Scoop out all the details on the best ice cream machines for home use with this informative article. Read on to explore important factors, like cost, efficiency, and maintenance so you can find the best ice cream machine for your home!
Why you Should Trust us?
Ice cream is our passion and our only focus. From recipes to tricks and tips, we are the only place to find the inside scoop on everything ice cream. That is why we stay up-to-date on everything frozen including the best methods to make ice cream and the best machines!
Who This is For?
Ice cream is for everyone, but these machines are for anyone looking to upgrade their frozen dessert game! These machines are chosen because of their affordability, size, and ease of use. That means these machines are right for cooks of all levels. There are some that are a bigger splurge, but if you make a lot of homemade ice cream, it may be worth the expense.
How we Picked?
These ice cream machines are at the top of their game for making frozen treats at home. All of these ice cream makers represent the best of the best in the world of homemade ice cream. We have chosen only the most reliable, functional, and affordable machines so you can feel assured with your purchase.
How We Tested?
These machines have been run through their paces. We looked at all the most important functions and areas of importance for a great machine.
We have tested these machines’ ability to hold up over time, brand reliability, customer service, and of course their functionality. We looked at their ability to produce different treats, like gelato, ice cream, and even popsicles.
Factors to Consider
These ice cream machines are at the top of our list because of several factors. When looking to buy any new kitchen appliance there are a few top priorities to consider. We looked at:
- Affordability
- Size
- Ease of Use
- Special Maintenance
- Customer Support
Care and Maintenance
Buying an ice cream machine is an investment. It is important to keep it up with good care and maintenance. Luckily, taking care of an ice cream machine is easy to do. Here are a few areas you should expect to have to maintain or clean in order to keep your machine running at peak performance:
- Interior – Disassembling and washing all of the parts that come in contact with the ice cream is essential to food safety and machine function.
- Exterior– Wiping down the exterior of your ice cream machine should be done after every use and as part of your typical kitchen cleaning routine.
- Parts – To help these machines work, many of them rely on you to pre-chill either the parts, the ingredients, or both before churning your frozen concoctions.
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt Maker
Best Overall
Style: Countertop | Size: 9.5 x 9 x 11.25 inches | Capacity: 1.5 Quarts | Base: Plastic
The Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Frozen Yogurt Maker is perfect for individuals and families alike. This machine’s ease of use and cleaning paired with its capacity and price point make it a top contender for best ice cream machines for home use.
Pros:
The Capacity:
This size of the Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt Maker is the same size as most major ice cream brands’ standard container, one-and-a-half quarts. This makes it perfect for making ice cream for a family of four or making enough creamy dessert to save.
The Price:
The economical price of the Cuisinart truly sets it apart. Not only is this machine affordable, but it is the right size and it really works! Plus, you have the security of a three-year manufacturer warranty to fall back on if anything goes wrong with your ice cream investment.
Multiple Finishes Match Your Vibe:
One of the best things about this ice cream maker is its style. It is compact enough to leave on the counter and discreet enough to be an eyesore. The many different color and finish choices allow you to pick an option that perfectly suits your space and style.
Cons:
Long Pre-Freeze:
The key to this machine’s ability to perfectly churn frozen desserts in under twenty minutes is icy cold components. That means that the bowl of this ice cream machine must be frozen prior to churning in order to make ice cream with great texture and flavor. The bowl must chill for a whole day before you can use this machine, making it a no-go for whimsical chefs and last-minute bakers.
Verdict:
The Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt Maker has many things to boast about. From its generous capacity to its economical price, this machine is a perfect choice for families or housemates looking to share some great desserts. The required freezing time might put some people off this ice cream maker, but it’s an overall great buy for families and frequent ice cream eaters.
DASH Everyday Ice Cream Maker
Best for Versatility
Style: Countertop | Size: 10.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches | Capacity: 1 Quart | Base: Plastic
The DASH Everyday Ice Cream Maker is just right for economical individuals or families with children because of its fun and user-friendly features. This budget-friendly ice cream machine is the perfect starting point for any frozen dessert lover!
Pros:
Delicious Variety:
Ice cream is far from the only treat in the frozen dessert aisle, and the DASH Everyday Ice Cream Maker respects that. This awesome little machine can make traditional ice cream, gelato, or sorbet, but it can also make seven perfect popsicles. This chilly wonder offers you the option of making slow-churned desserts or fun and fresh popsicles.
The Price:
The DASH machine represents the lower end of the price spectrum. It has a fun retro look and a one-quart capacity all with a price tag that won’t make you shudder. If you love affordability with real-life function then this ice cream maker is your perfect match.
Easy to Use and Clean:
The DASH Everyday Ice Cream Machine only needs you to push a button and then you’re on your way to a delicious dessert. It’s really that easy to make frozen treats with the perfect texture every time thanks to this small wonder!
Cons:
The Chill:
To churn great ice cream with the DASH you will need to chill the insulated bowl and the ingredients. The size of this machine makes it susceptible to thawing out, so a super chilled bowl and liquid ice cream base are essential when using this machine. This can be a bummer for people who want to make ice cream on a whim.
Unique Color:
The DASH brand has made itself synonymous with the retro look. This is great for some kitchens but not all. If you love bold colors and retro lines then this won’t bother you, but if your kitchen is sleek and clean the DASH Everyday Ice Cream Maker might look out of place.
Verdict:
For individuals, parents, college students, and couples, the DASH Everyday Ice Cream Maker is an excellent choice. It offers the option of making traditionally churned frozen desserts or popsicles so you can really have it all. The biggest downside of this affordable machine is the lengthy pre-freeze required for ice cream success, but if you’re willing to wait this small wonder is a great buy!
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Stand Mixer Attachment, 2 Quart
Best for Space-Saving
Style: Countertop | Size: 9 x 11 x 7 inches | Capacity: 2 Quarts | Base: Plastic
One of the top names in home kitchen supplies, KitchenAid makes this wonderful STand Mixer Ice Cream Maker Attachment and it is a can’t miss. With a high capacity and no extra countertop required this KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker is a real contender.
Pros:
No Additional Footprint:
KitchenAid has successfully built its brand on the idea of its stand mixer as more than a mixer but rather a system. With their stand mixer, you can continue to add on until you have all the tools to make your kitchen truly gourmet, including a great ice cream machine. This also means that with this ice cream maker, you won’t lose even more counter space, instead, you’re just adding on to a machine you already know and love!
Perfect Size:
The KitchenAid comes with a two-quart capacity. That is about half a quart larger than a standard tub of ice cream, so this machine gives you room to make a big batch. It’s perfect for groups, families, or people who like to save some ice cream for later.
Brand Backing:
KitchenAid makes good kitchen tools. They have a long list of reliable tools, resources, and a professional service team standing behind everything they sell. It is nice to buy from a brand you know you can trust for help with parts, troubleshooting, and even recipes.
Cons:
The Price:
Nothing within the KitchenAid mixer family is cheap. They make quality home mixers and reliable accessories; they charge accordingly. With the KitchenAid Stand Mixer Ice Cream maker you pay as much as some freestanding ice cream makers but only get the bowl, hub, and paddle. If you use it often enough, this expense will seem worthwhile, but if you are a casual ice cream chef this machine might feel like a big investment.
Long Pre-Freeze:
Like many home ice cream makers, this KitchenAid Stand Mixer Ice Cream Maker relies on you to freeze the parts before using. If you do not freeze the bowl you will not be as successful with your final ice cream. This means you always have to plan ahead and have room in the freezer for the parts to use this ice cream maker.
Compatibility:
This KitchenAid Stand Mixer attachment must be cross-checked for compatibility. It fits almost all of their bowl-lift and head-tilt style models but there is a list of excluded models. Unfortunately, if you have one of the unlucky models this attachment will not work with your mixer.
Verdict:
KitchenAid is a reliable standard in the world of baking and dessert making and their stand mixers are one of their most popular products. If you already love your KitchenAid mixer, you will love it even more when it becomes a part-time ice cream maker! This handy attachment gives you all the functions of a standard ice cream maker without adding another appliance to your countertop.
With the brand backing of KitchenAid, this ice cream maker is a top contender. The biggest drawback is the price. You might want a little more machine for your money, but overall this ice cream maker will do the job and last over time.
FAQ
Do These Ice Cream Makers Work with Non-Dairy Ingredients?
Yes! All of these machines can make dairy treats and non-dairy treats with similar ease and success. Keeping your ingredients cold is always helpful with homemade ice cream, whether they’re dairy or not.
Other Good Ice Cream Makers
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja CREAMi ice cream maker is an awesome ice cream maker that can produce everything from soft serve to slow-churned treats to smoothies and more. With a middle-of-the-road price tag and a ton of brand reliability, this ice cream maker is an excellent choice for most households!
Conclusion
Each of these ice cream machines has a lot to offer home chefs and if you’re tired of buying and ready to start making these ice cream makers are a great place to start. You will save money and have so much fun finding your favorite recipes.
If you are looking for an economical and family-friendly ice cream machine to make dessert time into something really special then Dash Everyday Ice Cream Maker is perfect for you. With its low price point and fun features adults and children will agree on this one!
If you are already an experienced dessert maker then you probably have a stand mixer, why not take that appliance to new places by turning it into an ice cream machine?! The Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Ice Cream Attachment allows budding chefs to explore new avenues without spending too much!
If slow-churned ice cream is the only dessert for you, then the Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt Maker is a perfect choice. It does everything you need and it won’t break the bank!
With these great options, you are sure to find a machine that suits your needs perfectly so you can churn up something delicious!
Comparison Chart
Factors | Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt Maker | DASH Everyday Ice Cream Maker | KitchenAid Stand Mixer Ice Cream Attachment |
Overall Rating | 4.7 Stars | 3.9 Stars | 4.5 Stars |
Cooling Effectiveness | Prechill for 16 to 24 hours | Prechill for 12 to 24 hours | Prechill for 12 to 24 hours |
Size | 9.5 x 9 x 11.25” | 10.5 x 8.5 x 8.5” | 9 x 11 x 7” |
Weight | 10.12 lbs | 4 lbs | 6 lbs |
Dishwasher Safe | Hand Wash Only | Hand Wash Only | Hand Wash Only |
Where to Buy | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Sources
Ice Cream Maker Attachment KSMICM | KitchenAid
Dash Everyday Ice Cream Maker
Frozen Yogurt – Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker – Cuisinart.com
Ninja™ CREAMi® Ice Cream, Sorbet & Milkshake Maker NC301