What is a countertop ice cream maker?

A countertop ice cream maker is a kitchen appliance that allows you to make ice cream at home on your countertop.

How does a countertop ice cream maker work?

It works by freezing and churning an ice cream mixture to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

What features should I consider when buying a countertop ice cream maker?

Consider features such as capacity, speed of operation, ease of use, and whether it has a built-in freezer.

Can I make other desserts with a countertop ice cream maker?

Yes, some models can also make sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt.

Do countertop ice cream makers require a lot of maintenance?

Generally, they require regular cleaning after use, but not extensive maintenance.

Updated: April, 2026

Best countertop ice cream makers

Save up to 40% Off

1

Whynter

9.9

Exceptional

Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-201SB, Stainless Steel

16% Off

Why we love it

No pre-freezing needed.

Easy to clean and maintain.

Consistent, high-quality ice cream.

Main highlights

Self-Refrigerating Convenience
Automatic ice cream maker with built-in compressor for easy use.

Perfect for Custom Creations
Ideal for making gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt at home.

Highly Praised Performance
Customers love the smooth, creamy texture of the ice cream.

More info
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Powerful technology We scan thousands of products and stores, analyzing reviews to find what matters most to users like you

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How do we rank?

Using our advanced technology, we scan thousands of products and stores, analyzing reviews, ratings, and trends to find what matters most to users like you.

Our team then reviews the data and real user feedback, combining AI and human insights to bring you real-time, top-rated recommendations to guide your decisions with clarity and confidence.
2

Chefman

9.8

Exceptional

Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker, No Pre-Freezing with Built-In Compressor, Makes Ice Cream, Froyo, Sorbet, Sherbet, Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt, Digital Display w/ 3 Presets, 2 Pint Inserts Included

40% OffLimited Time Deal

Main highlights

YOUR FAVORITE FROZEN TREATS: Freeze delicious homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, sorbet, sherbet, and more in this versatile and easy-to-use ice cream machine! Perfect to mix sweet new flavors or to make classic vanilla ice cream with the family.

READY IN AN HOUR: The Iceman Trio makes deluxe froyo or ice cream in as little as an hour. Mix and freeze tasty rocky road or healthy sorbet in this icecream maker machine.

COLORFUL TOUCH CONTROLS: Featuring presets for Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, and Italian Ice, you can choose your intended function and let this ice cream maker take care of the rest for creamy, delicious, sweet treats.

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3

Cuisinart

9.5

Excellent

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

20% Off

Why we love it

Quick dessert preparation.

Customizable ingredients.

Simple to use and clean.

Main highlights

Superior Functionality
This ice cream maker churns frozen desserts in 20 minutes.

Ideal for Homemade Treats
Perfect for creating custom, sugar-free ice cream and yogurt.

User-Friendly Design
Customers love the large ingredient spout and easy-lock lid.

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4

Cuisinart

9.4

Excellent

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21P1, White

Why we love it

Fast ice cream preparation.

No ice needed with insulated bowl.

User-friendly and easy to clean.

Main highlights

Quick Frozen Treats
The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 makes frozen treats in 20 minutes.

Ideal for Healthy Desserts
Perfect for creating low-calorie, healthy ice cream and yogurt.

Praised Easy Operation
Customers love its simple, foolproof operation and easy assembly.

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5

Cuisinart

9.3

Excellent

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet, Ready in 20 Minutes, LCD Screen and Timer, ICE-70P1

37% Off

Why we love it

Quick 20-minute dessert preparation.

Easy-to-use with automatic timer.

Versatile for various frozen treats.

Main highlights

Fast Dessert Creation
Create two quarts of frozen treats in just 20 minutes.

Versatile Use Cases
Ideal for making ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet.

Ease of Use
Praised for user-friendly operation and easy cleaning.

More info
6

Cuisinart

9.2

Excellent

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21RP1, Red

Why we love it

Fast preparation time.

No ice needed for operation.

Compact and easy to store.

Main highlights

Quick Frozen Treats
Makes frozen treats in 20 minutes or less with a patent-pending mixing paddle.

Ideal for Home Use
Perfect for homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet enthusiasts.

Ease of Use
Highly praised for its lightweight, compact design and simple operation.

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7

Elite Gourmet

9.0

Excellent

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

Main highlights

FUN, REFRESHING & PORTABLE: It’s always Summertime with Elite Gourmet’s newest Ice Cream Maker. It’s compact so you can take it anywhere, anytime to enjoy delicious frosty treats with family & friends.

EFFORTLESS ENJOYMENT: Using the Elite Gourmet Ice Maker is a breeze. Simply place prepared ice cream mix into the aluminum freezing cannister and place into the ice bucket, install the electric motor, then add ice & salt, plug in & turn On. Perfect, fluffy ice cream and other delicious treats will be ready to serve in no time! Add your favorite condiments and indulge in a cold, fresh & frosty treat!

4-QUART CAPACITY: Make up to 4 Quarts of fresh and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party time, snack time, barbeques, picnics and big events – it makes enough frosty treats to feed everyone!

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8

Nostalgia

8.9

Very Good

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

Why we love it

Easy to use and quick setup.

Large capacity serves up to eight people.

Lightweight and portable with a carrying handle.

Main highlights

Convenient and Quick Ice Cream Making
Make homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in 20 minutes with an automatic operation.

Perfect for Parties and Family Gatherings
Ideal for creating delicious treats for large groups with its 4-quart capacity.

Quiet Operation and Nostalgic Design
Praised for its quiet motor and vintage wooden style, enhancing the user experience.

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9

BRIOBITE

8.8

Very Good

BRIOBITE 1.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker – Electric Ice Cream Machine for Gelato, Milkshakes & Sorbet,Perfect for 2-3 Servings, Easy to Use & Clean,Silver

Main highlights

[Convenient USB-C Charging] This ice cream maker uses USB-C charging and a 2600mAh lithium battery, which can make at least 3 ice creams on one charge. In addition, it can be used with or without charging, solving the problem of finding a charging source

[20+ Easy to Follow Recipes]Enjoy professional-quality soft serve at home with our included recipe book,featuring crowd pleasers like vanilla bean, chocolate fudge, and strawberry swirl. Each recipe is tested to deliver the perfect smooth, velvety texture, with options for dairy-free, sugar-free, or fruity sorbet variations

[1.1 Quart Large Capacity]1.1-quart capacity is perfect for making enough ice cream to share with family and friends. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this generous size ensures everyone gets a taste of your delicious homemade frozen treats

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a countertop ice cream maker?
A countertop ice cream maker is a kitchen appliance that allows you to make ice cream at home on your countertop.

How does a countertop ice cream maker work?
It works by freezing and churning an ice cream mixture to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

What features should I consider when buying a countertop ice cream maker?
Consider features such as capacity, speed of operation, ease of use, and whether it has a built-in freezer.

Can I make other desserts with a countertop ice cream maker?
Yes, some models can also make sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt.

Do countertop ice cream makers require a lot of maintenance?
Generally, they require regular cleaning after use, but not extensive maintenance.

Our top pick

1
16% Off

Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-201SB, Stainless Steel
The Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker is a top choice for those who love creating delicious frozen desserts at home. With its built-in compressor, this machine eliminates the need for pre-freezing, offering a convenient and seamless ice cream-making experience. Its 2.1-quart capacity is perfect for crafting gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt, allowing for full customization of ingredients to suit personal preferences or dietary needs. Highly praised by users for its ability to produce smooth and creamy ice cream, this ice cream maker stands out for its consistent performance. Easy to clean and maintain, it features a space-saving upright design with a soft-touch LCD control panel, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned ice cream enthusiast or a beginner, the Whynter ICM-201SB is designed to deliver high-quality results every time, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their frozen treats.

You can help us improve our product reviews by providing us with your feedback. Please share your thoughts in the section below.

Best countertop ice cream makers

9.9

Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-201SB, Stainless Steel

Why we love it

Main highlights

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

How do we rank?

9.8

Iceman by Chefman Ice Cream Maker, No Pre-Freezing with Built-In Compressor, Makes Ice Cream, Froyo, Sorbet, Sherbet, Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt, Digital Display w/ 3 Presets, 2 Pint Inserts Included

Main highlights

9.5

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

Why we love it

Main highlights

9.4

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21P1, White

Why we love it

Main highlights

9.3

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet, Ready in 20 Minutes, LCD Screen and Timer, ICE-70P1

Why we love it

Main highlights

9.2

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21RP1, Red

Why we love it

Main highlights

9.0

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

Main highlights

8.9

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

Why we love it

Main highlights

8.8

BRIOBITE 1.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker – Electric Ice Cream Machine for Gelato, Milkshakes & Sorbet,Perfect for 2-3 Servings, Easy to Use & Clean,Silver

Main highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

Our top pick

Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-201SB, Stainless Steel

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