5 Best Ice Cream Makers for Homemade Treats

If you’re considering the best ice cream makers for homemade treats in 2025, you know it’s about more than just flavor—the right machine combines capacity, ease of use, and versatility to match your needs. From compact models that whip up small batches quickly to larger units perfect for family gatherings, each offers features like automatic operation, easy-to-clean parts, and support for gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt. Discover which options balance convenience with creative potential, and find out what makes these models stand out.

Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker (EIM350)

If you need an ice cream maker that’s easy to use and makes a lot of ice cream, the Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker (EIM350) is a good choice. It has a large 4-quart size, so you can make enough ice cream for many people. The canister is made of strong aluminum, and the ice bucket is tough plastic. It runs on a 50W motor, so it works well and quickly. The design is small and easy to move around. You can use it with electricity or turn the handle by hand. It comes apart easily so you can clean it or add ingredients. It makes ice cream in less than an hour, which is great for flexible flavors and special diets.

Best For: families, parties, or anyone who wants a big, simple-to-use ice cream maker. It’s perfect for making custom flavors and frozen treats at home.

Pros:

• Big 4-quart size, so you get enough for everyone
• Easy to take apart and clean
• Works with electricity or by hand

Cons:

• Some people said the motor might break after using it a few times
• Some parts might crack or break
• Shipping or packaging can sometimes cause damage

This ice cream maker makes it simple to enjoy homemade frozen treats. Its big size and easy design help you make plenty of ice cream fast. Just remember, some users had problems with durability, so handle it carefully.

Elite Gourmet Ice Cream Maker (EIM520M)

The Elite Gourmet Ice Cream Maker (EIM520M) is a great tool for making homemade frozen desserts easily. It has a 1-quart size, which is perfect for families or small get-togethers. The machine comes with a freezer-safe bowl that you need to freeze overnight. This helps you prepare desserts quickly the next day. The simple control panel makes it easy to choose between making ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or gelato. You just add your ingredients, press a button, and in minutes, you will have a smooth, creamy treat.

This ice cream maker is easy to use and works with different dessert options. It is perfect if you want homemade treats without using any chemicals or special additives.

Best For: Families or small groups who want a quick, easy way to make frozen desserts at home.

Pros:

• Easy control panel that makes operation simple
• Quick to prepare desserts because of the freezeable bowl
• Can make different frozen treats like ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, and gelato

Cons:

• You need to freeze the bowl overnight before using, which can delay starting
• Only makes 1 quart at a time, so it might not be enough for large groups
• It does not have a built-in compressor, so you can’t make multiple batches back-to-back

This machine is a good choice if you want to whip up homemade frozen desserts with little effort. Just remember to freeze the bowl ahead of time, and you will enjoy tasty treats in minutes.

Maxi-Matic EIM-520 Electric Homemade Ice Cream Maker

The Maxi-Matic EIM-520 is a simple and easy-to-use ice cream maker. It is made for families and people who want to make frozen treats at home. It has a 1-quart size, which is good for serving the whole family. The key part is a freezeable bowl. You need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before using it. After that, you add your ingredients, turn on the machine, and it starts churning. The machine works automatically, with a switch to turn it on and off. It also has a rotating spatula to help mix everything steadily.

This ice cream maker is small and light. It measures about 7.1 inches wide, 7.1 inches deep, and 8.5 inches tall. It weighs around 4.9 pounds, so you can store it easily and move it around your kitchen. It’s a good choice if you want an affordable and simple way to make ice cream, sorbet, or other frozen snacks at home.

Many people like how easy it is to use and clean. Just freeze the bowl, add ingredients, turn it on, and wait. Cleaning is quick, and you can reuse the bowl many times. But, it takes a long time to freeze the bowl and get firm ice cream. So, you need some patience. Also, some parts, like the handle and inside parts, are made of plastic. Over time, plastic can break or get brittle. The motor might also overheat if you use the machine too much or run it for a long time. Overall, this machine is good for casual use and families who want simple ice cream making at home.

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (ICE-21P1)

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (ICE-21P1) is a great choice for people who want to make tasty frozen treats at home. It has a 1.5-quart size that can make enough ice cream for a small family or a few friends. The freezer bowl is double-insulated, so you don’t need to add ice. You just freeze the bowl for about 24 hours, then you’re ready to make ice cream whenever you want.

The machine comes with a mixing paddle and a clear lid. The lid has a big spout, so you can easily add ingredients while it’s running. It has an automatic program that makes ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in less than 20 minutes. The machine might be a little noisy when it runs. Sometimes, the paddle can stick, but overall, it works fast, makes smooth ice cream, and is easy to use. It’s a good choice for small families or hobby cooks who want fun, homemade desserts.

Best For: People who want quick, creamy ice cream and like to customize their treats with different ingredients.

Pros:

• Makes ice cream in less than 20 minutes
• Easy to use with automatic turning on/off
• Produces rich, smooth, and tasty ice cream

Cons:

• You need to freeze the bowl for about a day before making ice cream
• It can be loud while it runs
• Cleaning leftover ingredients from the bowl takes some time and patience

Americana Electric Ice Cream Maker (EIM-1432M)

If you want an ice cream maker that is easy to use, the Americana Electric Ice Cream Maker (EIM-1432M) is a good choice. It has a 1.5-quart size, which is enough for about four to six people. This makes it great for family treats or small get-togethers. The freezer bowl can be taken out and needs to be frozen overnight before you start. Once it’s frozen, just add your ingredients and press a button. The machine then automatically makes the ice cream, so you don’t have to do much. It comes with recipes, so you can try different flavors easily. Making homemade ice cream is simple and quick with this machine.

Best For: People who want an easy, family-sized ice cream maker for quick, homemade desserts without a lot of fuss.

Pros:

• The machine works automatically, so it’s easy to use.
• The removable bowl can be frozen in advance, making setup quick.
• The 1.5-quart size is perfect for small groups or family use.

Cons:

• You need to freeze the bowl overnight before you can make ice cream, which might take some planning.
• It only makes 1.5-quart batches, so it’s not good for big parties.
• It doesn’t have many controls or special options for people who want more control over the process.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Ice Cream Makers for Homemade Treats

When selecting an ice cream maker, you need to contemplate how much space you have and how many servings you want to make at once, since capacity can range from 1 to 4 quarts. Ease of use is also important, so look for models with straightforward controls and minimal setup time; freezing time can vary from 20 to 60 minutes, affecting how quickly you get your treats. Additionally, think about how easy the machine is to clean and store—compact designs are convenient, but some may require more effort to maintain.

Capacity Needs

Choosing the right ice cream maker depends on how much ice cream you want to make at one time. If you usually serve small groups, a machine with a 1-quart capacity is good enough. But if you have big parties or make a lot of ice cream often, look for a machine that holds 2 to 4 quarts. Larger machines can make more ice cream in one go. Just remember, bigger machines may take longer to freeze and might need more space in your kitchen. Think about if you want to make small quick batches or bigger amounts at once. Larger machines usually cost more, are bigger, and need more cleaning. Pick the one that fits your needs, your space, and what you usually serve.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is very important when choosing an ice cream maker. You want a machine that is simple to operate. Look for models with easy buttons or a turn crank. These are fast and easy to understand. Machines with pre-freezing bowls are even better. They save you time because you don’t need to freeze the bowl before making ice cream. Just prepare your mix and start. Clear instructions and easy controls help you use the machine without hassle. Automatic features do most of the work for you. This makes making ice cream easy, especially if you are new to it. Removable and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning quick and simple. Picking an easy-to-use ice cream maker makes the process fun and less stressful.

Freezing Time

Freezing time is an important thing to think about when making ice cream at home. Most ice cream makers take between 8 and 24 hours to freeze the ingredients well. Machines with pre-freezable bowls often need to be frozen overnight before you start. This extra step adds to the prep time, but it helps make the ice cream smoother and better in texture. Some electric ice cream makers can give you soft-serve in about 20 to 30 minutes once the bowl is frozen. This is a faster way to enjoy ice cream.

Keep in mind, the longer you freeze the ice cream, the firmer it becomes. This makes it easier to scoop. Good pre-freezing, cold ingredients, and steady freezer settings help the ice cream freeze evenly. This prevents problems like ice crystals or freezer burn. Finding the right balance of freezing time and convenience helps you make tasty homemade ice cream that you love.

Cleaning Process

Keeping your ice cream maker clean is simple. Most models have parts like bowls, paddles, and lids that you can remove. Wash these parts by hand with warm, soapy water. Make sure to clean plastic pieces that touch the mixture well. This helps stop bad smells and mold. Avoid using strong scrubbers that can scratch the plastic.

Some ice cream makers have self-cleaning options or parts that go in the dishwasher. These can make cleaning faster. Always check the instructions from the maker. They tell you the best way to clean without causing damage.

Clean your machine soon after using it. Doing this keeps bacteria away and makes sure your machine stays in good shape. Also, check the motor and seals often. This helps your ice cream maker last longer.

Cleaning your ice cream maker regularly makes it easy to use and helps you make delicious treats every time.

Size & Storage

Choosing the right size and storage for your ice cream maker is important. A small, lightweight model works well if you have limited space. It can easily fit in a cabinet or on a shelf. Larger machines usually have bigger bowls that hold 1.5 to 2 quarts. These need more room and might sit on your counter.

Some ice cream makers have removable parts or foldable pieces. These make storage easier. Also, check how much freezer space you have. The bowl needs to be cooled before making ice cream, so a bigger bowl takes up more freezer space.

Think about how much ice cream you make at once. Picking a size that matches your needs can save space and prevent waste. A small machine is good for little treats. A bigger one is better if you make ice cream often or for many people.

Versatility Options

When picking an ice cream maker, think about how versatile it is. A good machine can do more than just make ice cream. It should also make gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. This way, you can try many different treats with one machine. Some ice cream makers come with recipe books or features that let you change the texture and ingredients. That means you can make each batch just how you like it. Look for models with extra bowls or attachments. These help you make different sizes and kinds of desserts. Many machines allow you to add mix-ins like fruit, nuts, or cookies while the ice cream is churning. This makes it easy to create fun new flavors. Some machines also support vegan, low-sugar, or high-protein recipes. This helps you make treats that fit your diet and need. With a versatile ice cream maker, you can enjoy many kinds of tasty, homemade desserts.

Durability & Quality

Durability and good quality are really important when choosing an ice cream maker. Pick models made from strong materials like stainless steel or good plastics. These materials won’t easily warp, crack, or get damaged from cleaning. A good ice cream maker also has a strong motor. This helps prevent the machine from overheating, burning out, or breaking down over time. Look for machines with parts that are sturdy, like thick canisters or tough paddles. These parts help the machine work well during freezing and churning. It’s also helpful if the parts come apart easily and can be washed in the dishwasher. This makes cleaning simple and helps the machine last longer. Reading reviews can help you see if other users had issues like cracked plastic or motor problems. Choosing a well-made, reputable model can save you money and give you reliable ice cream every time.

FAQs

Can I Make Dairy-Free Ice Cream With These Machines?

Yes, you can make dairy-free ice cream with these machines. Just select your favorite non-dairy ingredients like coconut milk or almond milk, and follow the recipe instructions. These machines handle various ingredients effortlessly for delicious dairy-free treats.

How Long Does It Take to Make Ice Cream in These Models?

You typically take about 20 to 40 minutes to make ice cream with these models. The exact time depends on the machine’s size, ingredients, and whether your mixture is pre-chilled, so check your specific model’s instructions for precise timing.

Are Replacement Parts Available for These Ice Cream Makers?

You can find replacement parts for these ice cream makers through the manufacturer’s website or authorized retailers. It’s a good idea to check warranty coverage and availability to make sure you’ll get the necessary parts quickly and easily.

Do These Machines Make Gelato or Sorbet?

You’re curious if these machines can whip up gelato or sorbet. Many models are versatile, allowing you to make various frozen treats, including gelato and sorbet, with the right attachment or setting, giving you creative culinary options.

Is Help Available for Troubleshooting Each Ice Cream Maker?

If you run into issues, most brands provide helpful resources like user manuals, FAQs, or customer support. You can contact them directly or visit their websites for troubleshooting guides, ensuring you get your machine working smoothly again.

Last update on 2025-08-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API