Ice Cream Machines: The Complete Buying Guide

Making ice cream at home is a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. But with so many ice cream makers on the market, it can be tricky to choose one that’s right for you.  

This guide will explore the best ice cream machines in Australia and highlight their key features. We’ll also explain the different types of ice cream makers and provide tips for getting the most out of your machine. Your ice cream journey starts here!

Once you’ve experienced the deliciousness of homemade ice cream, it can be hard to go back. Here are some of the benefits of making ice cream at home:

• Freshness and flavour: Homemade ice cream is crafted with fresh ingredients, which enhances its creaminess. Store bought ice cream, on the other hand, tends to contain preservatives and stabilisers.
• Control over ingredients: If you have special dietary needs, making your own ice cream gives you control over what goes in.
• More flavour possibilities: You can invent flavours that don’t exist at the supermarket.
• Creativity: It’s a pleasure to create your own ice cream, using flavour combinations that cater to your own preferences.

These are your main options for ice cream makers in Australia:

• Freezer bowl machines: An affordable option with a removable bowl that you put in your freezer first before operating the machine.
• Built-in freezer compressor machines: These ice cream makers have a built-in freezer unit that chills as you churn. They’re great for serious home dessert-makers but can be a bit more expensive.
• Soft serve machines: These are designed to produce soft serve ice cream with a cafe-style swirl.
• Specialty makers: You can also get machines that make specialty desserts such as gelato, frozen yoghurt, frozen drinks, sorbet or shaved ice.

When choosing an ice cream maker, here are some features to keep in mind:

• Capacity: Machines come in different sizes, from small freezer-bowl models to larger machines.
• Freezing method: Some machines use a pre-frozen bowl, while compressor models have a built-in freezer for more convenience.
• Ease of cleaning: Look for removable parts and dishwasher-safe components.
• Speed: Depending on the model, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours for your ice cream to be ready.
• Size & storage: Compact machines are ideal if you’re short on kitchen space.
• Versatility: Some makers can whip up gelato, sorbet or frozen yoghurt. You can also get models that allow you to add mix-ins.

So, what’s the best ice cream maker in Australia? The answer will depend on how much you’re willing to spend, and what your preferences are. To get an idea of what’s right for you, browse Myer’s top-rated ice cream machines:

• Price: $549.99
• Rated: 5.0 out of 5 stars

The Ninja CREAMi Swirl makes ice cream from scratch, plus it can create soft serve (either with homemade or store-bought ice cream). Highly versatile, it comes with recipes for other treats such as gelato, sorbet, fruit whips and milkshakes. It’s very easy to use, plus is does a great job of making incredibly delicious ice cream!

Key features include:

• Choice of ‘scoop or swirl’ – i.e. regular or soft serve ice cream
• 2 x 470ml tubs
• Mix-ins and milkshakes
• Multiple functions (sorbet, gelato, etc)

Customer review:

"It’s great for a hot summers day sitting outside with the grandkids having an ice cream with the ingredients that they made it with"

• Price: $319.99
• Rated: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Famous for creating incredibly creamy ice cream, the Ninja CREAMi can create a variety of frozen treats with the touch of a button. It works by transforming a pre-frozen base into ice cream. You can add mix-ins, and you can also make gelato, sorbet and milkshakes with this machine. A great value option for dessert-loving families.   

Key features include:

• 2 x 470ml tubs
• Multiple functions (gelato, sorbet, etc)
• Mix-ins and milkshakes

Customer Review:

“What on earth did we do before Ninja CREAMi! Best addition to our household and has saved us so much as we love our desserts.”

• Price: $114.95

Offering great value for money, the GreenLife Ice Cream Maker makes it almost too easy to create delicious homemade ice cream. It’s simple to add mix-ins while the machine is churning, plus it makes a variety of frozen treats including ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet. It also has a compact design that doesn’t take up too much bench space.

Key features include:

• 1.4L capacity
• Fast operation
• Multiple functions (gelato, sorbet, etc)
• Easy pour chute
• Mix-ins

• Price: $499.00
• Rated: 4.8 out of 5 stars

The Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker is a must-have if you love hosting parties. It makes a huge variety of frozen drinks, allowing you to create slushies for the kids and frozen cocktails for the grownups. It’s fast and easy to use – no ice needed! Plus it will keep your drinks frozen for up to 12 hours. A great gift idea.

Key features include:

• 2.6L capacity
• Creates frozen drinks
• Keeps drinks frozen for up to 12 hours

Customer review:

“It’s super easy to use and really fun. We’ve also tried margaritas, and they came out perfect. Highly recommend if you want a refreshing treat without the fuss!”

• Price: $169.00
• Rated: 4.8 out of 5 stars

If you own a KitchenAid, this shaved ice attachment is a must-have. It can create fluffy shaved ice in as little as 60 seconds, plus it offers a variety of texture options. You can freeze different drinks such as fruit juice, coffee or coconut milk, and then add your own toppings to the finished dish. Great for making cocktails and summer desserts!  

Key features include:

• Works with all KitchenAid Stand Mixers
• Creates fine shaved ice in minutes
• Four ice moulds included for variety

Customer review:

“Fluffy shaved ice in seconds – hello adult snow cones! Girls’ night has never been more fun. Easy, fast, and an instant party starter.”

Using a home ice cream maker is straightforward. The basic steps are:

1. Prepare your base: Select and prepare your chosen ingredients – we recommend following a recipe provided by the manufacturer.

2. Add to the machine: Pour the mixture into the bowl or container.

3. Churn: Let the machine work until it reaches a creamy texture.

4. Freeze if needed: For a firmer finish, transfer to the freezer before serving.

Please note that your machine might have a slightly different process. For best results, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Proper storage helps your homemade ice cream stay fresh and delicious. Once it’s ready, transfer it into an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals from forming. Shallow containers with a tight lid work best, as they allow the ice cream to freeze evenly. To keep it extra smooth, press a layer of baking paper or cling wrap directly on the surface before sealing.  

Homemade ice cream generally lasts up to two weeks in the freezer, though it’s best enjoyed within the first few days for peak flavour and texture.

Making ice cream at home can be really fun. Here are some tips to get the best results from your making ice cream machine:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh cream, milk and flavours make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Nuts, chocolate chips, fruit or cookie pieces can add texture and interest.
• Chill everything: Keep your base and machine components cold for smoother, creamier ice cream.
• Try seasonal or trending flavours: Match your ice cream to seasonal fruits or current flavour trends for variety.
• Don’t overfill the machine: Leave space for the ice cream to expand while churning for the perfect consistency.

Ice cream makers in Australia offer high standards of quality, but there are some steps you can take to keep your machine at its best:

• Clean immediately after use: Wash removable parts and wipe down the machine to prevent residue build-up.
• Store bowls and accessories properly: Keep components dry and protected to avoid damage or warping.
• Avoid overfilling: Leaving space for the mixture prevents strain on the motor and ensures even churning.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Always refer to the user guide for safe operation and maintenance.