Jill A. Chafin
Ready to spend your summer indulging in some scrumptious homemade ice cream? These high-quality machines make whipping up your own ice cream a total breeze.
We’re big ice cream fans, but, hey, who isn’t? After multiple grocery deliveries of full quarts of melted, mushy ice cream, we decided to take matters into our own hands. And you, too, can make your own ice cream!
Making your own ice cream is the perfect way to experiment with new flavors or cater to specialty diets. For example, you can make this delicious dairy- and sugar-free kind, or how about some strawberry, basil, and goat cheese cream? Fun!
We’ve included machines with a variety of features at different price points, so you can find just the one to suit your budget.
Then, all you’ll need is some cream, sugar, and your favorite toppings.
The Cuisinart ICE21R
The Cuisinart ICE21R Frozen Yogurt Automatic Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker is a sturdy machine. It comes complete with a double-insulated freezer bowl, mixing paddle, and transparent lid so you can watch the magic happen. There’s also a large spout to minimize messes when adding ingredients, like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
You store the freezer bowl in the freezer prior to each use. At 1.5 quarts, it’s a tad smaller than the others on our list. However, it’ll give you fresh, homemade ice cream in just 20 minutes!
The machine’s dimensions are 9.5 x 9.00 x 11.25 inches, so it takes up minimal counter space, and you can’t beat the price! We love it in the fun red, but it also comes in pink or white.
Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker, Double Insulated Freezer Bowl elminates the need for Ice and Makes Frozen Treats in 20 Minutes or Less, Red
For those who want a compact, economical machine.
$65.00 
The KitchenAid Mixer Ice Cream Attachment
If you already have a KitchenAid mixer, consider getting this awesome, easy-to-use ice cream bowl attachment. Although it will take up space in your freezer, you’ll save counter space by not adding a separate appliance.
This ice cream attachment allows you to whip up two quarts of ice cream, sorbet, gelato, or frozen yogurt in approximately 30 minutes. We suggest starting a batch before dinner, though, so dessert will be waiting for you.
After you’ve devoured your tasty treat, just wash the bowl with warm soapy water and store it in the freezer until your next ice cream binge. You can put all the other parts directly in the dishwasher.
We have noticed that if your ice cream mixture is too thick or shallow, it won’t spin properly. The solution is to make a double batch—fill that bowl up! You can always just store the leftovers in the freezer for tomorrow’s dessert.
The KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment is around $90 on Amazon, but watch for sales. We recently snagged ours for $60, and it was worth every penny!
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment - Excludes 7, 8, and most 6 Quart Models, Fits 5 to 6 quart Mixers
Love your KitchenAid mixer and ice cream? All you need is this attachment to make some of your own.
The Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence
The Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker is fully automatic. It’s perfect for making all your favorite frozen treats, including ice cream, custard, sorbet, and more!
Made of brushed stainless steel, with a heavy-duty motor, the ICE-30BC also has a double-insulated, two-quart freezer bowl. You store it in the freezer prior to use, and it’s recommended you set your freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a deep freeze.
The sleek, polished design also features a large spout, making it easy to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other fun ingredients.
Measuring just 8.25 x 8.00 x 11.25 inches, you can easily slide this compact appliance into any nook on your counter or store it in a cupboard.
Ice Cream Maker by Cuisinart, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl, Silver, ICE30BCP1
Get a lot of ice cream without losing a lot of precious counter or storage space.
$77.69
Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor
Are you ready to get serious about your homemade ice cream? Like, really serious? Then the Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker is for you.
Before you’re scared off by the price tag (a whopping $300), let’s talk about the many benefits of investing in this top-of-the-line beast.
For starters, it doesn’t require a removable freezer bowl. This means you can make ice cream whenever you want without waiting 12-24 hours for a freezer bowl to chill.
It only holds 1.5 quarts at a time, but keep in mind, you can make continuous batches without pausing to refreeze the bowl. This is a serious game changer if you need to make large batches of ice cream for an upcoming party. It’s also handy if you have a bunch of hungry vultures in your home (we mean children).
Measuring 16.73 x 12.00 x 9.33 inches, it does take up a significant amount of counter space. However, you’ll save freezer space since you don’t have to store a removable bowl.
You really can’t beat the ICE-100’s state-of-the-art digital features, which include a 60-minute countdown timer and a 10-minute “keep cool” option. Plus, it has a handy removable bucket, which makes serving easy peasy.
It even comes with two different paddles: one for ice cream and one for gelato.
Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker, Fully Automatic with a Commercial Quality Compressor and 2-Paddles, 10-Minute Keep Cool Feature, Black and Stainless Steel
This product stands alone. No pre-freezing is required, so you can have ice cream on demand!
$276.00
Whatever your reasons for making your own ice cream, you won’t be disappointed with any of these high-quality designs.
Trying to decide what to make? Check out these 30 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!
