Home Use
Perfect for homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet enthusiasts.

Ease of Use
Highly praised for its lightweight, compact design and simple operation.
Key specs
- product dimensions:10.75 x 10.75 x 15 inches
- color:Red
- material:Polypropylene PP
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Easy to build

9.7
Simple to use

9.7
Simple to clean
7

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
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating
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

BRIOBITE

BRIOBITE 1.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker – Electric Ice Cream Machine for Gelato, Milkshakes & Sorbet,Perfect for 2-3 Servings, Easy to Use & Clean,Silver
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a countertop ice cream maker?
A countertop ice cream maker is a kitchen appliance that allows you to make ice cream at home on your countertop.

How does a countertop ice cream maker work?
It works by freezing and churning an ice cream mixture to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

What features should I consider when buying a countertop ice cream maker?
Consider features such as capacity, speed of operation, ease of use, and whether it has a built-in freezer.

Can I make other desserts with a countertop ice cream maker?
Yes, some models can also make sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt.

Do countertop ice cream makers require a lot of maintenance?
Generally, they require regular cleaning after use, but not extensive maintenance.

9 Best countertop ice cream makers of 2026

1

Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-201SB, Stainless Steel

9.9

9.9

9.7

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

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

6

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21RP1, Red

9.9

9.7

9.7

7

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

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

BRIOBITE 1.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker – Electric Ice Cream Machine for Gelato, Milkshakes & Sorbet,Perfect for 2-3 Servings, Easy to Use & Clean,Silver

Frequently Asked Questions

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