10 Best Gelato Makers 2026 in the United States

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi is a versatile gelato maker designed for home use, perfect if you want to create a variety of frozen treats beyond traditional gelato. It offers 13 automatic programs, including soft serve, fruit whip, and low-calorie options, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking to customize flavors and control ingredients such as sugar or dairy. The capacity is 16 ounces per pint, which is suitable for small batches or individual servings but might require multiple cycles for larger groups.

Churning time is automatic with built-in timers, simplifying the process for beginners. Cleaning is user-friendly since the key parts are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. It also features a soft serve handle with adjustable speeds, adding a fun and interactive element, especially for kids. The machine is relatively heavy at about 21 pounds, which might make it less portable, and its noise level is generally moderate based on similar machines.

This multifunctional machine can handle soft serve and custom recipes easily. However, it may not be ideal if you need to make large quantities quickly or want a very lightweight model.

The Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker stands out as a versatile and compact machine, making it suitable for a variety of frozen treats including gelato, ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. With a capacity of 1 pint per container and two containers included, this gelato-maker allows small batch production, which is ideal for individuals or small families. One of its significant strengths is the 7 one-touch programs that simplify the process, making it user-friendly even for kids.

Moreover, the customization options enable you to control the ingredients, catering to dietary preferences like low sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan diets. The mix-in feature is also a great addition for those who enjoy adding personal touches to their frozen treats, such as chocolate, nuts, or fruits. The churning time can vary, but the inclusion of a Re-spin function allows for adjustments to achieve the desired creamy texture. Importantly, the components are top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleaning relatively easy.

There is a slight learning curve in getting the consistency right, but once familiar with the process, users can enjoy a wide range of homemade frozen desserts. The Ninja NC301 is a robust, user-friendly option for anyone looking to create personalized frozen treats conveniently at home.

The Kolice Commercial Gelato Hard Ice Cream Machine is a strong choice for businesses needing to produce gelato or hard ice cream quickly and in large quantities. Its 14-liter capacity allows it to make about 9 to 11 gallons per hour, which is great for busy shops or cafes. The machine is designed for heavy-duty use, featuring a durable stainless steel build and an extra-strong Italian-style door, promising long-term reliability.

Operating it is quite simple thanks to a 4.3-inch touch screen and one-key automatic functions, including a timer and an auto-washing option, which helps with ease of cleaning. Users also benefit from added safety features like overload protection. A nice touch is the ability to mix in small pieces of fruit, chocolate, or nuts during churning, offering flexibility for creative recipes.

The machine is quite large and heavy (over 230 pounds), so it requires ample space and may not suit smaller kitchens or home use. This product is ideal for commercial settings such as ice cream shops, dessert cafes, or restaurants that need reliable, high-volume gelato production with user-friendly controls.