What is a gelato maker?

A gelato maker is a machine that churns and freezes ingredients to produce homemade gelato.

What is the difference between ice cream and gelato?

Gelato is denser and has a smoother texture than ice cream, due to less air being incorporated during the churning process.

Does a gelato maker also make ice cream?

Yes, most gelato makers can also be used to make ice cream and other frozen desserts.

What should I consider when buying a gelato maker?

Consider factors like capacity, speed, ease of use, and whether it has a built-in refrigeration unit.

How long does it take to make gelato with a gelato maker?

Typically, it takes between 20 to 60 minutes to make gelato, depending on the model.

April 3, 2026

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10 Best gelato makers of 2026

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Best Choice

1

Clicked 61 times in the last month

Musso
Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker, Stainless - 110/120V 60 HZ
Main highlights

Stainless Steel Durability
Built with stainless steel for longevity and easy cleaning.

Ideal for Home and Small Business
Perfect for making gourmet ice cream at home or small shops.

Consistent Performance
Customers praise its ability to make smooth, consistent ice cream.
Key specs
- product dimensions:12 x 11 x 18 inches
- material:Stainless steel
- operation mode:Fully automatic
- special feature:Timer controls operation
- capacity:1-1/2-quart
9.9

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to use

9.9
Flavor

9.3
Noise level
How do we rank?

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Based on millions of stores and reviews

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Value for Money

2

Cuisinart
Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker and Gelato Machine, Makes Frozen Yogurt and Sorbet, Fully Automatic with Commercial-Quality Compressor and 2 Churning Paddles, ICE-100, Black/Stainless
Main highlights

Commercial Quality Compressor
Fully automatic with commercial compressor for continuous use.

Ideal for Home Ice Cream Enthusiasts
Perfect for making multiple flavors and batches daily.

Ease of Cleaning
Highly praised for its simple cleaning process.
Key specs
- product dimensions:16.73 x 12 x 9.33 inches
- material:Steel
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Programmable
- capacity:1.5 Quarts
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.7
Simple to use

9.7
Flavor

9.1
Simple to clean
3

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.
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.5
lasts a long time

9.5
Simple to use

9.5
Flavor
4

Ninja
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7 One-Touch Programs, with (2) Pint Containers & Lids, Compact Size, Perfect for Kids, Silver

14% Off
Main highlights

Customizable Ingredients Control
Create personalized frozen treats with control over ingredients for dietary preferences.

Versatile Frozen Treat Maker
Ideal for making ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more at home.

Easy to Clean
Top-rack dishwasher safe components praised by customers for convenience.
Key specs
- product dimensions:12.07L x 6.52W x 15.95H
- material:Stainless Steel
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Digital Display, Automatic Shut-Off, Programmable, Built-In Timer
- capacity:1 Pints
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating

9.1
Powerful blending

9.1
worth the money

9.1
Simple to use
5

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
- material:Plastic
- operation mode:Automatic
- special feature:Programmable
- capacity:1.5 Quarts
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Easy to build

9.7
Simple to use

9.7
Flavor
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6

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.
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
Easy to build

9.7
Simple to clean

9.5
Simple to use
7

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.
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
lasts a long time

9.9
Noise level

9.7
Simple to clean
8

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

20% Off
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating
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
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating
10

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
8.5

Good

Our Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gelato maker?
A gelato maker is a machine that churns and freezes ingredients to produce homemade gelato.

What is the difference between ice cream and gelato?
Gelato is denser and has a smoother texture than ice cream, due to less air being incorporated during the churning process.

Does a gelato maker also make ice cream?
Yes, most gelato makers can also be used to make ice cream and other frozen desserts.

What should I consider when buying a gelato maker?
Consider factors like capacity, speed, ease of use, and whether it has a built-in refrigeration unit.

How long does it take to make gelato with a gelato maker?
Typically, it takes between 20 to 60 minutes to make gelato, depending on the model.

10 Best gelato makers of 2026

1

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker, Stainless - 110/120V 60 HZ

9.9

9.9

9.3

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker and Gelato Machine, Makes Frozen Yogurt and Sorbet, Fully Automatic with Commercial-Quality Compressor and 2 Churning Paddles, ICE-100, Black/Stainless

9.7

9.7

9.1

3

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

4

Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7 One-Touch Programs, with (2) Pint Containers & Lids, Compact Size, Perfect for Kids, Silver

9.1

9.1

9.1

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

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

10

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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