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5 Best Types of Ice Cream Machines for Home
The best ice cream machine options include Cuisinart’s Automatic Ice Cream Maker, Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker 1-Pint, and Ricardo Ice Cream Maker for freezer-bowl models; Nostalgia Bucket Ice Cream Maker for ice-bowl operation, and KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment for stand mixers.
Summer’s just around the corner, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with a scoop of homemade ice cream.
Whether you’re planning a backyard party, looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, or just want a healthier alternative to store-bought sweets, an ice cream maker is a worthy addition to any home kitchen. The best part? You can control every ingredient. No need to worry about artificial flavours, allergens, and mystery additives.
It’s time for tastier, healthier frozen desserts! Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best ice cream machine for your home kitchen.
What Are the Best Ice Cream Makers in Canada?
There are many ice cream makers on the market, but which one is worth your money? Here are some of our favourites:
1. Cuisinart ICE-21C Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Best for: Regular home use
At the top of the list is the Cuisinart ICE-21C. This 1.5-quart ice cream maker can make frozen yogurt or sorbet in 20 minutes or less. You won’t have to wait hours for the churning process, unlike compressor ice cream maker models.
It also comes with a double-insulated bowl, so you can make churned ice cream even without ice. Just whip up an ice cream base, pour it into the pre-frozen bowl, wait 20 minutes, and you’ve got soft-serve ice cream!
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Source: Pexels
2. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker One-Pint
Best for: Smaller households or testing ice cream recipes
Sometimes all you need is a pint of creamy ice cream. If you don’t want to make large batches of ice cream, check out the Cuisinart 1-Pint model. You can make one to two servings in just 25 minutes.
It’s also extremely light and compact, so you can carry it to another room, store it in tight spaces, or even bring it on trips.
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3. Nostalgia Bucket Ice Cream Maker Four Qt
Best for: Small gatherings
If you're looking for a home ice cream machine with old-school charm, the Nostalgia Bucket Ice Cream Maker is a gem with its old-fashioned hand-crank ice cream churn look from the 1800s. It uses an electric motor to churn ice cream mix, eliminating ice crystals for a smooth, soft-serve consistency.
With a four-quart capacity, you can make enough ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt for small groups or parties. However, unlike other ice cream makers, this one needs ice and salt first before you can make great ice cream at home.
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Source: Unsplash
4. Ricardo Ice Cream Maker
Best for: Compact storage space
The Ricardo Ice Cream Maker is a solid all-rounder for the home kitchen. It makes 1.6-pint batches of ice cream, sorbets, frozen yogurt, and slushies in under 20 minutes. It's fully automatic and programmable, so you won’t have to hover over it the whole time. Plus, its compact design also means it won't hog counter space when you're not using it.
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5. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Best for: KitchenAid stand mixer owners
Already have a KitchenAid stand mixer at home? Turn it into an ice cream maker with this attachment. Just freeze the bowl, snap it onto your mixer, and churn up to two quarts of ice cream, sorbet, or gelato using your favourite ice cream recipe in no time. It's a great option if you want to skip buying a standalone appliance altogether.
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FAQs About the Best Ice Cream Maker
What are the different types of home ice cream maker machines?
Most ice cream makers typically fall under the following categories:
- Manual ice cream machines: Cheaper but require manual hand-cranking.
- Freezer bowl models: Requires a pre-frozen bowl before you can start making ice cream.
- Compressor machines: Built-in compressor removes the need for a pre-frozen bowl.
What is the best home ice cream maker?
The most recommended ice cream maker for homes is the Cuisinart ICE-21C Automatic Ice Cream Maker for its easy use and medium capacity. Its one-pint option also comes in handy for small portions and customized flavours.
How to use a home ice cream machine
For freezer bowl models, freeze the bowl overnight. Create an ice cream base typically made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and flavourings such as vanilla, chocolate chips, or fruit. Pour the mix into your home ice cream maker machine and let it churn.
Can I use normal milk to make ice cream?
You can use any kind of milk you want, though the consistency may vary. Whole milk and eggs will give you a thick, creamy texture. If you swap it out for almond milk, expect the finished ice cream to taste less sweet.
In Summary
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Freezer-bowl models (Cuisinart, Ricardo) are the most practical for home use: fast (under 25 min) but require 12–24 hours of pre-freezing.
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The Cuisinart ICE-21C is the top all-around pick; the one-pint version suits smaller households or recipe testing.
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The Nostalgia Bucket Maker is best for parties (four-qt capacity), but it needs ice and rock salt to operate.
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KitchenAid's attachment is the most space-efficient option if you already own a compatible stand mixer.
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Whole milk and eggs yield the creamiest results; alternative milks work but alter sweetness and texture.
Everything You Need For Frozen Treats at Home
Whip up excellent ice cream with your favourite ingredients using the best ice cream machine for home kitchens. Make it as healthy (or sinful, really) as you want, whether you’re a classic vanilla ice cream lover or a vegan ice cream enjoyer.
When you're ready to stock up your kitchen, s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply has everything you need for a refreshing summer party, from ice cream makers and stand mixers to outdoor dinnerware and grill essentials.
Shop our countertop and small kitchen appliances online or visit any of our stores in Ontario. Whatever you're whipping up at home, we've got the tools for it!
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