If you’re looking for the best 6-quart ice cream maker, you likely want a machine that can handle large batches, produce smooth and creamy results, and be durable enough to last for years. While smaller ice cream makers are popular, a 6-quart capacity is ideal for families, parties, and serious ice cream enthusiasts.
Based on expert opinions and user feedback, we’ve rounded up the top 6-quart ice cream makers, highlighting their pros, cons, and key features.
Best 6-Quart Ice Cream Makers: Top Picks
1. White Mountain F64306-X 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker – Best Overall
💰 Price: $250 – $300
📦 Capacity: 6 quarts
🔌 Power: Electric motor (12,000 RPM)
🔹 Type: Ice & salt churner
⭐ Best For: Large batches & traditional ice cream lovers
The White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker is one of the most reliable and well-known large-capacity ice cream makers. It uses the traditional ice and salt method, combined with a powerful electric motor to churn thick, creamy ice cream. Its triple-motion dasher ensures even freezing and smooth texture.
✅ Pros:
- Large 6-quart capacity (great for families & parties)
- Electric motor churns ice cream effortlessly
- Triple-motion dasher improves texture
- Durable stainless steel canister & wooden bucket
❌ Cons:
- Requires ice and salt (can be messy)
- Louder than compressor models
- Wooden bucket can leak over time if not properly maintained
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Walmart, and specialty kitchen stores
2. Immergood Stainless Steel 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker – Best Hand-Crank Model
💰 Price: $350 – $400
📦 Capacity: 6 quarts
🔹 Type: Hand-crank, no electricity needed
⭐ Best For: People who love the traditional ice cream-making experience
The Immergood 6-Quart Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker is one of the best manual ice cream makers available. Unlike wooden bucket models that can leak over time, this one features an insulated poly tub that keeps the ice cream colder for longer. The stainless steel gears make cranking easier and more durable than plastic gears in cheaper models.
✅ Pros:
- Extremely durable (all stainless steel & poly tub)
- No electricity required (great for outdoor use or camping)
- Insulated tub reduces ice melt & mess
- Smooth cranking mechanism
❌ Cons:
- Manual effort required
- More expensive than standard hand-crank models
🔹 Where to Buy: Available at Amazon, Lehman’s, and kitchen specialty stores
3. Nostalgia 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker – Best Budget Option
💰 Price: $70 – $100
📦 Capacity: 6 quarts
🔌 Power: Electric motor
🔹 Type: Ice & salt churner
⭐ Best For: Casual users looking for an affordable option
If you’re looking for an affordable large-capacity ice cream maker, the Nostalgia 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker is a solid choice. It uses a plastic bucket instead of wood, making it lightweight and easy to clean. While it doesn’t have the same durability as White Mountain models, it still produces great ice cream for the price.
✅ Pros:
- Very affordable for a 6-quart ice cream maker
- Electric motor makes churning easy
- Lightweight and easy to store
❌ Cons:
- Plastic bucket isn’t as durable as wood or stainless steel
- Requires more ice and salt than premium models
- Motor is not as powerful as White Mountain
🔹 Where to Buy: Available at Amazon, Walmart, and Target
4. Country Freezer 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker – Best for Durability
💰 Price: $350 – $400
📦 Capacity: 6 quarts
🔹 Type: Hand-crank or electric options available
⭐ Best For: Serious ice cream makers who want a machine built to last
The Country Freezer 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker is a high-end model known for its durability. It comes in both hand-crank and electric versions, so you can choose the method that suits your needs. The stainless steel canister and sturdy wood bucket make it one of the longest-lasting models available.
✅ Pros:
- Built with high-quality materials for longevity
- Available in both hand-crank and electric versions
- Produces very smooth and creamy ice cream
❌ Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- Wooden bucket requires maintenance to prevent leaks
🔹 Where to Buy: Available at Lehman’s and specialty kitchen retailers
How to Choose the Best 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker
1. Electric vs. Hand-Crank: Which One is Right for You?
| Feature | Electric Ice Cream Maker | Hand-Crank Ice Cream Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | Fully automated | Requires manual churning |
| Time | ~20-40 minutes | ~30-60 minutes |
| Consistency | More consistent results | Depends on cranking speed |
| Best For | Convenience & frequent use | Nostalgia & outdoor events |
🔹 Choose electric if you want ease of use and consistent texture.
🔹 Choose hand-crank if you enjoy the process and want a non-electric option.
2. Ice & Salt Churner vs. Compressor Models
Most 6-quart ice cream makers use the ice & salt method, but compressor models (like Cuisinart and Lello Musso) are more convenient.
| Feature | Ice & Salt Churner | Compressor Ice Cream Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Method | Requires ice & rock salt | Built-in refrigeration |
| Capacity | 4-6 quarts | Usually 1.5-2 quarts |
| Messiness | Can be messy | No mess |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive ($500-$1,500) |
🔹 If you need 6 quarts, you’ll have to go with an ice & salt churner.
3. Budget – How Much Should You Spend?
- Budget ($70-$150): Nostalgia 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker (best for casual users)
- Mid-Range ($200-$300): White Mountain 6-Quart Electric (best overall)
- High-End ($350-$400): Immergood or Country Freezer (most durable options)
Final Verdict: Best 6-Quart Ice Cream Maker for You
| Model | Best For | Price | Capacity | Electric or Manual? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Mountain 6-Quart | Best Overall | $250 – $300 | 6 quarts | Electric |
| Immergood Stainless Steel | Best Hand-Crank | $350 – $400 | 6 quarts | Manual |
| Nostalgia 6-Quart | Best Budget | $70 – $100 | 6 quarts | Electric |
| Country Freezer | Best for Durability | $350 – $400 | 6 quarts | Electric or Manual |
Final Recommendation:
✔ Best Overall: White Mountain 6-Quart Electric ($250-$300) – Reliable & powerful motor.
✔ Best Hand-Crank Model: Immergood ($350-$400) – Durable & easy to use.
✔ Best Budget Pick: Nostalgia ($70-$100) – Affordable but less durable.