If you’re looking for the best American-made ice cream machine, you likely want a high-quality, durable, and reliable machine built to last. Many ice cream makers are made overseas, but a few U.S.-manufactured brands stand out for their superior craftsmanship and performance. Whether you need a home ice cream maker or a commercial batch freezer, this guide covers the best American-made ice cream machines across different price ranges and usage needs.
Best American-Made Ice Cream Machines: Top Picks
1. Emery Thompson CB-350 – Best Commercial American Ice Cream Machine
💰 Price: $14,000 (new), $8,000 (used)
📦 Batch Size: 6 quarts (~5 batches per hour, 30+ quarts per hour total)
🔌 Power Requirement: 240V, 20A
⚖ Weight: 300 lbs
⭐ Best For: Ice cream shops, gelato businesses, and professional production
Emery Thompson has been making ice cream machines in the USA for over 100 years and is the gold standard for commercial batch freezers. The CB-350 is a countertop model ideal for small to mid-sized ice cream shops. It has industrial-grade stainless steel parts, a powerful refrigeration system, and fast batch freezing (~10-15 minutes per batch).
✅ Pros:
- Built in the USA with top-tier durability
- Freezes ice cream fast (~10-15 minutes per batch)
- Can produce 30+ quarts of ice cream per hour
- Stainless steel construction (lasts decades)
❌ Cons:
- Expensive ($14,000 new, $8,000+ used)
- Requires a 240V power connection
- Heavy (300 lbs, not portable)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available directly from Emery Thompson’s official website or used from restaurant auctions.
2. White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker – Best American-Made Home Ice Cream Maker
💰 Price: $250 – $350
📦 Capacity: 6 quarts per batch
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V standard outlet
⚖ Weight: 18 lbs
⭐ Best For: Families & home ice cream enthusiasts
If you want a high-quality, American-made ice cream maker for home use, the White Mountain 6-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker is one of the best choices. White Mountain has been manufacturing ice cream makers in the USA since 1853. This machine features a traditional wooden bucket, triple-motion stainless steel dasher, and a powerful motor for smooth churning.
✅ Pros:
- Made in the USA with durable materials
- Large 6-quart capacity (great for families & parties)
- Classic wooden bucket for traditional ice cream making
- Triple-motion dasher for smooth texture
❌ Cons:
- Requires ice & rock salt (messier than compressor models)
- Wooden bucket may require maintenance over time
- Louder than compressor models
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Walmart, and kitchen specialty stores.
3. Immergood Stainless Steel Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker – Best Manual American Ice Cream Maker
💰 Price: $300 – $400
📦 Capacity: 6 quarts per batch
🔌 Power Requirement: None (manual hand-crank operation)
⚖ Weight: 20 lbs
⭐ Best For: Outdoor events, camping, and off-grid use
If you prefer a non-electric, American-made ice cream maker, the Immergood Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker is one of the best options. Unlike wooden-bucket models that leak over time, this one features a fully insulated poly tub that keeps ice cream colder for longer. It also has all stainless steel gears and a smooth cranking system, making it easier to churn than cheaper hand-crank models.
✅ Pros:
- Fully insulated tub (better than wooden buckets)
- Hand-crank operation (no electricity needed)
- Durable stainless steel gears & components
- Made in the USA for long-lasting performance
❌ Cons:
- Requires manual effort
- Takes longer than electric machines (~30-60 minutes per batch)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Lehman’s, and kitchen specialty stores.
4. Emery Thompson CB-200 – Best Small Commercial American Ice Cream Machine
💰 Price: $8,000 (new)
📦 Batch Size: 3 quarts (~4 batches per hour, 12 quarts per hour total)
🔌 Power Requirement: 110V, 20A
⚖ Weight: 150 lbs
⭐ Best For: Small ice cream businesses & serious home users
The Emery Thompson CB-200 is a smaller version of the CB-350, designed for businesses needing lower production volumes. It’s perfect for artisan gelato shops, small bakeries, and restaurants wanting to offer house-made ice cream. It has the same high-quality build as larger Emery Thompson models but with a more compact size and a lower price point.
✅ Pros:
- Made in the USA with high durability
- Runs on a standard 110V outlet (easier to install)
- Great for small-batch production (~12 quarts per hour)
- Faster freezing times (~15 minutes per batch)
❌ Cons:
- Expensive ($8,000 new, rarely available used)
- Limited batch size (3 quarts per run)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available from Emery Thompson’s website and select resellers.
Comparison Table: Best American-Made Ice Cream Machines
| Machine | Best For | Price | Capacity | Power | Made In USA? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emery Thompson CB-350 | Best Overall Commercial | $14,000 | 6 quarts per batch | 240V | ✅ Yes |
| White Mountain 6-Quart | Best for Home Use | $250 – $350 | 6 quarts per batch | 110V | ✅ Yes |
| Immergood Stainless Steel | Best Manual Ice Cream Maker | $300 – $400 | 6 quarts per batch | None (manual) | ✅ Yes |
| Emery Thompson CB-200 | Best Small Commercial Machine | $8,000 | 3 quarts per batch | 110V | ✅ Yes |
How to Choose the Best American-Made Ice Cream Machine
1. Are You Looking for Home or Commercial Use?
✔ For home use: White Mountain 6-Quart (electric) or Immergood Stainless Steel (manual)
✔ For commercial use: Emery Thompson CB-350 (best) or CB-200 (smaller option)
2. Do You Need an Electric or Manual Machine?
✔ Electric: Faster, easier to use (Emery Thompson, White Mountain)
✔ Manual: No electricity required (Immergood)
3. What’s Your Budget?
✔ Under $400: White Mountain or Immergood (best for home use)
✔ $8,000 – $14,000: Emery Thompson (commercial-grade performance)
Final Verdict: Best American-Made Ice Cream Machine for You
🔥 Best Overall Commercial Machine: Emery Thompson CB-350 ($14K) – Best durability & production
🔥 Best Home Ice Cream Maker: White Mountain 6-Quart ($250 – $350) – Affordable & reliable
🔥 Best Manual Machine: Immergood Stainless Steel ($300 – $400) – No electricity required
🔥 Best Small Commercial Machine: Emery Thompson CB-200 ($8K) – Great for small businesses