Finding The Best Ice Cream Maker, Australia 2021
If you’re looking for the best ice cream maker Australia has to offer, I’m here to help, and this article will guide you through the process. The thought of making your own delicious, fresh ice cream at home is exciting, but knowing where to start can be tough. There are a lot of different ice cream maker options to choose from, all with different features to consider.
By choosing the best ice cream maker for home use, you can avoid a lot of added sugar, artificial flavours, or preservatives that you might find in store-bought ice cream. The best ice cream makers Australia offers let you experiment and try lots of fun new flavours. And it doesn’t have to take countless hours to make either! If you choose to go with a fully automated ice cream maker, you could have homemade ice cream in as little as 30 to 40 minutes.
In this guide, I’ll share with you my best ice cream maker Australia reviews, what you should look for when purchasing the best ice cream maker, 2021, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about making ice cream at home.
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Contents
- 1 Our Top Pick for the Best Ice Cream Maker, Australia: Breville Smart Scoop
- 2 Comparison Chart
- 3 What to look for when buying the Best Ice-cream Maker?
- 4 Ice Cream Maker Australia Reviews
- 4.1 Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker w/ Compressor
- 4.2 Breville The Smart Scoop
- 4.3 Apuro Upright Ice Cream Maker
- 4.4 Davis & Waddell Electric Ice Cream Maker
- 4.5 Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Deluxe
- 4.6 Zoku Ice Cream Maker
- 4.7 Apuro Ice Cream Maker
- 4.8 Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker
- 4.9 Klee 3-Piece Instant Ice Cream Maker Pan
- 5 FAQs
Our Top Pick for the Best Ice Cream Maker, Australia: Breville Smart Scoop
The Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker is my top pick. It is fully automated, includes a compressor that keeps your ice cream cold for up to three hours, and offers 12 different hardness settings for many different types of desserts. And it’s just an added bonus that this ice cream maker is from an Australian brand!
Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of all the best ice cream makers Australia reviewed in this article.
| Product | Capacity | Freezing Method | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Breville | 1.0L | Fully-automated | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
Cuisinart  | 1.5L | Fully-automated | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
Apuro Upright | 2.0L | Fully-automated | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
Davis & Waddell | 1.5L | Pre Freeze | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
Cuisinart Deluxe | 2.0L | Pre Freeze | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
Zoku | 6 ounce | Pre Freeze | 4.3/5 | Check Price! |
Apuro | 1.5L | Fully-automated | 4.4/5 | Check Price! |
Chef’n Sweet Spot | 1-2 servings | Manual | 4.4/5 | Check Price! |
Klee | Pre Freeze | 4.3/5 | Check Price! |
What to look for when buying the Best Ice-cream Maker?
Now that you’ve gone through the list of ice cream machine reviews, I’ll give you some pointers on what to look for when buying the best ice cream machine for home use.
If you’re wondering which ice cream maker is best for you, you need to decide what your priorities are. Do you want the best affordable ice cream maker or the best automatic ice cream maker? Or maybe you’re more interested in creating the smoothest ice cream, or the fastest fresh ice cream. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your countertop ice cream machine, and making sure that it fits what your family is looking for.
To choose the best ice cream maker, there are a few specific features that you should keep in mind. There is a trade off between price and the size or added features that a countertop ice cream maker offers. You have to decide what’s important for you in the best ice cream machine.
Freezing Method
You have two options when it comes to freezing methods for your ice cream maker. Either the ice cream machine will be able to freeze the ice cream on its own, this is true for all of the best automatic ice cream makers, or you will need to pre freeze some piece of the machine, typically a bowl or pan. The built in freezing capability gives you the flexibility to make ice cream whenever you want. If you choose the pre freeze or freezer bowl option for one of the best value ice cream makers, it requires planning ahead. It’s best to use chilled ingredients, and I recommend storing the freezer bowl or pan in the freezer between batches so that it is always ready to go.
Texture And Consistency
To get your ice cream as close as possible in texture to that of store bought ice cream, smooth and creamy, you need a top ice cream machine that can get the ice cream mixture very cold and churning at fast speeds, which prevents ice crystals from forming. For your countertop ice cream machine, you will get the smoothest ice cream from an electric machine with a compressor for built in freezing. To get the right consistency that you are looking for, adjust the churning time and check the ice cream frequently until you have it dialled into your preference.
Ease Of Use
The easiest, least hands on machine to use, is a fully automatic electric ice cream maker, because it does all of the churning for you and even has a timer, so you don’t have to watch throughout the process to know when it’s done.
Speed
Electric ice cream machines are faster at churning ice cream since they have a paddle turned by a motor. Manual ice cream makers that use a freezer pan rely on your own ice cream scraping and turning ability, which obviously will be a bit slower, but might also be more fun for your family.
Ease Of Cleaning
All of the best ice cream makers are designed to be easily cleaned. For the electric machines, the bowl and paddle lift out for easy hand washing.
Noise Level
If noise level is a concern for you, the least noisy ice cream makers are definitely going to be the manual ones that use a freezer pan. The electric models do make some noise from the paddle turning, but it isn’t major. The noise level is comparable to that created by a microwave.
Capacity
If you’re wondering “what is the best ice cream maker for home use”, the larger your ice cream maker capacity, the fewer batches you will have to make to feed your ice cream loving family and friends. Obviously, the larger capacity will also mean a higher cost. The best
Self Refrigerating
An ice cream maker with a built in compressor can save you both time and space in your freezer. Choosing the best ice cream maker machine that is self refrigerating means that you don’t have to pre freeze the bowl and that the machine is ready to make ice cream as soon as you are.
Additional Features
With the best automatic ice cream makers, ones that have a built in timer, there’s no need to babysit the machine. This feature is convenient because it makes the process almost completely hands off. All you need to do is add the ingredients and set the ice cream maker to the appropriate settings.
If you love making smoothies, take a look at our full article on best blenders!
Ice Cream Maker Australia Reviews
Take a look at our best ice cream maker for home reviews and choose which one is the best for you personally.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker w/ Compressor
This machine is amazing. Creamy, delicious ice cream in less than 1 hour. This product is worth every cent.
– Jenny
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.5 litre
- Freezing Method: Fully-automated
- 10-minute Keep Cool feature
I have two Cuisinart ice cream maker reviews on this list. It is a trusted brand that offers great quality products. This Cuisinart ice cream maker has a 1.5L bowl size and a built in compressor, so there is no need to pre freeze the bowl. You can have homemade ice cream ready in as little as 30 to 40 minutes. The compressor freezer will also keep your ice cream cold for 10 minutes after it’s done, before you need to transfer it to the freezer. Then you can start your next batch, without having to wait in between!
It is fully automated, so you can add your ingredients and come back to the finished ice cream. There’s no need to babysit this machine, and it gives you professional quality at home. It does take up a bit of space in your kitchen, and weighs a good 10-15 kg, but this ice cream maker has a simple, sleek design with a brushed stainless steel housing, so it will look great on your counter. It comes with two paddle attachments, so you can make great tasting gelato with this Cuisinart ice cream maker too.
Many people that are looking for an automated, professional quality machine try to decide between purchasing a Breville vs. Cuisinart ice cream maker. Next, I’ll take you through the equivalent Breville product.
What we like
- No need to pre freeze the bowl thanks to the compressor
- Fully automated
- Two different paddle attachments
What we don’t like
- A bit bulky and heavy
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Breville The Smart Scoop
There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this ice cream maker, the ease of use is incredible, the ice cream, 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. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone.
– Gerald
Specifications
- Capacity: 1 litre
- Freezing Method: Fully-automated
- Settings: 12 hardness
The Breville ice cream maker is another great option for a fully automatic ice cream maker with a self refrigerating compressor. If you are looking for the best home soft serve ice cream machine, this might be the one for you. This ice cream maker has a smaller bowl capacity of 1L, but it has 12 different hardness settings. So, whether you want to make ice cream that’s soft and almost melted, or frozen hard, you can adjust this machine to your exact liking.
It has a similar appearance to the Cuisinart version, with a silver stainless steel exterior and transparent lid, and is roughly the same in size and weight as well. The compressor freezer boasts the same benefits, allowing you to make your ice cream when you’re ready, without having to plan ahead and freeze the bowl in advance. But this Breville ice cream maker will even keep your ice cream cold for up to three hours after it’s done. As with any of the ice cream makers with built in freezing capability, you will pay more for that convenience, but it will save you hours in preparation.
What we like
- 3 hours of continuous cooling for your ice cream
- 12 ice cream hardness settings to choose from
- Built in compressor
What we don’t like
- A bit bulky and heavy
Click here to check price on Amazon
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Apuro Upright Ice Cream Maker
Specifications
- Capacity: 2 litres
- Freezing Method: Fully-automated
This 2L commercial grade ice cream maker from Apuro would be great for a catering professional looking for the best soft serve machine, but it might also be what you’re looking for in the top ice cream makers. It has a slightly larger capacity, which means fewer batches if you have a large group of ice cream lovers, or just want to prepare a lot of ice cream at once to freeze for later.
The built in freezing capability allows you to make homemade ice cream in as little as 30 minutes without having to pre freeze the bowl. This ice cream maker has a stainless steel housing with black accents. It is slightly taller than the Cuisinart and Breville products, but it has a slightly smaller footprint, which might be important when it comes to your kitchen counter space. It is also a bit more expensive though, due to the larger capacity.
What we like
- Commercial quality ice cream at home
- Ice cream in less than 30 mins!
- More homemade ice cream
What we don’t like
- More expensive than similar products
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Davis & Waddell Electric Ice Cream Maker
This great little unit is simplicity itself! It is easy to use and takes up very little room. If you are an ice cream aficionado, you will LOVE this little beauty.
– Dan
Specifications
- Capacity: 1.5 litres
- Freezing Method: Pre freeze
If you are looking for the best home ice cream makers for the price, this one from Davis & Waddell is worth looking at. It has a single power switch, which makes it really easy to use, and it can still make 1.5L of ice cream in 15-30 minutes after pre freezing the bowl for a minimum of eight hours.
This contender for the best electric ice cream maker has a housing made from ABS and polypropylene plastic, so it is really lightweight. It has a compact size, and comes with a transparent lid on top of the white housing. This ice cream machine doesn’t come with a timer, but the transparent lid makes it easy to watch the churning process, so you can decide for yourself when the ice cream is at the right consistency.
What we like
- Great value for the price
- Homemade ice cream in just 15-30 mins
- Lightweight and compact
What we don’t like
- Freezer bowl, no compressor
- No churning timer
Click here to check price on Amazon
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Deluxe
Super easy to make delicious ice creams and sorbets! The recipe book has delicious recipes in it. Easy to clean, wash, use.
– Annie
Specifications
- Capacity: 2 litres
- Freezing Method: Pre freeze
This Cuisinart ice cream maker is a favourite for many people who are looking for the best ice cream machine, but want the less expensive freezer bowl option. It is a 2L table top ice cream machine that will make large batches of homemade ice cream with the simple turn of a dial. This one is also not fully automated, since it doesn’t have a built in churning timer, but the clear lid makes it easy to keep an eye on your ice cream as it’s being made.
Even with the larger capacity, this ice cream maker still has a small footprint. The silver stainless steel housing makes this machine a little heavier than the plastic version from Davis & Waddell (it’s almost 5 kg), but it is durable, so you know it will last. You will pay more for the heavy duty housing, but it is still a great value.
What we like
- Homemade ice cream in less than 25 mins!
- Easy to use and easy to store
- Sturdy stainless steel housing
What we don’t like
- Not fully automated
- Bowl needs to be frozen overnight
Click here to check price on Amazon
Zoku Ice Cream Maker
It works amazingly, I cannot stop using it. It is cheap considering how it actually makes your ice cream, and is the size of a bowl.
– Hannah
Specifications
- Capacity: 6 ounce
- Freezing Method: Pre freeze
Zoku offers one of the best small ice cream makers. This option is very budget friendly, and will fit in any size kitchen. The Zoku ice cream maker might be the best home ice cream maker for you because it is a single serve bowl that doesn’t require any electricity, and takes up very little space. The churning process for this product is all manual, you need to stir and scrape the ingredients together until the ice cream begins to form, but you can make soft serve ice cream in as little as 10 active minutes after freezing the bowl overnight. If you want a harder ice cream, just place the bowl with your churned soft serve back into the freezer for another 10 minutes.
This ice cream maker consists of a stainless steel bowl at the core with a plastic cover. The exterior housing is made from BPA free plastic and is available in four fun, bright colours: blue, green, orange, and red. The bowls only hold a single serving size of ice cream, but they stack easily in the freezer, so you can have as many bowls as you have family members, and everyone can create their own dessert!
What we like
- Soft serve in as little as 10 minutes & hard ice cream in 20 minutes
- Make and serve in the same bowl
- No electricity required, use on any counter
What we don’t like
- Manual churning process
- Single serve capacity
Click here to check price on Amazon
Apuro Ice Cream Maker
Specifications
- Capacity: 6 ounce
- Freezing Method: Pre freeze
If you want an ice cream maker best suited for commercial kitchens, Apuro should be one of the brands on your list. This one is the smaller cousin of the Apuro upright ice cream maker reviewed above. It has a smaller 1.5L capacity, but still has all of the other great features. It has the built in freezer that makes prep time minimal, and allows you to make ice cream in about 30 minutes from the time you first think “I could really go for some fresh ice cream.”
This best rated ice cream maker has a pretty substantial footprint, similar to the Cuisinart and Breville products with compressors, and also has the same weight behind it. The exterior is black and silver, with a clear lid to view your ice cream as it’s being made.
What we like
- 1.5L ice cream in 30 mins!
- LED temperature indicator
- Easy large quantities of homemade ice cream
What we don’t like
- A bit bulky and heavy
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker
Specifications
- Capacity: 1-2 servings
- Freezing Method: Manual
Chef’n Sweet Spot has one of the best budget ice cream makers. It is really simple to use, and the kids will love to help since you can see the ice cream freezing right in front of your own eyes. This ice cream maker is not electric, and consists of only a freezable circular pan and a couple scrapers. The prepared ice cream mixture is poured onto the pre frozen surface of the pan, it begins to freeze instantly, and then you just need to scrape and mix it until your ice cream forms (about 10-20 minutes of active work).
The pan for this manual ice cream maker is about the size of a dinner plate, so it is easy to store and doesn’t take up much space in the freezer. It’s available in the blue glow colour, which has a nice light blue trim around the metal pan. Without all of the electric components of some of the other ice cream makers on this list, the Chef’n Sweet Spot ice cream maker comes in at one of the lowest price points. If you don’t mind putting in the work to churn your own homemade ice cream, it really is an ice cream maker best buy.
What we like
- You can make a variety of cold desserts
- You can add a variety of toppings
- You can enjoy making ice cream with kids
What we don’t like
- Manual churning process
- Pan loses its chill after a couple batches
Click here to check price on Amazon
Klee 3-Piece Instant Ice Cream Maker Pan
Specifications
- Freezing Method: Pre freeze
Klee offers another ice cream maker, best rated for the manual freezer pan option. Similar to the Chef’n Sweet Spot product, this ice cream maker uses the frozen surface of the pan to freeze your ice cream batter. The manual scrapers for rolling and turning the ice cream are also provided. If you are looking for the best sorbet maker, that you can buy for your money, this might be the one for you.
This freezer pan is rectangular in shape, but has similar dimensions to the previous product, so it takes up very little space. The food-grade aluminium that it is made from, creates a lightweight product, and the blue BPA free polypropylene base prevents the pan from sliding while you are scraping your ice cream.
What we like
- Not electric, take it anywhere
- Frozen treats in minutes!
- You can enjoy making ice cream with kids
What we don’t like
- Pan needs to be in the freezer for 24 hours before starting
- Manual churning process
Click here to check price on Amazon
FAQs
Do you need an ice cream maker to make ice cream?
No, you don’t need the best ice cream machine, or any ice cream maker for that matter, to make ice cream, but it makes the process much faster and simpler.
Why is my homemade ice cream not creamy?
If your homemade ice cream is not creamy, it is probably because you have ice crystals forming from not freezing quickly enough. The best homemade ice cream makers will help prevent that, but you can also try chilling your ice cream mixture before churning.
What else can you make in an ice cream maker?
The best home ice cream machine lets you make many delicious desserts including frozen custard, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, and sherbet.
Do you love baking? Check out our post on the best stand mixers and kitchen scales next!
Sophie Marie
Sophie is a cook and food enthusiast who has owned and run a cafe in her remote community since 2017. She wants to show that, no matter how busy you are, there is a way to make cooking and family life simpler and more enjoyable.
