I have made hundreds of batches of ice cream over the years & now you can too. I recommend the best gelato or ice cream makers for home use. Purchase today with confidence & find out how easy & yummy homemade ice cream can be!
My honest review of all these machines will help you purchase the one that is right for you. I outline all the questions to ask yourself below to help you narrow down the search.
As a personal chef I have tried many brands & models so you don't have to. I either have personally owned or used all of these ice cream makers in recent years. (I have even used I few I would NEVER recommend but that's for another day!)
NOTE: this post originally was done in summer 2024 and was republished in 2025 to reflect new products and prices for the most up to date review.
Jump to:
- Aren't Ice Cream Makers Expensive?
- What to Look For in a Gelato/Ice Cream Maker
- Best Overall - Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Gelato Maker
- Best Cuisinart Gelato/Ice Cream Maker
- Best Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
- Best Italian Gelato Machine Brand - Musso
- Best Small Gelato Maker - Secura
- Best Large/Ice Cream Gelato Maker
- Best Budget Gelato Maker (under $50)
- Best Gelato Maker with a Compressor
- Other Gelato/Ice Cream Machines
- Gelato Makers: Prices, Features, & Reviews
- Final Notes & Easy Recipes
Aren't Ice Cream Makers Expensive?
You don't have to spend a lot to make creamy & delicious gelato at home. The price range from these models starts below $100 & for a gourmet machine, you can spend over $600. No matter what your budget is, one of these ice cream makers will be priced right.
What to Look For in a Gelato/Ice Cream Maker
Here is how to decide which one is good for you and your family. Before buying one takes all of these factors into account. This way you will spend the money on the best product.
- Ease of use & cleaning
- Size of the maker & how much gelato can it make
- Speed & efficiency
- Functions & features
- Price
- Customer Ratings
- Warranty & other items
Best Overall - Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Gelato Maker
I own this Cuisinart model & for 20 years have been making frozen treats in it. This small but mighty appliance makes gelato, ice cream, frozen yogurt, & sorbet. Here is what I love about it:
- Easy to use, assemble and clean.
- The canister is small so doesn't take much freezer or cabinet space.
- Churning is fast thanks to the double-insulated canister/freezer bowl.
- Lid has an opening on top to pour in the mixture or add mix-ins later.
- GREAT PRICE & the VALUE is the BEST!
- Customers agree with 16K 4+ Star reviews.
Best Cuisinart Gelato/Ice Cream Maker
If you want a bigger model, this CUISINART 2-QUART ICE CREAM MAKER is another great option for making gelato at home. Bigger than the model above for those that like to make a big batch of ice cream for parties or to have plenty to freeze for later.
- Stainless steel and other colors are available
- Easy-to-use dial, assembly, & dishwasher cleaning
- Double-insulated freezer bowl for 20 minute ice cream
- 3-year limited warranty
- Opening in the lid to add ingredients while churning
- 4+ Star reviews by more than 18K customers.
Making my Candy Bar Ice Cream recipe is a Halloween favorite with my Cuisinart. I can add chunks through the top opening while it churns plus add more when I transfer it to freeze.
Best Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
For an appliance that does so much more than just make gelato & ice cream, check out the Ninja Creami. This popular model has 7 one-touch programs to make a variety of frozen drinks & treats all for one great price. I've made ice cream & dole whip with ease with this workhorse!
- Choose between Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-in.
- Creamify technology can transform any fruit into an "ice cream" treat.
- Makes one pint at a time so best for small families
- Dishwasher safe parts
- 4K customers give it a 4+ Star Rating & review
Best Italian Gelato Machine Brand - Musso
If you want some authentic gelato, using a machine made in Italy may be the way to go. The Italians perfected it & these two gelato makers will help you indulge any time you want without the plane ticket!
The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker is the top-rated gelato maker for the home - and the expensive price reflects the exception quality you get. This model uses a compressor so no freezing a canister.
With this model, you can make 2 batches in less than an hour. That means 3 quarts of gelato! I used this when catering a large summer party at a client's home & fell in love with it!
- Sleek design in stainless steel
- No pre-freezing a canister so make gelato any time you wish
- Easy to use and clean even though the bowl is not removable - just use hot water & a bit of soap to wipe down
- Can make 2 batches back to back without any waiting
- Customer satisfaction is over 4-star rating!
- Made in Italy
Best Small Gelato Maker - Secura
This compact & cheap model is great for small kitchens, RVs, tiny homes, or even dorm rooms. If you live alone or are just a couple, this small Secura Mini gelato maker may be just what you need. Here is what I love about it:
- Inexpensive low price tag, under $25!
- Easy to use & clean
- Make .4 quarts of ice cream at a time which serves 1-2 people
- Compact design can save storage space, easy to store and carry.
- One touch power button & spoon included
- Fun to give as a gift to kids, teens, & college students
Best Large/Ice Cream Gelato Maker
If you have a big family or what to make large amounts of gelato, this machine by Nostalgia makes 6 quarts. It's great for parties, birthdays, summer cookouts, pool clubs, & more. My mom had this one & we made a ton of ice cream for the neighborhood & school parties - lots of happy faces covered in ice cream!
Here is why this is the best large-capacity gelato maker:
- Makes 6 quarts at once; 30+ servings estimated
- 8K customers love it & gave great reviews
- Fun vintage style with handle for carrying.
- Powerful motor so no stirring just let it churn for 20 minutes
- Easy to use & clean
- Flavor packet or make your own recipe
- Does require ice & salt to keep the canister cold
Best Budget Gelato Maker (under $50)
Love gelato but don't have a big budget. You can still enjoy making homemade gelato, ice cream, or frozen yogurt at home with this Nostalgia Jadeite Electric Ice Cream Maker.
- Less than $50
- Makes 1.5Qt gelato
- Handle for transport to parties, RV, vacation, church, or school.
- Easy to use & clean (handwash only)
- Great reviews & customer satisfaction
Best Gelato Maker with a Compressor
If you don't want to worry about pre-freezing this one with a compressor may be the way you want to go. This Whynter 2.1Qt model has a compressor so it will freeze & churn all at once - ideal for those last-minute cravings.
- No planning ahead to freeze the insert, canister, or bowl.
- I found this to make ice cream quickly & would rent one when catering kids parties ( a real life saver for the best soft serve in no time!)
- Continuous use to make many batches - a lot of gelatos to love
- Sleek stainless steel design or colors too
- Compact size that's easy to use, clean, and store
Other Gelato/Ice Cream Machines
Here are a few other runner-ups that are also great buys. Any of these gelato machines are great to use at home.
Gelato Makers: Prices, Features, & Reviews
Final Notes & Easy Recipes
There is nothing like freshly made gelato or ice cream. Here is why making it at home is best.
- Saves money!
- Control the ingredients; fresh fruits, less sugar, organic, etc.
- Great for dietary or allergy restrictions such as dairy-free, gluten-free, low-sugar, or vegan.
- Customize and the recipe ideas are endless!!
Try these easy recipes to get started with your new machine:
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