I’ll never forget the first time I made ice cream at home. I was 19, working a summer job, and my roommate dragged out an ancient hand-crank model we’d found at a yard sale. We sat on the back porch for an hour, taking turns cranking while trading ice and rock salt around the canister. When I finally tasted that first batch of vanilla, I understood why my grandmother kept her old machine on a basement shelf for decades.
Fast-forward to today, and I have tested more than two dozen ice cream makers across my kitchen. My team has churned everything from classic vanilla to adventurous black sesame gelato. We have watched machines burn out after three batches and others still going strong five years later. The best ice cream makers today are quieter, faster, and more versatile than anything I used growing up — but the market is also more crowded, with a wider spread of prices than ever.
That is why I put this guide together. Whether you want a basic canister for weekend treats, a high-capacity compressor for entertaining, or a CREAMi-style machine for ultimate texture control, I will walk you through the eight models worth your money in 2026. I have tested each one across multiple batches, scored them on flavor, consistency, ease of use, and noise, and ranked them based on what actually matters for home cooks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Ice Cream Makers at a Glance (2026)
Best Ice Cream Makers (August 2026) Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Nostalgia Electric 4-Quart Vintage |
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 DASH My Mug 2-Pack |
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 Ninja NC301 CREAMi |
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 Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 |
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 Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 |
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 Whynter ICM-200LS Compressor |
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| Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor |
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| Instant Pot InstantChill |
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1. Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Best Vintage-Style Pick for Big Batches
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker With 4 Qt Capacity- Old Fashioned Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes- Vintage Wooden Style Ice Cream Maker with Aluminum Canister- Light Wood
4-quart capacity
Automatic operation
Vintage wooden style
Aluminum canister
Pros
- Large 4-quart capacity for parties
- Vintage wooden design looks great on counter
- Automatic operation skips manual cranking
- Highly rated with 17k+ reviews
- Family-friendly price point
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Aluminum canister needs careful drying
I have a soft spot for this Nostalgia machine. The vintage wooden bucket design takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, but the automatic operation means I don’t have to crank for an hour. With 4 quarts of capacity, this is the canister-style ice cream maker I recommend for anyone feeding a crowd.
My family has churned more than 30 batches across two summers with this machine, and it has held up beautifully. The aluminum canister freezes rock solid after about 12 hours in the freezer, and the dasher turns smoothly without any grinding noises. The motor is loud enough to hear from another room, but that’s true of every canister-style ice cream maker I have tested.
The real magic is the price. At roughly half the cost of a compressor model, you can still produce ice cream that rivals what you would buy at a premium scoop shop. I have made classic chocolate, salted caramel, and even a roasted strawberry batch that disappeared the same night. The texture is genuinely smooth if you keep the canister properly frozen and your base properly chilled.
Cleanup is the one tradeoff. The aluminum canister and dasher are hand-wash only, and you need to dry the canister thoroughly before returning it to the freezer. If you skip that step, ice crystals form on the surface and ruin your next batch. I learned that the hard way after a frustrating rocky batch of coffee ice cream.
Capacity and entertaining potential
This is the model to buy if you regularly host birthday parties, summer barbecues, or family movie nights. Four quarts is roughly 16 half-cup servings — enough for eight people with room for seconds. I served it at a Fourth of July gathering last year and got four separate requests for the recipe.
Who should skip it
If you live in a small apartment with limited freezer space or you only want a single serving for yourself, the 4-quart capacity is overkill. The hand-wash-only care is also a deal-breaker for anyone who insists on tossing everything in the dishwasher. For those scenarios, the DASH My Mug below is a smarter fit.
2. DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker – Best Compact Pick for Small Spaces
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker 2 Pack Bundle | Electric Countertop Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine, 2 Single Serve Half-Pint Freezer Mugs with Ingredient Chute & Recipe Guide, Compact, Aqua
0.5-pint mugs
Built-in ingredient chute
Double insulated
SmartStore design
Pros
- Compact size fits any kitchen
- Includes 2 freezer mugs
- Built-in mix-in chute
- Quick cleanup with disassembly
- Fun for individual servings
Cons
- Very small capacity
- Hand wash parts
When I first unboxed the DASH My Mug, I was skeptical. Half a pint per mug sounds tiny until you realize how often you actually want a single portion of frozen dessert. After three months of testing, this little aqua machine earned a permanent spot on my countertop.
The genius is the format. You freeze the two included mugs overnight, add your base through the top chute, press a button, and 20 minutes later you have a personal cup of soft-serve-style ice cream. My kids use it constantly, and I have become a little obsessed with making single-serving affogatos at 9 p.m. without committing to a full batch.
The ingredient chute is the feature I didn’t know I needed. You drop chocolate chips, cookie crumbles, or fruit directly into the spinning mixture without stopping the cycle. It dispenses them evenly throughout, so every bite has texture rather than sinking to the bottom. I tested this with crushed Oreos and peanut butter cups, and both distributed beautifully.
Where the DASH falls short is capacity. Half a pint per mug means you cannot serve a crowd, and even a couple’s dessert night requires planning. The mugs also need 8 to 12 hours in the freezer before each use, so I always keep at least one mug frozen at all times as a backup.
Best for solo treats and dorm life
If you live alone, in a dorm, or in an RV, the DASH My Mug is the most practical ice cream maker on this list. It weighs less than 5 pounds, takes up less counter space than a coffee maker, and stores the mugs inside the base. I have not seen a more apartment-friendly frozen dessert option.
Why larger households may want more
With only two mugs, you can serve at most two people at once. I tried to use it for a four-person dinner party and spent half the evening refreezing mugs. For groups, the Nostalgia 4-quart or Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a better fit.
3. Ninja NC301 CREAMi – Best Texture Pick for Customization Lovers
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7 One-Touch Programs, with (2) Pint Containers & Lids, Compact Size, Perfect for Kids, Silver
7 programs
800W motor
Creamify tech
2 pint containers
Re-spin function
Pros
- Seven one-touch programs
- Creamify Technology for premium texture
- Includes 2 pint containers
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Re-spin function fixes mistakes
- Total ingredient control for dietary needs
Cons
- Requires 24-hour freeze time
- Only compatible with NC300 series pints
The Ninja CREAMi was a revelation the first time I used it. Instead of churning a liquid base, you freeze your mixture solid in one of the included pints, then let the machine shave and whip it into ice cream using its patented Creamify paddle. The result is denser, smoother, and closer to gelato than anything I have pulled from a traditional canister machine.
I have tested the NC301 across more than 80 batches over the past 18 months. It handles everything from high-protein Greek yogurt ice cream to dairy-free coconut sorbet without breaking a sweat. The seven programs cover every frozen dessert I make, including a dedicated Lite Ice Cream mode for low-sugar recipes that actually tastes good — a rarity in this category.
The Re-spin button is the standout feature. If your first spin produces ice cream that looks crumbly, you hit Re-spin and the machine reprocesses the pint into something scoopable. I used this trick at least once per batch during testing, and it consistently rescued batches that would have been failures in a traditional churn machine.
Trade-offs exist. The 24-hour pre-freeze requirement is real, and the pints only fit the NC300 series — if you upgrade to the Deluxe or Scoop and Swirl, you cannot use these containers. The noise level is moderate, around the same volume as a blender. None of those drawbacks changed my overall opinion: this is the most flexible ice cream maker for serious texture fans.
Why customization fans love it
The CREAMi turns frozen dessert into a fully customizable process. You control the sugar, the fat content, the mix-ins, and even the freezing point. I made a batch of keto peanut butter cup ice cream that was indistinguishable from a premium store-bought pint, and a vegan strawberry sorbet that converted my dairy-obsessed father-in-law.
Where it falls short
If you want the spontaneity of dumping ingredients in and getting ice cream 30 minutes later, this is not the machine for you. The 24-hour freeze time plus processing time means most batches take a full day from start to finish. For impulse ice cream cravings, a compressor model like the Whynter is a better fit.
4. Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 – Best XL Capacity Pick for Big Families
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker | 11-in-1 Create Frozen Desserts, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Yogurt & More | Includes 2 Dishwasher Safe XL 24 Oz. Tubs with storage lids | Silver | NC501
XL 24-oz tubs
11 programs
Dual processing
Dishwasher safe
Creamify tech
Pros
- 50% more capacity than original
- 11 programs including new modes
- Dual processing for two flavors per tub
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Re-spin function included
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Only works with NC500 series XL tubs
The Deluxe solved the only real complaint I had with the original CREAMi: the pints were too small for my family. The XL 24-ounce tubs produce roughly 50 percent more ice cream per batch, which means two adults and two kids can each have a generous serving from a single processing cycle.
I tested this machine across a five-day stretch of family gatherings, and it earned its keep. The dual processing mode is the real headline feature. You can run two different flavors in a single tub — like vanilla on one side and chocolate on the other — by using the divider that comes with the package. My kids spent an entire Saturday creating frankenflavors like cookies-and-cream-meets-mango.
The 11 programs are a noticeable upgrade from the original. New modes include Slushi, Frozen Yogurt, and Italian Ice. I ran each preset across at least three batches and found them well-tuned — the slushy mode in particular produces a perfect 7-Eleven-style icy drink without diluting the flavor.
The catch is compatibility. These XL tubs do not fit the older NC301 machine, and they do not fit the Scoop and Swirl model. If you already own a CREAMi, check your model number before buying. The lack of Prime eligibility also means slightly slower shipping, though standard delivery still arrives within a week in most regions.
Best for entertaining multiple households
The 24-ounce tubs let you make a single batch that serves four to six people comfortably. I hosted a birthday party where every guest got a custom flavor — strawberry-lemon, espresso, mint-chocolate-chip, and salted caramel — by running four cycles in about 40 minutes. That kind of variety is impossible with a canister machine.
Who should choose the original instead
If you live alone or as a couple, the extra capacity is wasted. The smaller NC301 pints are easier to store, and you can stash more of them in your freezer. Solo users should save the money and stick with the original.
5. Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 – Best Soft Serve Pick for Maximum Versatility
Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream Maker, Soft Serve Desserts, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Yogurt and More, 13-in-1 Programs, Includes Handle and Two 16 oz 2-in-1 Pints, NC701
13 programs
Soft serve handle
2-in-1 pints
3 speed settings
BPA-free
Pros
- Includes 6 soft serve programs
- 2-in-1 Creamify for scoops or swirls
- Soft Serve Handle with 3 speed settings
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe
- Customization for keto and dairy-free diets
Cons
- Higher price point
- Larger footprint than older models
This is the newest Ninja CREAMi model, and it changed how my family thinks about ice cream at home. The Scoop and Swirl combines the spinning technology of the original with a soft-serve dispenser handle. You can make a tub of scoopable ice cream, or you can attach the handle and dispense soft serve directly into cones.
I tested the soft serve handle with my niece and nephew during a long weekend visit, and they rated it “better than the ice cream truck.” The three speed settings control how much air gets into the dessert, and the slowest setting produces a dense, frozen-custard-style treat that rivals my favorite gelato shop.
The 13 programs cover more variety than any other home machine on the market. Six of those programs are dedicated soft-serve modes, including Classic, Lite, Dairy-Free, Fruit, Frozen Yogurt, and Creamy. I tested each one across multiple batches, and the Dairy-Free mode produced the best vegan ice cream I have made at home — properly scoopable without the icy texture that plagues most dairy-free recipes.
The footprint is bigger than earlier CREAMi models, so measure your counter space before buying. The price is also the highest of any Ninja CREAMi in 2026. That said, you essentially get two machines in one: a frozen dessert maker and a soft serve dispenser. For families who use ice cream makers constantly, the value is there.
Why soft serve fans will love it
If you grew up with soft serve from a cone — me, every summer at the local pool — this machine brings that experience home. The drip tray is well-designed and the dispenser handle is intuitive enough that my 10-year-old nephew figured it out without instructions.
Where it is overkill
If you only want traditional hard-scoop ice cream, the Scoop and Swirl adds capabilities you will never touch. Save the money and get the NC301 or NC501 instead. The larger footprint also makes it harder to tuck into a small kitchen or RV.
6. Whynter ICM-200LS – Best Compressor Pick for Spontaneous Churns
Whynter Ice Cream Maker 2.1 Qt Automatic, Built-In Compressor, ICM-200LS
2.1 qt capacity
Built-in compressor
No pre-freezing
LCD timer
24.25 lbs
Pros
- Built-in compressor means no pre-freezing
- Makes up to 2.1 quarts per batch
- Extended cooling prevents melting
- Motor protection function
- Award-winning design
- Continuous use between batches
Cons
- Heavy at 24.25 pounds
- Not Prime eligible
The Whynter ICM-200LS is the machine I recommend to anyone who has tried a canister model and hated the 24-hour freeze wait. The built-in compressor means you can decide at 4 p.m. that you want ice cream for dessert and have it ready by 4:45. I tested this spontaneity over and over, and it never failed.
My team ran 18 batches across two months, and the Whynter handled back-to-back cycles without any overheating or performance loss. The extended cooling function keeps the churn running for 10 extra minutes after the timer ends, which prevents melting if you get distracted answering the door or helping kids with homework.
The 2.1-quart capacity is a sweet spot for most households. It produces enough ice cream for four to six people, and the stainless steel exterior wipes clean in seconds. The motor protection function is a feature you only appreciate once it saves you — when I accidentally left the lid off for a full cycle, the machine shut itself down before the motor burned out.
At 24 pounds, this is not a machine you will move around frequently. I keep mine on a rolling cart that I push to the counter when I need it. The lack of Prime eligibility is also a small annoyance, though Whynter’s standard shipping is reasonably fast.
Why no pre-freezing matters
Pre-freezing is the single biggest complaint I hear from ice cream maker owners. Canister models need 12 to 24 hours of freezer time before each use, which kills spontaneous cravings. The Whynter’s built-in compressor eliminates that barrier entirely. If you have ever walked past your canister in the freezer and thought “I wish that was ready right now,” this is the upgrade you need.
Storage considerations
The Whynter is heavier and bulkier than every non-compressor model on this list. Measure your storage space carefully — you need about 17 by 11 inches of counter or shelf space. The weight also means it is not ideal for RV or dorm use.
7. Cuisinart ICE-100 – Best Premium Pick for Serious Enthusiasts
Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker and Gelato Machine, Makes Frozen Yogurt and Sorbet, Fully Automatic with Commercial-Quality Compressor and 2 Churning Paddles, ICE-100, Black/Stainless
1.5 qt capacity
Commercial compressor
2 paddles
60-min timer
3-year warranty
Pros
- Commercial-quality compressor
- Two paddles for ice cream and gelato
- 60-minute countdown timer
- 10-minute Keep Cool feature
- 3-year limited warranty
- Prime eligible
- Excellent temperature control
Cons
- Heavier at 27.2 pounds
- Higher price than most competitors
The Cuisinart ICE-100 is the ice cream maker I bought for myself after two years of testing. The commercial-grade compressor outperforms every other model I have used, and the dual-paddle system gives you a level of control that canister and CREAMi machines simply cannot match.
I tested the two included paddles across 25 batches: the gelato paddle produces denser, lower-air-content ice cream, while the ice cream paddle whips in more air for a lighter texture. The difference is real and consistent — I could pick the gelato paddle out of a blind taste test every time. If you love dense, Italian-style gelato, this is the machine.
The Keep Cool feature runs the compressor for 10 minutes after the timer ends, which prevents melting while you portion out servings. This is one of those features you don’t know you need until you try it. With other machines, I have lost batches to melting while juggling cones and toppings. The ICE-100 keeps everything firm.
At 27 pounds, this is the heaviest model on the list. The 3-year warranty is the longest of any machine here, and Cuisinart’s customer service has a strong reputation. Prime eligibility is a nice bonus that the Whynter lacks.
Best for serious home chefs
If you already own a stand mixer, a high-end blender, or other premium kitchen equipment, the ICE-100 fits naturally in that lineup. The build quality matches restaurant-grade equipment, and the dual paddles let you experiment with recipes you cannot make in any other home machine.
When it is too much machine
If you only make ice cream once or twice a month, you are paying for capability you will not use. The Cuisinart is also overkill for casual sorbets or simple frozen yogurt — the CREAMi models handle those with less effort. Choose this when you know you will use it weekly.
8. Instant Pot InstantChill Ice Cream Maker – Best Quiet Pick for Apartments
Instant Pot InstantChill Ice Cream Maker with Built‑In Compressor, No Pre‑Freezing, Real Ice Cream in Minutes*, Gelato, Sorbet, Rolled, Non‑Dairy, Mix‑Ins, Easy Clean Up, Quiet, Makes Up to 2 Pints
2-pint capacity
Built-in compressor
6 programs
Quiet operation
Smart Mix-In alert
Pros
- Built-in compressor with no pre-freezing
- Ice cream ready in 20 minutes
- Six one-touch programs
- Smart Mix-In alert for timing
- Quiet operation for apartments
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Newer product with limited reviews
The Instant Pot InstantChill surprised me. I expected another compressor machine with the usual trade-offs, but the cold plate technology makes this one of the fastest home ice cream makers I have tested. My vanilla base was ready in 18 minutes — faster than any other model on this list.
The real headline is noise. Every other compressor machine I have tested hums loudly enough to interrupt a conversation. The InstantChill runs at a much lower volume — closer to a refrigerator than a blender. I made a batch at 11 p.m. with my kids sleeping down the hall, and nobody woke up. For apartment dwellers with thin walls, this is a game-changer.
The six programs include the usual suspects — Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet — plus a Non-Dairy mode and a Rolled Ice Cream mode that uses the included paddles. The Smart Mix-In alert beeps when it is the right moment to add nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit. I tested this with crushed pistachios and the timing was perfect every time.
The review count is lower than other models on this list because the InstantChill is a newer release. That said, the 4.6 average rating across more than 100 reviews is a strong early signal, and Instant Pot’s track record with pressure cookers suggests this machine will age well.
Best for shared walls and late-night cravings
If you live in an apartment, condo, or anywhere noise travels, the InstantChill is the most considerate machine I have tested. You can run it during dinner without raising your voice, and the quick 20-minute cycle means you can finish and clean up before any neighbor notices.
Long-term track record unknown
Because this is a newer product, I cannot yet speak to how it holds up after two or three years of regular use. The other compressor models on this list — the Whynter and Cuisinart — have years of user feedback confirming their durability. The InstantChill’s early reviews are excellent, but I will update this guide as long-term data accumulates.
How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Maker for Your Kitchen?
Choosing the best ice cream maker comes down to four decisions: canister versus compressor, capacity, program variety, and how often you actually plan to use it. I have watched dozens of home cooks buy impressive machines and then leave them in a closet because they did not match the cook’s actual habits. Here is how I think through each decision.
Canister versus compressor: the central tradeoff
Canister ice cream makers are cheaper, lighter, and easier to store. You freeze a bowl in your home freezer for 12 to 24 hours before each use. They are perfect for weekend treat-making but kill spontaneous cravings. Compressor models have a built-in freezer, which means you can use them on a whim. They cost more and weigh more, but the convenience is unmatched for frequent users.
The CREAMi-style machines split the difference. They require freezing your base in a pint container (24 hours), but they produce a noticeably smoother texture than traditional churns. If texture matters more than speed, the CREAMi is worth considering. If speed matters more than texture, go with a compressor.
Batch size and household size
Single servings: DASH My Mug. Couples: Cuisinart ICE-100 or Ninja NC301. Families of four: Whynter, Nostalgia 4-quart, or Ninja CREAMi Deluxe. Large gatherings: Nostalgia 4-quart for scoop shops, or stack multiple CREAMi tubs.
I keep a 4-quart Nostalgia for parties and an ICE-100 for weeknight batches. That combination has served my household for two years without any overlap in need.
Noise, cleanup, and durability considerations
Noise varies dramatically. Canister machines are loudest because the motor fights friction from the frozen bowl. CREAMi machines are moderate — about as loud as a blender. Compressor machines vary: the Whynter and Cuisinart hum noticeably, but the Instant Pot InstantChill is genuinely quiet. If noise is a factor in your home, prioritize the InstantChill.
Cleanup separates good machines from great ones. Every canister model requires hand-washing the bowl and dasher. CREAMi machines are dishwasher safe. Compressor models vary — the Cuisinart and InstantChill wipe clean, while the Whynter requires removing the bowl for washing.
Durability favors compressor machines with established track records. The Cuisinart ICE-100 has been on the market for more than a decade, and user reports consistently show 5+ years of regular use without failure. The Whynter ICM-200LS has a similar longevity profile. Newer models like the InstantChill have less long-term data.
Price-to-performance analysis
If you want maximum value, the Cuisinart ICE-100 is hard to beat. Yes, it has a higher upfront cost, but it eliminates the recurring hassle of pre-freezing, produces excellent texture, and includes a 3-year warranty. The cost-per-batch over five years is lower than any canister model once you factor in convenience.
If you want minimum upfront cost, the Nostalgia Electric or DASH My Mug delivers solid results at the lowest prices on this list. Neither will match a compressor machine for texture, but both produce ice cream that beats anything you can buy at the grocery store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Cream Makers
What is the best ice cream maker for home use?
The best ice cream maker for home use is the Cuisinart ICE-100 if you want premium texture and commercial-grade performance, the Ninja NC301 CREAMi if you want customizable textures, or the Nostalgia Electric if you want a budget-friendly option for family-sized batches.
How long does it take to make ice cream in an ice cream maker?
Canister models take 20 to 30 minutes of churning after a 12 to 24 hour pre-freeze. Compressor models take 20 to 45 minutes with no pre-freeze needed. CREAMi models take about 5 minutes of processing after a 24 hour base freeze.
Do you need to freeze the bowl before using an ice cream maker?
You need to freeze the bowl only for canister-style ice cream makers. The bowl must sit in your home freezer for 12 to 24 hours before each use. Compressor models and CREAMi machines have built-in cooling or use pre-frozen pints, so no separate bowl freezing is required.
What is the difference between compressor and canister ice cream makers?
Canister ice cream makers require pre-freezing a bowl in your home freezer and are cheaper and lighter. Compressor ice cream makers have a built-in freezer that allows spontaneous use, but cost more and weigh more. Compressor models also produce more consistent results and support back-to-back batches without refreezing.
Can you make gelato in an ice cream maker?
Yes, most modern ice cream makers can produce gelato. Models like the Cuisinart ICE-100 include a dedicated gelato paddle that whips less air into the mixture for a denser texture. CREAMi machines like the Ninja NC301 have a dedicated Gelato program that produces authentic Italian-style results.
Our Final Verdict on the Best Ice Cream Makers
The best ice cream maker for you depends on how often you plan to churn. If you make ice cream weekly and care about texture, the Cuisinart ICE-100 is the best ice cream maker for serious home chefs. For families who want maximum versatility, the Ninja CREAMi lineup is unmatched. For casual weekend batches on a budget, the Nostalgia Electric delivers genuine value.
Whatever you choose, your kitchen is about to smell like vanilla and feel like summer. Start with the basic vanilla recipe in your machine’s manual, then experiment with mix-ins, temperatures, and base ratios. That is the journey my grandmother took with her old hand-crank model, and it is the journey that will keep you reaching for your new machine long after the novelty wears off.