6 Best 6 Qt Ice Cream Makers to Buy in 2026

For those seeking the quintessential homemade ice cream experience with modern convenience, the CAREY WICM-2CY 6-Quart model stands out as a remarkably versatile option. Its classic wood bucket design evokes nostalgic charm, while the inclusion of both a robust electric motor and a traditional hand crank provides unparalleled flexibility in how you craft your frozen treats. This unit is particularly adept at handling larger batches, making it perfect for family gatherings or parties.

Performance is solid, leveraging a heavy-duty 6 qt. aluminum canister that efficiently conducts the cold from the ice and salt mixture. Whether you opt for the ease of the electric motor, which locks securely into place, or the satisfying control of the die-cast hand crank, expect smooth, consistent churning that yields delicious results. The simple, effective design means less fuss during the process, letting you focus on perfecting your recipe. Cleanup is also straightforward thanks to the accessible components.

Compared to the budget-friendly Nostalgia 6-Quart, the CAREY offers the significant advantage of dual power options, providing more user choice beyond just electric operation. While it doesn’t boast the extensive included accessories of the Elite Gourmet 6-Quart, its build quality feels slightly more substantial for its core components. This CAREY model is ideally suited for users who appreciate traditional aesthetics but desire the convenience of electric power, with the option to go manual.

Stepping into the world of homemade ice cream doesn’t have to break the bank, and the Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker proves it, delivering a fun, accessible experience at a remarkable value. This 6-quart electric model captures the vintage charm of old-fashioned churns with its dark wood style bucket, instantly adding a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. It’s designed for simplicity and speed, allowing you to create delicious frozen desserts like ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato with minimal effort.

Operation is quick and easy, relying on a powerful electric motor that handles all the churning, eliminating the need for manual labor. Just mix your ingredients, add ice and salt around the 6-quart aluminum canister, and the motor does the rest, typically finishing a batch in about 20 minutes. The motor locks securely, ensuring stable and consistent operation during the process. Its integrated carrying handle on the bucket also makes it conveniently portable for taking to events.

While it shares a similar classic aesthetic with the CAREY WICM-2CY, the Nostalgia focuses purely on electric convenience rather than offering dual power options. It’s more straightforward than the Elite Gourmet 6-Quart, which includes extra features like a storage lid and bonus hand crank. The Nostalgia is best for budget-conscious users who want a simple, reliable electric churn for making standard large batches of ice cream without fuss.

For the true connoisseur who values uncompromising quality and durability, the PREMIUM Immergood 6-Quart hand-crank ice cream maker is an exceptional investment. This unit is meticulously handcrafted in small-town America, built with long-lasting, rust-proof stainless steel hardware throughout, setting it leagues apart from models relying on plastic or lesser materials. It’s designed to be a generational piece, creating lasting memories alongside delicious frozen treats.

Performance is elevated by a unique triple-action dasher and a highly insulated, leak-free triple-layer poly tub. This innovative design ensures constant, effective folding of the ice cream mix, resulting in a superior texture that’s difficult to achieve with simpler churns. The exceptional insulation means your creation stays cold for hours after churning is complete. Being hand-cranked also provides inherent portability, letting you make ice cream anywhere, independent of power outlets.

Compared to standard electric models like the CAREY or Nostalgia, the PREMIUM Immergood requires manual effort but offers vastly superior build quality and insulation. It contrasts with the Battery Immergood by relying on user power rather than a battery, offering unlimited run time as long as you’re willing to crank. This model is the ideal choice for enthusiasts who prioritize robust construction, traditional methods, and are willing to pay a premium for a freezer built to last a lifetime.

Existing KitchenAid stand mixer owners looking to explore homemade ice cream without buying a separate appliance have an integrated solution in this 2-quart ice cream maker attachment. Designed to be widely compatible with 4.5QT, 5QT, and 6QT KitchenAid models, it leverages the power of your existing mixer to churn frozen desserts. Made with BPA-free, food-grade materials, including a rust-free aluminum alloy liner, it offers a convenient way to make smaller batches right in your kitchen.

Operation involves pre-freezing the double-walled bowl for 16-24 hours, then attaching it to your mixer. The mixer’s “STIR” speed powers the dasher, churning your mix into delicious ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet in about 20-30 minutes. The lug design ensures a secure fit on compatible mixers. While the capacity is 2 quarts, smaller than the other 6-quart units reviewed, it’s perfect for couples or small families wanting fresh, quick treats without the bulk of a full machine.

Unlike the standalone 6-quart units like the Nostalgia or Elite Gourmet, this attachment requires a KitchenAid mixer to function, offering a space-saving alternative if you already own the base appliance. Its 2-quart capacity is significantly smaller than the 6-quart models, targeting users who prefer making smaller, more frequent batches rather than large party-sized quantities. This attachment is best for KitchenAid owners who want a convenient, compact way to make quick, small batches of frozen desserts.

The Elite Gourmet Old Fashioned 6 Quart model is a feature-rich option that brings the charm of vintage ice cream making together with modern convenience and versatility. Its classic wood bucket design is aesthetically pleasing, while the inclusion of both an electric motor and a bonus die-cast hand crank provides users with the flexibility to choose their churning method. This unit is built to handle a generous 6-quart capacity, making it ideal for entertaining crowds.

Performance is efficient, quickly transforming your ingredients into cold, creamy ice cream using the traditional ice and rock salt method around the aluminum canister. The electric motor operates with whisper-quiet operation and locks securely, ensuring a smooth process. For those who enjoy the tactile experience, the included hand crank offers a reliable manual alternative. Extra features like a see-thru storage lid for the canister and included recipes add significant value and convenience.

Compared to the CAREY WICM-2CY, the Elite Gourmet offers a similar dual-power setup but includes more useful accessories like the storage lid and bonus recipes, enhancing the overall user experience. While its wood bucket design is comparable to the Nostalgia, the Elite Gourmet provides the added flexibility of the hand crank option, which the budget Nostalgia lacks. This model is an excellent choice for users seeking a versatile 6-quart machine with a full set of features for both electric and manual churning.

Breaking free from power outlets, the Immergood 6 Qt Battery Powered Ice Cream Maker offers unparalleled portability for making homemade ice cream truly anywhere. This unit features the same premium stainless steel hardware and leak-proof, core-insulated poly tub found in Immergood’s hand-crank models, ensuring exceptional durability and insulation. What sets it apart is the innovative battery-powered electric motor, compatible with common DeWalt 20v or Milwaukee 18v batteries (not included).

Performance is designed for convenience on the go, allowing you to churn a full 6-quart batch using just a charged battery and your ice/salt mixture. The insulated tub keeps your ice cream cold for hours after churning, essential for picnics, camping, or tailgating. While battery life is limited to approximately two batches per charge, this true electric portability eliminates the need for manual effort or proximity to a power source, opening up a world of possibilities for where you make dessert.

Unlike typical electric 6-quart models such as the CAREY or Elite Gourmet, this Immergood doesn’t require plugging into a wall, offering a level of freedom they can’t match. It contrasts with the PREMIUM Hand Crank Immergood by providing electric churning instead of manual effort, though both share the same high-quality build and portability focus. This model is the ultimate choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those needing a robust, high-capacity electric ice cream maker that can operate completely off-grid.