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10 Best Ice Cream Makers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Yogurt, & More, 11-in-1, XL Capacity, Silver, Includes (2) Family-Sized 24 oz. Tubs, NC501

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,125
Type
Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
10718 reviews

Type
The Creami works differently from blenders; it shaves frozen ingredients into tiny bits and churns them into creamy treats.
Capacity
The larger batch size is preferred, and the customization features are impressive.
Noise Level
The Ninja CREAMi is loud, but it's normal and only lasts a few minutes.
Additional Features
The machine's versatility is a standout, making a variety of frozen treats beyond just ice cream.

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a well-rounded ice cream maker that stands out due to its XL capacity, allowing for family-sized treats with its 24 oz. tubs. This is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of frozen desserts, as it can create ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and more. One of its key strengths is the advanced CREAMIFY technology which helps achieve a creamy texture and allows users to enjoy customizable treats by adding their favorite ingredients.

The ease of use is a big plus, with a simple three-step process to create delicious desserts. The Re-Spin function adds versatility, letting you adjust the texture of your creations to your liking. Additionally, the inclusion of two tubs is a great feature for those looking to make multiple flavors at once.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While it excels at making frozen treats, it requires the base to be frozen overnight before processing, which may not be ideal for spontaneous cravings. Moreover, the machine is only compatible with specific Ninja CREAMi tub accessories, limiting your options for additional containers. In terms of noise level, it might produce some sound during operation, which could be a consideration for users sensitive to noise.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,125
Type
Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
10718 reviews

Type
The Creami works differently from blenders; it shaves frozen ingredients into tiny bits and churns them into creamy treats.
Capacity
The larger batch size is preferred, and the customization features are impressive.
Noise Level
The Ninja CREAMi is loud, but it's normal and only lasts a few minutes.
Additional Features
The machine's versatility is a standout, making a variety of frozen treats beyond just ice cream.
#2

Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Low Calories Program & More, 13-in-1, Soft Serve Handle & (2) CREAMi 2-in-1 16oz Pints, NC701

Rating
8.8
Type
Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
4744 reviews

Type
Capable of creating both hard and soft serve ice cream effortlessly.
Capacity
Makes delicious ice cream, though a larger container would be nice.
Ease of Use
All pieces are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleanup process.
Churning Time
Blends fruits perfectly into smooth, chunk-free treats in just 5 minutes.

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker is a versatile and feature-rich appliance designed for making a variety of frozen treats at home. It offers 13 one-touch programs, allowing users to create classic scoops, soft serve, fruit whip, frozen custard, and more. The capacity is suitable for small batches, with each of the included pints holding 16 ounces, making it ideal for personal or small family use.

The appliance is user-friendly, with automatic modes and an easy-to-use soft serve handle that even children can operate safely. An added bonus is its customization options, allowing for low sugar, dairy-free, and vegan recipes, making it suitable for diverse dietary needs. Its components are dishwasher safe, which simplifies the cleaning process.

However, at 20.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy and might be cumbersome to move around. Additionally, the noise level during operation can be a bit high, which might be a consideration for some users. Still, its wide range of features, ease of use, and family-friendly design make it a strong contender for those looking to enjoy a variety of frozen desserts at home.

Rating
8.8
Type
Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
4744 reviews

Type
Capable of creating both hard and soft serve ice cream effortlessly.
Capacity
Makes delicious ice cream, though a larger container would be nice.
Ease of Use
All pieces are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleanup process.
Churning Time
Blends fruits perfectly into smooth, chunk-free treats in just 5 minutes.
#3

Ninja CREAMi, Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet,Milkshakes, Mix-ins, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7-in-1, Ice Cream Pints, Pint lid, Healthy Ice Cream, Compact, Perfect for Kids, Black, NC299AMZ

Rating
7.9
Ease of Cleaning
Noise Level
Size and Storage

Most important from
4744 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is straightforward and hassle-free, with dishwasher-safe parts and minimal mess during use.
Noise Level
The machine is surprisingly quiet, comparable to a typical kitchen blender, and remains stable with no vibrations during operation.
Size and Storage
The compact size fits well on counters without taking up excessive space, turning ice cream making into a fun and engaging activity for families and kids.

The Ninja CREAMi NC299AMZ is a compact, versatile ice cream maker designed to create a wide variety of frozen treats, including ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. It uses a unique Creamify technology that finely shaves and churns ingredients to produce smooth, creamy results quickly, making it a great choice for fast and customizable homemade desserts. The unit has a 16-ounce capacity, suitable for personal or small family servings but may require multiple batches for larger groups.

It offers seven one-touch programs that adjust the churning process automatically, which is beneficial for beginners and families with kids. The ability to add mix-ins like chocolate or nuts after churning provides fun customization options. Cleaning is relatively easy since key parts like the container, lid, and paddle are dishwasher safe. Its compact size, measuring about 12 by 6.5 by 16 inches, fits comfortably on most kitchen counters or in small storage spaces.

On the downside, the product weighs around 13 pounds, which is somewhat heavy for a compact machine and may make it less easy to move around frequently. It also only works with specific Ninja CREAMi pints (NC299 and NC300), limiting flexibility if you own other series models. This ice cream maker is well-suited for those who value customization and quick results in small quantities, especially families looking for a kid-friendly appliance, though it may not be ideal for larger batches or very quiet operation.

Rating
7.9
Ease of Cleaning
Noise Level
Size and Storage

Most important from
4744 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is straightforward and hassle-free, with dishwasher-safe parts and minimal mess during use.
Noise Level
The machine is surprisingly quiet, comparable to a typical kitchen blender, and remains stable with no vibrations during operation.
Size and Storage
The compact size fits well on counters without taking up excessive space, turning ice cream making into a fun and engaging activity for families and kids.

Buying Guide for the Best Ice Cream Makers

Choosing an ice cream maker can be a fun way to bring homemade treats into your kitchen, but there are several important things to consider to make sure you get a machine that fits your needs and enjoyment level. You'll want to think about how often you'll use it, how much ice cream you want to make at once, and how much effort you're willing to put into the process. Understanding the different specifications and features can help you easily identify which type will match your preferences and lifestyle.
Type of Ice Cream MakerThere are three main types: manual, freezer bowl, and compressor. Manual options require you to churn ice cream by hand, which can be satisfying for small batches but tiring for larger ones. Freezer bowl models need you to pre-freeze the bowl before making ice cream, which takes planning, but they're easy to use and good for occasional use. Compressor machines have a built-in freezer, so you can make several batches without pre-freezing and with less waiting, making them convenient for frequent or spontaneous use. Your preferred style, patience, and kitchen space should guide your choice.
CapacityThis refers to how much ice cream you can make in one batch. Smaller models generally make about one quart, which is enough for a few people, while larger machines can make two quarts or more, ideal for families or gatherings. If you have a large household or entertain often, a bigger capacity saves time. For solo enjoyment or small spaces, a compact model might be all you need.
Churning TimeChurning time is how long it takes the machine to turn your mix into ice cream. Some machines work quickly, making ice cream in twenty to thirty minutes, while others take longer. If you want fast results or plan to use the machine frequently, picking a model with a shorter churning time can be worthwhile. But if you don’t mind waiting or like slow, hands-on preparation, a longer time may not be an issue.
Ease of CleaningCleaning can be a deciding factor if you want an appliance that gets regular use. Some ice cream makers have fewer parts, smooth surfaces, and dishwasher-safe pieces, making cleanup simple. Others might have more components or require hand-washing. If you prefer convenience and quick cleanup, look for machines described as easy to disassemble and clean.
Noise LevelSome ice cream makers can be quite noisy while churning, especially electric models. If you have young children, pets, or just a sensitive household, look for machines with quieter operation. Noise ratings are sometimes listed, or you can check reviews for mentions of sound levels. If loudness isn't an issue for you, this spec may not matter much.
Size and StorageIce cream makers vary in size, from compact units that fit easily in a cabinet to larger, heavier models that require significant counter or storage space. Consider both where you'll use it and where you’ll keep it when not in use. If your kitchen is tight on space, a smaller and lighter model may be a better fit.

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