Best ice cream makers with a built-in compressor

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 1-quart batch makes up to 8 servings, per the listing.
• Built-in compressor means no freezer space for a bowl.
• Three modes and an easy-turn dial keep it simple.

Limits to know

• The listing makes no footprint or compact claim, and gives no dimensions.
• Costs about the same as the Cuisinart 1-qt, which adds a cord wrap and Keep Cool.