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The 6 best ice cream makers to keep you cool during hot Aussie summers

Temperatures are rising, and so are our cravings.

As the weather starts to heat up in Australia, an ice cream maker is one of the best kitchen appliances to consider for those hot and sticky days ahead (not to mention when it cools down and you want the ultimate final touch for a warm dessert).

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Simply put, ice cream makers stand as the ultimate tool for crafting our very own frozen delicacies at home and can save you a trip to the shops during scorching hot days.

With cutting-edge technology, innovative features and a commitment to turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary treats, there is a wide range of ice cream makers to look for. So we have rounded up some of the best in Australia based on their features and the rave reviews customers give them.

2024’s TOP ICE CREAM MAKERS

  1. Ninja Creami ice cream maker, $299.99, Ninja (here’s why)
  2. Cuisinart ice cream & frozen yoghurt maker 2L, $179.95, Kitchen Warehouse (here’s why)
  3. Breville The Smart Scoop ice cream maker, $423.20 (usually $529), Amazon (here’s why)

The best ice cream makers in Australia 2024

Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker

01

Ninja Creami ice cream maker

$299.99 at Ninja

Best for: Perfectly personalised ice cream

Turn frozen solid bases into ice creams, sorbets, milkshakes and more with the Ninja Creami ice cream maker, featuring seven one-touch programs that allow for the perfect combination of speed, pressure and time to completely shave through your frozen tub.

“This ice cream maker is a game changer,” wrote one of 443 reviewers on the Ninja website. “It’s a simple, smooth, effective gadget and very straight forward to use. You make your mix, freeze, churn and scoop. The paddle effectively churns your ice cream base to perfection. The great aspect with the ice cream maker is that you can do a smoothie bowl, gelato, milkshakes and it has seven pre set programmes not just for ice cream. You can also add mix ins and the containers that come with the maker are BPA free.”

Key features:

  • Seven pre-set functions
  • Creamify technology for smooth, creamy texture
  • One-touch programs for easy operation
  • Customisable treats: vegan, keto, dairy-free and gluten-free options
  • Dishwasher-safe components
  • Re-spin function for softer, creamier results

Also available at:

Cuisinart Ice Cream & Frozen Yoghurt Maker 2L Brushed Stainless Steel.

02

Cuisinart ice cream & frozen yoghurt maker 2L

$179.95 (usually $229) at Kitchen Warehouse

Best for: Quick, large batches

This heavy-duty machine is capable of churning out two litres of ice cream in just 25 minutes, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite icy treat in no time. Plus, it comes with a freezer bowl and recipe booklet to get you started.

“Makes great ice-cream,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “Bought it so I could make lactose free ice-cream. My son thinks it’s the best ice-cream he’s eaten.”

Another wrote: “I love this machine. I’ve been looking for sugar-free ice cream to hit the supermarket shelves for years. The range is very limited and it’s twice the price of regular ice cream. I got one of these about a month ago and haven’t stopped using it. We make about two to three lots per week and have guilt free ice cream every night after our evening meal.”

Key features:

  • Makes frozen desserts in 25 minutes
  • Two-litre capacity for large batches
  • Transparent lid to watch your dessert as it churns
  • Easy ingredient addition with large open spout
  • Includes freezer bowl, mixing arm and recipe ideas
  • Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic construction

Also available at:

Breville the Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker.

03

Breville The Smart Scoop ice cream maker

$423.20 (usually $529) at Amazon

Best for: Maintaining the perfect temperature

This innovative ice cream maker claims to be the first to automatically sense the hardness of the mixture based on your selection. As a result, the Breville Smart Scoop can keep your creations at the perfect temperature for up to three hours.

“There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this ice cream maker,” said one Australian customer who rated it five stars on Amazon. “The ease of use is incredible, the ice cream and gelato texture is just so good and what makes it so easy to use is it offers an automatic as well as a manual option.”

Key features:

  • 12 automatic hardness settings for sorbet, frozen yoghurt, gelato and ice cream
  • Pre-cools mixture to the right temperature
  • Keeps desserts chilled and churned for up to three hours
  • Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit
  • Choose from four pre-programmed settings or manual control
  • Includes removable bowl, paddle and cleaning brush

Also available at:

Baccarat The Ultimate Scoop Ice Cream Maker Silver.

04

Baccarat The Ultimate Scoop ice cream maker

$259.99 at Robins Kitchen

Best for: Family-sized portions

Enjoy effortless homemade frozen treats made right from the comfort of your own home with the Ultimate Scoop ice cream maker by Baccarat. From a simple vanilla bean ice cream, a tangy mixed berry dream or a more gourmet salted caramel, the possibilities are endless.

“I love my ultimate scoop ice cream maker,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “The best buy, so easy to use, easy to clean, no mess, easy to add ingredients, no fuss. Highly recommend.”

Key features:

  • Create gluten-free and dairy-free frozen desserts with your choice of ingredients
  • Soft serve ice cream ready in just 20 minutes
  • Large 2L capacity for family-sized batches
  • Digital control panel for easy operation
  • Double wall bowl retains cold longer for faster chilling
  • Stainless steel finish is stylish and easy to clean

Also available at:

Davis & Waddell Electric Ice Cream Maker Electric Ice Cream Maker - White.

05

Davis & Waddell electric ice cream maker

$70.83 (usually $119.95) at Amazon

Best for: Saving bench space

This compact ice cream maker is great if you want to save space, without having to sacrifice creating homemade ice cream, fresh frozen desserts, sorbet and gelato.

“This great little unit is simplicity itself! It is easy to use and takes up very little room,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “The resultant product is as good as the recipe you use but you can experiment with different flavours to produce some mouth-watering ice cream flavours. If you are an ice cream aficionado, you will LOVE this little beauty.”

Key features:

  • Compact design
  • 1.5L freezer bowl requires at least eight hours of freezing before use
  • Easy-to-use with a simple on/off switch and transparent lid to monitor churning
  • Non-slip feet for stable operation
  • Includes a pouring chute for easy serving
  • Made from durable ABS and polypropylene materials

Also available at:

Cuisinart Ice Cream Machine with Compressor 1.5L.

06

Cuisinart ice cream machine with compressor 1.5L

$429.95 (usually $659) at Kitchen Warehouse

Best for: Gourmet creamy ice cream

Churn a perfect batch of gourmet creamy ice cream or lush frozen yoghurt every time with Cuisinart Ice Cream & Gelato Maker. You also have a specially designed gelato paddle that creates authentic, silky gelato.

Customers rave about this machine, expressing excitement over how easy and fun it is to use. One buyer wrote: “I’ve made some fabulous ice creams and sorbets,” while another said, “Oh why did I wait! Love it, family love it and I’m now taking orders for their own special flavour of ice cream.” Many appreciate the simple operation and ability to create healthier, homemade versions. Several reviewers highlight the ease of cleaning, though a few note it’s important not to overfill the bowl to avoid messes.

Key features:

  • Fully automated ice cream maker with compressor
  • Includes two paddles for making ice cream and gelato
  • No need to pre-freeze the bowl
  • 60-minute countdown timer with touchpad controls
  • 10-minute Keep Cool feature after mixing
  • Transparent lid for adding ingredients or checking progress

Also available at:

Is it worth buying an ice cream maker?

An ice cream maker is worth it if you and your family or friends are enthusiastic about ice cream and think you’ll to make it regularly. It can also be worth it if you want to save on the cost of buying ice cream from the supermarket. Especially as a tub of ice cream could easily set you back around $8 to $14 (some of the most expensive cost more than $2 per 100ml).

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If you spent that much on ice cream every week, over a year it could easily add up to the cost of buying an ice cream maker, which also lasts longer than a single tub of ice cream. On top of that, homemade ice cream also allows you to customise flavours, ingredients and textures to your liking, so you can experiment with various recipes and ingredients that may not be available in store-bought options.

Which brand is best for an ice cream maker?

When choosing the best brand for your ice cream maker, consider your budget, how often you plan to use the machine, the type of ice cream you want to make and any specific features or attachments you may be after.

Brands like Cuisinart and Breville are known for producing high-quality ice cream makers, but ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your unique needs and preferences, and you can always look to customer reviews and ratings to see what other people think.

Is a gelato maker the same as an ice cream maker?

A gelato maker is similar to an ice cream maker, but they are designed for slightly different textures. Gelato makers typically churn at a slower speed to create a denser consistency, while ice cream makers incorporate more air for a lighter, creamier result.

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Some machines, like the Cuisinart ice cream machine with compressor, come with paddles for both gelato and ice cream, letting you make whichever your heart desires.


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