Comparison: Best Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Craving homemade ice cream? There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy texture and fresh flavors achieved with a hand crank ice cream maker. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. This comparison will explore some of the top-rated hand crank ice cream makers on the market, considering factors like capacity, ease of use, durability, and cleaning. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each model to help you find the perfect machine to churn out delicious frozen treats for your family and friends. Let’s find the best hand crank ice cream maker for your needs!
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for great for parties:
Elite Gourmet EIM402 Old Fashioned 4 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine -
Best for large capacity:
Elite Gourmet EIM916X Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine Appalachian -
Best for quick and easy:
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Vintage Wooden Style – Dark Wood – 4 Quart -
Best for premium build:
PREMIUM 6 qt. – Immergood Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker – Hand Crank -
Best for large capacity:
Elite Gourmet EIM916 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine Appalachian -
Best for no salt or ice:
Donvier 837450 Manual Ice Cream Maker -
Best for old fashioned look:
Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine – 4 Quart Old Fashioned Icecream Maker with Hand Crank and Electric Paddle – Pine Wood Bucket Ice Cream Machine for Frozen Yogurt -
Best for premium quality:
PREMIUM Large 8 qt. – Immergood Ice Cream Maker – Stainless Steel – Hand Crank -
Best for easy to use:
Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EIM-924L 4 quart Old Fashioned Electric Ice Cream Maker -
Best for large capacity:
Elite Gourmet Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Appalachian Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine
Product Comparison: Best Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker
Great for Parties
Elite Gourmet EIM402 Old Fashioned 4 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine, Bonus Classic Die-Cast Hand Crank for Churning, Uses Ice and Rock Salt Churns Ice Cream in Minutes
Elite Gourmet
- 4-QUART CAPACITY: Freeze up to 4 Quarts of cold and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party time, snack time, barbeques, picnics and big events – enough to feed everyone!
- EASY 3 STEP PROCESS: 1) Mix your favorite ingredients and place in canister, 2) assemble the unit and add ice + rock salt, 3) plug in and turn On.
- QUICK & EASY TO USE: The ice cream and dessert maker is simple to use. Simply add the ingredient mixture into the machine, use the automatic motor or manual hand-crank and you'll have a tasty dessert in a short time just like the old-fashioned way.
- WHISPER QUIET OPERATION: The electric motor conveniently locks onto the bucket, making sure all parts are interlocked for safe and quiet operation.
- CLEANUP IS EASY: The aluminum canister allows for easy wiping away of messes, cleanup afterwards is a cinch. Easily store leftover ice cream in your freezer, plus included is a see-thru lid that fits right on top of the ice cream canister. Dishwasher safe canister and lid.
Large Capacity
Elite Gourmet EIM916X Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine Appalachian, Bonus Classic Die-Cast Hand Crank for Churning, Uses Ice and Rock Salt
Elite Gourmet
- 6-QUART CAPACITY: Freeze up to 6 Quarts of cold and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party time, snack time, barbeques, picnics and big events – enough to feed everyone!
- EASY 3 STEP PROCESS: 1) Mix your favorite ingredients and place in canister, 2) assemble the unit and add ice + rock salt, 3) plug in and turn On.
- QUICK & EASY TO USE: The ice cream and dessert maker is simple to use. Simply add the ingredient mixture into the machine, use the automatic motor or manual hand-crank and you'll have a tasty dessert in a short time just like the old-fashioned way.
- WHISPER QUIET OPERATION: The electric motor conveniently locks onto the bucket, making sure all parts are interlocked for safe and quiet operation.
- CLEANUP IS EASY: The aluminum canister allows for easy wiping away of messes, cleanup afterwards is a cinch. Easily store leftover ice cream in your freezer, plus included is a see-thru lid that fits right on top of the ice cream canister. Dishwasher safe canister and lid.
Quick and Easy
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Vintage Wooden Style – Dark Wood – 4 Quart
Nostalgia
- HOMEMADE ICE CREAM: Enjoy a fun ice cream experience with modern convenience with our ice cream machines. Make ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato, or choose your favorite flavor and make a unique and delicious creation.
- NOSTALGIA ICE CREAM KITS: Our ice cream machines for home pair perfectly with all Nostalgia ice cream kits. Try the vanilla crème, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream mix or the premium starter kit, which is excellent for a party or snack time.
- QUICK AND EASY: Make homemade ice cream in 20 minutes. The powerful electric motor does all the churning and work for you. There is no more intensive stirring or manual effort, and the motor locks into place to keep all parts secure.
- CONVENIENT HANDLE: Take the gelato maker to parties or the neighbor's house. It has a carrying handle attached to the bucket, making it easy to move no matter where it needs to go.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Premium Build
PREMIUM 6 qt. – Immergood Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker – Hand Crank
Immergood
- This is a hand made product, expect some variations or possible scuff marks from manufacturing.
- Stainless steel <br>Built with long lasting, rust proof stainless steel hardware, no exceptions, no imitations. No grease needed. This unit uses Polly wear bushings for a long life, no maintenance enjoyment. All you have to do is think about the Ice Cream!
- Leak-free, highly insulated, triple layer construction<br> Finally a tub that will not leak! Thanks to a one piece, poly tub, you never have to worry about leaking water again. Not only will the tub not leak but it will keep it cold as well. Your ice cream can be stored for hours, even a day or more in moderate temperatures with this insulated tub.
- Makes great ice cream<br> The unique triple action dasher ensures you get the best churn for every crank. The can rotates clockwise, the dasher counter clockwise, and the center rotates clockwise. This creates a constant folding of the ice cream, giving you the best texture possible.
- Make memories anywhere<br> Hand cranked means you can take this freezer virtually anywhere. Just put your mix in an ice chest and bring a bag of ice along and you'll have a great frozen treat at your next backwoods picnic.
- Create a family summer tradition<br> For generations, you will get to use the ice cream freezer that "we made ice cream with at Grandma's house". That is what you get when you invest in quality!
- Made in small town america<br> No large factories, not imported. Immergood supports family-friendly manufacturing by employing several small family run shops who make the different parts of the finished product. No long commutes to work, no large assembly lines, just a few hard working Americans who want to give you the quality they expect for themselves.
- Cleaning<br> Clean internal parts with soap and water. Dishwasher safe. Rinse tub to free it from salt.
Large Capacity
Elite Gourmet EIM916 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine Appalachian, Bonus Classic Die-Cast Hand Crank for Churning, Uses Ice and Rock Salt
Elite Gourmet
- 6-QUART CAPACITY: Freeze up to 6 Quarts of cold and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party time, snack time, barbeques, picnics and big events – enough to feed everyone!
- EASY 3 STEP PROCESS: 1) Mix your favorite ingredients and place in canister, 2) assemble the unit and add ice + rock salt, 3) plug in and turn On.
- QUICK & EASY TO USE: The ice cream and dessert maker is simple to use. Simply add the ingredient mixture into the machine, use the automatic motor or manual hand-crank and you'll have a tasty dessert in a short time just like the old-fashioned way.
- WHISPER QUIET OPERATION: The electric motor conveniently locks onto the bucket, making sure all parts are interlocked for safe and quiet operation.
- CLEANUP IS EASY: The aluminum canister allows for easy wiping away of messes, cleanup afterwards is a cinch. Easily store leftover ice cream in your freezer, plus included is a see-thru lid that fits right on top of the ice cream canister. Dishwasher safe canister and lid.
No Salt or Ice
Donvier 837450 Manual Ice Cream Maker, 1-Quart, White
Cuisipro
- Makes 1 quart of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen drink
- No salt or ice needed; freezer bowl and paddle do the work
- Aluminum freezer bowl cleans easily
- 9-1/2-Inch high, 8 Inch in diameter
- Recipes included
- Makes 1 quart of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen drink
- No salt or ice needed; freezer bowl and paddle do the work
- Aluminum freezer bowl cleans easily
Old Fashioned Look
Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine – 4 Quart Old Fashioned Icecream Maker with Hand Crank and Electric Paddle – Pine Wood Bucket Ice Cream Machine for Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet by Classic Cuisine
Classic Cuisine
- 2-IN-1 ICECREAM MAKER MACHINE – This soft serve ice cream machine makes delicious homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, and sorbet the old fashioned way with a mild assist from technology, using an included 38 RPM motorized attachment.
- EASY TO USE – Making fresh ice cream just got easier with our ice cream machines — simply place your ingredients in the cannister, surround it with ice and rock salt, and turn on the electric paddle. The hand crank can be used for a firmer consistency.
- LARGE CAPACITY – This soft serve ice cream maker comes with a large aluminum cannister that can be used to make up to 4-quarts of tasty frozen treats. The frozen yogurt machine is ideal for family movie nights, birthday parties, summer pool days and more.
- OLD FASHIONED LOOK – Enjoy the classic look of our old fashioned ice cream maker, with its hand-crafted solid pine wood bucket and included manual hand crank. Use the soft ice cream machine to not only make desserts but also as traditional kitchen decor.
- PRODUCT DETAILS – Materials: Pine Wood, Aluminum, and Plastic. Dimensions: With Electric Attachment – (L) 15” x (W) 14” x (H) 16”; Manual Attachment – (L) 19” x (W) 14” x (H) 14”. Includes Mixing Paddle, Centering Ring, Plastic Mixing Blade, and Lid.
Premium Quality
PREMIUM Large 8 qt. – Immergood Ice Cream Maker – Stainless Steel – Hand Crank
Immergood
- Leak-free ice cream tub with stainless steel gears – Made in USA
- Made to last to hand down to the next generation
- Stainless Steel Gear frame
- 3 Year Warranty – No hassle
- This is a hand made product, expect some variations or possible scuff marks from manufacturing
Easy To Use
Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EIM-924L 4 quart Old Fashioned Electric Ice Cream Maker, Pine Bucket
Elite Gourmet
- 4-QUART CAPACITY: Freeze up to 4 Quarts of cold and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party time, snack time, barbeques, picnics and big events – enough to feed everyone!
- WATER PROOF LINED INTERIOR: Hand-crafted solid pine wooden bucket with a solid plastic liner. No more leaks or damage to the wood when in operation.
- EASY 3 STEP PROCESS: 1) Mix your favorite ingredients and place in canister, 2) assemble the unit and add ice + rock salt, 3) plug in and turn On.
- NO MANUAL EFFORT NEEDED: A powerful electric motor-driven paddle does all the churning to whip to a creamy consistency in minutes, no more intensive stirring or manual effort required.
- WHISPER QUIET OPERATION: The electric motor conveniently locks onto the liner, making sure all parts are interlocked for safe and quiet operation.
Large Capacity
Elite Gourmet Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Appalachian Wood Bucket Electric Ice Cream Maker Machine, *Bonus Classic Die-Cast Hand Crank for Churning, Uses Ice and Rock Salt Churns Ice Cream in Minute
Elite Gourmet
- 6-QUART CAPACITY: Freeze up to 6 Quarts of cold and creamy ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. Perfect for party time, snack time, barbeques, picnics and big events – enough to feed everyone!
- EASY 3 STEP PROCESS: 1) Mix your favorite ingredients and place in canister, 2) assemble the unit and add ice + rock salt, 3) plug in and turn On.
- QUICK & EASY TO USE: The ice cream and dessert maker is simple to use. Simply add the ingredient mixture into the machine, use the automatic motor or manual hand-crank and you'll have a tasty dessert in a short time just like the old-fashioned way.
- WHISPER QUIET OPERATION: The electric motor conveniently locks onto the bucket, making sure all parts are interlocked for safe and quiet operation.
- CLEANUP IS EASY: The aluminum canister allows for easy wiping away of messes, cleanup afterwards is a cinch. Easily store leftover ice cream in your freezer, plus included is a see-thru lid that fits right on top of the ice cream canister. Dishwasher safe canister and lid.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What is a hand crank ice cream maker?
A hand crank ice cream maker is a device that requires manual turning of a crank to churn the ice cream mixture while it freezes.
What are the benefits of using a hand crank ice cream maker?
Hand crank models offer a traditional ice cream making experience, do not require electricity, and provide more control over the churning process.
How much ice and salt do I need for a hand crank ice cream maker?
The amount of ice and salt varies, but a common ratio is around 3 parts ice to 1 part rock salt. Refer to your specific model's instructions.
What is the typical batch size for a hand crank ice cream maker?
Batch sizes vary, with common sizes including 4-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart models.
What materials are commonly used in hand crank ice cream makers?
Common materials include stainless steel canisters, wooden buckets, and durable plastic components.
How long does it take to make ice cream with a hand crank maker?
The process usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes of cranking, depending on the model and recipe.
Are hand crank ice cream makers difficult to use?
While they require physical effort, hand crank ice cream makers are relatively straightforward to use. Follow the instructions for best results.
