7 Best Homemade Ice Cream Machines of 2026

This game-changer for flavor lovers delivers a rare feature in its price range: dual ice cream bowls that let you churn two distinct flavors at once. With a simple, no-fuss design and a built-in ingredient dispenser, it’s perfect for families or hosts who want to impress without complexity. It solves the all-too-common frustration of batch-by-batch churning, letting kids pick chocolate while adults opt for coffee swirl—no waiting, no compromise.

In real-world testing, the machine consistently produces soft-serve–style results in about 25–30 minutes, assuming the bowls are properly frozen (a 12-hour pre-freeze is non-negotiable). The 1.5-quart total capacity (split between bowls) works well for small gatherings, though it’s not ideal for large parties. It handles creamy custards and fruit-based sorbets with ease, but thicker mixtures like gelato can stall the motor if overfilled. Unlike salt-and-ice models, it’s mess-free and quiet, though it lacks programmable settings or automatic shut-off.

Compared to the Cuisinart ICE-21P1, this model offers more versatility in flavor experimentation but sacrifices some build quality and insulation efficiency. It’s best suited for casual home users who value fun and flexibility over precision or speed. While it doesn’t match the Ninja CREAMi’s texture mastery, it delivers double the fun at less than half the cost, making it a standout for flavor explorers.

A compact powerhouse with precision timing, the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is engineered for users who want fast, consistent results without clutter. Its double-insulated freezer bowl and heavy-duty motor churn 1.5 quarts of silky ice cream in just 20 minutes—ideal for last-minute desserts or weekday treats. The transparent locking lid with large spout makes adding mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips effortless, solving the common spill-and-stick problem found in cheaper models.

During testing, it excelled with custard bases and sorbets, delivering a smooth, scoopable texture every time—provided the bowl was fully frozen (24 hours recommended). The machine’s compact footprint fits neatly under most cabinets, a major win for small kitchens. However, it struggles with ultra-thick mixtures like frozen yogurt with high fruit content, occasionally requiring manual scraping. Unlike salt-based models, it’s clean and quiet, but the bowl’s insulation isn’t quite as robust as the larger ICE30BCP1.

When stacked against the ICE30BCP1, it trades capacity for speed and space efficiency—perfect for couples or small households. It’s less suited for big batches but outperforms budget models in reliability and finish quality. For those who want Cuisinart’s trusted engineering in a minimalist form, this model strikes a sweet balance between performance and practicality, even if it can’t match the Ninja CREAMi’s gourmet flair.

With serious churning power and family-sized capacity, the Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 is built for households that crave big batches of homemade treats. Its 2-quart double-insulated bowl and fully automatic motor handle thick custards and icy sorbets with equal ease, delivering restaurant-quality texture in under 30 minutes. The wide ingredient spout lets you toss in nuts, fruit, or caramel mid-churn without stopping—a game-changer for custom creations.

In real use, it consistently produces dense, creamy results that rival premium brands, especially when recipes are pre-chilled. The brushed stainless steel body feels durable, and the retractable cord storage keeps countertops tidy. It handles continuous use well, making it suitable for weekend entertaining. However, the larger bowl takes up significant freezer space and requires at least 24 hours to freeze solid—a hurdle for spontaneous use. Unlike salt-based models, it’s clean and quiet, but not as portable.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 68330N, it skips the salt-and-ice hassle and delivers smoother texture, though it can’t match the 4-quart output. It’s ideal for families of 4+ who make ice cream weekly. While it lacks the Ninja CREAMi’s re-spin function, it offers larger batch freedom with minimal effort, making it a top-tier choice for consistent, high-volume churning.

If peaceful, late-night dessert prep is your priority, this ultra-quiet ice cream maker is a revelation. Its advanced low-noise motor runs so quietly you can churn gelato while watching TV—no need to shoo guests or wake sleeping kids. Equipped with an LCD screen and built-in timer, it offers precision control absent in basic models, giving you confidence in every batch. The 1.5-quart insulated bowl delivers creamy results in 25 minutes, perfect for small families or frequent treat makers.

In testing, it handled everything from rich vanilla bean to tart raspberry sorbet with minimal noise and zero overflow. The smooth non-porous coating resists stains and cleans in seconds with warm water—no dishwasher, but cleanup is genuinely effortless. It’s especially strong with fruit-based mixtures but can struggle slightly with high-fat custards if overfilled. Unlike salt-based machines, it’s clean and compact, though the bowl still demands a full 12–24 hour freeze.

When compared to the Pukomc dual-bowl model, it trades dual flavors for superior noise control and digital feedback. It’s not as flashy as the Ninja CREAMi, but it delivers quiet, reliable performance at a mid-range price, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or noise-sensitive homes. It offers better tech and finish than budget picks while staying under $70, striking a sweet spot between innovation and affordability.

This workhorse for gatherings dominates when you need 4 full quarts of ice cream in one go—enough to feed a crowd or stock the freezer for weeks. Unlike frozen-bowl models, it uses ice and rock salt, eliminating the need for pre-freezing and enabling back-to-back batches. The fully automatic motor churns without hand-cranking, delivering old-school texture with modern convenience. It’s a lifesaver for summer barbecues or neighborhood events where volume matters most.

In real-world use, it produces a slightly softer, nostalgic texture—closer to soft serve than dense gelato—thanks to the salt-ice cooling method. It handles custards, sherbets, and fruit sorbets with ease, and the large canister allows generous mix-ins like cookie dough or caramel swirls. Setup takes a few minutes (ice + salt + mix), but the process is foolproof. The motor is durable, though slightly louder than plug-in freezer-bowl models. It’s not for daily use in small homes, but for big-batch enthusiasts, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the Elite Gourmet 6-quart model, it offers similar salt-based operation but less capacity. Against Cuisinart’s freezer-bowl models, it wins on batch flexibility but loses on convenience and countertop footprint. It’s perfect for budget-conscious families who host often. While it doesn’t match the Ninja CREAMi’s texture refinement, it delivers massive volume at a fraction of the cost, making it the king of value for large-scale churning.

This texture-obsessed marvel redefines homemade ice cream with CREAMify Technology that transforms frozen purées into luxuriously smooth gelato, milkshakes, and sorbets with zero graininess. Its 7 one-touch programs—from Lite Ice Cream to Smoothie Bowl—offer unmatched versatility, letting you craft keto treats, vegan sorbets, or kid-friendly milkshakes at the press of a button. The re-spin function is a secret weapon, allowing you to reprocess a frozen pint for a creamier finish—perfect for achieving that soft-serve dream.

In testing, it consistently delivered café-quality results, especially with fruit-based bases and low-sugar recipes. The 16-oz pints freeze evenly, and the Creamerizer Paddle breaks down ice crystals with surgical precision. It’s ideal for health-conscious users who want control over ingredients. However, it’s limited to pint-sized batches, so it’s not for large groups. The outer bowl must be hand-washed, and only Ninja pints are compatible—no third-party containers.

Versus the Cuisinart ICE30BCP1, it trades family-size capacity for gourmet precision and customization. It’s pricier than all others, but justifies it with texture mastery and program intelligence. For serious dessert lovers and dietary-specific users, it’s the undisputed champion. While the Hamilton Beach model wins on volume, the Ninja dominates in quality and control, making it the best overall investment for texture perfection.

For those who crave nostalgic, party-ready churning, the Elite Gourmet EIM949 is a 6-quart beast built for celebrations. Its vintage walnut wood bucket isn’t just for show—it houses a robust electric motor that churns six full quarts of ice cream in under an hour, perfect for weddings, block parties, or family reunions. The ice-and-salt method delivers a rich, traditional texture that freezer-bowl models often miss, and the automatic motor eliminates hand-cranking fatigue.

In real use, it’s surprisingly quiet for its size, and the aluminum canister wipes clean easily or goes in the dishwasher. The see-through lid lets you monitor churning without losing cold. It handles custards, sherbets, and frozen yogurts with ease, and the large capacity means leftovers freeze well. However, it’s bulky and not for daily use, and you’ll need a steady supply of ice and rock salt. It’s not ideal for small kitchens or spontaneous batches.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 4-quart model, it offers even greater volume and vintage charm, though at a slightly higher price. Against Ninja or Cuisinart freezer bowls, it loses on convenience but wins on authentic texture and crowd-feeding power. It’s best for traditionalists and entertainers. While it can’t match the Ninja’s creamy refinement, it reigns supreme in batch size and old-world appeal, making it the ultimate pick for large gatherings.