Menu Lifestyle: 8 Outstanding Ice Cream Makers for At-Home Sundae Bars
By Lily Johnson
Updated: April 15, 2021
Originally Published: June 1, 2020
When summer hits, there’s nothing like indulging in ice cream any time of day (we’ve even let our kiddos enjoy it for lunch on occasion). Watching them relish a melting ice cream cone while swinging outside is truly heartwarming. Sure, stocking up on store-bought ice cream can earn you the “Mom of the Year” award, but taking a little time to pull out the ice cream maker can turn your family into a delightful chorus of squeals. There’s simply nothing like the taste of homemade ice cream, especially when piled high with toppings!
Is It Worth It to Buy an Ice Cream Maker?
Absolutely! While it may seem daunting (we remember our moms struggling with hand-cranked machines), modern ice cream makers have significantly evolved. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up delicious frozen treats. Most come with electric motors, and while some still need ice and rock salt (we recommend shaved ice for the best texture), others allow you to pour in the ice cream base without any freezing time required. Choosing the right ice cream maker depends on your preferences, budget, and how much patience your little helpers have. With the proper tools, making ice cream becomes an enjoyable family activity, allowing kids to have a say in flavor creations. Everyone wins!
We’ve curated a list of 8 of the best ice cream makers available, catering to various types of ice cream enthusiasts, from kid-friendly models to professional-grade machines. Remember, no sundae is complete without whipped cream and toppings! Transforming ice cream making into a full sundae bar is a surefire way to excite the kids.
Best Homemade Ice Cream Makers
- Cuisinart ICE-100 Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
View on Amazon - Cuisinart ICE-45 Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
View on Amazon - Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker
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Best Electric Ice Cream Makers
- Whynter ICM-200LS Ice Cream Maker
A two-time winner of Best Ice Cream Maker, this 2-quart machine from Walmart is ideal for crafting creamy frozen treats in just 30-40 minutes. Its powerful compressor allows for continuous use. Want peanut butter and vanilla? No problem—just wash the bowl between batches! Plus, an extended cool feature prevents melting, making it perfect for multitaskers. One satisfied user said, “Freezes quickly! I followed the instructions and the ice cream came out great!”
$215.84 at Walmart
Best Single Serve Ice Cream Makers
- DASH My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine
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Best Compact Ice Cream Makers
- Cuisinart ICE-21CGR 1.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker
View on Amazon - Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker
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Best Large Batch Ice Cream Makers
- Nostalgia Wood Bucket 4 Qt Ice Cream Maker
The vintage aesthetic of this 4-quart wooden bucket ice cream maker brings back memories. Luckily, it’s electric, so you won’t have to do all the hard work! Create delicious ice cream in about 20 minutes. Plus, leftovers can be stored in the freezer with the included lid. We love the recipes provided for yogurt, gelato, and ice cream!
$61.62 at Amazon - Elite Gourmet 6 Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine
View on Amazon - KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Since we’re spending more time in the kitchen, investing in the KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a great idea. With over 20 colors and more than 15 attachments, this powerful mixer can churn up to 2 quarts of ice cream in about 30 minutes with its insulated freezer bowl. It’s a fantastic tool for kids to get involved in the ice cream-making process!
$67 at QVC
Best Smart Ice Cream Maker
- Breville The Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
This innovative machine automatically senses the hardness of your ice cream, gelato, or custard. If you get distracted, it will turn off once the perfect consistency is reached and can keep your treat frozen for up to 3 hours. One busy mom mentions, “The Breville ice cream maker was a splurge that I love because I can make the mixture that day and put it in the maker.”
$500 at Breville
Now that dessert is sorted, be sure to check out our other must-have kitchen gadgets for making life a little easier here. For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource. If you’re looking for expert advice on the topic, check out this link.
Summary
In summary, investing in an ice cream maker can be a delightful way to create family memories and delicious treats. From compact machines to larger batch makers, there’s an option for everyone. Whether you want to whip up a quick single serving or a full sundae bar, these ice cream makers will make the process enjoyable and easy.