Making your own ice cream with your family can be a very enjoyable (not to mention tasty) bonding experience. Making your own ice cream may also save you a lot of money in the long-run – especially if you are particularly partial to ice cream and you tend to buy a lot of it.
While there are lots of fully-automated ice cream makers you can buy, a good hand crank ice cream maker will be less expensive and give you a more traditional, old-timey experience. Plus, it’s a great activity for the kids. So join us as we count down the 5 best hand crank ice cream makers available online!
Elite Gourmet EIM916 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Like some of the other hand cranked ice cream maker machines that you will see on our list, the Elite Gourmet EIM916 Old Fashioned 6 Quart Vintage Wood Bucket Electric Maker is capable of full automation.
That means you can use the electric motor to make the ice cream or you can use the die cast hand crank if you want your ice cream to be firmer. We like the fact that this appliance actually gives you the option and that it has been designed to look like an old-timey ice cream churn.
As the name implies, this ice cream maker is capable of making 6 quarts of ice cream at a time. You can also use it to make gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet. We also like that the canister is aluminum so it’s lightweight and easy to clean.
Old Fashioned Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Now there are a couple of things to note about this ice cream maker. The first thing is that it isn’t a hand-cranked ice cream maker. The motor is fully automated so you don’t have the option of cranking the ice cream out yourself.
The second thing to note is that the Old Fashioned Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker is a 4 quart ice cream maker so it’s a bit smaller in terms of capacity as the first maker on our list. However, it is more affordable and makes all the same frozen treats.
The Old Fashioned Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker is also compatible with the Nostalgia Store’s inclusive ice cream recipe kits. There is also a see-through lid which is actually pretty cool to look at when the ice cream is being made.
Nostalgia Old Fashioned Electric Ice Cream Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Number three on our list is another offering from the Nostalgia store so right off the bat, it is compatible with the Nostalgia Store’s ice cream kits which include vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and sugar-free vanilla.
This is also a higher-capacity ice cream maker than the last Nostalgia Store machine we featured – it has a 6 quart capacity as opposed to 4 quarts. However, like the last Nostalgia Store maker on our list, the Nostalgia Old Fashioned Electric Maker does not have a hand crank option.
Still, it has a fully enclosed motor that does all of the churning for you. You can also use it to make gelato and frozen yogurt. On top of that you get the old-fashioned aesthetic of a wooden churn with a convenient carry handle.
Nostalgia PICM4BG Electric Ice Cream Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
This is the last Nostalgia Store electric ice cream maker on our list and it is a bargain. For just around $30, this 4-quart easy to use electric ice cream maker can be yours. Now it doesn’t have all the vintage appointments that our other makers have had like wood paneling and a hand crank.
However, this would be a great choice for anyone shopping on a budget. It comes in three different, modern colors including magenta, aqua and pink. There is also a convenient carrying handle. The bucket is plastic so it’s lightweight and easy to clean.
The Nostalgia PICM4BG Electric Ice Cream Maker can make 4 quarts in just about 20 minutes! It’s fast and you can use the internal canister with a lid to store your ice cream in the freezer. It also comes with a recipe manual.
Immergood Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
The last crank ice cream maker on our list comes from Immergood. The thing we really like about this ice cream maker with crank is that all of the parts are made of steel. From the outer bucket to the internal motor gears, everything is made from stainless steel.
This is a very durable ice cream maker and it even comes with a 3-year warranty. It can make up to 6 quarts of ice cream at a time. You can make 6 quarts of ice cream in this maker in about 15-20 minutes.
The Immergood Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker is a great choice if you want the old-fashioned experience of cranking and churning your own ice cream. It also comes with a really tasty ice cream recipe.
Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker Buying Guide
Have you ever wondered what it is that makes the best hand crank ice cream maker? Here are the features to look out for:
Automated Option
Sometimes, you want a bowl of homemade ice cream but lack the energy to crank it out. So it’s nice to have a motorized option.
Capacity
In order to get the best maker for your needs, be sure to carefully examine the capacity of any hand crank ice cream maker you are considering buying. If you typically make ice cream for events, parties or a large family, go with a 6-quart machine. Otherwise, 4-quart machines should be fine.
Sound
The best hand crank ice cream makers will operate quietly. This is especially important if you don’t like making a lot of noise in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to make ice cream in a hand crank ice cream maker?
A: Once the ingredients are loaded and the parts assembled, it should only take about 20 minutes.
Q: Is hand-cranked ice cream better?
A: It’s a matter of opinion but hand-cranking allows you to control the firmness of the ice cream and the ingredient saturation.
Q: Do you need rock salt for an ice cream maker?
A: You can use either rock salt or regular table salt.
Parting Words
We really like these machines because they bring family and friends together. The best hand crank ice cream maker will make more than ice cream; it will make memories for you and your loved ones. You are sure to find the perfect one for your needs on our list so check it out!
