3 Best Ice Cream Scoops of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We all scream for a great ice cream scoop!

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links. Learn more.
Updated on January 18, 2024

Related To:

Our Top Ice Cream Scoop Picks

Enjoying a bowl of ice cream seems simple until you’re scraping the frozen-solid treat with the wrong tool. That’s because not all ice cream scoops are made the same. To figure out which does the job best, we scoured the Internet for the most-popular, top-rated tools and solicited the help of the co-founder of Salt & Straw Tyler Malek for some pointers on what to look for while testing them.

Turns out, the simplest scoops with a rounded top like the Zeroll, which created picture perfect, round balls of ice cream, are best. We also found that scoops with a flatter top proved to get the job done well, but those with a trigger or a pointed tip were impractical.

Our top scoops all sliced through ice cream well, had comfortable handles and some even came with a few extra features to help them stand out. At the end of the day, they’re your secret to a perfect bowl of ice cream, whether it's from the pint or straight from your ice cream maker.

How We Tested

We ordered a selection of best-selling and top-rated ice cream scoops, varying in shape and size, including a few with a trigger to determine which types and models performed best.

Before scooping, we evaluated material and design, making note of a non-slip or ergonomic grip, weight, scoop size and any special features. We then tested on three different types of ice cream, trying each scoop on ice cream immediately removed from the freezer as well as ice cream that had softened on the counter for five minutes. We took note of how easily the scoops glided through the ice cream, how they felt in our hands, whether they created a classic rounded ball of ice cream and how easily that ice cream released from the scoop. We also noted how evenly they scoop — according to Tyler, a good scoop should properly distribute your weight and produce a perfectly round ball of ice cream.

We also paid attention to the cleanup process. While ice cream scoops are all relatively easy to hand wash, we made note of any that were dishwasher-safe.

What to Consider Before Buying an Ice Cream Scoop

There are a few factors to keep in mind when buying an ice cream scoop. The most important ones to focus on are material, the scooper, and the handle. Read below for more information.

Material

Ice cream scoops are typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, with either a rubber or plastic handle. The handle might be a separate piece or could be coated. Both aluminum and stainless steel are perfectly sufficient; however, we would not recommend buying a plastic ice cream scoop. Ice cream can get quite firm when frozen, and the plastic could attempting a big scoop.

Scooper

Some ice cream scoopers are simply spoons, while others come with a mechanism that helps to release the ice cream. This can be a lever that's pressed with your thumb or the handle itself, which can be squeezed to release the ice cream. Either way, this should be able to easily maneuver with just one hand. Ice cream scoops can also come in different sizes, but in general, the scooper will have a capacity for four ounces (or 1/2 cup of ice cream).

Handle

You need some grip to scoop ice cream, so look for a handle that you can comfortably hold. Many have a rubber handle or ergonomic grip for easier handling, while others may be the same material as the scoop itself.

Screaming for more ice cream? Make your own ice cream at home with our recipes for the best homemade ice cream, including Cherry-Chocolate Ice Cream, Black Sesame Ice Cream, Ube-Coconut Ice Cream and more.

This article has been reviewed since its original publish date for accuracy, pricing and availability. We stand by our list of top ice cream scoop picks.

$24.75

When comparing scoops, we immediately noticed this model from Zeroll was the only non-trigger option with a rounded tip, which is something Tyler mentioned would help the scoop create perfectly rounded balls of ice cream you might get at your favorite parlor. He also mentioned from the beginning that this would be the best — and, after diligent testing, we can’t help but agree. It cut through hard and soft ice cream easily and created the most picturesque scoops. While it doesn’t have a non-slip or ergonomic grip, we found it comfortable to hold (probably due in part to how lightweight it is). The company claims that the heat-conductive liquid in the handle is to credit for the smooth scraping and easy release, stating that it captures body heat to help cut through ice cream. All we know is it truly made getting our sweet treat from the pint to bowl nearly effortless.

$11.97

We found that the flatter top and edges of this model made scooping both hard and soft ice cream relatively easy, though results were much better after we waited five minutes for the ice cream to soften. The scoop created large, round balls of ice cream that released easily from the scoop. It is relatively lightweight with a comfortable non-slip grip, so we could see using this to scoop up ice cream for the whole family without any wrist pain. Plus, it comes with a fun notch feature on the back of the handle to tackle hard-to-open ice cream lids.

$39.95

Most scoops function on a pull system, meaning you hold the scoop at a 45-degree angle, pulling it toward you to create the perfect ball of ice cream. This one, though, was designed with your wrists in mind. The ergonomic handle was designed to fit in the palm of your hand so you can push away from you, gliding through the ice cream and saving your wrists from potential strain. We found this method to work best when scooping through ice cream fresh out of the freezer and the handle to be the most comfortable to grip. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and easy to use.

More Products Tested by Food Network Kitchen

Next Up

5 Best Juicers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The best juicers can make getting your daily fruits and vegetables fast and easy.

3 Best Measuring Spoon Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Get just the right amount of baking soda, salt or spices every single time.

5 Best Citrus Juicers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We put the squeeze on all manner of citrus to find the top juicers on the market!

5 Best Kitchen Soaps of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep these soaps right by the kitchen sink!

4 Best Spider Skimmers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We fried, blanched and stirred veggies, hushpuppies and more to determine the best skimmers.

5 Best Casserole Dishes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These dishes can make more than, well, casseroles. Find out why we love them.

5 Best Potato Mashers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We made 12 pounds of mashed potatoes to find the best mashers on the market.

5 Best Balloon Whisks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We whisked eggs, cream and pancake batter to find the best balloon whisks.

5 Best French Presses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested glass, stainless and insulated French presses to determine which brewed the richest, smoothest pot of coffee.

4 Best Protein Shakers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We shook and sipped our way through several to bring you the best ones.

What's New