5 Best Ice Cream Makers in 2026 | Ninja CREAMi vs Cuisinart & More

Make ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and soft serve at home with the right machine. We compare five popular frozen-dessert makers: Ninja CREAMi XL, Cuisinart ICE-30, Nostalgia 4-Quart, Cuisinart ICE-30BCP1, and Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl. See how these machines compare for price, capacity, speed, customization, family use, noise, and ease of operation. From an affordable beginner-friendly churner to a premium processor with soft-serve programs, this guide will help you choose the best ice cream maker for your kitchen. 00:00 Best ice cream makers overview 00:20 Ninja CREAMi XL 01:20 Cuisinart ICE-30 02:20 Nostalgia 4-Quart Maker 03:20 Cuisinart Stainless and Ninja Scoop & Swirl