Ice Cream Maker

Countertop ice cream makers allow you to make many styles of ice cream in 20 minutes as well as a variety of other desserts. Depending on the model, some ice cream makers can make gelato, frozen yogurt, ice cream, and sorbet. Some ice cream machines even include a yogurt incubator. For people with dietary restrictions, ice cream makers allow them to make custom desserts that avoid certain ingredients. For example, people with dairy allergies or intolerances can make ice cream using non-dairy milk.

Ice cream makers typically come in 3 main types: freezer bowl, compressor, and mixer attachments. All types use a freezing bowl and a churning process to make ice cream without excess air or ice crystals. Please note that not all models include dishwasher safe parts.

Freezer bowl ice cream makers include a removable bowl that requires pre-freezing. Depending on the size of the bowl and the model, this can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. When using a freezer bowl model, make sure to account for the time it takes to pre-freeze the bowl before churning ice cream, and don’t store the ice cream in the freezer bowl or it could stick to the side of the bowl. Freezer bowl models offer the most cost-effective price compared to the other types.

A compressor machine automatically freezes, meaning you don’t have to spend any time pre-freezing the bowl beforehand. Simply churn your ice cream for 15 to 20 minutes and it’s ready! Commercial kitchens typically use this type, and companies such as Whynter make an easy-to-clean compressor model suited for home use. They cost more than freezer bowl machines but prove a worthy investment if you want to make multiple batches of ice cream in a day.

If you already own a stand mixer, consider an ice cream maker attachment, which includes a freezer bowl and beater that attach to your mixer. The bowl requires pre-freezing, so keep that in mind if you choose this type.

Ice cream makers usually offer two different size choices: 1.5-quart and 2-quart. Stores typically sell large ice cream containers that contain 1.5 quarts of ice cream, which work best for a single person or small group. A 2-quart model works best for large gatherings. For example, you can make a big batch of vanilla ice cream for a party and have all your guests add their own toppings.