The 8 Best Ice Cream Makers of 2022

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream—but you’ll really scream once you realize just how simple it is to make your own! More convenient, cost-effective, and delicious than store-bought pints, ice cream makers give you the gift of the homemade stuff, and you can even experiment with different flavors in the comfort of your home. For all you dairy queens, kings, and everything in between, we’re here to give you the scoop on the best ice cream makers.

Take your pick, then try out our favorite homemade ice cream recipes.

Which ice cream maker is the best to buy?

Great question! There are several factors to consider when buying an ice cream maker, from machine type to added features

• Pre-freeze vs. Compressor vs. Rock Salt: There are three not-so-rocky roads you can take when choosing the ice cream maker model that’s right for you. If you want delectable desserts with minimal effort (and who wouldn’t?), consider a pre-freeze model. These makers come equipped with a double-walled canister containing a freezable liquid between the walls, so it needs to be frozen anywhere from 7-24 hours in advance . You will need to plan ahead so the container is frozen in time for you to use it—or you can just store it in your freezer 24/7, but that may not work if you’re low on space. For ice cream anytime with no prep, consider a compressor-style model. Though they’re the priciest and heaviest option of the bunch, they don’t require pre-freezing and, in some cases, don’t even need to be monitored. Like compressor-style ice cream makers, models that use a combination of rock salt and ice as a freezing agent require minimal prep (though you do of course need the rock salt and ice on-hand), but of the three types of ice cream makers, they require the most hands-on work. To use these units, you’ll need to layer the ice and salt around the canister before you get started and you’ll need to replenish them throughout the churning process. That being said, this is a good option if you don’t mind the extra effort and want to make enough decadent ice cream to numb a break-up Bridget Jones-style or fuel a crowd. (More on that in a minute.)
• Size: As we just mentioned, certain ice cream makers (cough cough compression-style models) take up a larger footprint than others, which is important to take into account if you have a smaller kitchen. However, if you lack the freezer space needed to pre-freeze a canister or stow away rock salt, you can consider a more compact model or even a KitchenAid attachment if you already own a stand mixer.
• Features: You know the drill—you get what you pay for. But when it comes to ice cream makers, this rule applies to performance and additional features. For example, some machines (usually compression-style models) boast an automatic stopping function so you don’t have to monitor your maker to determine when your ice cream is ready. If you’re low on outlets or want to take your ice cream maker on the go, some units are battery-operated or have hand cranks for maximum portability. These options are great for camping or using with kids, with the downside that you’ll be putting in more effort to yield less creamy results.

Are ice cream makers worth buying?

If your idea of a balanced diet is an ice cream in each hand, we think it's a worthy investment! Ice cream makers not only give you more control over what goes into your batch, but they can save you money in the long run (when properly maintained) because all you have to do is buy the ingredients to make a larger batch than what you'd pick up at the store. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your ice cream maker:

• For canisters that require pre-freezing, make sure you give them enough time to chill out in your freezer. Shortening the freezing time can affect results negatively. Pro-tip: If you can still hear liquid moving inside the walls when you shake it, it needs more time.
• Don’t skimp on the fat content—for dairy-based frozen desserts, you’ll want to avoid using low-fat or skim milk. These options may seem healthier, but they don’t freeze as well and will leave your ice cream with an icy texture and less flavor. If you want to try a healthier option, consider making this strawberry sorbet.
• Just like the canister, make sure the ice cream mixture is thoroughly chilled before you start your ice cream maker.
• If your machine doesn’t come with a feature to signal your ice cream is ready, keep an ear out for the sound of it laboring to continue churning to determine when it’s done.
• Ice cream makers don’t immediately yield a product that is rock-solid in consistency. If you prefer a soft texture you can scoop it as soon as it's ready, but for a firmer consistency, stick the canister in the freezer until it’s hardened to your preference. (Just be sure to let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes before scooping.)

How We Picked These Products

Our expert friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Technology Department have run a variety of tests on the most popular ice cream machines on the market, including their ability to prepare ice cream and sorbet, ease of use and assembly, noise level during operation, cleanability, and even quality of customer service. After reviewing their findings, we’ve identified that these are the top ice cream makers you can buy in 2022:

• Best Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker
• Best Budget Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker
• Best Ice Cream Maker for Kids: Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
• Best Ice Cream Maker Attachment: KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
• Best Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Maker: Nostalgia Electric Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker
• Best Compressor-Style Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart Commercial Quality Ice Cream & Gelato Maker
• Best Portable Ice Cream Maker: Nostalgia Electric 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker
• Best Vegan Ice Cream Maker: Yonanas Fruit Soft Serve Maker