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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe best ice cream maker depends on the dessert you actually want to make. For traditional churned ice cream at a reasonable price, the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is the strongest value. The Whynter ICM-201SB is the better choice if you want a compressor machine without spending Breville money. The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 is best for small portions, protein recipes, low-fat desserts, and mix-ins, while the Breville Smart Scoop is the premium automated option.
Those machines are not interchangeable. A conventional freezer-bowl or compressor machine freezes and agitates a liquid base. A CREAMi-style machine freezes the base solid first, then shaves and processes it. A soft-serve machine is designed to dispense a soft dessert or frozen drink rather than produce a firm scoop-shop texture. This guide keeps those categories separate instead of pretending there is one universal winner.
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The shortlist below draws on comparable published testing from Bon Appétit, Good Housekeeping, BBC Good Food, Food Network, Reviewed, and manufacturer specifications. Product prices and availability are U.S. listings and can change; verify the model and price before ordering.
Our nine picks at a glance
Start with the machine type, not the ranking. The table shows what each appliance is designed to do, whether advance freezing is required, and its main compromise.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: Mixing paddle makes frozen treats in 20 minutes or less (freezer bowl must be pre-frozen).
- COOL FEATURE: Double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice.
- CAPACITY: This ice cream maker can produce up to 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- EASY TO USE: Ice cream machine features an easy-lock transparent lid with large spout to make adding ingredients simple and mess free.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The BPA-free Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
| Pick | Type | Nominal capacity | Advance freezing | Price at research date | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart ICE-21P1 Best traditional value |
Freezer-bowl churner | Up to 1½ quarts | Yes; freeze bowl in advance | $69.95–$89.95 listings | One batch per frozen bowl |
| Whynter ICM-201SB Best budget compressor |
Compressor | 2.1 quarts | No bowl pre-freezing | Varies by retailer | Heavy and less elegant to scrape |
| Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL Best premium compressor |
Compressor | 1.1 quarts/1 liter on current U.S. specification | No bowl pre-freezing | $599.95 | Expensive, large, and heavy |
| Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 Best for flexible small batches |
Frozen-block processor | Two 24-ounce tubs | Yes; typically at least 24 hours | $249.99 | It cannot process a liquid base immediately |
| nutribullet Chill Best compact CREAMi alternative |
Frozen-block processor | Small-batch containers | Yes; at least 24 hours | $199.99 | Fewer programs and less creamy results than the Ninja |
| GreenPan Frost Classic 15-in-1 Best for soft serve and drinks |
Built-in chiller/soft-serve and frozen-drink machine | 64 ounces | No bowl pre-freezing | $399.99 listed sale price; $574.99 suggested price | Large, expensive, and not primarily a hardening ice-cream machine |
| KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment KSMICM Best for KitchenAid owners |
Stand-mixer freezer-bowl attachment | Up to 2 quarts | Yes; bowl for 24 hours | Varies by retailer | Compatibility depends on exact mixer model |
| DASH My Pint Best single-serve machine |
Small freezer-bowl churner | Up to 1.6 cups | Yes; bowl for 24–48 hours | $29.99 listed; direct page showed sold out | Too small for families and uncertain availability |
| Hamilton Beach 68330N Best large batch on a budget |
Ice-and-rock-salt machine | 4 quarts | No bowl pre-freezing, but requires ice and rock salt | $62.95 at Home Depot listing | Noisy, messy, and less convenient |
Capacities are manufacturer or retailer specifications, not guaranteed finished yields. Prices are U.S. prices from the supplied research and may be temporary or unavailable.
First, choose the kind of ice cream maker
Ice cream makers use several genuinely different processes. Choosing the right process will affect texture, preparation time, freezer space, cleanup, and whether you can make a second batch immediately.
Freezer-bowl machines: best value for conventional ice cream
A freezer-bowl machine has a liquid-filled bowl that must be frozen before use. The paddle churns the chilled base while the frozen bowl removes heat. These machines are relatively inexpensive and can make dense, smooth traditional ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
The trade-off is planning. The bowl usually needs at least 24 hours in a properly cold freezer, and it must be refrozen before another batch. If the bowl is not completely frozen, the base may remain thin or become icy. The Cuisinart ICE-21P1, KitchenAid attachment, and DASH My Pint use this approach.
Compressor machines: best for repeated batches
A compressor machine has its own refrigeration system, so the bowl does not need to be frozen in advance. That makes it the most convenient conventional option for frequent users and for households making several flavors in one session.
Compressor machines cost more and are usually heavier, louder, and harder to store. They also need room for ventilation and should not be treated like lightweight countertop appliances. The Whynter and Breville are the traditional compressor choices in this roundup.
Frozen-block processors: best for small portions and unconventional recipes
A Ninja CREAMi or nutribullet Chill does not churn a liquid base as it freezes. You freeze the base solid in a container, then the machine processes that frozen block into a smoother dessert. The result is often dense and creamy, particularly with low-fat, high-protein, dairy-free, or fruit-based mixtures.
This process is excellent for portion control and mix-ins, but it changes the workflow: you need freezer space, advance planning, and enough containers for the flavors you want ready. A crumbly first pass may require a Re-Spin cycle. It is best to think of these appliances as frozen-dessert processors rather than direct replacements for a traditional churner.
Soft-serve and frozen-drink machines: best for immediate dispensing
These machines are designed for cones, cups, milkshakes, slushies, frozen cocktails, and other soft desserts. They generally produce a texture intended to be dispensed and eaten immediately. The result may be too soft for conventional scoopable ice cream unless it is transferred to a container and hardened separately.
Ice-and-salt machines: best for very large batches
Ice-and-salt machines surround the inner canister with ice and rock salt to create a cold brine. They offer unusually large capacities for little money, but you must buy, handle, and dispose of the ice and salt. They are noisy and messy compared with the other categories.
Stand-mixer attachments: best when you already own the mixer
A stand-mixer attachment avoids purchasing another motorized appliance. It can be a sensible option for a KitchenAid owner who has freezer space and wants a full-size batch. It is not automatically the best value, however: the attachment still needs a frozen bowl, and the mixer must occupy the counter during operation.
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The nine best ice cream makers, reviewed
1. Cuisinart ICE-21P1: best traditional ice cream maker for most people
Best for: Traditional ice cream without compressor pricing
Type: Freezer-bowl churner
Capacity: Up to 1½ quarts
Price: Official U.S. listings have shown $69.95 and $89.95; check the current listing
Warranty: Three-year limited warranty
The ICE-21P1 is the sensible starting point for most home cooks who want conventional churned ice cream. In Bon Appétit’s comparison using identical bases, the ICE-21 produced dense, smooth ice cream in under 20 minutes and was selected as the overall value pick. Its relatively low cost, simple controls, and traditional churning process make it easier to recommend than a more specialized machine.
The important limitation is the frozen bowl. Plan to freeze it for at least a full day, keep the base well chilled, and expect to wait before making another batch. The manufacturer’s claim of frozen treats in 20 minutes or less refers to the churning stage, not the entire process from room-temperature ingredients to dessert.
It is a better choice than a CREAMi if you want the familiar texture and workflow of ice cream made from a liquid custard or cream base. It is a worse choice if you want several flavors on demand, tiny individual portions, or recipes designed around protein powder and low sugar.
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Model warning: Cuisinart also has an older ICE-21 page marked discontinued. Look for the current ICE-21P1 model rather than relying on a generic ICE-21 listing.
Rank #2
- DOUBLE-INSULATED FREEZER BOWL: Holds 2 qts of ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, or frozen drinks (pre-freeze first).
- SUPERIOR FUNCTIONALITY: The brushed stainless steel ice cream machine features a fully automatic heavy-duty motor to make frozen desserts or drinks in under 30 minutes.
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Large ingredient spout for easily adding favorite mix-ins, including retractable cord storage that keeps countertops clutter-free.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Frozen yogurt machine comes with a double-insulated freezer bowl that holds up to 2 quarts of frozen dessert, and paddle.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The BPA-free Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine ICE30BCP1 comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
2. Whynter ICM-201SB: best budget compressor machine
Best for: Frequent users who want consecutive batches
Type: Compressor
Capacity: 2.1 quarts
Dimensions: 12.5 × 10.75 × 14.25 inches
Weight: 24.25 pounds
Warranty: One-year limited warranty
The Whynter ICM-201SB gives you the central benefit of a compressor machine—no pre-freezing and the ability to make another batch—at a substantially lower price than premium models. It has ice-cream, cooling-only, and mixing-only modes, an LCD timer, motor protection, and a removable stainless-steel bowl. Its official specification lists 180 watts.
Bon Appétit found its finished ice cream nearly as good as that from a much more expensive Lello and valued its smaller footprint among compressor machines. It is a particularly strong choice for families or enthusiastic hobbyists who do not want to wait for a bowl to refreeze.
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Buy it if: You want traditional texture, multiple batches, and a lower compressor price.
Skip it if: You have little storage space or only make ice cream a few times each summer.
3. Breville the Smart Scoop BCI600XL: best premium compressor machine
Best for: Automated operation and repeatable conventional desserts
Type: Compressor
Current U.S. specification: 1.1 quarts/1 liter, 165 watts
Features: 12 hardness settings, four dessert presets, pre-cool, and keep-cool for up to three hours
Price: $599.95
Warranty: One year
The Breville Smart Scoop is the luxury option for cooks who want a conventional compressor machine with more automation. Its hardness settings and presets let you target different textures for ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. The pre-cool function removes some guesswork before churning, and the keep-cool function can hold the finished dessert for up to three hours.
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Good Housekeeping and Food Network treat the Smart Scoop as a premium leader, while Tom’s Guide found it easy to use and consistent. Its main advantages are convenience and control rather than a radically different kind of ice cream. A well-used freezer-bowl machine can still produce excellent results for far less money.
It is large, heavy, and expensive. There is also a capacity discrepancy worth taking seriously: older reviews often describe a 1.5-quart bowl, while Breville’s current U.S. product page lists 1.1 quarts/1 liter. Use the current manufacturer specification unless the physical bowl and regional model have been verified before publication.
Buy it if: You make frozen desserts often and value automatic hardness control, pre-cooling, and holding time.
Skip it if: You want the lowest-cost route to excellent traditional ice cream.
4. Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501: best for flexible recipes and family-sized small batches
Best for: Protein ice cream, low-fat desserts, dairy-free recipes, sorbet, and mix-ins
Type: Frozen-block processor
Capacity: Two 24-ounce tubs
Programs: 11 one-touch programs
Price: $249.99
Weight and dimensions: 14.44 pounds; 12.01 × 8.42 × 16.69 inches
Warranty: One year
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Published testing consistently finds the CREAMi easy to use and particularly effective with small portions, lower-fat mixtures, protein recipes, and mix-ins. A Re-Spin cycle can improve a powdery or crumbly first pass. The dedicated Mix-In function is more convenient than manually folding pieces into a traditionally churned batch.
Its process is also its limitation. The CREAMi is not freezing and agitating a liquid base in real time, so its dense texture and workflow differ from conventional ice cream. You cannot decide at dinner to pour in a liquid base and have dessert immediately. The base must be frozen solid first, and the tub must be level in the freezer.
Removable parts are dishwasher-safe, but you will need freezer space for the tubs. Check compatibility carefully: Deluxe tubs are not interchangeable with every original CREAMi or CREAMi Swirl model.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteBuy it if: You want flexible recipes, small portions, and easy mix-ins more than classic churning.
Skip it if: You want a traditional machine that can make consecutive liquid-base batches without advance freezing.
Rank #3
- Effortless Ice Cream in Minutes: Say goodbye to the hassle of manual churning and hello to the convenience of this ice cream maker. With our powerful electric ice cream maker machine, you’ll have up to 4 quarts of rich, creamy ice cream ready in no time. Whether you're craving a classic treat or a soft serve indulgence, this ice cream maker machine takes the work out of the process, leaving you with delicious, homemade ice cream in minutes-perfect for family fun or last-minute gatherings.
- Endless Frozen Dessert Possibilities: Why settle for one flavor when you can make it all? This homemade ice cream maker opens up a world of frozen dessert options. From indulgent gelato made with the gelato maker feature to smooth frozen yogurt, this ice cream machine lets you enjoy a wide variety of frozen treats right in your own kitchen. Forget overpriced store-bought options-create unique, creamy desserts exactly how you like them, every time.
- Fun for Kids and Family: Want to turn dessert into a fun, family bonding experience? This ice cream maker for kids is the answer! The soft serve ice cream maker is safe, simple, and designed for young hands, so your kids can make their own delicious ice cream in no time. Whether it’s a birthday, a playdate, or just a fun afternoon, this old-fashioned ice cream adds excitement to the process of creating soft-serve treats, making it the perfect way to engage kids and make family time even sweeter.
- Classic Design Meets Modern Convenience: Love the vintage charm of an old-fashioned ice cream maker but hate the old-school effort? This vintage wooden style ice cream machine combines nostalgic appeal with modern efficiency. Powered by an electric ice cream maker, it makes rich, creamy soft serve or traditional ice cream without the tedious labor. Get the best of both worlds-timeless design and hassle-free operation, so you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream in no time.
5. nutribullet Chill: best compact alternative to the CREAMi
Best for: Small kitchens and straightforward frozen-block desserts
Type: Frozen-block processor
Programs: Ice cream, sorbet, gelato, smoothie bowl, and frozen yogurt
Processing time: About 3 to 4½ minutes after freezing
Price: $199.99
The nutribullet Chill follows the same broad frozen-block workflow as the CREAMi but with a smaller, simpler design and five programs. Its removable parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe. The manufacturer instructs users to freeze the base for at least 24 hours, then process it in the selected mode.
Bon Appétit found the Chill compact and straightforward, producing smooth, scoopable desserts. It is a good choice when counter and storage space matter, or when you want a frozen-dessert processor without as many programs as the Ninja.
It is less versatile and did not produce results quite as creamy as the CREAMi in Bon Appétit’s comparison. Mix-ins should be added after processing rather than put into the machine’s initial mixture. If you want to process leftovers again, the remaining product must be refrozen for 24 hours first.
Buy it if: You want a smaller frozen-block machine for basic ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
Skip it if: You need a dedicated mix-in cycle, larger tubs, or the widest recipe flexibility.
6. GreenPan Frost Classic 15-in-1: best for soft serve, slushies, and frozen drinks
Best for: Entertaining, cones, milkshakes, frozen cocktails, and frozen drinks
Type: Built-in-chiller soft-serve and frozen-drink machine
Capacity: 64 ounces
Programs: 15
Price: $399.99 listed collection price against a $574.99 suggested price
The Frost Classic is the right pick when immediate dispensing matters more than making a traditional hard-packed tub of ice cream. GreenPan lists no pre-freezing, removable dishwasher-safe parts, a dedicated cleaning cycle, and results in as little as 15 minutes. Food Network’s testing praised its rapid churning and genuine soft-serve output, and Tom’s Guide also tested it as a soft-serve alternative.
Its 64-ounce capacity is useful for parties, but that number is a container specification rather than a promise of finished, scoopable ice cream. Recipes and ingredient ratios matter. GreenPan’s guidance warns that certain frozen-drink modes require at least 4% sugar, and beverages above 16% alcohol may not freeze correctly in the spiked-slushie mode. Insufficient ingredients can trigger an EEE error.
Do not add arbitrary solid mix-ins to the mixing bowl: GreenPan warns that they can clog or damage the machine. The output is intended to be soft and dispensable, so choose another machine if your priority is a traditional scoop that hardens well overnight.
Model warning: The Frost Pro is a separate model listed at 70 ounces and 16-in-1. Do not combine the Classic’s specifications or photographs with the Pro.
7. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment KSMICM: best for KitchenAid owners
Best for: Existing KitchenAid stand-mixer owners who want up to 2 quarts
Type: Freezer-bowl stand-mixer attachment
Capacity: Up to 2 quarts
Preparation: Freeze the bowl for 24 hours; the manufacturer says churning takes under 30 minutes
The KitchenAid attachment is appealing because it adds ice-cream capability without adding a separate motorized appliance. Once the bowl is frozen, it can make a full two-quart batch of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet using the stand mixer.
Bon Appétit found it adequate but not as good as the Cuisinart ICE-21 and more expensive than the Cuisinart. The attachment therefore makes the most sense when cabinet space and existing KitchenAid ownership matter more than getting the absolute best value from a dedicated machine.
Compatibility is the crucial caveat. KitchenAid says the attachment fits most tilt-head and bowl-lift mixers, but not Artisan Mini models and several older bowl-lift models. Check the exact mixer model on the official compatibility information before buying.
Buy it if: You already own a compatible KitchenAid and want a large traditional batch.
Skip it if: You do not own the mixer, lack freezer space, or want compressor convenience.
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8. DASH My Pint: best single-serve machine for very small kitchens
Best for: One-person portions and the lowest purchase price
Type: Small freezer-bowl churner
Capacity: Up to 1.6 cups
Preparation: Freeze the bowl for 24–48 hours; chill ingredients for two hours; churn for about 25 minutes
Price: $29.99 listed price, but the direct U.S. page showed sold out
Rank #4
- CNN Best Ice Cream Maker: The Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker was recognized by CNN in 2026 as a Best Tested maker for ice cream and more
- Upright Space Saving Build: This ice cream maker stands tall, fitting your gelato or sorbet into a stainless steel housing with a smaller counter footprint
- No Pre Freeze Compressor: A self-contained compressor freezes the mix as it churns, so no bowl waits in the freezer overnight and a second batch can follow the first the same afternoon
- LCD Timer Control: An easy-to-read LCD control panel displays the run time at a glance, while the built-in audible timer signals when your batch is ready
- Removable Stainless Bowl: The stainless bowl lifts out for serving and washing, and the BPA-free churn blade comes apart for a rinse rather than a full disassembly at the sink
The DASH My Pint is designed for a small portion rather than a family dessert. Food Network and Bon Appétit found it useful for small kitchens, individual servings, and shoppers who want to spend as little as possible.
The small capacity is both its purpose and its limitation. It is not a practical choice for a dinner party, and its bowl still occupies freezer space for at least a day before use. The direct product page’s sold-out status also makes availability a real concern; confirm that it is actually buyable in your market before treating it as a recommendation.
This is a basic freezer-bowl machine, not a CREAMi-style processor. Expect conventional churning, a single small batch, and a wait before the next one. It is best for occasional individual desserts rather than experimentation or entertaining.
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9. Hamilton Beach 68330N: best for a four-quart batch on a budget
Best for: Parties and families that prioritize volume over convenience
Type: Automatic ice-and-rock-salt machine
Capacity: 4 quarts
Price: $62.95 at the cited Home Depot listing
The Hamilton Beach 68330N offers twice or more the nominal capacity of many countertop machines at a low price. Food Network selected it as a large-batch pick, making it suitable for gatherings where producing a lot of dessert matters more than minimizing cleanup.
The process requires ice and rock salt, and the machine is noisy and cumbersome. Tom’s Guide measured the 68330N at 72 dB and reported drawbacks involving noise, mess, dimensions, texture, and usability. Independent testing has also described the finished texture as mediocre or inconsistent compared with better conventional machines.
It can make another batch if you have more ice and salt, but that is not the same as the push-button repeatability of a compressor machine. Expect to handle melted brine and dispose of a substantial amount of wet ice and salt after use.
Model warning: Use the current 68330N listing. The older 68330R is not the same availability situation and has been listed as unavailable new by some retailers.
A strong soft-serve alternative: Ninja Swirl by CREAMi NC701
If soft serve is your main reason for buying a machine, consider the Ninja Swirl NC701 instead of the nutribullet Chill or Hamilton Beach. It has 13 programs, six soft-serve programs, two 16-ounce pints, and an official price of $349.99. Unlike the GreenPan Frost, it requires the base to be frozen in advance.
Bon Appétit’s testing found the Swirl fun and capable but bulky. Its dispensed dessert was dense and not identical to the highly aerated soft serve served by a commercial ice-cream truck. Choose it for home experimentation and the novelty of dispensing swirls, not because it reproduces every commercial soft-serve texture.
What the testing should measure
Speed claims are easy to misunderstand. A freezer-bowl machine may advertise a 20-minute churn, while the bowl has spent 24 hours in the freezer. A CREAMi may process a frozen tub in minutes, but the base has also required a day to freeze. A fair comparison separates the stages.
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- Traditional machines: Use the same vanilla base by weight, chill it to approximately 40°F, follow each machine’s fill line, and test at least two batches per model. Bon Appétit’s comparable testing chilled regular-machine bases overnight to about 40°F.
- Frozen-block processors: Use the manufacturer’s vanilla recipe first, freeze containers for the same 24-hour period on a level surface, run the recommended program, and record whether Re-Spin is needed.
- Soft-serve and drink machines: Begin with supplied recipes, then test a dairy dessert, sorbet, and frozen drink. Record whether the result is pipeable, spoonable, or scoopable and how long it remains dispensable.
- Recipe range: Test classic vanilla, lemon or fruit sorbet, one dairy-free recipe, and a mix-in recipe. Low-sugar and high-protein recipes should be judged separately because their freezing behavior differs.
- Texture: Evaluate immediately at soft-serve consistency, after four hours, and after 24 hours in the same freezer. Record ice crystals, density, aeration, crumbliness, waxiness, scoopability, and melt rate.
- Practical use: Measure preparation time, required freezing and chilling, machine run time, cleanup time, counter footprint, storage burden, noise, and whether a second batch can be made immediately.
Good Housekeeping’s practice of tasting immediately and again after overnight freezing is particularly important. A machine that looks excellent straight from the paddle may produce a hard, icy, or crumbly dessert the next day.
How to interpret the scores
A useful general framework gives the most weight to texture and consistency, followed by ease of use, workflow speed, cleanup, noise and counter burden, capacity and versatility, and price and warranty. The weights should change by category. A 1.6-cup DASH should not be punished for lacking a four-quart capacity, and a soft-serve machine should not be marked as a failure simply because it does not produce firm scoop-shop ice cream.
Because these appliances use different processes, category winners are more meaningful than one cross-category numerical score.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Answers to the practical buying questions
Which machines need pre-freezing?
- Cuisinart ICE-21P1, KitchenAid attachment, and DASH: Freeze the bowl in advance. Allow at least 24 hours for the larger bowls; DASH specifies 24–48 hours.
- Ninja CREAMi Deluxe and nutribullet Chill: Freeze the prepared base solid, typically for at least 24 hours.
- Ninja Swirl: Freeze the pint before processing.
- Whynter, Breville, and GreenPan Frost: The machines have built-in chilling, so their bowls do not require pre-freezing. Ingredients may still need to be chilled, and GreenPan recipes may have their own preparation rules.
- Hamilton Beach: No pre-frozen bowl, but it requires ice and rock salt for the freezing bath.
Which can make consecutive batches?
Compressor machines are the easiest choice for consecutive batches because the refrigeration system remains available after the first batch. The Whynter is especially attractive for this use, and the Breville can hold a finished batch on its keep-cool setting for up to three hours.
Freezer-bowl machines need the bowl to refreeze. CREAMi-style machines need another frozen tub, so a second batch is possible only if another container has already been prepared and frozen. The Hamilton Beach can make another batch if you have enough fresh ice and rock salt.
Which makes the most traditional ice cream?
Choose the Cuisinart, Whynter, Breville, KitchenAid attachment, or DASH. These machines churn a liquid base while freezing it. The Whynter and Breville eliminate bowl pre-freezing; the Cuisinart is the strongest value.
Best Value
- CONVENIENT HANDLE: Take the gelato maker to parties or the neighbor's house. It has a carrying handle attached to the bucket, making it easy to move no matter where it needs to go.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
The CREAMi and nutribullet Chill can make a delicious and smooth frozen dessert, but they process a frozen block. Their denser texture and ability to handle low-fat or high-protein recipes are strengths, not evidence that they use the same process.
Which is best for low-fat, dairy-free, or high-protein recipes?
The Ninja CREAMi is the most flexible pick for these recipes because its frozen-block process can turn mixtures that would be difficult for a traditional churner into a smooth dessert after processing. The nutribullet Chill is a more compact alternative.
Do not interpret this as a nutrition claim. A machine can process a low-calorie or high-protein recipe, but it does not make the recipe healthy by itself. Low-sugar mixtures also freeze harder because sugar affects freezing behavior, so the immediate result and the hardened result may differ substantially.
Which is best for sorbet?
Both conventional churners and frozen-block processors can make sorbet, but sorbet is a demanding test because it has little or no fat to help control ice crystals. The CREAMi’s processing method can be forgiving for small fruit-based batches, while a well-chilled conventional base can produce a more traditionally churned sorbet. Use the manufacturer’s recipe and evaluate the result after hardening rather than relying only on the first spoonful.
What about mix-ins?
Use the appliance’s specified method. The CREAMi has a dedicated Mix-In function. The nutribullet instructions say to add mix-ins after processing. GreenPan warns against placing mix-ins in the mixing bowl because they can clog or damage the machine.
For conventional churners, add small pieces near the end of churning or fold them in afterward, depending on the instructions. Test chocolate chips, cookie pieces, nuts, fresh fruit, and sticky sauces separately: hard or sticky ingredients can behave very differently from small chocolate pieces.
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Traditional ice cream usually leaves the machine at a soft-serve consistency and becomes firmer after several hours. CREAMi-style desserts may become hard in the freezer but can often be restored with a Re-Spin cycle. Soft-serve machines are intended to be eaten immediately and may not harden into the same texture as a churned batch.
For any machine, allow the dessert to sit briefly at room temperature if it is too hard to scoop. Record whether this is a minor wait or whether the dessert becomes icy, crumbly, waxy, or gummy after overnight storage.
Which machines are easiest to clean?
The GreenPan Frost has a dedicated clean cycle and dishwasher-safe removable parts. The Ninja CREAMi and nutribullet Chill also have dishwasher-safe removable components, although the exact rack and part instructions should be followed.
Freezer-bowl machines generally require washing the bowl and paddle by hand according to their instructions. Compressor machines add a removable bowl, paddle, and cooling chamber that can collect residue. Never submerge a motor base, and check whether residue gathers around a shaft, seal, or cooling rod before calling a machine easy to clean.
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How much freezer and counter space do they need?
Freezer-bowl machines require room for a large bowl, often for a full day before use. CREAMi-style machines require room for prepared tubs, which can be more convenient if you want several flavors ready but more burdensome if freezer space is limited. The DASH is the least demanding option for small kitchens.
Compressor appliances are the biggest storage commitment. The Whynter weighs 24.25 pounds, and the Breville, Whynter, GreenPan, and Ninja Swirl all need a realistic home on the counter or in a sturdy cabinet. Measure height with the lid open, not just the appliance’s footprint, and leave the ventilation clearance required by the manufacturer.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Warm base: A warm base lengthens churn time and can produce poor texture. Chill traditional bases thoroughly before starting.
- Under-frozen bowl: A freezer bowl that is not completely solid cannot remove enough heat. Freeze it longer and avoid placing it near frequently opened freezer doors.
- Uneven frozen CREAMi base: Freeze the tub on a level surface. An uneven block can process poorly or require extra cycles.
- Overfilling: Bowl capacity is not the same as a safe recipe fill or finished yield. Follow the fill line and allow room for expansion.
- Alcohol: Alcohol lowers the freezing point. GreenPan warns that drinks above 16% alcohol may not freeze correctly in its spiked-slushie mode.
- Dairy-free mixtures: Bases made with oat, coconut, or cashew ingredients can be icier because they often contain more water and less dairy fat. The recipe matters as much as the appliance.
- Hard mix-ins: Do not put solid pieces into a machine unless the instructions permit them. A dedicated mix-in program is not the same as permission to process every hard ingredient.
- Proprietary parts: Include the cost and availability of replacement tubs, bowls, paddles, seals, and lids. Ninja containers are model-specific across CREAMi generations.
- Discontinued or confusing models: Confirm model numbers immediately before purchase. The current Cuisinart listing is ICE-21P1, Hamilton Beach’s current four-quart listing is 68330N, and GreenPan’s Frost Classic and Frost Pro have different capacities and program counts.
Which ice cream maker should you buy?
- Buy the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 if you want the best balance of price, conventional texture, and simplicity.
- Buy the Whynter ICM-201SB if you want traditional ice cream without pre-freezing and expect to make multiple batches.
- Buy the Breville Smart Scoop if premium automation, hardness settings, and keep-cool operation justify the price.
- Buy the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe if protein ice cream, low-fat desserts, sorbet, dairy-free recipes, and mix-ins are central to your plans.
- Buy the nutribullet Chill if you want a smaller and simpler frozen-block processor.
- Buy the GreenPan Frost Classic if your priority is soft serve, slushies, milkshakes, or frozen drinks for immediate serving.
- Buy the KitchenAid attachment if you already own a compatible KitchenAid and want a two-quart traditional batch without another motor base.
- Buy the DASH My Pint if you live alone, have limited space, and can confirm current availability.
- Buy the Hamilton Beach 68330N if you need four quarts for a party and accept ice, salt, noise, and cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ninja CREAMi better than a traditional ice cream maker?
Neither is universally better because they use different processes. A traditional freezer-bowl or compressor machine churns a liquid base while freezing it and is the better fit for classic ice cream. The CREAMi freezes a base solid and processes it afterward, which is especially useful for small portions, protein recipes, low-fat desserts, sorbet, and mix-ins.
What is the best ice cream maker without pre-freezing?
Choose a compressor machine such as the Whynter ICM-201SB or Breville Smart Scoop for conventional ice cream. The GreenPan Frost Classic also has built-in chilling, but it is designed more around soft serve and frozen drinks than firm traditional ice cream.
Can an ice cream maker make a second batch immediately?
Compressor machines generally can, subject to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freezer-bowl machines cannot until the bowl refreezes. A CREAMi can process another flavor only if another tub has already been frozen, and an ice-and-salt machine needs another supply of ice and rock salt.
Does the CREAMi make traditional soft serve?
It can produce a soft, dispensable frozen dessert in some models, especially the Ninja Swirl, but its dense processed texture is not identical to highly aerated commercial soft serve. The GreenPan Frost is the more direct choice for dispensing soft serve and frozen drinks.
How long should an ice cream maker bowl be frozen?
Follow the model’s instructions. The KitchenAid attachment specifies 24 hours, while DASH specifies 24–48 hours. In practice, a bowl should be completely frozen, not merely chilled; leaving it in the freezer for a full day or longer is safer than relying only on a timer.
The Bottom Line
There is no single best ice cream maker for every kitchen. Get the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 for affordable traditional ice cream, the Whynter ICM-201SB for compressor convenience, the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe for flexible small-batch frozen desserts, or the GreenPan Frost Classic for soft serve and frozen drinks. The right choice is the one whose freezing method, capacity, texture, and preparation demands match how you actually plan to use it.
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