Serve up delicious soft-serve ice cream in your own home with the best soft-serve ice cream machine! This article will take an in-depth look at all the best soft-serve ice cream machines for home use so you can buy with confidence!
If you love airy and smooth soft serve then you know that it can be hard to achieve that perfect soft serve texture at home. Luckily, there are some awesome ice cream machines on the market that make enjoying soft-serve a breeze!
Spending money on soft serve from your favorite shop gets expensive. What could be better than whipping up your favorite frozen treat in the comfort of your own kitchen!? Explore with us all the ins and out of homemade soft serve and find an ice cream machine that is right for you!
Why you Should Trust us?
We love ice cream! Everything frozen and sweet is our jam! We have spent hours scouring the world of home and restaurant suppliers to find only the highest quality and most economical machines.
We believe that great ice cream is for everyone and we are committed to providing quality recipes, reviews, and buying guides to help you craft the perfect ice cream cone!
Who This is For?
These ice cream machines are for anyone who loves soft serve. We have chosen the best home machines for cooks of all levels. Depending on your budget, there is a suitable ice cream machine on this list for every soft server lover!
How we Picked?
We chose only the very best soft-serve machines for this list. Only the most reliable and highest-quality soft-serve ice cream makers made this list. To help us choose we considered:
- Brand recognition
- Price
- Value over time
Only the soft serve makers that scored the highest in these categories made this list.
How We Tested?
To choose the best soft serve makers we ran these machines through many tests. These ice cream makers have proven their worth through tests on such areas as:
- Ease of use
- The simplicity of the cleaning process
- Quality of the ice cream
- Customer service experience
Factors to Consider
A soft-serve ice cream machine can be a real investment, but it’s definitely worthwhile if you love soft serve! That said, you don’t want to jump into the purchase blindly. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Size – How much ice cream do you want to make in a single batch
- Style – Your kitchen design, storage space, and color scheme
- Expense – How much you are willing to spend
Care and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance is the key to keeping up with any of your home appliances, including a soft serve machine. To get the most out of whatever machine you choose to purchase except to perform a few basic maintenance tasks including:
- Interior – Clean the bowl, blades, and other components after each batch
- Exterior – Wipe down the exterior as part of your regular kitchen cleaning routine
- Pre-Freezing – Most of these machines have an interior mixing bowl that must be chilled before use.
Cuisinart ICE-45P1 Mix-it-in 1.5-Quart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Best Overall
Style: Countertop | Size: 9.7 x 9 x 18.2 inches | Capacity: 1.5 Quarts | Base: Plastic, Aluminum
The Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is the ideal home-use machine for soft serve enthusiasts. It boasts storage for cones, a dispenser for toppings, and an excellent 1.5-quart capacity; plus, this machine can make everything from soft serve to sorbet!
Pros:
Mega Mix-ins:
One of the best parts about visiting a soft serve shop is the toppings. With the Cuisinart Mix-it-in Ice Cream Maker, you will feel like you’re getting the experience of a real ice cream shop. This machine doesn’t only mix the perfect texture of soft serve but it also dispenses your favorite toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips. Don’t sweat over options, because there is enough space for three separate mix-ins!
Easy to Use:
Cuisinart’s Mix-it-in Ice Cream maker is so easy to use! With this frozen treat maker you can have soft serve by the bowl or by the cone in under half an hour! This machine does all the work of churning your ice cream and all you have to do is turn a deal. Dispensing is just as easy, too! Simply press a lever and delicious, velvety smooth soft serve descends into your choice of cone or bowl.
Little Extras:
What sets this machine apart is some of the small extra details that are included. For example, under the soft serve spout, there is an indent designed to hold the cone for you if your hands are full. There is a convenient drip tray for anything that doesn’t end up on the cone and the toppings dispense at the press of a lever. All of this attention to ease and small details set the Cuisinart Mix-it-in Machine apart!
Warranty:
This soft-serve maker offers a limited three-year manufacturer warranty. This benefit speaks to the reliability and reputation of Cuisinart. They are a major name in the kitchen supply game and their customer service is excellent.
The Size and Design:
This soft serve maker is just right for a family of four or friends wanting to improve a shared space. It makes enough ice cream to share with about four to six people at a time and its sleek design ensures that it does not take up too much space on your counter. Cuisinart makes this machine in white and pink so you can have fun picking your favorite hue.
Cons:
Topping Limitations:
While this Cuisinart Mix-it-in Ice Cream Maker really gives you the feeling of being at the soft serve shop, unfortunately, it loses some of that magic with its limiting topping dispensers. It is well equipped with three different topping slots; however, the hole for dispensing the toppings has a very narrow gauge and this limits what you can put in the topping dispenser.
Disassembly Woes:
This machine must be disassembled to be fully cleaned. Some of the smaller parts can be difficult to remove. Additionally, the dispenser nozzles are made of a thin plastic that feels fairly flimsy.
Verdict:
The Cuisinart Mix-it-in Machine is fun for the whole family. It makes soft serve in a flash and dispenses enough topping to please everyone! The price point is the lowest on the list and if you regularly use it, this machine will easily pay for itself. Overall, it is a great choice for anyone looking to make fun soft-serve treats that have flair but won’t break the bank!
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
Best for Individuals
Style: Countertop | Size: 9.5 x 9 x 11.25 inches | Capacity: 1 Pint | Base: Plastic
The Ninja CREAMi ice cream maker is a versatile all-around maker that can produce perfect soft serve and so much more. With seven easy programs and extra storage, this machine is great for every kitchen.
Pros:
Seven Program Savior:
This beautiful machine has a program for every treat you can imagine. With the push of a button, you can produce exactly the right texture for your frozen treat. The programs cover everything including ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, smoothie bowl, lite ice cream, and mix-is. This means you’ll never have to worry about over or under churning, but rather feel assured that your treat is perfectly spun every time!
Simple to Use:
This machine is as easy to use as pushing a button. Choose your desired program, push the button to start, and wait just a few moments for your favorite frozen dessert.
Bonus Storage:
The Ninja CREAMi comes with two pint-sized containers for storing and mixing your favorite ice creams. This means if you love having choices, with this awesome soft serve maker you can have two types of ice cream ready at a time or be chilling the ingredients for a batch while you finish off the old batch.
Cons:
The Size:
While the Ninja CREAMi has enough programs to satisfy every chilly craving, it does not make a huge portion. This ice cream maker can only make one pint of frozen dessert at a time, which makes it just right for one or two, but not great for a group. The size may be viewed by some as a plus, though, because this machine does have a small countertop footprint.
The Expense:
This ice cream maker sits at the higher end of the home-use style machines. With such a high ticket you might expect a larger capacity or the ability to churn without chilling, but unfortunately, this is one area where the Ninja falls short.
The Freeze Time:
To make the perfect soft serve with this ice cream maker you will need to chill the ingredients for about twelve hours before churning. This allows the machine to create its signature ‘creami’ texture but it gets in the way of impulsive ice cream makers.
Verdict:
This machine is the perfect middle ground for anyone who loves soft serve but wants a machine that can do more. Its capabilities in terms of the variety of desserts you can make put it at the top of its game. Plus, the sizing is just right for up to two people and you have the awesome brand name of Ninja to back up any concerns that might arise.
VEVOR Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine for home,3.4 Gal
Best for Large Families and Parties
Style: Commercial-Style Home Machine | Size: 9 x 29 x 30 inches | Capacity: 3.4 Gallons | Base: Stainless Steel
The VEVOR Soft-Serve Ice Cream machine offers the familiar experience of a commercial soft-serve in your own home. Its large build and price tag are offset by its high capacity and ease of use.
Pros:
The Size:
This at-home soft serve machine is by far the largest on this list. With a capacity of nearly three-and-a-half gallons, it can make enough soft serve for a big group. This is the ideal machine if you have a big family and love to impress at get-togethers and special occasions.
Commercial Quality at Home:
The Vevor soft serve ice cream machine delivers commercial quality at home. This can be both a pro and con because you will have no problems getting great soft serve out of this machine with no pre-chilling required but it also looks like a commercial machine. If you don’t mind making space for this large appliance you will definitely be pleased with the delicious dairy treats it can make!
Built-in Compressor:
A built-in compressor means that this machine does not require you to pre-chill any parts or ingredients before churning. You can go straight from mixing your favorite liquid soft serve base to churning without planning ahead or prepping. That makes this machine great for impulsive chefs and last-minute desserts!
Cons:
The Expense:
The whopping price tag on this machine is because it is a one-stop-shop soft serve machine. The built-in compressor ensures that you will always have the perfect treat but it also makes this machine more expensive to the consumer. If you love pulling out all the stops for legendary parties, this expense may be worthwhile.
Only One Flavor:
Although the Vevor has the largest capacity of any of these machines it can still only make one flavor at a time. This is tough for parties since everyone has their own favorite flavor. Pick a good one because this machine can make plenty of it!
Verdict:
The Vevor soft-serve ice cream machine provides a commercial experience in the comfort of your home. With a large capacity and simple interface, this machine is just right for party hosts who don’t mind paying a bit more. Overall, this soft serve machine provides ease of use, high capacity, and quality customer service if you are willing to pay the higher price tag.
Other Good Ice Cream Makers
Chefman Frozurt, Frozen Dessert Maker
The Chefman Frozurt makes delicious frozen desserts out of ingredients like frozen fruit and nut butters. This is an ideal machine for vegans or anyone who loves fruit-based treats. This machine is an affordable choice but just cannot churn like the others on this list.
FAQ
Do All Ice Cream Machines Require Pre-freezing?
No, not all ice cream machines require pre-freezing; however, most at-home machines do. Two out of our three favorite soft-serve machines do require pre-freezing of some sort.
Conclusion
Shopping for a soft serve machine might have you feeling like you’re standing at the ice cream counter without any idea of what you want. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We have compiled this list to inform you and to provide you with the tools to buy with confidence.
If you are looking for a starter machine then the Cuisinart Mix-it-in Ice Cream Maker is your ideal choice. It is fun for all ages and a deal over time.
If you are seeking something more versatile with a slightly higher price point then, the Ninja CREAMi is your best bet. It has reliability, versatility, and great brand backing to stand behind it.
Finally, if you want to take your at-home ice cream game to a whole new level or set yourself as the ultimate party house, then you need the Vevor Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker.
Comparison Chart
Factors |
Cuisinart Mix-It-In Ice Cream Maker | Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker |
VEVOR Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine for Home |
Overall Rating | 4.2 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Cooling Effectiveness | Prechill 16 to 24 hours | Prechill 24 hours | Built-in Cooling |
Size | 9.7 x 9 x 18.2” | 6.52 x 12.07 x 15.95” | 9 x 29 x 30” |
Weight | 13.8 lbs | 13 lbs | 133 lbs |
Dishwasher Safe | Hand Wash Only | Dishwasher Safe | Hand Wash Only |
Where to Buy | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Sources
Ninja™ CREAMi® Ice Cream, Sorbet & Milkshake Maker NC301
Mix It In™ Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker – Cuisinart.com
Vevor Soft Serve Machines