Top-Rated Ice Cream Makers for Making Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches

Dairy-free ice cream sandwiches offer a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic treat. Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream, making dairy-free ice cream at home gives you full control over the ingredients. A good ice cream maker is crucial for achieving that creamy, scoopable texture that holds up in a sandwich. In this guide, we'll explore the best ice cream makers for making your own dairy-free ice cream sandwiches, offering a variety of features and price points to suit your needs.

1. Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker

Why It's Perfect for Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches:

The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is a popular choice for making all types of ice cream, including dairy-free options. Its simplicity, reliability, and quick operation make it a great tool for creating smooth, creamy, plant-based ice cream that holds up well in sandwiches.

Key Features:

• 1.5-Quart Capacity: Perfect for making smaller batches of dairy-free ice cream to ensure freshness.
• Fully Automatic: Takes the guesswork out of the process---just add ingredients and press start.
• Compact Design: Space-efficient and easy to store in any kitchen.
• BPA-Free: Safe materials ensure your ice cream is free from harmful chemicals.

Pros:

• Easy to Use: The machine is very user-friendly, even for beginners. Just pour your dairy-free mixture in and let it churn.
• Quick Freezing : Produces ice cream in 20-30 minutes, which is perfect for making ice cream sandwiches on the fly.
• Customizable Recipes: Allows you to control sugar and fat content, making it ideal for healthy, dairy-free alternatives.

Cons:

• Needs Pre-Freezing: The freezer bowl requires at least 12 hours of pre-freezing before use, so you need to plan ahead.
• Small Capacity: While it's perfect for small batches, it may not be ideal if you need large quantities of ice cream for multiple sandwiches.

Ideal for:

• Those who want an affordable and easy-to-use machine for making small batches of dairy-free ice cream for sandwiches.

2. Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker (NC301)

Why It's Perfect for Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches:

The Ninja CREAMi is a game-changer for anyone making dairy-free ice cream at home. With its advanced technology, it provides a super-smooth texture even for plant-based ice cream, ensuring your dairy-free ice cream sandwiches have the right consistency.

Key Features:

• 7 One-Touch Programs: Designed for ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more. Choose the program that best suits your desired outcome.
• Creamify Technology: This feature ensures even frozen mixtures turn into creamy, scoopable ice cream.
• Large 1.5-Quart Capacity: Make enough ice cream for several sandwiches in one go.

Pros:

• Smooth, Creamy Texture : The Ninja CREAMi excels at creating a creamy, dairy-free texture that rivals traditional ice cream.
• Versatile : Can make dairy-free sorbet, milkshakes, and even smoothie bowls---ideal for experimenting with different ice cream sandwich fillings.
• Customizable: Adjust the sugar and ingredients to make low-sugar, high-protein, or entirely dairy-free options.

Cons:

• Long Freezing Time: The unit works best after freezing the base mixture for at least 24 hours, which requires some patience.
• Large Size: The machine takes up more space than some of its competitors, which might be an issue for smaller kitchens.

Ideal for:

• Anyone serious about making smooth, creamy dairy-free ice cream for sandwiches with the ability to adjust recipes to taste.

3. Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker (BCI600XL)

Why It's Perfect for Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches:

The Breville Smart Scoop is a premium option for making high-quality, dairy-free ice cream. With its multiple hardness settings and easy-to-use features, this machine allows you to create custom dairy-free ice cream that holds up well in ice cream sandwiches.

Key Features:

• Automatic Hardness Control: Offers 12 hardness settings, so you can adjust the texture to your liking, which is ideal for sandwich-style ice cream.
• 1.5-Quart Capacity: Produces enough ice cream to make several sandwiches at once.
• Keep Cool Function: This feature keeps your ice cream chilled for up to 3 hours after churning, ensuring that it stays scoopable.
• Easy to Clean: The parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Pros:

• Multiple Settings: Whether you want soft-serve or firm ice cream for sandwiches, this machine gives you the control you need.
• Versatile: Can make sorbets, frozen yogurts, and other desserts in addition to dairy-free ice cream.
• Sturdy Build : Built to last, making it a great investment for frequent ice cream makers.

Cons:

• Pricey: It's on the higher end of the price spectrum, which may not suit everyone's budget.
• Takes Up Space: The machine is relatively large and requires ample countertop space.

Ideal for:

• People who want complete control over the texture and consistency of their dairy-free ice cream, especially for making ice cream sandwiches.

4. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment (KICA0WH)

Why It's Perfect for Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches:

If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer , the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment is a fantastic and affordable option for making dairy-free ice cream sandwiches. It's designed specifically to attach to your KitchenAid mixer, which means no need for a separate ice cream machine.

Key Features:

• Easy Attachment : Attaches directly to your KitchenAid stand mixer, making it simple to use without taking up extra space.
• 2-Quart Capacity : Allows for ample ice cream production, perfect for creating ice cream sandwiches.
• Chills and Churns: The bowl and paddle churn the mixture as it freezes, ensuring a smooth texture.

Pros:

• Compact: Since it's an attachment, it saves valuable counter space and works seamlessly with your existing mixer.
• Affordable : Less expensive than stand-alone machines, making it a budget-friendly option for those who already own a KitchenAid mixer.
• Great for Custom Recipes: You can easily make dairy-free ice cream with customized flavors and ingredients.

Cons:

• Requires KitchenAid Stand Mixer : You need to own the KitchenAid stand mixer to use the attachment.
• Requires Pre-Freezing : The bowl needs to be frozen in advance, similar to other ice cream makers.

Ideal for:

• KitchenAid mixer owners who want a budget-friendly option to make dairy-free ice cream without additional appliances cluttering their kitchen.

5. Whynter ICM-15LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker

Why It's Perfect for Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches:

The Whynter ICM-15LS is a high-performance, fully automatic ice cream maker with a built-in compressor, so you don't have to pre-freeze the bowl. This feature makes it a great option for making dairy-free ice cream sandwiches on demand.

Key Features:

• Compressor-Freezer: No need to pre-freeze the bowl, which speeds up the ice cream-making process.
• 1.6-Quart Capacity: Suitable for making enough ice cream for a few sandwiches.
• Stainless Steel Exterior: Durable and sleek design that's easy to clean.
• Fully Automatic: Simple to use with minimal hands-on time.

Pros:

• No Pre-Freezing Required: This machine eliminates the need for advance preparation, allowing you to make ice cream on the spot.
• Efficient Churning : Produces smooth, creamy results for your dairy-free ice cream sandwiches.
• Compact Design: Smaller footprint compared to many commercial machines.

Cons:

• Small Capacity: Although it's a great option for small batches, you might need to make multiple rounds to make enough ice cream for a party.
• Pricey: Slightly more expensive than other models in this range due to the compressor feature.

Ideal for:

• Individuals looking for an efficient, no-hassle way to make fresh dairy-free ice cream for sandwiches.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ice cream maker for dairy-free ice cream sandwiches depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. From budget-friendly models like the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 to premium options like the Breville Smart Scoop , there's something for everyone. Consider how often you plan to make ice cream, the amount of space you have, and whether you need additional features like automatic churning or customization of texture. Whatever you choose, making dairy-free ice cream sandwiches at home allows you to enjoy healthier, plant-based treats anytime!