Hand-crank ice cream makers offer a nostalgic and interactive experience, but they require manual effort and can be messy compared to modern electric ice cream makers. While the ice and rock salt method can be finicky and inconsistent, some high-quality hand-crank machines still deliver great results—especially for those who enjoy the traditional way of making ice cream.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best hand-crank ice cream makers, their pros and cons, and whether they’re worth the effort.
Best Hand Crank Ice Cream Makers: Top Picks
1. Immergood Stainless Steel Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker – Best Overall
💰 Price: $300 – $400
📦 Capacity: 6 quarts
🔹 Materials: Stainless steel, poly tub
⭐ Best For: Serious ice cream makers who want durability and consistency
The Immergood Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker is considered one of the best hand-crank models on the market. Unlike cheaper wooden models, it features a fully insulated poly tub that retains cold better, meaning less ice and salt is needed. The all-stainless-steel gears ensure durability and smooth cranking, making it much easier to churn than traditional wooden bucket models.
✅ Pros:
- Extremely durable (stainless steel gears and crank)
- Insulated poly tub keeps ice cream cold longer
- Less ice and salt required
- Smooth cranking mechanism
❌ Cons:
- Expensive compared to other hand-crank models
- Requires effort (but easier to crank than many competitors)
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Lehman’s, and specialty kitchen stores
2. White Mountain Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker – Best Traditional Option
💰 Price: $250 – $350
📦 Capacity: 4 or 6 quarts
🔹 Materials: Wooden bucket, stainless steel canister
⭐ Best For: Those looking for an authentic vintage-style experience
White Mountain hand-crank ice cream makers are classic and well-known. They feature a traditional wooden bucket, a triple-motion dasher for better churning, and a stainless steel inner canister. If you’re looking for old-fashioned aesthetics and nostalgia, this is a great choice. However, it requires more ice and salt than modern insulated models, and the wooden bucket can leak over time.
✅ Pros:
- Classic wooden bucket design (great for nostalgia)
- Triple-motion dasher provides a smooth texture
- Well-built stainless steel components
❌ Cons:
- Wood can expand and contract, causing leaks over time
- Requires more ice and salt
- More difficult to crank than Immergood
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Walmart, and kitchen specialty stores
3. Lehman’s Hand Crank Ice Cream Freezer – Best for Small Batches
💰 Price: $250 – $300
📦 Capacity: 4 quarts
🔹 Materials: Poly tub, stainless steel canister
⭐ Best For: Those looking for a compact, durable hand-crank machine
Lehman’s offers a high-quality, Amish-style hand-crank ice cream maker that’s designed for longevity and ease of use. Unlike White Mountain’s wooden bucket, this model features a durable poly tub that doesn’t leak. While smaller in size, it’s perfect for families or those making ice cream for small gatherings.
✅ Pros:
- Durable poly tub (no leaking like wooden models)
- Smooth and easy cranking
- Smaller size is more convenient for storage
❌ Cons:
- Lower capacity than 6-quart models
- Still requires manual effort and ice/salt
🔹 Where to Buy: Available at Lehman’s website and specialty kitchen retailers
4. Nostalgia Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker – Best Budget Option
💰 Price: $70 – $100
📦 Capacity: 4 quarts
🔹 Materials: Plastic bucket, aluminum canister
⭐ Best For: Budget buyers and those who want an occasional fun activity
If you’re looking for a cheap hand-crank ice cream maker, the Nostalgia brand offers an affordable option. It features a plastic bucket (not as durable as wood or stainless steel) and an aluminum canister, which doesn’t retain cold as well. However, it does the job for small, casual batches and is a great option for kids or special occasions.
✅ Pros:
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Great for occasional use
❌ Cons:
- Plastic bucket isn’t very durable
- More difficult to crank than premium models
- Requires a lot of ice and salt
🔹 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon and Walmart
Hand Crank vs. Electric Ice Cream Makers: Which is Better?
Many people love the nostalgia of hand-crank ice cream, but it’s not as convenient as modern electric machines. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker | Electric Ice Cream Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | Requires manual churning | Fully automated |
| Time | ~30-60 minutes | ~20-30 minutes |
| Ice & Salt | Required | Not needed in compressor models |
| Capacity | 4-6 quarts | 1.5-2 quarts (most models) |
| Texture | Inconsistent, depends on manual effort | More consistent results |
| Best For | Nostalgia & fun experiences | Convenience & efficiency |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- If you love tradition & hands-on fun → Choose a hand-crank machine.
- If you want convenience & perfect texture → Go for an electric model.
- For large gatherings → Hand-crank machines usually offer bigger capacity.
How to Choose the Best Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker
1. Capacity: How Much Ice Cream Do You Need?
- For small families (1-4 people) → 4-quart models are ideal.
- For large gatherings (5+ people) → 6-quart models provide enough servings.
2. Material: Wood vs. Stainless Steel vs. Poly Tub
- Wooden buckets (White Mountain) → Look great but can leak over time.
- Stainless steel/poly tubs (Immergood, Lehman’s) → More durable and efficient.
- Plastic buckets (Nostalgia) → Cheap but less effective at retaining cold.
3. Ease of Use: How Hard Is It to Crank?
- Immergood & Lehman’s models have smooth cranking with better gear systems.
- Budget models like Nostalgia require more effort and ice/salt.
4. Price: How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
- Budget ($70-$100): Nostalgia 4-quart hand crank
- Mid-range ($250-$350): White Mountain, Lehman’s
- High-end ($300-$400): Immergood (best durability and performance)
Final Verdict: Best Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker for You
| Model | Best For | Price | Capacity | Bucket Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immergood Stainless Steel | Best Overall | $300 – $400 | 6 quarts | Poly tub |
| White Mountain | Best Traditional | $250 – $350 | 4 or 6 quarts | Wooden |
| Lehman’s Ice Cream Freezer | Best for Small Batches | $250 – $300 | 4 quarts | Poly tub |
| Nostalgia Hand Crank | Best Budget | $70 – $100 | 4 quarts | Plastic |
Final Recommendation:
✔ Best Overall: Immergood Stainless Steel ($300-$400) – Most durable & easiest to use.
✔ Best Nostalgic Experience: White Mountain ($250-$350) – Classic wooden bucket feel.
✔ Best Budget Pick: Nostalgia ($70-$100) – Great for fun, occasional use.