After extensive testing, several standout ice-cream makers have emerged as the best options currently available in the UK. The appliances, varying from compressor models to budget-friendly alternatives, cater to a range of needs from the aspiring home chef to the occasional dessert enthusiast. With the hottest weeks of the year as the backdrop, testers scrutinised the performance, noise level, and ease of use of each model, leading to recommendations that stand out in specific categories.
Top Ice-Cream Makers
- Best Overall: Caso Design IceCreamer – £278.97 at Amazon. Known for its family-friendliness and ease of use, this compressor model boasts a 2-litre capacity with no need for prefreezing. Its main drawback is its large size and price.
- Best Budget: Cuisinart Solo Scoops – £29.99 at Amazon. Compact and straightforward, this freeze-first ice-cream maker is perfect for occasional use but may struggle to deliver a consistent texture.
- Best Freeze-First: Ninja Creami NC300 – £179.99 at SharkNinja. It’s effective for healthier options, although it is noisy and quite tall.
- Best for Small Freezers: Nutribullet Chill – £169.99 at Currys. Simple to use with twin tubs, it is very loud during operation.
- Best Soft-Serve: Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl – £299.99 at SharkNinja. Offers various settings for different types of ice-creams but has smaller tub sizes for groups.
- Best for Soft Serve and Slushies: GreenPan Frost – £338.99 at Robert Dyas. Versatile for making slushies and milkshakes but requires meticulous cleaning.
Testing Methodology
Fourteen different machines were put through rigorous testing, each evaluated with Felicity Cloake’s vanilla ice-cream and lemon sorbet recipes, among others. Assessments focused on churn speed, noise level, ease of use, and the resultant taste and texture. The tests showed how well each machine could maintain its quality over time in the freezer. A special emphasis was placed on the simplicity of assembly and cleaning, highlighting the real value of each model beyond just its dessert-making capabilities.
Additional Insights
The Case Design IceCreamer emerged as an unexpected favourite, producing smooth, velvety ice-cream swiftly and effectively on even the hottest days. Meanwhile, for budget-conscious buyers, the Cuisinart Solo Scoops provides a basic entry point into homemade ice-cream, although with limitations on texture consistency. In contrast, the Ninja Creami NC300 and Nutribullet Chill cater to those with space constraints and dietary preferences, excelling in easy handling and storage.
Why Trust These Recommendations
The assessments were conducted by an expert with nearly a decade of experience in reviewing kitchen appliances. The detailed evaluation looked not only at pure performance but also at practicality in terms of space, clean-up, and ongoing use, ensuring these recommendations are well-suited for both serious home cooks and casual users. This balanced approach helps consumers make informed choices based on their specific needs and kitchen settings, with all tested appliances ultimately donated to charity.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.