Whynter Ice Cream Maker Machine Automatic 2.1 Qt. Upright with Built-In Compressor. LCD Digital Display & Timer. No Pre-Freezing. ICM-201SB. Stainless Steel

This is my first use of this whynter ice cream maker. WOW! Fabulous machine. It’s easy to use and extremely quiet. My husband is impressed with the level of almost no noise, except for a quiet whirring. There is no need to remove and pre-freeze the bowl because of the built-in compressor. I am making their chocolate Oreo ice cream recipe. I was concerned about when and how to add any add-ins like chocolate chips, or Oreo cookie pieces. The start-pause function allows for you to pause, then remove the lid, add, then start again. I am impressed. It’s a bit pricier than the competition, but worth it. Buy this machine!!

I’ve had the Whynter 2.1 Quart Ice Cream Maker (ICM-201SB) for about while now, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best kitchen appliances I’ve ever purchased. If you’re even slightly serious about making your own ice cream, gelato, or sorbet at home, this machine is a game-changer. It’s not just good—it’s dependable, efficient, and turns out consistently excellent results every single time.

Setup and First Impressions

Unboxing the machine, you immediately get the sense that this is a quality appliance. It’s built solidly with a clean, modern look that actually feels at home on the counter. The footprint isn’t small, but for what it does—and the fact that it has a built-in compressor—it’s surprisingly space-efficient and upright in design.

Setup is minimal: take it out of the box, plug it in, and you’re ready to go. No need to pre-freeze a bowl 24 hours in advance like you have to do with cheaper models. That alone makes it worth the price for me. Being able to decide on a whim to make ice cream and have it ready in under an hour? That’s a luxury I didn’t know I needed until I had it.

Performance and Use

This machine delivers. The built-in compressor chills quickly and keeps the mixture cold throughout the process, which makes a big difference in the final texture. I’ve made traditional vanilla custard bases, fruit-forward sorbets, dairy-free chocolate, and even experimental flavors like Earl Grey and honey-lavender. Every single batch has come out smooth, dense, and creamy—never icy or gritty.

You pour in your chilled base, set the timer (usually 45–60 minutes depending on the recipe), and let the machine do its thing. It’s quiet enough not to be annoying, and the motor is clearly strong—no straining, even when the mixture starts to firm up toward the end of the cycle.

The 2.1-quart capacity is more than enough for most needs. I typically make about 1.5 quarts per batch and still have room to spare. Cleanup is simple, too: the bowl, mixing paddle, and lid all come out and are easy to wash by hand.

Extras and Thoughtful Features

There’s a “keep cool” function that kicks in after churning to hold your ice cream at serving temperature if you’re not ready to scoop it right away. It’s surprisingly handy, especially when multitasking in the kitchen.

There’s also a well-timed beep alert when the cycle is done. It doesn’t overdo it, just a friendly reminder that your frozen treat is ready. And the included recipe booklet, while basic, is a decent starting point if you’re new to making ice cream at home.

⸻

Pros:
• Built-in compressor means no pre-freezing—make ice cream on demand
• Consistently smooth, creamy texture with every batch
• Generous 2.1-quart capacity is great for families or entertaining
• Upright design saves counter space
• “Keep cool” function is genuinely useful
• Easy to clean with removable parts
• Strong, reliable motor handles thick mixtures without issue
• Works well for all types of frozen desserts (ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt)

Cons:
• Takes up some counter space and is a bit heavy (not a problem if you leave it out)
• Slightly loud during operation—not obnoxious, but noticeable
• No pre-cool function (though the compressor kicks in fast)

⸻

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about getting a compressor-based ice cream maker, don’t be. The Whynter ICM-201SB takes all the inconvenience out of homemade frozen desserts. It lets you focus on flavor and creativity without having to plan 24 hours ahead or fuss with freezer bowls.

I’ve used it for everything from indulgent party desserts to dairy-free weekday treats, and I’ve yet to find something it doesn’t handle beautifully. It’s a reliable, well-built machine that does exactly what it promises—and it makes some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had, hands down. Highly recommended.