The latest ice cream makers range from sophisticated compressor machines that chill ingredients themselves to systems designed around pre frozen bases that are processed into remarkably varied desserts.
The attraction is not simply fresh vanilla ice cream. Modern machines can produce gelato, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, milkshakes and lighter alternatives, while some extend into soft serve and slush drinks. More importantly, making frozen desserts at home provides far greater control over flavour, sweetness and ingredients than choosing from a supermarket freezer.
The differences between machines are significant, however. Ninja’s CREAMi range takes an unconventional approach, processing a base after it has been frozen, while compressor models from Dualit and First Austria can chill and churn without requiring the bowl to be frozen beforehand. Traditional machines remain attractive for straightforward batches, while multifunctional appliances increasingly combine ice cream with soft serve or frozen drinks.
Before choosing one, consider how spontaneously you want to make dessert, how much freezer or worktop space you can spare and whether you genuinely need numerous programmes. The best ice cream maker is ultimately the one that suits the way you cook and entertain.
Top Picks
The Best Ice Cream Makers
Best Overall: Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl stands out because it addresses two distinctly different textures. Alongside dense, scoopable ice cream, the machine can produce lighter soft serve designed to be dispensed directly into a bowl or cone.
Its programmes extend across ice cream, lite ice cream, gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt, with additional settings for milkshakes and mix ins. The important consideration is preparation. Many recipes require the base to be frozen for at least 24 hours before processing, so this is not the machine for completely spontaneous ice cream making.
It is best for households that value variety and enjoy experimenting with recipes and textures.
Best for Variety: Ninja CREAMi Deluxe
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe follows the same fundamental CREAMi philosophy: ingredients are prepared and frozen before the machine processes them into the finished dessert.
That approach provides considerable freedom for creating different frozen recipes rather than limiting the appliance to traditional churned ice cream. The Deluxe is particularly relevant for anyone interested in adapting recipes around different ingredients and serving styles.
It is best for enthusiastic home cooks who are happy to plan ahead and want versatility to take priority over instant preparation. As with other CREAMi machines, remember that freezer space for prepared containers forms part of the ownership experience.
Best Classic Choice: Cuisinart Deluxe Ice Cream Maker
The Cuisinart Deluxe Ice Cream Maker takes a more traditional approach and concentrates on the frozen desserts most people are likely to make regularly: ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet.
That relative simplicity can be an advantage. If the intention is to experiment with custard bases, seasonal fruit sorbets and frozen yoghurt rather than soft serve or frozen drinks, there is little reason to pay for functions that will remain unused.
It is best for occasional dessert makers who value straightforward operation and familiar recipes over a large selection of automated programmes.
Best Premium Compressor Machine: Dualit Ice Cream Maker
The Dualit Ice Cream Maker offers one particularly useful luxury: spontaneity. Its integrated compressor means there is no need to pre freeze the bowl before starting.
The 1.2 litre machine can make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yoghurt and slushies, with Dualit stating that frozen desserts can be ready in as little as 30 minutes depending on the recipe and ingredient temperature. A keep frozen function can maintain the dessert for a further 30 to 60 minutes.
It is best for frequent hosts and keen cooks who want to prepare dessert without dedicating freezer space to a bowl overnight.
Best for Entertaining: 2 in 1 Slush and Soft Serve Maker
The 2 in 1 Slush and Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is the most entertainment focused option in this edit.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on traditional scooped ice cream, it combines soft serve and slush preparation with six listed presets. That makes it potentially more useful for summer entertaining, family gatherings and occasions where guests may prefer frozen drinks to conventional desserts.
It is best for households attracted specifically to soft serve and slush functionality. Before purchasing, consider its dimensions and cleaning requirements, as multifunctional appliances need to justify permanent kitchen storage.
Best Compact Compressor Choice: TZS First Austria Ice Cream Maker
The TZS First Austria 1L Ice Cream Maker combines a one litre container with an integrated cooling compressor, meaning no pre cooling is required.
Its modes cover stirring, freezing, ice cream, slush and yoghurt. First Austria states that ice cream preparation can take up to 60 minutes, while an automatic keep cool function helps maintain consistency after preparation.
It is particularly suited to smaller households that want the convenience of compressor cooling without necessarily requiring the larger capacity of a premium entertaining machine.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Ice Cream Maker
Pre Freezing or Self Cooling?
The first decision is between pre freezing and self cooling. Machines with compressors can begin chilling immediately, making them more convenient for spontaneous desserts, but they tend to be larger and heavier. Machines requiring frozen bases or bowls demand more planning but may suit kitchens where permanent worktop space is limited.
Consider Capacity
Capacity matters too. A smaller one litre machine can be perfectly adequate for couples or occasional desserts, while larger households and frequent hosts may appreciate additional volume.
Think About Texture
Consider texture as well as flavour. If soft serve is important, choose a machine designed specifically to dispense it. If your interests lie primarily in gelato and traditional ice cream, a good compressor machine may be more appropriate.
Check How Easy It Is to Clean
Finally, examine cleaning. Removable bowls, paddles and dishwasher safe accessories can make a considerable difference if the machine is used regularly.
Ice Cream Maker FAQ
Is an ice cream maker worth buying?
It can be if you regularly enjoy frozen desserts or want greater control over ingredients, sweetness and flavour. Frequent use is important because larger compressor machines require meaningful storage space.
Do all ice cream makers need pre freezing?
No. Compressor machines such as the Dualit Ice Cream Maker and First Austria 1L cool the mixture themselves.
Can ice cream makers make sorbet?
Many can. Several machines in this selection support sorbet alongside ice cream, while multifunctional models can also produce frozen yoghurt, gelato or slush drinks.
How long does homemade ice cream take?
It depends on the machine and recipe. Dualit states as little as 30 minutes for its compressor model, while First Austria lists up to 60 minutes. CREAMi recipes commonly require bases to be frozen for at least 24 hours before processing.
Which ice cream maker is best for soft serve?
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl is specifically designed to produce both scoopable desserts and dispensed soft serve, making it the most versatile soft serve option in this selection.
Final Thoughts
The right ice cream maker depends largely on how much planning you are prepared to do. Ninja’s CREAMi machines reward preparation with considerable flexibility, while compressor models such as Dualit and First Austria make more sense for anyone who values the ability to start making a frozen dessert without pre freezing a bowl or prepared base.
Capacity, storage, cleaning and the types of desserts you genuinely intend to make should ultimately guide the decision. Soft serve and slush functions can be particularly enjoyable for entertaining, but a simpler machine may prove more useful if traditional ice cream, sorbet and frozen yoghurt are what you will make most often.
Image credits:
Product images courtesy of the respective retailers and manufacturers.
