If you have never experienced the joy of making ice cream at home, then you are truly missing out on one of life’s little pleasures. If actual ice cream is not your thing you can use an ice cream maker to create gelato, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and sorbets. For the amount of versatility, you get an ice cream maker is one of the best values in small kitchen appliances.
Finding the best ice cream maker for your home means carefully reading reviews from those that have looked at the important aspects of each one. Price should not be the determining factor when it comes to choosing the right machine. There are some very inexpensive machines that perform quite well for the average household.
Ice Cream Makers For Your Home Or Group
Making ice cream and other frozen desserts at home can save a lot of money. Going out for ice cream can add up to a lot of money for a family of 4 but even if you just like to indulge occasionally you are better off making your own due to the control you have over ingredients and flavor.
The best home ice cream maker for you may very well be in the list below. Be sure to read our full reviews for the best chance and finding the right maker for your household.
Cuisinart Ice-21
The patent-pending mixing paddle makes frozen treats in 20 minutes while the double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice and salt. This can save a lot of money over the years if you have to purchase these ingredients.
The Ice-21 comes in white and red so you have some options. With a 1.5-quart capacity this is a great maker for those that are fine with making 10-12 servings of ice cream at a time.
Cuisinart Ice-30BC
The Cuisinart is a great size for the average household. While a big ice cream maker is impressive and can be exciting, it is easy to find yourself in the position of buying a machine that is more than you need. The Cuisinart has all the features of a big machine with less to clean up and a fast ice cream making time.
The sturdy plastic and metal construction means that your purchase will give you a lot of great ice cream making times over the years. This maker is fully capable of matching the recipes and flavors that you have grown to love over the years.
Cuisinart ice-100
The ICE-100 brings a professional style machine into your home for about $300. Since it is a compressor style machine you can make batches one after the other with no freezing bowls or adding ice and salt.
The two paddles included are specialized to change mixing patterns depending on the type of dessert you are making.
6 quart Ice Cream Maker ICMP600WD
This model of Nostalgia ice cream maker makes up to 6 quarts of your favorite frozen dessert. The high grade aluminum canister is lightweight and will not rust. Many people store leftover ice cream in the container but for long term storage it is best to transfer ice cream to another food grade container with a tight fitting lid.
While the Nostalgia ICMP600WD does have a real wooden slat bucket, it is lined with high quality plastic to prevent spills, drips, and eliminate any rust issues that have been known to be a problem in wooden bucket ice cream makers. If you want a machine that looks old fashioned this is a good machine to consider.
Cuisinart Ice-20 and 60
This is the older version of the ICE-60 model. Although it has all the same great features it is available for a lower cost. It defers in appearance at most. No salt or ice is needed because it uses a high quality double insulated freezer bowl.
Cuisinart crafts this ice cream maker with plastics that are certified BPA free for the safety of you and your family. The plastic ingredient spout lets you add your favorite ingredients and mix ins with no mess.
Hamilton Beach 68330N 4-Quart Automatic Ice-Cream Maker
This basic ice cream maker is a great economical choice for those that want to get started making their own frozen treats. Its lightweight sturdy design allows for a full gallon of ice cream to be made in a machine that weighs under 7 lbs.
KitchenAid KICA0WH 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker
Kitchen Aid is a long trusted brand in home appliances. The Kitchen Aid is the perfect size for most homes. This ice cream maker is really an attachment for the popular KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It turns your mixer into a great high quality 2 quart ice cream maker for $65-$85.
Nostalgia Electrics ICMP400BLUE
This model of Nostalgia ice cream maker boasts a fun retro style with the convenience and durability of plastic bucket construction.
At under $30 this is a very amazing maker that allows for 4 quarts of rich and creamy goodness to be made in little time at all. Many customers have been using these for years with no problems.
Yonanas Frozen Healthy Dessert Maker
Yonanas is not just any ice cream maker. The unique design is well suited to making lower calorie versions of your favorites. If you have never had homemade sorbet, then you are in for a real surprise. Even if you use organic fruit you can create a delicious all natural treat for a very low price and quickly as well.
Overripe bananas from the grocery store combined with frozen fruits creates an instant ice cream like dessert that is good for you and your family. This is a perfect substitute for those that are trying to avoid dairy or added sugars.
Those that have kids that are hard to get to eat fruit and vegetables should consider adding this to their kitchen. Kids will gladly eat fruits and veggies when they think they are getting dessert instead. This is a perfect solution for fans of soft serve that are trying to cut back on calories and lose weight without feeling deprived.