Mexico has a long tradition of frozen desserts made by hand. Nieve de garrafa is still churned in a metal canister set in a tub of ice and salt, and paleterías sell flavors that never reach a supermarket freezer: cajeta, mamey, tamarind, mango with chile and lime. A home ice cream maker lets you chase those flavors in your own kitchen, from a rich helado de cajeta to a bright mango-chile sorbet.
The machines come in three kinds. Freezer-bowl makers use a bowl you freeze ahead. Compressor makers have a built-in freezer and are ready when you are. And Ninja’s CREAMi takes a different route altogether, shaving a pint you froze the day before into a scoopable texture. This guide explains how each works, then sets out nine machines sold on Amazon, with capacity, prep and cleanup for each.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for in an ice cream maker, the makers’ own specifications and the details on each Amazon listing.
Quick verdict: which ice cream maker to buy
For most kitchens, the best ice cream maker is the Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker: its built-in compressor means no bowl to freeze overnight, it makes 1.5 quarts at a time, and it comes with separate paddles for ice cream and gelato. On a tight budget or with little counter space, the Cuisinart ICE-21 freezer-bowl model makes the same 1.5 quarts in about 20 minutes once its bowl is frozen. If you want single pints and lots of flavors, consider the Ninja CREAMi.
The rest of this page explains why, and which type fits the way you make dessert.
Five ice cream makers side by side
One pick for each kind of kitchen, with the type, capacity and prep each maker or listing states. All nine machines are reviewed in full below.
| Ice cream maker | Best for | Type & capacity | Pre-freeze needed | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch after batch, no planning | Compressor, 1.5 qt | No | View on Amazon | |
| Occasional batches, small budget | Freezer bowl, 1.5 qt | Yes, the bowl | View on Amazon | |
Cuisinart ICE-90 1-Quart Ice Cream MakerBest compact
|
Small batches, push-button presets | Self-chilling, 1 qt | No | View on Amazon |
Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream MakerBest for single pints
|
Many flavors, small portions | Frozen-pint processor, 16 oz pints | Yes, the base, 24 hours | View on Amazon |
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice and Salt Ice Cream MakerBest for a crowd
|
Parties and big families | Ice and rock salt, 4 qt | No; needs ice and rock salt | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities, prep and churn times are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best ice cream maker
These nine machines cover every way to make ice cream at home: compressor models that freeze as they churn, freezer-bowl models that rely on a bowl frozen ahead, an ice-and-salt bucket in the nieve de garrafa tradition, a stand-mixer attachment, and Ninja’s frozen-pint processor. Each pick says who it suits, what the maker or listing states, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker – Ready Whenever You Are
A compressor machine is the closest thing at home to the batch freezers in an ice cream shop: it has its own refrigeration, so you pour in a chilled base and press start. Cuisinart’s ICE-100 makes 1.5 quarts at a time, and because nothing has to be frozen ahead, you can make a quart of helado de cajeta in the afternoon and a mango sorbet after dinner.
The listing describes a commercial-quality compressor, a 60-minute countdown timer with touchpad controls and an LCD display, and two churning paddles, one for ice cream and one for gelato. Gelato is generally churned more slowly so it takes in less air, so a dedicated paddle is a sensible touch for a dense, milky cajeta or chocolate mexicano flavor. A 10-minute Keep Cool function holds the batch after the timer ends.
The trade-offs are size and weight. A compressor machine is bigger and heavier than a freezer-bowl model and needs a permanent spot on the counter or a strong arm to move it. Cuisinart backs it with a limited three-year warranty. It does not state a typical churn time on the listing, so use your recipe’s guide and the timer.
Why we like it
- Built-in compressor, no bowl to pre-freeze
- Separate paddles for ice cream and gelato
- 60-minute timer and 10-minute Keep Cool
- Limited 3-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | ICE-100 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor |
| Capacity | 1.5 qt |
| Pre-freeze needed | No |
| Churn time (stated) | Not stated; 60-minute timer |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | Limited 3-year |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants to make ice cream on a whim, or more than one flavor in a day, without freezing a bowl the night before.
Skip it if counter space is tight; a compressor machine is bulky and heavy to store.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Back-to-back batches
- Gelato paddle included
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Churn time and cleaning not stated on listing
2. Cuisinart ICE-21 1.5-Quart Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Maker – Simple, Small and Quick
The ICE-21 is the classic first ice cream maker, and for many kitchens it is all you need. A double-insulated bowl lives in your freezer; when it is frozen solid, you set it on the base, start the paddle and pour in a chilled base. Cuisinart says it makes up to 1.5 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet in 20 minutes or less.
The easy-lock transparent lid has a large spout, so you can add chopped pecans, a ribbon of cajeta or bits of mango toward the end without stopping the machine. It is light and compact, and the base stores in a cabinet. Cuisinart lists it as BPA free with a limited three-year warranty.
The catch is planning. The bowl must be frozen before every batch, which means space in your freezer and, in practice, one batch per day unless you buy a second bowl. Cuisinart sells replacement freezer bowls for the ICE-21. Chill your base well too; a warm base in a freezer-bowl machine tends to churn soft and icy.
Why we like it
- 1.5 quarts in 20 minutes or less, per Cuisinart
- Double-insulated bowl, no ice needed
- Large spout for adding mix-ins
- Limited 3-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | ICE-21RP1 (Red) |
|---|---|
| Type | Freezer bowl |
| Capacity | 1.5 qt |
| Pre-freeze needed | Yes, the bowl |
| Churn time (stated) | 20 minutes or less |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | Limited 3-year |
Why we recommend it
It suits occasional ice cream makers, small kitchens and anyone who wants to try homemade helado before investing in a compressor.
Skip it if you want two flavors in one afternoon; the bowl needs to refreeze between batches.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast churn once the bowl is frozen
- Light and easy to store
- Low cost
Cons
- Bowl takes freezer space
- One batch per frozen bowl
3. Cuisinart ICE-90 1-Quart Ice Cream Maker – Presets and No Bowl to Freeze
The ICE-90 is Cuisinart’s small self-chilling machine: no ice, no rock salt and no bowl to pre-freeze, because, according to the listing, it chills the mixture itself as it churns. That makes it the one to pick if you like the idea of the ICE-100 but want something smaller on the counter and a one-quart batch is enough.
A touchpad offers four presets, Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet and Keep Cool, so you choose the dessert and let the machine run; Keep Cool holds the finished batch chilled so it does not melt before you serve it. A built-in funnel lets you add chocolate chips, nuts, fruit or candy while it churns, an LED display shows where the batch stands, and the cord wraps into the base for storage.
The listing gives a limited three-year warranty but does not state the churn time, how long Keep Cool runs or which parts are dishwasher safe, and we could not find an independent review of this newer model. At one quart, it is the smallest churning machine here.
Why we like it
- No pre-freezing, ice or salt (listing)
- Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet and Keep Cool presets
- Funnel for mix-ins while churning
- Limited three-year warranty (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | ICE-90 |
|---|---|
| Type | Self-chilling (Cuisinart’s Quick Freeze Chill technology) |
| Capacity | 1 qt |
| Pre-freeze needed | No |
| Churn time (stated) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | Limited 3-year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small household that wants ice cream on short notice, with presets doing the thinking, and has little counter space.
Skip it if you need volume; a 1-quart batch is the smallest of the churning machines here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No pre-freezing
- Simple presets plus Keep Cool
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Smallest bowl here
- Churn time and cleaning not stated
- No independent review we could read
4. Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker – A Different Pint Every Night
The CREAMi does not churn at all. You mix a base, pour it into a 16-ounce pint container and freeze it solid for 24 hours. Then the machine’s blade shaves down through the frozen pint, which Ninja calls Creamify Technology, turning it into a scoopable dessert in minutes. If the texture is too firm, a Re-spin runs it again for a softer, creamier result.
That approach suits a household that wants variety. Keep a pint of cajeta, one of horchata and one of mango-chile in the freezer and process whichever you want that night. Ninja lists seven one-touch programs: ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshake, smoothie bowl, lite ice cream and mix-in. Because the base is frozen solid first, it also handles lower-sugar and dairy-free recipes that can struggle in a churning machine.
Cleanup is easy: Ninja says every part except the motor base is top-rack dishwasher safe. The trade-offs are planning and volume. Each pint takes a day to freeze, and you make one pint at a time, so a party for twelve means several pints frozen in advance. The warranty is one year.
Why we like it
- Seven one-touch programs, per Ninja
- Re-spin for a softer texture
- All parts but the base are top-rack dishwasher safe
- Handles low-sugar and dairy-free bases
Key specifications
| Model | NC301 |
|---|---|
| Type | Frozen-pint processor (no churning) |
| Capacity | 16 oz pints; two included |
| Pre-freeze needed | Yes, the filled pint, 24 hours |
| Churn time (stated) | Processes in minutes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | All except motor base, top rack |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits small households and flavor experimenters who want a different pint on different nights with little cleanup.
Skip it if you make ice cream for a crowd on the day; each pint needs a 24-hour freeze and you process one at a time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy cleanup
- Many flavors from one freezer
- Works with lighter recipes
Cons
- One pint at a time
- 24-hour freeze for every base
5. Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice and Salt Ice Cream Maker – Big Batches the Old Way
This is the electric descendant of the hand-cranked ice and salt bucket, and the closest machine here to the way nieve de garrafa is still made. A metal canister of base sits in a plastic bucket; you pack ice and rock salt around it and a motor on top turns the dasher. Hamilton Beach says it churns for 20 to 40 minutes and stops when the ice cream is ready.
The appeal is volume. At four quarts, it makes more than twice as much as the 1.5-quart Cuisinart machines, enough for a birthday party or a summer carne asada in the backyard. There is no bowl to freeze ahead, only a bag of ice and a box of rock salt to buy, and the listing says it handles sorbet, sherbet, gelato and custard as well as ice cream.
It is messier than a countertop machine. Melting ice and salt water mean you will want to run it on the patio, in the sink or on a towel, and you need to keep the bucket topped up. Hamilton Beach lists a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- 4-quart capacity
- No pre-freezing, just ice and rock salt
- Churns 20 to 40 minutes, stops when ready, per Hamilton Beach
- Fully automatic, no hand cranking
Key specifications
| Model | 68330N |
|---|---|
| Type | Ice and rock salt bucket, electric |
| Capacity | 4 qt |
| Pre-freeze needed | No; needs ice and rock salt |
| Churn time (stated) | 20–40 minutes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits big families, parties and anyone who wants to make a lot of ice cream at once, the traditional way.
Skip it if you want a tidy countertop machine; ice, salt and meltwater come with the job.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest capacity here
- No freezer space needed
- Low cost
Cons
- Messy with ice and salt
- You must buy ice for every batch
6. Whynter 2.1-Quart Upright Compressor Ice Cream Maker – The Biggest Compressor Bowl Here
Whynter’s ICM-201SB puts a compressor in an upright stainless housing that Whynter says has a smaller counter footprint. Its removable stainless steel bowl holds 2.1 quarts, the most of the compressor machines on this list, so it suits a family that wants a real batch without the ice and salt of a bucket machine.
Whynter’s manual says the compressor freezes the mixture within 30 to 60 minutes, and the timer defaults to 60 minutes, adjustable from 5 to 60. There are three modes: ice cream, which chills and churns; cooling only; and mixing only, for blending a base or folding in extras. When the timer ends, an Extended Cooling function cycles the compressor for up to two hours to keep the batch frozen, and a motor protection device stops the paddle if the mix gets too hard.
The manual is clear on cleanup: the bowl, churn blade, lid and other food-contact parts are not dishwasher safe and should be washed by hand. Whynter’s manual lists 180 watts and a weight of just over 24 pounds, and the warranty is one year. Let it stand upright for about two hours before the first run, as the manual instructs, so the refrigerant settles.
Why we like it
- 2.1-quart removable stainless bowl
- Freezes within 30 to 60 minutes, per Whynter
- Extended Cooling for up to two hours
- Upright, space-saving housing
Key specifications
| Model | ICM-201SB |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor |
| Capacity | 2.1 qt |
| Pre-freeze needed | No |
| Churn time (stated) | 30–60 minutes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | None; hand-wash only |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that wants compressor convenience and a bigger batch than the Cuisinart compressor machines can make.
Skip it if you want parts that go in the dishwasher; Whynter says hand-wash only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest compressor bowl here
- Three modes
- Holds the batch frozen after churning
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- One-year warranty
7. Cuisinart ICE-70 2-Quart Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Maker – More Room, Timer Included
The ICE-70 is the step up from the ICE-21: the same freezer-bowl idea with a larger 2-quart bowl, a brushed stainless finish and an LCD control panel. Cuisinart says it makes frozen treats in as little as 20 minutes once the bowl is frozen, and it has three settings with multiple speeds plus a countdown timer that shuts the machine off automatically.
The lid has an ingredient spout with an integrated measuring cup, handy for pouring in a ribbon of cajeta or a handful of toasted coconut as the batch firms up. The extra half quart over the ICE-21 matters if you serve four or more, and the timer means you can set it and step away while it churns.
All the freezer-bowl rules apply. The bowl must be frozen before each batch, so plan a day ahead and keep room in the freezer. Cuisinart lists the machine as BPA free with a limited three-year warranty, and does not state on the listing which parts can go in the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- 2-quart freezer bowl
- Ready in as little as 20 minutes, per Cuisinart
- Countdown timer with auto shutoff
- Spout with measuring cup in the lid
Key specifications
| Model | ICE-70P1 |
|---|---|
| Type | Freezer bowl |
| Capacity | 2 qt |
| Pre-freeze needed | Yes, the bowl |
| Churn time (stated) | As little as 20 minutes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | Limited 3-year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family that likes the simplicity of a freezer bowl but wants more capacity and a timer.
Skip it if you dislike planning ahead; like every freezer-bowl machine, it needs a frozen bowl for each batch.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Bigger bowl than the ICE-21
- Timer and auto shutoff
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Bowl must be pre-frozen
- Larger bowl needs more freezer space
8. Breville Smart Scoop BCI600XL Ice Cream Maker – Sets the Hardness for You
Breville’s Smart Scoop takes the guessing out of when to stop churning. The listing says it senses the hardness of the mix against the setting you choose, from 12 hardness settings across sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato and ice cream. Retailers describe it as a self-refrigerating compressor machine, so there is no bowl to freeze ahead.
It beeps when it is time to add mix-ins, which suits a batch with nuts in cajeta or chunks of chocolate mexicano. Once the base is done, a keep-cool function holds it chilled and churned for up to 3 hours, which helps at a party. You can also skip the presets and run it manually.
The listing gives a 1.1-quart bowl, though some retailers quote 1.5 quarts, so plan on the smaller figure. The bowl and paddle are removable and a cleaning brush is included. The warranty is one year. Breville gives the size as 7.2 by 16.2 by 10.7 inches, so it needs a permanent spot on the counter. Weigh it against the Cuisinart ICE-100 if you do not need the automatic hardness settings.
Why we like it
- 12 hardness settings, per the listing
- Mix-in alert
- Keep-cool for up to 3 hours
- Removable bowl and paddle
Key specifications
| Model | BCI600XL |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor, per retailers |
| Capacity | 1.1 qt bowl, per the listing |
| Pre-freeze needed | No, per retailers |
| Churn time (stated) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a consistent texture from batch to batch without watching the machine.
Skip it if you make large batches; the bowl is on the small side for a compressor machine.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Automatic hardness sensing
- Holds a finished batch for 3 hours
- Manual mode available
Cons
- Small stated capacity
- Heavy and takes counter space
- Sources differ on capacity
9. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment – Uses the Mixer You Already Own
If a KitchenAid stand mixer already sits on your counter, this attachment turns it into a freezer-bowl ice cream maker without another motor to store. You freeze the 2-quart bowl, attach it to the mixer with the hub assembly, and the mixer turns a dasher that KitchenAid says spreads, scrapes and mixes for even freezing. KitchenAid says it makes ice cream, gelato or sorbet in less than 30 minutes, excluding prep.
Compatibility is the thing to check. The listing says it fits most KitchenAid tilt-head mixers of 4.5 quarts and up, but not the Artisan Mini models, and most bowl-lift mixers of 6 quarts and up, with several named exceptions, including some 5-, 5.5- and 6-quart models and two Professional-line models. Look up your mixer’s model number before you buy.
Like other freezer bowls, it needs to be frozen solid before each batch, and KitchenAid says to wash it in warm, soapy water once it has come to room temperature. The warranty is one year. It is the least expensive way into homemade ice cream for a KitchenAid household.
Why we like it
- Uses your mixer’s motor, nothing extra to store but the bowl
- 2-quart bowl
- Less than 30 minutes, per KitchenAid
- Redesigned dasher scrapes as it mixes
Key specifications
| Model | KSMICM |
|---|---|
| Type | Freezer bowl, stand-mixer attachment |
| Capacity | 2 qt |
| Pre-freeze needed | Yes, the bowl |
| Churn time (stated) | Less than 30 minutes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated; wash bowl in warm, soapy water |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who already owns a compatible KitchenAid mixer and wants homemade ice cream without another appliance.
Skip it if you own an Artisan Mini or one of the listed bowl-lift exceptions; it will not fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No extra motor base
- 2-quart batches
- Low cost for mixer owners
Cons
- Fits only certain mixers
- Bowl must be pre-frozen
How to choose an ice cream maker
Pick the type by how you plan. A freezer-bowl machine is cheap and compact but needs a frozen bowl, so it suits people who decide a day ahead. A compressor machine costs more and takes counter space but is ready any time and can make several batches in a row. The CREAMi needs a frozen pint for every serving but gives you many flavors with little effort on the night.
Match capacity to your table. The Cuisinart ICE-90 makes 1 quart, the Breville 1.1, the ICE-21 and ICE-100 1.5, the ICE-70 and KitchenAid attachment 2, the Whynter 2.1 and the Hamilton Beach 4. For parties, think big bucket or back-to-back compressor batches.
Check your freezer. A freezer bowl needs a level spot in a cold freezer; a CREAMi needs room for pints. If your freezer is full of tamales and tortillas, a compressor machine or the ice and salt bucket avoids the problem. Whatever the machine, start with a cold base; a bowl set in an ice bath, with cubes from good ice cube trays, chills a cooked custard quickly.
Read the cleaning notes. Several makers say their bowls are hand-wash only, including Whynter, while Ninja puts everything but the base in the dishwasher. If you will make ice cream often, easy cleanup keeps the machine in use.
Think about the flavors you want. Rich, dense bases such as cajeta or chocolate mexicano reward a compressor or a gelato paddle. Fruit sorbets of mango, guava or tamarind churn well in any type. Low-sugar or dairy-free bases are where the CREAMi’s approach stands out.
How we chose these nine machines
We started from the frozen desserts a Mexican kitchen likes to make: helado de cajeta and other rich custards, fruit sorbets such as mango with chile and lime, and big batches for parties in the nieve de garrafa tradition. We then looked at ice cream makers sold on Amazon in the United States by identifiable makers, across freezer-bowl, compressor, ice and salt, attachment and frozen-pint types, and checked each one’s stock with Amazon’s product data before writing.
Capacities, churn times, cleaning and warranties come from each Amazon listing and, where we could reach them, from Cuisinart, Whynter’s manual, Ninja, Hamilton Beach and KitchenAid. We did not use these machines ourselves, and we say “not stated” wherever a maker gives no figure. We also checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall listings and found no recall covering these ice cream maker models.
Ice cream maker questions, answered
What is the best ice cream maker for home use?
For most kitchens, a compressor machine such as the Cuisinart ICE-100, because it needs no pre-freezing and can make batch after batch. On a budget, the Cuisinart ICE-21 freezer-bowl model is the simplest start.
Is a compressor ice cream maker worth it?
If you make ice cream more than occasionally, or want two flavors in a day, yes. It removes the overnight bowl freeze. If you make a batch once a month, a freezer-bowl model does the job for much less.
Is the Ninja CREAMi a real ice cream maker?
It makes ice cream, but differently. Instead of churning a liquid base, it shaves a base frozen solid for 24 hours. That suits single pints and lighter recipes, but you plan a day ahead for every pint.
Which ice cream maker brands are worth considering?
Cuisinart for freezer-bowl and compressor machines at many budgets, Whynter for larger compressor bowls, Ninja for frozen pints, Hamilton Beach for big ice and salt batches, Breville for automatic hardness settings and KitchenAid for mixer owners.
Can I make sorbet and helado in the same machine?
Yes. Every machine here makes both. Sorbets of mango, lime or tamarind churn quickly; custard bases like cajeta take longer and benefit from a well-chilled start. Our guide to cajeta vs dulce de leche explains the goat’s-milk caramel behind the classic flavor.
Our pick for homemade helado
Buy the Cuisinart ICE-100 if you want to make ice cream whenever the mood strikes. Choose the ICE-21 for a simple, low-cost start, the Cuisinart ICE-90 for small no-freeze batches, the Ninja CREAMi for single pints and the Hamilton Beach for a crowd.
More specific guides: the best soft serve ice cream makers and the best ice cream makers with no pre-freezing.
On a budget? See our guide to the best budget ice cream makers.
Making a big batch? See our guide to the best large ice cream makers.
Making it with the kids? See our guide to the best ice cream makers for kids.
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For flavor ideas, our guide to Mexican desserts covers the classics, and our pick of the best cajeta brand helps with the swirl. A sturdy cookie scoop portions firm ice cream neatly, too. And if you would rather someone else made dessert tonight, see the menu or call to order.