As warmer weather beckons, ice cream lovers often find themselves facing long queues and hefty prices at local gelaterias. For those who don’t want to compromise on their favorite flavors, consumer advocates suggest investing in an ice cream maker. A 2026 test conducted by Stiftung Warentest evaluated 20 different ice cream makers, followed by Swedish testers at Råd & Rön, who scrutinized an additional 23 devices. The conclusive result from both assessments is clear: with the right machine, homemade ice cream can be crafted for less than 50 cents per scoop.
2026 Ice Cream Makers: With or Without Compressor?
When purchasing an ice cream maker, the brand is less critical than the technology: should you pick a compressor or a non-compressor model? The impact of this choice is significant both in terms of performance and cost.
Compressor Models actively and continuously chill. The advantage is that you can whip up ice cream spontaneously without prior preparations. Stiftung Warentest has consistently found these models to produce superior ice cream. However, they come with a higher price tag of about €176 to €600. Similarly, the Swedish tests confirm that self-cooling models generally yield better outcomes, especially in terms of creamy texture and uniformity.
Non-Compressor Models are the budget-friendly alternative, priced between €25 and €70. Their downside, however, is that the cooling container must be frozen for at least twelve hours before use, leaving little room for spontaneity. They also have limited chilling capacity, often needing to be refrozen after just one serving.
Interestingly, some newer non-compressor models employ a different concept: the ice ingredients are frozen in small canisters that can then be inserted into the machine. This offers the advantage of preparing multiple canisters simultaneously, allowing for consecutive processing.
Top Ice Cream Maker of 2026: Medion MD18387 Shines
Among the 20 models tested, seven received a “good” rating. The remaining devices that scored below this mark shared a common flaw: poor usability.
Highly Recommended: Medion MD18387 – Good (1.9) at €180: With the best value for money in the test, the Medion MD18387 stands out as the champion and the cheapest compressor unit available. For around €180, consumers receive a machine that excels in all tested categories: preparation (2.0), usability (1.8), noise (2.0), and environmental properties (1.9). Those looking for a versatile all-rounder without major weaknesses will find a reliable choice in Medion, saving several hundred euros compared to some competitors.
Making Ice Cream at Home: Cost Efficient and Customizable
Investing in high-quality ingredients—organic milk, real vanilla, and abundant egg yolks—can yield homemade ice cream costing no more than 50 cents per scoop according to Stiftung Warentest. Even with less expensive ingredients, the costs are significantly lower than the €1.50 to €2.50 charged at many ice cream parlors.
Moreover, an often-overlooked advantage is the freedom to choose ingredients. Vegans can opt for plant-based drinks and coconut oil, while lactose-intolerant individuals can use lactose-free milk. For those looking for a fruit sorbet free from additives, homemade ice cream provides full transparency on its ingredients.
