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This Cuisinart ice cream maker churns out tasty summertime snacks—but that's not the only reason we're obsessed.
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Review: A Budget-Friendly Option for Fresh Pints
Updated on Jan. 17, 2025
When the summer heat becomes unbearable, nothing takes my temperature down quicker (or tastes better) than a huge scoop of ice cream. Apart from the enormous variety of flavors and assorted ways to serve the frozen treat (milkshakes, anyone?), ice cream is also one of the simplest desserts to make at home. All that stands between you and a delicious custom cone is a little know-how and the proper equipment.
As an ice cream fiend myself, I’m no stranger to at-home hacks when it comes to this tasty treat. While I’m obsessed with luxury options like the Ninja Creami, those on a budget should snag the Test Kitchen-loved Cuisinart ice cream maker. At less than half the price, this capable creamery can produce a quart of ice cream in 20 minutes flat. Plus, it’s small enough to take up permanent summertime residence on the average counter!
What is the Cuisinart ice cream maker?
The Cuisinart ice cream maker is an at-home ice cream machine that makes delicious desserts in only 20 minutes. The best part? Because it’s almost totally hands-off, it’s as easy to use as any set-it-and-forget-it appliance.
Unlike similarly priced Cuisinart ice cream machine models, this one supports mix-ins. It’s incredibly simple to create your own flavorful concoctions or copycat recipes. Our Test Kitchen loves this ice cream machine, noting that it’s “so fast and simple” to operate.
Product Details
- Makes up to one quart of ice cream
- Hands-off operation
- Compatible with mix-ins
- Soft serve texture
- Double-insulated freezer bowl
- Nonslip feet
- Transparent lid
- Built-in cord storage
- Recipe book included
On Sale
Amazon
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Equipped with a patent-pending mixing paddle and push-button operation, this handy small kitchen appliance can churn up creamy, dreamy ice cream in 20 minutes or less—meaning you could be less than half an hour from your favorite pint.
How We Tested the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
As the Test Kitchen’s top pick in their list of the best ice cream makers, it’s hard to find fault with this no-frills machine. The Cuisinart ice cream maker saves so much money for frequent ice cream eaters—especially if you often visit the parlor for the premium flavors.
Our Test Kitchen pro, Ellie Crowley, tested this appliance along with nine other ice cream makers. She gave the Cuisinart high marks for its small footprint and usability.
This appliance takes up about as much room as a blender (though shorter), and we say it’s worth every square inch. Plus, this gadget is incredibly easy to use. Freeze the canister overnight, then add your favorite ice cream recipe (we recommend this bourbon ice cream on a hot weekend afternoon). This machine will churn a batch of ice cream in 20 minutes. The end result will have a velvety, soft serve-like consistency. If you prefer a slightly firmer treat, Ellie recommends popping the finished product into the freezer for a bit before scooping and topping with hot fudge.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- Quiet
- Lightweight
- Small footprint
Cons
- Requires extra chilling if you want firmer ice cream
- No specialty settings
What Other Reviewers Have to Say
Over 15,000 Amazon reviewers agree with our analysis, with the most common praise being the ease-of-use and simple mechanics that make cleaning the machine a snap.
“I bought this ice cream maker after reviewing a lot of models, mostly because I can never find my favorite flavor (strawberry) at the grocery store,” writes verified purchaser Christine B. “I’m amazed at how delicious the ice cream is with minimal effort and no fancy ingredients that you can’t find at the store,” she notes. “I followed the instructions for chilling the bowl and making the ice cream base in the booklet, and the ice cream came out as expected after 20 minutes of churning. I froze it overnight to harden, and it was perfectly creamy and delicious.”
Why You Should Trust Us
As Taste of Home’s food and beverage expert, I have ample experience testing and reviewing everything from cookware to meal kits. The Taste of Home team dedicates itself to vetting and testing the products we recommend, from big purchases like the best food processors to smaller splurges like the best hop water. For this review, culinary pro Ellie Crowley led the charge. Ellie has 14 years of professional experience in food and recipe development.
FAQ
How To Use the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Whipping up delicious, one-of-a-kind ice cream flavors in the Cuisinart machine is as simple as following our ice cream maker guide. First, pop the double-insulated mixing bowl in the freezer. We recommend freezing it for at least 12 hours before starting your ice cream.
While the bowl is freezing, prepare the ice cream base using your preferred recipe. Reviewers recommend refrigerating the ice cream base for a few hours to speed up the churning process. Chop up or measure out any desired mix-ins and set them aside.
According to the Test Kitchen, “Once frozen, set the canister onto the base, add in the churning paddle and top with the lid. Just flip the switch and slowly add in your ice cream mixture. After about 20 minutes, you should have a soft ice cream that’s ready to firm up in the freezer.”
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker vs. Ninja Creami
The Ninja Creami is currently trending on TikTok, and for good reason. Nine buttons on the front of the machine perform a variety of functions: power, ice cream, lite ice cream, sorbet, milkshake, smoothie bowl, gelato, mix-in and re-spin. Thanks to its ample options and unique churning capabilities (you freeze the ice cream base rather than a canister for the machine) the Ninja Creami is ideal for crafting low-cal treats with a soft serve-like consistency. Learn more about why we love it in our review of the Ninja Creami to get the full scoop on this 11-in-1 appliance.
However, this popular ice cream machine has a few drawbacks. For one, it’s so in demand that it’s almost always sold out. Apart from the sellout risk, the Ninja Creami retails for between $170 and $250, which is a bit pricey for the average budget.
While it’s worth the price for the functionality and flexibility, those who prefer to use their ice cream maker for full-fat ice cream won’t miss anything by opting for the Cuisinart ice cream maker instead.
Where to Buy the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
On Sale
Amazon
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Equipped with a patent-pending mixing paddle and push-button operation, this handy small kitchen appliance can churn up creamy, dreamy ice cream in 20 minutes or less—meaning you could be less than half an hour from your favorite pint.
Cuisinart ice cream maker can be purchased on Cuisinart, Amazon, Sur La Table and Walmart for around $70—that’s less than half the price of the Ninja Creami! Don’t forget to use those savings to pick up a good quality ice cream scoop to enjoy the final dog days of summer.
