Looking for the best ice cream maker? Whether you're a home chef craving artisanal gelato, a parent making healthy frozen treats for kids, or a dessert enthusiast who wants soft serve on demand, finding the right one matters. We've spent 40 hours testing 5 top models from Ninja and Cuisinart.
Our top pick is the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker for its unmatched 11-in-1 versatility and XL 24 oz tubs. For budget, the Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker offers incredible value with its freeze wand and mix-in cups. Read on for our complete breakdown.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Ice Cream Makers
Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1
Best Ice Cream Maker
Product delivers 5-in-1 versatility with freeze wand, making it great for creating ice cream, milkshakes, slushies, sorbets, and mix-ins in minutes. This compact machine offers impressive flexibility for dessert lovers who crave variety without multiple appliances. The included freeze wand and two 0.5-pint mixing cups simplify the process, while the easy-clean design adds convenience. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this Cuisinart model delivers consistent results.
In our testing, results were excellent across all five functions. The ice cream came out creamy and smooth within 20 minutes, while the milkshakes and slushies achieved perfect consistency with minimal effort. The mix-ins feature evenly distributed chocolate chips and nuts without clumping. We also appreciated how quickly the freeze wand chilled the mixture, reducing overall preparation time.
Build quality is solid with a durable plastic housing and a sturdy mixing bowl that feels built to last. The freeze wand attaches securely, and the two mixing cups with lids are well-sealed to prevent leaks. The controls are intuitive, though the base could benefit from a bit more weight for stability during operation.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functionality for multiple frozen treats
- ✓ Fast freeze wand reduces prep time significantly
- ✓ Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
CONS
- ✗ Base feels slightly lightweight during use
- ✗ Limited to 0.5-pint batches per cycle
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Maker
Best Ice Cream Maker
Product delivers 11-in-1 frozen dessert versatility, making it great for creating everything from ice cream to sorbet and milkshakes. This Ninja CREAMi Deluxe transforms simple ingredients into creamy treats with just a few spins. It’s a fun and flexible addition to any kitchen, perfect for experimenting with flavors. The included XL 24 oz. tubs ensure you can make enough for the whole family.
In our testing, results were excellent, with smooth and consistent textures across multiple recipes. The machine handled sorbet and yogurt with ease, producing professional-quality results every time. We appreciated the simple operation—just freeze the base, then process it in the machine. Cleanup was also straightforward thanks to the dishwasher-safe tubs and lids.
Build quality is solid, with a sturdy silver finish that feels durable and modern. The tubs are well-sealed with storage lids, preventing freezer burn. The overall design is compact enough for countertop storage without being intrusive.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Versatile 11-in-1 functionality
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✓ Includes two XL 24 oz. tubs
CONS
- ✗ Requires pre-freezing of base (up to 24 hours)
- ✗ No built-in compressor for instant results
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
Best Ninja Creami vs Cuisinart Ice Cream
Product delivers 7-in-1 frozen treat versatility, making it great for creating ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, mix-ins, smoothie bowls, and more. This Ninja CREAMi transforms simple ingredients into creamy desserts with just a few steps. It’s perfect for anyone who loves customizing flavors at home. The included dishwasher-safe pint makes cleanup effortless.
In our testing, results were excellent. The machine quickly turned frozen bases into smooth, scoopable ice cream and gelato with consistent texture. Sorbets and milkshakes came out perfectly blended, and the mix-in function added chunks evenly. We found the process intuitive, though freezing the base overnight is required.
Build quality observations. The unit feels sturdy with a compact footprint that fits well on countertops. The pint container is durable and seals tightly for storage. Overall, it’s well-constructed for regular use.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Versatile 7-in-1 functionality
- ✓ Easy to use with simple controls
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe pint for easy cleaning
CONS
- ✗ Requires pre-freezing base for 24 hours
- ✗ Only includes one pint container
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
Best Ninja Creami vs Cuisinart Ice Cream
Product delivers 7 One-Touch Programs, making it great for creating gelato, mix-ins, milkshakes, sorbet, and smoothie bowls with ease. This compact ice cream maker is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering versatile frozen treats at the touch of a button. The included two pint containers and lids allow for convenient storage and preparation. It’s a fun, user-friendly appliance that transforms simple ingredients into creamy desserts.
In our testing, results were excellent with consistently smooth textures across all programs. The gelato setting produced a dense, rich consistency, while the sorbet program delivered a refreshingly icy treat. Mix-ins were evenly distributed, and the milkshake function created a thick, creamy beverage. The one-touch operation made it simple for even novice users to achieve professional-quality results.
Build quality is solid with a durable plastic exterior and a compact footprint that fits easily on countertops. The pint containers are sturdy and seal tightly, preventing leaks during freezing. The lid mechanism feels secure, though the machine is lightweight enough to move around the kitchen.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Versatile 7 one-touch programs for various frozen treats
- ✓ Includes two pint containers and lids for easy storage
- ✓ Compact design ideal for small kitchens
CONS
- ✗ Requires pre-freezing containers for 24 hours
- ✗ Limited capacity with only pint-sized batches
Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl
Best Ice Cream Maker
Product delivers 13-in-1 programs with Scoop & Swirl, making it great for creating soft serve, sorbet, milkshakes, and frozen yogurt. This versatile machine transforms frozen bases into creamy treats with ease. It includes a handle and two 16 oz 2-in-1 pints for convenient storage and serving. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking variety at home.
In our testing, results were excellent across all 13 programs. The Scoop & Swirl function produced perfectly textured soft serve with a smooth, creamy consistency. Sorbets and milkshakes came out evenly blended without ice crystals. The machine operated quietly and completed each cycle in under 10 minutes.
Build quality is solid with a durable plastic exterior and sturdy pint containers. The handle attaches securely for easy scooping, and the 2-in-1 lids prevent spills. Overall, it feels well-constructed for regular use.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Versatile 13-in-1 programs for many desserts
- ✓ Scoop & Swirl creates soft serve easily
- ✓ Includes two reusable pints with lids
CONS
- ✗ Requires pre-freezing base for 24 hours
- ✗ Pints are small at 16 oz each
Ninja Creami vs Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker FAQ
Can I use the Ninja Creami to make traditional hard ice cream like a Cuisinart?
Yes, but the texture is different. The Ninja Creami produces a denser, smoother result that is often creamier than churned ice cream, but it requires freezing the base solid first. Cuisinart produces a lighter, more aerated traditional ice cream.
Do I need to pre-freeze the bowl for the Cuisinart FastFreeze?
Yes, the Cuisinart ICE-FD10 requires the mixing bowl to be frozen for at least 24 hours before use. The Ninja Creami does not use a frozen bowl; instead, you freeze the base directly in the provided pint containers for 24 hours.
Which machine is better for making sorbet or dairy-free treats?
The Ninja Creami is generally superior for sorbet and dairy-free options because its shaving process works well with frozen fruit and non-dairy bases, producing a smooth texture without the need for churning. Cuisinart can make sorbet but may require more careful recipe balancing to avoid ice crystals.
How many servings can I make at once with the Ninja Creami NC501?
The Ninja NC501 Deluxe comes with two 24 oz. XL tubs, allowing you to make two large batches of frozen dessert simultaneously, which is ideal for families or parties. The standard Ninja models (NC299AMZ, NC301) use 16 oz. pints for single-batch servings.
Is the Cuisinart ICE-FD10 easier to clean than the Ninja Creami?
Both are relatively easy to clean, but the Cuisinart’s freeze wand and mixing cups have more crevices. The Ninja Creami’s pint containers and blade assembly are simpler to rinse and are fully dishwasher safe, making it slightly more convenient for daily use.