The best places to buy an ice cream maker depend on whether you want to see it first or need it fast

You can buy an ice cream maker at big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco; kitchen specialty stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table; online marketplaces including Amazon and eBay; and direct from manufacturers like Cuisinart and KitchenAid. The choice comes down to three things: whether you want to inspect the machine before buying, how soon you need it, and whether you're willing to pay shipping.

Big-box stores stock entry-level and mid-range models year-round, with the heaviest selection in late spring and early summer. Kitchen specialty retailers carry higher-end machines and staff who can explain the difference between compressor and freezer-bowl models. Online retailers offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices, but you cannot touch the machine before it arrives. Manufacturer websites sometimes offer direct sales with discounts or bundle deals you won't find elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart and Target stock basic ice cream makers for under $50, while specialty retailers carry premium models that cost $200 to $400.
  • Amazon and eBay have the largest selection of both new and refurbished machines, with prices that often undercut brick-and-mortar stores by 10 to 20 percent.
  • Costco carries a rotating selection of mid-range compressor models at member prices, usually $100 to $200 less than retail.
  • Manufacturer websites like Cuisinart.com and KitchenAid.com sometimes offer factory refurbished units or bundle deals not available through retailers.
  • Buying in person at a specialty store lets you compare the weight, size, and noise level of different models before committing.

Big-Box Retailers: Walmart, Target, and Costco

Walmart and Target stock ice cream makers year-round in their kitchen appliance sections, both online and in stores. Walmart typically carries Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, and Nostalgia brand models in the $30 to $100 range. Target stocks similar brands plus some exclusive versions, with prices from $40 to $150. Both stores allow you to buy online and pick up in store the same day, which eliminates shipping costs and lets you inspect the box before taking it home.

Costco offers a smaller but rotating selection of mid-range compressor models, usually from Cuisinart or KitchenAid, priced $150 to $250. Costco's advantage is that member pricing undercuts other retailers by a significant margin, and the store's return policy is generous — you can return an ice cream maker within two years even if you've used it. The downside is that Costco's selection changes seasonally and by warehouse location, so the model you want may not be in stock when you need it.

Kitchen Specialty Retailers: Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table

Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table carry premium ice cream makers from brands like Breville, Lello, and Cuisinart's professional line, with prices ranging from $150 to $500. These stores employ staff trained to explain the differences between compressor models (which freeze as they churn, so you can make multiple batches in one session) and freezer-bowl models (which require pre-freezing the bowl, limiting you to one batch per session). Both retailers offer in-store browsing and online ordering with home delivery.

Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table also run seasonal sales, particularly in May and June when ice cream season peaks. Both stores offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, usually $50 to $100. If you're uncertain which model suits your needs, visiting in person lets you ask questions and compare the footprint and noise level of different machines — important factors if your kitchen is small or you're sensitive to sound.

Online Marketplaces: Amazon and eBay

Amazon stocks the widest selection of ice cream makers, from budget models under $30 to commercial-grade machines over $1,000. You can filter by price, brand, capacity, and type (compressor versus freezer-bowl), and read customer reviews that often mention real-world performance and durability. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on may be able to access items, which can save $10 to $20 on shipping costs. Amazon also allows returns within 30 days, so if the machine arrives damaged or doesn't match the description, you can send it back.

eBay offers both new and refurbished ice cream makers, often at prices 10 to 30 percent lower than Amazon or retail stores. Refurbished machines are typically returned units that the manufacturer has inspected and repaired, and they usually come with a warranty of 90 days to one year. eBay's buyer protection policy covers you if an item arrives damaged or doesn't match the listing, though the return process can take longer than Amazon's. Check the seller's feedback rating before buying — look for sellers with at least 98 percent positive feedback and thousands of transactions.

Manufacturer Direct: Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Breville

Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Breville sell ice cream makers directly through their own websites. Buying direct sometimes offers advantages: factory refurbished models at 20 to 40 percent off retail price, bundle deals that include recipe books or accessories, and extended warranties. Cuisinart's website frequently runs promotions on its compressor models, which normally retail for $200 to $300 but sometimes drop to $150 during sales.

The downside of buying direct is that you pay for shipping, which can add $15 to $30 to your total cost, and the return process goes through the manufacturer rather than a retailer. However, if you know exactly which model you want and you're buying a refurbished unit, manufacturer websites often offer the best price available. Check the warranty terms carefully — refurbished units typically carry a one-year warranty, while new machines carry two to three years.

Comparing Price and Availability Across Retailers

The same ice cream maker often costs different amounts at different retailers. A Cuisinart ICE-100 compressor model, for example, retails for $299 at Williams Sonoma, $249 on Amazon, $229 at Costco (for members), and $199 as a refurbished unit on Cuisinart's website. Checking three or four retailers before buying can save $50 to $100 on mid-range and premium models.

Availability also varies by season and location. In January and February, most retailers have limited stock because ice cream season hasn't started. In May and June, selection peaks but prices are highest. If you're flexible on timing, buying in March or April often gives you good selection at lower prices than peak season. For online retailers, check the "in stock" status before adding to your cart — Amazon in particular shows whether an item ships when ready or takes one to two weeks.

Refurbished and Secondhand Options

Refurbished ice cream makers from manufacturer websites or authorized resellers cost 20 to 40 percent less than new machines and typically come with a one-year warranty. Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Breville all sell refurbished units directly, and Amazon also stocks refurbished models from these brands with a 90-day return window. Refurbished machines have been returned by customers, inspected by the manufacturer, repaired if needed, and repackaged — they perform identically to new machines.

Secondhand ice cream makers from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift stores cost 50 to 70 percent less than new but come with no warranty and no return option. Buy secondhand only if you can inspect the machine in person, plug it in, and run it briefly before paying. Look for signs of damage, rust, or wear on the motor housing, and ask the seller why they're getting rid of it — machines sold because they broke are a risk, while machines sold because the owner straightforward didn't use them are usually fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which retailer has the best prices on ice cream makers?

Costco offers the lowest prices for members, typically $100 to $200 below retail on mid-range compressor models. For non-members, Amazon and refurbished units from manufacturer websites usually undercut retail stores by 10 to 30 percent. Prices vary by model, so checking three retailers before buying is worth the time.

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

Yes, but the return window and conditions vary. Amazon allows returns within 30 days, Walmart and Target within 90 days, and Costco within two years. Manufacturer websites typically allow returns within 30 days for new machines and 14 days for refurbished units. Check the retailer's return policy before buying, especially if you're ordering online.

Is it worth buying a refurbished ice cream maker?

Yes, if you're buying from a manufacturer or authorized reseller. Refurbished machines are inspected and repaired by the maker, perform like new, and cost 20 to 40 percent less. They come with a warranty, usually one year. Avoid refurbished units from unknown sellers on secondhand sites, since you have no recourse if something breaks.

When is the best time of year to buy an ice cream maker?

March and April offer good selection and lower prices than peak season (May to July). January and February have limited stock. If you can wait, buying in early spring gives you the best combination of choice and price. Avoid buying in June and July unless you need it when ready — prices are highest and stock is often depleted.

Should I buy online or in a store?

Buy in a store if you want to compare models side by side, see the size and weight, or need it when ready. Buy online if you want the lowest price, the widest selection, or free shipping. For mid-range and premium models, online prices are usually 10 to 20 percent lower than in-store prices, which can justify the wait for delivery.