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10 Best Gelato Maker 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ninja CREAMi | Ice Cream Maker Bundle | Includes (4)16 oz. Tubs for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More| 7 One-Touch Programs| Compact Size| Perfect for Kids | Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,389
Type
Capacity
Churning Time

Most important from
6303 reviews

Type
The versatile one-touch programs make crafting everything from ice cream and sorbets to milkshakes simple and fun.
Capacity
Its compact design and included reusable pints make it perfect for small batches and fresh single servings without waste.
Churning Time
Fast and easy to use, it elevates homemade frozen desserts with speed and convenience previously hard to find at home.
Ease of Use
The Ninja CREAMi offers a foolproof experience that consistently delivers satisfying ice cream, even for those who struggled with other machines.
Noise Level
Though the machine is noticeably loud and the noise can be unsettling at first, the exceptional results make it worth enduring.
Build Quality
Its compact design and included reusable pints make it perfect for small batches and fresh single servings without waste.

The Ninja CREAMi NC301 is a compact and user-friendly gelato maker that uses a unique method to transform frozen bases into creamy treats like gelato, sorbet, and milkshakes. It works by breaking down solid frozen pints with 7 easy one-touch programs, making it convenient for anyone to use, even kids. With a 16-ounce capacity per pint, it's ideal for small batches, perfect if you want fresh, single servings without leftovers. The motor is quite powerful at 800W, which helps it churn quickly and evenly, though exact churning times can vary depending on the recipe. It’s designed with plastic and stainless steel parts, offering a solid feel but staying lightweight and easy to handle. Noise levels are average for home kitchen appliances—noticeable but not disruptive. The bundle includes four reusable pint containers with lids, so you can prepare and store a variety of flavors easily. The containers are dishwasher safe, adding to the ease of cleaning.

One limitation is that it only works with its specific pint containers, so you need to use those to make the gelato. Also, the smaller capacity means it’s not suited for making large quantities at once. For those who enjoy experimenting with different frozen treats and want a versatile, compact machine for personal or family use, this Ninja CREAMi is an excellent choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,389
Type
Capacity
Churning Time

Most important from
6303 reviews

Type
The versatile one-touch programs make crafting everything from ice cream and sorbets to milkshakes simple and fun.
Capacity
Its compact design and included reusable pints make it perfect for small batches and fresh single servings without waste.
Churning Time
Fast and easy to use, it elevates homemade frozen desserts with speed and convenience previously hard to find at home.
Ease of Use
The Ninja CREAMi offers a foolproof experience that consistently delivers satisfying ice cream, even for those who struggled with other machines.
Noise Level
Though the machine is noticeably loud and the noise can be unsettling at first, the exceptional results make it worth enduring.
Build Quality
Its compact design and included reusable pints make it perfect for small batches and fresh single servings without waste.
#2

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Yogurt, & More, 11-in-1, XL Capacity, Silver, Includes (2) Family-Sized 24 oz. Tubs, NC501

Rating
9.1
Capacity
Churning Time
Ease of Use

Most important from
5060 reviews

Capacity
The extra-large capacity perfectly supports family-sized batches, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred frozen treat.
Churning Time
The only notable downsides are the required 24-hour freezing prep and the machine’s loud, sometimes unsettling noises during operation.
Ease of Use
It’s surprisingly easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts making post-use maintenance straightforward.
Noise Level
The only notable downsides are the required 24-hour freezing prep and the machine’s loud, sometimes unsettling noises during operation.

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a versatile and user-friendly gelato maker designed for home use. It stands out with its extra-large capacity, offering 24-ounce tubs that hold around 3 pounds of ice cream—great for families or gatherings. Using advanced dual-drive motors and Creamify technology, it efficiently churns frozen bases into creamy treats like ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. The process involves preparing your mix, freezing it overnight, then running it through the machine, which makes it simple but requires some planning ahead. It includes 11 preset programs, including 5 new ones, letting you customize textures and flavors, and even the option to re-spin to adjust creaminess.

The unit is fairly quiet compared to some older machines, and it features solid build quality with dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup. However, it only works with Ninja CREAMi XL tubs specific to this model—not compatible with earlier or smaller tubs—which might limit flexibility if you want to expand accessories. Also, the overnight freezing step means it is not suitable for instant results. This gelato maker fits well for users who want a customizable, larger-capacity machine with convenient features and don’t mind prepping in advance.

Rating
9.1
Capacity
Churning Time
Ease of Use

Most important from
5060 reviews

Capacity
The extra-large capacity perfectly supports family-sized batches, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred frozen treat.
Churning Time
The only notable downsides are the required 24-hour freezing prep and the machine’s loud, sometimes unsettling noises during operation.
Ease of Use
It’s surprisingly easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts making post-use maintenance straightforward.
Noise Level
The only notable downsides are the required 24-hour freezing prep and the machine’s loud, sometimes unsettling noises during operation.
#3

Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Low Calories Program & More, 13-in-1, Soft Serve Handle & (2) CREAMi 2-in-1 16oz Pints, NC701

Rating
8.8
Ease of Use
Noise Level
Build Quality

Most important from
1270 reviews

Ease of Use
Its intuitive operation makes creating customized frozen treats simple and enjoyable, even for beginners.
Noise Level
The noise during blending and dispensing is noticeable and might be a drawback for some users.
Build Quality
Despite the machine’s weight and noise, its performance and versatility in frozen treats make it a worthwhile investment.

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi is a versatile gelato and frozen treat maker that stands out with its 13 one-touch programs, including several soft serve options that let you enjoy everything from classic scoops to swirled cones at home. Its 16-ounce capacity is ideal for small batches, making it perfect for individuals or small families rather than larger groups. The machine’s automatic operation and digital display simplify the process, making it user-friendly even for those new to gelato making.

It also offers good flexibility with the ability to customize recipes for low sugar, vegan, and high-protein diets, which is great if you want healthier or specialized treats. Cleaning is convenient since most parts are dishwasher safe, helping save time after use. The build quality feels solid with stainless steel components, but the machine is on the heavier side at around 20 pounds, so it might not be easy to move frequently. Ninja products are generally designed to be reasonably quiet, and the churning time varies based on the program but generally fits well within typical home machines.

If you want a machine that can handle a wide range of frozen desserts and enjoy making personalized treats with ease, this model is an excellent option, especially for those who value convenience and variety in one device.

Rating
8.8
Ease of Use
Noise Level
Build Quality

Most important from
1270 reviews

Ease of Use
Its intuitive operation makes creating customized frozen treats simple and enjoyable, even for beginners.
Noise Level
The noise during blending and dispensing is noticeable and might be a drawback for some users.
Build Quality
Despite the machine’s weight and noise, its performance and versatility in frozen treats make it a worthwhile investment.

Buying Guide for the Best Gelato Maker

Choosing the right gelato maker can be a delightful yet challenging task. Gelato makers come in various types and with different features, so it's important to understand what each specification means and how it can affect your gelato-making experience. By focusing on key specifications, you can find a gelato maker that best fits your needs and preferences.
TypeGelato makers generally come in two types: self-refrigerating and manual. Self-refrigerating gelato makers have built-in compressors that freeze the mixture as it churns, making them more convenient and efficient. Manual gelato makers require you to pre-freeze the bowl before use, which can be less convenient but are often more affordable. If you plan to make gelato frequently and want a hassle-free experience, a self-refrigerating model is ideal. For occasional use or if you have limited space, a manual model might be sufficient.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of gelato the machine can make in one batch. This is usually measured in quarts or liters. Smaller machines typically have a capacity of around 1-1.5 quarts, while larger machines can make up to 2-3 quarts or more. If you have a large family or entertain guests often, a larger capacity machine will be more suitable. For personal use or small households, a smaller capacity should suffice.
Churning TimeChurning time is the amount of time it takes for the gelato maker to turn the mixture into gelato. This can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the model and type. Faster churning times are more convenient, especially if you are making multiple batches. However, longer churning times can sometimes result in a creamier texture. Consider how much time you are willing to spend and how often you plan to make gelato when evaluating this spec.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how user-friendly the gelato maker is, including the simplicity of the controls, the ease of assembling and disassembling parts, and how straightforward the cleaning process is. Machines with intuitive controls and fewer parts are generally easier to use and clean. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, look for models with good reviews on ease of use. If you don't mind a bit of extra effort for potentially better results, more complex models might be worth considering.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the gelato maker is during operation. Some machines can be quite noisy, which might be disruptive if you have a quiet household or plan to use the machine frequently. Quieter models are more pleasant to use, especially if you have young children or sensitive ears. If noise is a concern for you, look for models that are specifically noted for their quiet operation.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the gelato maker. Higher quality materials like stainless steel are more durable and can provide better performance over time. Plastic components can be lighter and more affordable but may not last as long. If you plan to use the gelato maker frequently, investing in a model with higher build quality can be worthwhile. For occasional use, a model with more plastic components might be sufficient.

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