Top-Rated Ice Cream Makers for Vegan Diets

Making homemade vegan ice cream is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding activities for anyone following a plant-based diet. Whether you are avoiding dairy due to health reasons, ethical beliefs, or environmental concerns, the right ice cream maker can help you create delicious and creamy frozen desserts.

In this guide, we will explore the top-rated ice cream makers designed for vegan diets, focusing on their features, benefits, and how they help make the perfect plant-based ice cream every time. From rich coconut milk bases to almond and cashew-based creations, the ice cream makers featured in this article will allow you to craft a variety of dairy-free delights that taste as good as---or better than---the store-bought alternatives.

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

Why It's Perfect for Vegan Diets:

The Cuisinart ICE-21 is a versatile and easy-to-use ice cream maker that can handle vegan recipes with ease. Its 1.5-quart capacity is perfect for small batches, and it's designed to produce smooth and creamy textures, even when using dairy-free ingredients like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.

Key Features:

• 1.5-Quart Capacity : Ideal for smaller batches of vegan ice cream, making it perfect for individuals or small families.
• Compact Design : With its sleek, compact design, the ICE-21 doesn't take up much space, making it easy to store and transport for occasional camping or outdoor trips.
• Bowl-Freezing: This model requires the freezer bowl to be pre-frozen before use, but it's easy to prepare and clean. Just freeze the bowl overnight, and you're ready to go.

Pros:

• Affordable : The Cuisinart ICE-21 is one of the most budget-friendly models on the market, making it accessible for those who want to make vegan ice cream without a big investment.
• Easy to Use : With a simple on/off switch, the machine is very user-friendly, perfect for beginners in the world of homemade ice cream.
• Quick Results : It can churn out vegan ice cream in around 20-30 minutes, perfect when you need a quick fix for your sweet tooth.

Cons:

• Requires Pre-Frozen Bowl: If you're going on a camping trip or remote vacation, this may pose a challenge, as you'll need access to a freezer to store the bowl.
• Limited Capacity: While it's great for smaller groups, the 1.5-quart capacity might not be enough for larger gatherings or family events.

Ideal for:

• Those new to making vegan ice cream or individuals who want a small, affordable machine for occasional use.

2. Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker

Why It's Perfect for Vegan Diets:

The Breville Smart Scoop is an advanced ice cream maker designed for serious home chefs. It offers precision control over the freezing process, making it an excellent choice for vegan ice cream enthusiasts who want the best texture and consistency. This model allows you to fine-tune the hardness of your ice cream, ensuring that your plant-based recipes turn out perfectly every time.

Key Features:

• 1.5-Quart Capacity: While it's on the smaller side, this is enough for a family or group of friends to enjoy.
• Pre-Cool Function : The Breville Smart Scoop has a pre-cool function that ensures the machine is always at the perfect temperature to begin churning, providing more consistent results.
• Multiple Settings : It offers various hardness settings, so you can make everything from soft-serve to firm vegan ice cream.

Pros:

• No Pre-Freezing Required : This model has a built-in compressor, which means you don't need to worry about pre-freezing the bowl, making it ideal for spontaneous ice cream-making.
• Consistent Texture : The Smart Scoop's settings allow you to get a creamy, smooth texture, even with vegan ingredients that can sometimes be tricky to work with, like almond or soy milk.
• User-Friendly: The intuitive interface with preset options makes it easy to operate.

Cons:

• Expensive : The Breville Smart Scoop comes with a hefty price tag, making it less accessible for those on a budget.
• Heavy and Bulky: Due to its compressor, this machine is heavier and larger than other models, which might not be ideal for smaller kitchens or those who want portability.

Ideal for:

• Serious ice cream makers who want a high-end machine with precise control for crafting vegan ice cream.

3. Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

Why It's Perfect for Vegan Diets:

The Ninja CREAMi is an innovative ice cream maker that has garnered a lot of attention in the plant-based ice cream community. It's specifically designed to create rich, creamy vegan ice creams, sorbets, and gelatos with ease. It works by turning frozen bases into smooth, creamy desserts, which is ideal for vegan ingredients that require a little extra effort to achieve a velvety texture.

Key Features:

• 7 One-Touch Programs : From sorbet to milkshakes, the Ninja CREAMi allows you to select a variety of settings to create different types of frozen treats, including vegan options.
• Multiple Sizes : The CREAMi comes in a 1-pint size, which is great for personal use or smaller batches.
• Dairy-Free and Vegan-Friendly : This machine is specifically praised for its ability to create creamy dairy-free and vegan ice cream from various plant-based milks and bases.

Pros:

• Powerful Motor : The Ninja CREAMi has a strong motor that churns even the most frozen plant-based mixtures into smooth, creamy desserts.
• Convenient Design : With its compact design and easy-to-use features, the Ninja CREAMi is perfect for small kitchens or for people who want to make vegan ice cream without hassle.
• Affordable : Compared to other high-end models, the Ninja CREAMi is reasonably priced, making it accessible for a wider range of budgets.

Cons:

• Needs Freezing Time: You'll still need to freeze your base before use, and while it's faster than pre-freezing bowls, it requires some planning.
• Smaller Capacity: At just 1 pint, it may not be sufficient for larger families or events, though it's perfect for individual servings.

Ideal for:

• Those looking for a convenient, budget-friendly, and powerful machine to make vegan ice cream at home.

4. Whynter ICM-200LS 2.1-Quart Ice Cream Maker

Why It's Perfect for Vegan Diets:

The Whynter ICM-200LS is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make larger batches of vegan ice cream. It has a built-in compressor, meaning it doesn't require pre-freezing the bowl and allows for continuous use without waiting in between batches.

Key Features:

• 2.1-Quart Capacity: This larger capacity is perfect for families or small gatherings.
• Built-In Compressor : Just like the Breville Smart Scoop, the Whynter ICM-200LS has a built-in compressor, eliminating the need to pre-freeze the bowl.
• Stainless Steel Design : The machine is built with durability in mind, with a sleek, easy-to-clean stainless steel finish.

Pros:

• Large Batch Size : With a 2.1-quart capacity, this machine allows you to make enough vegan ice cream for multiple people at once.
• No Pre-Freezing: The compressor ensures the machine is always ready to churn your plant-based ingredients.
• Quiet Operation : Unlike some other machines, the Whynter ICM-200LS operates relatively quietly, making it a great choice for peaceful evenings at home.

Cons:

• Expensive : This is a high-end ice cream maker with a premium price, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
• Bulky: With its large size and built-in compressor, this machine is heavy and may take up more space than some users want.

Ideal for:

• Larger families or those who host regular gatherings and want a reliable machine to make substantial batches of vegan ice cream.

5. Hamilton Beach 68330N 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker

Why It's Perfect for Vegan Diets:

The Hamilton Beach 68330N offers a large capacity and simplicity, making it a great option for those who want to create large batches of vegan ice cream without much effort. With its 4-quart capacity, it's ideal for groups and families.

Key Features:

• 4-Quart Capacity : This large capacity allows you to make more ice cream, perfect for parties or large family gatherings.
• Classic Ice and Salt-Freezing Method : While it requires ice and salt to freeze the mixture, it's a traditional method that works well for those who enjoy making ice cream the old-fashioned way.
• Easy to Use : With minimal effort, you can make a variety of vegan ice cream flavors.

Pros:

• Affordable : The Hamilton Beach 68330N is relatively inexpensive compared to other models, making it accessible for most budgets.
• Large Batch Size: The 4-quart capacity is great for those who entertain or have larger families.
• Simplicity: This machine doesn't require a lot of setup and is straightforward to use.

Cons:

• Needs Ice and Salt : Like the classic wooden bucket designs, this model requires ice and salt, which could be an issue if you don't have these materials readily available.
• Requires Power Source: The electric motor needs access to power, making it unsuitable for outdoor or off-grid use.

Ideal for:

• Those who want to make large batches of vegan ice cream at home without breaking the bank.

These ice cream makers offer various features to suit different needs, from quick and simple machines for beginners to advanced models for ice cream enthusiasts. Whichever one you choose, you'll be able to enjoy creamy, delicious, and completely plant-based ice cream with ease!