Remember that magical taste of homemade ice cream from childhood? An old fashioned ice cream maker can bring that back to your kitchen today. It’s not about speed, it’s about the experience—the churning, the anticipation, the unbeatable creamy results. You get to control every ingredient, which is a huge win for flavor.
We tested several models to find which ones truly deliver. Whether you’re a nostalgic beginner or a dessert pro, this guide will help you pick the perfect one. Let’s dive into the sweet, satisfying world of crafting your own frozen treats.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated…
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9.9 |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet…
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9.7 |
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Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft…
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9.4 |
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Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft…
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9.2 |
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Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft…
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9.0 |
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Elite Gourmet EIM916 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood…
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8.7 |
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Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350 Delicious…
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8.5 |
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Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker – Compact &…
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8.3 |
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Elite Gourmet EIM916X Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood…
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8.0 |
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Elite Gourmet EIM949 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Walnut…
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7.8 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker
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 for homemade ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. It’s double-insulated bowl freezes without needing ice, and it’s ready in about 20 minutes. The transparent lid has a large spout for easy ingredient adding, which helps keep things tidy. You can make up to 1.5 quarts of your favorite frozen treat at a time. It’s a straightforward appliance with a BPA-free design and comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
A simple way to make custom desserts at home.
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 frozen desserts at home. Its double-insulated freezer bowl holds 2 quarts, perfect for ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt. You can have a fresh batch ready in under 30 minutes thanks to it’s powerful motor. The large spout lets you add mix-ins like chocolate chips easily. It includes a recipe book to get you started, and the cord tucks away for neat storage.
Cleanup is straightforward, and the unit comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind. It’s a simple way to create custom frozen treats.
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 brings old-fashioned charm to your kitchen. It’s a 4-quart machine with a vintage wooden style, letting you create soft-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in about 20 minutes. The powerful electric motor handles all the churning, so theres no manual work required.
It features a convenient carrying handle, making it easy to bring to gatherings. You can use it with Nostalgia’s ice cream mix kits for even more variety.
This appliance combines retro design with simple, modern convenience for a fun family treat anytime.
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 lets you make homemade soft serve, frozen yogurt, or gelato in about 20 minutes. It’s quick and easy—the electric motor does all the churning for you, with no manual stirring needed. The vintage dark wooden style looks great on your counter. With a 6-quart capacity and a convienient carrying handle, it’s perfect for making treats for family or taking to a get-together. You can use it with Nostalgia’s ice cream mix kits for even more flavor options.
It’s a fun, classic appliance for creating your favorite frozen desserts anytime.
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 – 4 Quart
The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker brings old-fashioned charm to your kitchen. Its vintage wooden style houses a 4-quart capacity for making soft-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato. You can have a fresh batch ready in about 20 minutes—the electric motor handles all the churning for you. It’s easy to move with it’s convenient carrying handle, perfect for taking your creations to a gathering.
This machine works great with Nostalgia’s ice cream mix kits, offering a simple way to create fun, homemade treats for the whole family without any fuss.
Elite Gourmet EIM916 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine Appalachian, Bonus Classic Die-Cast Hand Crank for Churning, Uses Ice and Rock Salt
The Elite Gourmet EIM916 Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker lets you create classic frozen treats at home. It’s a 6-quart vintage-style wood bucket machine, so you can make a large batch for a whole gathering. The process is straightforward: mix your ingredients, assemble with ice and rock salt, and turn it on. You can use the quiet electric motor or the included bonus hand crank for a truly traditional experience. Cleanup is simple with it’s dishwasher-safe parts.
The see-thru lid lets you check progress and store leftovers right in the canister.
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 ice cream, gelato, or sorbet right at home. Its 4-quart capacity is great for sharing with family and friends during gatherings. The process is simple: pour your mix into the aluminum canister, add ice and salt, and let the 50-watt motor do the churning. Its compact and portable design means you can take it with you to picnics or parties. Cleanup is straightforward too, as the parts disassemble easily for hand washing.
You can enjoy fresh, creamy treats whenever the mood strikes.
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 simple to use with just one-touch churning, making gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in minutes. You get a perfect personal portion, about 1.6 cups, which is great for small kitchens. Cleanup is easy because it disassembles quickly, and everything stores inside the pint container. It’s a fun way to make a homemade treat whenever you want one, without any fuss.
Just add your ingredients, press the button, and your frozen dessert is ready to enjoy.
Elite Gourmet EIM916X Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine Appalachian, Bonus Classic Die-Cast Hand Crank for Churning, Uses Ice and Rock Salt
The Elite Gourmet EIM916X Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker lets you create classic frozen treats at home. It’s a 6-quart machine, so theres plenty for family gatherings. The process is simple: mix your ingredients, add ice and rock salt, and let the quiet electric motor do it’s work. For a hands-on experience, use the included die-cast hand crank. Cleanup is straightforward with a dishwasher-safe canister and lid. You can easily store any leftovers with the see-through cover.
It’s a charming, vintage-style appliance that makes creating ice cream, gelato, or sorbet an enjoyable activity.
Elite Gourmet EIM949 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Walnut Wood Bucket, Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine Appalachian, Uses Ice and Rock Salt
The Elite Gourmet EIM949 Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker gives you that classic, homemade taste. It’s 6-quart capacity is perfect for feeding a crowd at parties or family gatherings.
Operation is simple with a easy three-step process using ice and rock salt. The electric motor is whisper quiet and locks securely onto the vintage-style walnut bucket.
You’ll appreciate how easy cleanup is, thanks to the dishwasher-safe aluminum canister and it’s see-through lid for storage.
You can make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in a short amount of time.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker Buying Guide
That classic wooden bucket isn’t just for looks. An old fashioned ice cream maker uses ice and rock salt to freeze your mix, giving you a uniquely rich texture. The key is finding one that fits your routine.
Capacity & Batch Size
Think about how many people you’re usually serving. A 4-quart maker is great for families, while a smaller one is perfect for couples. Bigger batches need more ice and salt, so it’s a bit more work.
Construction Material
The outer bucket is often wood or plastic. Wood looks beautiful but requires more care to prevent cracking. Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, which is a huge plus after a long day.
Crank Mechanism
You’ll choose between hand-crank or electric. Hand-cranking is part of the fun for some, but it’s a 20-30 minute arm workout. Electric models churn for you, so you can prep other toppings while it works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Ice Cream Makers
What is an old fashioned ice cream maker?
It’s a manual machine that freezes your ice cream mix. You turn a crank to churn it, which gives teh dessert it’s classic, creamy texture.
Do I need ice and salt?
Yes, most models do. You layer ice and rock salt around the inner canister. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, making everything cold enough to freeze your mix.
Is it hard to use?
Not really! It takes some effort to crank, but it’s straightforward. Many people find it a fun activity for the whole family to share.
How long does it take?
It usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes of churning. The time depends on your recipe and how cold your ice-salt mixture is.
What kind of recipes can I use?
You can use almost any standard ice cream recipe. Just make sure your custard or cream base is completely chilled before you pour it in the canister.
How do I clean it?
Typically, you only need to wash the inner canister and the dasher (the paddle). The outer wooden bucket usually just needs a wipe down.
Quick Recap
So, that’s teh basics. You get to choose your own ingredients and make exactly what you like. It’s a fun project for a weekend afternoon.
If you enjoy hands-on activities, a old fashioned ice cream maker is a great fit. It brings a real sense of accomplishment. You can share your tasty creations with friends and family, too.