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.
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Before you buy
Product details, prices and availability can change. Always check the retailer's page before buying, especially dimensions, compatibility, delivery terms and warranty cover.
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
Start with the shortlist
Compare the main picks, then jump to specs, offers and verdicts.
Best Overall Ice Cream Maker
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501UK
10 functions, 3 tubs, Silver
Typical price: £195–£249
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
- Churn time
- About 2 minutes
Top offers
Best Self-Freezing Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart FreezeEase Pro Ice Cream Maker
Self-freezing, 4 presets, 14 functions
Guide price: about £300
A polished compressor model for buyers who want smooth results without freezing a bowl first.
- Capacity
- 1.5L
- Type
- Self-freezing compressor
- Pre-freeze
- Not required
- Churn time
- About 40 minutes
Top offers
Best Budget Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart Solo Scoops Ice Cream Maker ICEM10
475ml bowl, compact design
Typical price: £30–£40
A small, affordable Cuisinart that makes sense for occasional batches and smaller households.
- Capacity
- 475ml
- Type
- Freezer-bowl compact
- Pre-freeze
- At least 12 hours
- Churn time
- About 25 minutes
Top offers
Best Compact Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker
3 x 240ml pots, 5 presets
Guide price: about £100
A clever space-saving option for small portions and kitchens where a full machine would be too much.
- Capacity
- 240ml
- Type
- Frozen-tub wand
- Pre-freeze
- 12-24 hours
- Churn time
- Up to 5 minutes
Top offers
Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart ICE48U Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
1.42L, makes 6 portions
Typical price: £164–£200
A fun soft-serve machine for cones, parties and anyone who wants more than scooped ice cream.
- Capacity
- 1.42L
- Type
- Soft-serve freezer bowl
- Pre-freeze
- Overnight bowl freeze
- Churn time
- Under 30 minutes
Top offers
Best Luxury Ice Cream Maker
Magimix Gelato Expert 11680
2 x 2L bowls, Satin
Typical price: £439–£500
A serious premium machine for gelato fans and confident home dessert makers.
- Capacity
- 2L total / 1.3L working
- Type
- Compressor gelato maker
- Pre-freeze
- Not required
- Churn time
- About 30 minutes
Top offers
Best Large-Capacity Ice Cream Maker
CASO Design IceCreamer 5-in-1
2L, built-in compressor
Typical price: £199–£280
A roomy compressor machine with useful modes for larger batches and more frequent use.
- Capacity
- 2L
- Type
- Self-freezing compressor
- Pre-freeze
- Not required
- Churn time
- About 30 minutes
Top offers
Best Stand Mixer Ice Cream Maker
KitchenAid 5KSMICM Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Stand mixer attachment
Typical price: £96–£149
The best route into homemade ice cream if you already own a compatible KitchenAid mixer.
- Capacity
- 1.9L
- Type
- Stand mixer attachment
- Pre-freeze
- At least 16 hours
- Churn time
- About 30 minutes
Top offers
Best Family Ice Cream Maker
Ninja CREAMi NC300UK
7 programmes, 1.4L, Black/Silver
Typical price: £145–£200
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
- Churn time
- About 2 minutes
Top offers
Best Smart Ice Cream Maker
Sage The Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
Self-cooling, Brushed Stainless Steel
Typical price: £339–£370
A premium compressor machine for buyers who want more texture control and quieter operation.
- Capacity
- 1L
- Type
- Smart compressor
- Pre-freeze
- Not required
- Churn time
- About 40 minutes
Top offers
How to choose an ice cream maker
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
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
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 18 May 2026
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.
Ice cream maker questions
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.