3 Best Ice Cream Makers for Homemade Treats in 2026 – Delicious DIY Desserts Made Easy

If you’re serious about making homemade ice cream in 2026, choosing the right machine can seem as complicated as crafting the perfect gelato—without the expert skills. Do you need a quick, self-refrigerating compressor that churns out 1.5-quart batches in 20-30 minutes or a more versatile model with multiple bowls and support for dairy-free recipes? With several options offering precise control, variable capacities, and easy cleanup, it’s worth understanding what features truly matter, so your DIY dessert sessions are genuinely effortless.

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (ICE30BCP1)

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (ICE30BCP1) is a great choice if you want to make homemade frozen treats quickly and easily. It has a 2-quart bowl made of shiny brushed stainless steel. The machine can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or sherbet in about 25 minutes. It has a powerful motor and a double-insulated freezer bowl that helps it churn smoothly.

The machine has a big ingredient spout. This makes it easy to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit while it’s churning. You don’t need a built-in freezer. Instead, you keep the freezer bowl in your freezer at 0°F. When you want to make ice cream, just take out the bowl and start.

For the best taste and texture, use recipes that have a good amount of fat. Be careful not to put the bowl in the dishwasher. That could damage it.

This ice cream maker is good for families who want a quick, simple machine for making treats at home and for parties.

Pros:

• Makes ice cream in about 25 minutes
• Small size and stylish look with stainless steel
• Easy to use and clean, with a big ingredient opening

Cons:

• You have to freeze the bowl first, which takes some planning
• Makes soft-serve style ice cream, not very firm unless you freeze it longer
• No built-in freezer, so you need to keep the bowl in your freezer

This machine is perfect if you want homemade ice cream without fuss. Just remember to freeze the bowl beforehand, and you’ll be ready to make treats anytime!

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart, White

If you want a simple and reliable ice cream maker, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is a good choice. It makes rich, creamy ice cream in less than 20 minutes. It has a 1.5-quart size, which is good for most families or small gatherings. The freezer bowl is double-insulated, so you don’t need to add ice. Just freeze the bowl ahead of time, and you are ready to make ice cream. The machine has a paddle that mixes the ingredients quickly. A clear lid with a big spout makes adding ingredients easy and keeps things neat. The plastic parts are tough and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

This machine is designed for home use. It’s easy to use and makes homemade ice cream without a lot of mess. The only thing to remember is to freeze the bowl before using, which takes some planning. It is a bit heavy, around 9 pounds, so moving or storing it might be a little hard.

Best for: People who want quick, easy, and good-quality ice cream at home.

Pros:

• Makes smooth, tasty ice cream in under 20 minutes
• Easy to use with a big spout for adding ingredients
• Strong plastic parts that can go in the dishwasher

Cons:

• You need to freeze the bowl first, which takes time
• The 1.5-quart size may not be enough for big groups
• Weighs about 9 pounds, so it’s not light to move or store

This machine is perfect if you want homemade ice cream fast, simple, and fun.

DASH Ice Cream Maker Machine with 2 Bowls and Built-In Ingredient Chute

The DASH Ice Cream Maker Machine has a special feature that makes it stand out. It has two bowls, each holding 16 ounces. This means you can make two different frozen treats at the same time. For example, you can make sorbet in one bowl and gelato in the other. This saves you time and lets you try more flavors.

The machine also has a built-in ingredient chute. This lets you add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit chunks while the ice cream is blending. You don’t have to stop the machine to put in your favorite extras. It makes customizing your dessert quick and easy.

The machine has a fast 20-minute freeze cycle. But first, you need to freeze the base in your freezer for 24 hours before using it. Once ready, your homemade treats will be fresh and ready when you want them. It’s a simple way to make delicious ice cream, sorbet, or gelato at home.

This ice cream maker is great for families or anyone who loves making their own frozen desserts. You can make two different flavors at once and add your favorite mix-ins. It’s compact, so it doesn’t take up much space, and cleaning up is simple too.

Keep in mind, the base needs 24 hours to freeze before you start. Also, it makes smaller portions, so it’s best for families or small groups. And, the 20-minute freeze cycle takes some time if you want your treat quickly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Ice Cream Makers for Homemade Treats

When selecting an ice cream maker, you’ll want to evaluate capacity options, which range from compact 1-quart models to larger 2-quart machines ideal for family-sized batches, ensuring you don’t have to share your treats with the neighborhood. Ease of use matters too—look for features like intuitive controls and quick freeze times that fit into your busy schedule, not your patience test. Finally, pay attention to maintenance requirements and freezing technology, since self-refrigerating units with advanced compressor systems can save you the hassle of pre-freezing bowls, while recipe versatility offers endless flavor possibilities—because who doesn’t want to turn their kitchen into a mini ice cream parlor?

Capacity Options

Have you thought about how the size of your ice cream maker matters? The bowl size usually ranges from 1 to 2 quarts or more. If you choose a bigger machine, like a 2-quart one, you can make more ice cream at once. That’s great for parties or family gatherings. But, bigger machines are also larger and take up more space in your kitchen.

Smaller machines, around 1 or 1.5 quarts, are good if you want just a few servings. They freeze faster and are easier to carry around. Think about how much ice cream you usually want to make. If you only make small amounts, a smaller machine works best.

The size of the freezer bowl also limits how much ice cream you can make in one batch. If you like to make big amounts often, a larger capacity is better. But only if you have space and need bigger servings. Choose the size that fits your needs and your kitchen.

Ease of Use

Have you noticed that some ice cream makers are super easy to use? Once you press a button, they almost do the work by themselves. Others need more manual effort. The easy ones have simple controls like just one touch or a few buttons. This makes setup quick and simple. They usually come with clear instructions and easy-to-understand parts. For example, transparent lids help you see what’s happening inside. Adding ingredients is straightforward, so you don’t need to be a kitchen pro.

Many simple ice cream makers have automatic features. They can pre-freeze or auto-churn the ice cream. This means you don’t have to stir or watch the machine all the time. It saves you time and effort. These machines are often lightweight, weighing around 10-15 pounds. That makes them easy to carry, store, and clean. If you want quick, fun treats, these compact models are a good choice.

Many ice cream makers also come with recipe guides. These guides make making ice cream easier. They help you enjoy the process more and get tasty treats faster. You don’t need special skills—just follow simple steps. These features make making ice cream fun and hassle-free.

Maintenance Requirements

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your ice cream maker working well and making tasty ice cream every time. Cleaning the removable parts, like the paddles and lids, with warm, soapy water is important. But don’t put sensitive parts, like the freezer bowl, in the dishwasher. This can damage them or leave residue that affects how well your machine works.

Some ice cream makers need the bowl to be frozen before use. Usually, you have to put it in the freezer for several hours or overnight. Skipping this step can make your ice cream turn out uneven or soft.

Check the seals and paddles regularly. Keeping them in good shape helps the machine last longer and work better. Follow the cleaning instructions in your user manual. This helps avoid damage to the motor or freezing parts, which can be expensive to fix.

Good upkeep makes your ice cream maker run smoothly. It saves you time, keeps your treats tasting great, and helps your machine last longer.

Freezing Technology

Choosing the right ice cream maker depends a lot on how it freezes the ice cream. This part of the machine changes how easy it is to use and how good the final ice cream will taste.

Some ice cream makers use freezer bowls that need to be frozen in your freezer first. You have to plan ahead because these bowls need 12 to 24 hours to freeze. If you forget, you can’t make ice cream that day. These machines make creamy ice cream most of the time. But if the bowls aren’t frozen enough, the ice cream can turn icy instead of smooth.

Other machines have built-in refrigeration. They cool down on their own, so you don’t need to freeze bowls beforehand. This makes ice cream faster and more convenient. You can make ice cream anytime, without waiting.

Good temperature control is important. If the machine doesn’t freeze evenly or fast enough, the ice cream gets ice crystals. That ruins the smooth feel. Simple machines are easy to use and clean. But they may not always give the best results.

In the end, choosing the right freezing technology helps you make perfect, creamy homemade ice cream.

Recipe Versatility

When picking an ice cream maker, look for one that can do more than just make regular ice cream. Good models can turn out sorbet, frozen yogurt, and sherbet too. This way, you can try different kinds of desserts with the same machine.

Choose a machine with settings you can change. This helps you decide how soft or firm you want your ice cream. Some machines let you add extras like fruit or nuts while they churn. This makes it easy to come up with new flavors.

It’s also handy if the machine can make small or large batches. That way, you can make just a little or enough for a big family.

Look for a machine that works with different bases. It should be good with dairy like milk or cream, and also with plant-based milk like coconut or almond. This makes your desserts more fun to try.

A good ice cream maker gives you many options. It helps you make tasty treats your way, with no magic needed—just a good machine and your favorite ingredients.

Storage and Size

Have you thought about how much space an ice cream maker will take up in your kitchen? Store and size are big things to think about when picking one. Check the size, like how tall and wide it is. Big machines—more than 15 inches tall and 10 inches wide—can take up a lot of space on your counter.

Look for models with bowls and lids that come off and stack. This makes them easier to store and keeps your kitchen neat. Some ice cream makers let you freeze the bowl ahead of time. That way, you can use it anytime without waiting. It’s perfect if you want ice cream fast.

More parts, like bowls that can be washed in the dishwasher, make cleaning simple and storage easier. If you want a bigger machine, keep in mind that it will need more room. Machines that make 2 to 3 quarts of ice cream take up more space and might not fit well in small kitchens or tight cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ice Cream Makers Make Non-Dairy or Vegan Ice Creams?

Yes, ice cream makers can make non-dairy or vegan ice creams. You just need to use plant-based milk and suitable ingredients. Your machine will churn your dairy-free creations just as effectively as traditional ice creams.

How Long Does It Take to Freeze Homemade Ice Cream?

Homemade ice cream typically takes about 20 to 40 minutes to freeze in an ice cream maker, depending on the machine and ingredients. You can speed up the process by pre-chilling ingredients and ensuring the bowl is thoroughly frozen.

Are Ice Cream Makers Easy to Clean and Maintain?

Ice cream makers are generally easy to clean and maintain. You simply disassemble the parts, rinse or wash them with warm soapy water, and dry thoroughly. Regular upkeep guarantees your machine stays in good condition and works efficiently.

What’s the Ideal Batch Size for Small Households?

For small households, the ideal batch size is usually around 1.5 to 2 quarts. This size lets you make enough ice cream for everyone without leftovers, making your dessert prep quick, easy, and perfectly portioned.

Can Ice Cream Makers Be Used for Sorbets or Frozen Yogurt?

Yes, ice cream makers work well for making sorbets and frozen yogurt. You just need to adjust the ingredients and freezing times. Most models handle different frozen treats easily, allowing you to enjoy variety in your homemade desserts.