10 Best Ice Cream Maker Machine 2025 in the United States

The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker is a charming, vintage-style machine that makes it easy and fun to create homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato. It has a generous 4-quart capacity, which is great for families or small gatherings. The electric motor handles all the churning automatically, so you don't need to stir manually, making it very user-friendly. Typically, it can produce ice cream in about 20 minutes, which is fairly quick compared to some other home machines.

The design includes a convenient handle for easy transport, perfect for taking it to parties or friends' homes. Cleaning involves hand washing the parts, which is common but less convenient than dishwasher-safe options. Its vintage wooden look makes it an attractive addition to the kitchen, especially for those who appreciate nostalgic aesthetics.

This ice cream maker is well-suited for casual users who want a fun, straightforward way to make various frozen treats at home without complicated steps. However, if you want a machine with silent operation or a built-in freezer, this model may not meet those specific needs.

The Elite Gourmet EIM916 is a vintage-style electric ice cream maker that uses the traditional ice and rock salt freezing method. With a large 6-quart capacity, it’s ideal for making enough ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt to serve a big group, making it great for parties or family gatherings. Using it is straightforward thanks to a simple 3-step process: mix ingredients, add ice and salt, then plug in and turn on. It also includes a classic hand crank, giving you the option to churn manually if you prefer the old-fashioned approach or want some exercise while waiting.

The machine operates quietly, which is a nice bonus if you want to avoid loud motor noise. Cleanup is made easier by the aluminum canister and dishwasher-safe parts, plus the clear lid lets you watch your dessert as it forms. On the downside, the ice and salt freezing method requires you to spend time gathering and adding these, which can be a bit messy compared to modern self-freezing machines. Also, the wooden bucket design, while charming and nostalgic, means the unit is somewhat bulky and heavier than compact plastic alternatives.

It’s not a fast machine compared to newer models with built-in freezers, so you should plan for at least 20-30 minutes of churning time. If you enjoy the hands-on, traditional ice cream making experience and want to make larger batches, this machine fits well. However, if you prefer something more compact, quick, and low-maintenance, you might want to consider other types.