10 Best Home Ice Cream Makers 2025 in the United States

The CUISINART Ice Cream Maker ICE30BCP1 is a popular choice for making homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt, with a capacity of up to 2 quarts. This model features a double-insulated freezer bowl and an automatic heavy-duty motor that can churn out frozen desserts or drinks in about 20 minutes. It is made of brushed stainless steel, making it a durable and stylish addition to any kitchen.

The large ingredient spout allows for easy addition of mix-ins, and the retractable cord helps keep your countertops clutter-free. The machine includes a replacement lid, paddle, and a recipe book, which adds to its convenience. Users should note that proper freezing requires a freezer set to 0-degrees F. The product is BPA-free and comes with a limited 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind regarding its durability and performance.

On the downside, it may require some pre-planning, as the freezer bowl needs to be frozen ahead of time. Additionally, while it's relatively quiet, some noise is to be expected during operation. It's also hand-wash only, which might be a drawback for those who prefer dishwashers. This ice cream maker is well-regarded and is ranked highly in its category, making it a solid choice for residential use.

The DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker is a compact and versatile machine designed for making single servings of soft serve ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt at home. Its 0.5-pint capacity fits well for individuals or small households looking to enjoy personalized frozen treats without the need for a large appliance. The machine uses a double insulated freezer mug that you freeze for 24 hours before churning, making it a manual freezing type rather than a self-freezing compressor model. This means you need to plan ahead, but it also keeps the unit lightweight and easy to store, perfect for kitchens with limited space.

One handy feature is the built-in ingredient chute, which lets you add mix-ins during the churning process to customize your dessert easily. The DASH My Mug runs automatically and delivers results in about 20 minutes, which is fairly quick for countertop ice cream makers. It is also quiet and straightforward to use with a simple on/off button. Cleaning is convenient since the parts detach and fit inside the mug for neat storage.

The small capacity limits making larger batches, so it may not be ideal for families or entertaining guests. Since the freezing process depends on prior preparation by freezing the mug overnight, it’s less spontaneous than machines with built-in freezers. This ice cream maker suits individuals or couples who want a fun, easy way to craft personalized frozen desserts in small portions, especially if space is tight and simplicity is valued.

The Whynter Ice Cream Maker is a great choice for anyone wanting to make homemade ice cream easily and in decent quantity. It has a 2.1-quart capacity, which is enough to serve several people at once. A big plus is its built-in compressor, meaning you don’t need to pre-freeze any bowls like some other models — this makes the process quicker and more convenient. The machine is fully automatic and features an easy-to-use LCD display with a timer, so you can just set it and relax while it churns. It’s designed for continuous use, so you can make batch after batch without waiting.

The stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, modern look that fits well in most kitchens. The churning time is generally efficient, and the built-in motor protection helps the machine avoid overheating. Noise levels are moderate; it’s not whisper quiet but shouldn’t be too disruptive during use. On the downside, it weighs about 24 pounds, so it’s a bit bulky and less portable than smaller models. Also, while this machine is excellent for making ice cream, gelato, and sorbet, it may take up more counter space compared to compact options.

If you want a reliable, ready-to-go ice cream maker that doesn’t require freezer prep and can handle bigger batches, this Whynter model fits well. Just be prepared for a bit of noise and a heavier machine.