The 7 Best Ice Cream Makers for Delicious Summer Treats in 2025
When shopping for the best ice cream makers in 2025, you need equipment that combines capacity, ease of use, and reliability—no one wants a machine that churns for hours or leaves ice cream half-frozen. Whether you’re after a compact 1.5-quart yogurt-friendly model or a hefty 6-quart vintage-inspired masterpiece, options are more diverse than ever. But which features truly make a difference? Keep going to find the models that balance performance and convenience, ensuring your summer treats are always a scoop above the rest.
Hamilton Beach Electric Ice Cream Maker & Frozen Yogurt Machine, 4 Quart
- MAKES ENOUGH ICE CREAM FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: The ice cream maker's large 4 quart capacity is the perfect size for making...
- CUSTOMIZE WITH MIX-INS AND TOPPINGS: From chopped fruit and nuts to chocolate chips, candy pieces and sprinkles, it's...
If you want to make a lot of homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt, the Hamilton Beach Electric Ice Cream Maker with a 4-quart size is a good choice. It has a big 1.5-quart canister, so you can make enough for your family or friends. This machine is fully automatic, so you don’t have to do the hard work. Just pour in the ingredients, put the parts together, and add ice and salt around the canister. It will churn the ice cream for 20 to 40 minutes. When it reaches the right thickness, it stops by itself. The machine is sturdy and easy to use. It helps make your own treats at home, saving you money compared to buying ice cream from the store.
Best for: People who want to make large amounts of ice cream or frozen yogurt easily for family, parties, or special events.
Pros:
- Fully automatic, so no manual churning needed.
- Big size with a 4-quart capacity and a 1.5-quart canister.
- Makes cost-effective, custom treats without preservatives.
Cons:
- Not safe to put in the dishwasher; you have to clean parts by hand.
- Its size and plastic parts make it less durable and harder to carry around.
- You need to pre-cool ingredients and manage ice and salt for best results.
Elite Gourmet Old Fashioned 6 Quart Ice Cream Maker
- 6-QUART CAPACITY: Freeze up to 6 Quarts of cold and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party...
- EASY 3 STEP PROCESS: 1) Mix your favorite ingredients and place in canister, 2) assemble the unit and add ice + rock...
The Elite Gourmet Old Fashioned 6 Quart Ice Cream Maker is a great choice if you love making big batches of frozen treats. It has a large 6-quart size, so you can make enough ice cream, gelato, or sorbet for a big group. The machine is easy to use with just three simple steps: mix your ingredients, put the canister in the machine with ice and salt, then turn it on or crank it manually. The old-fashioned wood bucket makes it look charming and nostalgic. It has a quiet electric motor that runs smoothly. Cleaning is easy because many parts are dishwasher safe. This ice cream maker is perfect if you make a lot of frozen desserts at home or like to add a vintage touch to your kitchen.
Best For: People who want to make large amounts of ice cream for parties or family gatherings.
Pros:
- Big 6-quart size for serving many people
- Looks charming with a vintage wood bucket
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Needs ice and salt, which can be messy and take some time
- Manual hand crank can be tiring for some people
- Larger size may take up more storage space
Dairy-Free Ice Cream Maker Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer
- HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS : Not creamy ice cream! Use our sorbet maker to make smooth frozen fruit ice cream or sorbet,...
- FOOD-SAFE MATERIAL: Made from food-grade material, this frozen dessert maker is BPA-free, safe and odorless. High...
The Dairy-Free Ice Cream Maker Attachment works with KitchenAid Stand Mixers. It helps you make healthy, dairy-free frozen treats at home. The attachment is made of BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic. It is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy. The device includes one frozen dessert maker part, measuring about 9.25 by 5.51 by 7.32 inches. It weighs only 1.39 pounds, so it is light and easy to use.
This ice cream maker has automatic operation. It comes with multiple piping tips and a wide hopper. You can use it to make fruit sorbets, dairy-free yogurts, and gelatos. Making these treats is simple, but it can take some time. Sometimes, ingredients with nuts or chocolate can cause jams. Proper prep helps you get smooth, tasty results every time.
This attachment is best for home cooks. It is easy to clean and works well for making healthy, dairy-free desserts. Its small size and automatic features make it fun to try new recipes. With some patience, you can create many different frozen treats.
Pros:
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
- Made of BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic
- Great for making sorbets, frozen yogurt, and gelato
- Compact and lightweight
- Comes with piping tips and a wide hopper
Cons:
- Can be slow and makes one portion at a time
- Sometimes jams happen when processing nuts or chocolate
- May be a bit tall on a countertop, so you might need to place it on a stand or elevated surface
This ice cream maker is a simple tool to enjoy dairy-free frozen desserts at home. It is easy to use and clean, making healthy treats fun for everyone.
Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker
- 4-QUART CAPACITY: Make up to 4 Quarts of fresh and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party...
- FUN, REFRESHING & PORTABLE: It’s always Summertime with Elite Gourmet’s newest Ice Cream Maker. It’s compact so...
Are you looking for an easy-to-use ice cream maker? The Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker (Model EIM350) might be just what you need. It has a sturdy aluminum canister that can make up to four quarts of ice cream in less than an hour. This makes it great for parties, family dinners, or just whenever you want a tasty treat.
The machine is simple to use. You just add ice, salt, and your favorite mixture. No complicated steps needed. It comes with a manual and a recipe booklet, so you can make many flavors. You can try classic vanilla, or get creative with flavors like mango or ube. You can also make options that fit different diets, like vegan or low-sugar.
This ice cream maker is good for families, party hosts, or anyone who wants homemade ice cream without a lot of fuss. It’s easy to put together, take apart, and clean. It makes a lot of ice cream fast, which is perfect for gatherings or quick treats. Plus, it works with a wide range of flavors and dietary needs.
However, some users say the motor may have issues after some time. There can also be problems with fitting the ice bucket or water leaks, depending on how it’s set up. The warranty support is limited, and some people have concerns about how long it lasts.
If you want a simple, fast, and versatile ice cream maker, the Elite Gourmet 4Qt is worth considering. It’s a good choice if you want fresh, homemade ice cream that’s easy to make and customize.
Elite Gourmet 4 Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker
- 4-QUART CAPACITY: Freeze up to 4 Quarts of cold and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party...
- WATER PROOF LINED INTERIOR: Hand-crafted solid pine wooden bucket with a solid plastic liner. No more leaks or damage to...
If you host many parties, family get-togethers, or just love making big bowls of ice cream at home, the Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EIM-924L is a good choice. It can hold up to 4 quarts of ice cream, so you can make enough for everyone. The machine has a vintage-style pine bucket with a leak-proof plastic lining. This makes cleanup easier and helps keep messes to a minimum. It takes about 40 to 45 minutes to churn out soft-serve ice cream. You just plug it in to start, and it begins working — there’s no on/off switch.
This ice cream maker is simple to use. You don’t need to do any manual churning. The bucket looks nice and adds a charming touch to your kitchen or party table. It’s perfect for making large batches of ice cream quickly and easily.
Best For:
People who often have gatherings and need a big, dependable ice cream maker to serve homemade frozen treats in large amounts.
Pros:
- Big 4-quart size, great for groups and parties
- Easy to set up and operate
- Attractive vintage pine bucket with leak-proof liner
Cons:
- No on/off switch; it starts when you plug it in
- Some parts, like the dasher or drive lid, can wear out faster
- Instructions are only in Chinese, and some parts might not last as long
This machine helps you make lots of ice cream without much hassle. Just know that it has some small parts that could wear out over time. If you want big batches of homemade ice cream, this machine can do the job and look nice while doing it.
Elite Gourmet Electric Ice Cream Maker (EIM520M)
- SIMPLE FREEZING BOWL: The Americana automatic ice cream maker comes with a convenient freezable bowl that allows you to...
- EASY OPERATION: Easily turn on the unit to churn your ice cream recipe with a simple control panel. No chemicals,...
The Elite Gourmet Electric Ice Cream Maker (EIM520M) is a simple and handy machine for making small batches of ice cream at home. It has a 1-quart capacity, which is great for families or small get-togethers. The key part is the freezable bowl. You need to freeze it for at least 24 hours before making ice cream. Once it’s frozen, you add your ingredients and just press one button to start. The machine’s compact, mint-colored design makes it easy to store in small kitchens. The paddle mixes the ingredients and whips air into the mixture in 30-40 minutes, giving you smooth ice cream. The plastic parts, like the paddle, are lightweight but can be fragile so handle them carefully. It takes some time to freeze the bowl, but once ready, it offers a simple way to create personalized flavors like gelato or sorbet.
Best For: people who want an affordable, easy-to-use ice cream maker for making small amounts of frozen treats sometimes.
Pros:
- Small, light, and looks nice in any kitchen
- Easy to use with just one button and a frozen bowl
- Works well for making ice cream, sorbet, and gelato
Cons:
- Plastic parts can break if not handled carefully
- You must freeze the bowl for 24 hours before using
- Cleaning can be a bit tricky because of the plastic parts and manual wiping needed
Ice Cream Maker, 1.5-Qt Frozen Yogurt Machine with LCD Timer
- Versatile Frozen Treat Maker: Turn your kitchen into an artisanal dessert shop with our multi-functional ice cream...
- Ultra-Quiet Operation: Enjoy peaceful dessert-making with our advanced low-noise technology! This ice cream maker runs...
The 1.5-quart capacity of this frozen yogurt maker makes it a good choice for small families or people who want homemade treats without big, heavy machines. Its compact design fits easily into most kitchens. The stainless steel body is strong and lasts a long time. It has a LCD timer display, a see-through lid, and simple touch controls. The insulated bowl can freeze overnight, so it’s ready to use in the morning. In about 25 to 40 minutes, you will have smooth, creamy frozen yogurt. You can add flavors like fruit, nuts, or candies to create your favorite desserts. This machine is easy to use and makes making frozen treats fun and simple.
Best for: Small families or individuals who want quick, homemade frozen desserts with little effort and space.
Pros:
- Small, stylish size that fits in most kitchens.
- Fast freezing, ready in less than an hour.
- Easy to control with digital buttons, LCD timer, and simple steps.
Cons:
- If you don’t follow the instructions, the dessert might be a bit slushy.
- Cannot be washed in the dishwasher because of the coating.
- Only holds up to 1.5 quarts, which might not be enough for big groups.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ice Cream Makers for Summer Treats
When selecting an ice cream maker for summer treats, you’ll want to weigh its capacity—whether a 1.5-quart machine suits your family’s sweet tooth or if you need more room for a larger batch. Ease of operation is also key; nobody wants to wrestle with complicated controls during the heatwave. Finally, think about flavor versatility, cleaning needs, and build quality, since a durable, easy-to-maintain machine can turn you into a home-based ice cream chef without the frustration.
Capacity and Batch Size
Choosing the right ice cream maker depends on how much ice cream you want to make. If you host parties or have a big family, a machine that can make 4 to 6 quarts at once works well. It can make enough for many people in one batch, saving you time. If you only want ice cream for yourself or a partner, a smaller machine with about 1.5 quarts is a good choice. These machines usually freeze the ice cream faster, often within 20 to 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that bigger batches need more ingredients. If you want to make large amounts often, get a bigger machine. If you only make ice cream now and then, a small machine will do. Matching your ice cream maker’s size to your needs helps you get just the right amount. That way, you won’t have too much or too little. It makes summer treats quick and easy for everyone to enjoy.
Ease of Operation
Ease of operation is very important when choosing an ice cream maker for hot summer days. A machine that is easy to use helps you make ice cream quickly and without hassle. Some machines have automatic features that do the stirring for you. This means you don’t have to manually turn the handle or keep stirring. Clear controls, like simple buttons or dials, make it easy to see how to operate the machine. Step-by-step instructions can help you set it up fast and without confusion. Some ice cream makers need pre-frozen bowls or quick ingredient adding, which saves time. Digital displays or timers can help you keep track of churning time so your ice cream turns out just right. It’s also helpful if the machine is easy to take apart and clean. This way, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your tasty ice cream.
Versatility of Flavors
A versatile ice cream maker gives you many options for flavors. You can make simple vanilla, rich chocolate, or try new ideas like fruit sorbets, matcha, or even ube. Many machines let you add extra ingredients like nuts, candies, and swirls. This helps you customize your ice cream and try different combinations. Some machines have adjustable settings so you can make dairy-free, vegan, sugar-free, or high-protein treats. You can also process fresh fruits and herbs right when you want them. This makes creating unique flavors easy and fun. With a versatile machine, you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your diet and taste. In the end, it helps you create a wide variety of tasty summer treats for everyone to enjoy.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and caring for your ice cream maker keeps it working well and makes tasty treats. Wash the parts that can be removed, like the canister or paddle, often. This keeps bacteria away and keeps the flavors fresh. Check if these parts can go in the dishwasher. If not, gently wash them by hand; it takes a little extra time, but it helps your machine last longer. Look at the drive gears and paddles from time to time. If they get worn out, replace them. This helps your ice cream stay the perfect thickness and stops the machine from breaking. Before putting your ice cream maker away for the season, clean all parts carefully. Make sure everything dries completely so mold or strange smells don’t form. Follow the instructions from the maker for cleaning and use gentle soaps. Doing this can make your ice cream maker last longer and make making ice cream easier and more fun.
Durability and Build
Durability is very important when choosing an ice cream maker. If you plan to use it a lot, especially in summer, pick a model made from strong materials. Look for machines built with stainless steel or tough aluminum. These materials last longer and don’t break easily. Heavy-duty parts make sure the machine keeps working well over time. Paddles, lids, and dasher parts should be strong enough to handle regular use. Parts that are reinforced help stop cracking and breaking. This saves you money and trouble in the long run. Good ice cream makers also have safety features. These protect the inside parts during use, making the machine last longer. Proper care helps too. Clean the machine gently and put it together carefully. This keeps it working well for a long time. Investing in a sturdy machine is wise. It helps you enjoy many summers of tasty ice cream without worries about breakage or meltdowns.
Price and Cost Effectiveness
Have you thought about how much it costs to buy an ice cream maker versus how much you save over time? Some simple models start around $40. More advanced or bigger machines can cost over $200. Making ice cream at home usually costs between $3.20 and $6.40 per gallon. Store-bought ice cream often costs more per quart. If you make ice cream a lot or buy ingredients in bulk, the small upfront cost can save you money in the long run. Some machines use energy-friendly motors and last a long time. This helps keep your costs down. The size of the machine also matters. Bigger machines let you make more ice cream at once, giving you more value. Choosing the right machine for how often you make ice cream helps you spend wisely. It’s a good way to get tasty treats without overspending.
Additional Features
When choosing an ice cream maker, added features can make making treats more fun and easier. LCD timers help you keep track of how long the machine is running. Automatic shut-off turns the machine off by itself when the ice cream is ready, so you don’t have to watch it the whole time. See-through lids let you look inside without taking off the lid, so you can watch the ice cream as it churns.
Some ice cream makers come with special parts, like recipe books, compartments to add mix-ins, or hand-crank options. These extras let you make all kinds of frozen desserts, from sorbet to gelato. Safety features like anti-slip bases keep the machine steady while it runs. Insulated bowls help keep the cold in, making sure your ice cream freezes well.
A few models can connect with stand mixers or have attachments you can change, giving you more choices. Some machines also have quick-freeze bowls, so you can start making ice cream faster. Others offer multi-mode settings, letting you make different types of desserts with one machine.
These features aren’t just nice to have; they help you make better ice cream with less effort. They make the process easier, faster, and more fun, so you can enjoy cool treats all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can These Ice Cream Makers Make Dairy-Free Options?
Many ice cream makers can definitely handle dairy-free recipes; you just need to use plant-based milks, fruit purees, or coconut cream. Check the machine’s capacity for ingredients and follow recipes tailored for dairy-free options.
Are Replacement Parts and Customer Support Available Globally?
You’ll find that most brands offer global customer support and replacement parts, ensuring easy repairs and assistance regardless of your location. Always check individual manufacturer policies to confirm availability in your country before purchasing.
How Energy-Efficient Are These Machines During Long Use Sessions?
You’ll find these machines are quite energy-efficient during long use sessions, as they often feature powerful motors optimized to minimize electricity consumption while maintaining consistent performance, helping you enjoy your ice cream treats without high energy bills.
What Storage Space Is Needed for Operating These Ice Cream Makers?
Considering storage needs, you should measure your available space before purchasing an ice cream maker. Most models require a countertop spot or a dedicated cabinet space, ensuring you can operate and store the machine comfortably.
Do These Models Include Safety Features for Children?
You’ll find many models include safety features like safety locks and non-slip legs, helping prevent accidents while kids are around. Always check each machine’s safety specs to guarantee it’s suitable for your family’s needs.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
