10 Best Ice Cream Makers

The Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker is a versatile machine designed for home use, making it suitable for anyone who enjoys homemade frozen desserts like ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt. One of its standout features is the no pre-freeze requirement, thanks to its professional compressor system, which allows for continuous and efficient ice cream making. This feature alone makes it highly convenient, as you can prepare multiple batches without delay. With a 1.5-litre capacity, it is adequate for serving small groups or families. The machine includes two specialist mixing paddles: one designed specifically for ice cream and another for gelato and sorbet, ensuring you achieve the perfect texture and consistency for each dessert type. It operates at 150 watts, which is fairly efficient for a home appliance of this nature.

Constructed from stainless steel, the machine is both durable and easy to clean, which adds to its practicality. The fully automatic operation, combined with a 'Keep Cool' function, means that the machine does much of the work for you, maintaining the right temperature until you're ready to serve.

However, the machine's weight (10.2 kg) might be a drawback for some users, especially if you plan to move it frequently. Additionally, while the machine is straightforward to use, some might find the 40-minute churning time slightly longer than expected, especially if you're in a hurry. Yet, the ability to enjoy a soft-serve consistency right after churning or to wait a bit longer for a firmer texture provides flexibility and caters to different preferences.

In essence, the Cuisinart ICE100BCU offers a combination of convenience, quality, and versatility, making it a great option for those who frequently make frozen desserts at home. Its robust design and efficient operation are appealing, though the weight and churning time are considerations to keep in mind.

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi is a versatile ice cream maker that stands out with its 13 different functions, including options for classic ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, and milkshakes. This range makes it a great choice if you want variety and the ability to experiment with different frozen treats. Its 480ml capacity per tub is ideal for small batches, perfect for 1-2 people or for trying new recipes without making too much at once.

The machine uses a special Creamerizer Paddle that helps create smooth, creamy textures quickly, which is a plus for those who want soft serve-style ice cream at home. The freezing method requires that you pre-freeze the tubs, which means some planning ahead is necessary. Cleaning is made easier since most parts are dishwasher safe and removable, which is helpful after making sticky or creamy desserts. The design includes two tubs with lids and nozzles, allowing you to prepare different flavours without mixing them up.

The machine is quite heavy (over 9kg) and takes up a fair amount of counter space, so it might not suit everyone’s kitchen size. It also offers a specialised function to create low-calorie protein treats, though some users might find the learning curve for all 13 functions a bit steep initially. If you value variety and creamy texture in your frozen desserts and don’t mind the size and pre-freezing step, the Ninja Swirl is a solid choice for home use.

The Cuisinart FreezeEase Pro is a self-freezing ice cream maker with a built-in compressor, so you don’t need to pre-freeze any bowls, which saves time and hassle. It has a solid 1.5-litre capacity, making it suitable for family-sized batches or several servings at once. The machine offers 14 adjustable settings and 4 presets, allowing you to make a variety of frozen treats like ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt with good control over texture and consistency. One handy feature is the transparent lid with a funnel, so you can add mix-ins while the machine is running for personalised flavours. It also has a 90-minute keep-cool function, meaning your dessert stays scoopable and chilled after it’s done, which is great if you’re not ready to serve immediately.

With dual paddles designed for different treats, it optimises performance whether you’re making ice cream or gelato. Cleaning is straightforward due to its user-friendly design, although the machine is quite heavy at 13.4 kg, which might make it less portable or harder to move around. The stainless steel build feels sturdy and looks good in the kitchen. It is well-suited for anyone serious about homemade frozen desserts, especially those who want quick results without freezer prep, but its weight and size might be a consideration if you have limited storage or prefer something more compact.