If you want homemade ice cream without freezing a canister overnight, a compressor-style ice cream maker is the most convenient option. Its built-in cooling system chills the mixture while it churns, and many models can make another batch without a long wait. The picks below include four self-freezing Whynter machines and one small freezer-mug maker, so you can compare larger batches with a compact, lower-commitment alternative.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Capacity | Cooling style | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Ice Cream Maker | 2.1 quarts | Built-in compressor | Upright design and removable stainless bowl |
| Whynter ICM-220SSY Ice Cream and Yogurt Maker | 2 quarts | Built-in compressor | Ice cream, frozen desserts, and yogurt functions |
| DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker 2-Pack | Half-pint mugs | Freezer mugs; pre-freezing required | Compact, single-serve batches |
| Whynter ICM-128WS Upright Ice Cream Maker | 1.28 quarts | Built-in compressor | Smaller upright footprint |
| Whynter ICM-200LS Ice Cream Maker | 2.1 quarts | Built-in compressor | Large batch capacity and stainless housing |
Our Picks: Best Ice Cream Maker With Built In Freezer reviews
1. Whynter ICM-201SB: Best Overall Upright Compressor Maker
The ICM-201SB is a self-freezing ice cream maker for people who want to make larger batches without reserving freezer space for a canister. Its built-in compressor chills the mixture as the machine churns, and the 2.1-quart capacity is generous enough for family servings or sharing.
The upright design keeps its listed footprint to 14.25 by 12.5 inches, though the machine is still a substantial countertop appliance at 24.3 pounds. It has a stainless steel housing, an LCD timer, and an audible signal when a batch is ready. The removable stainless bowl and detachable BPA-free churn blade make serving and cleanup more manageable than cleaning a fixed assembly.
Choose this model if you want a balance of batch size, straightforward controls, and repeat use without pre-freezing. The tradeoff is that it takes up counter space and is not light to move. Its listed care instructions call for hand washing, so it is not a low-effort dishwasher-cleanup option.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor means no overnight bowl freezing.
- 2.1-quart capacity suits larger batches.
- Upright shape uses a relatively compact footprint for its capacity.
- Removable stainless bowl and detachable churn blade.
Cons:
- At 24.3 pounds, it is heavy to move around.
- Hand-wash care requires some cleanup time.
Verdict: For a dependable, full-size compressor machine with a space-conscious upright shape, the ICM-201SB is the strongest all-around choice in this group.
2. Whynter ICM-220SSY: Best for Ice Cream and Homemade Yogurt
This 2-quart Whynter adds a yogurt function to the usual compressor-machine lineup. It can make ice cream, gelato, and sorbet, and its yogurt setting gives you another way to use the appliance if you make cultured dairy or non-dairy yogurt at home.
The built-in compressor removes the need to pre-freeze its stainless steel bowl. An extended cooling function is designed to help keep finished ice cream from melting, while motor protection is intended to guard against overheating. The machine weighs 24.3 pounds, so it is better suited to a regular place on the counter than to frequent storage and setup.
Its main advantage over the other larger Whynter models here is the yogurt function, not a larger batch size. If you only want ice cream, the ICM-201SB or ICM-200LS offers a similar capacity without that extra function. The product information does not list the same detailed dimensions as some of the other options, so check the current listing if your counter space is tight.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor avoids pre-freezing the bowl.
- Yogurt function adds versatility beyond frozen desserts.
- 2-quart capacity works for more than single servings.
- Extended cooling and motor protection features.
Cons:
- Its 24.3-pound weight makes it less convenient to move frequently.
- The yogurt feature may not add value if you only make ice cream.
Verdict: Pick the ICM-220SSY if you expect to use both its compressor ice cream function and its yogurt setting; otherwise, a simpler Whynter model may be a better fit.
3. DASH My Mug 2-Pack: Best for Small, Personal Portions
The DASH My Mug is a compact alternative for making individual portions of soft-serve-style treats. The bundle includes two half-pint freezer mugs, and the machine can churn ice cream, gelato, sorbet, non-dairy treats, and frozen yogurt. A built-in ingredient chute lets you add mix-ins such as fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips near the end of churning.
This is not a true built-in-freezer machine: the mugs need to chill in your freezer for 24 to 48 hours before use. Freezing both mugs ahead gives you the option of making two small servings without waiting for a mug to refreeze between batches. At 4.8 pounds, it is much easier to store and move than the compressor models, and its parts nest inside the mugs for storage.
The small capacity is the main limitation. It is a better match for a personal treat, a dorm room, or occasional use than for making dessert for a group. The machine disassembles for hand washing, so consider whether you are comfortable with the freezer-mug routine before choosing it over a self-freezing model.
Pros:
- Compact and light compared with compressor machines.
- Two freezer mugs let you prepare separate small servings.
- Ingredient chute makes it easy to add mix-ins.
- Parts nest inside the mugs for cabinet storage.
Cons:
- Mugs must be frozen for 24 to 48 hours before use.
- Half-pint servings are small compared with the other machines here.
Verdict: The DASH is a useful space-saving pick for small portions, but it is not the right choice if you want a built-in compressor or larger batches.
4. Whynter ICM-128WS: Best for a Smaller Compressor-Made Batch
The ICM-128WS brings compressor convenience to a smaller 1.28-quart capacity. It freezes the mixture as it churns, so there is no separate canister to freeze ahead of time. Its upright white design measures 11 by 10 by 14 inches, making it a smaller-footprint option than the 2.1-quart ICM-201SB.
The machine includes an LCD timer, an audible signal, a removable stainless bowl, and a BPA-free churn blade that comes apart for rinsing. At 19.3 pounds, it weighs less than the larger Whynter models listed here, though it is still a countertop appliance rather than a lightweight gadget. The listed care instructions specify hand washing.
In everyday use, results can depend on the recipe and how well the mixture has been chilled before churning. Anecdotal use notes describe batches taking different amounts of time depending on those conditions, so do not treat a single timing estimate as a guarantee. The smaller capacity also means you may need more than one batch when serving a group.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor eliminates pre-freezing the bowl.
- Smaller capacity and footprint than the larger upright models.
- Removable stainless bowl and detachable churn blade.
- LCD timer and audible signal help track a batch.
Cons:
- 1.28-quart capacity may be limiting for families or gatherings.
- Hand washing is required according to the listed care instructions.
Verdict: Choose the ICM-128WS if you want a real compressor machine but do not need the larger batch capacity of the other Whynter picks.
5. Whynter ICM-200LS: Best for Larger Batches in a Classic Layout
The ICM-200LS is a 2.1-quart compressor ice cream maker with a stainless steel housing. Like the upright Whynter models, it chills as it churns, so you do not need to freeze a bowl overnight. Its LCD control panel and audible timer help you keep track of a batch, and the motor protection function is designed to help guard the machine during operation.
This model uses a removable BPA-free aluminum mixing bowl and churn blade, rather than the removable stainless steel bowl found in the ICM-201SB and ICM-128WS. Its dimensions are 16.75 by 11.25 by 10.25 inches, giving it a wider, lower profile than the upright ICM-201SB. At 24.3 pounds, it is best placed where you plan to use it.
For anyone comparing the two 2.1-quart models, the choice is largely about layout and bowl material: the ICM-201SB has an upright shape and stainless bowl, while the ICM-200LS has a wider footprint and aluminum bowl. Both offer compressor cooling and an LCD timer, so measure your counter and decide which configuration suits your kitchen.
Pros:
- 2.1-quart capacity for larger batches.
- Built-in compressor supports use without pre-freezing a bowl.
- Stainless steel housing and LCD control panel.
- Removable aluminum mixing bowl and churn blade.
Cons:
- Wider footprint may be harder to fit in a narrow counter space.
- At 24.3 pounds, it is not convenient to move often.
Verdict: The ICM-200LS is a solid fit if you want a large compressor machine and prefer its lower, wider layout over an upright design.
How to Choose an Ice Cream Maker With a Built-In Freezer
Look for a compressor if you want to skip pre-freezing
A built-in compressor chills the mixture inside the machine as it churns. That means you do not have to freeze a removable canister in advance, and some compressor models can handle another batch without waiting for a bowl to refreeze. Check the product details carefully: freezer-mug machines such as the DASH still need freezer time, even though they make frozen desserts at home.
Match capacity to how you serve dessert
The Whynter machines in this group make batches from 1.28 to 2.1 quarts, while the DASH uses half-pint mugs. A smaller batch may be enough for one or two people and can help limit leftovers. If you often serve a family or want to make several portions at once, a 2-quart-class machine is a more practical starting point.
Measure your counter and consider the machine’s weight
Compressor machines are heavier than the mug-style alternative, with the listed Whynter models weighing about 19 to 24 pounds. Some have upright designs, while the ICM-200LS is wider and lower. Measure the space where you plan to use and store the machine, and consider whether you are comfortable moving it when needed.
Compare the bowl and cleanup needs
Removable bowls make it easier to serve a batch and clean the parts after use. Bowl materials differ: some Whynter models include stainless steel bowls, while the ICM-200LS has an aluminum bowl. The listed care instructions for the ICM-201SB and ICM-128WS call for hand washing; check the manual for the exact cleaning directions for any model you choose.
Decide whether extra functions are worth it
If you plan to make only ice cream, sorbet, or gelato, a standard compressor model may be all you need. The Whynter ICM-220SSY adds a yogurt function, which can make it more useful if you also want to prepare homemade yogurt. Choose extra functions based on what you will actually use, since they do not change the machine’s basic capacity needs.
Plan for the texture you want
Freshly churned ice cream may be soft, and recipes and mixture temperature can affect how a batch turns out. Follow the machine’s instructions, prepare the mixture as directed, and allow extra time if a firmer texture is your goal. The included cooling features can help, but they do not replace good recipe preparation or careful use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “built-in freezer” mean on an ice cream maker?
It usually refers to a built-in compressor that cools the bowl while the machine churns. Unlike a freezer-bowl model, a compressor machine does not require you to freeze its bowl overnight before making a batch.
Can I make more than one batch in a row?
The Whynter compressor models are designed for use without pre-freezing a removable bowl, and the ICM-201SB product information says a second batch can follow the first the same afternoon. Follow the manual’s directions between batches, since operating guidance can vary by model.
Which pick is best for a family?
The 2.1-quart Whynter ICM-201SB and ICM-200LS offer the largest stated capacities in this group. The ICM-220SSY is close at 2 quarts and adds a yogurt function. The DASH mugs make much smaller individual servings.
Does the DASH My Mug have a built-in compressor?
No. Its freezer mugs need to be chilled in a freezer for 24 to 48 hours before use. It is included as a compact alternative, but it does not offer the same no-pre-freeze convenience as the Whynter compressor machines.
Is a compressor ice cream maker hard to clean?
Cleanup depends on the design. Removable bowls and churn blades can make cleaning and serving easier, but the ICM-201SB and ICM-128WS have listed hand-wash care instructions. Check the manual for the specific cleaning steps for your model.
Which Whynter model should I choose if counter space is limited?
The ICM-128WS has a 1.28-quart capacity and listed dimensions of 11 by 10 by 14 inches. The ICM-201SB has an upright design with a 2.1-quart capacity, while the ICM-200LS has a wider, lower profile. Measure your available space before choosing.
Final Recommendation
For most people who want a true ice cream maker with built-in freezer capability, the Whynter ICM-201SB offers the best balance of 2.1-quart capacity, compressor cooling, and an upright design. Choose the ICM-220SSY if homemade yogurt matters to you, the ICM-128WS if a smaller batch suits your household, or the ICM-200LS if its wider layout fits your counter better. If you mainly want small personal servings and do not mind freezing mugs ahead, the DASH is the compact alternative.
