10 Best Ice Cream Makers 2026 in the United States

The Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker is a versatile appliance perfect for creating a wide range of frozen treats, such as gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. One of its standout features is the flexibility it offers for customization; users can control the ingredients, allowing for delicious options from low-sugar to vegan treats. With 800 watts of power and 7 one-touch programs, it effectively handles different types of frozen desserts, enhancing convenience and ease of use. The Creamify Technology ensures that your frozen mixtures turn out smooth and creamy, which is a significant plus for ice cream enthusiasts.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The unit's capacity is limited to 1 pint, which may not be sufficient for larger families or gatherings. Additionally, while the machine is easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components, it’s important to note that the pint containers are only compatible with select Ninja models. This could be a hassle if you're looking for additional containers, as they won't fit models outside the specified range.

In terms of noise level, it's generally quiet, but some users might still find it a bit louder than expected during operation. The process also requires pre-freezing the base overnight, which may not suit everyone's schedule; however, this setup is common for many ice cream makers. The Ninja CREAMi is notable for its functionality and user-friendly features, making it ideal for anyone wanting to experiment with homemade frozen treats, especially those who prioritize dietary preferences.

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.

The Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker is a versatile appliance that lets you create a variety of frozen treats, including ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. It uses pre-frozen pints (3.8 pounds capacity each) to churn your ingredients, which means you prepare your mixture beforehand and freeze it before processing. This approach allows for a high level of customization — you can make everything from rich, decadent desserts to low-sugar, keto, or dairy-free options, and even add mix-ins like nuts or candy for extra texture.

The machine offers seven one-touch programs that handle churning with the right speed and pressure, making it simple to use for the whole family. Cleaning is straightforward since parts like the pints are dishwasher safe. However, the unit is designed to work only with its specific Ninja CREAMi pints, so you need to make sure you get the right accessories for your model. Also, while the appliance is efficient, it does require some preparation time because you have to freeze your mixture before making ice cream.

The machine is compact enough for easy storage but has some noise during operation, typical for ice cream makers. If you want an all-in-one frozen treat maker with flexible options and don’t mind the extra freezing step, the Ninja CREAMi is a handy choice that receives positive feedback from users for its quality and variety.