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 Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker is a versatile option for home users looking to enjoy various frozen treats. Its type allows you to create classic scoops or soft serve ice cream, as well as other desserts like sorbet, milkshakes, and frozen yogurt. With a capacity of 16 ounces, it’s suitable for smaller batches, making it ideal for small families or individuals who want fresh ice cream on demand.

The machine offers 13 one-touch programs, including 6 specifically for soft serve, which cater to a variety of dietary preferences and needs, from low sugar to vegan options. This customization capability is a significant strength, allowing users to tailor their treats exactly to their liking. The automatic Soft Serve Handle with 3 speed settings adds an interactive and fun element, especially for kids, making it a family-friendly appliance. Additionally, the parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, which simplifies cleaning after use.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The capacity is relatively small, which might not be sufficient for larger gatherings. The machine’s weight, at 20.8 pounds, makes it somewhat heavy to move around frequently. It’s praised for being easy to use with a digital display and automatic shut-off. Lastly, the product is designed for residential use, so it might not withstand the demands of commercial settings. The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi is a robust choice for home users who want customizable frozen treats with ease of use and cleaning, but it may not be perfect for those needing larger capacities or quieter operation.

The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker is a premium choice for those serious about making ice cream at home. With a 1.5-quart capacity, it can produce up to 3 quarts of ice cream or sorbet per hour, catering well to small gatherings or family needs. Its automatic operation makes it user-friendly; all you need to do is pour in your ingredients and press two buttons, which is ideal if you're looking for convenience.

The stainless steel construction, including the housing, bowl, and paddle, not only ensures durability but also makes cleaning easier, although it requires hand washing. The machine is built to last, reflecting in its steady popularity despite being available since 2000. Its timer control allows you to tailor the churning for different types of frozen desserts, which adds a nice level of customization.

At almost 40 pounds, it's quite heavy and may require a dedicated spot on your counter. Its operation is fully automatic, which is great for saving time, but it doesn't offer much hands-on involvement if you enjoy a more interactive ice cream-making process. The noise level isn't specified, but given its robust build, it might be louder than smaller, less powerful models. This machine is well-suited for an ice cream store or a dedicated home chef who desires an efficient and reliable ice cream maker. However, it may be overkill for someone who makes ice cream only occasionally.