10 Best Ice Cream Maker Machine 2025 in the United States

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 is a versatile ice cream maker designed for home use, especially if you enjoy variety in frozen treats like ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and milkshakes. It uses a unique freezing method where you prepare your mix, freeze it overnight in special XL 24 oz. tubs, and then process it with a dual-drive motor that creates creamy texture in minutes. The XL tubs hold about 3 pounds total, fitting well for family-sized portions.

Its 11-in-1 programs and customizable settings let you tailor recipes for low sugar, dairy-free, or protein-rich options, which is great for special diets or personal preferences. The dual processing feature allows creating two different flavors from one batch, adding flexibility. Using the machine is straightforward—prepare, freeze, then process—though you need to plan ahead due to the overnight freeze step. The re-spin function lets you adjust creaminess after the first cycle, improving texture to your liking.

The machine operates relatively quietly compared to some competitors, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier. However, it is a bit bulky and weighs over 14 pounds, which could be a consideration if space is limited. Also, it only works with Ninja CREAMi NC500 series tubs, so older or different-sized containers are not compatible. For those seeking a family-friendly, customizable ice cream maker with multiple options beyond just ice cream, the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a strong option, although advance freezing time and dedicated storage space for its larger tubs should be taken into account.

The Ninja NC301 CREAMi is a versatile ice cream maker designed for home use, capable of making not only ice cream but also gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. It uses a unique Creamify Technology to transform frozen bases into smooth, creamy treats. With a 1-pint capacity per container and two pint containers included, it's suitable for small batches, which works well for families or individuals but might require multiple cycles for larger groups. The machine operates automatically with 7 one-touch programs that adjust speed and pressure for different textures, making it user-friendly even for beginners. Preparations do require freezing your base overnight, so it’s not for quick, last-minute treats.

The machine runs at 800 watts and includes features like a re-spin option for softer results, and it is relatively quiet compared to traditional ice cream makers. Cleanup is easy since the containers and paddles are dishwasher safe. The compact size and silver stainless steel finish make it a good fit for kitchens with limited space and for kids to use under supervision. On the downside, it only works with specific Ninja CREAMi pint containers, limiting flexibility if you want to use other accessories. Also, the 1-pint size is smaller than some other machines, which could be a drawback if you want to make larger quantities quickly.

This ice cream maker is ideal for anyone who enjoys customizing frozen treats with control over ingredients and textures, especially those who value convenience and variety rather than volume.

The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker is a compact, countertop machine that lets you make a variety of frozen treats like ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls, all with just one touch. Its 16-ounce capacity means it’s best suited for small batches, perfect for kids or individuals rather than large families. The freezing method requires you to prepare your base mixture and freeze it overnight before processing, so it’s not instant but delivers smooth texture thanks to its Creamify Technology, which breaks down frozen blocks into creamy treats.

It offers 7 preset programs tailored for different dessert types, plus a re-spin option if you want your ice cream softer or creamier. The machine is quite easy to use with simple controls and dishwasher-safe parts that make cleanup straightforward. While it’s relatively quiet compared to some other ice cream makers, it does take a bit of time due to the required freezing step and processing. An important limitation is that it only works with specific Ninja CREAMi pint containers, so if you want extra pints, you must buy the compatible ones for this model.

The bright Orange Mango color adds a fun touch, but the unit isn’t very large, which might limit making bigger quantities at once. This ice cream maker is great for users who enjoy customizing ingredients—ideal for special diets like keto, dairy-free, or vegan—and like experimenting with mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate. If you want homemade frozen treats with control over ingredients and don’t mind prepping ahead, the Ninja CREAMi is a solid choice. However, for those looking for instant ice cream or larger batch sizes, you might want to explore other options.