15 BEST ICE CREAM MAKERS

Ice Cream Makers | December 2023

Ice cream makers are an excellent addition to any kitchen, especially for those who enjoy making sweets. These gadgets have a wide range of applications for everyone, from families looking to turn dessert preparation into a fun activity to pickier diners who prefer to choose the ingredients and flavours of their ice cream. 

They are also a valuable tool for people with food allergies or dietary restrictions because they enable them to enjoy ice cream without worrying about inappropriate ingredients.

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These clever tools are a big help when making your favourite frozen treats. By churning and freezing the ice cream for you, they take out the labour-intensive part of the process. This prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can occur when making ice cream by hand, and guarantees a smooth and creamy texture. 

They also enable experimentation with various flavours and ingredients that might not be easily accessible in supermarket selections. Reviewing some of the top ice cream makers on the market has been a pleasure. 

Among the models from reputable companies with a track record for dependability, performance, and build quality. You can choose the ideal appliance to meet your needs because each machine has distinctive features, ranging from quick freezing times to large capacity bowls. Explore our reviews to learn about the comfort and fun these ice cream makers can bring to your household.

The Best Rated

Duronic IM540 Ice Cream Maker

  1. The IM540 machine can produce homemade fresh ice cream in under 30 minutes.
  2. You can experiment with flavours and save money with the best ice cream maker.
  3. To make creamy ice cream, follow these four steps. Before adding the mixture, turn on the machine.
  4. Besides making gelato, this machine can also make frozen yoghurt and sorbet, making it ideal for various dietary needs.
  5. Place the included bowl in the freezer overnight and churn the ingredients for 15 to 30 minutes.
  6. A top sorbet maker, the IM540, has a 1.5-liter capacity, 9.5W power, and a sturdy plastic build.   

The Best Value

KUMIO Ice Cream Machine Features

  1. A professional compressor system that does not require bowls to be pre-frozen.
  2. For simple operation and monitoring, an LCD control and timer.
  3. A simple ice cream maker to disassemble and clean.
  4. A one-litre container’s capacity enables multiple servings of frozen treats.
  5. Making homemade frozen desserts that are both healthy and economical.
  6. Silent operation with non-slip silicone feet for security and stability.   

The Best Of The Rest

Lakeland Digital Mini Ice-Cream Maker

  1. Makes ice cream quickly—in just 25 minutes.
  2. The small bowl design allows for adequate freezer storage.
  3. Expand the range of available foods by being suitable for making sorbet and frozen yoghurt.
  4. Has a transparent lid for simple progress monitoring.
  5. The non-slip base guarantees stability while in use.
  6. Provides ice cream maker functionality using a compressor.   

Cuisinart Ice Cream and Dessert Maker

  1. In 25 minutes, make sorbet, frozen yoghurt, or ice cream.
  2. A frozen bowl ensures constant readiness.
  3. Ice cream paddles provide smooth frozen treats.
  4. Using fresh fruit paddles enables healthier options.
  5. During churning, ingredients may be added using the lid.
  6. There is a 5-year warranty on the item.   

ARTECH Multifunctional Ice-Cream Maker

  1. Quickly produces homemade sorbet, frozen yoghurt, and ice cream in under 20 minutes.
  2. Simple operation; step-by-step assembly and pre-freezing of the inner bowl are required.
  3. Simple design with removable inner 1.5l bowl and lid shield.
  4. A small, space-saving appliance that works in any size kitchen.
  5. Powerful, silent, and effective churning system for flawless consistency.
  6. Provides recipe suggestions for frozen treats and an ice cream scoop.   

Giles & Posner Compact Ice Cream Maker

  1. Use the Giles & Posner Ice Cream Maker to make homemade desserts that impress your guests.
  2. Make luscious ice cream, excellent sorbets, and frozen yoghurts for everyone to enjoy.
  3. Pre-freeze and churn desserts to enjoy in minutes with the ideal consistency.
  4. Easy one-touch operation in a chic pastel design that runs quietly.
  5. Eco-friendly with a user guide available online at the Giles & Posner website.
  6. 7.3–9.5W of power, comparable to a Cuisinart ice cream maker.   

Sensio Home Ice-Cream Maker

  1. The best soft serve ice cream winner at the Independent Indy Best Buy 2024.
  2. Prepares delicious homemade frozen yoghurt, sorbet, gelato, and ice cream in 20 minutes.
  3. Starting the machine, pre-chilling the ingredients, and freezing the bowl make for a simple operation.
  4. Four removable components and simple assembly and cleaning instructions.
  5. From Sensio Home, a reputable British company that has been around since 1946.
  6. Has a 2-year satisfaction warranty that ensures a delightful frozen treat experience.   

Magimix Le Glacier: Rapid Dessert Maker

  1. Easily accommodates chunky ingredients, making it ideal for various ice cream recipes.
  2. Delivers ice cream and sorbet made from scratch in 30 minutes.
  3. Compact design, perfect for use by one person or in small kitchens.
  4. Can be completely disassembled for quick and easy cleaning.
  5. Made in Italy, with a trustworthy 3-year warranty.
  6. Offers an abundance of recipe ideas via the free Magimix application.   

VonShef 1L Ice Cream Maker

  1. Ice cream can be made in an hour thanks to quick operation.
  2. For convenience, a built-in compressor eliminates the need for pre-freezing.
  3. A sizeable 1-litre capacity enables the creation of different frozen desserts.
  4. Smaller sizes allow for simple storage and less counter space.
  5. For assurance, VonShef offers a warranty that lasts at least two years.
  6. Appropriate for a range of ice cream recipes.   

Mr Creations' Ice Cream Station

  1. Perfect for use in home gardens.
  2. Make sure there is high productivity.
  3. Perfect for developing original ice cream recipes.
  4. Uses the soft whip technique.
  5. Allows for the creation of soft-scoop ice cream.
  6. Offers an experience making custom ice cream.   

H5L Ice Cream Maker OMCOM 1.

  1. Has three settings for making soft ice cream, hard ice cream, and milkshakes.
  2. Digital LED display improves setting control and readability
  3. A generous 1.5-litre capacity accommodates servings for the entire family.
  4. Blades, bowl, and lid are all removable for simple cleaning
  5. Comes with a shovel, ice cream scoop, and measuring cup
  6. Ideal for developing numerous ice cream recipes.   

Baridi 1.2L Ice Cream Machine

  1. Finish 1.2L of ice cream in less than an hour.
  2. Secondly, take advantage of automatic cooling for an hour after preparation.
  3. For convenience, use LCD, digital controls, and compact dimensions.
  4. Use compressor cooling to achieve a cooling range of -18 to -35 degrees Celsius.
  5. Use the refill inlet to develop your particular ice cream recipe.
  6. Acceptable for everyone, including vegans, when using any dairy-free milk substitutes.   

Successful Ice Cream Maker

  1. Makes it possible to make ice cream quickly and easily.
  2. Makes it easier to produce fashionable rolled ice cream.
  3. Full-featured set with a maker, scoop, and scraper.
  4. A handy straw spoon is included for quick enjoyment.
  5. Ample servings with a generous 33 cm diameter.
  6. Comprehensive instructions guarantee simple operation.   

   

STARLYF Celiac-Friendly Ice Cream Maker

  1. Quickly make natural, gluten-free ice cream.
  2. Convenient cleaning, disassembly, and assembly.
  3. Delight in six entertaining dessert shapes.
  4. Use honey, chocolate, or spices to improve your desserts.
  5. Suitable for dieters and kids, ideal for a healthy diet.
  6. Maintains creaminess, proteins, and fruit flavours without additives or preservatives.   

Automatic Pan-n-Ice Cream Maker: A

  1. Have a home Pan-n-Ice parlour experience.
  2. Quickly prepare cocktails, ice cream, yoghurt, sorbet, and gelato.
  3. Easy to use; just add the ingredients and start.
  4. A convenient removable bucket and transparent lid.
  5. Thanks to the skilled compressor, pre-freezing is not necessary.
  6. Reputable brand with a reputation for reliable, long-lasting goods.   

Features to Look for When Buying Ice Cream Makers

It’s crucial to consider several important features when purchasing an ice cream maker. The kind of machine is the first factor to take into account. Your decision will largely depend on your preferences and needs, whether you choose an intelligent scoop like the Cuisinart Ice 100, a gelato professional, or a primary electric ice cream maker like the VonShef Ice Cream Maker. 

Another important consideration is the freezer bowl’s size. More giant bowls make it possible to serve more ice cream, but they also require more freezer space. The ability of the device to produce different frozen treats is its second feature. 

The best ice cream makers let you create delicious, excellent sorbets, rich gelatos, and even frozen yoghurt. Some models even include a cookbook to get you going. The Cuisinart Ice30BCU, renowned for its ability to create a variety of frozen desserts, is a superb illustration of such an adaptable device.

Usability is the third factor to take into account. A machine that is simple to use and clean is what you should look for. While some models come with a stand mixer, others call for hand mixing. Some expensive models, like the Ninja Creami, even let you add extras like chocolate chips right inside the mixer. 

Finally, consider delivery details and the retailer’s or brand’s post-purchase support. Excellent customer service and consistent delivery are ensured when shopping at reputable UK merchants like John Lewis.

The Role of a Food Processor in Making Homemade Ice Cream

A food processor can be a helpful appliance when making homemade ice cream. It helps when making the ice cream base in the beginning. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed in the food processor to produce a smooth and creamy mixture. 

This is essential if you want your ice cream to have the texture you want. 

Beyond ice cream, the food processor can create a variety of frozen desserts. For instance, you can use it to blend frozen yoghurt for a healthier dessert or puree frozen fruit for a cool sorbet. 

Remembering that a food processor cannot replace an ice cream maker is crucial. Although it helps make the base, an ice cream maker must churn and freeze the mixture. 

This procedure produces delicious homemade ice cream with the ideal texture by incorporating air and preventing the growth of ice crystals. Additionally, using a food processor is not limited to making desserts. It is a multipurpose appliance that is worth purchasing because it can be used for many kitchen tasks. 

Soft Serve Ice Cream and Sorbet Making at Home

With the right ice cream maker, you can easily make soft-serve ice cream and sorbet at home. Not only are these frozen treats delicious, but you can also choose the ingredients to suit your preferences. 

With homemade versions, you can select fresh ingredients, manage the sugar content, and even accommodate dietary needs, which is impossible with store-bought alternatives. A machine with a specific feature is required to make soft-serve ice cream at home. 

To incorporate more air, the ice cream maker must churn it more quickly, resulting in a lighter and softer texture. The Cuisinart Gelato and Ice Cream Maker is one such device that excels at performing this task.

However, making sorbet is a more straightforward process that can be accomplished with most ice cream makers. The ingredients make up the bulk of the difference. Typically made without dairy, sorbet generally is made from fruit juice, purée, sugar, and water. You can easily create a creamy soft serve or a tart sorbet at home with the right ice cream maker. 

Making Delicious Homemade Ice Cream with a Freezer Bowl

With a freezer bowl, making delicious homemade ice cream is simple. The bowl for this ice cream maker needs to be frozen before use. The ice cream base is added after the bowl has completely frozen, and the machine whips it into a smooth dessert.

A freezer bowl has the benefit of not requiring salt or ice, which are ingredients in conventional ice cream makers. Additionally, it is typically less expensive than freezer-equipped models. A popular model using a freezer bowl is the Cuisinart Ice 21.

The freezer bowl must, however, be wholly frozen before use, which typically requires at least 24 hours in the freezer. Therefore, preparation is necessary before making ice cream in a freezer bowl. 

Despite this minor inconvenience, the freezer bowl method continues to be a popular option for many. It lets you experiment with flavours and ingredients while quickly making delicious homemade ice cream.

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Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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