You’re our first priority.
InfoBuy is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Overview
Nothing beats a few scoops of ice cream on a hot summer day, but homemade ice cream might taste even better. If you have food allergies or want to omit specific ingredients or additions, making your ice cream allows you complete control over flavorings and components.
In the convenience of your own home, an ice cream maker enables you to churn any flavor of ice cream that takes your fancy. But how do you choose a model?
Here is our list of the Best ice cream makers after extensive testing in our lab and at home.
- SCORE9.4
- BrandCuisinart
- Prime
- SCORE8.5
- BrandBreville
- SCORE8.5
- BrandNostalgia
Last update on 2022-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Machine Size
Ice cream makers come in a variety of sizes, from tiny single-serve devices that barely take up any counter space to enormous compressor models that are too heavy to carry around.
Batch Size
The amount of ice cream that different ice cream makers can produce in a batch varies. You should consider how much ice cream you need or want to create at once when looking for an ice cream machine. There are versions made to manufacture one single-serve cup of ice cream as well as large-capacity machines that can make up to 6 quarts or 24 cups at a time. The most common ice cream makers typically generate between 1 and 2 quarts, or 4 to 8 cups, of ice cream at a time.
For a large family or if you want to create huge quantities of ice cream for gatherings, a large-capacity machine is a smart choice. However, larger versions are typically less effective at managing smaller amounts of ice cream. A machine made to produce smaller amounts is just what you need if you want to experiment with new dishes as frequently as possible.
Settings and Options
The simplest ice cream makers might only feature an accessible on/off switch. Other appliances include timers, automatic shut-off or "keep cool" functions, additional freezer bowls, gelato-making settings, specialized paddles, and more. In comparison to other models, compressor-style ice cream makers typically include more controls and options for producing various types of ice cream. While having alternatives and adaptable appliances is fantastic, sometimes all you truly need is a basic model that does its one task well.
Power Source
Making ice cream is as simple as adding the ingredients, pressing the start button, and waiting for the ice cream to finish. This is because electric ice cream machines handle all of the churnings for you. Similar steps are taken when utilizing other automated kitchen equipment, such as slow cookers.
Freezing Style
The freezer bowl or insert that many ice cream machines utilize must be frozen before the ice cream can be churned. This might not be practical if your freezer is small; also, you'll have to wait for the bowl to freeze again if you want to prepare a second batch. Compressor types enable you to churn out multiple batches, but they are typically more expensive and take up more room. Additionally, there are ice cream machines that freeze ingredients with salt and ice, as in the past.
1. How does homemade ice cream contrast with commercially produced?
It cannot be overstated that handmade ice cream tastes better and is more flavorful than store-bought. The unnatural or strange additives found in some grocery shop variations are absent from homemade versions. Additionally, making your ice cream gives you the freedom to experiment with flavors that are simply unavailable in supermarket freezers.
2. What are some pointers for creating vegan ice cream at home?
Because the vodka keeps the vegan ice cream from freezing as hard, adding a bit to the mixture before churning helps yield smoother, more scoopable ice cream.
3. What are the most common additions to homemade ice cream?
Coatney's favorite mix-in combinations are coffee and brownie chunks, frozen passion fruit pulp and coconut, and almond extract with candied cherries.
A home machine can be useful for making reasonably priced, extra-fresh amounts of ice cream whenever the mood strikes. The Cuisinart is our Best ice cream maker option due to its affordable cost and capacity to produce batches of consistently high quality.
Our top picks
-
Nostalgia ICMP400BLUE 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker with Easy Carry Handle
-
Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel
- BEST CART GOLF BAG WITH FULL LENGTH DIVIDERS - ULTIMATE BUYING GUIDE
- Best Bose bluetooth speakers in 2022
- Best Washer Dryer Laundry Center of October 2022
- Best Washer Dryer For 2nd Floor Laundry of October 2022
- Best Washer And Dryer Laundry Centers of October 2022
- Best Washer And Dryer For Upstairs Laundry Room of October 2022
- Best Washer And Dryer For A Shallow Laundry Closet of October 2022
- Best Washer And Dryer For 2nd Floor Laundry of October 2022
- Best Stacked Laundry Center With Washer Dryer Combo of October 2022
- Best Stackable Washer Dryer Laundry Center of October 2022