Best ice cream makers for home cooks: one pick per machine type

What the listing offers

• It is the only listing here with a dedicated Dairy-Free program.
• Re-Spin after processing gives an even creamier result, useful when a low-fat oat or almond base comes out crumbly.
• 24 oz XL tubs hold 50% more than the original Creami pint, per the listing.

Limits to know

• Every base must be frozen in the tub ahead of time.
• The listing does not explain how the Dairy-Free program differs from the standard Ice Cream program.

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 Swirled Frozen Yogurt program is listed among six soft serve programs.
• It can dispense a swirl, which is how most people expect froyo to look.
• The listing supports low sugar, lower calorie and high-protein bases.

Limits to know

• The froyo base must be frozen ahead in the tub.
• Tub capacity is not stated on this listing.

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.

What the listing offers

• No pre-freezing is required; the listing says a compressor holds the temperature and consistency.
• It can produce 1.7 quarts in as little as 15 minutes, per the listing.
• The listing describes an ultra-quiet motor for low-noise operation.

Limits to know

• It is built for soft serve and slushies, not dense scoopable ice cream for the freezer.
• The quiet claim comes without a decibel figure, so it is hard to compare with other machines.

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.

What the listing offers

• 2 quart capacity matches the larger compressor machines at a lower price.
• The listing states treats in as little as 20 minutes with 3 settings, multiple speeds and an auto shutoff timer.
• A lid with an ingredient spout and a limited 3-year warranty are included, per the listing.

Limits to know

• The freezer bowl must be pre-frozen before every batch, which limits you to one batch at a time.
• You need freezer space for the bowl, and the listing does not state how long it must freeze.