8 Best Ice Cream Makers Under $500 in 2027

At up to $500, the best ice cream makers are compressor machines that make batch after batch with no pre-freezing.

We chose eight top-rated ice cream makers under $500 on Amazon and used only the specs listed by each brand. Breville’s Smart Scoop currently lists above $500.

This guide covers two kinds of machines. Compressor ice cream makers from Whynter and Cuisinart chill and churn a liquid base in one go, so you can make ice cream the same day. Ninja CREAMi models work differently: you freeze a base in a tub, then the machine processes it into ice cream, sorbet or gelato in minutes. Below you’ll find a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.

Top 3 Ice Cream Makers Under $500 at a Glance

Ice Cream Makers Under $500 Compared

1. Whynter ICM-201SB Upright 2.1 Qt – Best Overall

The Whynter ICM-201SB is our top ice cream maker under $500 because it pairs the largest churn capacity in this guide – 2.1 quarts – with a self-contained compressor and an upright, space-saving body. According to the listing, it was recognized by CNN in 2026 as a Best Tested ice cream maker.

If you want to make ice cream on a whim rather than plan a day ahead, this is the kind of machine that fits: pour in your base, start the timer and let it churn.

Key features

No pre-freeze compressor. Whynter says the built-in compressor freezes the mix while it churns, so there is no bowl sitting in your freezer overnight, and a second batch can follow the first the same afternoon. That makes it practical for parties or for making two flavors back to back.

Upright, space-saving design. Instead of the usual wide, low box, the ICM-201SB stands tall inside a stainless steel housing, which the brand says gives it a smaller counter footprint. That matters because compressor machines are usually the bulkiest appliances in this category.

LCD timer and easy cleanup. An LCD control panel shows the run time at a glance and a built-in audible timer tells you when the batch is ready. The stainless bowl lifts out for serving and washing, and the BPA-free churn blade comes apart for a rinse. The spec sheet also lists a motor protection function.

What it’s like to own

Day to day, the appeal is simplicity: there is one bowl, one blade and one timer, so there is little to learn. The 2.1-quart bowl is big enough for a family dessert or for a batch you can store in the freezer for the week.

The trade-off is price – at around $318 it is the most expensive machine on this list – and the listing does not give its dimensions or weight, so measure the spot under your cabinets before you buy. Also note that its Amazon rating (4.5 stars from 2,652 reviews) is shown across Whynter’s upright listing, which includes the smaller 1.28-quart model.

Best for: Families and frequent ice cream makers who want large, back-to-back batches without pre-freezing anything.

May not fit: Buyers on a tighter budget, or anyone who only makes a pint at a time – the CREAMi or the 1.28-quart Whynter will cost less.

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2. Cuisinart ICE-100 – Best Gelato

The Cuisinart ICE-100 is the gelato specialist in this lineup. It is a fully automatic 1.5-quart machine with what Cuisinart calls a commercial-quality compressor, and it is the only model here that ships with two churning paddles – one for rich ice cream and one specifically for gelato.

It also holds the highest rating among the churn-style compressor machines we picked: 4.6 stars from 2,985 Amazon reviews.

Key features

Two dedicated paddles. Gelato is typically denser than American-style ice cream, and the separate gelato paddle is designed for that style. Switching paddles lets one machine cover ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt and sorbet.

Timer and controls. A 60-minute countdown timer runs from touchpad controls with a large, easy-to-read LCD display, so you can set it and walk away.

Keep Cool feature. After the timer goes off, a 10-minute Keep Cool function keeps your ice cream or gelato cool, which helps if you can’t get to the machine the moment it finishes. Cuisinart backs it with a limited 3-year warranty.

What it’s like to own

Because the compressor is always ready, you can make batch after batch, as Cuisinart puts it, with no frozen bowl to plan around.

Plan for its size: the listing gives 16.73 x 12 x 9.33 inches and 27.2 pounds, the heaviest machine in this guide, so it is best on a counter where it can stay put. Care instructions say hand wash only or spot clean.

Best for: Gelato fans and anyone who wants one compressor machine for ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt and sorbet, plus a longer 3-year warranty.

May not fit: Anyone who needs to move the machine in and out of a cabinet often, or who wants the biggest possible batch.

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3. Whynter ICM-200LS – Best Value Compressor

The Whynter ICM-200LS gives you the same 2.1-quart capacity as our top pick for roughly $50 less, which makes it the best value compressor machine under $500. It has 3,229 Amazon reviews, the most of any churn-style compressor maker in this guide.

The main difference from the ICM-201SB is the shape: this is a traditional horizontal box rather than an upright design.

Key features

Large-batch capacity. It churns up to 2.1 quarts at once, with an LCD control panel and a built-in audible timer that show exactly where a batch stands.

No pre-freezing needed. A self-contained, CFC-free compressor chills the mix as it churns, so you can make batch after batch without freezing a bowl overnight.

Easy-care housing and parts. The stainless steel shell wipes clean, and the box includes a BPA-free aluminum removable mixing bowl and churn blade. The spec sheet also lists a motor protection function.

What it’s like to own

This is a simple, no-frills machine: add the base, set the timer and let it run. It suits households that want quart-plus batches regularly and don’t need gelato paddles or programs.

It is larger than it looks in photos – the listing gives 16.75 x 11.25 x 10.25 inches and 24.3 pounds – so check your counter depth first.

Best for: Budget-minded families who want big 2.1-quart batches from a proven compressor machine.

May not fit: Small kitchens where the footprint of an upright or pint-style machine would be easier to live with.

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4. Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe Gen 2 – Best CREAMi

The Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe Gen 2 (NC601) is the most versatile frozen-treat maker in this guide and the highest-rated machine overall at 4.7 stars. Instead of churning liquid like a compressor machine, a CREAMi processes a frozen base in its tub into ice cream, sorbet, gelato and more.

This second-generation model keeps the familiar CREAMi process and adds new programs and a sleeker body that Ninja says fits under most cabinets.

Key features

11 one-touch programs. Ninja adds Dairy-Free, Smoothie Bowl and CreamiFit programs alongside the CREAMi classics, giving it the widest menu on this list.

Family-size XL tubs. Each 24-oz XL tub holds 50% more than the original CREAMi pint, and the box includes two tubs with storage lids. You can also process one frozen base with two different mix-ins to get two flavors from one tub.

Texture control and cleanup. Re-Spin runs a second pass for an even creamier result, and the XL tubs, lids and Creamerizer paddle are all top-rack dishwasher safe.

What it’s like to own

The CREAMi workflow is different from a churn machine: you prepare a base, freeze it in the tub, then process it when you want dessert. That makes it great for portion control and for health-focused recipes – Ninja highlights low-sugar, dairy-free and protein-packed options – but it means thinking ahead.

The listing gives 18.58 x 9.61 x 19.45 inches and 15.4 pounds. Since it is a newer model, it has far fewer reviews than the first-generation NC501.

Best for: Health-conscious households and families who want the most programs, family-size tubs and dishwasher-safe parts.

May not fit: People who want ice cream from a liquid base the same day – a compressor machine is the better fit.

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5. Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe – Best Family CREAMi

The Ninja NC501 CREAMi XL Deluxe is the original first-generation XL model, and it is our pick for families who want big CREAMi batches with a long track record – it has 5,570 Amazon reviews. It offers the same 11-program count and 24-oz XL tubs as the Gen 2 at nearly the same price.

Key features

11 one-touch programs. The menu includes ice cream, sorbet, gelato, Italian ice and frozen yogurt, among others.

XL capacity and dual processing. Two 24-oz XL tubs hold 50% more than the original CREAMi pint, and you can turn one frozen base into two separate mix-in flavors in the same tub.

Creamify technology. Ninja says the Dual-Drive Motors apply downward pressure while spinning the Deluxe Creamerizer paddle to transform solid frozen bases. A Re-Spin function adds a second cycle for a softer, creamier finish. The box includes the motor base, paddle, two tubs with lids, the outer bowl and lid, and a recipe inspiration guide.

What it’s like to own

Ninja describes it as three simple steps – prepare, freeze, process – so it is easy for kids and adults to use once the base is frozen. Parts are listed as dishwasher safe.

Keep in mind that it only works with NC500 and NC600 Series 24-oz XL tubs, the warranty is 1 year (Cuisinart offers 3), and at 4.3 stars it rates a bit lower than the newer Gen 2. The listing gives 18.9 x 10.04 x 19.88 inches and 14.4 pounds.

Best for: Families who want proven, family-size CREAMi treats and lots of program choices.

May not fit: Buyers who prefer the newer Dairy-Free and CreamiFit programs of the Gen 2, or who don’t want to freeze bases in advance.

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6. Cuisinart Freeze Ease 1-Qt – Best Compact

The Cuisinart Freeze Ease 1-Qt (model ICE-90) is the best compact choice for small households. It is an automatic machine that, according to Cuisinart, needs no ice, no rock salt and no pre-freezing thanks to its Quick Freeze Chill Technology.

At 14 x 11 x 9 inches and 16.3 pounds, it is noticeably smaller and lighter than the ICE-100.

Key features

One-touch presets. Touchpad controls offer Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet and Keep Cool presets, which takes the guesswork out of each batch.

Mix-ins while churning. A built-in ingredient funnel lets you add chocolate chips, nuts, fruit or candy while the machine runs.

Compact, storage-friendly design. An easy-to-read LED display, an integrated cord wrap and Keep Cool mode round out the package, and Cuisinart backs it with a limited 3-year warranty.

What it’s like to own

The 1-quart capacity is aimed at everyday treats and small family desserts rather than big party batches. Care instructions say hand wash only or spot clean.

Its price is close to the 1.5-quart ICE-100, so if you have room, the larger Cuisinart may be better value. Note that its Amazon rating (4.6 stars, 2,985 reviews) appears to be shared with the ICE-100 listing.

Best for: Couples, small households and smaller kitchens that want same-day ice cream without pre-freezing.

May not fit: Large families who would rather make 1.5–2.1 quarts at a time.

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7. Whynter ICM-128 Upright – Best Small Upright

The Whynter ICM-128WS is the smaller sibling of our top pick. It keeps the upright, space-saving design and LCD timer but makes 1.28 quarts at a time for about $100 less than the ICM-201SB.

Its 11 x 10-inch base is the smallest footprint in this guide, which makes it easy to leave on the counter.

Key features

Upright design. Like the 2.1-quart model, it stands tall to save counter space. The listing gives 11 x 10 x 14 inches and 19.3 pounds.

No pre-freezing. The item highlights list a built-in compressor and no pre-freezing needed, so you can make ice cream the same day.

Simple controls and cleanup. An LCD panel shows the run time and an audible timer signals when the batch is ready. The stainless bowl lifts out, and the BPA-free churn blade comes apart for rinsing; the spec sheet lists a motor protection function.

What it’s like to own

This is a good fit for small households who want the convenience of a compressor machine without giving up much counter space. Care instructions say hand wash only.

It carries a one-year limited warranty, and its Amazon rating (4.5 stars, 2,652 reviews) is shown across Whynter’s upright listing along with the 2.1-quart model.

Best for: Apartments and small kitchens that want a compact, no-pre-freeze machine.

May not fit: Families who regularly need more than about a quart per batch.

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8. Ninja CREAMi NC301 – Best Value CREAMi

The Ninja CREAMi NC301 is the classic 7-in-1 CREAMi and the value pick for anyone curious about the CREAMi style of making ice cream. With 6,736 Amazon reviews, it is the most-reviewed machine in this guide, and it is also the least expensive at about $229.

Key features

7 one-touch programs. Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream and Mix-In, each with its own combination of speed, pressure and time.

Creamify technology. Ninja says the machine finely shaves through a uniformly frozen pint to turn it into a smooth frozen dessert in minutes. Re-Spin lets you process it again for a softer texture.

Total ingredient control. You can make protein-packed ice cream, low-sugar sorbet, dairy-free and vegan treats from scratch, and the Mix-In program spreads chocolate chips, nuts, fruit or cookies through the pint.

What it’s like to own

The routine is three steps: prep your base, freeze it for 24 hours, then process it in minutes. It comes with two pint containers and lids, and Ninja says all parts are dishwasher safe.

Batches are pint-size (0.47 liters), so families may prefer the 24-oz XL models. The listing gives 18.39 x 8.58 x 18.39 inches and 15.9 pounds, with a 1-year limited warranty.

Best for: Singles, couples and health-focused cooks who want single-serve treats and easy, dishwasher-safe cleanup.

May not fit: Anyone who wants ice cream without freezing a base a day ahead.

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How to Choose an Ice Cream Maker Under $500

Compressor, freezer bowl or Ninja CREAMi

There are three main styles. Freezer-bowl makers are the cheapest, but the bowl has to be frozen before each batch. Compressor machines like the Whynter and Cuisinart models in this guide have a built-in freezing system, so there is nothing to pre-freeze and you can run batch after batch.

Ninja CREAMi machines are a third option. You freeze the base itself – Ninja’s NC301 listing says for 24 hours – and the machine then shaves and spins it into a finished dessert. Choose a compressor if you want ice cream on short notice; choose a CREAMi if you like portioned, customizable pints and dishwasher-safe parts.

Capacity

Compressor machines here range from 1 quart (Cuisinart Freeze Ease) and 1.28 quarts (Whynter ICM-128) to 1.5 quarts (Cuisinart ICE-100) and 2.1 quarts (Whynter ICM-201SB and ICM-200LS). Larger bowls suit families and entertaining; smaller ones save space.

CREAMi capacity is measured per tub: the NC301 processes a pint (0.47 liters), while the XL models use 24-oz tubs that hold 50% more. Because you can freeze several tubs ahead, CREAMi owners often keep a few flavors ready in the freezer.

Programs, paddles and texture

Simple compressor machines like the Whynter models use a single churn blade and a timer. The Cuisinart ICE-100 adds a dedicated gelato paddle, and the Freeze Ease adds presets for ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet.

CREAMi models rely on programs – 7 on the NC301 and 11 on the XL models – plus a Re-Spin function for a creamier finish. If you want dairy-free, smoothie bowl or high-protein options, the NC601 Gen 2 has dedicated programs for them.

Size, weight and storage

Compressor machines are heavy. The Cuisinart ICE-100 weighs 27.2 pounds and the Whynter ICM-200LS 24.3 pounds, so plan to keep them on the counter. Upright designs like the Whynter ICM-128 (11 x 10 inches) take up less counter space.

CREAMi machines are lighter (about 14–16 pounds) but tall – the XL models stand around 19–20 inches – so measure the gap under your cabinets.

Cleaning

Whynter and Cuisinart compressor machines have removable bowls and paddles, but several listings specify hand wash only. Ninja says CREAMi tubs, lids and paddles are dishwasher safe, which is a real time-saver if you make treats often.

Warranty

Cuisinart backs both the ICE-100 and the Freeze Ease with a limited 3-year warranty. Ninja’s NC501 and NC301 and Whynter’s ICM-128 list a 1-year limited warranty. If you plan to use your machine heavily, the longer coverage is worth factoring in.

FAQ

Do I need to pre-freeze anything?

Not with a compressor machine. The Whynter and Cuisinart models in this guide chill the mix as they churn, so there is no bowl to freeze overnight. With a Ninja CREAMi, you freeze the base itself in the tub before processing.

How far ahead do I need to plan with a Ninja CREAMi?

Ninja’s NC301 listing describes three steps: prep your base, freeze it for 24 hours, then process it in minutes. Keeping a few frozen tubs on hand means dessert is only minutes away.

Which machine is best for gelato?

The Cuisinart ICE-100 is our gelato pick because it includes a paddle designed specifically for gelato alongside its ice cream paddle. Every CREAMi model here also has a gelato program.

Can I make dairy-free, low-sugar or high-protein ice cream?

Yes. Any machine lets you control ingredients, and Ninja highlights protein-packed, low-sugar, dairy-free and vegan recipes for its CREAMi models. The NC601 Gen 2 adds dedicated Dairy-Free and CreamiFit programs.

Can I add mix-ins?

Yes. The Cuisinart Freeze Ease has a built-in ingredient funnel for adding mix-ins while it churns, and CREAMi machines have a Mix-In program that distributes chocolate chips, nuts, fruit or cookies through the tub. The XL models can even make two mix-in flavors from one base.

Are the parts dishwasher safe?

Ninja lists CREAMi tubs, lids and paddles as dishwasher safe. The Cuisinart models and the Whynter ICM-128 list hand wash only, although their bowls and paddles are removable for easy rinsing.

Final Verdict

The Whynter ICM-201SB is our best ice cream maker under $500. It offers the biggest 2.1-quart churn capacity, a compressor that needs no pre-freezing and an upright body that saves counter space.

If gelato is your priority, the Cuisinart ICE-100 is the one to get, thanks to its dedicated gelato paddle, 10-minute Keep Cool mode and 3-year warranty. For the same 2.1-quart capacity for less money, choose the Whynter ICM-200LS.

If you prefer making portioned, customizable treats, the Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe Gen 2 has the most programs and family-size tubs, while the classic NC301 is the most affordable way to try the CREAMi.

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Whynter ICM-201SB Upright 2.1 Qt
• Best for gelato: Cuisinart ICE-100
• Best value compressor: Whynter ICM-200LS
• Best CREAMi: Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe Gen 2
• Best compact: Cuisinart Freeze Ease 1-Qt or Whynter ICM-128

Related buying guides: Best Ice Cream Makers Under $300 · Best Ice Cream Makers Under $200