The best ice cream makers in New Zealand will whip up a variety of frozen treats in no time, but the selection of machines to choose from can be staggering.
There's an ice cream maker for everyone, ranging from manual to fully automated machines and features like built-in freezers and automatic timers. However, it also makes finding the right one that fits your budget and needs trickier.
In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about getting the best ice cream maker for your home and show you the best ice cream makers in NZ you can get right now.
What to consider when buying an ice cream maker
Here's a brief guide on what to consider when getting an ice cream maker:
- Price Range: Ice cream makers can be priced anywhere from $50 to $1,000. Standard machines can be quite affordable, but spending more often gets you additional features like faster churning speeds, larger capacity, and built-in freezing capabilities. Consider how often you'll use the machine when figuring out your budget.
- Capacity: Usually measured in litres, capacity can range from 0.5 litres to around 2 litres. Smaller models are sufficient for individuals or smaller families, while larger models are better suited for frequent use or larger groups.
- Type of Machine: Decide between manual and electric models. Manual machines are more hands-on and often less expensive, but electric models offer convenience and consistency, especially for those who make ice cream regularly.
- Speed and Efficiency: The speed at which the machine churns ice cream can affect both the texture and the overall quality, but it typically takes 20 minutes to one hour. Some machines also offer different speed settings for more control over the churning process.
- Features: Look for features that include built-in freezers (which eliminate the need for pre-freezing bowls), automatic timers, and multiple speed settings. More advanced features generally increase the price.
- Ease of Use and Cleaning: Consider how easy the machine is to operate and clean. Machines with detachable parts are generally easier to clean.
- Brand and Warranty: Research the brand's reputation and the warranty offered. A good warranty can provide peace of mind, especially for more expensive models.
The best ice cream maker for you depends on how you plan to use it. Balance your budget with the features you need to find the perfect match.
The Best Ice Cream Maker NZ
1. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Compressor 1.5L
Price: $799
Key Features
- Fully automatic with a quality compressor.
- No pre-chill or freezing bowls required.
- Gelato and ice cream paddles included.
- 1.5-litre capacity.
- Brushed stainless steel housing.
- Features a 60-minute countdown timer with touchpad controls and LCD screen.
- 10-minute Keep Cool feature to maintain temperature after completion.
The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Compressor stands out for its robust features and ease of use. This fully automatic machine boasts a commercial-grade compressor, eliminating the need for pre-chilling or freezing bowls.
Its dual paddles for gelato and ice cream offer versatility in making authentic gelato and creamy ice cream, while the 1.5-litre capacity is ideal for families or guests. Its sophisticated design, complete with brushed stainless steel housing, adds a nice touch of style to suit most kitchens.
The machine’s user-friendly interface, including a 60-minute countdown timer and LCD, streamlines the ice cream-making process. The Keep Cool feature is a great addition, providing your frozen dessert remains at the perfect temperature even after the churning is done.
Its price is nothing to sneeze at, but the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker won't disappoint.
2. Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker - NC300
Price: $399.99
Key Features
- Simple one-click operation.
- Versatile with options for ice cream, sorbet, milkshake, lite ice cream, gelato, and smoothies.
- Dishwasher-safe components and BPA-free.
- One-Touch programs for perfect speed, pressure, and time combination.
- Ideal for both healthy and indulgent frozen treats.
The Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker - NC300 is a versatile and user-friendly device, perfect for creating a variety of frozen treats. Its One-Touch programs make it easy to create a variety of desserts, from sorbets to smoothie bowls.
The machine's ability to handle various types of ice cream makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy traditional ice cream and healthier options.
Its dishwasher-safe components ensure easy cleanup, and being BPA-free adds to its appeal for health-conscious users.
At $400, the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker is an excellent mid-range option for most.
3. Breville the Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
Price: $498
Key Features
- Automatic settings with 12 options, including sorbet, frozen yoghurt, gelato, and ice cream.
- Pre Cool functionality to reach optimal operating temperatures.
- Mix In feature for adding ingredients like chocolate chips or fruit.
- Keep Cool functionality to maintain the perfect temperature for up to 3 hours.
- Choice between manual or automatic with four pre-programmed settings.
The Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker redefines home dessert making. Its unique ability to automatically sense the hardness of your mixture and adjust accordingly sets it apart.
It offers 12 hardness settings and caters to a wide range of frozen treats, from sorbet to creamy ice cream. The Pre Cool function is a game-changer; your mixture will always reach the ideal temperature for processing.
The Mix In feature allows you to add your favourite extras, like fruit, sprinkles or chocolate chips. Moreover, the Keep Cool function keeps desserts at the best consistency for up to three hours. It's robust and efficient with a 1-litre capacity and stainless steel housing.
The Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker is well-priced and has a two-year warranty, making it a superb choice for anyone serious about their frozen desserts.
4. Cuisinart Cool Scoops Ice Cream Maker
Price: $169
Key Features
- Churns up to 1.5 litres of ice cream, gelato, or frozen yoghurt.
- Double-insulated freezer bowl and heavy-duty motor for efficient churning.
- Allows for adding ingredients during the churning process.
- Features include brushed stainless trim and cord storage.
- Comes with a three-year warranty.
The Cuisinart Cool Scoops Ice Cream Maker is a compact, affordable, and efficient machine that's a fantastic option for homemade frozen desserts.
It can churn up to 1.5 litres of your favourite ice cream, gelato, or frozen yoghurt in about 20 minutes. The double-insulated freezer bowl and heavy-duty motor ensure efficient and consistent churning. One of the highlights of this machine is the ability to add ingredients during the churning process, allowing for plenty of combinations.
Its sleek design with brushed stainless trim makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen. Thanks to its compact size and cord storage, the machine is also easy to store.
With a three-year warranty, The Cuisinart Cool Scoops Ice Cream Maker combines functionality with peace of mind, making it an excellent choice for any ice cream enthusiast.
5. Magimix Le Glacier 1.5L Ice Cream Machine White
Price: $299
Key Features
- Capable of creating up to 1.5 litres of ice cream or sorbet.
- Features a double blade and a stainless steel tank.
- Equipped with a large feed tube for easy ingredient addition and a lid with an opening.
- Simple one-button start operation.
- Offers a three-year warranty.
The Magimix Le Glacier 1.5L Ice Cream Machine is a straightforward and efficient choice for making ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yoghurt at home.
With a pre-freeze time of 12 hours for the bowl, it can whip up delicious homemade desserts in about 30 minutes. Its capacity to create up to 1.5 litres suits most families. The machine’s double blade and stainless steel tank ensure durability and consistent performance.
The design includes practical features like a large feed tube and an opening lid, making adding ingredients and monitoring the process easy. Plus, the simple one-button start makes it an appealing option for those looking for ease of use in their ice cream making.
With a three-year warranty and fair pricing, the Magimix Le Glacier Ice Cream Machine is worth checking out.
The Best Ice Cream Maker NZ: FAQs
What is the typical price range for ice cream makers?
Ice cream makers can range from affordable, basic models to more expensive, feature-rich versions. Prices can vary from around $50 for a simple manual model to well over $300 for a high-end electric one with advanced features.
What capacity should I look for in an ice cream maker?
Capacities typically range from about 0.5 litres (1 pint) to 2 litres (2 quarts) or more. For individual use or small families, a smaller capacity is usually sufficient. Larger families or those who entertain often might prefer a machine with a larger capacity.
Should I choose a manual or electric ice cream maker?
Manual ice cream makers are more hands-on and generally less expensive, ideal for occasional use or for those who enjoy making ice cream. Electric models are more convenient and consistent, better suited for regular use or for those who prefer ease of use.
Do more expensive ice cream makers produce better ice cream?
Higher-priced models often come with features that can improve the texture and flavour of the ice cream, such as faster churning speeds and built-in freezers. However, even basic models can produce tasty ice cream with the right recipe and technique.
What are the key features to look for in an ice cream maker?
Key features include the type of operation (manual or electric), capacity, speed settings, additional features like built-in freezers or automatic timers, and ease of cleaning.
How important is the brand and warranty when choosing an ice cream maker?
Choosing a reputable brand can ensure quality and durability. A good warranty is also important, particularly for more expensive models, as it protects against defects and malfunctions.
Can I make more than just ice cream with these machines?
Yes, many ice cream makers can also make gelato, sorbet, and frozen yoghurt, giving you a variety of frozen desserts to enjoy.
