Best Ice Cream Machines of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Ice cream machines are a must-have for any ice cream lover. These appliances are designed to make the process of creating your own homemade ice cream a breeze. With various models available on the market, you can choose from countertop machines that are perfect for small kitchens or larger units that can produce up to 6 quarts of ice cream at a time. Ice cream machines come with a variety of features, including built-in timers, automatic shut-off, and easy-to-clean components. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or more adventurous flavors like salted caramel or strawberry cheesecake, an ice cream machine can help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker Cover #TOP 1
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream & Soft Serve Maker Cover #TOP 2
Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream & Soft Serve Maker
ftb score rating icon 9.8
DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine (Aqua) Cover #TOP 3
DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine (Aqua)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Ice Cream Machines

#TOP 1

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

NC501
Stone Silver
(2) 24 oz. Pints
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker Cover
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Yogurt, & More, 11-in-1, XL Capacity, Silver, Includes (2) Family-Sized 24 oz. Tubs, NC501

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a versatile ice cream maker that can also make sorbet, gelato, slushies, Italian ice, frozen drinks, Creamiccinos, and more. With its 11 programs and advanced Creamify technology, it can finely shave and transform ice particles into delicious treats. The Dual-Drive Motors apply downward pressure and spin the Professional Creamerizer Paddle, making it easy to create customizable treats with different mix-ins. The CREAMi Deluxe Pints hold 50% more ice cream than the original Ninja CREAMi, making it perfect for families. It's also easy to clean, with all parts being top-rack dishwasher safe.

What We Like
11 programs for versatility
Dual-Drive Motors and Creamify technology for finely shaved ice particles
Customizable treats with different mix-ins
Larger CREAMi Deluxe Pints hold 50% more ice cream
Easy to clean with top-rack dishwasher safe parts

Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream & Soft Serve Maker

NC701
Silver
16 oz
Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream & Soft Serve Maker Cover
Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Low Calories Program & More, 13-in-1, Soft Serve Handle & (2) CREAMi 2-in-1 16oz Pints, NC701

The Ninja CREAMi Soft Serve Maker lets you easily create delicious frozen treats at home. You can choose between classic scooped ice cream or fun swirled soft serve, giving you plenty of options to enjoy your favorite flavors. With 13 one-touch programs, you can quickly make everything from frozen yogurt to milkshakes. It also offers six special soft serve settings, so you can whip up creamy, smooth desserts with just a button press. The machine’s unique technology ensures your treats have the perfect texture, whether you want a scoop or a swirl. This makes it simple and fun to customize and enjoy your own frozen creations anytime.

What We Like
Multiple one-touch programs
Soft serve and swirl options
Customizable frozen treats
Fast, creamy texture technology
#TOP 3

DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine (Aqua)

DMIC200GBAQ04
Aqua
2 Bowls
DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine (Aqua) Cover
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker - Makes Single Serving of Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet & More - Easy to Clean & Use - Aqua, 2 Bowls

The DASH Ice Cream Maker is a versatile machine that allows you to make single servings of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in just 20 minutes. You can personalize your treats by adding your favorite ingredients through the built-in chute, creating a unique homemade ice cream experience. Its innovative design doubles as a freezable mug, making it convenient to enjoy your frozen treats. The machine is also space-saving, as all accessories can be detached and neatly stored inside the mug, perfect for kitchens with limited space.

What We Like
Versatile ice cream options
Personalized treat customization
Innovative freezable mug design
#TOP 4

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker

ICE-30BCP1
Brushed Chrome
2-Qt.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Cover
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Machine, Fully Automatic Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl Makes Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes, ICE30BCP1, Silver

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is a must-have for anyone who loves frozen desserts or drinks. With its heavy-duty motor, this brushed stainless steel machine can make frozen treats in as little as 20 minutes. The large ingredient spout makes it easy to add your favorite mix-ins, and the retractable cord storage keeps your countertops clutter-free. The machine comes with a replacement lid, a double-insulated freezer bowl that holds up to 2 quarts of frozen dessert, a paddle, instructions, and a recipe book. Make sure your freezer is set to 0-degrees F to ensure proper freezing of all foods and consult the user manual for how to use the product. Plus, with a limited 3-year warranty, you can trust in the quality of this BPA-free machine.

What We Like
Heavy-duty motor makes frozen desserts in as little as 20 minutes
Large ingredient spout for easily adding mix-ins
Retractable cord storage keeps countertops clutter-free
Comes with replacement lid, double-insulated freezer bowl, paddle, instructions, and recipe book
Limited 3-year warranty and BPA-free
#TOP 5

Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker

ICE-21P1
White
1.5 Quart
Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker Cover
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21P1, White

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker features a new patent-pending mixing paddle that can make frozen treats in 20 minutes or less. Its double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice and can make up to 1-½-quarts of your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt. The machine is easy to use with its transparent lid and large spout that makes adding ingredients simple and mess-free.

What We Like
New patent-pending mixing paddle makes frozen treats in 20 minutes or less
Double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice
Makes up to 1-½-quarts of your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt
#TOP 6

Ninja CREAMi Pints for NC299 & NC300s Series Ice Cream Makers

XSKPLID2CD
Lime & Aqua
2 Pack
Ninja CREAMi Pints for NC299 & NC300s Series Ice Cream Makers Cover
Ninja CREAMi Pints 2 Pack, Compatible with NC299AMZ & NC300s Series CREAMi Ice Cream Makers, Genuine Ninja Pint, BPA-Free & Dishwasher Safe, Color Lids, 1 Pint Each, Clear/Lime/Aqua, XSKPLID2CD

Ninja CREAMi Pints are essential accessories for your NC299 & NC300s Series Ice Cream Makers. These pints allow you to make more frozen treats like ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. They are reusable, making it easy to create endless frozen delights. With 2 pints and lids, everyone can customize their own Creami treats. The BPA-free and dishwasher-safe pints and lids ensure easy cleaning after use.

What We Like
Reusable & durable
Easy customization
Compatible with specific models
#TOP 7

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

NC299AMZ
Black
(1) 16 oz. Pint
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker Cover
Ninja CREAMi, Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet,Milkshakes, Mix-ins, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7-in-1, Ice Cream Pints, Pint lid, Healthy Ice Cream, Compact, Perfect for Kids, Black, NC299AMZ

The Ninja CREAMi transforms frozen solid bases into ice cream, sorbets, milkshakes, and more at the touch of a button. Ninja’s Creamify technology enables the CREAMi to break down a uniformly frozen block into an incredibly smooth, creamy texture in minutes. From healthy to indulgent, the Ninja CREAMi can create frozen treats as unique as you are. With 7 one-touch programs, you can easily customize your frozen treats with your favorite mix-ins. The CREAMi is compact in size, making it perfect for any countertop and easy to store. Plus, it's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

What We Like
Seven one-touch programs for easy customization
Compact size for easy storage and countertop use
Creamify technology creates smooth, creamy texture in minutes
#TOP 8

Cuisinart FastFreeze ICE-FD10 Frozen Dessert Maker

ICE-FD10
White
Cuisinart FastFreeze ICE-FD10 Frozen Dessert Maker Cover
Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Slushies and Mix-In Frozen Dessert Maker, Compact Machine, Easy to Use, Includes 3 Mixing Cups with Lids, ICE-FD10

The Cuisinart FastFreeze Dessert Maker is a versatile machine that lets you create five different frozen treats, including ice cream, milkshakes, sorbet, slushies, and mix-ins. It’s designed for ease of use, with automatic settings that quickly prepare your favorite desserts. If you’re health-conscious, this machine allows you to make non-dairy ice creams, protein shakes, or fruit-based sorbets, giving you delicious options that fit your diet. Plus, it works fast—just pre-freeze the base and select your dessert to enjoy fresh frozen treats in minutes. This makes it perfect for anyone wanting quick, homemade desserts without hassle.

What We Like
Five dessert options
Automatic preset programs
Supports health-conscious recipes
Quick preparation time
#TOP 9

DASH My Pint Ice Cream Maker

DPIC100GBAQ04
Aqua
0.4qt
DASH My Pint Ice Cream Maker Cover
Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker - Compact & Convenient Single-Serving Ice Cream Maker - Makes Gelato, Sorbet & Frozen Yogurt - 1.6 Cups, Aqua

The DASH Ice Cream Maker is a versatile machine that allows you to create single servings of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in less than 30 minutes. You can personalize your treats by mixing in your favorite ingredients, enhancing your homemade ice cream experience. The innovative design with a cooling bowl maintains freezer temperatures, making it easy to craft delicious frozen treats. This convenient and space-saving machine is perfect for quick cleaning and storage, ideal for kitchens with limited space.

What We Like
Versatile ice cream options
Personalized homemade treats
Innovative cooling bowl design
#TOP 10

Yonanas 902 Classic Vegan, Dairy-Free Frozen Fruit Soft Serve Maker

IC902ESV23
Silver
200-Watts
Yonanas 902 Classic Vegan, Dairy-Free Frozen Fruit Soft Serve Maker Cover
Yonanas Classic Frozen Fruit Soft Serve Maker for Healthy Vegan and Dairy-Free Treats, 200W Silver Machine with 36 Recipes, BPA Free, Easy to Clean, Quick and Simple to Use

The Yonanas Frozen Fruit Soft Serve Maker is a quick and easy way to turn any frozen fruit into a delicious and healthy treat. With just the touch of a button, you can transform frozen fruit into a smooth "ice-cream" or "sorbet" like dessert, without the need for additional fats, sugars, or preservatives. Whether you follow a vegan, keto, or dairy-free diet, this versatile machine allows you to create your own customized treats. The included 36 recipes provide inspiration for simple homemade desserts like pies, parfaits, and sorbets. Cleaning up is a breeze, as all removable parts are top rack dishwasher safe and the base easily wipes clean. Plus, you can make a single serving or enough for the whole family, making it perfect for any occasion. With its trusted brand reputation and 1-year limited defective coverage, you can enjoy your frozen fruit treats with peace of mind. BPA free construction ensures your health and safety while using this innovative ice cream machine.

What We Like
Quick and easy to use
Versatile for different diets
Buying Guide Image

Buyer's Guide: Best Ice Cream Machines for Your Home

This guide to buying the best ice cream machine on the market has as its main objective to point out some of the most important features that you should take into account.

Type

When making ice cream, we can distinguish two types of machines mainly. On the one hand, we have the machines with a freezer container, which have two basic elements: a bowl in which the mixture must be frozen before starting and a motor mixer, located at the top, which is responsible for stirring the mix.

With this type of machine, prior planning is necessary, because the mixture must first be prepared and taken to the freezer at least 8 hours before making the ice cream. The positive part is that these machines are usually cheaper.

On the other hand, we have the machines with a built-in freezer, which cools in a matter of minutes as the mixture is beaten. In this way, a creamy and icy mixture with a very soft texture is obtained.

Some of them even offer different configurations depending on what texture you want the ice cream to have. In this regard, you should not forget to check the time it takes for the machine to make the ice cream. Make sure the duration is less than one hour to freeze a liter of the mixture.

Cleaning

Like any food product, it is important that the product is easy to clean in all its parts. Elements such as the shovel or the bowl must have a quality manufacturing and should be suitable to go through the dishwasher so that you can save yourself discomfort when leaving your perfect refrigerator. In any case, the assembly of the pieces should also be comfortable so that you do not go crazy to place it later in its place.

Size and capacity

These are characteristics that must be taken into account and decide above all according to your own needs. One of the things that are often confusing is the amount of ice cream that can be done in each cycle. In this regard, be sure to check the dimensions of the container and the mixing paddle. That a large deposit does not necessarily mean that it can contain a lot of ice cream; some pallets are large and occupy considerable space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much is an ice cream maker machine?

Ice cream maker machines can vary in price. Compressor-style ice cream makers usually start around $250 and can go up significantly from there. It's important to consider the features and quality of the machine when making a purchase decision.

2. Is it worth getting an ice cream maker?

Yes, it is worth getting an ice cream maker if you enjoy making homemade frozen treats. Ice cream makers are versatile and can be used to make sorbets, sherbets, slushies, and other frozen drinks. They offer convenience and allow you to create customized flavors and control the ingredients in your ice cream.

3. Is it cheaper to make ice cream at home?

Making ice cream at home can be cost-effective in the long run. While the initial investment in an ice cream maker and ingredients may seem expensive, you can make several batches of ice cream with the ingredients, resulting in a lower cost per gallon compared to store-bought ice cream. It can also help you stick to your grocery budget.

Editor's Notes

During our ice cream machine research, we found 16 ice cream machine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 409,809 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ice cream machines list. We found that most customers choose ice cream machines with an average price of $86.12.

The ice cream machines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ice cream machines, including Ninja, DASH, Cuisinart, Yonanas. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.