10 Best Soft Serve Makers 2025 in the United States

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (ICE-30BCP1) is a well-regarded option for home use, with a 2-quart capacity that is suitable for making generous servings of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or other desserts. Its double-insulated freezer bowl ensures efficient freezing, provided that your freezer can maintain a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The automatic heavy-duty motor facilitates quick dessert preparation in as little as 20 minutes, which is a significant convenience.

The large ingredient spout is a handy feature, making it easy to add mix-ins without making a mess, while the retractable cord storage helps keep your kitchen counter uncluttered. Weighing 12 pounds and measuring 8.25 x 8.25 x 11.5 inches, the machine is relatively compact and easy to store when not in use. However, it does require pre-freezing the bowl, so you need to plan ahead. While it operates automatically, some users might find it a bit loud during operation.

The brushed stainless steel design is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, fitting well into modern kitchens. With a BPA-free build and a comprehensive 3-year warranty, this ice cream maker offers both safety and peace of mind. Despite its strengths, the pre-freezing requirement and potential noise level are points to consider depending on your preferences and kitchen setup.

The DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker is a compact and versatile soft-serve machine, perfect for those who love personalized frozen treats. With a capacity of 0.5 pints, it’s designed for single servings, making it ideal for small households or individuals. The freezing method involves pre-freezing the base for 24 hours, which might require some planning ahead. However, it delivers quick results, turning ingredients into ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in just 20 minutes with its automatic operation.

The built-in ingredient chute allows you to mix in your favorite add-ins, adding a fun and personalized touch to your desserts. The machine's innovative design doubles as a freezable mug, adding convenience since you can enjoy your treat directly from the source. It’s quite user-friendly with its ease of assembly, use, and cleaning, although hand washing is recommended for product care.

Weighing just 4.81 pounds and with dimensions of 7.2 x 5.9 x 6.9 inches, it’s space-saving and suitable for kitchens with limited counter space. One potential downside is the need to pre-freeze the base for 24 hours, which might not be convenient for spontaneous cravings. Despite this minor drawback, the DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker is a reliable and fun choice for those looking to make quick and personalized soft-serve treats at home.

The Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine is a versatile appliance that can make up to 2 quarts of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and even yogurt. One of its standout features is the built-in compressor, which eliminates the need for pre-freezing the bowl, making the process quicker and more convenient. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who want to make multiple batches consecutively.

The machine also boasts an LCD digital display and timer for easy operation, and includes a motor protection function to prevent overheating, extending the machine's lifespan. It has an extended cooling function to keep your ice cream from melting right away, which is a nice touch for those who want to enjoy their treats leisurely. The stainless steel bowl is removable, making it easier to clean, and the BPA-free churn blade is a safe choice for health-conscious users.

However, the machine is quite heavy at 24.2 pounds, which might make it cumbersome for some users to move around. Its dimensions (11.25 x 16.75 x 10.25 inches) mean it will take up a fair amount of counter space. Despite these drawbacks, the machine's functionality and premium features like the yogurt incubator function make it a strong contender for anyone looking to make homemade frozen desserts and yogurt.