The Trend Verdict
🔥 #9 in Frozen Dessert Makers · New

Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 1.5-Quart Freezer-Bowl Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart
★★★★★ 3.6
Best budget freezer-bowl ice cream maker
$69.95 → As of Jul 8, 2026
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01 / Spec

Top features

Machine TypeFreezer-bowl churner
Capacity1.5 quarts
Freezing MethodDouble-insulated freezer bowl (no ice/salt)

The Cuisinart ICE-21RP1 is a freezer-bowl churner that makes 1.5 quarts of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt in 20 minutes or less. It features a double-insulated bowl that eliminates the need for ice and salt, a mixing paddle, and an easy-lock transparent lid with a large spout for mess-free ingredient addition.

Machine type: Freezer-bowl (non-compressor)
Pre-freeze requirement: Bowl must be frozen 12–24 hours in advance
Best for: Home cooks seeking an affordable, reliable entry-level ice cream maker that doesn't require counter space for a bulky compressor
Pros: Budget-friendly, proven track record, compact, straightforward operation, dishwasher-safe parts
Cons: Requires advance bowl freezing, limited batch size, freezer space commitment, can produce slightly icy texture if not monitored closely

Cuisinart's reputation for durable kitchen appliances carries the ICE-21—it has accumulated thousands of reviews with a solid 4.2–4.4 star rating over many years. The unit is widely recommended in home-cooking forums and remains a category staple for budget-conscious buyers.

02 / Signals

Why it's hot

Affordable, reliable freezer-bowl churner with Cuisinart's trusted build.

  • Value for money 91
  • Review rating & velocity 84
  • Community sentiment 80
  • Brand reputation 96
  • Search heat 56
  • Est. return & defect rate 87
03 / Verdict

Pros & cons

Pros

  • No ice or salt needed
  • Affordable entry price (~$70)
  • Proven Cuisinart reliability
  • Makes ice cream, gelato, sorbet, froyo
  • Compact countertop footprint
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Fast 20-minute churn time
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Requires 12–24 hour freezer pre-chill
  • Limited 1.5-quart batch size
  • Ties up freezer shelf space
  • Can produce icy texture if rushed
  • Bowl cannot double as storage
  • Freezing method is inconvenient vs. compressor
  • Loud during operation
  • Slower refresh cycles between batches
05 / Compare

Compare the best alternative

One useful head-to-head in Frozen Dessert Makers, with the rows most likely to separate the contenders.

Open full comparison →
Closest rival Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Freezer-Bowl Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 1.5-Quart Freezer-Bowl Ice Cream Maker
#3 in Frozen Dessert Makers
Trend leader Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Frozen-Treat Re-Spinner with 2 Pint Containers
Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Frozen-Treat Re-Spinner with 2 Pint Containers
#1 in Frozen Dessert Makers
Batch Capacity (qt)
1.5 quarts Largest Two 16 oz pints (0.5 qt per pint)
06 / Rivals

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07 / Variations

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08 / Browse

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