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Best gelato makers for home

Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick

Top picks at a glance

Compare all picks

  • Closest match for the job

    Cuisinart ICE-100: dedicated gelato paddle, 1.5 qt

    The second paddle made specifically for gelato is unique among the picks under $300.

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

  • Most for the money on paper

    Ninja Creami 7-in-1 NC301: Gelato program, single pint

    Gelato is one of seven one-touch programs.

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

  • Most complete listing

    Whynter ICM-220SSY: 2 qt compressor for gelato and yogurt

    A dedicated yogurt function works with dairy or non-dairy milks, according to the listing.

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

Gelato is denser than American ice cream. It has less air churned in and is usually served a little warmer, so a machine needs either a slower, dedicated gelato paddle, a gelato setting or program, or a way to process a frozen base very finely. The listings below name gelato in one of those ways. They split into two camps. Compressor churners, from Cuisinart, Breville, Whynter and VEVOR, freeze the mix as they stir and can run batch after batch. Ninja Creami models instead shave a base that was frozen overnight using a Gelato program. This guide compares seven machines on how the listing supports gelato, batch size, controls and whether you have to plan a day ahead.

Compare the picks

Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.

The picks in detail

Pick 1 · Cuisinart

Cuisinart ICE-100: dedicated gelato paddle, 1.5 qt

See price on Amazon

Cuisinart's compressor model with two paddles, one for ice cream and one for gelato, plus a 60-minute timer. The most complete package under $300 for cooks who want gelato too.

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.
See it on AmazonListing title: Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker and Gelato Machine, Makes Frozen Y...

Pick 2 · Whynter

Whynter ICM-220SSY: 2 qt compressor for gelato and yogurt

See price on Amazon

A 2 quart compressor machine that also makes fresh yogurt, with extended cooling after the churn and motor protection. Suits buyers who want one appliance for yogurt and ice cream.

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.
See it on AmazonListing title: Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine & Yogurt Automatic 2 Qt. with Built-In...

Pick 3 · Breville

Breville Smart Scoop: gelato setting, hardness sensing

See price on Amazon

A stainless churner that senses the hardness of the mix for the frozen yogurt setting you choose and holds it for up to 3 hours. Suits cooks who want froyo stopped at the same texture every time.

What the listing offers

  • Frozen yogurt is one of the listed hardness settings, so the machine decides when it is done.
  • Keep Cool holds the froyo chilled and churned for up to 3 hours.
  • Full manual mode is available if you want to stop softer.

Limits to know

  • Capacity is not stated in the listing, so batch size is unknown.
  • It is the most expensive pick in this guide.
See it on AmazonListing title: Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel

Pick 4 · Ninja

Ninja Creami XL Deluxe NC501: Gelato program, 24 oz tubs

See price on Amazon

The first-generation XL Deluxe Creami with 11 programs including frozen yogurt and two 24 oz tubs. Suits froyo fans who prefer a scoopable texture and like prepping pints ahead.

What the listing offers

  • Frozen yogurt is one of the 11 one-touch programs listed.
  • Two 24 oz XL tubs hold 50% more than the original Creami pint.
  • Re-Spin runs a second cycle for a softer, creamier finish on a crumbly froyo base.

Limits to know

  • Each tub needs a fully frozen base before processing.
  • No soft serve dispensing; froyo comes out scooped.
See it on AmazonListing title: Ninja NC501 CREAMi XL Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker,...

Pick 5 · Ninja

Ninja Creami 7-in-1 NC301: Gelato program, single pint

See price on Amazon

The entry Creami with a Gelato program and Re-spin. A low-cost way to make single pints of gelato-style dessert at home.

What the listing offers

  • Gelato is one of seven one-touch programs.
  • Re-spin processes a second time for a softer texture.
  • Lowest price among the gelato-capable machines here.

Limits to know

  • Bases need 24 hours in the freezer, per the listing.
  • Pint-size batches are small for a dinner party.
See it on AmazonListing title: Ninja® CREAMi® 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream, Gelato and more, NC3...

Pick 6 · Whynter

Whynter ICM-201SB: upright 2.1 qt for gelato or sorbet

See price on Amazon

An upright Whynter that keeps a 2.1-quart batch in a smaller footprint than horizontal machines. For small kitchens that still feed a family.

What the listing offers

  • Upright stainless housing designed for a smaller counter footprint.
  • 2.1-quart capacity, the largest in this compact guide.
  • No bowl in the freezer, so it saves freezer space too.

Limits to know

  • Taller and heavier than the 0.8 to 1.28 quart picks, though the listing gives no figures.
  • No preset programs are listed, only an LCD timer.
See it on AmazonListing title: Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker, 2.1 Qt, ICM-201SB

Pick 7 · VEVOR

VEVOR 2 qt compressor gelato maker, 150W motor

See price on Amazon

A 2-quart compressor machine sold as a gelato maker, with a 150W motor and 50 to 60 minute batches per the listing. A budget compressor option for gelato.

What the listing offers

  • Built-in compressor makes a batch in 50 to 60 minutes, per the listing.
  • Lists a 150W motor and a built-in cooling fan.
  • Automatic motor shut-off when the batch is ready.

Limits to know

  • No gelato-specific paddle or mode, despite the gelato name.
  • The listing says the batch serves 1 to 3 people, small for a 2-quart claim.
See it on AmazonListing title: VEVOR Automatic Ice Cream Maker with Built-in Compressor, 2 Quart No P...

Read before you buy

More gear: Churned ice cream and gelato

Scoop & Churn chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.