10 Best Ice Cream Maker For Kids 2026 in the United States

The Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker is a versatile, compact machine that offers a lot of fun for kids and families. Its 7 one-touch programs and Re-Spin function make it very easy to use, allowing you to create ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, and more with just a few simple steps. This ease of use is one of its biggest strengths, especially for kids who may want to get involved in making their own treats.

Additionally, the ability to customize ingredients means you can cater to dietary needs like low sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options, making it a versatile choice for various preferences and restrictions. The mix-in feature also adds a layer of fun, as kids can add their favorite toppings like chocolate, nuts, or fruits to personalize their desserts. Safety features include an automatic shut-off and a design that ensures little hands stay safe during operation.

The compact size makes it easy to store and manage in a kitchen, and the stainless steel construction helps in durability. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward since the containers, lids, and paddle are all dishwasher safe. The capacity is limited to 1 pint, which might be small for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, it is only compatible with specific Ninja pint accessories, which could be a limitation if you already own other models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ninja NC301 offers a fun, safe, and easy way for kids to make a variety of frozen treats at home.

The Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker is a compact and user-friendly machine designed for making small portions of frozen desserts quickly, which can be great for kids and families. Its main strength lies in its simplicity: you just pre-freeze the base for 24 hours, select one of the five dessert modes (ice cream, milkshakes, sorbet, slushies, or mix-ins), and in minutes you have a fresh treat. The device includes three half-pint cups with lids, allowing you to make and store multiple flavors easily. Its small size means it won’t take up much kitchen space, and the cups are dishwasher-safe, which simplifies cleaning. It’s fairly lightweight and made of plastic, which is safe and manageable for kids to handle with adult supervision.

The capacity is quite small at only half a pint, so it’s best suited for individual servings or small portions rather than larger family batches. Also, since the base needs to be pre-frozen for a full day, it’s not ideal if you want immediate results without planning ahead. Although noise levels are not specified, electric ice cream makers typically produce some sound during operation, which may be noticeable.

This machine is a good choice for families seeking a quick, fun way to make small frozen treats at home with minimal mess and hassle, but it might not meet the needs of those looking for larger quantities or faster use without pre-freezing.

The Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine is a robust and stylish choice for making homemade ice cream for kids. With a 1.6-quart capacity, it allows you to create sufficient servings in one go. One of its standout features is the built-in compressor, which means you don't need to pre-freeze the bowl, making the process quicker and more convenient. This is especially beneficial for children who may not have the patience to wait long periods for their treats. The self-cooling technology ensures continuous use, so multiple batches can be made without delay.

The user-friendly LCD digital display and timer help you monitor and control the ice cream-making process easily, which is great for kids who like to be involved in the kitchen activities. Safety is well-considered with the motor protection function to prevent overheating, making it safer for regular use. However, the machine weighs 27 pounds, which might make it less portable and harder to handle, especially for younger kids. Cleaning is straightforward as the churn blade is BPA-free and the parts are dishwasher safe. One potential downside could be the noise level, as ice cream makers with built-in compressors can be louder than models that require pre-freezing.

Additionally, the initial cost might be higher compared to simpler models, but the convenience and performance it offers could justify the expense. The Whynter Ice Cream Maker combines ease of use, safety, and excellent functionality, making it a solid choice for families looking to make homemade ice cream with their kids.