I have made hundreds of batches of ice cream over the years & now you can too when you buy one of these recommended gelato or ice cream makers. 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!)
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
Before buying one takes all of these factors into account. This way you will spend the money on the best buy for your family & home.
- 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; one button is all it takes.
- The canister is small so doesn't take much freezer 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.
- Dishwasher-safe parts to it is easy to clean.
- The small footprint may mean less ice cream each batch but it is easy to store for small kitchens/cabinet areas.
- GREAT PRICE & the VALUE is the BEST!
- Customers agree with 14K 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 functionality
- Double-insulated freezer bowl for gelato that can be ready in 20 minutes
- 3-year limited warranty
- Easy to assemble & clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Opening in the lid to add ingredients while churning
- 4+ Star reviews by more than 17K 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 may not be ideal for large families or big households
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Great for making gelato & ice cream for those on special diets (sugar-free, diabetic, keto, etc)
- 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
- Powerful motor so no stirring just let it churn for 20 minutes
- Easy to use & clean
- Has a handle for carrying
- 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
- Carrying handle for transport to parties, RV, vacation, church, work, or the neighbor's house
- 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 design to store easily but still get a lot of gelatos
- Easy to use & clean
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 like fresh fruits, less sugar, organic ingedients, etc.
- Great for anyone with a dietary or allergy restrictions such as dairy-free, gluten-free, low-sugar, or vegan.
- Customize and the recipe ideas are endless!!
Now you are ready to start making homemade gelato & ice cream at home. Try these great beginner recipes to get started:
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