There's something magical about homemade ice cream. Maybe it's gathering everyone around the kitchen while a fresh batch churns, or maybe it's finally creating that dream flavor you've never been able to find in stores. Whatever your reason, making ice cream at home is one of those hobbies that quickly turns into a tradition.
But before you start scooping, you'll need to choose the right ice cream machine—and that's where things can get a little confusing.
Things have come a long way from the old-fashioned barrel churners you would set out on your front porch. Should you buy a frozen bowl ice cream maker? Invest in a compressor model? Or go all in on a soft serve machine that brings the ice cream shop experience home?
The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. There's a reason why they're all here: because they excel at different things. So ultimately, the best ice cream maker is the one that fits your kitchen, your budget, and how you plan to enjoy homemade frozen desserts. What do YOU want to get from your ice cream?
Let's find you the perfect match.
Frozen Bowl Ice Cream Makers
If you’re just getting started, a frozen bowl machine is one of the easiest and most affordable places to begin.
The only catch? Planning ahead. Since the bowl needs to be completely frozen before you churn, any spontaneous ice cream cravings will require a little more patience.
If you’re the kind of person who says, “Let’s make ice cream this weekend,” instead of “I need ice cream in an hour,” you’ll absolutely love this machine.
Frozen bowl machines are affordable, reliable, and surprisingly easy to use. The only real planning required is remembering to freeze the bowl before ice cream day. (Pssst... this is why we recommend getting an extra ice cream bowl, so you can always keep one in the freezer.)
If you’re only making ice cream once or twice a month, you won't feel limited by this style of machine at all.
Cuisinart 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
Best for: Families and First-Time Ice Cream Makers
The Cuisinart 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker has earned its reputation as one of the best beginner-friendly machines available. Its generous capacity makes it easy to prepare enough ice cream for family movie nights, backyard barbecues, or weekend get-togethers.
You'll love it if you:
- Are buying your first ice cream maker
- Want a dependable machine that's easy to operate
- Need enough ice cream for several people
- Appreciate simple cleanup
Ankarsrum Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Best for: Ankarsrum Owners who Love Homemade Everything
Already own an Ankarsrum Assistent Original? Then adding the ice cream maker attachment is one of the easiest ways to expand what your mixer can do.
Instead of purchasing another countertop appliance, you can use your existing mixer to churn delicious homemade ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. It's a smart choice for home cooks who love getting the most from their kitchen equipment. Instant upgrade!
You’ll love it if you:
- Already own an Ankarsrum mixer
- Prefer multi-purpose kitchen tools
- Enjoy baking and cooking from scratch
- Want to save valuable counter space
Choose a Frozen Bowl Machine If…
A frozen bowl ice cream maker is perfect if you're just getting started, enjoy making desserts occasionally, or want incredible homemade ice cream without making a major investment.
Up next, we will look at
Compressor Ice Cream Makers
If homemade ice cream quickly becomes your newest obsession, you’ll appreciate everything a compressor machine brings to the table.
Unlike frozen bowl models, compressor ice cream makers create their own freezing power. That means no waiting overnight for a bowl to freeze and no stopping after one batch.
If you’re experimenting with recipes, making desserts for guests, or simply love having fresh ice cream whenever the craving strikes, compressor machines are hard to beat.
Cuisinart Compressor Ice Cream Maker (1 Quart)
Best for: Small Households and Everyday Treats
The Cuisinart Compressor Ice Cream Maker gives you all the convenience of built-in freezing without taking up as much counter space as larger machines.
It’s a great option for couples, smaller families, or anyone who enjoys making fresh ice cream more frequently in small batches.
You’ll love it if you:
- Make smaller portions regularly
- Want homemade ice cream without planning ahead
- Have limited kitchen space
- Value convenience over batch size
Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker
Best for: Serious Home Ice Cream Makers
If you’re ready to dive deeper into homemade frozen desserts, the Cuisinart ICE-100 offers premium features and outstanding consistency. It's a fully automatic machine that provides professional results with a commercial-grade compressor right in the unit.
Whether you’re making a rich custard ice cream, refreshing sorbet, creamy gelato, or frozen yogurt, this machine delivers reliable results batch after batch.
You’ll love it if you:
- Make frozen desserts often
- Like experimenting with different recipes
- Want professional-quality texture
- Frequently entertain family and friends
Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
Best for: Home Chefs Who Love Precision
The Breville Smart Scoop takes the guesswork out of homemade ice cream. With automatic hardness settings and intelligent programming, it adjusts the churning process based on the style of frozen dessert you’re making. And the keep cool setting holds the temperature and consistency until you are ready to serve.
Whether you’re craving gelato, frozen yogurt, or classic ice cream, the machine helps produce consistently smooth results.
You’ll love it if you:
- Enjoy premium kitchen appliances
- Appreciate automated features
- Like experimenting with different frozen desserts
- Want greater control over consistency and texture
Choose a Compressor Machine If…
A compressor machine is the perfect investment for anyone who makes homemade ice cream often, loves trying new recipes, or simply doesn’t want to remember to freeze a bowl ahead of time.
Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines
Some ice cream machines are all about crafting the perfect pint. Soft serve machines are all about creating unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re building a sundae bar for a birthday party or letting everyone customize their own cone on family movie night, these machines make each dessert feel like a special occasion.
Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Best for: Classic Soft Serve at Home
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the experience of visiting your favorite frozen yogurt or ice cream shop, this Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker makes it possible.
Dispense creamy soft serve directly into cones or bowls, then let everyone personalize their dessert with sprinkles, chocolate chips, candies, or sauces.
You’ll love it if you:
- Host a lot of parties
- Love interactive desserts
- Enjoy creating your own toppings bar
- Have lots of family
Choose a Soft Serve Machine If…
If dessert is something your family gathers around, a soft serve machine adds a little extra excitement to every celebration.
Multi-Tool Ice Cream Machines
Looking for a machine with all the bells and whistles that does more than just ice cream? Then we have two options you will have to take a look at.
These machines do ice cream well, but if all you want to make is ice cream, you might not be satisfied with these. These machines are designed to make all the things. And in our next test, we want to see if these can do all the things they say they can do.
GreenPan Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker
Best for: Frozen Treat Lovers Who Want Variety
The Green Pan Frost goes beyond traditional ice cream by making frozen drinks, milkshakes, slushies, and other icy favorites. Can this keep up with other delicious ice cream machines? Yes.
Really, it’s such a fun option for families who enjoy mixing things up and want one machine that can create multiple frozen treats throughout the year.
You’ll love it if you:
- Want more than just ice cream
- Love frozen drinks and slushies
- Enjoy entertaining guests
- Like experimenting with different frozen desserts
Cuisinart 6-in-1 Slushy & Soft-Serve Maker
Best for: People Who Want to Make All Kinds of Frozen Treats
For those who want the fun of a soft-serve machine with the versatility of a frozen drink maker, the Cuisinart 6-in-1 Slushy & Soft-Serve Maker could be a strong home option.
This machine uses built-in quick-freeze chill technology, allowing you to make soft-serve ice cream and other frozen treats with minimal preparation.
You'll love it if you:
- Want to make all the frozen treats
- Entertain lots of guests for gatherings and parties
- Love to experiment with different frozen treats and desserts
- Believe the ice cream toppings make the ice cream bar
Which Ice Cream Machine Is Best for You?
Here’s the quick version
| If you are... | Choose |
| New to homemade ice cream | Frozen Bowl Machine |
| Already own an Ankarsrum mixer | Ankarsrum Ice Cream Attachment |
| Making ice cream every week | Compressor Machine |
| Hosting parties and family nights | Soft Serve Machine |
| Like to make a variety of frozen treats | Multi-Tool Ice Cream Machine |
The Sweetest Choice is the One You’ll Actually Use
The best ice cream machine isn't necessarily the one with the most features or the highest price tag. It's the one that fits your lifestyle.
If you're just beginning your homemade ice cream journey, a frozen bowl machine is an easy and affordable place to start. And it makes traditional churn.
If you're dreaming about homemade gelato every weekend, a compressor machine gives you unmatched convenience. It also makes your ice cream a little more light and airy.
And if your favorite part of dessert is watching everyone gather around the toppings bar with a cone in hand, a soft serve machine brings the fun home for batch after batch of ice cream.
No matter which machine you choose, you're creating more than frozen desserts. You're creating traditions, sharing laughs, and making memories that are just a little bit sweeter with every scoop.
