10 Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines 2025 in the United States

The Ninja Swirl (NC701) is a versatile soft-serve and ice cream maker designed for home use, especially great if you enjoy experimenting with different frozen treats. It offers a 16-ounce capacity per pint, which is perfect for small batches, making it ideal for families or individuals rather than large gatherings. This model shines with its 13 one-touch programs, including six dedicated to soft serve varieties like Frozen Yogurt and Swirled Frozen Yogurt, giving you lots of flavor and texture options. The built-in CreamiFit program is a nice feature if you're looking for lower-calorie or high-protein options. The machine’s automatic soft serve handle with three speed settings makes swirling cones easy and fun for all ages.

Its compact size (about 15 by 10 by 17.5 inches) and 20.8-pound weight mean it fits comfortably on most kitchen counters but is a bit heavy to move around frequently. The cooling system is built-in and efficient for quick freezing, but the 16-ounce capacity limits making larger quantities at once. Power-wise, it plugs into a standard home outlet with automatic operation and a built-in timer, so it’s user-friendly with minimal fuss. Cleaning is simplified by dishwasher-safe parts, including the pints and paddles, which helps reduce post-use hassle.

The smaller capacity and need to prepare in batches might not suit those wanting to make large amounts quickly. Also, while it’s versatile, it may take some practice to master the swirl settings perfectly. If you want a fun, customizable soft-serve maker that doubles as an ice cream and sorbet machine with health-minded options, the Ninja Swirl is a solid choice that balances ease of use with creative control.

The VEVOR 1850W Commercial Soft Ice Cream Machine is a solid choice for small to medium commercial settings like ice cream shops, cafes, or snack bars. It produces a generous amount of ice cream—between 5.5 to 8.2 gallons per hour—thanks to its two 4.3-gallon containers and powerful cooling system that freezes batches quickly (starting in about 14 minutes and then as fast as 4 minutes). This means you can serve customers without long waits.

It offers three flavor options, making it versatile for serving different tastes at once. The machine’s cooling system is robust, featuring a main compressor plus two mini compressors for pre-cooling overnight, helping keep production smooth during busy hours. The large size and weight (around 246 pounds and over 53 inches tall) mean it’s not very portable and will require a dedicated space.

Ease of use is a strong point here: the LED control panel allows you to control hardness, timing, and cleaning with simple buttons, including a one-click auto-clean function which saves time and effort. The stainless steel construction supports durability and hygienic cleaning, although hand washing is recommended for maintenance.

The considerable weight and size could be challenging for smaller setups with limited space. Also, while it has automatic features, it does require some user attention for loading ingredients and cleaning. The machine operates with a power rating of 1850W, so ensuring your location can support this motor is important.

This machine is well suited for businesses needing steady, high-volume soft serve with the convenience of multiple flavors and easy cleaning. It is less ideal if you have limited space or require a more portable solution.

The GreenPan Frost Ice Cream Machine is a versatile home appliance ideal for families who want a variety of frozen treats without needing a freezer beforehand. It boasts a family-friendly 4-pint capacity, making enough soft serve and drinks for several people at once. With 15-in-1 functionality and 6 modes including soft serve, slushies, milkshakes, and even frozen cocktails, it caters well to those looking for variety beyond just ice cream.

The built-in compressor means you don’t need to pre-freeze bowls, and it can prepare treats in about 15 minutes quietly, which is a big plus for home use. You can also adjust the texture across 7 settings, so you can customize how soft or firm you want your dessert. The size and weight (about 25 pounds and roughly 17x9x17 inches) mean it’s not the most compact, so it needs a dedicated spot in the kitchen.

Cleaning is made easy with a self-cleaning mode that uses warm water and soap, saving effort after use. Power requirements are typical for kitchen appliances with a built-in cooling system that operates quietly and efficiently. This machine suits families or enthusiasts who want a broad range of frozen treats and appreciate convenience and texture control, though its size and weight might be a consideration for those with limited space.