Ice Cream Maker – Best in Test 2026 – Top 10 Ice Cream Makers | Hardworkout Magazine
Key takeaways
- Ice cream makers with a built-in compressor freeze the mixture while stirring, so they can be used without any preparation and can produce several batches in a row.
- Machines without a compressor rely on a freezer bowl that must be placed in the freezer for 12–24 hours before use.
- Allulose is the sweetener that behaves most like regular sugar in ice cream, giving a softer, creamier texture straight from the freezer, while stevia adds sweetness but neither volume nor structure.
- None of the ten machines were physically tested; the ranking is based on technical specifications, manufacturer information and available product details.
We have tested the best ice cream makers on the market in 2026 – in various price ranges. For those who train and are conscious of what they eat, an ice cream maker can be a surprisingly smart tool in the kitchen.
Why would anyone who trains want an ice cream maker?
You can make sugar-free ice cream, protein-rich varieties, or lighter options with pure ingredients – exactly when you crave something sweet. When you control the ingredients yourself, you avoid unnecessary additives and high sugar content. This gives you the freedom to enjoy something delicious anytime – without compromising your goals.
Further down in the article, you can read more about the criteria the ice cream makers were evaluated on and tips for ingredients and what you can make of healthy desserts.
How do we score and rank the machines?
Hardworkout.no is committed to ensuring that the tests are thorough, independent, and credible. The products in this test have not been physically tested by us, but evaluated based on technical specifications, manufacturer information, and available product details.
In the evaluation, we have emphasized cooling system, power and capacity, speed and features, material choice, user-friendliness, size, and value for money. The goal is to provide you with an overview of the models that actually deliver the best in their price range.
PS: Prices and selection may vary from day to day. The prices we provide are recommended prices. Online stores often have good deals, and the products may be on promotion at a lower price than what is stated here.
We always strive to keep the list updated with products that are in stock. Where there are multiple alternative prices, we link to several stores.
By shopping through the links in the test, you contribute to our ability to continue publishing quality-conscious tests and articles, and we greatly appreciate it if you do so. Prices are updated regularly and reflect the best prices on the market.
- Best in Test: [Sage The Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker](https://hardworkout.no/Sage-TheSmartScoop-iskremmaskin)
- Best Premium Model: [Ninja Swirl by CREAMi 13-in-1](https://hardworkout.no/ninja-swirl-creami-sharkninja)
- Best Budget Model: [Cuisinart Solo Scoops ICEM10E](https://hardworkout.no/Cuisinart-Solo-Scoops-ICEM10E)
How We Evaluated Ice Cream Makers
The products have not been physically tested by us and are evaluated based on technical specifications, information from the manufacturer, and available product details.
Cooling System (20) The most important distinction is between machines with and without a built-in compressor.
Models with a compressor freeze the ice cream mixture while stirring. They can be used without preparation, and it is possible to make several batches in a row. This solution usually provides a more even consistency and less formation of ice crystals.
Machines without a compressor use a freezing bowl. These must be placed in the freezer for 12–24 hours before use and require a bit more planning.
Power and Capacity (25) This criterion assesses both motor power and how much ice the machine can produce per batch.
Power in watts indicates how powerful the motor is and how evenly the ice cream mixture is processed while cooling down. Even stirring during freezing is crucial for the final result.
Capacity is stated in liters and determines how large a portion you can make at a time. Compressor models often have a capacity of 1.5–2 liters, while smaller models are lower.
Speed and Features (15 points) A good ice cream maker should be able to produce finished ice cream in about 30–60 minutes.
We evaluate which programs the machine has, for example, for ice cream, sorbet, and yogurt ice. Additionally, we look at whether it has a function for adding ingredients towards the end of the process, so you can easily mix in chocolate, nuts, or berries.
Material Choice and Build Quality (15) This assesses the material of the machine itself and the bowl, as well as total weight and construction.
Machines with a metal housing and a bowl made of stainless steel score higher than simple plastic models. Heavier machines are often more robust and stand more stable during use.
Ease of Use and Cleaning (10) We evaluate how easy the ice cream maker is to operate and clean.
A removable bowl and stirring blade make cleaning easier. A clear display and straightforward operation are advantageous. Noise level is included in the assessment where this is specified by the manufacturer.
Size and Weight (5) Assessed based on dimensions and total weight. This indicates how much space the machine requires in the kitchen and how easy it is to move and store. Compressor models are generally both larger and heavier than the simpler ones without a compressor.
Value for Money (10) Assessed based on price compared to performance, capacity, and level of features in the relevant price range. An expensive model must deliver more than a reasonable model to justify the price.
Which sugar-free alternatives work best in ice cream?
When you remove regular sugar from ice cream, you lose more than just sweetness.
Sugar helps to lower the freezing point and provides structure and volume. Without this effect, the ice cream can become very hard and have a coarser texture.
Allulose is considered one of the best alternatives in ice cream. It behaves technically more like regular sugar than many other sweeteners and contributes to a softer and creamier texture – even straight from the freezer.
Erythritol also provides volume and structure, but in larger amounts, it can cause the ice cream to become firmer and somewhat grainy. Therefore, many combine erythritol with allulose to achieve both fullness and better texture.
Stevia, on the other hand, is a very concentrated sweetener. It provides sweetness but adds neither volume nor structure. If you use only stevia, you risk the ice cream freezing harder.
In short: If you want to make sugar-free ice cream with the best possible texture, allulose works best alone – or in combination with erythritol.
Healthy Desserts You Can Make with an Ice Cream Maker
An ice cream maker is not just for classic cream ice. For those who train and are conscious of what they eat, it can be a useful tool in the kitchen.
When you make ice cream yourself, you have full control over the ingredients. You can reduce the sugar content, increase the protein amount, and choose raw materials without unnecessary additives. This makes it possible to enjoy something sweet more often – without compromising your goals.
Here are some examples of what you can actually make:
Nicecream: banana ice cream without added sugar
One of the simplest and most natural variants.
- Freeze ripe bananas in pieces and blend them until smooth. Then run the mixture in the ice cream maker for a softer and creamier consistency.
You can vary the flavor with:
-Frozen raspberries or strawberries
-Cocoa and peanut butter
-A little vanilla or cinnamon
This results in a creamy dessert without added sugar and without the need for cream.
Protein Ice Cream
How do you make protein ice cream at home?
Perfect when you want to combine dessert and recovery.
- You can use Greek yogurt, skyr, or low-fat cottage cheese as a base.
- A simple solution is also to freeze ready-made protein drinks and run them in the ice cream maker.
- Feel free to add berries, cocoa, coffee, or a little extra protein powder to adjust the flavor and nutritional content.
- The ice cream maker ensures a smooth consistency and fewer ice crystals than if you just put the mixture in the freezer.