7 Best Cheap Ice Cream Makers of 2026

Unbeatable value meets effortless simplicity in the DASH My Pint, a standout for budget-conscious dessert lovers who still crave homemade soft serve magic. With its compact footprint, single-serving capacity, and freezer-bowl prep system, this machine delivers creamy results in under 30 minutes—no fancy skills required. It solves the common pain point of expensive, bulky machines by offering a no-frills, plug-and-play experience that’s perfect for small kitchens or solo indulgences.

In real-world testing, the DASH consistently churns out smooth gelato and fruity sorbets, especially when ingredients are pre-chilled and the bowl is fully frozen (24+ hours). The 2-quart bowl handles one pint at a time, ideal for personal treats or light sharing—though larger batches require multiple rounds. It excels on soft mix-ins like cookie crumbs or jam swirls, but struggles slightly with chunky add-ins due to its smaller paddle. While it lacks advanced settings or insulation, its direct-drive motor keeps churning steady without overheating during short cycles.

Compared to the Cuisinart ICE-21P1, the DASH trades capacity and speed for affordability and space-saving design. Where the Cuisinart makes 1.5 quarts in 20 minutes, the DASH focuses on single-serve satisfaction with minimal cleanup. It’s best suited for college students, singles, or families wanting occasional treats without commitment. For those prioritizing low cost and countertop real estate, this machine punches far above its price tag—delivering more joy per dollar than pricier models.

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is a kitchen powerhouse that redefines what an entry-level machine can do, combining professional-grade performance with user-friendly design. Its double-insulated freezer bowl locks in cold, eliminating the need for ice-salt mixes and delivering 1.5 quarts of ultra-smooth ice cream in just 20 minutes—a game-changer for last-minute dessert plans. Equipped with a robust mixing paddle and BPA-free construction, it tackles thick custards and fruit-heavy sorbets with ease, solving the all-too-familiar issue of uneven texture and icy patches.

During testing, the machine proved consistent across multiple batches, maintaining a steady churn even with high-fat bases like vanilla bean gelato or dense chocolate fudge. The transparent locking lid allows for safe ingredient additions mid-cycle, making it easy to swirl in caramel or crushed cookies without splatter. While it requires 16–24 hours of bowl freezing, once ready, it performs flawlessly—though it’s not designed for back-to-back batches without cool-down time. It handles most mix-ins well, but very hard chunks (like frozen fruit) can stall the paddle if added too early.

When stacked against the DASH My Pint, the Cuisinart offers triple the capacity and faster processing, making it better for families or entertaining. Unlike the BRIOBITE rechargeable models, it lacks portability but delivers more consistent texture and power thanks to its direct plug-in design. It’s the ideal pick for home chefs who want reliable, high-volume results without manual intervention. With a 3-year warranty, it also offers peace of mind that most budget models can’t match—making it a smarter long-term investment despite the higher upfront cost.

The BRIOBITE 1.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker brings gourmet-grade convenience to the countertop with a rechargeable design that liberates users from outlet dependence. Boasting a 2600mAh lithium battery and USB-C charging, it can churn out three full batches on a single charge, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings, RV trips, or kitchens with limited plug access. Its 1.1-quart capacity strikes a sweet spot between personal and shared servings—ideal for couples or small families craving fresh, additive-free desserts in just 25–35 minutes.

Real-world use confirms its versatility and ease: the machine handles dairy, non-dairy, and sugar-free bases with equal finesse, producing silky sorbets and rich gelatos when the bowl is properly pre-frozen. The included recipe guide is a standout, offering tested formulas for dairy-free mango sorbet or sugar-free chocolate swirl, helping beginners skip trial-and-error. While the motor is slightly less powerful than plug-in models, it maintains consistent speed under load, though very thick mixtures may require occasional scraping. It’s not built for marathon sessions—battery drains faster with dense custards—but for occasional use, it’s impressively capable.

Compared to the DASH My Pint, this BRIOBITE model offers greater capacity and portability, while outshining the Cuisinart in on-the-go flexibility. It’s not as rugged as the Elite Gourmet 4Qt, but it wins on modern convenience and health-conscious appeal. Best for urban dwellers, health-focused families, or gift-givers seeking a stylish, functional appliance, it blends performance with lifestyle smarts. With equal flavor quality to pricier machines, it justifies its cost through freedom of use and thoughtful design.

Meet the BRIOBITE Mini Ice Cream Maker—a quiet, compact marvel engineered for discreet churning and ultra-portable fun. With low-noise operation under 55 dB, this machine lets you make frozen yogurt or soft-serve gelato late at night without disturbing roommates or kids—perfect for midnight cravings or cozy movie nights. Its USB-C rechargeable battery and 12-hour freeze prep enable 3 consecutive uses per charge, making it a top pick for dorm rooms, tiny kitchens, or travel setups where noise and space are concerns.

In testing, the 1–2 serving capacity proved ideal for couples or small households, delivering creamy results in 20–30 minutes with minimal effort. The built-in timer auto-stops when done, preventing over-churn and texture breakdown—especially helpful for fruit-based sorbets prone to iciness. Whether blending a quick banana nice cream or a matcha green tea gelato, the motor handled it smoothly, though extremely thick custards required a brief pause to scrape down the sides. Its compact size fits in a tote bag, and the simple disassembly makes cleanup a one-minute warm rinse.

Against the larger Cuisinart ICE-21P1, this BRIOBITE sacrifices capacity and speed for stealth and mobility—a trade-off that pays off for minimalist users. While the Elite Gourmet offers more volume, it can’t match this model’s silent operation and cordless freedom. It’s best for light users, gift recipients, or anyone who values peaceful, spontaneous dessert-making. Delivering nearly the same texture as full-sized models, it proves that small size doesn’t mean small performance—especially when quiet enjoyment is the goal.

The Elite Gourmet 4Qt Ice Cream Maker is a party-ready beast, built for those who want to feed a crowd with fluffy, old-school frozen treats made the traditional way—using ice and salt. With a massive 4-quart capacity, it churns enough gelato or sorbet to serve 12+ people, making it ideal for birthdays, barbecues, or family reunions. Its 50-watt motor provides reliable torque to turn thick mixtures without stalling, while the aluminum freezing cannister ensures even cooling and faster freezing than plastic alternatives.

In real-world use, the machine shines during extended sessions—perfect for making multiple flavors in one go. The ice-and-salt method gives users control over texture and freezing speed, though it requires prep (crushed ice, rock salt, layering). It handles custard bases and chunky mix-ins with ease, producing light, airy ice cream reminiscent of carnival-style treats. However, the process is messier and noisier than freezer-bowl models, and the plastic bucket, while durable, can stain over time with fruit-heavy batches. It’s not for the impatient—expect 30–45 minutes per batch—but the payoff is volume and nostalgia in one machine.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 68330N, it offers similar capacity and mechanics, but with a slightly more compact design and brighter aesthetic. Against the BRIOBITE models, it wins on output size but loses on convenience and cleanup. It’s best for traditionalists, outdoor entertainers, or those who love the hands-on ritual of classic ice cream making. With greater batch flexibility than plug-in freezer bowls, it delivers big-event value without advanced tech—proving sometimes, more is more.

The Hamilton Beach 68330N stands out as a fully automatic champion, transforming the labor-intensive ice-and-salt method into a set-and-forget experience that churns out 4 quarts of rich custard, sherbet, or gelato with zero hand-cranking. Its simple three-step process—pour, assemble, add ice and salt—makes it accessible to kids and beginners, while the auto-shutoff feature ensures perfect texture without babysitting. This machine solves the frustration of inconsistent churning by using a powerful internal motor that locks securely into place, delivering fluffy, evenly frozen results every time.

Testing revealed consistent performance across dairy and non-dairy bases, with the 4-quart canister handling everything from eggnog custard to tangy lemon sorbet. The large spout in the lid allows for mid-cycle mix-in additions without disassembly, and the durable plastic bucket withstands repeated use. However, like all ice-based models, it demands crushed ice and rock salt, which can be cumbersome to source and clean up. The freezing process takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the base, and while the motor is strong, it’s not silent—expect moderate kitchen noise during operation.

Pitted against the Elite Gourmet EIM350X, the Hamilton Beach offers nearly identical capacity and mechanics, but with a smoother user interface and better lid design. Compared to the Cuisinart ICE-21P1, it sacrifices speed and insulation for larger batch size and traditional authenticity. It’s best for families, educators, or DIY enthusiasts who want hands-off churning with crowd-sized output. Offering more automation than manual models, it strikes a balance between old-school charm and modern convenience—making it a versatile workhorse for any dessert-loving household.

The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker delivers retro charm with modern ease, blending 1950s diner aesthetics with 20-minute soft-serve performance in a 4-quart bowl. Its vintage-inspired design turns dessert-making into an event—perfect for families, parties, or anyone who loves the theater of homemade ice cream. The powerful electric motor eliminates hand-cranking, churning thick custards and fruity sorbets in under half an hour, while the secure-lock motor base keeps everything stable during operation.

In practice, the machine handles standard recipes with ease, producing smooth, parlor-style soft serve that’s ideal for sundaes or milkshakes. It works best with pre-chilled mixtures and a fully frozen bowl (24 hours), and while it doesn’t use ice and salt, it relies on a freezer-hardened canister, limiting back-to-back batches. The wide opening makes adding mix-ins simple, and the compact footprint allows for easy countertop storage. However, the plastic construction feels lightweight, and the motor can strain slightly with ultra-thick bases like peanut butter fudge.

Against the Hamilton Beach 68330N, it trades ice-based churning for freezer-bowl convenience, but offers less texture control than traditional models. Compared to the BRIOBITE mini, it wins on serving size and visual appeal, but loses on portability and noise. It’s best for gift-givers, retro lovers, or parents wanting to make dessert a fun family activity. With strong performance and undeniable style, it offers more than just nostalgia—it delivers real creamy joy.