# Best compact ice cream makers for small kitchens Source: https://scoopandchurn.com/best/best-compact-ice-cream-maker Publisher: Scoop & Churn. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://scoopandchurn.com/how-we-pick In a small kitchen the best ice cream maker is the one that fits on the counter or slides into a cabinet without a fight. Smaller batches help: a 0.8 to 1.3 quart machine is easier to store than a 2-quart workhorse. Upright and vertical designs also take up less counter depth than wide horizontal ones. The catch is that few listings give exact dimensions or weight, so this guide leans on what the listings do state: capacity, upright or vertical design, cord storage and whether you need freezer space for a bowl. Five of the six listings state a built-in compressor, so those need no room in your freezer. Where a listing gives no size, we say so, and you should check the product details before ordering. ## Picks ### 1. Whynter 0.8 Quart Compact Automatic Ice Cream Maker with Stainless Steel Bowl, Self-Freezing Compressor, Lilac Haze, ICM-080-LH Capacity: 0.8 qt; Layout: Compact; Extra functions: Motor protection; Pre-freeze needed: No; Controls: LCD timer The smallest-batch compressor machine in this guide, built for personal servings and small families. Best for one or two people with very little counter space. What the listing offers: - 0.8-quart capacity designed to save countertop space, per the listing. - Removable stainless steel bowl and BPA-free paddle for easy cleaning. - Motor protection shuts the unit off if the mixture freezes solid. Limits to know: - 0.8 quarts is too small for a family dessert or a party. - The listing does not state dimensions or weight. ### 2. Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker, 1.28 Qt, White, ICM-128WS Capacity: 1.28 qt; Layout: Upright; Extra functions: None listed; Pre-freeze needed: Not stated; Controls: LCD timer, audible alert An upright Whynter that stands tall in a stainless housing to save counter space, with a 1.28-quart batch. A middle ground between personal and family size. What the listing offers: - Upright space-saving build with a smaller counter footprint, per the listing. - Removable stainless bowl lifts out for serving and washing. - Churn blade comes apart for a rinse instead of a full disassembly. Limits to know: - This listing does not spell out the compressor or no-pre-freeze claim, so confirm on the product page. - No dimensions or weight are stated on the listing. ### 3. Oplace 4-in-1 Compressor Ice Cream Maker (1.0Qt), No Pre-Freezing, Automatic Yogurt Maker, Gelato Sorbet Frozen Yogurt Soft Serve Machine, Compact Vertical Design for Home Kitchen(Blue) Type: Compressor churner; Capacity: 1 quart; Dairy-free support: Plant-based and fruit-based mixes stated; Programs: Ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, soft serve, yogurt; Pre-freeze needed: No A slim vertical compressor machine the listing describes as ideal for apartments, with modes for frozen desserts and homemade yogurt. Good for small kitchens that want variety. What the listing offers: - Slim vertical body fits small countertops, according to the listing. - Built-in compressor with no pre-freezing, plus a homemade yogurt option. - Transparent lid for watching progress and detachable mixing parts. Limits to know: - A lesser-known brand with no warranty terms stated. - The listing describes it as lightweight but gives no weight or dimensions. ### 4. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, Automatic, No Pre-Freezing, 1-Qt Type: Compressor; Sorbet support: Sorbet preset; Capacity: 1 qt; Keep-cool hold: Keep Cool preset, duration not stated; Pre-freeze needed: No A compact Cuisinart with Quick Freeze Chill Technology, four presets and an integrated cord wrap for storage. Suits small kitchens where the machine goes back in a cabinet after use. What the listing offers: - Integrated cord wrap makes it tidier to store, per the listing. - One-touch presets for ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and Keep Cool. - Built-in ingredient funnel for adding mix-ins while churning. Limits to know: - Dimensions and weight are not stated despite the compact claim. - 1-quart batches are small for larger families. ### 5. Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker, 2.1 Qt, ICM-201SB Type: Compressor; Capacity: 2.1 qt; Programs: Not stated (LCD timer); Keep-cool hold: Not stated; Build: Stainless steel housing 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. ### 6. Martha Stewart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1QT Fully Automatic, 3 Modes, Black Type: Compressor; Capacity: 1 qt; Programs: 3 modes: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt; Pre-freeze needed: No; Power or noise: Not stated A 1-quart compressor machine with three modes and a backlit display. A small-batch option for cooks who want named modes over a plain timer. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.