8 Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Makers (October 2026)
The best soft serve ice cream makers include the Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 for scoops and swirls, the GreenPan Frost Ice Cream and Slushie Machine for family-size batches, and the Whynter 7-in-1 Soft Serve and Slushy Machine for adjustable firmness.
On this page (4 sections)
Soft serve machines differ in how they freeze, mix and dispense a batch. A dispenser-style machine can make serving cones feel simple, while a pint machine may suit households that want small batches in different flavors.
If you're unsure which setup fits, our types of ice cream makers guide explains the main machine styles.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for family-size batchesGreenPan Frost Ice Cream and Slushie Machine
7.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for adjustable firmnessWhynter 7-in-1 Soft Serve and Slushy Machine
7.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itHiCOZY F3 Soft Serve and Slushie Machine
Best for five simple presets - 5
Check itAeitto 7-Preset Soft Serve and Slushie Machine
Best for preset variety - 6
Check itCuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Maker, 1.5 Quart
Best for toppings as you serve - 7
Check itCuisinart 6-in-1 Slushy and Soft-Serve Maker
Best for soft serve and frozen drinks - 8
Check itNostalgia Parlor-Style Soft Serve Maker
Best for old-fashioned batches
How we chose soft serve ice cream makers
We compared each machine's serving style, capacity, cooling method, modes and cleanup features against what shoppers usually need for soft serve at home. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A built-in compressor matters if you want to make a batch without freezing a bowl ahead of time. A freezer bowl or pint can still make sense if you prefer a smaller machine or don't mind preparing the base in advance.
We also looked at how each machine serves the result. An automatic swirl handle or dispensing spout is useful for cones, while a pint machine can support separate flavors and scooped portions.
For a closer look at the category, see our soft serve and gelato maker guide.
| Product | Best for | Programs | Capacity | Serving style | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 | scoops and swirls | 13, including 6 soft-serve programs | Two 16 oz pints | Scooped or swirled | 8.7 |
| GreenPan Frost Ice Cream and Slushie Machine | family-size batches | 2 qt (4 pints) | 7.3 | ||
| Whynter 7-in-1 Soft Serve and Slushy Machine | adjustable firmness | 1.6 qt | 7.2 | ||
| HiCOZY F3 Soft Serve and Slushie Machine | five simple presets | 1.2 liters (40 oz) | 7.1 | ||
| Aeitto 7-Preset Soft Serve and Slushie Machine | preset variety | 7 presets | 1.1 liters | 7.0 | |
| Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Maker, 1.5 Quart | toppings as you serve | 1.5 qt | 7.0 | ||
| Cuisinart 6-in-1 Slushy and Soft-Serve Maker | soft serve and frozen drinks | 6 presets | 1.7 qt | 6.9 | |
| Nostalgia Parlor-Style Soft Serve Maker | old-fashioned batches | 6 qt | 6.7 |
The best soft serve ice cream makers for home
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl is the most flexible pick for scoops and swirls, while GreenPan Frost is a stronger fit for a larger compressor batch. The remaining machines suit specific priorities such as toppings, drink modes or traditional batch making.
Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701: Best for scoops and swirls
- 13 one-touch programs
- Automatic soft-serve handle with 3 speed settings
- Two 16 oz pints
- Pints, lids, paddle and swirl press are dishwasher safe
A flexible pick for households that want both scooped desserts and cones. Its small pints suit separate flavors, while the handle helps serve swirls.
Pros
- Scooped and swirled treats
- 3 handle speed settings
- Dishwasher-safe pints and parts
Cons
- Works in pint batches
- Requires a freezer-prepared base
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 is the best fit if you want both classic scoops and soft serve from one machine. It has 13 one-touch programs, including six soft-serve options such as Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard and Swirled Frozen Yogurt.
Its automatic handle has 3 speed settings to help dispense swirls into cones. Two 16 oz pints give you separate containers for different flavors, and the pints, lids, paddle and swirl press are dishwasher safe.
This is a freezer-prep machine, so plan ahead before serving. The small pint format also makes it better for separate batches than for serving a large group all at once.
Choose it if you want variety in a compact batch size, especially if some people prefer scooped treats and others want swirls. For a comparison with another countertop pint machine, read our Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl review.
GreenPan Frost Ice Cream and Slushie Machine: Best for family-size batches
- 4-pint capacity
- Built-in compressor
- 6 modes and 7 texture settings
- Self-cleaning mode
GreenPan Frost has room for a larger batch and can make soft serve, drinks, sorbet and other frozen treats. Its compressor means you don't need a freezer-frozen bowl.
Pros
- Largest stated capacity here
- Seven texture choices
- Clear-view bowl
Cons
- Machine weighs 25.4 lb
- Self-cleaning still involves adding warm soapy water
GreenPan Frost is the best fit here for a larger family batch without a freezer-frozen bowl. Its built-in compressor chills ingredients in the machine, and its stated 2 qt capacity is the largest among the compressor picks in this roundup.
Choose among six modes, including Soft Ice Cream, Slushie and Sorbet, then set one of seven textures. The see-through bowl lets you watch the mixture, and the fountain-style handle and star tip support a classic soft-serve presentation.
Cleanup has a self-cleaning mode, but it still calls for dispensing leftovers, adding warm water and a drop of soap, and repeating the cycle if needed. The 25.4 lb body is also worth considering if you'll need to move it in and out of storage.
Pick GreenPan when batch size and texture choices matter most. It can also make frozen drinks and other treats, so it may earn counter space beyond ice cream nights.
Whynter 7-in-1 Soft Serve and Slushy Machine: Best for adjustable firmness
- 1.6 qt capacity
- Built-in compressor
- 5 firmness levels
- Automatic cooling hold
This Whynter combines soft serve and slushy functions with compressor cooling. Five firmness settings give you a direct way to adjust texture.
Pros
- No pre-freezing required
- Cooling hold after the cycle
- Cleaning mode
Cons
- Less capacity than GreenPan
- Broader features include drinks as well as desserts
Whynter suits buyers who want firmness control without pre-freezing. Its built-in compressor starts the freezing process in the machine, and five firmness levels let you choose a softer or firmer result.
The 1.6 qt capacity is smaller than GreenPan's, but the machine adds an automatic cooling hold after a cycle. It also makes cold drinks, juice and several types of slushies alongside soft serve.
A touch control panel and audible timer keep the main settings in one place. Removable components are dishwasher safe, and a dedicated cleaning mode handles routine maintenance.
Choose Whynter if you want adjustable texture and cooling hold in a mid-size compressor machine. If you're comparing Whynter appliances, our Whynter ICM-201SB review covers a separate model made for frozen desserts.
HiCOZY F3 Soft Serve and Slushie Machine: Best for five simple presets
- 5 modes
- Self-cleaning mode
- Detachable dishwasher-safe parts
- 40 oz capacity
The F3 covers soft ice cream, slushies, cold drinks and milk shakes through five modes. Its instructions call for a minimum sugar or alcohol content in inputs.
Pros
- Dedicated soft ice cream mode
- Self-cleaning button
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts
Cons
- Inputs need at least 6% sugar or 3% to 16% alcohol
- No ice, solid mix-ins or unfiltered fresh juice
The HiCOZY F3 is a straightforward choice for five preset modes. It handles soft ice cream, slushies, spiked slushies, cold drinks and milk shakes, with a self-cleaning mode for the vessel.
Its stated 40 oz capacity is suited to a few servings rather than a large gathering. Removable parts, including the vessel and auger, are dishwasher safe.
There are ingredient limits to plan around: inputs need at least 6% sugar or between 3% and 16% alcohol. The instructions also say not to add ice cubes, solid mix-ins or unfiltered fresh juice.
Choose the F3 if its preset range matches the drinks and desserts you make. Follow those ingredient rules when choosing a base, especially if you want to use fresh juice or add fruit pieces.
Aeitto 7-Preset Soft Serve and Slushie Machine: Best for preset variety
- 7 presets
- Built-in compressor
- 5 texture settings
- One-touch self-clean
Aeitto pairs soft serve and frozen drinks with compressor cooling and adjustable texture. The removable paddle, spout funnel and drip tray are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Multiple dessert and drink presets
- No pre-freezing
- Self-cleaning function
Cons
- Smaller stated capacity than GreenPan and Cuisinart ICE-200
- Compact footprint still needs counter clearance
Aeitto fits shoppers who want several preset dessert and drink options with compressor cooling. Seven presets cover soft serve and frozen drinks, and five texture settings let you adjust thickness.
The 1.1 liter capacity is on the smaller side for a party. For home use, its one-touch self-clean function and dishwasher-safe paddle, spout funnel and drip tray can make cleanup more manageable.
Aeitto also describes this machine as a compact countertop model. Check the stated 18.19 in depth and 17.8 in height against your counter and cabinet space before deciding where it will live.
Choose Aeitto if multiple presets and adjustable texture matter more than a large batch. The machine is also designed to make frozen yogurt and sorbet, giving it more range than soft serve alone.
Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Maker, 1.5 Quart: Best for toppings as you serve
- 1.5 qt capacity
- 3 mix-in dispensers
- 4 oz warming cup
- Cone holder
This Cuisinart is built around serving: pull a handle for soft serve, add mix-ins from three dispensers, or use the warming cup for a topping. Its double-insulated bowl needs to be frozen first.
Pros
- Dispenses into cones or bowls
- Built-in mix-in dispensers
- Warming cup for toppings
Cons
- Requires a freezer-frozen bowl
- Manual operation mode
The Cuisinart Mix It In is the best match for toppings dispensed as you serve. Pull down the handle to dispense soft serve into cones or bowls, then use one of three containers to add mix-ins.
A warming cup and heating plate give you an option for warm liquid toppings. The 1.5 qt double-insulated bowl needs to be frozen before use, so this machine takes some advance planning.
Cuisinart also lists frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet and frozen drinks among its uses. Its cone holder keeps extra cones close at hand during serving.
Pick it when topping dispensers are a bigger draw than compressor cooling. If you'd rather skip advance bowl freezing, compare it with GreenPan or the Cuisinart ICE-200.
Cuisinart 6-in-1 Slushy and Soft-Serve Maker: Best for soft serve and frozen drinks
- 1.7 qt capacity
- 6 preset programs
- Built-in compressor
- Smart Dispense Control
This Cuisinart combines soft serve with slushies, sorbet, cocktails and frappes. Smart Dispense Control adjusts the speed and direction for dispensing.
Pros
- No pre-freezing
- Largest capacity among the compressor picks except GreenPan
- Six preset programs
Cons
- 31.9 lb weight
- Fewer texture choices are specified than on some picks
The Cuisinart ICE-200 is a good fit for soft serve plus frozen drinks without pre-freezing. A built-in compressor powers six preset programs, including soft serve, sorbet, slushies, cocktails, frappes and frozen wine.
Its 1.7 qt capacity sits between Whynter and GreenPan. Smart Dispense Control adjusts speed and direction for dispensing, and Cuisinart says the machine can make a batch in as little as 15 minutes.
At 31.9 lb, it is the heaviest machine in this roundup with a listed weight. Give it a counter spot if you expect to use it often, or plan where it will be stored between batches.
Choose it if you want a compressor with soft-serve and drink programs. GreenPan offers more capacity and texture settings, while Whynter adds a cooling hold function.
Nostalgia Parlor-Style Soft Serve Maker: Best for old-fashioned batches
- 6 qt capacity
- Electric motor
- Makes ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato
- Portable countertop size
Nostalgia's 6-quart machine is designed for a larger, traditional batch of ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato. It uses an aluminum canister set in a bucket with ice and salt.
Pros
- Largest stated batch size here
- Electric motor does the churning
- Can make several frozen desserts
Cons
- Needs ice and salt
- Hand-wash care
Nostalgia is a different kind of pick: a 6 qt electric batch maker for households that want to make a larger amount at once. It makes ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato, and its motor handles the churning.
It uses an aluminum canister placed inside a bucket, where you add ice and salt. That setup takes more preparation than a compressor model, but the larger stated capacity may suit a party or a family batch.
The machine and lid need hand washing. Its countertop size is described as portable, so it can also be carried to a gathering when you have a place to set it up.
Choose Nostalgia if you want a large batch and don't mind the ice-and-salt process. For more traditional bucket models, see our old-fashioned electric ice cream makers roundup.
Which soft serve maker fits your kitchen?
The best choice depends on whether you value freezer-free prep, a large batch, a dispenser or a small pint format. Check both the capacity and the machine's cooling method before deciding.
Choose Ninja if you want both scoops and swirls with different programs, and you can freeze pints ahead of time. GreenPan is a better fit for a 4-pint compressor batch with several texture choices.
For soft serve that dispenses with toppings, consider the Cuisinart Mix It In, but account for its freezer bowl.
Choose Whynter or the Cuisinart ICE-200 if you want compressor cooling and frozen drink modes. Nostalgia suits larger batches if you're comfortable using ice and salt.
A soft-serve machine may not be the right fit if your main goal is making dense, scoopable gelato. Our best gelato makers for home kitchens compares machines for that purpose, and our guide to making gelato in an ice cream maker explains how a regular machine can work.
For another cold dessert, our frozen yogurt maker roundup compares machines that can handle yogurt-based treats. If you want a broader comparison of how soft serve differs from regular ice cream, read soft serve machine vs ice cream maker.
Which best soft serve ice cream maker should you choose?
Choose the Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl if you want one machine for scooped desserts and swirled cones. Pick GreenPan for a larger compressor batch, or the Cuisinart Mix It In if you want to add toppings as the soft serve comes out.
If freezer-free prep is your main concern, compare GreenPan, Whynter, Aeitto and the Cuisinart ICE-200. For a traditional large batch, Nostalgia offers 6 qt capacity with an ice-and-salt setup.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for family-size batches
GreenPan Frost Ice Cream and Slushie Machine
7.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for adjustable firmness
Whynter 7-in-1 Soft Serve and Slushy Machine
7.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Do soft serve ice cream makers need pre-freezing?
Some do and some don't. The Ninja CREAMi uses freezer-prepared pints, and the Cuisinart Mix It In uses a double-insulated freezer bowl.
GreenPan, Whynter, Aeitto and the Cuisinart ICE-200 have built-in compressors, so they don't require pre-freezing a bowl.
Check what needs chilling before choosing a machine.
Which soft serve maker is best for a family?
GreenPan Frost has the largest stated capacity among the soft-serve-focused countertop picks, at 2 qt. The 1.7 qt Cuisinart ICE-200 and 1.6 qt Whynter are other compressor options.
For a 6 qt batch, Nostalgia uses an ice-and-salt bucket setup rather than a built-in compressor.
Can a soft serve machine make slushies?
Several machines here also make frozen drinks. GreenPan, Whynter, HiCOZY, Aeitto and the Cuisinart ICE-200 include slushy or drink modes.
The Ninja CREAMi focuses on frozen desserts and offers scooped or swirled serving, while the Cuisinart Mix It In centers on soft serve with toppings.
What is the difference between a soft serve machine and an ice cream maker?
A soft serve machine is designed to dispense a soft texture, often through a handle or spout. An ice cream maker may churn a batch for scooping instead.
Some countertop models do both.
Our guide to soft serve machines vs ice cream makers explains the trade-offs.
