Who doesn’t love a delicious ice cream cone in the summertime? There’s a reason the frozen treat is so widely beloved: It’s sweet, it’s indulgent, it’s endlessly customizable. It’s also, despite what you may have been led to believe, surprisingly easy to whip up at home—that is, so long as you have a quality ice cream maker. (A tried and true recipe helps, too.)

If you consume the treat with any regularity and like spending time in the kitchen, consider investing in one of these machines, which allow you to experiment with different flavors and create modified treats for those with allergies or sensitivities. When it comes to picking out the right model for you, first think about your favorite style of ice cream—regular, soft serve or vegan—as all machines have different capabilities. It’s also useful to look at models’ capacities, as many can only churn out small batches at a time. And, as always, there’s the question of budget: How much are you willing to spend to create your own creamery in your kitchen?

From high-end compressor-powered machines to old-fashioned models, here are the best ice cream makers on the market. And if you still find the whole process—from picking out a machine to actually using it—a little daunting, make sure to check out our handy buying guide below.

• Best Ice Cream Maker Overall: Breville Smart Scoop
• Best Value Ice Cream Maker: Whynter Ice Cream Maker
• Most Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Ninja Creami
• Best Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker
• Best Hand-Crank Ice Cream Maker: Immergood Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker
• Best Soft-Serve Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
• Best Electric Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Maker: Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker
• Best Splurge-Worthy Ice Cream Maker: Lello Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker
• Best Ice Cream Maker for Vegans: Yonanas Classic Healthy Dessert Fruit Soft Serve Maker
• Best Ice Cream Maker for Kids: Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball

Best Ice Cream Maker Overall

This Automatic Machine Makes Dessert In An Hour

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Best Value Ice Cream Maker

A Budget-Friendly Machine With A Large Capacity

Most Versatile Ice Cream Maker

A Top-Rated Machine That Can Do It All

Best Freezer Bowl Ice Cream Maker

A Two-Quart Machine That Delivers Results In 30 Minutes

Best Hand-Crank Ice Cream Maker

A Large-Capacity Device That’s Fun To Use

Best Soft-Serve Ice Cream Maker

This Soft Serve Model Even Stores Toppings And Cones

Best Electric Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Maker

A Whimsical Model With An Old-School Vibe

Best Splurge-Worthy Ice Cream Maker

A High-End Machine That Delivers Creamery-Level Results

Best Ice Cream Maker for Vegans

An Easy-To-Use Device For Those Who Don’t Do Eggs Or Dairy

Best Ice Cream Maker for Kids

An Ice Cream Maker That Doubles As A Toy

What To Consider When Buying An Ice Cream Maker

Do you like traditional ice cream or are you more of a soft-serve person? How much are you willing to spend on a machine? And what capacity are you looking for? Here are the factors to keep in mind before making a purchase.

Type Of Machine

Ice cream makers can generally be broken into three camps. At the high end of the spectrum are compressor-powered ice cream makers, which are typically large and heavy, as they have a refrigeration system that cools down the mixture. While they may be expensive, these models make it quick and easy to create ice cream with little to no preparation.

In the middle, there are freezer-bowl ice cream makers, which rely on a pre-frozen bowl to chill and churn your dessert. Finally, there are old-fashioned ice cream makers, which are generally the least expensive but require more work—you often have to add rock salt and ice, and some even require you to churn the mixture by hand.

Type Of Ice Cream

While some machines can make a variety of frozen treats, many specialize in one type—soft serve or non-dairy creations, for example. One such machine is the Yonanas soft serve dessert maker, which is designed to transform fruit into frozen treats. In any case, before you buy anything, double-check that the machine you’re considering can tackle your preferred frozen dessert.

Size/Weight

These machines come in a range of sizes, from a few ounces to nearly 40 pounds. Typically, the larger the maker, the more ice cream it can churn out at once. Just remember that if you opt for a bigger machine, you’ll need to feel comfortable moving that much weight between your cabinet and your counter; you’ll also need more storage room.

Capacity

Ice cream maker capacity typically ranges from a pint to six quarts. Larger families may want to consider a higher-capacity machine whereas those looking to feed just one or two may prefer a smaller capacity machine. However, if you’re limited on time, a larger capacity machine will allow you to stock your freezer in one go, regardless of how many you plan to feed.

Is it worth buying an ice cream maker?

That ultimately depends on how much ice cream your household eats and whether you think the maker will actually get used. If your family consumes a lot of the frozen treat, having a dedicated machine can help you save money in the long run, considering many fancy ice cream pints cost around $10 these days. However, you won’t see a return on your investment if you don’t use the machine regularly.

Do you need a freezer for an ice cream maker?

Not necessarily. While ice cream makers that feature frozen bowls require freezer space, many machines do all the work for you. However, you may need still need a freezer to store your ice cream ingredients or leftovers.

How much does an ice cream machine cost?

It depends. Ice cream machines that you have to power yourself can cost as little as $50 whereas swankier makers can run for $700 or more. That being said, most are in the $200 to $300 range.