The Best Soft-Serve Ice Cream Makers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
We tested the top home soft-serve ice cream makers for home use to find the best models for churning out cones, sundaes and frozen treats with smooth, shop-quality results.
Taylor Murray
Tested by Taylor Murray
Few desserts inspire the same nostalgia as a cone of soft serve. That perfect swirl, the airy texture, the childhood memory of chasing down the ice cream truck. This frozen treat typically requires a trip to a store or restaurant, where a commercial-grade machine is swirling a cream concoction, ready to be dispensed into a cone or cup. With recent breakthroughs in home appliance technology, new machines are hitting the market that promise soft-serve ice cream at home.
Technically, all ice cream comes out of the churning machine in a soft state before it firms up in the freezer, so you can get a few spoonfuls of soft serve from almost any traditional ice cream maker. The difference is that dedicated soft-serve machines are engineered to keep the ice cream at that temperature, ready to be dispensed into the cone in a beautiful swirl.
Frozen desserts can be tricky, and a true soft-serve machine has to get them just right. Texture, temperature and time all matter. We gathered up the best ice cream machines on the market today to find out which could balance performance, ease of use and value. Whether you want a machine for hosting birthday parties, experimenting with sorbets or just indulging in a weeknight cone, we dove in to find the best soft-serve ice cream maker for home use.
Our Top Picks for Home Soft-Serve Ice Cream Makers
Taylor Murray
How We Tested
To evaluate each machine, we gathered a variety of top-rated ice cream machines and pitted them head-to-head in a series of recipes. First, we unboxed each machine and inventoried all included parts and accessories. After reading through the manuals and determining which needed pre-freezing or prep, we started making ice cream.
The first batch in each machine was a standard pineapple soft serve. Making the same recipe in each machine allowed us to set a control that we could use to draw comparisons. We tasted it directly out of the machine, noting texture, consistency and flavor. We timed the process and took notes on noise level during operation. This recipe uses certain ingredients that help with texture, no matter what machine is being used, so most machines were able to make a good batch of pineapple soft serve that was light and airy, though some could not chill the base enough for one reason or another.
Taylor Murray
Next, we tested a recipe from the manual to see how the machine could handle its own formula. This allowed us to assess versatility and the quality of the included recipes. We assessed texture and scoopability initially after processing, determining if it could hold shape in a cone or cup. After each batch, we froze samples for 24 hours, then revisited them to see whether the ice cream hardened too much or became icy.
When all the churning was done, we cleaned and reassembled each machine per the manufacturer’s instructions. If parts were dishwasher-safe, we ran them through a cycle to see if any damage occurred. We put all the pieces and parts back together and mimicked putting the machine into storage to see how challenging that could be.
- Fast churning with no pre-freezing required
- Attractive design available in multiple colors
- Produces true soft serve
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Cleaning can be a bit finicky
The GreenPan Frost earned its spot as the best overall machine because it’s the closest thing you’ll get at home to a professional soft-serve machine. The machine has a built-in compressor that can continue to operate through multiple batches, dispensing cone after cone of soft serve that rivals any you’d find at a local ice cream shop. Just pour your liquid base into the hopper at the top, choose from one of six settings, and set it to run. In less than 40 minutes, you can start filling up cones and cups. If you run out of ice cream, simply refill it and wait for it to chill again — no pre-freezing required.
In testing, it whipped up pineapple soft serve in about 38 minutes, producing a creamy, airy texture with no iciness. Some of the mixture did stick in the hopper where the blades couldn’t reach, but the machine allows you to adjust the firmness or chill factor of your creation. Setting it slightly lower softened the ice cream a bit and allowed it to flow down towards the spout. The easy vanilla soft-serve recipe in the included recipe booklet churned out in a quick 34 minutes and had that signature rich, creamy flavor and texture that we all know and love.
Cleaning can be tricky, as the machine has quite a few parts that need to be taken off to get squeaky clean. Fully washing and sanitizing took about 15 minutes, involving a few rinse cycles and disassembly of several dishwasher-safe parts. Quick rinses worked fine between flavors, but for long-term storage you’ll need to follow a thorough routine. Despite that, the Frost’s slim, upright footprint makes it easier to store than bulkier competitors. Overall, if you’re serious about recreating the soft-serve experience at home and don’t want to have to plan in advance, this is the one to pick.
- Max capacity 2 quarts
- Pre-freeze requirement None
- Average churn time About 35 minutes
- Dimensions 17.24" x 8.74" x 17.36"
- Weight 25.3 pounds
- Colors Cream, berry, licorice, pistachio and cotton candy
- Decibel rating 52.8 dB
- Functions Soft serve, sorbet, slushies, milkshakes, frozen yogurt
- Warranty 2 years
- More versatile than traditional ice cream machines
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Fast churning time
- Limited batch sizes
- Noisy
- Big countertop footprint
Unlike the soft-serve machines you might be familiar with at your local shop, the Ninja CREAMi line uses a completely different kind of technology. Instead of paddles swirling around a chiller powered by an internal compressor, you freeze your mixture in a special container for 24 hours before the powerful blade shaves it down into an airy, creamy consistency. This approach makes the machine much faster when it’s time to serve (about 5 minutes versus 40), with a texture that was fluffy, smooth and sturdy enough to hold its shape into a cone. This machine is capable of much more versatility and users can bend the traditional rules of ice cream-making ratios to include less sugar, less stabilizers and more healthful ingredients without sacrificing texture.
We chose a recipe for “easy vanilla soft serve” from the dozens of included recipes (many more are available online) and prepped it in just a few minutes. 24 hours later, we were able to blend it to a thick, creamy consistency. Move the canister from one section of the machine to another, and the ice cream dispenses through a star-shaped hole at the pull of a lever. Due to the small-ish size of the canisters, it can only produce about four small cones before another canister has to be blended. The machine comes with two canisters, but more can be purchased online.
This machine delivered possibly the best texture of all our tests, rich and velvety enough to impress even the most discerning of frozen novelty fans. Cleanup is easy thanks to dishwasher-safe parts, though assembly does require some attention to detail as the parts must lock together in a precise order for the machine to function. Thankfully, the included manual is thorough and easy enough to follow. The main trade-offs for this machine are the size and sound. At 89 dB, it’s the loudest machine we tested and takes up significant counterspace with no built-in storage for parts or cords. If you can handle the noise and footprint and don’t imagine yourself using this machine to serve a crowd, the Ninja Swirl delivers top-notch variety and quality.
- Max capacity 16 ounces
- Pre-freeze requirement 24 hours
- Average churn time 5 minutes
- Dimensions 15.16” x 10.04” x 17.52”
- Weight 20.8 pounds
- Colors Grey
- Decibel rating 89 dB
- Functions Scooped ice cream, lite ice cream, sorbet, gelato, mix in, frozen yogurt, milkshake, soft serve ice cream, soft serve lite ice cream, fruit whip, frozen custard, soft serve frozen yogurt and “creamifit”
- Warranty 1 year
- Produces great ice cream
- Built-in chilling
- Automatic sensor stops churning when the right consistency is reached
- Keep-cool function maintains texture if you’re not ready to serve immediately
- Not a true soft-serve dispenser
- More expensive than many home models
- Large and heavy
The Breville Smart Scoop isn’t a dedicated soft-serve machine, but it earns a spot on this list because it is a great ice cream machine and the texture it produces while churning is just like any soft-serve cone. If you want that iconic swirl in a cone, you’ll need to scoop the finished ice cream into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe it yourself. It’s not quite the “pull a lever and swirl” experience, but the texture is impressively close.
One of the biggest advantages of the Breville is the built-in compressor, which means you don’t need to pre-freeze bowls or plan a day ahead. Just pour in your base, choose from 12 hardness settings, and the machine chills and churns automatically. In testing, it reliably detected the resistance of the paddle and stopped at just the right moment for perfect scoopability. That smart sensor, paired with the “keep cool” mode, makes it especially forgiving if you're distracted and can’t serve right away. Both the pineapple soft serve and the recipe book’s dark chocolate ice cream came out of the machine delicious, creamy and smooth.
Cleanup is extremely simple and straightforward, with removable parts that are easy to wash by hand. Storage, however, is a challenge, and at 30 pounds, this is not something you want to move often. Ultimately, this is a good choice for serious ice cream makers who want professional-level results without pre-freezing parts. It isn’t a dedicated soft-serve machine, but if you’re willing to pipe your own cones, it’s a reliable choice that can satisfy a craving.
- Max capacity 1.5 quarts ounces
- Pre-freeze requirement None
- Average churn time 1 hour
- Dimensions 16.2” x 10.5” x 10.8”
- Weight 30 pounds 9 ounces
- Colors Stainless steel
- Decibel rating 64 dB
- Warranty 1 year
- Extremely affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple assembly and cleanup
- Not a true soft-serve machine
- Texture can lean icy with certain recipes
- Requires pre-freezing
- Limited capacity
This isn’t a dedicated ice cream machine, and you have to pre-chill the base, but this affordable, compact device can create something remarkably delicious for a huge savings compared to other ice cream machines. At just $15, the DASH My Pint is less of an investment and more of a fun gadget. Right out of the churn, the ice cream has a spoonable, soft consistency that mimics soft serve. You’ll need to pipe it into a cone yourself, but at this price point that’s an easy work around.
In testing, the machine struggled a bit to deliver a fluffy texture for the pineapple soft serve. After 30 minutes, it yielded a slushy, sorbet-like consistency. However, the recipe booklet’s simple vanilla ice cream was much better. The ice cream was thick enough to swirl into a cone and had a pleasant flavor without iciness. The capacity is very small and the bowl needs to be pre-frozen, but this nifty little gadget can hit the spot in a pinch.
- Max capacity 1 pint
- Pre-freeze requirement 24 hours
- Average churn time 1 hour
- Dimensions 5” x 4.2” x 8.6”
- Weight 2.1 pounds
- Colors Aqua blue, red
- Decibel rating 68 dB
- Warranty 1 year, 2 with registration
- Affordable
- Healthy, dairy-free, vegan-friendly option
- Can only make fruit soft serve
- Some fruit remains stuck inside chute unless scraped out
- Not as creamy as dairy-based soft serve
This isn’t an ice cream machine in the traditional sense. Instead, this machine is designed to transform frozen fruit into a creamy, ice cream-like treat. Any recipe must start with frozen fruit, though add-ins like peanut butter or espresso powder can be mixed in. The machine blends it into a mixture similar to an extra-thick smoothie. The end result is something not far off from soft serve that is naturally sugar-free, dairy-free and vegan.
In practice, the Yonanas was quick and easy to use. Frozen bananas went from rock solid to soft-serve consistency in seconds, with blueberries blending in smoothly to give us a vivid purple treat. The texture wasn’t quite as silky as dairy-based ice cream, but it had the same swirl-like feel and scooped easily into bowls or cones. The biggest caveat: If you don’t use bananas as a base, the results are more icy and less creamy.
- Max capacity Unlimited
- Pre-freeze requirement Must use frozen fruit
- Average churn time 3 minutes
- Dimensions 6.25” x 7.5” x 13.75”
- Weight 3.1 pounds
- Colors Coral, mint, red, silver
- Decibel rating 64 dB
- Warranty 1 year
Taylor Murray
How to Choose the Right Soft-Serve Ice Cream Maker
- Capacity and Batch Size: Figure out how much soft serve you want to make or serve at one time. Are you feeding kids at a party or just craving a solo swirl? Countertop models typically range from 1 pint to 2 quarts. Bigger doesn’t always mean better and some models have extra canisters available as add-on accessories. The average ice cream cone holds about 4 ounces, so do the math to see how many cones you can get from one batch.
- Built-In Chilling/Freezing Time: Nothing kills dessert enthusiasm faster than hours of chilling or freezing overnight. If you want instant gratification, look for models with built-in compressors that can churn straight from liquid base to cone in one go. Machines that require pre-freezing, like the Ninja Creami, do add some extra prep work by making you freeze the pints a full day ahead. The payoff for this model is that, once those pints are ready, you can process them back-to-back for multiple batches ready in just a few minutes.
- Noise Level: Loud machines can be extremely disruptive in any situation. Most ice cream machines operate at a quiet hum around 60 dB, though noisier machines can go as high as 89 (that’s as loud as a lawnmower or a subway train). Unless you have a hidden pantry behind a door, double-check your decibel comfort level before choosing a model.
- Versatility and Bonus Features: Some machines do more than just soft serve. If you love experimenting, opt for models with multiple presets or customizable settings. Machines that let you make chilled beverages, like slushies or milkshakes, can double as a party centerpiece, while those with mix-in functions allow you to swirl in candy, cookies or fruit for custom creations. Recipe booklets, built-in timers or “keep cool” modes are the kind of extras that make a machine more fun to use. Don’t overlook the warranty: a solid guarantee and responsive customer service can be a lifesaver if parts wear out or your machine needs repairs.
- Price: We can’t honestly say that anyone needs a soft-serve ice cream machine. The price that’s right for you depends on how often you’ll use it and what kind of experience you want. Machines under $100 can create something delicious but will be lacking in certain aspects that come standard with pricier machines. If you’re looking to recreate the ice cream shop experience at home, expect to invest $400-$500 for a compressor-powered model. If cones are an everyday ritual or you love hosting, the higher upfront cost can pay off in convenience, speed and quality.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Machines are only as user-friendly as the cleaning and maintenance. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts are excellent and don’t suck the joy out of using the ice cream maker. Models that require overly complicated disassembly or soaking can quickly turn novelty into a nuisance. Look for designs with smooth surfaces, wide openings, and minimal gaskets or seals. Some higher-end models even include cleaning cycles that flush the machine between flavors, saving you from a sink full of parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a soft-serve ice cream maker?
Look for a machine that matches your needs in terms of capacity, chilling method, and ease of cleaning. Built-in compressors are the gold standard since they chill the base automatically without pre-freezing parts. Dedicated soft-serve dispensers add that iconic swirl, while dishwasher-safe components make cleanup much easier. Bonus features like preset modes, mix-in capabilities, and recipe guides are also worth considering.
How do I choose the best soft-serve ice cream maker for home use?
Start with your priorities. If you want the full ice-cream shop experience, choose a dedicated soft-serve machine like the GreenPan Frost. If you’d prefer something a bit more versatile, combination machines like the Ninja Swirl are ideal. For smaller kitchens and tighter budgets, pint-size ice cream makers like the Dash My Pint can scratch the itch without taking over your counter.
Are electric soft-serve ice cream makers better than manual ones?
For most people, yes. Electric machines are faster, more consistent, and less labor-intensive. Manual or hand-churn models can be fun for kids or camping trips, but they require a ton of effort and usually can’t replicate the same creamy, airy texture.
What is the average price range for a home soft-serve ice cream maker?
Most machines ring up around $300-$500, depending on what you’re after. Budget models can go as low as $15, but don’t expect much in terms of special features or accessories.
How long does it take to make soft-serve ice cream at home?
The answer to this depends on how the machine chills the base. For compressor-based machines, a soft-serve cone can be achieved in as little as 30 minutes. Frozen bowl models require you to pre-freeze the base, typically 24 hours at least. This type can usually make soft serve in less than an hour (and often much quicker) once the pre-freezing has been done.
Do I need special ingredients to make soft serve at home?
Not at all. Most machines work with a simple base of milk, cream, and sugar. That said, a custard-style base with eggs usually produces a richer, creamier texture. Some recipes employ thickeners, such as instant pudding mix or xanthan gum, to add richness without much extra prep time. Fruit-based machines like Yonanas require nothing more than frozen bananas and other fruit.
Taylor Murray
Other Soft-Serve Ice Cream Makers We Tested
For this test, we trialed a variety of ice cream machines to find which could make the best soft serve. Some, like the Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker, used rock salt and ice to freeze the base. Unfortunately, we could not achieve soft serve consistency with this unit even after an hour and 45 minutes of churning. We had high hopes for the Cuisinart Mix It In soft-serve machine, which can add toppings to the ice cream as it dispenses into the cone. However, it was also not able to achieve soft serve consistency and our vanilla base never firmed up beyond a soupy consistency.
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
Taylor Murray is a regular contributor for Food Network, primarily doing product tests and reviews of cookware and kitchen products. She has over 15 years' experience working with food, starting her career in the restaurant industry at some of the best restaurants in the country.
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