The Best Ice Cream Makers
We compared four ice cream makers on expert reviews, owner ratings, and specs. The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker is our top pick for its versatility and ease of use.
Updated
The bottom line
The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker (B09QV24FFZ) is our top pick for its versatility, ease of use, and high customer satisfaction. It has seven one-touch programs, Creamify Technology for smooth results, and customization options for ingredients and mix-ins. Priced at $170.99, it has a 4.5/5 Amazon rating from 4237 owners. The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (B0006ONQOC) is a close runner-up, praised for its fully automatic operation and large ingredient spout. Priced at $82.06, it has a 4.6/5 Amazon rating from 43245 owners. For a budget option, the Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker (B0D1YBB1RT) has a compact, single-serve design at a lower price point. Priced at $39.95, it has a 4.6/5 Amazon rating from 43235 owners.
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker $170.99
Best for versatility and ease of use
The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker has seven one-touch programs, Creamify Technology, and customization options. Priced at $170.99, it has a 4.5/5 Amazon rating from 4237 owners. The tradeoff is its higher price compared to the Cuisinart models.
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine $82.06
Best for fully automatic operation
The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is fully automatic and has a large ingredient spout. Priced at $82.06, it has a 4.6/5 Amazon rating from 43245 owners. The tradeoff is its more challenging learning curve.
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Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker $39.95
Best for single-serve, compact design
The Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker is compact and single-serve, with a detachable motor unit for easy cleaning. Priced at $39.95, it has a 4.6/5 Amazon rating from 43235 owners. The tradeoff is its smaller capacity and required pre-freezing time.
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- Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker Best for versatility and ease of use 9.0/10 $170.99 Amazon
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine Best for fully automatic operation 8.5/10 $82.06 Amazon
- Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker Best for single-serve, compact design 8.0/10 $39.95 Amazon
- Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker New look, but faces competition 7.0/10 $229.99 Amazon
Who should buy which
The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker is best for those who want a versatile, easy-to-use appliance with customization options. The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is best for users who prefer a fully automatic operation and larger capacity. The Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker is best for those looking for a compact, single-serve option at a lower price point.
What owners complain about
Owners of the Ninja CREAMi occasionally mention that the machine can be noisy during operation. Some Cuisinart users have reported that mastering the machine can be tricky, especially for those new to ice cream making. The Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker requires pre-freezing time, which some users find inconvenient.