10 Best Home Ice Cream Makers 2025 in the United States

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker ICE-21P1 is a solid choice for anyone looking to make homemade ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt without much fuss. It uses a double-insulated freezer bowl, meaning you don’t need to add ice, which makes it cleaner and simpler than traditional ice-and-salt machines. It can make up to 1.5 quarts per batch, enough for a small family or a few friends. The machine mixes ingredients automatically and can have your frozen treat ready in about 20 minutes, which is quite fast compared to many other home models. Its large transparent lid with an easy-lock system and a spout makes adding ingredients while it’s running straightforward and mess-free.

Users appreciate its quiet operation and the fact that it’s straightforward to use without complicated settings—ideal for beginners. However, since it relies on pre-freezing the bowl in your freezer for about 12-24 hours, you need to plan ahead. Also, the capacity might be a bit small if you want to make larger batches at once. Cleaning involves hand-washing the parts, which is common but something to keep in mind. The machine is made mostly of plastic but feels sturdy enough for regular home use and comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

For those looking for a reliable, easy-to-use ice cream maker that doesn’t require ice and can quickly make small to medium batches, this Cuisinart model is a strong candidate. It suits casual ice cream lovers and families who want a convenient way to enjoy homemade frozen desserts without too much prep or cleanup.

The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker offers a charming vintage design with a roomy 6-quart capacity, making it great for families or entertaining guests. Its electric motor handles the churning, so you don't need to stir manually, and it can make ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes. This is fairly quick compared to some other models. The machine uses a traditional freezing method with a wooden bucket, which gives it a unique aesthetic but means you’ll need to pre-freeze the bucket before use, adding some preparation time.

It’s easy to move around thanks to a convenient handle, making it suitable for parties or gatherings. Users find it straightforward to operate, though cleaning involves hand washing the components, which might be a bit tedious. The noise level is generally moderate, typical for motorized ice cream makers, and shouldn’t be too disruptive.

While the plastic parts keep the weight reasonable, the wooden exterior makes it slightly heavier than some modern designs. This ice cream maker suits those who enjoy a nostalgic look combined with decent capacity and fairly quick results. However, if you prefer a fully automatic or quieter machine, or one with a self-freezing bowl, this might not be the top choice.

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.