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 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.

The Whynter Ice Cream Maker ICM-201SB is a convenient machine that doesn’t require pre-freezing. With a 2.1-quart capacity, it can make a substantial amount of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in one batch, making it suitable for families or small gatherings. Its built-in compressor allows it to cool on its own, so you don’t have to plan ahead or freeze bowls separately, saving time and effort.

The upright design is compact enough to fit on most kitchen counters, though at about 24 pounds, it is somewhat heavy to move around frequently. The stainless steel body looks sleek and feels durable, adding a modern touch to your kitchen. The machine is controlled via an easy-to-use LCD screen with a timer, making it simple to operate even for those unfamiliar with such devices. It includes smart features like extended cooling to keep ice cream from melting quickly and motor protection to avoid overheating, which helps extend the machine's lifespan.

Built-in compressors generally run quieter than paddle-only machines, though some sound during operation is typical. The weight and size may be bulky for very small kitchens or for users seeking a lightweight option. This Whynter model is well suited for anyone looking for a reliable, self-cooling ice cream maker that offers good capacity and ease of use without the hassle of pre-freezing.