Homemade ice cream does not have to mean expensive equipment. The best ice cream makers under 100 can handle everything from quick single-serve treats to bigger batches for family nights.
Whether you want gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, or classic ice cream, the right budget machine should be easy to use, easy to clean, and ready when dessert cravings hit.
Best 10 Ice Cream Makers Under 100 Picks for 2026
Retro Family-Size Pick
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker
- 4-quart capacity for larger batches
- Automatic motor churns in about 20 minutes
- Great for ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato
Best For: families and parties
Freeze-and-Churn Budget Pick
Elite Gourmet Americana Pint Perfect
- 1-pint capacity for small servings
- Freezable bowl with simple control panel
- Includes recipes for ice cream and sorbet
Best For: beginners making small batches
Easy-Clean Mid-Size Pick
Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker
- 2-quart capacity for mid-size batches
- One-touch churning for simple operation
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
Best For: everyday home use with easy cleanup
Family-Size Freezer Bucket Pick
Elite Gourmet EIM350 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker
- 4-quart capacity for bigger batches
- 50-watt motor for smooth churning
- Simple ice-and-salt operation
Best For: Families and party hosts who want larger homemade batches
Single-Serve Soft Serve Pick
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker Bundle
- Soft serve in about 20 minutes
- Includes two half-pint freezer mugs
- Ingredient chute for mix-ins
Best For: Small households that want quick, shareable frozen treats
DIY Custom Treat Pick
Secura 1QT Electric Ice Cream Maker
- 1-quart capacity for small batches
- Supports gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt
- Good for low-sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan recipes
Best For: People who want customized, diet-friendly frozen desserts
Compact Double-Bowl Ice Cream Pick
Pukomc 0.9-Quart Home Ice Cream Maker
- Two ice cups for making two flavors
- 0.9-quart size for small batches
- Recipe manual included for better texture
Best For: Small households wanting simple homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt
Single-Serve Mug Dessert Maker
- Single-serve frozen desserts in about 20 minutes
- Makes ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and yogurt
- Easy to clean and eat right from the mug
Best For: Single-serve frozen treats with minimal cleanup
Family-Size Freezer Bowl Machine
Coepuske 1.6-Quart Ice Cream Maker
- 1.6-quart capacity for about 4 to 8 servings
- LCD screen and timer simplify operation
- Quiet machine with multiple dessert options
Best For: Small families wanting larger homemade dessert batches
Retro Family-Size Pick – Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker
If you want one of the more playful ice cream makers under 100 for parties or family desserts, this 4-quart Nostalgia model keeps the process simple. It uses an automatic motor to churn ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in about 20 minutes, so you get a larger batch without hand stirring.
Best For: Families, gatherings, and anyone who wants a larger-batch homemade dessert maker with a nostalgic look.
Pros:
- 4-quart capacity is well suited to groups.
- Electric motor handles the churning automatically.
- Makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato in about 20 minutes.
- Built-in carrying handle makes it easier to move for events.
Cons:
- Hand wash only, so cleanup is not fully hands-off.
- Bulkier than single-serve or pint-size options.
- Uses an old-fashioned bucket design, which may not suit minimal kitchens.
This is a practical pick if capacity matters more than countertop size. It focuses on easy automatic churning and party-friendly volume, making it a strong fit for casual home use and get-togethers.
Compact Single-Serve Pick – Cuisinart 1-pt Wonder Ice Cream Maker
For shoppers comparing ice cream makers under 100 and mostly making dessert for one, this compact Cuisinart model is built around convenience. Its 1-pint size, detachable parts, and built-in ingredient funnel make it a simple option for quick homemade treats.
Best For: Singles or couples who want a compact, easy-clean maker for small batches.
Pros:
- Compact 1-pint capacity is ideal for single servings.
- Ingredient funnel makes it easy to add mix-ins and toppings.
- Lid and paddle are dishwasher safe.
- Ice cream is ready in 25 minutes or less.
Cons:
- Small capacity won’t suit larger households.
- Best for small-batch use rather than entertaining.
This is a straightforward pick if you care more about speed, size, and cleanup than big-batch output. Its pint-sized design makes it easy to use often without taking up much space.
Freeze-and-Churn Budget Pick – Elite Gourmet Americana Pint Perfect
If you want a simple entry-level option among ice cream makers under 100, this Elite Gourmet model keeps the process basic. You freeze the bowl overnight, add your mixture, and let the machine churn homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, or sorbet in a compact 1-pint format.
Best For: Beginners who want a straightforward small-batch maker with an easy freeze-bowl setup.
Pros:
- 1-pint size is easy to manage for small servings.
- Freezable bowl design avoids chemicals, alcohol, or salt.
- Simple control panel makes operation easy.
- Includes recipes for several frozen desserts.
Cons:
- Requires overnight freezing before use.
- Small capacity is not ideal for families or parties.
This model works best when you want a low-fuss way to make a small dessert at home. The freeze-bowl design keeps it simple, but it does ask for a little advance planning.
Easy-Clean Mid-Size Pick – Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker
The Dash Deluxe is a solid mid-size choice if you are shopping for ice cream makers under 100 and want more versatility than a pint unit. Its 2-quart capacity, one-touch churning, and dishwasher-safe accessories make it a practical option for homemade gelato, ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet.
Best For: Home cooks who want a 2-quart maker with easy operation and quick cleanup.
Pros:
- 2-quart capacity gives you more room than pint-size makers.
- One-touch churning keeps operation simple.
- Dishwasher-safe accessories make cleanup easier.
- Works for gelato, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
Cons:
- Larger than single-serve models, so it takes more storage space.
- Not as family-size as the 4-quart option in this group.
This is a balanced pick for buyers who want an everyday countertop machine without the hassle. It offers a useful middle ground between compact single-serve units and larger batch makers.
Family-Size Freezer Bucket Pick – Elite Gourmet EIM350 4Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker
If you’re comparing ice cream makers under 100 and want a larger batch option, the Elite Gourmet EIM350 is built for making up to 4 quarts at a time. It uses a simple ice-and-salt setup with a 50-watt motor, so it’s a practical pick for parties, backyard gatherings, and anyone who wants more than a single-serve dessert maker.
Best For: Families or hosts who want a portable 4-quart machine for ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, or sorbet.
Pros:
- Makes up to 4 quarts, which is ideal for group servings.
- 50-watt motor is designed for smooth churning.
- Works with ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
- Simple to disassemble, hand wash, and store.
Cons:
- Requires ice and salt for operation.
- Larger size may be less convenient than a countertop single-serve model.
Overall, this is a strong budget-friendly choice if capacity matters more than compact size. It focuses on straightforward batch-making rather than bells and whistles, which makes it easy to understand and easy to use.
Single-Serve Soft Serve Pick – Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker Bundle
For shoppers looking at ice cream makers under 100, the Dash My Mug is a compact option that makes soft serve for two in about 20 minutes. It comes with two half-pint freezer mugs, so you can freeze, churn, and eat right from the mug without needing a big countertop appliance.
Best For: Couples, roommates, or small households that want quick, small-batch frozen treats.
Pros:
- Makes soft serve in about 20 minutes.
- Includes two half-pint freezer mugs for sharing.
- Built-in ingredient chute lets you add mix-ins while churning.
- Compact design disassembles quickly and stores neatly.
Cons:
- Small 0.5-pint capacity limits batch size.
- Hand wash only.
This is a good fit if you want a fun, space-saving machine with fast results and easy cleanup. Its strength is convenience and customization, not making large quantities at once.
DIY Custom Treat Pick – Secura 1QT Electric Ice Cream Maker
If you want one of the more customizable ice cream makers under 100, the Secura 1QT model is designed for DIY frozen desserts with a small 1-quart capacity. It’s positioned around ingredient control, making it a practical option for gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and personalized recipes made to match different dietary preferences.
Best For: Home cooks who want a compact machine for customized, diet-friendly frozen desserts.
Pros:
- 1-quart capacity suits small-batch recipes.
- Works for ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and frozen yogurt.
- Lets you tailor ingredients for low sugar, keto, dairy-free, or vegan treats.
- Simple process: freeze the base, then process and serve.
Cons:
- Requires a 24-hour freeze step before processing.
- 12-watt power suggests a slower, smaller-scale approach.
This model stands out if recipe control matters more than speed or capacity. It’s a straightforward pick for people who want to make frozen treats around specific dietary goals without a complicated machine.
Compact Double-Bowl Ice Cream Pick – Pukomc 0.9-Quart Home Ice Cream Maker
If you want one of the more compact ice cream makers under 100, this Pukomc model focuses on simple homemade batches with a small footprint. It uses a freeze tank that needs to be pre-frozen for at least 12 hours, and the recipe manual helps you dial in better texture if your first batch comes out a little soft.
Best For: Small households that want homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt with the option to make two flavors.
Pros:
- Includes two ice cups, so you can make two flavors simultaneously.
- Makes ice cream or frozen yogurt, with ingredient additions during mixing.
- Compact 0.9-quart capacity fits smaller kitchen setups.
- Automatic operation and easy-to-clean design.
Cons:
- Ice cup must be frozen for at least 12 hours before use.
- For firmer results, the finished ice cream may need extra chilling.
- Smaller batch size may not suit larger groups.
Overall, this is a practical budget-friendly pick if you value flavor flexibility and easy home use over big-batch output. The included recipe guidance and dual bowls make it especially appealing for beginners experimenting with frozen desserts.
Single-Serve Mug Dessert Maker – Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker
For shoppers comparing ice cream makers under 100, this Dash model is built around convenience and portion control. It makes single-serve frozen desserts in about 20 minutes, and the freezable mug design lets you eat straight from the bowl after churning.
Best For: One-person servings of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, or slushes.
Pros:
- Makes single servings, which is ideal when you do not want leftovers.
- Works with ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and non-dairy nice cream.
- Produces frozen dessert in about 20 minutes.
- Easy to clean and disassembles quickly.
Cons:
- Single-serve capacity is not suited to families or batches.
- Requires a freezable mug setup before use.
This is a strong fit if you want a fast, low-fuss way to make personal frozen treats at home. It is less about volume and more about quick, flexible dessert-making with minimal cleanup.
Family-Size Freezer Bowl Machine – Coepuske 1.6-Quart Ice Cream Maker
If you need a larger option among ice cream makers under 100, this 1.6-quart Coepuske machine is designed for small-family servings. It uses a freezer bowl that must be chilled for at least 12 hours, then it automatically stirs and stops, making it straightforward for beginners who want more than a single portion.
Best For: Small families or beginners who want a larger batch of homemade frozen desserts.
Pros:
- 1.6-quart capacity makes enough for about 4 to 8 servings.
- Supports ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, granita, and frozen drinks.
- LCD screen and timer help automate the process.
- Quiet operation is useful for early mornings or late-night use.
Cons:
- Freezer bowl needs at least 12 hours of pre-freezing.
- Produces a soft-serve texture unless you chill it further after making.
- Needs careful recipe ratios for the best results.
For buyers who want a bit more capacity without jumping to a bulky appliance, this is a balanced choice. Its beginner-friendly controls, quiet motor, and included recipe guidance make it a practical family dessert machine.
How We Picked the Best Ice Cream Makers Under 100
We focused on models that deliver the best balance of value, performance, and convenience. Since budget shoppers want dependable results without a steep learning curve, we favored machines with simple operation, practical batch sizes, and designs that fit everyday kitchens. We also looked for options that cover different needs, including compact single-serving picks and larger-capacity models for sharing.
Quick Comparison: What to Expect
Among Ice Cream Makers Under 100, the main tradeoff is usually capacity versus convenience. Freezer-bowl and mug-style models are often the easiest and most affordable, while electric churners and larger-batch machines can offer better versatility and smoother texture. If you want dessert fast with minimal effort, compact models make sense. If you plan to entertain or make multiple flavors, a larger unit is usually the better fit.
Key Buying Factors for Ice Cream Makers Under 100
Capacity
Choose a size that matches how you actually eat dessert. Single-serve cups are great for one person or portion control, while 1.5- to 4-quart machines are better for families, parties, or meal prep.
Freezer Requirements
Many budget models rely on pre-frozen bowls or mugs, which means you need freezer space and some planning ahead. If you want a more spontaneous dessert routine, an electric churner may be more convenient.
Ease of Cleaning
Simple parts and removable bowls make cleanup much easier. This matters a lot for frequent use, especially if you plan to make mix-ins or alternate between recipes like gelato and sorbet.
Texture and Versatility
Some machines are better for soft-serve-style desserts, while others do a stronger job with denser frozen treats. Look for models that can handle ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet if you want more flexibility from a single appliance.
Who Should Buy Which Ice Cream Makers Under 100?
If you want a small, low-commitment option, single-serve and pint-size models are ideal. If you are shopping for a family or hosting often, go with a larger-capacity machine that can produce more at once. For buyers who want the easiest path to homemade desserts, the most practical Ice Cream Makers Under 100 are the ones that match your freezer space, batch size, and how often you plan to use them.