Creating the perfect ice cream experience at home goes beyond just the frozen treat itself. The vessel that holds your dessert is a crucial part of the enjoyment, offering a satisfying crunch and a way to enjoy every last bite without a bowl. A dedicated ice cream cone maker allows you to craft fresh, warm, and customizable cones and bowls that elevate a simple scoop into a gourmet, artisanal delight.
From classic waffle cones to fun, edible bowls, the right machine can turn your kitchen into a dessert workshop. This roundup explores a variety of makers, including versatile models for different cone types, compact options for small spaces, and even complementary machines for creating the ice cream itself. Whether you are a seasoned home chef or looking for a fun family activity, there is an ideal appliance waiting for you.
The Best Ice Cream Cone Makers for Your Kitchen
- Brentwood Appliances Ts-1405bl Waffle Cone Maker
- Dash Mini Waffle Bowl Maker for Breakfast
- Waffle Cone & Bowl Maker for Homemade Ice Cream
- Presto 03500 Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker
- O’Creme Pizzelle Roller Cone Mold
- Nostalgia Snow Cone Shaved Ice Machine
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine
- Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
- Yonanas Classic Vegan Dessert Maker
- Hamilton Beach Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream Maker
Brentwood Appliances Ts-1405bl Waffle Cone Maker
This Brentwood model is a powerful and straightforward machine designed for creating classic, large cones. With 750 watts of power, it heats up efficiently to bake your batter into a perfect golden-brown consistency. The seven-inch diameter plates provide ample space to create generously sized sugar, wafer, or waffle cones that can hold multiple scoops of your favorite ice cream.
Its simple operation makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You can use pre-made mixes or your own family recipe to produce cones that are far superior in freshness and flavor to store-bought versions. The unit is designed for easy cleaning, allowing you to focus on the fun part: shaping your warm, pliable cones and filling them immediately.
Dash Mini Waffle Bowl Maker
The Dash Mini Waffle Bowl Maker is a compact and versatile appliance perfect for creating single-serving edible bowls. Its small footprint makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space or for those who want a dedicated tool for small desserts. Beyond ice cream, this machine can also crisp up tortillas for unique taco bowls, adding a layer of functionality to your cooking routine.
It is remarkably quick and easy to use, heating up in minutes with dual non-stick surfaces for consistent cooking. The four-inch cooking surface creates an ideal individual portion. No special batter is required; you can use your favorite store-bought waffle mix or a homemade recipe, and then fill your creation with everything from fruit and syrup to scrambled eggs.
Waffle Cone & Bowl Maker for Homemade Ice Cream
This versatile machine is a true all-in-one solution for homemade dessert vessels. It stands out by including both a cone roller and an exclusive bowl press attachment, allowing you to choose between classic hand-held cones and stable, elegant bowls for sundaes. This dual capability provides creative freedom for presenting your frozen desserts in a visually impressive way.
The premium non-stick plates ensure your waffles release cleanly and easily every time, making the process smooth from start to finish. Cleanup is designed to be simple, requiring only a quick wipe with a damp cloth after the unit has cooled. This combination of versatility and easy maintenance makes it a fantastic choice for family activities and entertaining guests.
Presto 03500 Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker
The Presto Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker specializes in creating thick, fluffy, and tender waffle bowls with a classic Belgian waffle texture. This machine produces a four-inch bowl that is sturdy enough to hold a generous serving of ice cream along with all your favorite toppings. The deep grid pattern is perfect for catching syrups and melted ice cream.
You are not limited to dessert applications; these sturdy bowls can also be used for savory breakfast items or lunch dishes. The appliance is straightforward to use, requiring no special batter. You can use any store-bought waffle mix or your own homemade recipe, with several ideas included to get you started on your culinary creations.
O’Creme Pizzelle Roller Cone Mold
For those who already own a pizzelle iron or krumkake iron, the O’Creme roller is the essential finishing tool. This is not an electric maker, but a sturdy wooden mold used to shape the hot, freshly baked wafer into a perfect cone shape. It enables you to create authentic, crisp cones that are the foundation of a professional-style ice cream treat.
Crafted from attractive, smooth-finished beechwood, this tool is both light and firm. The ergonomic, contoured handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work quickly before the wafer cools and hardens. It is the perfect accessory for making traditional Norwegian krumkakes or Italian pizzelle cones, adding an artisanal touch to your dessert presentation.
Nostalgia Snow Cone Shaved Ice Machine
While not a cone maker, this Nostalgia machine completes the classic ice cream parlor experience by providing the perfect shaved ice for snow cones. It creates a cool, refreshing treat that is a beloved companion to creamy ice cream. The machine can produce up to twenty 8-ounce snow cones, making it excellent for parties and summer gatherings.
Precise stainless-steel cutting blades work effectively to shave standard ice cubes into a fluffy, snow-like consistency. This texture is ideal for absorbing flavored syrups and creating that authentic snow cone experience. Its retro tabletop design adds a fun, decorative element to your kitchen or patio while providing a crowd-pleasing frozen treat.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
To fill your homemade cones, you need a reliable ice cream maker, and this Cuisinart model is a top contender. It allows you to create two quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, or sorbet in as little as 20 minutes. This capacity is perfect for a family or for having enough to serve at a small gathering.
The machine features a user-friendly LCD screen and a countdown timer with an auto shutoff function for convenience. With three settings and multiple speeds, you have control over the consistency of your frozen desserts. This model is an excellent choice for anyone serious about making a variety of high-quality frozen treats from scratch to pair with their fresh-baked cones.
Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
The Breville Smart Scoop represents the premium end of home ice cream makers, offering sophisticated technology for perfect results. It is the first ice cream maker to automatically sense the hardness of your mixture, ensuring a perfect scooping texture every time. A significant benefit is its ability to keep your frozen flavors at the ideal serving temperature for up to three hours.
With twelve hardness settings and dedicated functions for sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and ice cream, it provides unparalleled control. The pre-cool functionality brings the unit to the optimal operating temperature before you begin, which is key for achieving the best possible consistency in your final product. This is a true investment for the frozen dessert enthusiast.
Yonanas Classic Vegan Dessert Maker
The Yonanas machine offers a unique and healthy approach to frozen desserts. It quickly turns frozen fruit into a soft-serve consistency without the need for added dairy, fats, or sugars. This allows you to create vegan, non-dairy, and keto-friendly treats that are a perfect, guilt-free filling for your cones and bowls.
Its operation is simple and the included recipe guide provides 36 ideas for desserts like pies, parfaits, and sorbets. The machine is also designed for easy maintenance, with a chute assembly, plunger, and blade that are top-rack dishwasher safe. It is an excellent option for health-conscious consumers or those with dietary restrictions.
Hamilton Beach Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream Maker
This Hamilton Beach ice cream maker is a straightforward and efficient appliance for creating homemade frozen desserts. It is designed to be easy to use, making the process of churning your own ice cream or frozen yogurt accessible to everyone. The unit typically features a simple on/off operation and a compact design that is easy to store.
It is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who are new to making ice cream at home or who do not require advanced features. You can experiment with a wide range of recipes, from classic vanilla to more adventurous flavors, ensuring you always have a fresh, customized treat to serve in your homemade cones.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Cone Maker
So, you’re thinking about getting an ice cream cone maker. That’s a fantastic idea. There’s something special about a warm, freshly made cone that you just can’t get from a store-bought box. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one for your kitchen? I’ve spent a lot of time with these machines, and I want to share what I look for.
First, consider the type of cones you want to make. Are you all about classic, rolled sugar cones? Or do you prefer the sturdy, cup-like waffle cones? Some machines are dedicated to one style, while others come with interchangeable plates to make both. If you love variety, a machine with multiple plates is a must. Think about your favorite ice cream shop experience and aim to recreate that at home.
Next, let’s talk about capacity and speed. How many cones do you see yourself making at once? If it’s just for you or a small family, a single-cone maker might be perfect. But if you’re planning for parties or have a house full of ice cream lovers, a model that can cook two or even four cones simultaneously will save you a ton of time and effort. Check the cooking time per batch; some can have a cone ready in under two minutes, while others might take a bit longer.
The build quality and ease of cleaning are huge factors for me. A non-stick coating on the cooking plates is non-negotiable. It makes the cones release easily and cleanup a simple wipe-down. Look for machines with sturdy, heat-resistant handles and a solid base that won’t slide around on your counter. Removable plates are a fantastic feature, as they often make the machine dishwasher-safe, or at least much easier to wash by hand.
Finally, think about the little extras. Does it have a ready light or an audible timer? This takes the guesswork out of knowing when your batter is perfectly cooked. Some even include a cone roller or shaping tool to help you form the perfect cone shape while it’s still hot and pliable. Reading reviews for the 10 Best Ice Cream Cone Makers 2025 can give you real-world insight into how these features actually perform. Your goal is to find a machine that feels intuitive and fun to use, turning cone-making into a simple part of your dessert routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of batter to use in a cone maker?
Most cone makers work wonderfully with a simple batter made from flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a bit of milk or water. The key is consistency; you want a batter that is smooth and pourable, similar to a thin pancake batter. Many machines come with a recipe booklet to get you started. I suggest starting with the manufacturer’s recipe, then experimenting with adding flavors like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a bit of cocoa powder once you get the hang of it.
Can I make gluten-free or vegan cones with these machines?
Absolutely. These machines are just heating elements that cook a batter; they don’t care what’s in it. For gluten-free cones, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in your favorite recipe. For vegan cones, substitutes like flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter or oil work perfectly. You might need to do a test cone or two to adjust the batter thickness, but it is absolutely possible to make excellent specialty diet cones at home.
How do I clean my ice cream cone maker properly?
Cleaning is usually straightforward. Always make sure the unit is completely cool and unplugged before you start. For machines with non-stick plates, a soft, damp cloth is often all you need. If there is stuck-on batter, a soft-bristled brush can help. If the plates are removable and the manufacturer says it’s safe, you can wash them in warm, soapy water. Never submerge the main body of the appliance in water, and avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could damage the non-stick surface.
Why are my cones coming out soft and not crispy?
A soft cone usually means it needs more cooking time or a thicker batter. First, try leaving the cone in the maker for another 30-60 seconds after the indicator light says it’s done. Ovens can vary, and you might need a bit longer for the perfect crisp. If that doesn’t work, your batter might be too thin. Try adding a tablespoon more flour to thicken it up. Also, make sure you are rolling the cone tightly and holding it in place for a moment to set its shape.
Are homemade cones really better than store-bought ones?
In my opinion, yes, and it’s for a few reasons. First, the flavor is incredible when they are fresh and warm. Second, you have complete control over the ingredients, so you can avoid preservatives and adjust the sweetness. And third, the texture is superior—a warm, crisp, freshly made cone is a different experience altogether. It turns a simple bowl of ice cream into a special treat. When you are looking at the 10 Best Ice Cream Cone Makers 2025, you are investing in that upgrade to your dessert game.
How long do the cones stay fresh after I make them?
Homemade cones are best enjoyed the same day you make them for maximum crispness. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay reasonably crisp for 2-3 days. If they lose their snap, you can briefly warm them in the cone maker or a regular oven for a minute to re-crisp them. I find it’s best to just make what you need, as the process is so quick.