10 Best Ice Cream Machine 2026 in the United States

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker is a versatile appliance that caters to various frozen treats, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone who enjoys homemade desserts. It stands out with its XL capacity, featuring two 24 oz. tubs that allow you to create larger batches compared to earlier models. The machine includes five new programs and advanced Creamify Technology, which ensures a smooth, creamy texture for ice cream, sorbets, and more. The ease of use is a significant plus; simply prepare your base, freeze it overnight, and let the machine do the work with just a few steps.

Customization is a strong point as well, allowing users to adjust ingredients for healthier options like low-sugar or dairy-free treats. The dual processing feature lets you mix flavors, which adds to the fun of creating personalized desserts. Plus, the Re-Spin function allows you to refine the texture after the initial processing.

There are some considerations. While it’s designed for user-friendliness, new users may still find the requirement to freeze the base overnight a bit inconvenient. Additionally, the machine is specifically compatible with Ninja's own tub accessories, limiting options if you're looking to use other containers. Some individuals may find the noise level noticeable during operation, especially in quiet settings. Lastly, its weight and size should be considered for those with limited kitchen space.

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker is a versatile machine offering a wide range of frozen treat options. With 13 one-touch programs, it caters to various preferences including classic scoops and soft serve. The machine's capacity is 16 ounces, suitable for small servings, which might be limiting for larger families or gatherings.

It uses an automatic freezing method, simplifying the process for users but potentially requiring more time compared to other methods. Ease of cleaning is a significant advantage, with most parts being dishwasher safe. This makes maintenance a breeze.

Additional features like the CreamiFit program for lower calorie and high-protein treats, and the soft serve handle with 3 speed settings, enhance customization and ease of use. The machine is family-friendly, designed to be interactive and fun for all ages. However, its weight (20.8 pounds) and size (15.15"L x 10.03"W x 17.51"H) might be cumbersome for some households. The Ninja Swirl is ideal for users looking for versatility and customization in their frozen treats, with easy cleaning and family-friendly features being notable strengths.

The EKway Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine is designed for commercial use, making it a strong choice if you need to serve large numbers quickly, as it can produce up to 28 quarts per hour and handle 150-200 servings. It features two 6-liter hoppers and offers three dispensing options—two single flavors plus a mixed flavor—giving flexibility for different tastes. Its freezing system uses a powerful 2450W compressor with dual circuits to cool quickly and efficiently, which also helps reduce electricity costs and keeps noise relatively low for a commercial machine.

The LCD panel is user-friendly, making operation straightforward and allowing you to adjust texture and monitor supply easily. Cleaning is made simple with a one-click self-cleaning feature, and the stainless steel construction ensures durability and safety for food use. Additional helpful touches include a pre-cooling function to maintain freshness overnight, an alarm for low materials, and wheels for easy movement.

The machine is fairly heavy and large, which is typical for commercial equipment and means it’s best suited for established restaurants, cafes, or snack bars rather than casual home use. Considering its size and price, the EKway machine delivers solid performance, energy savings, and practical features that meet the needs of busy commercial settings.