Best Ice Cream Makers You Can Find
Freezer Bowl vs. Compressor Ice Cream Makers: Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to making homemade ice cream, the type of ice cream maker you choose can significantly impact your experience and results. The two most popular types are Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Makers and Compressor Ice Cream Makers. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s dive into what sets them apart to help you find the right machine for your kitchen.
Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Makers
How They Work:
Freezer bowl ice cream makers require you to pre-freeze the bowl for about 12-24 hours before use. Once frozen, the bowl is placed into the machine, and the paddle churns the mixture while the cold bowl freezes the ice cream.
Advantages:
- Affordability: These machines are usually much less expensive than compressor models.
- Compact Size: They are smaller and lighter, making them easy to store.
- Simple to Use: Once the bowl is frozen, the machine does the rest.
Disadvantages:
- Requires Planning: The bowl must be pre-frozen, which means you need to plan ahead.
- Limited to One Batch: You can only make one batch at a time unless you have extra bowls frozen.
Compressor Ice Cream Makers
How They Work:
Compressor ice cream makers are like mini freezers. They have built-in cooling systems that constantly chill the mixture as it churns, eliminating the need for a pre-frozen bowl.
Advantages:
- No Pre-Freezing Needed: You can make ice cream anytime without needing to pre-freeze a bowl.
- Multiple Batches: You can make batch after batch without waiting.
- Versatility: Many models allow you to control the texture of the ice cream, making it easy to experiment with gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt.
Disadvantages:
- Price: Compressor models are more expensive than freezer bowl models.
- Size: These machines tend to be larger and heavier, requiring more counter or storage space.
Best Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Makers
- Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream Maker
- Price: $69.95
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Features: This compact machine is ideal for beginners. Its double-insulated bowl ensures quick and even freezing, while the paddle churns out smooth ice cream in about 20 minutes.
- Why we love it: A great affordable option for anyone new to making ice cream at home.
- View on Amazon
2. Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
- Price: $65.99
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Features: This fully automatic ice cream maker is great for making large batches of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. It doesn’t require pre-freezing, just add ice and rock salt to the outer chamber, and it churns automatically.
- Why we love it: It’s perfect for families or entertaining, and the large capacity means you can make enough for everyone.
- View on Amazon
3. Cuisinart ICE-70 Electronic Ice Cream Maker (2-Quart)
- Price: $149.99
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Features: This model comes with three speed settings, a countdown timer, and a larger bowl than most freezer models. The control panel is easy to use, and it churns out batches in under 30 minutes.
- Why we love it: The extra settings allow for more control over your ice cream’s texture.
- View on Amazon
Best Compressor Ice Cream Makers
- Whynter ICM-200LS Ice Cream Maker
- Price: $275.95
- Capacity: 2.1 quarts
- Features: The Whynter model offers fully automatic operation with a built-in compressor and comes with multiple settings for making ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
- Why we love it: It’s one of the most affordable compressor models without sacrificing quality or performance.
- View on Amazon
2. Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
- Price: $599.95
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Features: This Italian-made compressor model is fully automatic, with a stainless steel bowl and housing. It can churn out gelato, sorbet, and ice cream in about 30 minutes and has an impressive build quality.
- Why we love it: It’s durable, easy to clean, and produces professional-quality ice cream with consistent results.
- View on Amazon
3. Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
- Price: $489.95
- Capacity: 1.1 quarts
- Features: The Breville Smart Scoop is the top-of-the-line compressor ice cream maker. It offers 12 hardness settings and keeps your ice cream cool for up to 3 hours after it’s done. You can even customize your texture settings for sorbet, gelato, or ice cream.
- Why we love it: The ultimate choice for serious ice cream makers who want total control over their creations.
- View on Amazon
Which Ice Cream Maker Should You Buy?
Choosing between a freezer bowl or compressor ice cream maker comes down to your ice cream-making frequency and budget. If you only make ice cream occasionally and want to keep costs low, a freezer bowl model like the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is a fantastic option. But if you’re an ice cream enthusiast or regularly entertain guests, investing in a compressor model like the Breville Smart Scoop will give you more flexibility and the ability to make multiple batches without any downtime.
For more in-depth tips on making ice cream, check out our article on Understanding Ice Cream Basics, where we cover the science behind ice cream making, the role of each ingredient, and how to achieve perfect texture every time. And if you want to learn more about ice cream maker, read this article: how to choose the right ice cream maker.
