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Who doesn’t love a delicious, creamy soft serve ice cream on a hot summer day? If you’ve ever dreamt of making your own soft serve ice cream at home, the time has come! In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the top Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine options of 2023, ensuring you find the perfect one for your needs and preferences. However, let's be real! You need to temper your expectations as ice cream machines are not the easiest machines to run, they are hard to maintain and they don't work correctly all the time as we have seen from ice cream machines stories in the news. So please have some realistic expectations when you purchase something like an ice cream machine, please!
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The Cream of the Crop in Ice Cream Machines
Ready to satiate your craving for sweetness? Here’s a brief rundown of the finest soft serve machines for all sorts of situations:
- The Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker: offers an exceptionally gratifying experience. It genuinely stands out as the top product in its class!
- Top Pick for Commercial Use: VEVOR brand Commercial Ice Cream Machine
- NutriChef Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker: is perfect for those short on space. It’s the perfect gadget for whipping up scrumptious desserts in confined areas.
- For healthy treats, the Yonanas Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is an excellent option. It allows you to enjoy natural and nutritious food without sacrificing taste.
- Haimmy Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is one of the most convenient options. With it, making delicious ice creams at home has never been so easy.
- La Reveuse Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is a great value for your money. This product surely offers a great return on investment.
- Best for Large Batches: Cuisinart ICE-30 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
- The Cuisinart ICE-21 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker is ideal for novices. Its operation is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills.
- Best High-End Home Model: Cuisinart Ice-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker
- The Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Ice Cream Maker is a splendid option for those who appreciate tradition. It’s user-friendly and convenient to operate.
Best Overall Experience: Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Stand to display and serve ice cream cones
- Pull-down handle for dispensing
- Three clear display cases for mix-ins
Pros:
- Fun and easy-to-use experience
- Praised by Good Housekeeping and Popular Science for its airy and smooth texture
- Makes ice cream in just 20 minutes
- 3 yr warranty
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a larger capacity
The Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to relish delectable soft serve ice cream at home. With its stand for displaying and serving ice cream cones, a pull-down handle for dispensing, and three clear display cases for mix-ins, this ice cream maker is perfect for creating a fun and interactive experience for both kids and adults. With its 1.5-quart capacity, the machine can churn out ice cream in a mere 20 minutes, providing a quick and uncomplicated way to prepare a delicious dessert. Its high-quality motors ensure smooth, creamy results that are sure to impress. However, for those catering to larger groups, a machine with a bigger capacity might be more preferable.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Results: 5/5
Top Pick for Commercial Use: VEVOR brand Commercial Ice Cream Machine or home
Specifications:
- Capacity: 5.3 to 7.4 Gal/H Yield
- Sleek design
- Easy to clean and operate
Pros:
- Perfect for restaurants and snack bars
- High capacity for serving multiple customers
Cons:
- Expensive for home users
If a soft serve ice cream machine for commercial use is what you’re after, the VEVOR brand Commercial Ice Cream Machine is precisely what you need. This high-capacity machine is perfect for restaurants and snack bars, boasting an incredible 5.3 to 7.4 Gal/H Yield for serving a large number of customers. With its sleek design, the VEVOR brand machine is not only a fantastic addition to your kitchen appliances, but it’s also easy to clean and operate. It churns batches in just 15 minutes or less, ensuring your customers won’t have to wait long for their delicious ice cream. While the cost might be steep for domestic users, businesses seeking a dependable and effective soft serve ice cream machine will find the investment justifiable.
Rating:
- Price: 3/5 (for commercial use)
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Results: 5/5
Best for Compact Spaces: NutriChef Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Single touch operation
- Removable attachments for easy cleaning
- Cord length: 3 feet
Pros:
- Compact design ideal for small kitchens
- Simple to clean with removable attachments
- Creates various frozen treats, including sorbets, sherbets, smoothies, and slushies
Cons:
- Limited air capacity in stock
For those dealing with space constraints in their kitchen, the NutriChef Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is a top-notch choice. This machine is designed to make healthy soft serve ice cream quickly and easily. All it takes is one simple push of a button! It’s also compact and portable, so you can enjoy delicious soft serve on-the-go. Insert the frozen fruits into the chute. Push down the plunger to begin. Cleaning the NutriChef Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is a breeze, thanks to its detachable parts and housing that resists stains. With its affordable price and versatile capabilities, this machine is a great option for those looking to create delicious frozen treats in a compact space.
Rating:
- Price: 5/5
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Results: 4/5
Best for Healthy Treats: Yonanas Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Uses frozen bananas as the creamy base
- Blends with other fruits for a variety of flavors
- Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary restrictions
Pros:
- Creates healthy soft serve ice cream using only frozen fruit
- No need for added sugars or dairy products
- Easy to assemble and use
Cons:
- Requires planning ahead to freeze bananas
- Frozen fruit needs to thaw for smooth churning
The Yonanas Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone seeking a healthier substitute for conventional ice cream. Using frozen bananas as a creamy base, this machine blends up any fruit you throw at it, promising rich, soft serve-like frozen treats without the need for added sugars or dairy products. While it does require some planning ahead to freeze the bananas, the delicious and nutritious results are well worth the effort. Just ensure the frozen fruit thaws slightly for seamless churning, and you can indulge in guilt-free desserts before you know it.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Results: 5/5
Most Convenient: Haimmy Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Built-in freezer
- No need to pre-freeze the bowl
- Makes ice cream in just 20 minutes
Pros:
- Easy to use with built-in freezer
- No need for pre-freezing the bowl
- Compact size for easy storage
Cons:
- Limited capacity to produce
- May take longer to make larger batches
The Haimmy Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker provides unparalleled convenience with its user-friendly design and an integrated freezer. This eliminates the need for pre-freezing the bowl, allowing you to simply add your ingredients, turn on the machine, and enjoy creamy and smooth soft serve ice cream in just 20 minutes. Its features include:
- User-friendly design
- Integrated freezer
- No need for pre-freezing the bowl
- Compact size, perfect for small kitchens or for taking on the go
Although the Haimmy Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker has a smaller capacity and might require more time to prepare larger batches, its convenience and ease of use compensate for these slight limitations.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Results: 4/5
Best Value for Money: La Reveuse Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Built-in compressor
- No need to pre-freeze the bowl
- Capacity: 1.5 pints
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Easy to use and clean
- Built-in compressor eliminates the need for pre-freezing the bowl
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other options
The La Reveuse Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is an outstanding choice if you are seeking a soft serve ice cream maker that offers excellent value for money. Here are some reasons why:
- Easy-to-use design
- Built-in compressor, no need to pre-freeze the bowl
- Affordable price
- 1.5-pint capacity, perfect for whipping up a quick batch of ice cream for you and your family.
Although the La Reveuse Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker might be slightly costlier compared to other options available, its superior quality and convenience justify the expenditure.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Results: 4/5
Best for Large Batches: Cuisinart ICE-30 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Freezer bowl must be frozen for at least 12 hours before use
- Noise level: 91db
Pros:
- Large 2-quart capacity
- Produces smooth and creamy ice cream
- Noisy operation
Cons:
- Requires planning ahead to freeze the bowl
- Poorly-designed dasher
The Cuisinart ICE-30 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker is an ideal choice for those fond of preparing large quantities of ice cream. With its impressive 2-quart capacity, you can create plenty of ice cream to share with friends and family. The machine churns out smooth and creamy ice cream, albeit with occasional icy bits. Despite its noisy operation and room for improvement in the dasher design, its overall performance and substantial capacity make this ice cream maker a desirable pick for those who enjoy hosting.
Rating:
- Price: 4/5
- Design: 4/5
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Results: 4/5
Best for Beginners: Cuisinart ICE-21 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt Maker, Double Insulated, White, ICE-21P1
Best For Beginners
Specifications:
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Easy-lock lid and large spout for adding ingredients during operation
- Included recipes for endless flavor options
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to use
- Easy to clean with removable parts
- Comes with a variety of color options
Cons:
- Requires planning ahead to freeze the bowl
For novices embarking on their homemade ice cream journey, the Cuisinart ICE-21 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker is a superb selection. This affordable and easy-to-use machine comes with an easy-lock lid, mixing paddle, and double-insulated freezer bowl. The large spout makes it simple to add ingredients while the machine is running, and the included recipes provide endless flavor options for creating your own unique creations.
Although the requirement to freeze the bowl for a minimum of 16 to 24 hours before use calls for some foresight, the delectable outcome justifies the hour-long preparation time when you finally eat.
Rating:
- Price: 5/5
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Results: 4/5
Best High-End Home Model: Cuisinart Ice-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Compressor ice cream maker with built-in cooler
- Produces ‘superpremium’ quality ice cream
- Capacity: 800 ml (0.85 quart)
Pros:
- High-end model with in-built freezing system
- Produces smooth, dense, and creamy ice cream
- Optimum capacity for smaller batches
Cons:
- Two small holes in the gear can let in diluted ice cream mix during cleaning
- Some users have reported a build-up of residue on the drive gear
If you’re open to spending a bit more on a premium home model, the Cuisinart Ice-100 Compressor Ice Cream Maker makes for an exceptional choice. This ice cream maker offers the following features:
- Produces ‘superpremium’ quality ice cream
- In-built freezing system that eliminates the need for pre-freezing the bowl
- Capacity of 800 ml (0.85 quart), perfect for making smaller batches of delicious frozen treats
- Smooth, dense, and creamy results
- Two small holes in the gear that may allow diluted ice cream mix to seep in during cleaning
- Reports of residue accumulation on the drive gear
Although the price is on the higher end, the investment is well worth it for those who appreciate the smooth, dense, and creamy results of this machine.
Rating:
- Price: 3/5
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Results: 5/5
Best for Traditionalists: Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Specifications:
- Churns up to 4 quarts of ice cream in just 20 minutes
- Easy-lock lid and large spout for adding ingredients
- Includes recipes for endless flavor options
Pros:
- Makes ice cream quickly in just 20 minutes
- Large capacity for serving a crowd
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- None
The Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Ice Cream Maker is a splendid choice for those who favor a conventional ice cream making process. This machine offers the following features:
- Churns up to 4 quarts of ice cream in just 20 minutes
- Perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying homemade ice cream for multiple days
- Easy-lock lid and large spout make it simple to add ingredients while the machine is running
- Included recipes provide endless flavor options
With no cons to mention, this ice cream maker is a fantastic choice for traditionalists who love the classic ice cream making process.
Rating:
- Price: 5/5
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Results: 5/5
How to Select Your Perfect Soft Serve Machine
Selecting the ideal soft serve ice cream machine involves considering several aspects, including the machine type, capacity, and the output’s texture. Along with these factors, the machine’s build quality, required storage space, and user-friendliness should also be taken into account. For those who plan on making different types of frozen desserts, look for a machine with multiple settings. If you prefer versatility in your ice cream making experience, consider machines with timers, digital displays, and pre-programmed settings or modes for other types of frozen desserts.
The cleaning and maintenance required for the machine is another vital aspect to take into consideration. Cleaning and maintaining most soft serve ice cream machines is straightforward, as they usually feature detachable parts for hassle-free cleaning. It is important to keep the main bases of these appliances clean. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth should be sufficient. Moreover, thoroughly researching the product and reading user reviews will enable you to make a well-informed choice about the soft serve ice cream machine that best suits your needs.
Summary
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ice cream connoisseur, there’s a soft serve ice cream machine out there that’s perfect for you. From compact machines for small spaces to high-end models for the ultimate ice cream experience, our list of top soft serve ice cream machines of 2023 has something for everyone. So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth, and start creating your own delicious homemade ice cream today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a soft serve ice cream machine for home use?
Yes, there are soft serve ice cream makers for home use, like the Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker and the Tribest Professional® Mini Soft Compact Soft-Serve Machine. With these machines, you can enjoy professional-quality soft serve at home anytime!
Why is soft serve cheaper than ice cream?
Soft serve is generally cheaper than ice cream because it requires less butterfat to make, so it's cheaper to manufacture.
How much ice cream does a soft serve machine make?
A single serve machine can make approximately 100 servings per hour and larger machines up to 800 servings per hour - so you can enjoy lots of delicious soft serve ice cream!
What kind of soft serve machine does Dairy Queen use?
Dairy Queen uses the quality Stoelting soft serve machines, which were the original providers for Dairy Queen!
Are soft serve ice cream machines easy to clean?
Yes, soft serve ice cream machines are easy to clean! They feature removable parts for effortless maintenance.
