Making your own ice cream is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you get to enjoy delicious ice cream, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself!

However, before you can start making your own ice cream, you need to buy an ice cream maker.

If you love homemade ice cream, then you need one of the best ice cream makers in NZ.

These machines make it easy to create your favourite flavours at home, without any fuss or hassle. We’ve tested a lot of ice cream makers and here’s what we think are the 5 BEST Ice Cream Makers NZ!

And if you don’t take our word for it, we’ve included an ice cream maker buyer’s guide so you can make your own informed decisions

See also:

The 5 BEST Ice Cream Makers NZ

1Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Compressor

Price: $630
Key specs: 1.5L capacity | Built-in freezer | Makes gelato and frozen yoghurt as well

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Compressor is a great product for those who love ice cream. With a built-in freezer compressor, you can make batch after batch of your favorite flavor without having to pre-freeze or prepare the ingredients beforehand.

The touchpad controls and 60 minute countdown timer make it easy to program, while the blue LCD readout ensures that you know exactly how much time is left.

The large capacity 1.5L mixing bowl is perfect for making enough ice cream for the whole family, and the keep cool feature ensures that your ice cream stays at the perfect consistency even after 10 minutes of churning.

The mix-in opening allows you to add ingredients during the churning process, so you can create unlimited flavor combinations.

If you’re looking for an ice cream maker that will allow you to make gelato, frozen yoghurt or even sorbet, then the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Compressor is the perfect choice for you.

Buy now for $630 from Home of Brands (via TheMarket.com)

2Ovation Ice Cream Maker

Price: $375
Key specs: 1L capacity | No pre-chill required | Makes frozen yoghurt and sorbet as well

This easy-to-use machine doesn’t require any pre-chilling or pre-freezing, so you can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or slushy drinks in under an hour.

The transparent lid lets you keep an eye on the progress of your treat, while the removable paddle and LCD display make it easy to operate.

The low noise, efficient motor ensures that your treats are made quickly and easily, and the included 1 litre removable bowl and scoop make cleanup a breeze.

Buy now for $375 from KG Superstore (via TheMarket.com)

3Cuisinart Ice Cream/Yoghurt Maker

Price: $260
Key specs: 2L capacity | Freezer bowl style | Makes gelato and frozen yoghurt as well

Churn your own ice cream, gelato or frozen yoghurt at home with the Cuisinart Ice Cream/Yoghurt Maker. With its efficient design and on-trend rose gold finish, this appliance makes a statement on your benchtop, and is compact enough to easily store away with cord storage.

The mix-in opening allows you to add ingredients during the churning process – from shaved chocolate to nuts or fresh fruits – so you can create unlimited flavour combinations.

Watch your creations come to life through the see-through lid, and serve them up in style with the included freezer bowl – double-insulated for extra freezing power.

This appliance is 240V and easy to use, so you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream, gelato or frozen yoghurt all year round.

Buy now for $260 from Home of Brands (via TheMarket.com)

4Kogan Ice Cream Maker

Price: $150
Key specs: 500ml capacity | Freezer bowl style

The Kogan Ice Cream Maker is an great affordable option for anyone who loves ice cream.

With its fully automatic mixing paddle and double-insulated freezer bowl, it’s easy to make your own ice cream at home. Simply add your desired ingredients, turn on the machine, and let it do its magic.

The built-in timer ensures that your ice cream is perfectly mixed every time. And cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable parts that are safe to put in the dishwasher.

Best of all, the Kogan Ice Cream Maker is low energy consumption and BPA free, so you can enjoy your ice cream guilt-free!

Buy now for $150 from MightyApe.co.nz

5Davis & Waddell: Electric Ice Cream Maker

Price: $130
Key specs: 1.5L capacity | Freezer bowl style | Makes gelato and frozen yoghurt as well

Looking for an electric ice cream maker that can help you create delicious frozen desserts at home? Look no further than the Davis & Waddell Ice Cream Maker!

This user-friendly appliance comes equipped with a 1.5 litre freezer bowl and transparent lid, so you can easily see the progress of your ice cream as it churns.

The included paddle ensures even mixing, while the non-slip feet provide enhanced stability. Plus, the instruction leaflet includes recipes for a variety of frozen treats, so you can get started right away!

Made from durable ABS and polypropylene, the Davis & Waddell Ice Cream Maker is a fun and functional addition to any kitchen.

Buy now for $130 from MightyApe.co.nz

Ice Cream Maker Buyer’s Guide

In this buyer’s guide, we will explain everything you need to know before making your ice cream maker purchase.

We’ll cover the different types of ice cream makers available, as well as the features that you should look for. Plus, we’ll provide some tips on how to choose the right model for your needs.

So whether you’re a first-time buyer or just looking to upgrade your old machine, read on for all the information you need!

How big is the ice cream maker?

The size of the ice cream maker is an important consideration for potential buyers.

First, the size of the maker dictates whether or not you’re going to be able to fit it on your tabletop or in your kitchen.

Second, the size will also dictate how much ice cream can be made at one time. If you’re making ice cream for a large group you’ll want a bigger machine.

What type of ice cream maker suits your needs?

There are two main types of ice cream makers: electric, hand-cranked and stovetop.

Electric machines are the most common type of ice cream maker. They’re easy to use and don’t require any manual effort.

Hand-cranked machines are less common but they’re a good choice for people who want to be more hands-on with their ice cream making.

Compressor or freezer bowl ice cream maker?

Compressor ice cream makers are the more expensive option but they’re also the best choice for people who want to make large quantities of ice cream or who want to be able to make ice cream quickly.

Freezer bowl machines are less expensive and they’re a good choice for people who want an easy-to-use machine. However although they’re usually cheaper, they take a bit longer and require some pre-planning.

What kind of features does the machine have?

When you’re looking at different ice cream makers, you’ll want to compare the features of each one.

Some machines come with built-in freezers, while others need to be pre-frozen.

Some machines come with timers, so you can set it and forget it, while others don’t have this feature.

You’ll also want to decide if you want a machine that makes one flavor at a time or a machine that has the capacity to make multiple flavors.

How often do you plan on using the ice cream maker?

If you plan on using the ice cream maker frequently, you’ll want to choose a machine that’s easy to use and clean.

On the other hand, if you only plan on using the machine occasionally, you may be able to get away with a less expensive model.

Does the machine make anything else other than ice cream?

Some ice cream makers also double as yogurt makers or sorbet makers.

If you’re interested in making anything other than ice cream, you’ll want to choose a machine that has this capability.

How easy is it to clean the machine after use?

Cleaning the ice cream maker is an important consideration, especially if you plan on using it frequently.

Some machines have removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher, while others require manual cleaning.

You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to store the machine when it’s not in use.

What is your budget?

As with any purchase, it’s important to consider your budget when buying an ice cream maker.

Freezer bowl machines are usually the least expensive option, while compressor machines are typically more expensive.

Keep in mind that cheaper models may not have all the features that you want, so it’s important to strike a balance between price and features.

Reece Bates, is an outdoors journalist with a knack for capturing the heart of every adventure. Whether he's weaving tales from hidden trails or offering insights into the beauty of the natural world.