Whether you're brand new to making ice cream or you're ready to invest in a premium machine, choosing the right ice cream maker makes all the difference.
We've rounded up our top five standout ice cream makers, each suited for a different level of experience and style of user - from beginners to serious ice cream enthusiasts.
In conducting our ice cream test, the main factors we looked for were density & creaminess of the final ice cream and least amount of ice crystals. Read below to find out which ice cream maker is our contender for best ice cream maker!
Lello Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker
Best For: Ice Cream Enthusiasts Who Want the Best on the Market
If you're serious about ice cream, the Lello Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker is in a league of its own. This fully automatic commercial-quality machine has a built-in compressor, meaning there's no need to pre-freeze bowls or plan ahead. It delivers consistently smooth, dense, professional-grade ice cream in about 20–30 minutes. It's simple to just turn on (without having to remember to freeze a bowl) and make batch after batch of ice cream.
What really sets this machine apart is its durability and performance. With its stainless steel construction and powerful motor, it's designed for frequent use and exceptional results every time. It can handle everything from gelato to sorbet with ease. The Lello Musso is a simple machine with no computerized parts, making it easy for anyone to setup and use right out of the box.
Final Thoughts: This machine is ideal for dedicated ice cream enthusiasts who want top-tier results at home. If you care about texture, consistency, and speed - and don't mind investing in premium equipment - this is the gold standard.
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Best For: Intermediate Users Who Already Own a KitchenAid Stand Mixer
If you already own a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, you can instantly turn it into an ice cream maker with their handy Ice Cream Maker Attachment. Enjoy up to 2 Quarts of ice cream after about 40 minutes of churning. This attachment is an efficient and effortless way to step into the world of homemade ice cream. It uses a freeze-bowl method, meaning you'll need to freeze the bowl 24 hours ahead of time, but once ready, it produces creamy ice cream with minimal effort. The attachment integrates seamlessly with your mixer, making it a great way to expand your kitchen capabilities without buying a completely separate appliance.
Final Thoughts: Perfect for intermediate users who have made ice cream before and want a convenient, reliable upgrade - especially if they already own a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It's also great for those who value multifunctional kitchen tools over standalone machines.
Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (ICE-21P1)
Best For: Beginners Who Want the Best Compact Ice Cream Maker
A great entry-level ice cream maker for home use, the Cuisinart Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Maker can make a range of sweet treats in one compact machine. It's very simple to operate, with only an ON-OFF switch at the front and an exposed lidless container that allows you to add mix-ins while churning.
As the most compact and affordable on the list, it's also great for variety. Capable of making ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet, this small yet powerful ice cream maker can make 2 batches back-to-back if you work quick enough. While it requires pre-freezing the bowl for 24 hours prior to use, the payoff is a smooth and creamy dessert in under 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts: This ice cream maker is ideal for beginners who want something simple, versatile & compact. It's also reliable and budget-friendly to test the waters without making a financial commitment.
GreenPan Frost Slush & Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Best For: Casual Users & Families Who Want Fun, Quick Treats
This unique machine is all about fun and versatility. The GreenPan Frost isn't just for traditional ice cream - it's designed for slushies, soft serve, and quick frozen desserts. It's a more casual, experience-driven product that's perfect for families or anyone who wants frozen treats at a moment's notice.
Instead of focusing on dense, churned ice cream like traditional machines, this one excels at lighter, softer textures and creative treats. It's easy to use and encourages experimentation. Note that this machine will not make true "ice cream" that you can store & freeze to enjoy later, but rather it makes instant soft-serve & treats for quick enjoyment. If you are looking for a frozen treat maker with a lot more options than just ice cream, this is a great one to consider.
Final Thoughts: Great for casual users, families, or anyone who enjoys making quick, fun frozen treats rather than perfecting classic ice cream. It's especially appealing for kids or entertaining guests.
Cuisinart Cool Creations Ice Cream Maker (ICE-70P1)
Best For: Intermediate to Advanced Home Ice Cream Makers
The Cuisinart Cool Creations Ice Cream Maker offers a step up in both features and performance compared to Cuisinart's other machine. With multiple settings, a larger capacity, and improved paddle design, it produces smoother textures and gives you more control over your recipes.
It still uses a freezer bowl, but adds a more refined user experience with a digital display and preset programs for ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. It's a great balance between convenience and customization.
Final Thoughts: This machine is ideal for users who have some experience making ice cream and want to improve their results. It's perfect for those who are ready to experiment more with recipes and textures without jumping to a high-end compressor model.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ice cream maker comes down to how often you plan to use it and how serious you are about the craft:
- Beginner: Start with a simple, affordable model like the Cuisinart ICE-21P1
- Intermediate: Upgrade to something more versatile like the KitchenAid attachment or Cuisinart ICE-70P1
- Enthusiast: Invest in a premium machine like the Lello Musso Lussino
- Casual/Fun Use: Go for something creative like the GreenPan Frost
No matter where you fall, there's a perfect machine to help you create delicious homemade frozen treats.
Chef Austin's Ice Cream Recipes
