There is nothing quite like making your own frozen treats at home and watching the kids’ faces light up as they swirl frozen yogurt or scoop out a big bowl of homemade ice cream. I’ve tested all sorts of kitchen gadgets unique and classic, and I’m excited to share my favorite ice cream makers from Alcarin, Cuisinart, and Nostalgia. From the Alcarin KF-2501U1 with its one-touch programs for fruit whip and slushie machine creations, to the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 and ICE-30BCP1 that whip up frozen custard and soft serve in no time, these machines have truly earned their spot in my Desain Pantry.
Making frozen yogurt, gelato, or even a quick batch of dairy-free ice cream is so much easier with the right tools, and these ice cream makers turn any family night into a sweet memory.
Top picks
Comparison table
| Product |
Capacity |
Material |
Weight |
Dimensions |
Special Feature |
Link |
| Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker |
1.5 Quarts |
Plastic |
9 pounds |
9.5"L x 9"W x 11.25"H |
Double Insulated Freezer, Manual |
Get Price |
| Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker |
1.9 Liters |
Plastic, Stainless Steel |
12 pounds |
81.5"L x 8"W x 111.4"H |
Programmable |
Get Price |
| Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker 4 Quart |
4 Quart |
— |
— |
— |
— |
Get Price |
| Alcarin Electric Ice Cream Maker |
3 Pints |
— |
16.61 pounds |
— |
10 One-Touch Programs |
Get Price |
| Nostalgia 4 Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker |
4 Quart |
— |
— |
— |
— |
Get Price |
01
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart
Main highlights
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Power: Manual with automatic mixing
- Double insulated freezer bowl
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 9 x 11.25 inches
Pros
- Quick results in about 20 minutes
- Simple operation and easy to clean
- No need for ice or salt
Cons
- Bowl must be pre frozen
- Limited to 1.5 quart capacity
- No built in compressor
Size
This model is compact and fits easily on most countertops. It weighs about 9 pounds and stores well in standard kitchen cabinets.
Look
The design is simple with a white plastic exterior. It has a transparent lid for monitoring progress and a large spout for adding ingredients.
Function
Operation is straightforward. The double insulated bowl must be frozen before use. It can make ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in under 20 minutes. Cleanup is easy with only a few parts to wash.
Summary
This Cuisinart is a good choice for those wanting homemade frozen treats without much fuss. It is faster and easier to use than many entry level models but does not offer the continuous batch capability or built in cooling of higher end machines.
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02
Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart
Main highlights
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Power: Automatic motor
- Material: Stainless steel and plastic
- Operation: Freezer bowl
- Weight: 12 pounds
Pros
- Makes up to 2 quarts per batch
- Fully automatic operation
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Freezer bowl must be pre frozen
- Can be noisy
- Does not produce hard set ice cream
Size
This model has a moderate footprint and weighs 12 pounds. It fits on most countertops but may require storage space for the bowl.
Look
The brushed stainless steel exterior gives it a modern appearance. It blends well with other kitchen appliances.
Function
Operation is fully automatic. The double insulated bowl needs to be frozen before use. It can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet in about 25 to 30 minutes. Ingredient spout allows for easy mix ins.
Summary
Compared to other ice cream makers in this price range, this model offers a good balance of capacity and ease of use. It is louder than some compressor models but costs less. Best for users who do not mind pre freezing the bowl.
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03
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker 4 Quart
Nostalgia
Main highlights
- Capacity: 4 quart
- Power: Electric motor
- Material: Vintage wood style
- Time: About 20 minutes
Pros
- Large capacity for families
- Easy to use electric motor
- Portable with carrying handle
Cons
- Requires ice and salt
- Bulky for small kitchens
- No automatic shutoff
Size
This model holds up to four quarts. It is larger than many compact ice cream makers. The size suits families or gatherings.
Look
The design features a light wood finish. It has a vintage appearance that stands out in modern kitchens.
Function
It uses an electric motor for churning. Ice and salt are needed for operation. The process is straightforward but not fully automatic.
Summary
Compared to smaller or fully automatic machines, this maker offers more capacity at a lower price. It is best for those who want a traditional experience with electric convenience.
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04
Alcarin Electric Ice Cream Maker
Brand: Alcarin
Main highlights
- Capacity: 3 pints
- Programs: 10 one touch
- Weight: 16.6 pounds
- Touchscreen display
Pros
- Multiple preset programs
- Supports various dietary needs
- Simple touchscreen controls
Cons
- Higher price point
- Bulky and heavy
- Requires pre freezing bowl
Size
This machine is larger and heavier than many compact ice cream makers. It may require dedicated counter or storage space.
Look
Features a modern design with a large touchscreen. The appearance is sleek and fits well in contemporary kitchens.
Function
Offers ten preset programs for different frozen desserts. Includes options for mix ins and a re spin function for smoother texture. Bowl must be frozen before use.
Summary
The Alcarin stands out for its versatility and user friendly interface. It is more expensive and bulkier than basic models but provides more features. Suitable for those seeking variety and convenience in homemade frozen treats.
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05
Nostalgia 4 Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker
Nostalgia
Main highlights
- Capacity: 4 quart
- Power: Electric motor
- Material: Wood style bucket
- Time: About 20 minutes
Pros
- Large 4 quart capacity
- Easy to use electric motor
- Classic wooden bucket design
- Works with ice cream kits
Cons
- Requires ice and salt
- Bulkier than some compact models
- No built in freezer bowl
Size
This machine holds up to 4 quarts. It is larger than most countertop ice cream makers. The bucket design takes up more space than compact models.
Look
Features a vintage wood style bucket with a dark finish. The design is inspired by traditional ice cream makers. It stands out compared to modern plastic units.
Function
Makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato using an electric motor. The process is simple but requires ice and salt. No need for manual churning.
Summary
This model offers a nostalgic look and a large batch size at a low price. It is best for families or gatherings. Other machines in this range are smaller or use freezer bowls instead of ice and salt.
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Final verdict
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to make homemade frozen treats, an ice cream maker is a great addition to your kitchen. For those who want the best value, the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker is a fantastic choice thanks to its affordability and reliable performance. If you are after the best overall experience, the Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker stands out with its larger capacity and consistently smooth results. Either option will help you enjoy delicious ice cream at home with minimal fuss.
FAQs
How quickly can these ice cream makers produce frozen treats
Most models make ice cream or frozen yogurt in 20 to 30 minutes
Do I need to use ice or salt with these machines
No the double insulated freezer bowls eliminate the need for ice or salt
What is the capacity range of the reviewed ice cream makers
Capacities range from 1.5 quarts to 4 quarts depending on the model
Are these ice cream makers easy to clean
Yes most parts are removable and easy to wash with some models offering dishwasher safe pints
Can I add mix-ins or extra ingredients during churning
Yes large ingredient spouts or lids make it simple to add mix-ins while the machine runs
Do these machines come with a warranty
Cuisinart models include a limited 3 year warranty
Are there options for healthy or special diet ice cream
Yes some models support keto vegan and dairy free recipes for personalized treats
