6 Best Ice Cream Makers Under $50 of 2025

Step into a whimsical kitchen wonderland with this enchanting 1.2 Quart unicorn ice cream maker, designed specifically to spark joy in young dessert enthusiasts. Its simple one-touch electric operation makes crafting homemade frozen treats a delightfully easy activity, perfectly solving the common challenge of engaging kids in kitchen fun without overwhelming complexity. Beyond just ice cream, this versatile machine effortlessly churns out sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt, offering a spectrum of sweet possibilities for family bonding time.

Performance is straightforward, centered around its convenient 1.2 Quart capacity, ideal for serving a small family or group of eager children. The necessary pre-freezing of the bowl is a standard step for this style of maker, requiring a bit of planning but ensuring the machine is ready to work its magic in under 30 minutes once ingredients are added. Its design simplifies cleanup with easily detachable parts, though the limited capacity means it’s not suited for large parties or significant batches.

Compared to the Elite Gourmet EIM520M, the Unicorn maker offers a slightly larger capacity and a distinct focus on child-friendly design and family engagement. While the Maxi-Matic EIM-520 provides an ingredient chute for easy mix-ins, this model prioritizes simplicity and visual appeal. It’s ideally suited for families with young children looking for a fun, easy, and visually appealing way to make desserts together, offering a unique blend of features and charm compared to more utilitarian options.

Experience the effortless simplicity of homemade frozen desserts with the Elite Gourmet EIM520M, a compact automatic ice cream maker designed for quick and easy treats. Featuring a straightforward one-touch control and a convenient freezable bowl, it eliminates the need for complicated steps or additives like salt and ice, directly addressing the pain point of wanting delicious results without the fuss. Its 1 Quart capacity is perfectly sized for individual cravings or sharing a small batch, making gourmet-style desserts accessible to anyone.

This unit performs reliably for its size, consistently producing ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt within a short timeframe after the bowl has been properly frozen (typically overnight). The 1 Quart capacity is well-suited for 1-2 people or a small family dessert, though it won’t handle larger gatherings. Its compact footprint makes it easy to store, and the simple mechanics mean there are few parts to manage, contributing to its overall ease of use and cleaning.

Positioned as a Best Compact option, this Elite Gourmet model excels in small spaces and for users prioritizing convenience over capacity. It’s very similar in function and capacity to the Maxi-Matic EIM-520, though it lacks the ingredient chute found on that model, offering a slightly more streamlined experience. For those seeking a basic, reliable, and space-saving machine for small batches, it presents a compelling value proposition focused purely on simple operation and quick results.

Discover the ultimate personalized treat with the DASH My Pint Ice Cream Maker, a versatile machine specifically engineered for crafting delicious single servings right at home. This innovative appliance makes it incredibly simple to whip up ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt tailored precisely to your taste, directly solving the dilemma of wanting a quick, individual dessert without making a large batch. The included mixing spoon is a thoughtful touch, encouraging users to get creative with their favorite mix-ins for a truly unique experience.

Performance is centered around its ability to produce a single serving in under 30 minutes, provided the cooling bowl has been adequately frozen beforehand. The design is remarkably space-saving, with parts that stack neatly for easy storage, a significant advantage for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. While its focus is strictly on individual portions, it handles various frozen dessert types effectively, offering consistent quality for a quick snack.

As a Best Overall choice, the DASH My Pint stands out for its unique focus on single-serve convenience and customization. It offers a much smaller capacity than the 1 Quart Elite Gourmet EIM520M, trading the ability to share for speed and personalization for one. Its ultra-compact design and ease of storage provide a different kind of value proposition compared to larger or more traditional machines, making it the ideal choice for individuals who value speed, space efficiency, and tailored treats.

Prepare to become the host with the most with the Elite Gourmet EIM350, a robust 4-Quart ice cream maker designed to handle large batches for family gatherings and parties. Boasting a powerful 50-watt motor, this machine effortlessly churns out generous quantities of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt, effectively addressing the common problem of smaller machines not making enough for everyone. Its traditional ice and salt method is straightforward and reliable, delivering classic creamy textures that are perfect for sharing.

This machine excels in high-volume production, with its 4-Quart capacity capable of serving a significant crowd, making it ideal for events. Unlike pre-freeze bowl models, it requires the use of ice and salt in an outer bucket to chill the inner cannister, a method that is simple but requires having these supplies on hand. The 50-watt motor provides ample power to churn the large volume smoothly, and while the overall footprint is larger than personal models, cleanup is relatively easy thanks to its simple structure.

Positioned as the Best for Large Family, this Elite Gourmet model is fundamentally different from the smaller 1-Quart Elite Gourmet EIM520M or the 1.2 Quart Unicorn maker, trading countertop compactness and pre-frozen convenience for sheer volume capability. While it requires the extra step of managing ice and salt, its ability to produce four times the amount of dessert makes it invaluable for entertaining. It offers a high-capacity, powerful solution perfect for anyone needing to satisfy a crowd with homemade frozen treats.

Unlock unprecedented freedom in dessert making with the BRIOBITE Ice Cream Maker, a truly innovative, rechargeable and remarkably portable electric unit. This machine is designed for the modern user who wants the convenience of homemade frozen treats anywhere, tackling the limitation of needing a power outlet with its built-in USB-C rechargeable battery. Its ability to produce 1-2 servings of smooth, silky ice cream or sorbet in just 20-30 minutes makes it a game-changer for on-the-go indulgence.

Performance is impressive for such a compact device; the pre-frozen double-insulated bowl (requiring 12+ hours) and quiet motor work together to quickly churn small batches. The 2600 mAh battery provides enough power for at least three uses per charge, adding significant flexibility for picnics, camping, or simply moving around the house. Its 1-2 serving capacity is perfect for individuals or couples, and the simple push-button control with a timer enhances ease of use.

As the Best Portable option, the BRIOBITE distinguishes itself dramatically from countertop-bound units like the DASH My Pint or Elite Gourmet EIM520M, which require continuous power. While its capacity is limited to 1-2 servings, similar to the DASH, its rechargeable battery and travel-friendly size offer a unique value proposition focused entirely on convenience and mobility. It’s the perfect fit for users who prioritize flexibility and untethered operation above all else.

Discover exceptional value and simplicity with the Maxi-Matic EIM-520, an automatic electric ice cream maker designed to make homemade frozen desserts accessible and fun for everyone. This machine streamlines the process with a simple freezable bowl and one-touch operation, effectively removing the complexity often associated with traditional methods. A standout feature is the convenient ingredient chute, allowing you to effortlessly add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips during the churning process for perfectly integrated flavors.

Operation is straightforward: simply pre-freeze the 1 Quart bowl (ideally overnight), add your mixture through the lid, and press the start button. The machine quickly churns your ingredients into ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in a short time, providing a quick dessert solution. The 1 Quart capacity is suitable for a small family or couple, and the inclusion of the ingredient chute adds a layer of versatility not always found in basic models, enhancing the user experience.

Designated as the Best Budget Friendly option, the Maxi-Matic EIM-520 offers a feature set remarkably similar to the Elite Gourmet EIM520M, sharing the same 1 Quart capacity and reliance on a pre-frozen bowl, but adding the useful ingredient chute. It provides excellent functionality for its cost, making homemade ice cream an affordable reality. This model is an outstanding choice for budget-conscious consumers who want a simple, reliable machine with the added convenience of easy mix-in capability, offering compelling features for its price point.