The Cuisinart ICE-100 is one of the most reviewed compressor ice cream machines in its price range, backed by a 4.6-star average across nearly 3,000 ratings. At $379.95 and 27.2 lb, it strikes a reasonable balance between performance and practicality for a home kitchen.
Home cooks who want a reliable compressor machine without a $1,000-plus price tag, and who make ice cream enough to justify skipping the freeze-bowl routine.
Skip if
You need to make large batches, since the 1.5-quart bowl fills quickly for bigger families or parties.
Capacity 1.5 qt
Material Steel
Color Stainless
Weight 27.2 lb
Priced 36% above the category median ($279.95 across 25 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.5 qt - smaller than 82% of the 26 models we track
Weight of 27.2 lb - heavier than 65% of the 26 models we track
Pros
Built-in compressor, no bowl pre-freezing required
4.6-star rating across nearly 3,000 reviews is exceptionally strong
Steel build feels solid at the $379 price point
Churn multiple batches back to back without waiting
Cons
1.5-quart capacity is modest if you regularly cook for larger groups
At 27.2 lb it is heavier than bowl-based machines, limiting portability
Our scorecard
4.6/5overall
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 2,944 owner ratings
Popularity4.6/5
2,944 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Cuisinart ICE-100 runs a built-in compressor, so there is no frozen bowl to pre-chill and no 24-hour wait before you can churn. You can make a batch of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet whenever you want. The 1.5-quart capacity is on the smaller side but is enough for two to four servings per batch.
The steel construction and stainless finish give it a clean, neutral look that fits most kitchens. At 27.2 lb it is heavier than bowl-freeze models but still manageable enough that some owners move it in and out of storage, though a permanent spot on the counter is more convenient.
The buyer feedback is the strongest signal in its favor. Close to 3,000 ratings at 4.6 stars is unusually strong for a compressor machine in this price band, indicating consistent satisfaction across a wide range of users rather than a niche fan base.
Performance notes
The ICE-100 holds 1.5 quarts per batch. The steel body is designed for durability over many uses. Wattage is not listed in available product specs, so direct power draw comparisons cannot be made. The compressor design means churn time runs roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on recipe and ambient temperature.
What buyers say
With 2,944 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the ICE-100 has one of the most credible approval signals in this category. The high rating held across a large sample size suggests the machine performs consistently and that satisfaction is not limited to a small group of early reviewers.
Similar slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines to consider
Can I make gelato or sorbet in the Cuisinart ICE-100, or just ice cream?
Yes, the machine handles gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt as well as ice cream. Any churned frozen dessert that fits within the 1.5-quart capacity works. The compressor keeps a consistent chill throughout the process, which matters for gelato bases that need precise temperature control.
How does the ICE-100 compare to the Whynter ICM-200LS?
Both are compressor machines in a similar price range. The Whynter ICM-200LS has a larger 2.1-quart bowl and costs about $90 less, while the Cuisinart ICE-100 has a larger and more established review base. Capacity matters most if you regularly serve four or more people per batch.
We use necessary cookies to keep the site working. With your permission, we also use functional, analytics, and marketing cookies. Read our Cookie Policy.
