5 Best Gelato Ice Cream Makers to Buy in 2026

For those craving nostalgic, large-batch homemade frozen treats, the Hamilton Beach 68330N offers a straightforward solution. This traditional ice/rock salt model boasts a generous 4-quart capacity, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties. Its fully automatic operation means no manual churning is required, simplifying the process of creating everything from classic ice cream to creamy gelato and refreshing sorbet.

Performance is reliable for a unit utilizing the ice and salt method, consistently producing firm, scoopable results in 20-40 minutes. While this method is slower than modern compressor-based machines, it’s a familiar and effective way to achieve that classic texture. The design accommodates easy mix-in additions during the churning process, allowing for endless flavor customization right in the bucket. Its primary limitation is the need for ice and rock salt, which adds an extra step and ongoing cost compared to freezer-bowl or compressor models.

Compared to the compact DASH B0BW16J11Y, the Hamilton Beach 68330N is built for volume over speed or footprint. It’s best suited for families or entertainers who prioritize making large quantities of dessert at once rather than quick, single servings. While it lacks the digital controls of units like the Cuisinart ICE-70P1, its simplicity and capacity offer significant value for bulk production.

The DASH B0BW16J11Y is an incredibly compact and budget-friendly option for crafting single-serve frozen delights. Its unique mug design makes it perfect for individuals or those with limited kitchen space, doubling as the freezing bowl and serving container. Simply freeze the base, add your ingredients through the built-in chute, and in about 20 minutes, you have a personalized treat ready to enjoy directly from the mug.

This pint-sized performer excels at delivering quick, individual portions of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet with minimal fuss. The included two bowls allow for consecutive batches or different flavors. However, its small capacity means it’s strictly for one person at a time, and the texture, while satisfying, may not reach the same level of density as larger, more powerful machines like the Ninja NC301 CREAMi. Freezing the bowl for 24 hours is also a necessary prep step.

Ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or personal indulgence, the DASH My Mug is a far cry from high-capacity units like the Hamilton Beach 68330N. It sacrifices volume and speed for unmatched portability and simplicity, focusing purely on the individual user experience. For its low cost, it offers a convenient entry point into homemade frozen desserts, though it lacks the versatility and advanced features of mid-range or premium models.

For owners of compatible KitchenAid stand mixers, this B0DYDSB18M attachment offers a space-saving way to expand your appliance’s capabilities into the world of frozen desserts. Utilizing the mixer’s power hub, this 2-quart freezer bowl attachment integrates seamlessly, allowing you to produce dense, creamy homemade ice cream, gelato, or sorbet. It’s a clever solution that avoids adding another bulky standalone appliance to your countertop.

Performance is directly tied to proper preparation; the 2-quart freezer bowl must be frozen solid for 16-24 hours before use. Once ready, the KitchenAid motor drives the paddle, churning your mixture into a finished product in approximately 30 minutes. The attachment handles various ingredient types well, producing consistent results, but stopping the mixer mid-churn can cause the mixture to freeze to the bowl wall, hindering operation.

Compared to standalone freezer-bowl models like the Cuisinart ICE-70P1, this attachment leverages your existing KitchenAid investment, potentially offering cost savings and reducing clutter. It’s best suited for those who already own a compatible mixer and make frozen treats occasionally, rather than daily. While it requires the same pre-freezing step as many other non-compressor models, its integration and quality build make it a compelling choice for the KitchenAid ecosystem.

Step right up and experience the joy of authentic soft serve at home with the Cuisinart ICE-48. This machine is purpose-built to deliver that unmistakable soft-serve swirl, complete with three integrated condiment dispensers for adding mix-ins like sprinkles or mini chocolate chips as you dispense. It’s a fantastically fun machine that brings the ice cream parlor experience right into your kitchen, perfect for dessert enthusiasts and families.

Producing 1.5 quarts of soft serve in just 20 minutes using a double-insulated freezer bowl, the ICE-48 is relatively quick for a non-compressor model. The dispensing handle and mix-in levers are intuitive, making the process engaging, especially for kids. A notable feature is the heated compartment for warm toppings like fudge or caramel, adding another layer of customization. The primary limitation is its focus solely on soft serve; it’s not designed for hard-scoop ice cream or gelato textures, and the freezer bowl requires significant pre-freezing time.

Unlike versatile units like the Ninja NC301 CREAMi which offers multiple texture programs, the Cuisinart ICE-48 is a specialist. It’s the ideal choice for soft serve aficionados and those who love the interactive element of adding mix-ins on the fly. While its 1.5-quart capacity is smaller than the Hamilton Beach 68330N, its unique dispensing and mix-in features offer a distinctive value proposition for soft serve lovers.

The Ninja NC301 CREAMi is a revolutionary machine that redefines homemade frozen desserts with its unique Creamify Technology™. Instead of churning a liquid base, you freeze your ingredients solid in a pint container overnight, then the powerful motor and specialized paddle shave and process the frozen block into an incredibly smooth, creamy texture. This approach offers unparalleled versatility, allowing you to create not just ice cream and gelato, but also sorbets, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, and even ‘lite’ versions.

The seven one-touch programs automatically apply the optimal speed, pressure, and time for each dessert type, taking the guesswork out of achieving the perfect consistency. The Mix-in program is particularly clever, creating a well in the pint to incorporate chunks of candy, nuts, or fruit evenly throughout the finished product. While the process requires freezing the base for 24 hours, the actual processing takes only a few minutes per pint, and the Re-spin function helps achieve extra creaminess if needed. It is notably louder during operation compared to traditional churners.

Positioned as a highly versatile personal dessert maker, the Ninja NC301 CREAMi stands apart from conventional models like the Cuisinart ICE-70P1 or Hamilton Beach 68330N. While they focus on larger batches of churned desserts, the CREAMi excels at customizable, single-serve portions with a wider range of textures and applications, including options for various dietary needs. For its ability to transform simple frozen ingredients into expertly textured treats across multiple categories, it offers exceptional value, especially for experimenters and those seeking dietary flexibility.