10 Best Soft Ice Cream Machine 2025 in the United States

The Ninja Swirl (NC701) is a versatile soft ice cream machine well-suited for families and individuals who enjoy making a wide range of frozen treats at home. It offers a 16-ounce capacity, which is ideal for small batches—great for kids or personal servings, but may require multiple cycles for larger groups. Weighing about 20.8 pounds and measuring roughly 15 by 10 by 17.5 inches, it’s a countertop appliance that requires a bit of space and is somewhat heavy to move around frequently.

Powered by electricity with automatic operation and digital controls, it’s easy to use even for beginners. The machine stands out with 13 one-touch programs, including 6 dedicated soft serve options, allowing you to create everything from classic ice cream and frozen yogurt to low-calorie and high-protein options. This customization is a major plus if you have dietary preferences or want to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins. Cleaning is straightforward since the parts that touch food—like the pints, lids, paddle, and swirl press—are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. This feature makes maintenance much less of a chore compared to traditional machines. The automatic soft serve handle with multiple speed settings adds a fun, interactive element, especially for kids.

The 16-ounce capacity means it’s best for smaller portions rather than large batches. The size and weight might be inconvenient if you have limited kitchen space or want something highly portable. The Ninja Swirl is ideal for those looking for a flexible, easy-to-clean soft serve maker with plenty of options to customize frozen treats. It excels in variety and user-friendly features but may be less suitable if you need to serve large groups or want a lightweight machine.

The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker offers a charming vintage look paired with a solid 6-quart capacity, making it a great choice for families or small parties who want to make soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato at home. It’s fairly compact with dimensions of 13 x 13 x 20 inches and weighs just under 10 pounds, so it’s portable thanks to a convenient carrying handle. The powerful electric motor handles all the churning, so you don’t need to stir manually, and it typically makes your ice cream in about 20 minutes, which is quite quick for a home machine.

One of its appealing features is the classic wooden bucket design that adds a nostalgic charm to your kitchen or party setup. Cleaning requires hand washing, which might be a bit time-consuming. The machine operates manually in terms of assembly and setting up, but the motor-driven churning reduces effort.

While it may not be the quietest or easiest to clean compared to some modern all-plastic models, its sizeable capacity, attractive aesthetics, and reliable performance make it a solid pick for casual ice cream enthusiasts who appreciate a vintage style and want a fun, straightforward appliance. Additional accessories and ice cream kits from Nostalgia can enhance the experience, especially for beginners.