The main places to buy an ice cream maker

You can buy an ice cream maker at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, kitchen specialty stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table, online marketplaces like Amazon, and secondhand through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift shops. Each route has different prices, selection, and return policies, so the best choice depends on whether you want to see the machine in person, need it quickly, or are willing to buy used.

Most people start at one of three places: a general retailer for convenience and return options, an online marketplace for the widest selection and price comparison, or a secondhand site if you want to spend less and don't mind an older model. Each has real trade-offs worth understanding before you buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco stock ice cream makers year-round but have smaller selections than online stores.
  • Amazon and other online marketplaces let you compare dozens of models and read customer reviews, but you cannot inspect the machine before it arrives.
  • Kitchen specialty stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table have staff who can explain features and answer questions, but prices are usually higher.
  • Secondhand ice cream makers from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores cost less but may have worn parts or missing accessories.
  • Return policies vary widely — big-box stores typically allow 30 to 90 days, while online marketplaces and specialty stores have different windows.

Big-box retailers: Target, Walmart, and Costco

Target and Walmart stock ice cream makers year-round in their kitchen appliance sections, both in-store and online. You can see the machine in person, ask staff questions, and return it within 30 to 90 days if it does not work the way you expected. Prices are usually moderate — typically $30 to $150 depending on the model — and both stores offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount (usually $35 to $50).

Costco carries ice cream makers seasonally, usually from spring through early fall, and only to members. Selection is smaller than Target or Walmart, but prices are often lower because Costco negotiates bulk discounts. You can return any Costco purchase within two years, which is longer than most retailers. If you have a membership and shop there anyway, Costco is worth checking first.

The trade-off with big-box stores is selection. You will typically find three to eight models, all in the $30 to $150 range. If you want a high-end machine or a specific brand, you may not find it.

Online marketplaces: Amazon and others

Amazon carries hundreds of ice cream maker models from dozens of brands, ranging from $20 budget machines to $500 commercial-grade units. You can read customer reviews, compare features side by side, and often find the same model at different prices from different sellers. Shipping is usually fast if you have Prime, and Amazon's return window is typically 30 days for most items.

Other online marketplaces like Bed Bath & Beyond (online only since store closures), Wayfair, and Williams Sonoma's website also stock wide selections. Prices and return policies vary — Wayfair allows 30 days, while Williams Sonoma allows 60 days. Always check the return policy before you buy, especially if you are ordering from a third-party seller rather than the retailer itself.

The main drawback of online shopping is that you cannot see or touch the machine before it arrives. Read the dimensions carefully — some ice cream makers are larger than they look in photos — and check whether the box includes all the accessories you need, like the paddle and freezer bowl.

Kitchen specialty stores: Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table

Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table focus on cooking equipment and stock higher-end ice cream makers, usually $80 to $300. Staff in these stores know the machines well and can explain the difference between models, answer questions about capacity and freezing time, and help you choose based on how often you plan to use it. Both stores allow returns within 60 days.

These stores also carry ice cream maker accessories — replacement freezer bowls, paddles, and recipe books — in one place, which is convenient if you already own a machine and need a part. You can shop in person or online, and both offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount.

The trade-off is price. You will pay more at a specialty store than at Target or Amazon for the same machine. This makes sense if you value informed information or want to inspect the machine in person, but if you are comfortable reading reviews and comparing specs online, you can save money elsewhere.

Secondhand options: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you buy used ice cream makers from people in your area, usually for 30 to 60 percent less than new. You can inspect the machine in person, test it if the seller allows, and avoid shipping costs. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally stock ice cream makers for $5 to $20, though selection is unpredictable and you cannot order online.

When buying secondhand, ask the seller whether the machine works, how old it is, and whether all parts are included — especially the freezer bowl and paddle, which are expensive to replace. Test it if possible, or ask the seller to demonstrate it. Check whether the freezer bowl has cracks or leaks, since a damaged bowl cannot be repaired and a replacement can cost $30 to $80.

The risk with secondhand machines is that you have no return option if something breaks after you take it home. Some sellers offer a short warranty, but most do not. This is a good route if you want to try an ice cream maker cheaply before committing to a new one, or if you are comfortable troubleshooting a machine that may need minor repairs.

Comparing prices across retailers

The same ice cream maker model often costs different amounts at different stores. A popular mid-range machine might be $79 at Target, $89 at Williams Sonoma, $75 on Amazon, and $45 used on Facebook Marketplace. Before you buy, search the model number on Google Shopping or Amazon to see the price range, then decide whether the difference is worth the convenience or return policy of a particular retailer.

Watch for seasonal sales. Ice cream makers go on sale in late spring and early summer when demand is highest, and again in late fall as retailers clear inventory before winter. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale can save 15 to 25 percent.

What to check before you buy

Before ordering or visiting a store, know what type of machine you want. Freezer-bowl machines (the most common kind) require you to freeze the bowl for at least 8 hours before each use — they cost $30 to $150 and are fine if you plan ahead. Compressor machines have a built-in freezer and cost $200 to $500 but let you make ice cream whenever you want without pre-freezing.

Check the capacity — most home machines make 1 to 2 quarts per batch — and the freezing time, which ranges from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the model. Read reviews about noise level if you are sensitive to sound. Look at the warranty: most machines come with 1 to 3 years of coverage, though some secondhand machines may have no warranty at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an ice cream maker if I change my mind?

Yes, but the window varies. Target and Walmart allow 30 to 90 days, Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table allow 60 days, and Amazon typically allows 30 days. Costco allows returns for two years. Secondhand purchases have no return option unless the seller offers one. Always check the policy before you buy.

What is the difference between a freezer-bowl and a compressor machine?

A freezer-bowl machine requires you to freeze the bowl overnight before each use and costs $30 to $150. A compressor machine has a built-in freezer and costs $200 to $500 but lets you make ice cream on demand. Choose a freezer-bowl machine if you make ice cream occasionally and have freezer space; choose a compressor if you make it often or want spontaneous batches.

Is it worth buying a used ice cream maker?

Yes, if you inspect it first and the freezer bowl is intact. Used machines cost 30 to 60 percent less and are fine for occasional use. Avoid machines with cracks in the bowl or signs of rust. Ask the seller whether it works and whether all parts are included before you commit.

Where can I find replacement parts if something breaks?

Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table stock replacement bowls and paddles in-store and online. Amazon and eBay also carry parts for most popular brands. Check your machine's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the exact part number before you order.

Do I need to buy from the same store where I bought the machine?

No. You can buy the machine at one retailer and buy parts or accessories anywhere else. Many people buy the machine online for price and buy replacement bowls at a specialty store because staff can help them find the right fit.