Best compressor ice cream makers under $300

What the listing offers

• The second paddle made specifically for gelato is unique among the picks under $300.
• The listing states a limited 3-year warranty, the clearest coverage term in this group.
• Touchpad controls with a large LCD and a 60-minute countdown timer keep operation simple.

Limits to know

• At 1.5 quarts it makes less per batch than the 2 to 2.1 quart machines here.
• Keep Cool runs only 10 minutes after the timer ends, according to the listing.

What the listing offers

• A dedicated yogurt function works with dairy or non-dairy milks, according to the listing.
• Extended cooling keeps the finished batch from melting, and motor protection guards against overheating.
• The removable stainless bowl and BPA-free churn blade allow continuous use without pre-freezing.

Limits to know

• It sits right at the top of this budget, so the cheaper Whynter may be enough if you skip yogurt.
• The listing does not say how long extended cooling runs.

What the listing offers

• The 2-hour keep-cool hold is the longest stated in this group.
• 2.1 quarts makes up to 24 scoops per batch, according to the listing.
• The listing describes a food-grade stainless bowl, steel mixing shaft, all-metal body and low noise.

Limits to know

• The low-noise claim has no decibel figure behind it.
• The listing gives no warranty term, so check coverage before you buy.

What the listing offers

• 2.1 quarts per batch is the largest capacity in this price group.
• A CFC-free compressor chills the mix as it churns, so batch after batch is possible, per the listing.
• The stainless steel housing wipes clean and the listing describes a compact design.

Limits to know

• The listing does not mention a keep-cool or extended cooling mode.
• No wattage, noise figure or warranty term is given, so check those with the seller.

What the listing offers

• It matches the 2.1 quart capacity of the pricier Whynter models in this guide.
• The listing says the compressor chills as it churns, so you can make batch after batch.
• The stainless steel housing is described as durable and quick to wipe clean.

Limits to know

• The bullets do not explain the yogurt function named in the title, so check how it works.
• Keep cool, wattage and warranty terms are not stated.

What the listing offers

• A digital food scale built into the top lets you weigh ingredients right on the machine.
• Dedicated soft and hard modes let you choose soft-serve texture or a firm scoop.
• The transparent lid shows the churn, and the bowl and paddle are removable, per the listing.

Limits to know

• The listing does not use the word compressor, saying only that no pre-freezing is needed.
• No wattage, keep-cool time or warranty term is stated.

What the listing offers

• It is the only listing here that states compressor wattage: 180W.
• Three modes are clearly timed: ice cream 60 minutes, cooling 30 minutes and mix 10 minutes.
• The spray, mixing blade and top cover detach for cleaning, per the listing.

Limits to know

• The listing estimates about 15 scoops per batch, fewer than the 2.1 quart picks.
• No warranty term or noise level is stated.

What the listing offers

• The listing states a cooling temperature range of -0.4F to -31F.
• Auto shut-off timer settings run from 10 to 60 minutes in 10-minute steps.
• Stainless steel body, transparent lid, removable bowl and ETL certification are listed.

Limits to know

• At 1.5 quarts it makes less than most picks here, with no gelato or yogurt modes.
• The listing is short, with no keep-cool, wattage or warranty details.