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Best high-end ice cream makers worth the splurge

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: compressor with ice cream and gelato paddles

    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

    Whynter ICM-201SB: upright 2.1 qt in stainless

    Upright stainless housing designed for a smaller counter footprint.

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

  • Most complete listing

    Whynter ICM-220SSY: 2 qt stainless with yogurt mode

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

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

Spending more on an ice cream maker should buy you three things: a built-in compressor so batches never wait on a frozen bowl, stainless construction that holds up, and controls that do more than run a timer. The top of the home market splits between machines that automate texture, like Breville's hardness-sensing Smart Scoop, and larger stainless workhorses from Whynter and Cuisinart that add extras such as a gelato paddle or a yogurt function. Our candidate pool did not include a Musso model, so this guide covers the premium compressor machines that are available. Each is compared on stated capacity, programs, keep-cool time and build, with Not stated wherever the listing is silent, so you can see what the extra money buys.

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: compressor with ice cream and gelato paddles

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 stainless with yogurt mode

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 BCI600XL: hardness sensing, 3-hour hold

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 · Whynter

Whynter ICM-200LS: 2.1 qt horizontal stainless classic

See price on Amazon

A 2.1 quart Whynter compressor churner with an LCD control panel and audible timer in a stainless shell. A strong pick for families who want big batches near the top of this budget.

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.
See it on AmazonListing title: Whynter Automatic Ice Cream Maker, 2.1 Qt, ICM-200LS

Pick 5 · Whynter

Whynter 7-in-1 soft serve and slushy, 5 firmness levels

See price on Amazon

A compressor machine for soft-serve ice cream and frozen drinks, with 5 firmness levels and a self-cleaning mode. A splurge for hosts who want soft serve and slushies more than scoops.

What the listing offers

  • Seven functions cover soft serve plus juice, cocktail, wine and coffee slushies.
  • LCD touch panel with 5 adjustable firmness levels and an audible timer.
  • Self-cleaning mode and dishwasher-safe removable parts, per the listing.

Limits to know

  • Built for soft serve and drinks, not dense scooped ice cream or gelato.
  • Housing material and wattage are not stated on the listing.
See it on AmazonListing title: Whynter 7-in-1 Soft Serve Ice Cream Slushy Machine, 1.6 Qt, Compressor

Pick 6 · Whynter

Whynter ICM-201SB: upright 2.1 qt in stainless

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

Read before you buy

More gear: Choosing a machine

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.