The 9 Best Ice Cream Makers

February 26, 2024
Updated:
February 26, 2024
The 9 Best Ice Cream Makers
(Left) Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine (Right) Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe (Illustration by The Epoch Times, Amazon)

If you’ve ever dreamed of making ice cream at home, you’re in the right place.

Ice cream, a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion, can be enjoyed alone or paired with cake, pie, or cookies. It comes in various flavors, shapes, and sizes.

With an ice cream maker, the possibilities for creating unique flavors are endless, thanks to the freedom to experiment with different ingredients.

We’ve curated a list of the 9 best ice cream makers, selected for their performance, quality, and customer satisfaction, to guide your decision.

Additionally, we’ve included tips for crafting the best homemade ice cream and answered some common questions about ice cream makers.

Read on to find your perfect ice cream maker and start enjoying delicious homemade desserts!

The Cuisinart ICE-21 is a simple, affordable, and reliable ice cream maker. Cuisinart ICE-21 can make up to 1.5 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato sorbet in 20 minutes or less. It has a double-insulated freezer bowl that eliminates the need for ice. 
Moreover, it has a locking lid with a large spout for easy filling and adding mix-ins. Plus, an automatic mixing paddle does all the work for you.
It also has a nonslip base that keeps it stable on the counter and a cord storage that keeps it neat. The Cuisinart ICE-21 is easy to use, clean, and store. It comes with a recipe book and a three-year limited warranty.
Cuisinart is a company that offers a wide range of kitchen appliances. They additionally provide cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and accessories. Cuisinart is known for innovating, providing quality, and having style. 
They were the first to introduce the food processor to the American market. Cuisinart designs its products to make cooking and baking easier and faster.
Pros
  • It makes creamy, rich, and dense ice cream faster than any other frozen-bowl model.
  • It is very affordable and easy to use, with just one switch and a wide opening for adding ingredients.
  • It is small and compact, which means it takes up less space in the kitchen and the freezer.
  • Ice cream pros such as Jeni Britton Bauer and Tyler Malek favor it.
  • The double-lined freezer bowl contains nontoxic coolant. It stays cold for longer.
  • Safety feature prevents operation without a locked lid or frozen bowl.
  • It comes with a recipe book that includes over 30 recipes for different frozen treats.
  • It has a 3-year limited warranty and a 5-year motor warranty.
Cons
  • It has a small capacity of 1.5 quarts, which may need to be more for large families or parties.
  • The bowl must freeze for at least 16 hours. You need to plan and have enough space in your freezer.
  • It is deafening when operating, which can be annoying or disturbing for some people.
  • It needs to be dishwasher-friendly, which means you have to wash the parts by hand after each use.
 $69.95 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker

Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker
The Whynter ICM-201SB is a premium, versatile, powerful ice cream maker. It can make up to 2.1 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, or sherbet in 30 to 40 minutes. It has a built-in compressor freezer. 
This allows you to make ice cream without pre-freezing the bowl. It has a stainless steel housing that is durable and sleek. It has a churn blade and removable bowl that are easy to clean and store.
It also has an LCD that shows the temperature and time. It has a pause button that lets you adjust the mixture or add mix-ins. A motor protection function shuts off the machine if the mixture freezes solid. 
The Whynter ICM-201SB is a high-end ice cream maker. It can produce professional-quality results with minimal effort.
Whynter specializes in creating innovative, eco-friendly products for the home and lifestyle. Their products include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, humidifiers, and ice makers. 
Whynter commits to providing high-quality, energy-efficient, and user-friendly products. Their products enhance the comfort and convenience of their customers.
Pros
  • This ice cream maker needs to be pre-freezing, which saves time and freezer space.
  • It allows you to customize the hardness of your frozen dessert. You can make it soft or serve hard ice cream or anywhere in between.
  • It has a durable and sleek stainless steel housing and bowl, which are easy to clean and maintain.
  • It has extended cooling and motor protection functions. These functions prevent the ice cream from melting and the motor from overheating.
  • It has a small footprint and an upright design. This makes it ideal for small kitchens and countertops.
Cons
  • The machine is heavy and bulky, which makes it hard to move and store.
  • It is expensive compared to other ice cream makers of similar capacity.
  • There is a gap between the central pin and the surrounding plastic. This can allow the ice cream mix to get in during extraction and cleaning.
  • It does not have a transparent lid, so you cannot see the progress of the ice cream making.
  • The appliance lacks a keep-cool function. It would help if you promptly transferred the ice cream to a freezer container once it is ready.
$537.12 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)
 

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker
The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino is a deluxe, professional, and elegant ice cream maker. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino can make up to 1.5 quarts of ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, or sorbet in less than an hour.
It has a fully automatic operation requiring no pre-freezing, stirring, or waiting. It has a stainless steel body, bowl, and blade that are durable and easy to clean.
It also has a timer control. You can adjust the churning time according to your preference. It has a safety feature. It stops the machine if the mixture becomes too hard. 
Lello is a company that produces high-quality, elegant kitchen appliances. They make ice cream makers, pasta machines, and coffee makers. 
Pros
  • This is fully automatic and easy to use, with no manual stirring or monitoring required.
  • It has a timer that controls the operation of different frozen confections. These include ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
  • It has a housing, bowl, and paddle made of stainless steel that is sanitized and easy to clean.
  • It has a powerful and robust refrigeration system. This ensures fast and consistent freezing.
  • It makes creamy ice cream with tiny ice crystals, which enhances the flavor and texture.
Cons
  • It has a small capacity, making only 1.5 quarts of ice cream at a time.
  • It is cumbersome, weighing 38 lbs and measuring 12 x 18 x 11 inches.
  • It isn’t quiet, producing 74 dB of sound during operation.
  • It is not easy to clean, as the bowl is not removable, and the paddle has sharp edges.
$699.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)
 

Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker

Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker
The Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe is a versatile and innovative ice cream maker. It can make up to 2 quarts of ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt in 30 minutes or less. It has a unique system that uses a single base mix and a variety of flavor mix-ins to create customized recipes.
It has a bright base. The base automatically detects the type of container and adjusts the speed and power accordingly. It, likewise, has a touchscreen display that shows the settings, time, and progress. It comes with three containers. 
These are a double-insulated freezer bowl, a pint-sized freezer bowl, and a storage lid. The Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe is a smart ice cream maker. It can quickly satisfy your craving for different frozen treats.
Ninja is a company that creates innovative and versatile kitchen appliances. They make blenders, food processors, air fryers, pressure cookers, and more. 
Ninja’s smart technology, powerful performance, and sleek design are well-known. Ninja designs its products to make cooking and baking faster and easier.
Pros
  • This ice cream maker can make 11 different types of frozen treats. These include ice cream, gelato, sorbet, sherbet, frozen custard, and more.
  • It has a smart vessel recognition feature. It automatically adjusts the settings and recipes based on the vessel you use.
  • It has a touchscreen display. This allows you to easily select the type of frozen treat, the flavor, and the mix-ins.
  • It has a removable bowl and paddle, which are dishwasher-safe and easy to store.
  • It has a recipe book that provides you with over 100 delicious and creative recipes to try.
Cons
  • It requires pre-freezing the pints for at least 24 hours before use.
  • It has a lot of parts and accessories, which can be hard to store and keep track of.
  • It does not have a built-in compressor, so it cannot make continuous batches of frozen treats.
  • It is not very durable, as some users reported issues with the motor and the pints cracking.
  • It could be more versatile, as it can only make soft-serve style desserts and not hard ice cream.
$197.52 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
The Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop is a smart, convenient, and user-friendly ice cream maker. Breville BCI600XL can make up to 1.5 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet in 50 minutes or less. It has a built-in compressor freezer. 
This allows you to make ice cream without pre-freezing the bowl. This ice cream maker has a durable and stylish stainless steel housing. So, it has a removable bowl and paddle that are easy to clean and store.
It also has an LCD that shows the settings, time, and temperature. You can choose from 12 hardness settings. This adjusts the consistency of your frozen dessert.
A fantastic function keeps your ice cream cold for up to 3 hours. The Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop is a smart ice cream maker. It can make frozen desserts to your liking.
Breville is a company that offers a wide range of kitchen appliances. They include toasters, kettles, coffee makers, juicers, ovens, and more. 
Breville has gained renown for innovating and delivering high-quality, functional products. Breville designs its products to make your kitchen smarter and your life easier.
Pros
  • It has 12 hardness settings. It also has a manual mode, which lets you choose the consistency and texture of your frozen dessert.
  • It has a fantastic function, which keeps your ice cream from melting for up to 3 hours after the cycle is complete.
  • It has a pre-cool function. It lowers the bowl’s temperature before adding ingredients. This results in a faster, smoother freezing process.
  • It has a self-refrigerating compressor. This eliminates the need to pre-freeze the bowl or use ice and salt.
  • It has an LCD and sound alerts. They show you the progress and time of the cycle. They notify you when to add mix-ins or when the ice cream is ready.
Cons
  • It is large and heavy, weighing 32 lbs and measuring 15.75 x 11 x 11 inches.
  • It can be messy, as the ice cream can overflow from the bowl or drip from the paddle.
  • It can be inconsistent. Some users reported that the hardness settings did not match their expectations.
  • It cannot be quiet, as the compressor and the paddle make loud sounds during operation.
$630.42 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Nostalgia ICMP400WD Electric Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker

Nostalgia ICMP400WD Electric Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker Nostalgia ICMP400WD Electric Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker
The Nostalgia ICMP400WD is a fun and easy ice cream maker. It’s nostalgic and takes 20 to 40 minutes to make 4 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato. It has a wooden bucket that gives it a vintage look. It also has a plastic liner that prevents leaks. Plus, a powerful electric motor does all the churning. 
It equally has a see-through lid that allows you to monitor the ice cream-making process. Similarly, it has a carrying handle that makes it easy to move. It has a locking system that keeps the lid and motor in place.
The Nostalgia ICMP400WD is a great ice cream maker. It’s ideal for parties, family gatherings, or summer days.
Nostalgia is a company that makes fun, nostalgic products for the home and entertainment. They make popcorn makers, cotton candy makers, chocolate fountains, and more.
The past inspires Nostalgia and aims to bring back the good memories and feelings of the old days. Nostalgia designs its products to make your home more cozy and enjoyable.
Pros
  • This ice cream maker has a nostalgic and rustic design. It resembles the old-fashioned ice cream maker with a wooden bucket and a hand crank.
  • It has a large capacity of 4 quarts, which allows you to make enough ice cream for a large family or a party.
  • It has an electric motor that does the churning, which saves you the hassle and effort of manual cranking.
  • You can watch as the ice cream is made and check the consistency through the see-through lid.
  • It has a plastic liner, which makes it easy to clean the bucket and prevents leaks.
Cons
  • It requires a lot of ice and salt, which can be costly and inconvenient.
  • It has a low-quality plastic bucket liner, which can leak or crack easily.
  • It has a short cord, which can limit the placement options.
  • It does not have a timer or an automatic shut-off feature, so you have to monitor the ice cream-making process.
  • The machine does not have a keep-cool function. It would help if you transferred the ice cream to a freezer container as soon as it is done.
$98.75 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Chef'n 5255870 Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker

Chef'n 5255870 Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker Chef'n 5255870 Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker
The Chef'n 5255870 Sweet Spot is a unique, creative, and interactive ice cream maker. It can make up to 6 servings of ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet in 20 minutes. It has a metal plate that freezes in the freezer for 24 hours. 
It has a plastic scraper that helps you mix and scrape the ice cream. Plus, it includes a recipe book with ideas for different flavors. 
It has a nonstick surface that makes it easy to clean. A silicone rim protects your hands from the cold. It comes in various colors. The Chef'n 5255870 Sweet Spot is a fun ice cream maker. It lets you create frozen treats with simple ingredients and some elbow grease.
Chef'n is a company that creates innovative and playful products for the kitchen. They make peelers, slicers, graters, and more.
Curiosity and creativity drive Chef‘n. The brand intends to make cooking and baking fun and easy. Chef’n designs its products to solve problems. In addition, it adds more color and liveliness to your kitchen.
Pros
  • This ice cream maker has a simple and fun design. It consists of a metal pan that you freeze. You can use it to make ice cream on the spot.
  • It has a fast and easy operation. It only requires you to pour the ice cream base into the pan. Then, you scrape and stir it until it freezes.
  • It has a nonstick surface, which makes it easy to scoop and serve the ice cream without sticking.
  • It has a recipe book and a spatula included, which provide you with ideas and tools to make delicious ice cream.
  • It has a compact and lightweight size, which makes it easy to store and carry.
Cons
  • It requires pre-freezing the pan for at least 24 hours before use.
  • It has a small capacity, making only 3 cups of ice cream at a time.
  • It can be labor-intensive, as you have to scrape and stir the ice cream mixture by hand.
  • Achieving the right consistency can be challenging. The ice cream can freeze too hard or too soft, depending on the temperature of the pan and the ingredients.
  • It only works well with vegan recipes. Plant-based milks tend to form ice crystals and lack creaminess.
$54.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Whynter ICM-220SSY Automatic Ice Cream Maker

Whynter ICM-220SSY Automatic Ice Cream Maker Whynter ICM-220SSY Automatic Ice Cream Maker
The Whynter ICM-220SSY is another premium ice cream maker. It has a 2-quart capacity and a self-contained freezer compressor. It has a stainless steel housing, a removable bowl and churn blade, an LCD, and a timer. 
It also has a pause button, a keep-cool function, and a motor protection function. The motor protection function shuts off the machine if the mixture becomes too hard.
The Whyntminutes. It has a built-in compressor freezer.  This allows you to make ice cream without pre-freezing the bowl. It has a stainless steel housing and bowl that is durable and easy to clean. 
Plus, it has a removable churn blade that improves the texture and consistency of the ice cream. It also has an LCD that shows the temperature and time. 
A soft touch button lets you choose from different modes. Plus, it has a cooling function that keeps your ice cream cold for up to an hour. The Whynter ICM-220SSY is a versatile ice cream maker. It can easily make various frozen desserts.
Whynter is a company that creates innovative products for the home and lifestyle. Their products include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, humidifiers, and ice makers.
Pros
  • It has a stainless steel exterior and bowl, which are durable and easy to clean.
  • It has a built-in compressor freezer. This eliminates the need for pre-freezing. It also allows you to make multiple batches of ice cream.
  • It has a removable churn blade, which makes it easy to transfer and serve the ice cream.
  • It has an LCD timer and temperature display, which show you the remaining time and the current temperature of the ice cream.
  • It has a pause button and a motor protection function. The pause button lets you pause the cycle and resume it later. The motor protection function prevents the motor from overheating.
Cons
  • It is heavy and bulky, weighing 24.25 lbs and measuring 16.75 “ W x 11.25 ” D x 10.25 “ H.
  • It does not have a transparent lid, so you cannot see the progress of the ice cream or yogurt making.
  • It does not have a keep-cool function. As soon as you finish making it, transfer the ice cream or yogurt to a container in the freezer or refrigerator.
  • It cannot be quiet, as the compressor and the paddle make loud sounds during operation.
$405 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)
 

Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine

Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
The Cuisinart Soft Serve ice cream machine is fun, easy, and customizable. It can make up to 1.5 quarts of soft-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet in 20 minutes or less.
It has a double-insulated freezer bowl that eliminates the need for ice. It has a cone holder that holds flat or pointed cones. Plus, it has three condiment containers. 
Each container dispenses sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts. It also has a handle that makes soft serve swirls. There’s a mix-in gauge that lets you add your favorite ingredients. Furthermore, the removable parts are easy to clean. 
The Cuisinart Soft Serve ice cream machine is a fun ice cream maker. It lets you enjoy your soft-serve creations at home.
Cuisinart is a company that offers a wide range of kitchen appliances. They also sell cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and accessories. People know Cuisinart for innovating with quality and style.
Pros
  • This ice cream machine has a soft serve dispenser with a lever, which lets you swirl your ice cream into a cone or a bowl.
  • It has a cone holder and a drip tray, which hold your cones and catch any drips or spills.
  • It has three condiment containers with a lid. This lets you add your favorite toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts.
  • It has a double-insulated freezer bowl, which keeps the ice cream cold and smooth.
  • It has a fully automatic operation, which makes the ice cream with a simple turn of a dial.
Cons
  • It requires pre-freezing the bowl for at least 12 hours before use.
  • It has a lot of parts and crevices to clean, which can be tedious and time-consuming.
  • It does not dispense smoothly and consistently, as the ice cream can get stuck or clog the spout.
  • It is pricey, costing around $180.
  • It does not make hard ice cream, only soft-serve style desserts.
$149.01 - $179.95 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)
 

FAQ

Are Ice Cream Makers Worth Buying?

If you love ice cream and want to make your own at home, then ice cream makers are worth buying. They have many benefits, such as:
You can create your own flavors and customize the ingredients. For example, you can choose the type of milk, cream, sugar, and additives. Make low-fat, vegan, or gluten-free ice cream as well, based on your dietary needs and preferences. 
You can save money and time, as homemade ice cream is cheaper and faster than buying from a store or a parlor. You can equally make as much or as little as you want and store the leftovers in the freezer for later.
You can have fun and experiment with different recipes, mix-ins, and toppings. You can also involve your family and friends and enjoy a fun and delicious activity together.

What Is the Difference Between Gelato Makers and Ice Cream?

ice cream maker nostalgia
They differ in ingredients, texture, and flavor. Ice cream and gelato makers are similar machines but differ in design and function. Here are some of the main differences between them:
Makers use more cream and less milk to make ice cream, and they use more milk and less cream to make gelato. Ice cream likewise has more air whipped, while gelato has less air and more density. This results in lighter and fluffier ice cream. Gelato is more prosperous and creamier.
Ice cream makers have a faster and stronger churn speed, while gelato makers have a slower and gentler churn speed. This affects the amount of air and ice crystals in the mixture. It involves the texture and consistency of the final product.
Ice cream makers produce smoother and softer ice cream. Gelato makers make thicker and firmer gelato.
Ice cream makers have a lower freezing temperature. Gelato makers have a higher cool temperature. This affects the flavor and freshness of the frozen dessert and the storage time. 
Ice cream makers produce colder and more refreshing ice cream. 
Gelato makers make warmer and more flavorful gelato. Ice cream makers also require longer storage time in the freezer. In contrast, gelato makers can serve it immediately or store it briefly.

How Long Can You Keep Ice Cream in an Ice Cream Maker?

The answer to this question depends on the models of ice cream makers and the type of ice cream. Ice cream makers with a built-in freezer or a self-refrigerating compressor can keep the ice cream at the optimal temperature for up to 2 hours. 
Ice cream makers that use a manual freezing method can keep ice cream at the ideal temperature for up to ten minutes. Ice cream makers can additionally hold them at the perfect temperature for up to ten minutes.
These machines use a double-insulated freezer bowl. After that, the ice cream may melt or harden and lose its texture and flavor.
If you want to store the ice cream for longer, transfer it to an airtight container and put it in the freezer. However, this may furthermore affect the quality of the ice cream. It may develop ice crystals, freeze burn, or lose its creaminess. 
To prevent this, you need to use a shallow and wide container. Leave some space for expansion and cover the surface of the ice cream with a plastic wrap. It would help if you thawed the ice cream slightly before serving to restore its softness and smoothness.
The shelf life of homemade ice cream in the freezer depends on the ingredients, the recipe, and the storage conditions. Generally, homemade ice cream can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer but may lose its quality and flavor over time. 
Check the expiration dates of the ingredients to ensure your ice cream is fresh and safe. Follow the recipe instructions. Store the ice cream in a clean, cold freezer.

Is Homemade Ice Cream Better?

Homemade ice cream has many advantages over store-bought ice cream, such as:
Advantages:
  • Both the quantity and quality of the ingredients are under your control. 
  • You can also avoid artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and additives. You can choose organic, natural, or local ingredients. This supports the environment and the community.
  • Both the ice cream’s flavor and texture are customizable. This way, you can create your unique combinations. You can cater to your preferences and dietary needs. You can make vegan, gluten-free, or low-fat ice cream.
  • You can save money and time, as homemade ice cream is cheaper and faster than store-bought. You can make as much or as little as you want and enjoy fresh and delicious ice cream anytime.
Disadvantages: 
However, homemade ice cream equally has some disadvantages, such as:
  • It would help if you bought an ice cream maker, which can be expensive, heavy, and noisy. You also need to maintain and clean the ice cream maker and store it properly.
  • You must plan and prepare the ingredients, the recipe, and the freezer space. You must freeze the ice cream maker bowl or the ice cream mixture, depending on the type of ice cream maker.
  • You have to eat the ice cream quickly.
  • Homemade ice cream has a different shelf life and stability than store-bought ice cream. Additionally, Storing the ice cream in an airtight container is a foolproof way to prevent it from melting or freezing. It would help.

What Is the Secret to Making Ice Cream?

There is no one secret to making ice cream. However, some tips and tricks can help you make the best ice cream at home. For example:
  • High-quality ingredients
Use high-quality ingredients like fresh cream, milk, eggs, sugar, and flavorings. Avoid low-fat or skimmed milk, resulting in icy and watery ice cream. Furthermore, avoid using too much sugar. It lowers the freezing point and makes the ice cream too soft.
  • Chill the ingredients
Chill the ingredients and the ice cream maker bowl before use. This way will help the mixture freeze faster and prevent ice crystals from forming. You can chill the container and the utensils that you will use to transfer and store the ice cream.
  • Cook the ice cream
Cook the ice cream base over low to medium heat and stir constantly to avoid scorching or curdling. Also, You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. Aim for 170°F to 180°F, the optimal range for pasteurizing the eggs and dissolving the sugar.
You can use a cornstarch slurry or a custard base to thicken the mixture and improve the texture.
  • Strain the ice cream
Strain the ice cream base before chilling to remove any lumps, bits, or impurities. You can also use a blender or a whisk to aerate the mixture and make it smoother and creamier.
  • Time
Wait at least 4 hours, or even overnight, for the ice cream mixture to chill. This allows the flavors to develop and the mixture to cool completely. You can prevent the mixture from forming a skin by covering the surface with plastic wrap.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning the ice cream. Refrain from filling the ice cream maker bowl. You can also check the consistency of the ice cream by inserting a spoon or a spatula into the mixture. 
See if it holds its shape or drips. The ideal consistency is soft-serve, thick, and creamy but not hard or frozen.
  • Add the mix-ins and toppings
Add the mix-ins and toppings at the end of the churning process and fold them gently into the ice cream. You can reserve some for garnishing the ice cream when serving. You can use any ingredients: 
For example, nuts, fruits, chocolate chips, cookies, candies, syrups, sauces, and more. However, avoid using too hard, wet, or large ingredients. They may affect the texture and flavor of the ice cream.
  • Keep fresh
Pack the ice cream into a container that will keep it fresh. Freeze it for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow it to firm up and set. You can also cover the surface of the ice cream with a plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. 
If you want to enjoy the ice cream immediately, skip this step. But the ice cream may need to be softer and melt quickly.
  • Leave it at room temperature
Thaw the ice cream slightly before serving to make it easier to scoop and eat. Leave it at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. 
Or, if it’s complex or large, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds. You can use a warm or wet ice cream scoop to glide through the ice cream and create perfect scoops smoothly.
  • Serve the ice cream
Serve the ice cream in a garnish or a cone, and bowl it with your favorite toppings and mix-ins. Also, You can serve the ice cream with other desserts, such as cake, pie, brownies, waffles, pancakes, and more. 
Enjoy your homemade ice cream and share it with your family and friends.

What Size Ice Cream Maker Do I Need?

ice cream makers
If you want to make ice cream occasionally and for a few people, you can choose a frozen bowl maker with a 1 to 2-quart capacity. These ice cream makers are usually easy to use and clean. 
However, you must pre-freeze the bowl for several hours before churning.
Some examples of frozen-bowl ice cream makers are the Cuisinart ICE-211 and the Cuisinart ICE-70.
If you want to make ice cream often and for many people, choose a compressor ice cream maker with a 2 to 4-quart capacity. There is a built-in freezer in these ice cream makers. It can churn ice cream without pre-freezing.
However, they are more expensive and heavier. Some models have fixed bowls that are harder to clean. Some compressor ice cream makers are the Whynter ICM-201SB and the Breville Smart Scoop.
You can make ice cream in a traditional and fun way with an old-fashioned ice cream maker. It has a capacity of 4 to 6 quarts. These ice cream makers use ice and salt to freeze the ice cream. 
They require manual cranking or an electric motor to churn. They are usually messy and require more labor. However, they can produce large batches of ice cream with a nostalgic flavor. 
The White Mountain Electric Ice Cream Maker is a vintage ice cream maker. The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker is also vintage.

How Long Should An Ice Cream Maker Take?

Here are some approximate times for different types of ice cream makers:
Frozen-bowl ice cream makers require you to pre-freeze the bowl for at least 12 hours. Then, you can start churning.
Churning can take 15 to 25 minutes. After stirring, you may need to transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Then, freeze it for another 2 to 4 hours to reach the optimal texture.
Within the compressor ice cream makers is an integrated freezer.
They churn ice cream without pre-freezing, which can take 20 to 40 minutes. After stirring, you may still want to freeze the ice cream for another 1 to 2 hours to make it firmer and smoother.
Old-fashioned ice cream makers use ice and salt to freeze the ice cream.
They require manual cranking or an electric motor to churn. This can take 20 to 30 minutes. After stirring, you may need to pack the ice cream with more ice and salt. Let it sit for another 30 minutes to an hour to harden.

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced 9 of the best ice cream makers on the market. We also give you tips and tricks for making the best ice cream at home. 
Based on this article, Cuisinart ICE-21 is the best ice cream maker. It is easy to use and clean. It churns out smooth and creamy ice cream in about 18 minutes, faster than most other models. 
We hope this article has helped you find the best ice cream maker. It may have also inspired you to try exciting ice cream recipes. You can have fun and be creative with the flavors, ingredients, and toppings.