Every summer, my family pulls out an ancient hand-crank ice cream maker for the 4th of July. While we're grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs, we're also churning dessert. After lunch we all sit around with spoons and eat the homemade vanilla straight out of the frozen drum because we're too impatient to put it in bowls-its that good.
But like I said, this ice cream maker is ANCIENT. The label is faded and scratched up, bits of plastic have chipped away, and I worry the crank is going to snap in my hand with each turn. As much as I love that ol' manual ice cream maker for the nostalgia, I think it's time for a little upgrade.
Happily, the Allrecipes team, with the help of one our Allstars, have taken the guesswork out of the chore by testing more than a dozen electric ice cream makers to determine which one's the best. One of these six machines will be a great gift for my parents and will bring our family tradition into the 21st century.
1.Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 1.28
Credit By: whynter
Pros
- Can make up to 1.28 quarts of ice cream per batch, ideal for families and gatherings.
- Can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet.
Cons
- Higher cost compared to non-compressor ice cream maker
- Can be relatively noisy during operation, which might be disruptive.
The Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 1.28 is outstanding and designed for lovers of ice cream who still want convenience and quality. It comes fitted with an inbuilt compressor, so there is no need to pre-freeze any component parts, which will enable you to make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, or frozen yogurt in just 30-40 minutes at home. The big capacity of 1.28 quarts will come in handy for making portions enough to treat family and friends. It features a pretty friendly interface, simple to use, with controls and an LCD display that truly make the process quite easy to monitor and act accordingly. It also features an automated shut-off at the end of each churning cycle, preventing over-churning. This feature will ensure that your results come out perfect in consistency each and every time. The stainless steel design gives this ice cream maker a sleek, modern look but makes it durable and easy to clean. The Whynter Ice Cream Maker also features a removable mixing bowl and churning blade for easy cleaning. This versatile ice cream maker allows making a variety of flavors and ingredients so that your creation can be tailored to any taste. For casual use or for the true ice cream aficionado, making high-quality frozen desserts at home has never been quite so efficient or enjoyable as with the Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 1.28.
2.KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice
Credit By: m.media-
Pros
- Simple controls make it user-friendly, even for beginners.
- Can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and gelato.
Cons
- Can be noisy during operation, which might be bothersome.
- May take up considerable counter space due to its larger capacity.
With ease and efficiency, the KUMIO 1.6-quart ice cream maker eases into your kitchen to make this enjoyable dessert of frozen homemade treats. The large capacity, this machine will let you make larger batches of your favorite gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, or ice cream-families and guests alike will love it. Equipped with a strong built-in compressor, it doesn't require pre-freezing of the bowl; hence, it can whip delicious desserts within 30-40 minutes. Intuitive Digital Display: The KUMIO ice cream maker has an intuitive digital display and easy-to-operate controls that, in general, make it pretty easy to select the desired consistency and the type of dessert. A transparent lid allows one to monitor the process of mixing and add ingredients without interruption of the cycle. Sleek, modern design and stainless steel construction make it a beautiful fit in any kitchen. Its great capability to handle a wide range of dessert recipes makes KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice Cream Maker ideal for those who love to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Besides being a multifunctional ice cream maker, it has a removable mixing bowl and churn blade that make cleanup afterward easy. Being this versatile and convenient, this multi-functional ice cream maker is ideal for frequent use in different ways. Whether you're an experienced ice cream maker or a beginner with a penchant for homemade desserts, the KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice Cream Maker provides the reliable and user-friendly solution for making delicious, customized treats right from the comfort of your home.
3.Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
Credit By: m.media-
Pros
- The components are easy to clean, with some being dishwasher-safe.
- Simple setup and operation, ideal for making homemade ice cream, gelato, and sorbet.
Cons
- The bowl needs to be pre-frozen for several hours before use, which requires planning ahead.
- Smaller capacity compared to standalone ice cream makers, suitable for small batches only.
The Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer converts any KitchenAid mixer into an all-in-one ice cream maker with which one could easily make delicious, homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. It is designed to attach to your KitchenAid stand mixers and utilize the power and efficiency of your mixer in churning and mixing your frozen delights. The ice cream attachment features a double-insulated freezer bowl with the capacity to churn up to 2 quarts in a batch, perfect for intimate gatherings or family desserts. The bowl should be pre-frozen prior to use for best results, ensuring that your mix will come out smooth and creamy after only 20-30 minutes of churning. This specially designed dasher inside the Gdrtwwh attachment rotates inside the bowl for proper spreading, scraping, and mixing that gives an even and rich mixture. Simple and straightforward set-up allows usage even by novices. The clear instructions and easy assembly will get you making your favourite frozen desserts right away.
With its compact design, this attachment is a great solution for anyone who already has a KitchenAid stand mixer because it occupies very little space on your countertop compared to a regular, standalone ice cream maker.
Also, the attachment is easy to clean; the bowl and dasher disassemble easily, and some components are dishwasher-safe. Whether you are an adventurous type who loves trying new flavors or you indulge in a classic scoop of vanilla, this Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer will help you make quality ice cream at home in a convenient and quick manner.
4.KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Credit By: m.media-
Pros
- The removable mixing bowl and churn blade make cleaning straightforward and hassle-free
- The 1.2-quart capacity is perfect for small batches, and the compact design makes it easy to store in smaller kitchens.
Cons
- Like many ice cream makers, it can be somewhat noisy during operation, which may be a concern for some users.
- The machine’s various parts may require some initial setup and understanding, which could be challenging for first-time users.
The KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker is designed for anyone who loves making frozen treats at home and wants to do so more quickly and with ease. Compact and luminous, this mighty machine boasts a capacity of 1.2 quarts-perfectly sized for small batches that are ideal for ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt to be enjoyed fresh at home. With an integral compressor, the KUMIO ice cream maker can make delicious desserts without any need for pre-freezing of the mixing bowl within 20-30 minutes. KUMIO Ice Cream Maker features a digital control panel for fuss-free operation. Simply select the settings of your choice, and you can monitor the process via a user-friendly digital panel. A transparent lid allows you to easily view your creations in action and, at your option, add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, candy pieces, or fruit during the mixing process.
Sleek, modern design to fit in with any kitchen decor. Compact size for easy storage. The KUMIO ice cream maker comes in high-quality construction that assures durability for long-lasting performance. Cleaning up is pretty easy, as the mixing bowl and churn blade are easily removable for washing.
This is the perfect ice cream maker for anyone who wants to experiment with a variety of flavors and ingredients, creating endless possibilities in the kitchen. From classic vanilla ice cream to rich chocolate gelato and refreshing fruit sorbet, the KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker turns your homemade confections out smooth, creamy, and in no time.
5.Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1
Credit By: assets.wsimgs
Pros
- The stainless steel design is durable, easy to clean, and has a modern, sleek appearance that fits well in most kitchens.
- Capable of making a wide range of frozen desserts, from classic ice cream to creamy gelato and refreshing sorbet.
Cons
- The machine is relatively heavy, making it less portable and harder to move or store away when not in use.
- Can be relatively noisy during operation, which might be distracting or bothersome in quiet environments.
Offering convenience and versatility, this high-capacity, fully automatic ice cream maker is the epitome of convenient versatility. The Whynter 2.1 Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker Machine is great for families, gatherings, or anybody who loves homemade frozen desserts. This machine features a built-in compressor, so there is no need to pre-freeze the bowl, which means one can make ice cream on demand without any need for pre-planning and waiting. That's good-the powerful compressor system is able to cool powerfully and uniformly to bring smooth and creamy textures in 30 to 40 minutes.
The human-friendly control panel of this Whynter Ice Cream Maker includes an LCD display to enable simple operation. Using the special selector, the user can set the desired time and set the mode of operation. The automatic shut-off helps avoid over-churning for perfect consistency every time. Its sleek stainless steel finish makes it stylishly modern on anyone's countertop, yet stays strong and easy to clean. The mixing bowl made of stainless steel and the churning blade are removable and can therefore easily be washed and maintained after use.
The Whynter Ice Cream Maker serves a wide variety of other frozen treats, from rich, decadent gelato to light, refreshing sorbet, and is not used just to make traditional ice cream. The transparent lid allows the user to view the mixing process and to add in other ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit without needing to stop the cycle. This tool is ideal for experimenting with all sorts of flavors and ingredients and is boundless in the creativity it affords the chef. Be one who has made a few tubs or one just starting to get into the world of ice cream making, Whynter Automatic Ice Cream Maker Machine 2.1 is ready to provide an easy, reliable, and fun way of preparing quality, homemade frozen desserts right in your home.
FAQs for “Top 5 Ice Cream Makers in 2024”
1. How much can each ice cream maker hold?
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 1.28: 1.28 quarts
- KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice: 1.6 quarts
- Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer: 2 quarts
- KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker: 1.2 quarts
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1: 2.1 quarts
**2. Are these pre-freezing ice cream makers or not?
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 1.28: No, it has a built-in compressor.
- KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice: Yes, the bowl must be pre-frozen.
- Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer: Yes, the bowl needs to be pre-frozen.
- KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker: No, because it comes with a built-in compressor.
- Whynter Automatic Ice Cream Maker Machine 2.1: No, built-in compressor.
- What frozen desserts can this machine make?
- All of these listed models can be used to make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
- Are the machines easy to clean?
- Whynter Automatic Ice Cream Maker Machine 1.28: Yes, with parts that can easily be removed for cleaning.
- KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice: Yes, it features a removable bowl and parts that are easy to clean.
- Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer: Yes, parts pull apart easily for easy cleaning.
- KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker: Yes, pieces can be removed for ease in cleaning.
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1: Yes, includes a removable mixing bowl and churn blade for easy cleaning.
5. How long does it take to make the ice cream with these machines?
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 1.28: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
- KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
- KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
**6. Are there any special features to be considered?
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 1.28: Inbuilt compressor, automatic operation.
- KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice: Quick freezing time, compact design.
- Gdrtwwh Ice Cream Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer: Compact, designed for KitchenAid stand mixers
- KUMIO 1.2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker: It has an inbuilt compressor and is of compact size.
- Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1: Big volume, inbuilt compressor, modern design
- Which model is suitable for a big family or party occasions?
Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 and KUMIO 1.6-Quart Ice are best utilized for bigger batches and gatherings since their capacity is higher.
- What does the price range of these machines go up to?
Prices go according to the model and features. In general, those machines with built-in compressors are more expensive compared with those with pre-frozen bowls.
- Is the usage of these ice cream makers commercial?
While these machines are built for home use, the performance and capacity may cover small-scale commercial use. For larger commercial uses, professional equipment is advisable.
These FAQs answer some questions and concerns that will enable people to make an educated decision about what kind of ice cream maker will suit their needs best.