10 Best Ice Cream Machines 2026 in the United States

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker is a versatile machine designed for those who love homemade frozen treats. With its XL capacity, it can make family-sized portions using its 24 oz. tubs, which is a significant upgrade from the original model. One of its standout features is the ability to create various treats like ice cream, sorbet, and milkshakes with just a few simple steps: prepare your base, freeze overnight, and process.

The advanced Creamify Technology and dual-drive motors allow for excellent texture control, making it easy to achieve the desired creaminess. Plus, the dual processing feature lets you customize flavors, which can be a fun way to combine different mix-ins with ease. Users can also benefit from five new added programs that expand the variety of treats you can make, which enhances the functionality.

Another major plus is the ease of cleaning, as many parts are dishwasher safe. However, it is important to note that this machine only works with specific Ninja CREAMi tub accessories, limiting your options if you have previous models. The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a solid choice for families or individuals who enjoy making customized frozen treats at home. It offers versatility and ease of use, though users should be aware of its specific tub compatibility and potential noise during operation.

The Whynter Ice Cream Maker is a great choice for home users who want a versatile and convenient machine. It is a compressor-style ice cream maker, which means it has a built-in freezing system and doesn’t require pre-freezing the bowl like many other machines—this makes it quicker and easier to use. With a capacity of 2 quarts, it can make enough ice cream for a small group or family. The machine’s stainless steel bowl and BPA-free churn blade are durable and designed for easy cleaning, although hand washing is needed. It features an automatic mode with an LCD timer, so you can set it and walk away without watching the process closely. The built-in compressor allows continuous use, which is handy if you want to make multiple batches without waiting.

Besides ice cream, it also has a yogurt-making function, allowing you to create fresh yogurt at home, adding to its versatility. The unit is well-built with extra features like motor protection to prevent overheating, and an extended cooling function to keep your ice cream from melting quickly after making it. On the downside, it weighs about 24 pounds and is a bit bulky, so it might take up some counter space and be less portable than smaller models. While it’s automatic, the noise level can be moderate due to the compressor, which is common for machines in this category.

This machine suits users who want reliable performance, the convenience of no pre-freezing, and the ability to experiment with both ice cream and yogurt, making it a solid pick for home use.

The COUPLUX 2.65 Qt Ice Cream Maker stands out with its ample capacity and robust stainless steel build, making it a great choice for families. Its built-in compressor means you don't need to pre-freeze the bowl, allowing for quicker ice cream preparation compared to some other models. The LCD digital display and automatic operation, which includes a 2-hour keep cool function, add to its convenience.

Users will appreciate the low noise level, which ensures a quiet operation, and the included dishwasher-safe components that simplify cleaning after use. The audible timer is a helpful feature to prevent over-churning.

However, at 38.6 pounds, it is quite heavy, which may make it less portable and require a designated spot in the kitchen. If you are looking for a high-capacity, easy-to-use ice cream maker with quick freezing capabilities, this model could be a suitable option, especially for larger households.