Summer is the perfect season for ice cream, and let’s be honest, it’s a treat we might even let our kids enjoy for lunch every now and then! There’s something heartwarming about seeing little ones savor a melting cone while relaxing outdoors. Sure, we can fill our freezers with store-bought options, but taking a little time to use an ice cream maker will have the whole family cheering with joy. Nothing compares to the taste of homemade ice cream, especially with a variety of toppings!
Is It Worth Getting an Ice Cream Maker?
Absolutely! While it might seem daunting (we can all picture the days of hand-cranked machines), modern ice cream makers have vastly improved. Most models are electric and require just a few basic ingredients. Some might still need ice and rock salt, but others allow you to pour in the mix without any pre-freezing. The right ice cream maker will depend on your needs and your budget, as well as how patient your little helpers are. It’s a fun family activity that gives everyone a say in the flavor creation, ensuring everyone has a blast!
We’ve compiled a list of the 8 best ice cream makers available, catering to all types of ice cream enthusiasts—from kid-friendly options to high-end machines for serious chefs. Don’t forget to stock up on whipped cream and toppings! Transforming ice cream making into a sundae bar will delight the kids like never before.
Best Homemade Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisinart ICE-100 Ice Cream and Gelato Maker – See price on Amazon
- Cuisinart ICE-45 Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker – See price on Amazon
- Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – See price on Amazon
Best Electric Ice Cream Makers
- Whynter ICM-200LS Ice Cream Maker – This two-time winner produces creamy frozen treats in just 30-40 minutes. Its powerful compressor allows for continuous use, so whipping up different flavors is a breeze. Plus, it has a cool feature to keep your creation from melting before you’re ready. One satisfied user exclaimed, “I love this machine!”
Price: $215.84 at Walmart
Best Single Serve Ice Cream Makers
- DASH My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine – See price on Amazon
Best Compact Ice Cream Makers
- Cuisinart ICE-21CGR 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker – See price on Amazon
- Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker – See price on Amazon
Best Large Batch Ice Cream Makers
- Nostalgia Wood Bucket 4 Qt Ice Cream Maker – This vintage-style maker is electric and can produce a whopping 4 quarts in about 20 minutes! Leftovers can be saved for later by simply covering them with the included lid.
Price: $61.62 at Amazon - Elite Gourmet 6 Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine – See price on Amazon
KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Ice Cream Maker Attachment
If you’re spending more time in the kitchen, consider the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. With over 20 colors and more than 15 attachments, it’s a kitchen essential. The Ice Cream Maker Attachment creates 2 quarts of creamy goodness in just about 30 minutes. Kids will love watching as it whips up their favorite flavors!
Price: $67 at QVC
Best Smart Ice Cream Maker
- Breville The Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker – This innovative machine senses the hardness of your ice cream and can keep it frozen for up to 3 hours. A busy mom remarked, “This splurge is worth every penny for making homemade treats!”
Price: $500 at Breville
Now that dessert is sorted, check out our blog post on home insemination kit for additional insights!
Summary: Embrace the joy of summer with homemade ice cream! From compact machines perfect for small batches to high-end models for serious ice cream enthusiasts, our list of the best ice cream makers will help you create delicious frozen treats that the whole family can enjoy. Don’t forget to explore family-building options and resources like Make a Mom for more information on your journey.