Ever dream of having fresh, creamy ice cream without the store run? A small ice cream maker can turn that dream into a delicious reality right on your counter. It’s perfect for experimenting with flavors and creating treats tailored just for you and your family. Honestly, the convenience is a total game-changer for dessert lovers.
But with so many models out there, how do you choose the right one? We’ve tested the top contenders to find which machines deliver the best results without the fuss. Let’s dive into which small ice cream maker is worth your counter space.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Small Ice Cream Maker
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Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins,…
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9.6 |
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Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Slushies and…
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9.4 |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated…
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9.2 |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated…
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9.0 |
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Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (Pink)
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8.8 |
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Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker – Makes Single…
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8.5 |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet…
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8.3 |
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Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft…
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8.1 |
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Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350 Delicious…
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7.9 |
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Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker – Compact &…
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7.7 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Small Ice Cream Maker
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7 One-Touch Programs, with (2) Pint Containers & Lids, Compact Size, Perfect for Kids, Silver
The Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker lets you turn almost any frozen base into a treat. It has 7 one-touch programs for ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and even smoothie bowls. You controle the ingredients, making it easy to create dairy-free, keto, or low-sugar options.
After freezing your base overnight, the Creamify Technology processes it into a creamy texture. You can also mix-in candys, nuts, or fruit for custom flavors.
The machine includes two pint containers and is simple to clean. Its compact size fits easily on your counter, perfect for making personal frozen desserts whenever you want them.
Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Slushies and Mix-In Frozen Dessert Maker, Compact Machine, Easy to Use, Includes 3 Mixing Cups with Lids, ICE-FD10
The Cuisinart FastFreeze ICE-FD10 is a compact 5-in-1 dessert maker. It creates ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, slushies, and mix-in treats in just minutes. You just select a preset program and push down the freeze wand.
Its great for making healthier options, like non-dairy ice cream or fruit sorbets. The machine comes with three seperate mixing cups with lids, so you can pre-freeze different flavors. It’s easy to use and stores away neatly, saving valuable counter space.
Remember to freeze the dessert base for 24 hours ahead of time for best results.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21P1, White
The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 Ice Cream Maker is a 1.5-quart machine for homemade frozen treats. It’s double-insulated bowl freezes without ice, and the mixing paddle gets things ready in about 20 minutes. You can make ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt.
It’s simple to use with a clear lid and a large spout for adding ingredients, which helps keep things tidy. The whole unit is BPA-free and backed by a 3-year warranty.
It’s a straightforward appliance for creating your favorite flavors at home whenever you want them.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21RP1, Red
The Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 Ice Cream Maker is a 1.5-quart machine that makes homemade frozen treats easy. It’s double-insulated bowl freezes your ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt without needing ice. You can have a fresh batch ready in about 20 minutes, which is pretty quick. The see-through lid has a large spout for adding mix-ins, keeping things simple and clean. It’s also BPA-free and backed by a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
Overall, it’s a straightforward appliance for creating your favorite flavors at home whenever you want them.
Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (Pink)
The Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (Pink) let’s you make frozen treats at home. Its new mixing paddle creates ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet in about 20 minutes. The double-insulated bowl freezes ingredients with no ice needed, and it makes a generous 1½ quarts per batch. Adding mix-ins is easy through the lid’s large spout. Plus, Cuisinart is donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this year.
It comes with a three-year warranty and is BPA Free for your peace of mind. A simple way to enjoy homemade desserts.
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker – Makes Single Serving of Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet & More – Easy to Clean & Use – Aqua, 2 Bowls
The Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker lets you make a single serving of your favorite frozen treat. It’s perfect for one person, so you can enjoy gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt without a big mess. The design is compact, fitting easily in small kitchens. You get two freezable bowls for quick freezing. Just pop one in the freezer ahead of time. When your ready, assemble it, add your ingredients, and stir. Cleanup is simple since the parts seperate.
It’s a fun way to create a custom dessert at home whenever the mood strikes you.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Machine, Fully Automatic Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl Makes Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes, ICE30BCP1, Silver
The Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 Ice Cream Maker is a fully automatic machine for making homemade frozen treats. It’s double-insulated freezer bowl holds 2 quarts of ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt, and it typically works in under 30 minutes. You can easily add your favorite mix-ins through the large spout. The unit includes a freezer bowl, paddle, and recipe book to get you started. It’s design is simple with a brushed stainless steel finish and convenient cord storage.
This machine is backed by a 3-year warranty, offering a straightforward way to create custom desserts at home whenever you want them.
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Blue – 4 Quart
The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker lets you create homemade soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in about 20 minutes. Its powerful electric motor handles all the churning, so theres no manual work for you. The 4-quart bucket has a convenient carry handle, making it easy to bring to gatherings. This classic blue appliance pairs with Nostalgia’s ice cream mix kits for even more flavor options.
It’s a simple, fun way to make classic treats with family and friends, combining old-fashioned style with modern convenience right in your own kitchen.
Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350 Delicious Homemade Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt, 4Qt Aluminum Freezing Cannister, Durable Plastic Ice Bucket, Powerful 50W, Periwinkle
The Elite Gourmet EIM350 Ice Cream Maker lets you create homemade frozen treats easily. It’s 4-quart capacity is perfect for making ice cream, gelato, or sorbet for a crowd. The simple process involves your prepared mix, ice, and salt—the powerful 50W motor does the churning for you. Its compact and portable design means you can take the fun anywhere. Cleanup is straightforward too, with parts that disassemble for hand washing.
Enjoy fresh, creamy results and customize with your favorite toppings for a refreshing dessert anytime.
Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker – Compact & Convenient Single-Serving Ice Cream Maker – Makes Gelato, Sorbet & Frozen Yogurt – 1.6 Cups, Aqua
The Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker is a compact, single-serving machine for your countertop. It’s super easy to use with just one-touch churning for gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt. You get about 1.6 cups, which is the perfect personal portion. Cleanup and storage are simple because it disassembles quick and stores neatly. Its small size fits great in tiny kitchens or dorm rooms, making homemade treats a breeze. It’s a fun way to enjoy a custom dessert without any fuss.
The aqua color adds a nice pop to your space while you create something cool.
Small Ice Cream Maker Buying Guide
Want homemade frozen treats without the big appliance? A small ice cream maker is a compact machine for your countertop. It churns a single batch, perfect for trying new flavors on a whim.
Capacity and Batch Size
Think about how much you’ll make at once. A 1-quart model is great for couples, while a 1.5-quart size better suits a small family. You don’t want to make more than you can eat!
Freezer Bowl vs. Compressor
The main types are freezer bowl or compressor. A freezer bowl model is quieter and cheaper, but you must plan ahead and freeze the bowl for hours. A built-in compressor machine is ready anytime, but costs more and is a bit louder.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for parts that are dishwasher safe. After enjoying your dessert, the last thing you want is a complicated cleanup. Simple designs with fewer nooks make life much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ice Cream Maker
How much counter space does it need?
Most are quite compact. They often take up about as much space as a coffee maker, so they’re great for smaller kitchens.
Is it hard to clean?
Not usually! The bowl and paddle are normally dishwasher safe. Just wipe teh main unit with a damp cloth.
Do I need to pre-freeze a bowl?
Many models require this. You freeze the special bowl for 12-24 hours before using. Some machines have a built-in compressor, so you don’t have too.
How long does it take to make ice cream?
It typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. The mixture churns until it’s thick and ready to eat or transfer to the freezer to firm up.
Can I use any recipe?
You should use recipes designed for these makers. They often need less fat than traditional recipes and no eggs to work best.
What’s the difference between cheap and expensive models?
Cost often relates to features. More expensive ones might have a built-in freezer, so no pre-freezing, and they can make multiple batches faster.
Quick Recap
So, that’s teh basic idea. You get to make your favorite flavors right at home. It’s a fun project for a weekend afternoon.
If you enjoy trying new things in the kitchen, a small ice cream maker is a great addition. You can start with something simple and get creative from their.