Budget Vs Premium Ice Cream Makers – Which One Is Best For You Featured Image 637x1920w two ice cream makers side by side one budget one premium Frosted Fusions

Budget vs Premium Ice Cream Makers — What’s Right for You? 2025 Guide

When it comes to homemade ice cream, the right machine can make all the difference — but do you really need to splash out on a premium model to get delicious results?

Our world is now filled to the brim with high-tech gadgets, presets, and self-freezing compressors, so is a budget ice cream maker still worth your time? Well, believe it or not, not every delicious scoop starts with a £400 machine.

Some of the best batches I’ve ever churned came from a budget-friendly model I picked up for £35 many years ago — the Duronic IM540.

We’ve tried and tested everything from humble kitchen heroes to all-singing, all-dancing soft serve stations and in this article, we’ll scoop into the pros and cons of both budget and high-end machines, helping you decide which type suits your kitchen, your budget, and your ice cream dreams.

My First Ice Cream Maker (And Why I Still Use It)

The Duronic IM540 was my very first ice cream maker — and despite testing bigger, fancier models over the years, this compact little machine has earned its stripes.

Budget-Vs-Premium-Ice-Cream-Makers-–-Which-One-Is-Best-For-You-Image-6-Duronic-ice-cream-maker-with-ice-cream-surrounding-it-Frosted-Fusions

The Duronic Ice Cream Maker might not have all the bells and whistles, but this solid little machine has churned and churned away. I must’ve made thousands of batches in it, and for years it remained my go-to ice cream maker.

I bought mine a good few years ago for just £35, and it’s solid, dependable, and helped me fall in love with homemade ice cream.

It may be basic, but the Duronic is a workhorse — proof that great ice cream doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s especially great for beginners, smaller households, or those on a budget.

Duronic IM540 – Quick Specs At A Glance

Technical Specs at a Glance: Here’s a quick look at the Duronic IM540’s size, power, and capacity straight from the manufacturer’s listings:

Budget-Vs-Premium-Ice-Cream-Makers-–-Which-One-Is-Best-For-You-Image-5-Duronic-IM540-ice-cream-maker-showing-strawberry-ice-cream-churning-Frosted-Fusions
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  • Type: Freezer bowl machine
  • Capacity: ~1.5 litres
  • Size: Approx. 20 x 24 x 22 cm
  • Weight: ~2.5kg
  • Bowl: Removable aluminium bowl (non-dishwasher safe)
  • Power: 220–240V / 50Hz
  • Noise Level: Moderate hum during churning
  • Extras: Transparent lid for easy viewing, simple on/off operation

Note: Bowl must be pre-frozen for 12–24 hours. I store mine in the freezer full-time so it’s always ready to go — a great habit if you’ve got the space!

👉🏽 Click on the following link if you’d like to take a look at the latest price and availability of the brilliant, budget-friendly Duronic IM540 Ice Cream Maker

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Pros of the Duronic IM540

  • Always Ready: The freezer bowl needs pre-freezing (I keep mine in the freezer full-time), so it’s ready whenever inspiration hits.
  • Easy to Clean: A quick rinse with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid — done. (Just never put the bowl in the dishwasher — that’ll ruin the internal cooling elements.)
  • Good Batch Size: It makes around 1.5 litres, which is plenty for a family treat or a weekend stash.
  • Reliable Results: With a properly chilled mix (give it a couple of hours in the fridge first), it churns out consistently smooth and creamy scoops.

Quick Tips for the Best Results From the Duronic IM540

  • Start the machine before pouring in your mixture – this helps to avoid the ice cream mixture freezing solid on the bowl walls.
  • Pre-chill your base for 2–4 hours. Cold mix = better texture and a faster churn time.
  • Always dry the bowl thoroughly before freezing it again to avoid icy buildup or freezer burn.

✅ Why We Love It:

  • Affordable and accessible — a great entry point for beginners
  • Compact and easy to store
  • Straightforward to use — no confusing settings or extra parts
  • Reliable results — creamy, consistent textures every time (with a little technique)

🧊 Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Requires you to pre-freeze the bowl (usually 12–24 hours)
  • Smaller batch sizes (great for households or personal use)
  • Has a moderate noise level during churning

“It may be basic, but the Duronic is a workhorse — proof that great ice cream doesn’t have to cost a fortune.”

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Premium Ice Cream Makers – What You Get For Your Money

On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got high-end machines — think Cuisinart, Ninja Creami, or Magimix Gelato Expert.

These models offer extra features, more power, and plenty of perks for serious scoopers.

Standout Features:

  • Built-in compressors — no need to pre-freeze bowls
  • Faster batch times (some in under 30 minutes)
  • Larger capacities for entertaining or batch prep
  • Multiple settings for sorbet, gelato, frozen yoghurt, and more
  • Better temperature control and texture consistency

But let’s not pretend they don’t come at a price — many premium machines cost £200–£500+, and their size and weight may not suit every kitchen.

“Premium models are ideal for ice cream enthusiasts, families, or anyone who wants convenience and speed without compromising quality.”

So… Which One’s Right for You?

The best machine isn’t always the priciest — it’s the one that works for your lifestyle.

🔍 Budget vs. Premium At A Glance

Feature Budget Ice Cream Maker Premium Ice Cream Maker
Price £30–£80 £200–£500+
Prep Needed Pre-freeze bowl Ready anytime
Batch Size Small to medium Medium to large
Speed 30–60 mins 20–40 mins
Convenience Manual process Set-it-and-forget-it
Footprint Compact Bulky/heavy
Noise Moderate Lower (varies)

Still Unsure? Ask yourself the following:

  • How often will I use it?
  • Do I have freezer space for a bowl?
  • Am I making for one, or feeding a crowd?
  • Do I love experimenting with flavours?

Considering these questions might help you work out which style of ice cream maker works best for you – Budget Vs Premium.

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The Final Scoop

Whether you’re starting out or levelling up, there’s an ice cream maker for everyone.

If you’re on a budget, the Duronic is a brilliant place to start — it’s affordable, reliable, and makes fantastic ice cream with just a little planning. For those ready to invest in speed and convenience, a premium machine offers a smoother experience and batch after batch of effortless scoops.

Ready to start churning? If you’re looking for a reliable, beginner-friendly machine that delivers great results without breaking the bank, the Duronic IM540 is a brilliant place to begin. 👉🏽 Click here to check current prices and availability

Which ever style you choose – Budget or Premium – homemade ice cream is always a win-win situation, and having the right machine is the cherry on top.

👉🏽 Want help choosing? Check out our article – Beginner’s Guide to the Best Ice Cream Makers – for more in-depth reviews and comparisons.

Head over to our review articles for more in-depth reviews of some other models;

👉🏽 Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker – A Detailed Review

👉🏽 A Detailed Review of the Ninja Creami – Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

👉🏽 Ninja Swirl Vs Ninja Creami – Which Ice Cream Maker Is Worth It In 2025?

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Budget Vs Premium Ice Cream Makers – Which One Is Best For You? – and that we have given you some scoops for thought on which ice cream maker would suit you best. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.

Stay connected for more homemade ice cream inspiration! Share your homemade ice cream masterpieces with us on social media, and connect with a community of ice cream enthusiasts. Join us for mouthwatering recipes, expert tips, and exclusive updates. Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and X by clicking on any of the social media icons below.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to continue creating content. Thank you for your support!

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4 Comments

  1. Great article! I loved how you broke down the pros and cons of budget vs premium ice cream makers in such a practical way. It’s so true that the best choice depends on your lifestyle and how often you’ll actually use it. I’ve been tempted by the fancy models, but your point about recipe quality mattering more really hit home. Time to revisit my no-churn recipes!

    • Hi Elena,
      Thank you so much for your lovely comment — We’re so pleased you enjoyed our article and that it gave you some useful food for thought!

      You’re absolutely right — sometimes a simple, less expensive model can deliver just as much joy as an expensive machine.

      If you’re heading back to your no-churn recipes, you might enjoy one we recently shared — a delicious Oreo Ice Cream, which is always a crowd pleaser and perfect for summer!

      For the full recipe and step-by-step guide, see our article – Irresistibly Easy No-Churn Oreo Ice Cream (Just 3 Ingredients!)

      Thanks again for stopping by — and happy ice cream making!

      Warm wishes,
      Cherie

  2. Thanks for sharing an informative post!

    The article provides a clear and balanced comparison between budget and premium ice cream makers, showing that while high-end models offer advanced features like built-in compressors, faster churning, and larger capacities, budget-friendly machines like the Duronic IM540 can still produce delicious, creamy ice cream without a big investment. By sharing personal experience and practical tips, the author emphasises that the best ice cream maker depends on your lifestyle, freezer space, and how often you plan to use it, making it accessible for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Overall, the piece encourages readers to choose based on their needs and budget rather than assuming pricier always means better, proving that great homemade ice cream is possible at any price point.

    Keep up the good work!

    • Hi S.J,

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment — Really appreciate you taking the time to sum up our article ans looks like we achieved what we hoped for, providing useful comparisons and what we had hoped to get across  — that great ice cream doesn’t have to come with a big price tag, and it’s really about finding the right fit for your kitchen and how you like to enjoy making it.

      We’re so pleased you enjoyed the post — and thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

      Warmest wishes,
      Cherie

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