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10 Best Electric Ice Cream Makers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker - Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes - Fun Kitchen Appliance - Vintage Wooden Style - Light Wood - 4 Quart

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,211
Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
16280 reviews

Capacity
It made enough ice cream for a family of four, demonstrating its generous capacity.
Ease of Use
The bucket is easy to clean and set up, making it simple to use your own recipes or the included ones.

The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker is a charming, vintage-style machine that can make up to 4 quarts of ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes. Its automatic churning motor takes care of mixing, so you don’t have to stir manually, which makes it very user-friendly and convenient for beginners or casual users. The capacity is generous, perfect for families or small gatherings. It uses a freezing method involving an ice cream bucket and motorized dasher but requires pre-freezing the bowl, so you need to plan ahead.

The machine is moderately lightweight with a handy handle, making it easy to carry to parties or friend’s houses. It is designed to be quiet enough for home use but may still produce some motor noise during operation. One nice feature is its compatibility with Nostalgia’s own ice cream kits, which can simplify making different flavors. The machine’s vintage wooden look also adds a fun, nostalgic touch to your kitchen.

Cleaning involves hand washing, which might feel a bit tedious compared to some models with dishwasher-safe parts. This ice cream maker is ideal for those who enjoy a blend of style and function and want a straightforward, no-fuss way to make large batches of soft ice cream or frozen yogurt at home.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,211
Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
16280 reviews

Capacity
It made enough ice cream for a family of four, demonstrating its generous capacity.
Ease of Use
The bucket is easy to clean and set up, making it simple to use your own recipes or the included ones.
#2

Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker - Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes - Fun Kitchen Appliance - Blue - 4 Quart

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Churning Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
16280 reviews

Capacity
Generous 4-quart capacity is ideal for family gatherings or events, ensuring plenty of ice cream for everyone.
Churning Speed
Churns ice cream smoothly in about 30 minutes, though make sure to have plenty of ice on hand.
Additional Features
The machine works beautifully, though an on/off switch would be a nice addition.

The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker offers a generous 4-quart capacity, making it ideal for families or gatherings. It uses an electric motor for churning, which simplifies the process by eliminating manual effort and can produce ice cream in about 20 minutes—a quick turnaround time.

The included carrying handle adds convenience, allowing you to easily transport the machine to events or parties. This machine supports various creations, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato, adding versatility to its use. The Nostalgia kits enhance the experience with pre-mixed flavors, making it easier for users to get started.

The machine's design and experience are rooted in nostalgic appeal, adding a fun and unique element to your kitchen. This ice cream maker is well-suited for home use and gatherings, offering ease of use and versatility, though it requires hand washing, which might be less convenient for those preferring dishwasher-safe components.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Churning Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
16280 reviews

Capacity
Generous 4-quart capacity is ideal for family gatherings or events, ensuring plenty of ice cream for everyone.
Churning Speed
Churns ice cream smoothly in about 30 minutes, though make sure to have plenty of ice on hand.
Additional Features
The machine works beautifully, though an on/off switch would be a nice addition.
#3

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated, White, ICE-21P1

Rating
9.7
Freezing Method
Ease of Use
Noise Level

Most important from
15948 reviews

Freezing Method
Keeping the canister in the freezer all the time ensures it's always ready to go.
Ease of Use
The machine is incredibly easy to use, from freezing the bowl to enjoying fresh ice cream in just fifteen minutes.
Noise Level
The compact size saves space, and the machine operates relatively quietly.

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (ICE-21P1) is a solid choice for making homemade ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. With a capacity of 1.5 quarts, it can make enough dessert for small gatherings. One of its standout features is the double-insulated freezer bowl, which removes the need for ice, making the process straightforward and less messy. The machine’s new mixing paddle can make frozen treats in 20 minutes or less, which is great for those who want quick results.

Its easy-lock transparent lid with a large spout simplifies adding ingredients without causing a mess. The machine is also relatively user-friendly with its automatic operation mode, requiring little manual effort. On the downside, the noise level can be a bit high during operation, which might be a concern if you prefer quieter appliances. Additionally, the 1.5-quart capacity might be limiting if you need to make larger quantities.

It's worth noting that this model has been available since 2010, which indicates durability, but some might find it less modern compared to newer models. The included 3-year warranty also adds peace of mind. This product is best suited for families or individuals who enjoy making their own frozen desserts at home and can tolerate some noise during the process.

Rating
9.7
Freezing Method
Ease of Use
Noise Level

Most important from
15948 reviews

Freezing Method
Keeping the canister in the freezer all the time ensures it's always ready to go.
Ease of Use
The machine is incredibly easy to use, from freezing the bowl to enjoying fresh ice cream in just fifteen minutes.
Noise Level
The compact size saves space, and the machine operates relatively quietly.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Ice Cream Makers

Choosing the right electric ice cream maker can be a delightful experience if you know what to look for. The perfect model for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and how you plan to use it. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an electric ice cream maker, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of ice cream the machine can make in one batch. This is important because it determines how much ice cream you can produce at a time. Ice cream makers typically come in capacities ranging from 1 to 6 quarts. If you have a small family or only make ice cream occasionally, a 1-2 quart machine might be sufficient. For larger families or frequent use, consider a 4-6 quart model. Think about how much ice cream you want to make and how often you'll use the machine to choose the right capacity for you.
Freezing MethodThe freezing method is how the ice cream maker chills the mixture to turn it into ice cream. There are three main types: pre-freeze bowl, built-in freezer, and ice-and-salt. Pre-freeze bowl models require you to freeze the bowl ahead of time, which can take up to 24 hours. Built-in freezer models have a compressor that chills the mixture without pre-freezing, offering convenience but at a higher cost. Ice-and-salt models use ice and rock salt to freeze the mixture, which can be more traditional and hands-on. Choose a method that fits your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend preparing.
Churning SpeedChurning speed affects how quickly the ice cream mixture is churned and frozen. Faster churning speeds can result in smoother, creamier ice cream, while slower speeds may produce a denser texture. Some machines offer adjustable speeds, allowing you to customize the texture of your ice cream. If you prefer a specific texture or want the flexibility to experiment, look for a machine with variable churning speeds. Otherwise, a standard speed may be sufficient for general use.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how simple the machine is to operate, clean, and maintain. Look for features like intuitive controls, easy assembly, and dishwasher-safe parts. Some models come with automatic timers and shut-off functions, which can make the process more convenient. If you want a hassle-free experience, prioritize machines that are user-friendly and have straightforward instructions. Consider how much effort you're willing to put into using and cleaning the machine when making your choice.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the machine is during operation. This is important if you plan to use the ice cream maker frequently or in a shared living space. Some machines can be quite noisy, which might be disruptive. Look for models that are specifically designed to operate quietly if noise is a concern for you. Reading user reviews can also give you an idea of the noise level of different models. Choose a machine with a noise level that you find acceptable for your environment.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your ice cream making experience. These might include settings for making gelato or sorbet, extra mixing paddles, or recipe books. Some machines also have transparent lids so you can watch the process, or spouts for adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit. Think about what extra features would be useful or enjoyable for you. If you like experimenting with different types of frozen desserts or adding unique ingredients, look for a machine with these additional options.

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