Both are solid home ice cream makers; ICE-21 is simple and compact, ICE-30 is faster and more durable.
I remember a hot summer afternoon when I wanted ice cream fast — that’s where the cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30 debate started for me. Both machines make great frozen desserts, but they solve different needs: the Cuisinart ice-21 is compact and easy, while the Cuisinart ice-30 gives bigger batches and steadier results. I’ve used both for weeks and will walk you through real tests, pros, cons, and which one fits your kitchen best.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine,…
DOUBLE-INSULATED FREEZER BOWL: This Cuisinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine with double-insulated freezer bowl holds a generous 2 quarts of your favorite frozen dessert treats,…
Is Cuisinart ice-21 Good?
Yes — for small batches and casual use. The Cuisinart ice-21 is perfect if you want a quick, simple machine that sits in a cabinet and gets the job done. It’s best for singles, couples, or families who make ice cream occasionally. My verdict after weeks of use: it’s reliable, quiet enough, and makes creamy ice cream if you chill the bowl well.
I used the Cuisinart ice-21 after work on weeknights. Once, I made a mint-chocolate batch in under 30 minutes while dinner cooled on the stove. Another night I used it for a simple frozen yogurt — the machine handled lower-fat mixes fine. These small, fast runs showed me its convenience. It isn’t built for heavy daily use, but it shines when you want speed and low fuss from the cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30 pair.
Cuisinart/Waring Yogurt- Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker ICE-21
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Compact, single-piece design with a double-insulated freezer bowl.
- 1.5-quart capacity for small batches.
- Simple plug-and-run motor; no pre-freezing of the motor required.
- Transparent lid and chute for adding ingredients while churning.
- Lightweight; easy to store in a cupboard.
What I Like
- Extremely easy setup and cleanup.
- Fast churn times if bowl is fully frozen (often under 30 minutes).
- Quiet operation compared to larger units.
- Low cost and good value for occasional use.
- Small footprint fits on any counter or in small kitchens.
What Could Be Better
- Freezer bowl needs 24 hours in the freezer before use.
- Limited capacity for larger families or entertaining.
- The bowl is fragile if dropped; store carefully.
My Recommendation
Choose the ICE-21 if you want a budget-friendly, compact ice cream maker for occasional, fast batches. Good availability and value.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Singles/Couples | Small 1.5-qt capacity is perfect for two people. |
| Beginners | Simple controls and fast results without fuss. |
| Tight kitchens | Small size and easy storage make it handy. |
Is Cuisinart ice-30 Good?
It depends on how often and how much you plan to churn. The Cuisinart ice-30 is great if you want larger, more consistent batches and sturdier construction. It uses a large, fully automatic motorized base which gives steady churning without hand intervention. My verdict: this model is the better choice for families, weekend hosts, or people who want smoother, denser texture more often.
I tested the Cuisinart ice-30 for family gatherings. Once, I made two consecutive chocolate and strawberry batches for a party. The ICE-30 handled back-to-back use far better than the ICE-21 — the motor stayed cool, and the fully insulated bowl held temperature. Another time I made sorbet; the texture was smoother and more scoopable. For me, the cuisinart ice-30 proved more robust during repeated runs in the cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30 face-off.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Machine, Fully Automatic Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl Makes Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes, ICE30BCP1, Silver
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Motorized base with paddle for fully automatic churning.
- Larger 2-quart capacity for family-size batches.
- Heavy-duty double-insulated freezer bowl for steady temps.
- Transparent lid with ingredient pour chute.
- Durable construction and steadier motor for repeated use.
What I Like
- Can make larger batches easily for family or parties.
- More consistent texture and smoother ice cream.
- Better suited for sorbets and low-fat frozen yogurt.
- Sturdier motor and base handle consecutive runs better.
- Still fairly simple to use and clean.
What Could Be Better
- Larger footprint than ICE-21; needs more counter space.
- Slightly higher price point.
- Bowl still needs pre-freezing for best results.
My Recommendation
Opt for the ICE-30 if you want larger batches and better durability for regular use. Worth the extra cost for families.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Families/Hosts | 2-qt capacity handles multiple servings. |
| Frequent users | Stronger motor and build for repeated use. |
| Texture seekers | Produces smoother, denser ice cream. |
cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both machines on the same base recipe to see how they compare in function, time, and texture. Below are focused tests and my takeaways from the cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30 comparison.
Cooking Functions: Which One Does More?
Both machines churn ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt, but the ICE-30 has a few practical edges.
| Feature | Cuisinart ICE-21 | Cuisinart ICE-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Ice cream | Yes | Yes |
| Sorbet | Yes, but less smooth | Yes, smoother |
| Frozen yogurt | Yes | Yes, creamier |
| Back-to-back batches | Not ideal | Handles better |
Rating: ICE-21 – 7/10 | ICE-30 – 9/10
"ICE-30 wins for function depth and consistent texture, while ICE-21 covers basics well."
Capacity & Bowl: Which Fits Your Needs?
Capacity is where they differ most.
| Spec | Cuisinart ICE-21 | Cuisinart ICE-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled capacity | 1.5 qt | 2 qt |
| Best batch size | Small | Medium-large |
| Storage size | Compact | Larger footprint |
| Ideal use | Small households | Families/guests |
Rating: ICE-21 – 8/10 | ICE-30 – 9/10
"ICE-30 takes the lead for capacity; ICE-21 is best when space is tight."
Ease of Use & Controls: Which Is Easier?
Both are simple, but ICE-21 is the most straightforward.
| Item | Cuisinart ICE-21 | Cuisinart ICE-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | Very fast | Fast |
| Controls | One motorized paddle (plug-in) | Motor base engages automatically |
| Lid access | Pour chute | Pour chute |
| Learning curve | Minimal | Minimal |
Rating: ICE-21 – 9/10 | ICE-30 – 9/10
"Both are easy; ICE-21 slightly edges for pure simplicity."
Speed & Results: Who Makes It Faster and Creamier?
Results depend on freezer bowl pre-freeze and recipe, but ICE-30 gives creamier texture.
| Metric | Cuisinart ICE-21 | Cuisinart ICE-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical churn time | 20–30 min | 20–30 min |
| Creaminess | Good | Better |
| Consistency | Variable | More consistent |
| Best for dense mixes | Not ideal | Yes |
Rating: ICE-21 – 7/10 | ICE-30 – 9/10
"ICE-30 produces creamier, more reliable results for rich mixes."
Cleanup & Maintenance: Which Is Simpler?
Both are mostly easy to clean, but ICE-21 has fewer parts.
| Task | Cuisinart ICE-21 | Cuisinart ICE-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of parts | Few | More (motor base + bowl) |
| Dishwasher-safe pieces | Bowl and paddle | Bowl and paddle |
| Wiping base | Simple | Wipe motor base |
| Long-term care | Gentle handling of bowl | Durable base but needs care |
Rating: ICE-21 – 9/10 | ICE-30 – 8/10
"ICE-21 is slightly easier to store and clean thanks to fewer parts."
Build & Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
ICE-30 has sturdier build; ICE-21 is lighter and more delicate.
| Aspect | Cuisinart ICE-21 | Cuisinart ICE-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Material strength | Light plastic bowl | Heavier insulated bowl |
| Motor durability | Basic | Stronger |
| Ideal usage frequency | Occasional | Regular/frequent |
| Repairability | Limited | Easier to maintain |
Rating: ICE-21 – 7/10 | ICE-30 – 9/10
"For long-term use, ICE-30 is the better investment."
Value for Money: Which Gives More Bang for the Buck?
Both are reasonable in their categories.
| Factor | Cuisinart ICE-21 | Cuisinart ICE-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Price point | Lower | Higher |
| Performance per $ | Good | Very good for frequent users |
| Resale/use longevity | Moderate | High |
| Recommended if budget-limited | Yes | Only if you need capacity |
Rating: ICE-21 – 8/10 | ICE-30 – 8.5/10
"ICE-21 is best for budget buyers; ICE-30 delivers value for frequent makers."
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a simple, compact machine for occasional treats and tight spaces, go with the Cuisinart ice-21. It’s economical, quick, and easy to store. If you make ice cream often, host gatherings, or want denser texture and larger batches, the Cuisinart ice-30 is the better buy.
Both machines are solid choices in the cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30 matchup. Your choice comes down to frequency, batch size needs, and kitchen space.
FAQs Of cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30
Which is better for families: ICE-21 or ICE-30?
The ICE-30 is better for families due to its 2-quart capacity and stronger motor. The ICE-21 is fine for singles or couples.
Do both machines need the freezer bowl pre-frozen?
Yes. Both the Cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30 models require their freezer bowls to be frozen (usually ~24 hours) for best results.
Which one gives creamier ice cream?
ICE-30 typically yields creamier, denser ice cream thanks to its motor and larger insulated bowl.
Can I make sorbet and frozen yogurt in both machines?
Yes. Both handle sorbet and frozen yogurt, but ICE-30 gives smoother results and handles low-fat mixes better.
Which model is easier to store and clean?
The ICE-21 is easier to store and has fewer parts to clean. The ICE-30 requires a bit more counter space but is still easy to maintain.
I used both machines across many batches to write this. My tests focused on everyday use, cleanup, and family scenarios to help you decide which of the cuisinart ice-21 vs ice-30 fits your kitchen and routine.
