While this is an independent review, if you choose to buy through links provided, we may earn a small commission from third parties.
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.
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.
What’s worth knowing:
- 12 hardness settings
- Lets you add mix-ins when it beeps
- Keeps your mix chilled and churned for 3 hours
- Manual or automatic modes
Unique feature: automatic hardness sensor.
A customisation machine with almost every texture you could want.
What’s worth knowing:
- Makes ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt, slushies, drinks and more
- 11 functions
- Three 700ml tubs included
- Flexible for low-sugar, dairy-free or high-protein blends
Unique feature: huge range of textures and settings.
A middle-ground option with enough presets and capacity for families.
What’s worth knowing:
- 10 programs: scoopable and drinkable
- Makes up to 1.4L across three included bowls
- Includes 50+ recipe ideas
Unique feature: three Tritan bowls for multi-flavour households.
Compact, cordless and great for experimenting.
What’s worth knowing:
- Makes ice cream in 15–20 minutes
- 500mL capacity
- USB-C rechargeable
- One-button operation
Unique feature: cordless USB-C motor.
No freezer bowl needed - great for last‑minute cravings.
What’s worth knowing:
- Built-in chiller (no pre-freezing)
- 6 modes, 7 textures
- Ready in about 30 minutes
Unique feature: built-in compressor for true on-demand ice-cream making.
Great if you love soft serve or want something easy.
What’s worth knowing:
- Makes soft serve, ice cream and sorbets
- Uses Creamify Technology
- Handles low-cal or one-ingredient desserts
Unique feature: proper soft-serve texture setting.
