The Best Ice Cream Maker (2025) to Churn the Pint of Your Dreams

The Whynter has a sleek, straightforward interface that we found easy to use. There are buttons to switch between different modes (like churn only, freeze only, and a churn and freeze “ice cream” setting), power the machine on and off, and adjust the timer. Unlike the Lello, this machine has a removable bowl that makes for easy cleaning (handwash-only, as with the other models on this list). We also appreciated this model’s relatively smaller footprint, made possible because the compressor in the machine is located under the bowl, rather than alongside it.

What we didn't like about the Whynter 201-SB Compressor Ice Cream Maker

We found the paddle on this machine more difficult to scrape ice cream off of due to its design, and didn’t love that it was made of plastic. It’s also quite heavy (though not as heavy as the Lello).

Best small ice cream maker: DASH My Pint Electric Ice Cream Machine

It may look like a toy, but don’t let the pastel colors fool you: This fun-sized canister-style machine from DASH makes some pretty impressive ice cream with the touch of a button. If you dream of dabbling in making ice cream at home but don’t have the space, budget, or need for a full-sized model, this is the machine for you. In our testing, we loved how easy to assemble and operate the DASH was: The canister sits inside a cup, and the paddle slots into the motor which doubles as a lid. As with the Cuisinart, there’s a single switch that turns the device on and off. When your ice cream is ready, just lift the lid off and transfer to a storage container.

This model has a smaller capacity than others on this list at about a pint, but that means it also has a smaller footprint. The canister needs to be frozen at least 24 hours in advance, but our testers found that its size made it easy to find a spot for even in a crowded freezer.

Like most of the models we tested, the DASH is handwash-only. Luckily you’ll only need to clean the mixing canister and the paddle, both of which wash up easily with soap and water. At around $20 at the time of publication, it’s a steal for a highly functional machine that makes high quality ice cream.

What we didn't like about the DASH My Pint Electric Ice Cream Machine

Despite its small size, this machine actually took about 30 minutes to churn a batch of ice cream to the proper consistency—10 minutes longer than the Cuisinart. There’s also no way to see into the machine while it’s running, so you have to stop the motor and take the lid off the bowl to check your ice cream’s progress. That process can be messy and degrade the texture of the final product. Last, the small capacity (about a pint) means you’ll need to adjust standard ice cream recipes. Make sure to only fill the canister about 60% of the way or you’ll have an overflowing mess on your hands.

What’s the difference between canister and compressor ice cream makers?

As you’ve probably gathered by now, there are two primary types of home ice cream makers on the market these days: canister and compressor models. Both make ice cream by introducing freezing cold temperatures and agitation to an ice cream base mixture, but beyond that the two operate quite differently—and tend to have quite different price points.

Canister (or freezer bowl) machines typically consist of four parts: A base, typically motorized, a canister that fits inside that base, a paddle, and some sort of lid. The canister is often made of aluminum and plastic, and contains a nontoxic saline solution within its walls—think of it as a cylindrical ice pack, with added salt to lower its freezing point (if you’ve ever made ice cream in a bag, this is why recipes typically call for the addition of rock salt). With these models, it’s essential that you freeze the canister for at least 24 hours before churning to ensure it’s reached a cold enough temperature to properly chill your ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt base. Because they’re relatively low-tech (they’ll often have a single on/off button), these machines tend to be less expensive, making them ideal for most home cooks looking to satisfy the occasional homemade frozen treat craving.