We Tasted Vanilla Ice Cream from 5 Ice Cream Makers (Cuisinart, Ninja CEAMi, Whynter) | Gear Heads

Blade Style (Ninja CREAMi, Cuisinart Fast Freeze): Quick and convenient but can be noisy, producing a softer, sometimes gritty texture that requires specialized recipes. Canister Style (Cuisinart): Budget-friendly and churns in 20 minutes, though the coolant bowl must be pre-frozen for 24 hours. Self-Refrigerating Style (Whynter): Premium built-in compressor models that eliminate pre-freezing and allow for back-to-back batches. The Blender Alternative: A quick, machine-free hack using a standard kitchen blender, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup for a rich, customizable dessert. Top Recommendations: The budget-friendly Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker (Best Canister) and the convenient Whynter 2.1-Quart Upright Automatic Compressor (Best Self-Refrigerating). What actually makes a great ice cream maker, and why do some expensive models leave you with icy, clumped-up desserts? Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus tested 11 home ice cream makers to reveal the key components that leave you with perfect results. If you want a lightweight, reliable value option, the Cuisinart Canister model delivers premium thickness, while the heavy-duty Whynter Compressor stands out for continuous, no-prep batch production. No room on your kitchen counter? Skip the hardware entirely and try our viral blender method for a fast, velvety-smooth homemade treat that rivals any gourmet creamery. The Best Ice Cream Makers: https://cooks.io/4gbIIOe Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker: https://cooks.io/3QAueND Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine: https://cooks.io/4b3Bt7w Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker: https://cooks.io/4y3a7bB Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker: https://cooks.io/4fhxGpy KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker: https://cooks.io/4winjaJ Get exclusive access to every recipe, review, and more via our homepage: https://cooks.io/3QXfg49 Subscribe to America's Test Kitchen: https://youtube.com/@AmericasTestKitchen?sub_confirmation=1 ​ Find more rigorous reviews of equipment and recipes on the America’s Test Kitchen App:https://cooks.io/41TVKru Learn how to shop, save, and cook with insider intel from our newsletter The Well-Equipped Cook: https://cooks.io/4gC23IL Watch full episodes of America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country for free on our new YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@ATKFullEpisodes Buy our cookbook Kitchen Gear: https://cooks.io/4v8sUiS Discover the latest recipes, tips, and tricks from Cook’s Illustrated: https://cooks.io/4eWu1MC Watch More! ​ In The Test Kitchen: https://youtube.com/watch?v=eLxup9tEP0M&list=PLnbzopdwFrnZsva37L040wy1u2RTOhqiF&pp=0gcJCWMEOCosWNin ​ The Taste Test: https://youtube.com/watch?v=SkqhwZqnA8s&list=PLnbzopdwFrnZ3usQguuxS2qWxlwj-9aN8 ​ Techniquely With Lan Lam: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnbzopdwFrnYyvwrqTB_5AhufdOMisGnF ​ Most Popular: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2guC4Badq2s&list=PLnbzopdwFrnZcFFuiSDnaymlMCb9ANwC5 Follow America's Test Kitchen: ​ Instagram: http://instagram.com/testkitchen ​ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/testkitchen ​ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@testkitchen?lang=en ​ Facebook: http://facebook.com/americastestkitchen ​ Twitter: http://twitter.com/testkitchen ​ At America’s Test Kitchen, we investigate every aspect of cooking—recipes, equipment, ingredients, and techniques—with a goal to empower and inspire home cooks. Since 1992, our team of 50+ cooks, editors, and culinary creatives ask a lot of questions—and do a lot of testing—so that you get dependable, delicious recipes, comprehensive guidance, and thorough and unbiased equipment and ingredient reviews. You can find us in the pages of Cook's Illustrated magazine, on our television shows America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country, in dozens of best-selling cookbooks, and via the 14,000+ recipes, reviews, and classes available on our website and app. Whether you’re in search of a great weeknight meal or an impressive dinner-party dish, we’ve done the testing to deliver reliable recipes and comprehensive cooking info to your home kitchen. Bring your curiosity, and we’ll make you a better cook. #AmericasTestKitchen #CookingTutorial #FoodScience​​ When you choose to purchase our editorial recommendations from the links we provide, we may earn an affiliate commission.