Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
July has been scorching hot, so there has never been a better time to invest in an ice cream maker to keep cool in the heat.
Today’s ice-cream makers make it easy to create café-quality desserts at home, so here are some of the best ice cream makers worth considering in Summer 2026.
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 10-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Drink Maker: £249.99
The standout all-rounder this year is the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe. Unlike traditional machines, you freeze your ingredients first before the machine transforms them into incredibly smooth ice cream, gelato, milkshakes and frozen drinks in just a few minutes. It’s especially popular with families and anyone who enjoys experimenting with healthier recipes, protein ice creams or dairy-free desserts.
Cuisinart Professional Ice Cream & Gelato Maker: £208.74
If you’d rather make ice cream whenever the mood strikes, the Cuisinart Professional Ice Cream & Gelato Maker is an excellent choice. Its built-in compressor means there’s no need to pre-freeze a bowl, allowing you to produce rich ice cream or authentic Italian-style gelato whenever you fancy. It’s ideal for keen home cooks who want convenience without compromising on quality.
Magimix Gelato Expert Ice Cream Maker: £448.99
For serious dessert enthusiasts, the Magimix Gelato Expert remains one of the finest premium machines available. It offers professional-level consistency, automatic programmes and exceptional texture, making it a favourite for those who regularly make frozen desserts at home.
Cuisinart Solo Scoops Ice Cream Maker: £29.99
If you’re buying your first machine or simply want something affordable, there are excellent budget options too. The Cuisinart Solo Scoops is compact, easy to use and perfect for smaller households without taking over valuable kitchen space.
Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
For a classic vanilla recipe, you’ll need:
- 600ml double cream
- 300ml whole milk
- 150g caster sugar
- 1 vanilla pod (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
- 4 egg yolks
Warm the milk, cream and vanilla together. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale, then slowly pour in the warm cream mixture while whisking continuously. Return everything to the pan and gently heat until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Chill thoroughly before churning in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
For a quick summer favourite:
- 300g fresh strawberries
- 300ml double cream
- 200g cream cheese
- 100g caster sugar
- Crushed digestive biscuits
Blend the strawberries with the sugar, whisk together with the cream and cream cheese, then churn until almost frozen. Fold through crushed biscuits before freezing for another hour.
