Ice Cream Makers: Reviews

Updated April 2011

Ice cream made fresh at home? There are a number of options, each operating by the same principle: ingredients stirred and mixed in a cold container and then frozen. But the model-type you choose affects the consistency and there is also the major question of cost and convenience. Expert tests and reviews from Cooks Illustrated, Rachael Ray Magazine and Real Simple compare the pros and cons of old fashion, gel-canister, electric and self-cooling ice cream makers.

Cuisinart ICE-21 Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet Maker

Best budget ice cream maker

*Est. $60

Estimated Price

While you can spend hundreds on a home ice cream maker, reviewers say this Cuisinart electric ice cream maker -- with a canister that must be pre-chilled in your freezer -- is the best blend of quality and value. Users say the countertop Cuisinart ICE-21 consistently outputs 1.5 quarts of creamy ice cream in 15 to 20 minutes. There's a large opening in the top of this ice cream maker for adding mix-ins such as nuts or candies and it also features an automatic shut-off to prevent its motor from overheating. Still, like most models under $100, preparing to make ice cream will take a bit longer with this machine, since you need to pre-freeze the Cuisinart ice cream maker's gel-filled canister beforehand. Owners say this ice cream machine cleans up easily, but users should take caution not to overfill it with mix because overflows are messy.

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Whynter SNO Ice Cream Maker IC-2L

Best self-cooling ice cream maker

*Est. $235

Estimated Price

Cheaper ice cream makers require pre-freezing a canister before actually making ice cream, and often require additional freezing time to firm up the resulting ice cream. Self-cooling models, on the other hand, require no forethought since they contain electric cooling units that churn and freeze ice cream in one unit. The Whynter SNO ice cream maker takes the lead in a comparison review of six models for producing smooth, creamy ice cream that's ready to eat immediately after preparation. The Whynter SNO, like most self-cooling ice cream machines, is more expensive than canister-style ice cream makers, but is among the least expensive self-cooling models. Many owners say they're willing to pay the extra price for the convenience of being able to make batch after batch of ice cream without any down time or pre-freezing. The Whynter SNO ice cream maker has a 2-quart capacity, a 60-minute digital timer and an automatic shutoff feature that stops the paddle from churning if the mixture becomes too thick, preserving the motor. Owners and expert reviewers say it's relatively quiet during operation.

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Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker

Old-fashioned ice cream maker

*Est. $40

Estimated Price

Old-fashioned, bucket-style ice cream makers prompt some nostalgia and can make a much bigger batch of ice cream than countertop units. The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Ice Cream Maker costs significantly less than its White Mountain competitors, and owners say it's more durable. Unlike White Mountain, however, Hamilton Beach doesn't offer a larger 6-quart model. It is noisy, and like most old-fashioned ice cream makers, using it can be messy -- it's best used outdoors or in a garage. That said, owners say this ice cream maker (which has a plastic outer container and aluminum inner canister) makes 4 quarts in about 30 minutes and is easy to clean. The aluminum canister is also ideal for pre-cooling liquid ingredients and storing prepared ice cream.

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KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment

Ice cream attachment for KitchenAid stand mixers

*Est. $80

Estimated Price

Attaching a gel canister and paddle to your KitchenAid stand mixer means you can adjust the mixing speed, which lets you decide whether your ice cream and sorbet comes out dense or fluffy. This attachment makes 2 quarts of ice cream in 15 to 20 minutes, but users must first freeze its gel bowl. Owners say that its attachment is easy to use, and they like using the mixer's motor instead of buying a bulky, freestanding ice cream maker. This attachment only works with specific models of KitchenAid stand mixers, however. Extra gel canisters aren't sold individually, and owners say the bowl doesn't stay cold long enough to make more than one batch. Consumers who want to mix consecutive batches are faced with purchasing an entire additional attachment package.

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