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 CUISINART Ice Cream Maker (ICE30BCP1) is a robust and convenient appliance designed for making ice cream and frozen yogurt at home. It boasts a 2-quart capacity, which is ample for making desserts for family gatherings or small parties. The machine features a double-insulated freezer bowl that helps achieve consistent freezing results, provided your freezer is set to the recommended 0-degrees F. This model is made from durable brushed stainless steel and operates fully automatically, which simplifies the process and can create your frozen treats in as little as 20 minutes.

The large ingredient spout is a thoughtful addition, allowing easy incorporation of mix-ins without making a mess. An added benefit is the retractable cord storage, which helps keep your countertop tidy. However, the machine's size (8.25"L x 8.25"W x 11.5"H) and weight (12 pounds) might be a bit cumbersome for those with limited kitchen space. Another aspect to consider is that it requires hand washing, which might be a bit inconvenient for some users.

The included components, such as a replacement lid, paddle, instructions, and a recipe book, make it user-friendly and ready to use right out of the box. This ice cream maker is ideal for home use, especially for those who enjoy making a variety of frozen desserts with minimal effort.