Ice Cream Makers for Summer Treats

Published on May 14, 2025

by Tara Parker-Pope

The summer season is all about fun in the sun and enjoying delicious cold treats. And what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing scoop of homemade ice cream? With the help of an ice cream maker, you can create your own unique, flavorful frozen desserts right at home. So, if you’re looking to take your summer treats to the next level, keep reading to discover the best ice cream makers for your summertime indulgence.Ice Cream Makers for Summer Treats

Why You Need an Ice Cream Maker

You might think that making homemade ice cream is a difficult and time-consuming task. But with the right tools, it can actually be quite simple and enjoyable. Here are some reasons why investing in an ice cream maker is worth it for your summer treats:

Taste and Quality

Nothing beats the taste and quality of freshly churned ice cream. By making your own, you have full control over the ingredients and can choose to use fresh, organic, and natural ingredients to create healthier and better-tasting ice cream.

Variety of Flavors

With an ice cream maker, you have endless possibilities when it comes to the flavors of your frozen treats. You can experiment with different fruits, candies, chocolates, and even alcoholic ingredients to create unique and delicious combinations.

Budget-Friendly

Buying store-bought ice cream can add up in cost, especially if you have a big family or love hosting backyard parties. Making your own at home not only saves you money but also allows you to make larger quantities to share with your loved ones.

Types of Ice Cream Makers

When it comes to choosing the right ice cream maker, there are a few options available. Here are the three main types of ice cream makers and their advantages:

Manual Ice Cream Makers

A manual ice cream maker, also known as a hand-cranked ice cream maker, is the traditional way to make homemade ice cream. It consists of a metal or plastic container, a hand-crank, and a freezing mechanism. These types of ice cream makers are more labor-intensive but can produce a large quantity of ice cream in one batch.

Electric Ice Cream Makers

Electric ice cream makers are the most popular and convenient choice for making homemade ice cream. They come in various sizes and typically consist of a motor, a freezing bowl, and a paddle. These ice cream makers churn the ice cream automatically, making the process much easier and faster.

Compressor Ice Cream Makers

If you’re a serious ice cream lover and want to make a large quantity of ice cream frequently, a compressor ice cream maker is the way to go. It is a self-contained ice cream maker that doesn’t require pre-freezing the bowl, allowing you to make multiple batches of ice cream in a row. However, this type of ice cream maker tends to be more expensive.

Top Ice Cream Makers for Summer Treats

Now that you know why having an ice cream maker is a game-changer, here are our top picks for the best ice cream makers to create delicious summer treats:

Cuisinart ICE-70

The Cuisinart ICE-70 is a highly rated electric ice cream maker that can make up to two quarts of ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in just 20 minutes. It comes with a large spout, making it easy to add in your favorite mix-ins to your frozen treats. Its sleek design and easy-to-use features make it a top choice for many ice cream enthusiasts.

Nostalgia ICMP600WD

If you’re a fan of old-fashioned, hand-cranked ice cream makers, the Nostalgia ICMP600WD is the perfect option for you. It has a vintage wooden bucket design and a hand-crank, allowing you to make a nostalgic summer treat. It can make up to six quarts of ice cream, making it suitable for large gatherings.

Cuisinart ICE-100

For those serious about making homemade ice cream, the Cuisinart ICE-100 is a top-of-the-line compressor ice cream maker. It has a built-in compressor that eliminates the need for pre-freezing the bowl, making it convenient to make multiple batches. It also has a “keep cool” function that keeps the ice cream cold after churning, perfect for those hot summer days when you can’t finish it all at once.

Final Thoughts

Investing in an ice cream maker will enhance your summer treats and allow you to get creative with your homemade frozen desserts. From classic flavors to unique combinations, the possibilities are endless. Choose the right type of ice cream maker and one of our top picks, and get ready to enjoy delicious, refreshing, and homemade ice cream all summer long.