Starting your journey into homemade frozen desserts doesn’t require a significant investment. For beginners, a simple and affordable ice cream maker is the perfect tool to experiment with flavors and learn the basics of churning. The right machine can turn your kitchen into a personal creamery in no time.
This roundup focuses on user-friendly ice cream makers that are both budget-conscious and effective. We have compiled a list of ten excellent options, from compact personal machines to larger capacity models perfect for family gatherings, ensuring there is a perfect fit for every novice.
Our Recommended Ice Cream Makers for Beginners
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated
- BRIOBITE 1.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker – Electric Ice Cream Machine
- BRIOBITE Ice Cream Maker Machine – Premium Electric Mini Maker
- Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350X
- Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Ice Cream Maker
- Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Parlor Style
- Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins
- Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve
- Elite Gourmet EIM949 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Walnut
- Hamilton Beach 68330N Frozen Dessert Maker
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated
This Cuisinart model is a favorite for its straightforward operation and reliable results. Its double-insulated freezer bowl is a key feature, eliminating the need for ice and rock salt. You simply freeze the bowl beforehand, and it’s ready to make ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt.
With a capacity of 1.5 quarts, it produces a generous amount for a small family. The machine is known for its efficiency, typically having your frozen treat ready in about 20 minutes. Its simple design makes it very easy to use and clean, which is ideal for those just starting out.
BRIOBITE 1.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker
For those who value portability and modern convenience, the BRIOBITE ice cream maker is a fantastic option. It features a built-in 2600mAh lithium battery and USB-C charging, allowing you to make ice cream without being tethered to an outlet. This makes it great for picnics, camping, or simply using on your kitchen counter without clutter.
The 1.1-quart capacity is perfect for two to three servings. It also comes with a recipe book featuring over 20 tested recipes to help you get started, including options for various dietary preferences. This machine combines flexibility with user-friendly features.
BRIOBITE Ice Cream Maker Machine – Premium Electric Mini Maker
This compact and portable mini ice cream maker from BRIOBITE is designed for small batches and on-the-go use. It’s quiet and powerful, using low-noise technology so it won’t disturb you while it works. The machine is small enough to fit in a bag, making it a fun companion for trips.
It prepares one to two servings at a time, which is ideal for individuals or couples. Like its larger sibling, it requires a pre-frozen bowl and can make soft serve ice cream, sorbet, and frozen drinks in 20 to 30 minutes. Its simplicity and portability are its main advantages.
Elite Gourmet 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker EIM350X
If you need to make ice cream for a crowd, the Elite Gourmet 4-quart model is an excellent choice. Its large capacity is perfect for parties, barbecues, and family gatherings. Despite its larger size, it maintains a compact and portable design.
This machine uses a traditional ice and rock salt method with a durable plastic ice bucket and an aluminum freezing canister. The process is simple: add your mix to the canister, assemble the unit, add ice and salt, and turn it on. It’s a straightforward, effective system for creating large batches of frozen desserts.
Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Ice Cream Maker
The Hamilton Beach ice cream maker is a reliable and automatic machine with a spacious 4-quart capacity. It is built for simplicity, guiding you through the ice cream making process in three easy steps. This takes the guesswork out of the equation for beginners.
A great feature of this model is the easy addition of mix-ins like chopped fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips. The machine churns for 20 to 40 minutes and stops automatically when the ice cream is ready. It’s a classic, no-fuss design that has been a trusted option for many home users.
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Parlor Style
This Nostalgia ice cream maker brings a classic parlor style to your kitchen with modern convenience. Its powerful electric motor handles all the churning, so you don’t have to do any manual work. It can produce ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in about 20 minutes.
The unit is designed to be user-friendly, with a motor that locks securely into place during operation. Nostalgia also offers pre-made ice cream mix kits that pair perfectly with this machine, providing an even easier starting point for your first batch.
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja CREAMi offers a unique and versatile approach to frozen desserts. Instead of churning a liquid base, you freeze your ingredients solid in included pint containers. The machine then uses a specialized blade to shave and spin the frozen block into a perfectly creamy treat.
This method allows for incredible customization, including options for gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. You have total control over ingredients, making it simple to create sugar-free, keto, or dairy-free desserts. The Mix-In program lets you add your favorite candies, nuts, or fruits after processing for extra texture and flavor.
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve
This model from Nostalgia features a charming vintage wooden design that adds a retro feel to your kitchen. Despite its old-fashioned look, it operates with modern electric power, doing all the churning work for you. It’s a functional appliance that also serves as a decorative piece.
With a 4-quart capacity, it’s suitable for making ice cream for family and friends. The process is quick and easy, typically taking around 20 minutes. It works seamlessly with Nostalgia’s own ice cream mix kits, providing a simple and fun way to make homemade frozen desserts.
Elite Gourmet EIM949 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Walnut
For the largest gatherings, the Elite Gourmet 6-quart ice cream maker is the capacity leader on this list. Its vintage walnut-style bucket is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, designed to make enough frozen dessert for a big event or party.
It uses a simple three-step process involving ice and rock salt, much like traditional ice cream makers. The automatic motor does the hard work, allowing you to create classic, old-fashioned ice cream, gelato, or sorbet with minimal effort. This is the ideal machine for someone who frequently entertains.
Hamilton Beach 68330N Frozen Dessert Maker
This Hamilton Beach model is a straightforward and automatic ice cream maker designed for ease of use. Its 4-quart capacity is well-suited for family use, making enough ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet for everyone to enjoy. The process is designed to be simple and hands-off.
You simply pour your mixture into the canister, assemble the machine, add ice and rock salt, and let it run. The machine churns automatically and stops when the dessert is ready. Its reliable performance and simple operation make it a solid, no-nonsense choice for beginners.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Cheap Ice Cream Maker for Beginners
When I first decided I wanted to make ice cream at home, I was immediately overwhelmed by the options. I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a hobby I wasn’t sure I’d stick with, but I also didn’t want a machine that would be frustrating to use. If you’re in the same boat, looking for one of the 10 best cheap ice cream makers for beginners, here are the key things I learned to consider.
The first and biggest decision is the freezing mechanism. You’ll find two main types in the budget-friendly category: machines with a built-in compressor and machines that require a pre-frozen bowl. The compressor models freeze and churn simultaneously, meaning you can make batch after batch without waiting. They are more convenient but also tend to be larger and more expensive. For most beginners, the pre-frozen bowl type is the perfect starting point. It’s significantly cheaper and often more compact. The trade-off is you have to plan ahead, as the bowl needs to live in your freezer for at least 12-24 hours before you use it. It taught me a little patience, which isn’t a bad thing!
Next, think about capacity. How much ice cream do you realistically see yourself making at one time? Most beginner models hold between 1 and 2 quarts. A 1.5-quart machine is a great sweet spot, making enough for a small family or a few friends without being so large that the ingredients feel wasteful. Also, consider the footprint of the machine. If you have a small kitchen with limited counter or cupboard space, a compact design is a lifesaver. Some machines are surprisingly bulky, so check the dimensions.
Ease of cleaning is a factor I initially overlooked, but it’s crucial. You’re much more likely to use your ice cream maker regularly if it’s simple to clean. Look for a bowl and dasher (the paddle that churns the mix) that are dishwasher safe. This makes the post-dessert cleanup a breeze. A machine with a simple, one-button operation is also ideal for a beginner. You don’t need a dozen fancy settings; you just need a reliable churn.
Finally, don’t forget about noise. Ice cream makers aren’t silent. They have a motor that churns the mixture, and some can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise or plan on making ice cream while watching TV or talking, look for reviews that comment on the noise level. Starting with a simple, affordable machine lets you learn the basics of custards, sugar ratios, and flavorings without a huge upfront investment. Once you’re hooked, you can always upgrade later.
FAQ
How long does it take to make ice cream in a beginner machine?
In a machine with a pre-frozen bowl, the churning process itself typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes. The total time is much longer because you must factor in the 12-24 hours needed to freeze the bowl solid before you even start. The actual churning time depends on your recipe and the quantity. After churning, the ice cream is usually a soft-serve consistency and needs another 2-4 hours in a freezer to harden properly.
Do I need to use a special recipe, or can I just use any ice cream recipe?
You can use most standard home ice cream recipes, but it’s important to understand that recipes designed for machines with a pre-frozen bowl often work best. These machines freeze the mixture relatively quickly, which helps create a smoother texture. Avoid using recipes that are intended for professional, high-powered machines, as they might not set correctly. Starting with a simple, proven recipe is the best way to get great results from one of the 10 best cheap ice cream makers for beginners.
Why is my homemade ice cream so hard?
This is a common issue! Homemade ice cream often freezes much harder than store-bought versions because it lacks the stabilizers and emulsifiers used commercially. You can combat this naturally. Adding a little alcohol, like a tablespoon of vodka or a liqueur, lowers the freezing point and keeps it softer. Using more egg yolks (in a custard-based recipe) or a bit of corn syrup can also improve the texture and reduce iciness.
Can I make sorbet or frozen yogurt in these machines?
Absolutely. Almost any ice cream maker that churns traditional ice cream can also make sorbet and frozen yogurt. The process is identical: you simply pour your sorbet or yogurt base into the machine and let it churn. This versatility is a huge plus, allowing you to experiment with fruity sorbets or tangy frozen yogurt once you’ve mastered a basic vanilla ice cream.
How do I clean and store my ice cream maker?
Always unplug the machine first. The bowl, dasher, and any other removable parts should be washed with warm, soapy water. Most are dishwasher safe, which I highly recommend for easy cleanup. The main motor unit should never be submerged; just wipe it down with a damp cloth. For storage, make sure all parts are completely dry before putting them away. If you have a model with a pre-freeze bowl, you can just leave it in your freezer so it’s always ready to go.
My ice cream didn’t freeze. What went wrong?
If your mixture didn’t thicken at all, the most likely culprit is a bowl that wasn’t frozen solid. It needs a full 24 hours in a very cold freezer. Another possibility is that your ice cream base was too warm when you poured it in. Make sure your custard or mixture is thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator before churning. A warm mixture can thaw the frozen bowl, preventing the ice cream from setting.