Craft homemade frozen treats with this trusted brand. You know those hot summer days? They practically scream for a bowl of creamy, dreamy ice cream. Forget the store-bought stuff with its long ingredient lists. With hamilton beach ice cream makers, you’re in control. You can whip up classic vanilla, crazy cookie dough, or even dairy-free sorbet right on your counter. It’s easier then you think!
Imagine the joy of sharing a flavor you created yourself. This review is here to walk you through everything, from setup to that first delicious scoop. Let’s see if one of these machines can become your new favorite kitchen gadget.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Makers
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins,…
|
9.5 |
Read Review |
 |
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated…
|
9.3 |
Read Review |
 |
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated…
|
9.1 |
Read Review |
 |
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet…
|
9.0 |
Read Review |
 |
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker – Makes Single…
|
8.8 |
Read Review |
 |
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft…
|
8.6 |
Read Review |
 |
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft…
|
8.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350 Delicious…
|
8.3 |
Read Review |
 |
Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker, No Pre-Freezing with…
|
8.1 |
Read Review |
 |
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen…
|
7.9 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Makers
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 is designed to put a world of frozen customization right on your countertop. Its compact size fits easily in most kitchens, making it a practical choice for individuals, couples, or families looking to create personalized treats.
At its core, the CREAMi uses an 800-watt motor and proprietary Creamify Technology. This system is engineered to shave through a uniformly frozen pint, turning a solid block into a remarkably smooth and creamy texture.
You get seven one-touch programs built in: Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and a dedicated Mix-in function. Each program adjusts the machine’s speed, pressure, and timing to suit that specific type of treat, aiming for consistant results with minimal guesswork.
The process is straightforward. You prepare your liquid base—using any ingredients you choose—pour it into one of the included 16-oz. pint containers, and freeze it solid overnight.
The next day, you place the frozen pint into the outer bowl, attach the lid and paddle, select your program, and let it process. In minutes, you have a freshly made pint. If the texture isn’t quite as soft as you’d like, the Re-spin function lets you run an additional cycle for a creamier consistency.
Where this machine really stands out is in the level of control it offers. You have total say over what goes into your desserts.
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 straightfoward appliance designed to bring homemade frozen desserts into your kitchen without the usual hassle. Its core promise is simplicity and speed, letting you create real ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes from start to finish. The key to this efficiency is it’s double-insulated freezer bowl. You simply store the bowl in your freezer ahead of time—no ice or rock salt needed.
When you’re ready, the frozen bowl and the efficient mixing paddle work together to quickly freeze and aerate your mixture. With a 1.5-quart capacity, this machine makes a perfect amount for a family or small gathering. It’s enough for everyone to enjoy a couple of scoops without being left with excessive leftovers that can get icy in the freezer.
You control exactly what goes in, meaning you can make classic vanilla, experiment with unique mix-ins, or create healthier options like low-sugar frozen yogurt or fruit sorbets. The ingredient list is entirely up to you, which is a major advantage over store-bought pints. Using the Cuisinart ice cream maker is intentionally simple.
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 straightforward appliance designed to bring homemade frozen desserts into your kitchen without complication. Its core promise is getting you from ingredients to a finished treat in about 20 minutes, which means you can decide on a flavor and be eating it before a movie ends. The machine operates using a unique double-insulated freezer bowl.
You store this bowl in your freezer until your ready to make ice cream, and its special design eliminates the need for any ice or rock salt. Just pop it onto the machine, add your mixture, and turn it on. This simplicity is a major advantage, keeping the process clean and focused on the fun part—creating your flavors.
With a 1.5-quart capacity, this machine makes a perfect amount for a family or a small gathering.
It yields enough for everyone to have a satisfying serving, with maybe a little left over for later, but it won’t produce an overwhelming quantity that requires special storage. The size is practical for most home freezers and countertops. You can experiment with classic ice cream bases, lower-fat frozen yogurts, or even fruit sorbets.
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 2-quart machine designed for making a variety of frozen desserts at home. It’s built to be straightforward and efficient, giving you control over ingredients and flavors without the complexity of some other appliances. This model focuses on a simple, one-bowl process that yields ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in about half an hour. Its core component is the double-insulated freezer bowl.
You store this bowl in your freezer for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until the liquid inside the walls is completely frozen. This is what freezes your dessert mixture—there’s no need for ice or rock salt. The bowl holds a full 2 quarts, which is enough for a family or for having leftovers to save for later. Because it’s double-insulated, it maintains its cold temperature effectively during the churning process, which is key to getting a good texture. Operation is simple.
You assemble the pre-frozen bowl onto the base, attach the paddle, and pour in your pre-chilled mixture. The heavy-duty motor turns the paddle automatically, constantly scraping the frozen mixture from the sides of the bowl. This incorporates air and prevents large ice crystals from forming, which is what gives you a smooth, creamy result. From start to finish, the machine typically completes its cycle in under 30 minutes.
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 is a clever little kitchen gadget designed for one simple, satisfying purpose: making a single serving of your favorite frozen treat, just for you. It works with a straightforward concept—you freeze the special mug bowl ahead of time, then add your ingredients and stir. In minutes, you’ve got a fresh, personalized dessert without the fuss of a large, complicated machine. Its compact size is a major advantage.
This mini ice cream maker takes up minimal space in your freezer and on your counter, making it perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or even an office kitchen. It’s easy to store away when not in use, and its portable nature means you can bring it along for visits or keep it handy for a quick dessert whim. The design is as simple as it gets, with no buttons or cords to worry about; just the frozen mug, a lid, and a mixing paddle. Versatility is where this product really shines.
While it’s called an ice cream maker, it’s capable of so much more. You can create rich gelato, tangy frozen yogurt, refreshing fruit sorbets (perfect for dairy-free diets), and even icy slushes. The quick freeze bowl technology ensures the mug gets cold enough to freeze your mixture rapidly, preserving flavor and texture. It invites experimentation with your own recipes, from classic vanilla to more adventurous combinations, all in a perfectly portioned size that eliminates waste.
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Vintage Wooden Style – Light Wood – 4 Quart
The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker in Light Wood is a 4-quart machine designed to bring the charm of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor right into your kitchen. Its vintage wooden-style bucket isn’t just for looks; it houses a modern, powerful electric motor that handles all the hard work. You can have fresh, soft-serve style ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato ready in about 20 minutes. There’s no intensive manual stirring required.
The motor locks securely into place during operation, so everything stays put while it churns your creation to a perfect consistency. This appliance is all about simplicity and fun. You choose your favorite base—whether it’s a classic custard, a tangy yogurt, or a rich gelato—and the machine does the rest. It’s a great way to experiment with flavors and ingredients, creating unique treats that are exactly to your taste.
The process is straightforward, making it an enjoyable activity for the whole family. Kids love to see the liquid mix turn into a frozen dessert right before there eyes. It’s a practical way to control what goes into your dessert, from organic ingredients to managing dietary preferences. Portability is a key feature, thanks to the convenient carrying handle attached to the bucket.
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Vintage Wooden Style – Dark Wood – 6 Quart
The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker in Dark Wood is a 6-quart machine designed to bring the charm of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor into your kitchen. Its vintage wooden-style bucket isn’t just for looks; it houses a modern, powerful electric motor that handles all the churning for you. This means you can make homemade soft-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in about 20 minutes with minimal effort.
There’s no intensive manual stirring required—simply add your ingredients, and the machine locks securely to do the work. This appliance is all about simplicity and fun. You decide the flavor, whether it’s a classic vanilla, a rich chocolate, or a tangy frozen yogurt. The process is straightforward, making it a great activity for family snack time or a unique offering at gatherings. Because it’s so quick, you can decide on a whim to have fresh dessert.
The integrated carrying handle on the bucket makes it surprisingly portable, so you can easily bring it to a party or a neighbor’s house to share the experience. For those who want ultimate convenience, this ice cream maker pairs perfectly with Nostalgia’s own ice cream mix kits. Options like vanilla crème, chocolate, and strawberry provide a foolproof starting point. Their premium starter kit is an excellent choice if your hosting a party, as it includes everything you need to get going.
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 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350 is designed for anyone who loves the idea of fresh, homemade frozen desserts. This unit makes the process straightforward, letting you create exactly what you want, when you want it. Its core is a 4-quart aluminum freezing cannister. This capacity is perfect for families or gatherings, allowing you to make a generous amount of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in one batch.
Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a larger event, you’ll have plenty to share. The cannister itself is durable and freezes efficiently to help create that creamy texture we all love. Operation is refreshingly simple. You prepare your mix—whether a classic custard or a fruity sorbet—and pour it into the pre-chilled cannister. Place that into the included plastic ice bucket, secure the electric motor on top, and add ice and rock salt around it.
The powerful 50-watt motor then takes over, churning the mixture consistently without straining. In about 20 to 40 minutes, you’ll have a perfectly churned, fluffy frozen dessert ready to be transferred to your freezer to firm up or enjoyed immediately as a softer serve. One of the best parts is the creative control. You choose the ingredients, avoiding artificial additives. You can make a rich chocolate gelato, a tangy mango sorbet, or a probiotic-rich frozen yogurt.
Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker, No Pre-Freezing with Built-In Compressor, Makes Ice Cream, Froyo, Sorbet, Sherbet, Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt, Digital Display w/ 3 Presets, 2 Pint Inserts Included
The Chefman Iceman Trio ice cream maker is designed for anyone who wants real, homemade frozen desserts without the usual hassle. Its biggest advantage is the built-in compressor, which means there’s no pre-freezing a bowl for hours or days. You can decide to make ice cream and start the process right away, which is a game-changer for spontanious treats.
This machine is incredibly versatile.
It comes with three digital presets for Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, and Italian Ice, giving you a perfect starting point for different textures. Whether you’re aiming for a rich chocolate ice cream, a tangy frozen yogurt, or a light fruit sorbet, the Iceman handles it. The colorful touch controls are intuitive, and the clear lid lets you watch the magic happen as your mix turns into a creamy dessert.
It typically takes about an hour to get from liquid to scoopable frozen treat.
You get two stainless steel pint inserts with there own lids. This is perfect for making two different flavors at once, like vanilla and strawberry, or for keeping a batch fresh in the freezer while you enjoy the first pint. The automatic cooling function is a thoughtful feature; once the mixing cycle finishes, the machine keeps the contents cold so you don’t have to rush to transfer it.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet, Ready in 20 Minutes, LCD Screen and Timer, ICE-70P1
The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, ICE-70P1, is designed to put you in control of your favorite frozen desserts. This 2-quart machine lets you create classic ice cream, tangy frozen yogurt, rich gelato, or refreshing sorbet right on your counter. It’s built with a sleek stainless steel finish that looks good in any kitchen and is durable for long-term use. One of it’s standout aspects is the speed.
The machine can have a batch ready in as little as 20 minutes, which means spontaneous dessert ideas are totally possible. You don’t need to plan far ahead or pre-freeze a bowl. Just add your ingredients, select your setting, and let it work. The integrated LCD screen and countdown timer are key for this. They keep you informed on the process, and the auto shutoff means the machine stops when it’s done, so you don’t have to watch it constantly. Ease of use was clearly a priority in the design.
The lid features a built-in ingredient spout and a small, integrated measuring cup. This allows you to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit during the churning process without making a big mess. It’s a simple feature that makes a real difference in your results. The machine offers three settings with multiple speeds, giving you flexibility depending on whether you’re making a dense gelato or a lighter sorbet. You can adjust the texture to your personal preference.
Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Makers Buying Guide
Hamilton Beach ice cream makers balance simplicity with reliable results. They take the intimidation out of homemade frozen treats, offering a straightforward path from your favorite ingredients to a fresh dessert. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want an easy process, these machines are built to deliver.
Capacity and Batch Size
How much ice cream do you need to make at once? Consider your household size. A compact 4-quart model is perfect for smaller families or trying new recipes without waste. Larger 6-quart units are great for gatherings or if you have a freezer full of fans. Remember, the capacity listed is for the total bowl volume, not the final yield—you’ll typically get a bit less finished product.
Freezer Bowl vs. Built-In Freezer
This is the big choice. Most Hamilton Beach models use a freezer bowl you pre-freeze for 12-24 hours. It’s affordable and quiet, but requires planning. If you want ice cream on a true whim, look for a compressor model with a built-in freezer. It churns immediately, but costs more and takes up counter space. Ask yourself: are you a planner, or a spontaneous treat-seeker?
Ease of Use and Cleaning
You want to spend time eating, not figuring out a complicated machine. Look for simple controls—often just an on/off switch. A pour-in spout on the lid is a huge plus for adding mix-ins like chocolate chips easily. For cleaning, check if the paddle and bowl are dishwasher safe. There’s nothing worse than a fun dessert followed by a difficult scrub-down.
Speed and Texture
Patience is a virtue, but how much do you have? Most machines take 20-40 minutes to churn. The constant stirring is what creates that smooth, creamy texture by preventing large ice crystals from forming. If speed is your top priority, some faster compressor models exist, but they come with a higher price tag. The wait is usually worth it for that rich, homemade consistency you just can’t buy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Makers
How does a Hamilton Beach ice cream maker work?
It uses a simple freezer bowl method. You freeze teh special bowl for at least 24 hours. The cold bowl freezes your mixed ingredients as the paddle spins. In about 20-30 minutes, you get soft-serve ice cream. For a firmer texture, you just pop it in the freezer for a bit after.
Do I need to use rock salt and ice?
Nope! That’s the big convenience. Their countertop models use the pre-frozen bowl, so there’s no messy salt or ice needed. It keeps everything clean and simple in your kitchen.
What kind of recipes can I make?
You can make much more than just ice cream. Try sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, or even dog-friendly treats. The manual includes recipes to get you started, and there’s tons of ideas online.
Is it difficult to clean?
Not at all. The mixing paddle and bowl are usually dishwasher safe. The motor base just needs a quick wipe with a damp cloth. Just make sure the bowl is at room temperature before you wash it to avoid cracking.
How much ice cream does it make?
Most of their home models make about 1.5 to 2 quarts per batch. That’s perfect for a family or a small gathering. It’s a great amount for trying new flavors without having to much leftover.
How long does the freezer bowl need to freeze?
Plan for a full 24 hours. It needs to be completely solid. It’s a good idea to store the bowl in your freezer so it’s always ready when you want to make a batch.
Can I make multiple batches in a row?
You can, but you’ll need an extra freezer bowl. Once you use the cold bowl, it needs to be completely re-frozen for another 24 hours. Some people buy a second bowl to have on hand for back-to-back batches.
Where is the best place to buy one?
You can find them at most major retailers, both in-store and online. Checking customer reviews on these sites can be really helpful to see what other home users think before you decide.
Our Final Words
Homemade frozen treats are easier than you think. You don’t need to be a professional. With a simple machine and a few ingredients, you can make a fresh batch in an afternoon. It’s a fun activity for a warm day. You get to control exactly what goes in, from classic vanilla to your own wild ideas. It feels good to share something you made yourself.
For a reliable start, consider a hamilton beach ice cream makers. They are straightforward to use and clean. You can have a bowl of real ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet ready before you know it. It’s a simple way to bring a little joy to your kitchen and make some great memories. Give it a try this weekend.