How to pick the right ice-cream machine (without losing your chill)

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The Inside Scoop

Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s TikTok, or maybe we’re all just keen to turn leftover yoghurt into something more exciting. Whatever the reason, the choice of gadgets has exploded - soft serve, gelato, slushies, frozen yoghurt, protein “ice cream” (yes, it’s a thing).

To make life easier, here’s a simple, down-to-earth rundown of the most talked-about machines and what actually sets them apart. No hype, no jargon – just the bits that help you pick the right one for your kitchen.

Breville “The Smart Scoop” Ice Cream Maker

If you’re serious about your frozen desserts, this one’s basically the overachiever of the group. It senses the hardness of your mixture and adjusts as it goes.

Breville “The Smart Scoop” Ice Cream Maker

What’s worth knowing:

12 hardness settingsLets you add mix-ins when it beepsKeeps your mix chilled and churned for 3 hoursManual or automatic modes Unique feature: automatic hardness sensor.

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1

A customisation machine with almost every texture you could want.

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1

What’s worth knowing:

Makes ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt, slushies, drinks and more11 functionsThree 700ml tubs includedFlexible for low-sugar, dairy-free or high-protein blends Unique feature: huge range of textures and settings.

Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker

A middle-ground option with enough presets and capacity for families.

Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker

What’s worth knowing:

10 programs: scoopable and drinkableMakes up to 1.4L across three included bowlsIncludes 50+ recipe ideas Unique feature: three Tritan bowls for multi-flavour households.

Avanti Mini Ice Cream Maker (500mL)

Compact, cordless and great for experimenting.

Avanti Mini Ice Cream Maker

What’s worth knowing:

Makes ice cream in 15–20 minutes500mL capacityUSB-C rechargeableOne-button operation Unique feature: cordless USB-C motor.

GreenPan Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker

No freezer bowl needed - great for last‑minute cravings.

GreenPan Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker

What’s worth knowing:

Built-in chiller (no pre-freezing)6 modes, 7 texturesReady in about 30 minutes Unique feature: built-in compressor for true on-demand ice-cream making.

Ninja CREAMi Swirl + BONUS Ninja Blast

Great if you love soft serve or want something easy.

Ninja CREAMi Swirl + BONUS Ninja Blast

What’s worth knowing:

Makes soft serve, ice cream and sorbetsUses Creamify TechnologyHandles low-cal or one-ingredient desserts Unique feature: proper soft-serve texture setting.