10 Best Soft Serve Makers 2025 in the United States

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi is a versatile soft-serve and frozen treat maker designed for home use, offering 13 one-touch programs including six specifically for soft serve and related styles like frozen yogurt and custard. Its 16-ounce capacity is modest, suitable for small batches or individual servings rather than large families. The machine uses an automatic freezing and mixing process, with a built-in motor base and a digital display that makes it easy to program and operate without complicated steps. Weighing about 21 pounds and measuring roughly 15x10x17.5 inches, it’s fairly compact but not lightweight, so it’s best placed in a permanent spot on the countertop.

Ninja’s focus on customization stands out—you can control ingredients to suit preferences such as low sugar, dairy-free, or high protein treats, which is great for health-conscious users or those with dietary restrictions. The included soft serve handle with three speed settings makes creating swirled cones interactive and fun, especially for kids. Cleanup is straightforward since many parts, including the pints and lids, are dishwasher safe. Additional perks include a pull-out drip tray to keep surfaces clean and over 30 recipes to try.

The relatively small capacity and heavier weight might limit convenience if you want larger quantities or portability. Also, with a price and complexity geared towards ice cream enthusiasts, casual users might find the range of settings more than needed. For anyone wanting a flexible, easy-to-use soft serve maker that offers health-conscious options and family-friendly fun, the Ninja Swirl remains a strong choice.

The VEVOR Commercial Ice Cream Machine is designed for small businesses like cafes, snack bars, and dessert shops needing a reliable soft-serve maker. It can produce up to 20 liters of ice cream per hour, which is ample for steady customer flow. The machine uses a strong compressor for quick freezing — the first batch is ready in about 15 minutes, and following ones take 6 minutes or less, keeping the service efficient. The two 4-liter hoppers and 1.8-liter cylinders allow making up to three flavors, which is great for variety.

Operating the machine is straightforward thanks to its clear LCD panel that shows time and quantity, with features like one-click cleaning and automated cooling simplifying maintenance. Its sturdy stainless steel build ensures durability and easy cleaning, important for hygiene and long-term use. However, the unit is quite heavy at around 187 pounds and takes up significant counter space (about 20 by 27 by 29 inches), so it's best suited for a fixed commercial spot rather than portability. Noise levels aren’t specified, but powerful compressors often produce some sound, which might be a consideration in quieter environments.

This machine offers robust performance and user-friendly controls for commercial soft-serve needs, making it a solid choice for those requiring high capacity and quick service in a professional setting, though smaller or mobile businesses might find it less convenient due to size and weight.

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (ICE-30BCP1) is a well-regarded option for home use, with a 2-quart capacity that is suitable for making generous servings of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or other desserts. Its double-insulated freezer bowl ensures efficient freezing, provided that your freezer can maintain a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The automatic heavy-duty motor facilitates quick dessert preparation in as little as 20 minutes, which is a significant convenience.

The large ingredient spout is a handy feature, making it easy to add mix-ins without making a mess, while the retractable cord storage helps keep your kitchen counter uncluttered. Weighing 12 pounds and measuring 8.25 x 8.25 x 11.5 inches, the machine is relatively compact and easy to store when not in use. However, it does require pre-freezing the bowl, so you need to plan ahead. While it operates automatically, some users might find it a bit loud during operation.

The brushed stainless steel design is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, fitting well into modern kitchens. With a BPA-free build and a comprehensive 3-year warranty, this ice cream maker offers both safety and peace of mind. Despite its strengths, the pre-freezing requirement and potential noise level are points to consider depending on your preferences and kitchen setup.