Best Ice Cream Makers 2021: Comparisons, Reviews & Buying Guide

With increasing alternatives in the market, you will find all sorts of flavors and variables in ice cream variety in the market. However, nothing compares to the taste, the feeling, and the experience of homemade ice cream. Not only are home ice cream healthier, but they are also a lot more customizable and fun to make. You can balance out the flavors, texture, and other factors as per your need.

However, making ice cream at home is not entirely easy. Therefore, you need specific appliances such as the homemade ice cream maker machines that are specially made for home use. These machines are now available in a wide range of varieties, ranging from residential/home use to kid-friendly machines, as well as commercial-grade machines. So, if you don’t have any special plans for this summer or the coming holiday season, then you genuinely need to get yourself the best ice cream maker. Therefore, this article will  help you to choose one best ice cream machine for yourself that will meet all of your needs.

1. Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Cream Maker

Stainless steel built appliances are widely popular due to their long-lasting construction. Similarly, the Whynter ICM-15LS Ice cream maker is a famous ice-cream making machine. It features a removable bowl, stainless steel built, and a built-in timer.

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Pros

• Stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
• The audible timer is built-in guarantee safe usage and convenience.
• The motor shuts off automatically in case of a mixture solidifying.
• Features a powerful compression that guarantees ideal temperatures for frozen desserts.

Cons

• It might be too noisy when in use.
• Poor technical and customer support.

This ice cream maker is one of the bests in the market. It is equipped with brilliant features, starting with a sleek silver and black built. It also features safety guaranteeing features such as the built-in timer.

The timer functionality is a rare feature. It allows you to be at peace and not be occupied in continually checking your dessert’s preparation. Furthermore, the backlit display ensures easy viewing.

Also, the appliance features an auto shut off feature. The unit shuts off when in case the mixture in it solidifies under extremely low temperatures. This prevents damage to the machine as well as your food.

All in all, this is an excellent product with slightly dissatisfying features, such as poor technical support. The appliance is also a bit noisy, which can be inconvenient for several users.

Bottom line

Whynter ICM-15LS Ice cream maker is a complete, all-in-one package that features top-notch functions and an excellent exterior as well. It has a reliable design that has the auto shut off and timer functionality.

2. Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

Breville has manufactured some of the highest quality and well-performing home and kitchen appliances. Undoubtedly, their Breville BCI600XL ice cream maker is also another brilliant appliance. The unit weighs for about 30 pounds and features a distinctive backlit display.

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Pros

• You get to choose between automatic or manual functionality.
• Sleek exterior with an all silver finish blends in well with your kitchen.
• 12 hardness settings allow better personalization.
• It has easy access knobs, controls, and a backlit screen for ease of use.

Cons

• You might face some issues with customer support.
• The unit is not the most durable product in the market.

The Breville ice cream maker for home is an exceptional product. It comes at a somewhat competitive price but has outstanding functionality and design. Not only does it stand out in the market in terms of functionality, but it is also a great-looking appliance.

The silver and sophisticated look of this unit will allow it to fit and blend well in all types of kitchens. It has knobs and buttons on the top panel that are very easy to access and use. Moreover, the backlit screen also makes customization and settings much more manageable.

The machine also beats other products in terms of extra added features. You get a variety of 12 hardness levels to select from. You also don’t have to struggle with finding the best, optimum coolness for your dessert with the pre-cool setting of this unit.

Even with excellent features, the appliance might not be the most durable product manufactured by Breville. Many buyers of the product have complained about the device breaking down after some time of use.

Bottom line

Breville BCI600XL is an overall great product. It is the best for everyday home use and is one of the most user-friendly and customizable units in the market.

3. Cuisinart ICE-21R

The Cuisinart ICE-21R is an outstanding and unique product in the market that can prove to be highly efficient at a rather highly affordable price. The unit is available in 3 different colors. It weighs for about 9.7 lbs.

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Pros

• Fully automatic functionality requires minimum effort from your end.
• It can be sued to make beverages and desserts both.
• It’s available in 3 different colors to match your kitchen better.
• It has rubber feet that ensure protection form slips.
• Lightweight design ensures convenience and ease of storage.

Cons

• Product life is not very long.

The red-colored ice cream makes it great to get you started with ice cream making at home. The unit is powered by a heavy-duty motor that promises to prepare drinks and desserts in 20 minutes. Moreover, this top-rated product is also space-saving with its compact and lightweight design.

It only weighs about 9.7 pounds. This allows you to store the unit when it’s not in use conveniently. Also, the appliance ensures easy cleaning with its removable bowl.

If you’re using an ice cream maker for the first time and want it to be good, this unit will surely be of help. It has an easy-lock lid, rubber feet, and a freezer bowl that all contribute to safe and convenient user experience. The appliance also comes with a mixing paddle.

With great features overall, there is one possible drawback to this unit. While it may provide exceptional performance when in use, it might not be a very durable option.

Bottom line

Cuisinart ICE-21R features outstanding and distinctive features that you might not find in other products. It comes at a reasonable price, with a wide range of features and extra functionalities such as the rubber feet for stability and cord storage for user-friendliness.

4. Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker

For a lesser expensive alternative that still offers great performance, the Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE ice cream maker it the answer. It is a minimalistic appliance with a great appearance and great design. It’s also recommended for use with kids at home.

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Pros

• Easy carry handle ensures safe and easy use.
• It can be used for making gelatos, ice cream, and frozen yogurt.
• Electric motor safely secures into its place
• A see-through lid comes with the appliance.
• Affordable alternative.

Cons

• Might not be as advanced as other products.

The blue, traditional ice cream maker will take you back to your childhood. This is the best ice cream maker for kids at home. It features a great quality built, with an easy to use design that is automatic.

It can produce an output of a 4-quart batch, which is greater than many other higher priced products. Moreover, the carry handle of the bucket also makes it very convenient to carry and store as well. The plastic construction of the unit also makes it lightweight, and hence easy to store.

All the churning is done electrically by the motor. Therefore, you really just have to put in the ingredients and wait for the magic. Meanwhile, the product comes with a manual that includes amazing recipes to give you a head start. The see-through lid included with the unit will allow you to easily store leftover ice cream and dessert, while the plastic construction will guarantee easy cleaning.

However, if you want something more advanced in terms of technology, this might not be the best for you. It has a very simple design with a low profile functionality. Therefore, we recommend this for lighter, home us, especially with kids.

Bottom line

Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE ice cream maker is overall a great product if you are using an ice cream maker for the first time. It’s a durable, longer-lasting option that provides a great quantity of output in less than an hour.

5. Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker

Any kitchen is incomplete without a Hamilton Beach appliance sitting on the countertop. This is why the Hamilton Beach 68330N automatic ice cream maker is another great must-have product by them. It is a bucket-style ice cream maker with a capacity of about 4 quarts of ice cream.

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Pros

• Affordable alternative.
• Easy to use with electric motor and churning.
• Excellent capacity to produce 4 quarts of ice cream.
• Quick and easy to lock lid.

Cons

• No color variety.

We find this Hamilton beach unit highly impressive with its affordable price tag that offers great features and functions. The unit has an outstandingly easy to use design, which makes it the best ice cream maker for kids. It has a strong metal construction that further makes it a highly reliable product.

The unit has an easy to lock lid that secures your ingredients inside the unit. Moreover, it has a minimalistic design that only requires you to add the ingredients, salt, and ice. The automatic churning makes it a time saving and comfortable appliance to use.

Furthermore, the unit also comes with a recipe guide. The guide contains about 20 recipes to get you a good start! It’s an all in one package provided by the best manufacturer in the market.

We did not find any solid cons for this product. However, if you want a unit that better matches your kitchen interior, then this machine only comes in one color, which can be limiting.

Bottom line

In conclusion, we think that the Hamilton Beach 68330N automatic ice cream maker is the best for use with kids and regular home use. It has an excellent design with reliable and sturdy construction. It also comes from a reliable brand in the market.

6. Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence

The Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure indulgence is the perfect choice for you if you want a versatile ice cream making machine. The unit is available in two brilliant colors. It is equipped with double insulation and is a technologically advanced unit.

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Pros

• Available in two colors.
• It is powered by a heavy-duty motor.
• Double insulated freezer bowl for better temperatures.
• It is built with rust-resistant stainless steel.

Cons

• Might stop freezing ice cream after some time of use.

The unit can be bought from a variety of two colors that include a brushed stainless steel silver finish, and a red and silver finish. The color variety allows you to choose the best matching one. Besides, the unit is also space-saving and lightweight.

It only weighs for about 12 lbs., whereas other higher-end units weigh a lot more. Therefore, it’s a great product for people with limited kitchen space. In addition, it also has excellent quality features that are designed intelligently, such as the double-insulated freezer bowl.

The double insulation allows the desired temperatures to be achieved better and for a more extended period. Furthermore, the unit has an output capacity of producing up to 2 quarts of product. The total preparation time taken by this unit is promised to be no more than 20 to 25 minutes, which is quite impressive.

Even though the Cuisinart unit has extraordinary features, there were still some complains about the product from its users. The complaints mostly revolved around the life of the product, saying that it might not work as good as new after some time of use.

Bottom line

Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure indulgence is one of the top-notch, higher-end appliances that prove to be highly functional for all kinds of purposes. Even though the output for this unit is limited compared to the traditional ice cream makers, other advanced features surely do make up for it.

7. Nostalgia ICMP400WD Electric Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker

The Nostalgia ICMP400WD is yet, here again, to take you back to your childhood with its traditional design. Its wood-like exterior accompanied by an electric motor and automatic churner make it the best ice cream maker machine. Get a good start with the recipes that come with this unit.

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Pros

• Attractive and unique exterior design.
• High output capacity of 4 quarts.
• Plastic bucket allows easy, mess-free cleaning.
• Electric motor securely locks into place.

Cons

• Issues with churning blade reported.

Nostalgia has made it to the list of the best ice cream makers once again. The credits for that go to its exceptionally user-friendly machine that has plastic construction. The plastic construction is a plus point for anyone who wants mess-free cleaning after you are done with the dessert.

Moreover, the unit has an eye-catchy and distinctive exterior, as well. The wood-look of it surely makes it stand out from other ordinary products. It also is a very safe and reliable unit to use with its features like the electric motor lock.

Besides, you can make use of this machine in various ways as it allows you to make more than just ice cream. It comes with a recipe guide as well to further help you get an idea. Plus, the output capacity of 4 quarts is more than any other higher priced units.

However, one possible drawback with this machine can be its churning blades. The blades might be weaker than what you might expect them to be.

Bottom line

With recipes included in the manual and a convenient electric motor to do most of the job, the Nostalgia ICMP400WD is a great choice of product. It will be great for all kinds of. Users, especially with kids at home.

8. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker

If you want a more commercial-grade professional level ice cream maker for home use, then the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino ice cream maker is your answer. It has stainless steel construction and weighs for about 38 pounds. It has an output capacity of about 1.5 quarts.

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Pros

• Easy to access the ingredient bowl.
• Good output capacity.
• Stainless steel construction allows for easy cleaning.
• Timer functionality offers greater convenience.

Cons

• Heavy built.

The stainless steel body of this unit gives it a sleek, silver finish that makes it. An excellent appliance for all kinds of kitchens. It has easy access buttons and controls that also ensure user-friendliness.

In addition, the unit has a low profile design that won’t look odd sitting on your kitchen countertop. Plus, it has versatile and advanced features, such as the timer functionality.

If you plan to make larger quantities of ice cream, then this unit will be the best option for you. It can produce up to 3 quarts of ice cream every 1 hour.

However, we only recommend this unit for professional, commercial purposes, or if you need to make larger quantities. For regular home use, you should go for simpler units that are easy to store and lightweight.

Bottom line

In conclusion, the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino ice cream maker is a great choice of product for professional purposes. If you make ice cream in larger quantities to host parties or business-related reasons, this unit will be your best friend.

9. Cuisinart ICE-45

If you have kids at home who are eagerly waiting for an ice cream machine, then this Cuisinart ICE-45 is here to help. The machine is specifically designed for soft serve production. It is available in two colors.

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Pros

• Two-color varieties.
• BPA free construction.
• Comes with powerful mixing arms.
• It is equipped with three condiment containers for versatility.
• Perfect for kids’ use.

Cons

• Only specifically used for soft-serve ice creams.

The soft-serve ice cream machine is an excellent product to look at as well as use. The machine features a heavy-duty motor that is bound to last you a long time. It has exceptional features such as mixing arms and three different condiment containers that guarantee versatility in usage.

In addition, the unit features a double-insulated freezer bowl. It also is available in white and pink colors, which allow you to choose according to your needs and usage.

Furthermore, the powerful motor of this unit allows it to produce about one and a half quarts of product in very little time. It also has an intelligent design featuring a cone holder.

However, if you invest in this unit, you can then only use it for soft-serve ice creams. Unlike other alternative products, you can’t use this for other desserts and beverages.

Bottom line

To sum it up, we think that the Cuisinart ICE-45 is the most interesting and fun-filled ice cream maker in the market. It will surely lighten up the experience with convenience, fun, and high quality.

10. Donvier 837450 Manual Ice Cream Maker

The Donvier, 837450 Manual ice cream maker, is one very unique manual machine that will add more fun and excitement to your ice cream, making the experience. The unit has a capacity to produce up to 1 quart of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and even frozen drinks.

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Pros

• It can be used to make several kinds of products.
• Available in white and bright pink color.
• It does not require any salt or ice.
• It comes with recipes included for a head start.

Cons

• Might require more energy and time than electric ice cream makers.

If you have a limited kitchen space or don’t have a lot of space for storage, then this unit is the perfect one for you. It weighs only about 6 pounds and has an extremely compact built. This makes it easy to use, store, and even set on a kitchen countertop.

Moreover, the unit is manual, which means it does not consume electric power and puts a strain on your bills. Manually making ice cream will also allow you to get the desired hardness and get full control over the product.

It also has a functional capacity for output, making it a good ice cream maker for home use. The plastic construction allows easy and mess-free cleaning. You also get to select between two colors.

While manually making ice cream may be fun and allow you greater control, it is time-consuming and requires more effort than the electric unit. You might need to put in extra energy in getting the desired product.

Bottom line

To sum it up, the Donvier 837450 Manual ice cream maker is a unique product in our list of best ice cream makers. It is meant for fun-filled ice cream making while also having control over how you want your ice cream to be.

Conclusion

Wrapping it up, we think that the ice cream making machine market is packed with various products. The 10 best ice cream makers reviews all include different kinds of products that feature different functionalities and cater to different consumer needs. Overall, having a good quality ice cream maker at home is the right choice. Especially with kids, it is essential to find the best ice cream maker for kids. By now, you have at least got yourself some shortlisted finalists that you will choose one to invest in!

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