10 Best Home Ice Cream Makers 2026 in the United States

The Lello Musso Pola 5030 Dessert Maker is a high-capacity, durable home ice cream maker designed for serious enthusiasts. With its 2-quart capacity, it can produce a generous amount of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato—up to 6 quarts per hour, making it a great choice for large families or frequent entertainers. The stainless-steel construction, including the housing and blade, ensures durability and longevity, while also providing a sleek, classic appearance that fits well in modern kitchens.

Made in Italy, it reflects quality craftsmanship. The machine's self-contained freezing unit means you don't need to pre-freeze any bowls, which adds to its convenience. However, it's quite hefty at around 69 pounds, making it less portable and more suited for a permanent spot on your countertop.

The automatic operation mode simplifies the ice cream-making process, but keep in mind that it requires hand washing for maintenance. One of the main drawbacks is its noise level, which might be on the higher side during operation. Also, the high-quality build comes with a higher price tag, which may not suit everyone’s budget. The Lello Musso Pola 5030 is ideal for those who prioritize capacity, durability, and convenience in their home ice cream maker, but its weight, noise, and price are points to consider.

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 Whynter Ice Cream Maker ICM-128WS is a solid choice for home users who want convenience and quality in making frozen treats. Its standout feature is the built-in compressor, meaning you don’t have to pre-freeze the bowl, which saves time and hassle compared to many other models. It has a moderate capacity of 1.28 quarts, enough to serve a small family. The upright design is compact and stylish, fitting well in most kitchens without taking up too much space.

Operation is straightforward thanks to the soft-touch LCD panel and built-in timer, making it easy even for beginners to use. The machine also includes safety features like motor protection to avoid overheating. Users appreciate the quiet operation, although it is heavier than some other machines at about 19 pounds, which might make it less portable. The powerful compressor ensures efficient churning performance.

Cleaning is fairly easy with the removable stainless steel bowl and BPA-free churn blade. This ice cream maker suits anyone wanting fresh, custom ice cream or sorbet at home without the fuss of pre-freezing, especially if you value automatic, continuous use and reliable cooling. However, if you need a lightweight or very large-capacity machine, this one might not be the best fit.