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Ice cream makers

Best Ice Cream Makers For Homemade Gelato, Sorbet And Soft Serve

Freeze-first, self-freezing and soft-serve machines for smoother homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt.

Products shortlisted
10
Last updated
18 May 2026

The best ice cream makers help you move beyond supermarket tubs, whether you want classic vanilla, fruit sorbet, gelato, frozen yoghurt or soft-serve cones at home. The main decision is whether you prefer a cheaper freeze-first machine that needs freezer planning, or a self-freezing compressor model that costs more but can churn without pre-freezing the bowl.

For most UK kitchens, capacity and storage matter as much as performance. Compact machines are easier to live with but make smaller batches, while premium compressor models and multi-function frozen-dessert makers need more worktop space and a bigger budget.

Quick picks

Best options at a glance

See the main recommendations side by side, with enough detail to decide which picks deserve a closer look.

Read verdicts
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 10-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Drink Maker NC501UK

Best Overall Ice Cream Maker

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501UK

10 functions, 3 tubs, Silver

The strongest all-rounder for most buyers who want frozen desserts beyond plain ice cream.

Capacity
3 x 709ml
Type
Frozen-tub maker
Pre-freeze
Base needs 24 hours

Typical price: £195–£249

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Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Maker NC300UK

Best Family Ice Cream Maker

Ninja CREAMi NC300UK

7 programmes, 1.4L, Black/Silver

A proven original Creami for families who want several small flavours ready to spin.

Capacity
3 x 473ml
Type
Frozen-tub maker
Pre-freeze
Base needs 24 hours

Typical price: £145–£200

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Buying advice

How to choose an ice cream maker

Use these checks to decide which features matter before comparing individual products.

Choose the freezing style first

Freeze-first machines are usually cheaper and smaller, but the bowl or mixture needs hours in the freezer before use. Self-freezing compressor machines cost more and take up more space, but they let you make ice cream with far less planning.

Match capacity to how you serve dessert

Single-serve and compact machines are fine for one or two people. Around 1.5-2 litres is better for families, entertaining or batch cooking, while tub-based machines such as the Ninja Creami make several smaller flavours instead of one large bowl.

Check what else it can make

Some machines focus on ice cream and sorbet, while others add gelato, frozen yoghurt, milkshakes, slushies or soft serve. Extra modes are useful if you will use them, but they should not distract from freezer space, cleaning and texture.

Look at cleaning and storage

Removable bowls, dishwasher-safe paddles and clear lids make regular use easier. Heavy compressor machines are awkward to move, so check dimensions and weight before assuming they can live in a cupboard.

Be realistic about timing

A two-minute churn still needs a frozen base if the machine works from pre-frozen tubs. If you want spontaneous dessert, a compressor model is usually the more convenient choice.

Full verdicts

Why these picks made the shortlist

A closer look at where each pick works best, what it gives up and what to double-check before buying.

Award Best Overall Ice Cream Maker

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 10-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Drink Maker NC501UK

Key specs

Capacity
3 x 709ml
Type
Frozen-tub maker
Pre-freeze
Base needs 24 hours
Churn time
About 2 minutes

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501UK

10 functions, 3 tubs, Silver

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is the best overall ice cream maker here because it covers the widest range of frozen desserts without becoming difficult to use. It can make ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt, milkshakes, slushies and frappes, and the three larger tubs make it easier to keep more than one flavour ready.

Typical price: £195–£249

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Makes a wide range of frozen desserts and drinks.
  • Large tubs give more room than the original Creami.
  • Controls and clean-up are straightforward once the base is frozen.

Cons

  • You still need to freeze the base for 24 hours.
  • The tubs take up meaningful freezer space.
  • It is noisy while processing.

Verdict

A flexible family machine for buyers happy to plan ahead. It is not instant, because the base has to freeze first, but the actual processing is quick and the results are more versatile than a standard freezer-bowl machine.

Award Best Self-Freezing Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart Freeze Ease Pro Ice Cream Maker

Key specs

Capacity
1.5L
Type
Self-freezing compressor
Pre-freeze
Not required
Churn time
About 40 minutes

Cuisinart FreezeEase Pro Ice Cream Maker

Self-freezing, 4 presets, 14 functions

The Cuisinart Freeze Ease Pro is the best self-freezing pick because it removes the biggest inconvenience of traditional ice cream makers: remembering to freeze the bowl. It has dedicated settings for ice cream, gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt, plus a hardness control for texture.

Guide price: about £300

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

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Pros

  • No bowl pre-freezing required.
  • Clear touchscreen and useful presets.
  • Well suited to smooth ice cream and sorbet.

Cons

  • More expensive than freezer-bowl machines.
  • Controls may need the manual at first.
  • Packaging was less impressive than the dessert results.

Verdict

It is the right choice if you want a proper compressor machine but do not want to jump straight to the heaviest premium models. It costs more than compact freeze-first designs, but the convenience and texture make it worthwhile.

Award Best Budget Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart Solo Scoops Ice Cream Maker

Key specs

Capacity
475ml
Type
Freezer-bowl compact
Pre-freeze
At least 12 hours
Churn time
About 25 minutes

Cuisinart Solo Scoops Ice Cream Maker ICEM10

475ml bowl, compact design

The Cuisinart Solo Scoops is the best budget ice cream maker because it keeps the appliance simple and the price low without feeling like a novelty gadget. It suits one or two people, smaller kitchens and buyers who want to experiment before spending much more.

Typical price: £30–£40

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

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Pros

  • Low price compared with most ice cream makers.
  • Very easy to operate.
  • Small enough to store without much fuss.

Cons

  • The bowl and mixture need advance chilling.
  • Capacity is limited.
  • Texture may need extra freezer time if you want a firmer scoop.

Verdict

It is not the machine for spontaneous large batches, but it is one of the easiest low-cost routes into homemade ice cream. If you can keep the bowl ready in the freezer, it is a practical compact buy.

Award Best Compact Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker

Key specs

Capacity
240ml
Type
Frozen-tub wand
Pre-freeze
12-24 hours
Churn time
Up to 5 minutes

Cuisinart Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker

3 x 240ml pots, 5 presets

The Cuisinart Freeze Wand is the best compact choice because it solves the storage problem more convincingly than most freezer-bowl machines. Instead of finding room for a full appliance, you freeze small tubs and process them with the wand.

Guide price: about £100

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

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Pros

  • Much easier to store than a countertop machine.
  • Fast processing once the tubs are frozen.
  • Tubs are stackable and colour-coded.

Cons

  • The 240ml capacity is for small servings.
  • Ingredients need 12-24 hours in the freezer.

Verdict

It is best for small households, children's portions and occasional desserts rather than large family bowls. The capacity is limited, but the speed and storage-friendly design make it genuinely different from the rest of the list.

Award Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

Key specs

Capacity
1.42L
Type
Soft-serve freezer bowl
Pre-freeze
Overnight bowl freeze
Churn time
Under 30 minutes

Cuisinart ICE48U Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

1.42L, makes 6 portions

The Cuisinart Soft Serve is the best choice if you want ice-cream-van-style desserts rather than ordinary scoops. The lever and topping compartments make it more playful than most machines, while the bowl size is large enough for several servings.

Typical price: £164–£200

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Creates soft-serve-style desserts at home.
  • Topping dispensers are useful for sprinkles and small extras.
  • Can make sorbet and frozen yoghurt as well as ice cream.

Cons

  • The bowl still needs pre-freezing.
  • Large toppings do not suit the dispensers.
  • Over-churning can make the texture too firm.

Verdict

It is more specialised than a standard ice cream maker, so soft serve needs to be the appeal. For parties, barbecue desserts and family cones, it earns its slot.

Award Best Luxury Ice Cream Maker

Magimix Gelato Expert

Key specs

Capacity
2L total / 1.3L working
Type
Compressor gelato maker
Pre-freeze
Not required
Churn time
About 30 minutes

Magimix Gelato Expert 11680

2 x 2L bowls, Satin

The Magimix Gelato Expert is the luxury pick for buyers who care about texture and want a substantial compressor machine. It is built for more than casual summer use, with programmes for gelato, ice cream and granita plus enough capacity for bigger batches.

Typical price: £439–£500

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Large capacity and premium build.
  • No pre-freezing required.
  • Good variety of automatic and manual controls.

Cons

  • Very expensive.
  • Heavy to move around the kitchen.
  • Needs an extra brine or alcohol step between bowls.

Verdict

It is overkill for occasional use, and the setup is more involved than simpler machines. But if you want a premium gelato-capable appliance and can leave it on the counter, it is one of the most convincing high-end options.

Award Best Large-Capacity Ice Cream Maker

CASO Design IceCreamer 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

Key specs

Capacity
2L
Type
Self-freezing compressor
Pre-freeze
Not required
Churn time
About 30 minutes

CASO Design IceCreamer 5-in-1

2L, built-in compressor

The CASO Design IceCreamer is the best large-capacity pick because it gives you a two-litre compressor bowl without climbing to the highest premium prices. It is a strong fit if you want to make enough ice cream or sorbet for several people.

Typical price: £199–£280

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Generous two-litre capacity.
  • Can churn without freezer-bowl planning.
  • Useful range of frozen-dessert programmes.

Cons

  • Big and heavy on the worktop.
  • Not ideal for very small batches.
  • Pricing varies widely, so compare the latest retailer price.

Verdict

It needs space, and it is not the neatest option for occasional single portions. For family batches and no-pre-freeze convenience, it has a clear place in the shortlist.

Award Best Stand Mixer Ice Cream Maker

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

Key specs

Capacity
1.9L
Type
Stand mixer attachment
Pre-freeze
At least 16 hours
Churn time
About 30 minutes

KitchenAid 5KSMICM Ice Cream Maker Attachment

Stand mixer attachment

The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment is the best stand-mixer option because it turns an appliance many bakers already own into a frozen-dessert maker. It is not cheap for an attachment, but it saves counter space compared with another motorised machine.

Typical price: £96–£149

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Avoids buying another powered appliance.
  • Large bowl is useful for bigger batches.
  • Good fit for smooth frozen desserts without another motor base.

Cons

  • Only useful with compatible KitchenAid stand mixers.
  • The bowl needs at least 16 hours in the freezer.
  • May be too large for some freezer drawers.

Verdict

Only consider it if you already have the right mixer and enough freezer room for the bowl. In that situation, it is a practical way to make larger batches without adding another plug-in appliance.

Award Best Family Ice Cream Maker

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Maker NC300UK

Key specs

Capacity
3 x 473ml
Type
Frozen-tub maker
Pre-freeze
Base needs 24 hours
Churn time
About 2 minutes

Ninja CREAMi NC300UK

7 programmes, 1.4L, Black/Silver

The original Ninja CREAMi remains a strong family choice because it gives you separate tubs and simple programmes for different desserts. It is not as roomy or feature-rich as the Deluxe, but it is still easy to recommend where price and cupboard space matter.

Typical price: £145–£200

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Flexible programmes for ice cream, gelato, sorbet and milkshakes.
  • Three tubs make it easy to prepare different flavours.
  • Often cheaper than the Deluxe model.

Cons

  • Smaller capacity than the Deluxe.
  • Bases need 24 hours in the freezer.
  • Some recipes may need a re-spin for the best texture.

Verdict

The smaller Ninja makes sense if you want the same basic frozen-tub idea in a slightly cheaper machine. For larger drinks, slushies and bigger portions, the Deluxe is the stronger all-rounder.

Award Best Smart Ice Cream Maker

Sage The Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

Key specs

Capacity
1L
Type
Smart compressor
Pre-freeze
Not required
Churn time
About 40 minutes

Sage The Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

Self-cooling, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Sage Smart Scoop is the best smart ice cream maker because it gives you more control over texture than basic machines. The firmness dial, pre-cool mode and keep-cool function make it feel like a proper dessert appliance rather than a simple churner.

Typical price: £339–£370

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Firmness control helps tune texture.
  • Pre-cool and keep-cool modes are genuinely useful.
  • Quiet operation is a clear strength.

Cons

  • Heavy to lift in and out of storage.
  • One-litre capacity is modest for the footprint.
  • Expensive compared with simple freezer-bowl machines.

Verdict

It is best for buyers who want a quieter compressor model and can give it a permanent home. If capacity matters more than control, the CASO or Magimix options are more convincing.

Questions

Ice cream maker questions

Straight answers to the questions that usually come up before buying.

Is an ice cream maker worth buying?

An ice cream maker is worth it if you enjoy making desserts, want more control over ingredients, or regularly buy premium ice cream. It is less essential if you only want occasional simple flavours and do not have freezer or cupboard space.

What is the difference between freeze-first and self-freezing ice cream makers?

A freeze-first model uses a bowl, tub or ingredient base that must be frozen before churning. A self-freezing model has a compressor that chills the mixture as it churns, so it is more convenient but usually larger, heavier and more expensive.

Can ice cream makers make gelato and sorbet?

Many can make sorbet and frozen yoghurt, and some include gelato settings or paddles. Gelato benefits from good temperature control and slower, denser churning, so premium compressor machines often handle it better than basic freezer-bowl models.

How much freezer space do I need?

Freeze-first bowls can be bulky and often need 12-24 hours in the freezer. Tub-based machines need room for one or more filled tubs. Compressor machines need less freezer preparation, but they take up more worktop or cupboard space.

Are Ninja Creami machines normal ice cream makers?

They work differently from traditional churners. You freeze the mixture solid in a tub, then the machine shaves and blends it into a frozen dessert. That makes them fast at serving time, but they still need advance freezing.

Buying advice

Helpful advice before you choose

Use these guides to settle the trade-offs that matter before comparing the recommendations.

Freezer-bowl and compressor ice cream makers with freshly churned homemade desserts on a kitchen worktop
Guide Cold drinks and desserts

Is an ice cream maker worth it?

Decide whether an ice cream maker is worth the cost, freezer or worktop space, preparation and cleaning by comparing freezer-bowl and compressor machines with shop-bought alternatives.

Read advice

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