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Best Automatic Ice Cream Machines of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu

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Automatic ice cream machines are an innovative kitchen appliance that allows users to make their own ice cream at home with ease. With a simple push of a button, these machines can churn out delicious frozen treats in a matter of minutes. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any kitchen and budget. Some machines even have pre-set programs for specific types of ice cream or frozen desserts, making the process even simpler. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, an automatic ice cream machine is a must-have for anyone who loves sweet treats.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 6 Automatic Ice Cream Machines

#TOP 1

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker

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.

9.9
FTB Score

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 2

Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream & Soft Serve Maker

  • Ninja
  • 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.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

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

Cuisinart FastFreeze ICE-FD10 Frozen Dessert Maker

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.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Five dessert options
  • Automatic preset programs
  • Supports health-conscious recipes
  • Quick preparation time
#TOP 4

Whynter 2-Quart Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker

  • Whynter
  • ICM-200LS
  • Stainless Steel
  • 2.1 Quart
Whynter 2-Quart Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker Cover

Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-200LS, Stainless Steel

The Whynter 2-Quart Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker is an ideal machine for entertaining guests. With its high-capacity feature, you can make up to 2 quarts of your frozen dessert in one batch. This electric ice cream maker and yogurt machine allows you to create gelato, ice cream, sorbet, and all-natural yogurt using ingredients you trust from the comfort of your home. You can fully customize the taste of your favorite dessert. The powerful built-in compressor freezer allows for continuous use without the need to pre-freeze the stainless steel mixing bowl. Additionally, the machine features an Extended Cooling function that prevents ice cream from melting and a Motor Protection function that stops the motor from churning to prevent overheating or damage once the mixture solidifies. The sleek stainless steel exterior and soft-touch LCD control panel make it a perfect addition to any kitchen counter.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High-capacity machine
  • Powerful built-in compressor freezer
  • Extended Cooling function prevents ice cream from melting
  • Motor Protection function prevents overheating or damage
  • Sleek stainless steel exterior with soft-touch LCD control panel
#TOP 5

Elite Gourmet EIM-520 Ice Cream Maker

Elite Gourmet EIM-520 Ice Cream Maker Cover

Maxi-Matic EIM-520 Automatic Easy, Homemade Electric Maker, Ingredient Chute, On/Off Switch, No Salt Needed, Creamy Ice Cream, Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, or Sorbet, 1 Quart, Blue

The Elite Gourmet Ice Cream Maker is a fun and easy way to create delicious summer treats for you and your family. With its simple freezing bowl, you can make ice cream directly in the unit, saving time and effort. The 1-quart capacity is just right for sharing with friends and family. Using this maker is a breeze; just freeze the bowl overnight, add your ingredients, and push a button to enjoy a delightful dessert. Plus, the convenient ingredient chute lets you mix in nuts or berries while churning, allowing for endless flavor combinations.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy to use
  • 1-quart capacity
  • Convenient ingredient chute
  • No chemicals needed
#TOP 6

Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker

  • Chefman
  • RJ64-10-BLK
  • Black
  • 14" x 10" x 9"
Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker Cover

Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker, No Pre-Freezing with Built-In Compressor, Makes Ice Cream, Froyo, Sorbet, Sherbet, Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt, Digital Display w/ 3 Presets, 2 Pint Inserts Included

Features

  • READY IN AN HOUR: The Iceman Trio Makes Deluxe Froyo Or Ice Cream In As Little As An Hour. Mix And Freeze Tasty Rocky Road Or Healthy Sorbet In This Icecream Maker Machine.
  • YOUR FAVORITE FROZEN TREATS: Freeze Delicious Homemade Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Italian Ice, Sorbet, Sherbet, And More In This Versatile And Easy-To-Use Ice Cream Machine! Perfect To Mix Sweet New Flavors Or To Make Classic Vanilla Ice Cream With The Family.
  • TWO INSERTS INCLUDED: The Trio Features Two Lids And Two Stainless Steel Inserts That Can Freeze A Pint Of Any Flavor You Can Think Of.
9.4
FTB Score

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a ice cream machine cost?

On average, you can find plenty of decent electronic ice cream makers priced in the $50-$100 range. You'll find some of the more simple ice cream makers for under $30, while heavy-duty compressor models that work like miniature freezers can cost several hundred dollars.

2. Is it worth getting an ice cream maker?

Yes, they're a specialist appliance, but if you're serious about ice cream or just want to be able to make your own and know exactly what's going into it, an ice cream maker is a worthy investment. Making your own ice cream is as easy as it gets and there are very few pieces of kit you need.

3. How much does a gelato machine cost?

The price for a commercial gelato machine varies based on size, output, and features. You can find gelato machines ranging from about $1,700 on the low end to $20,000 or more for premium models.

Editor's Notes

During our automatic ice cream machine research, we found 16 automatic ice cream machine products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 168,925 customer reviews through our big data system to write the automatic ice cream machines list. We found that most customers choose automatic ice cream machines with an average price of $183.45.

The automatic ice cream machines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of automatic ice cream machines, including Cuisinart, Ninja, Whynter, Elite Gourmet, Chefman. 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

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.