# Best ice cream makers for dairy-free and vegan ice cream Source: https://scoopandchurn.com/best/best-ice-cream-maker-for-dairy-free Publisher: Scoop & Churn. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://scoopandchurn.com/how-we-pick Plant-based ice cream behaves differently from dairy. Coconut bases are rich in fat but can set hard, while oat and almond milk bases have less fat and freeze icy if they churn slowly. Two machine types handle this in different ways. A Ninja Creami freezes the base solid, then shaves it smooth, and a re-spin can fix a crumbly result. A compressor churner freezes liquid base while it mixes, which works best with richer coconut or cashew bases. Only one listing here, the Creami XL Deluxe Gen 2, names a dedicated Dairy-Free program; the others state dairy-free, vegan or plant-based support in their features. This guide compares them on machine type, capacity, exactly what the listing says about dairy-free use, the programs available and whether a base must be frozen ahead. ## Picks ### 1. Ninja® CREAMi® XL Deluxe Gen 2, 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, NC601 Type: Creami; Capacity: 24 oz XL tub; Programs: 11, incl. Dairy-Free, CreamiFit; Pre-freeze needed: Yes, base frozen first; Soft serve: No The second-generation XL Deluxe Creami adds a dedicated Dairy-Free program to its 11 one-touch settings. The best fit for anyone making plant-based pints every week. 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. ### 2. Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl 13-in-1 Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, NC701 Type: Creami; Capacity: Not stated on this listing; Programs: 13, incl. 6 soft serve; Pre-freeze needed: Yes, base frozen first; Soft serve: Yes A Creami with 13 programs including Swirled Frozen Yogurt, which dispenses froyo as a soft serve swirl. The pick for shop-style froyo cups at home. 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. ### 3. Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker, Includes (4) Family-Sized 24 oz. Tubs, for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Yogurt, & More, 11-in-1, XL Capacity, Silver Type: Ninja Creami; Capacity: Four 24 oz XL tubs; Dairy-free support: Dairy-free and vegan options stated; Programs: 11; Pre-freeze needed: Yes, freeze overnight The 11-in-1 Creami Deluxe bundled with four 24 oz XL tubs, so several dairy-free bases can freeze at once. Suits households testing coconut, oat and cashew recipes side by side. What the listing offers: - Four XL tubs let you freeze different plant-based bases at the same time. - The listing names low sugar, protein-packed, dairy-free and vegan options. - Dual processing makes two mix-in flavors from one base. Limits to know: - No dedicated Dairy-Free program is listed for this model. - Each base still needs to freeze overnight before processing. ### 4. Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine & Yogurt Automatic 2 Qt. with Built-In Compressor, LCD Digital Display & Timer, No Pre-Freezing, ICM-220SSY, Stainless Steel Type: Compressor; Capacity: 2 qt; Programs: Ice cream plus yogurt function; Keep-cool hold: Extended cooling, duration not stated; Build: Stainless steel 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. ### 5. 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. ### 6. Ninja® CREAMi® 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream, Gelato and more, NC301 Type: Creami; Capacity: Original pint; Programs: 7: Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, more; Pre-freeze needed: Yes, 24 hours; Soft serve: No 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. ### 7. BLACK+DECKER Perfect Pint Ice Cream Maker for Protein Recipes Type: Pint processor (Creami-style); Protein program: Not stated (sold for protein recipes); Programs: Not stated; Capacity: Not stated; Re-spin: Yes A Creami-style pint maker with Re-Spin Technology, listed for high-protein, keto and dairy-free desserts. Suits buyers who want the freeze-and-spin method from another brand. What the listing offers: - The listing names protein, keto and dairy-free desserts as core uses. - Re-Spin Technology is meant to avoid icy or grainy textures. - It makes ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt and milkshakes, per the listing. Limits to know: - The listing does not state the number of programs or wattage. - Like the Creami, every pint must be frozen before spinning. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.