Cuisinart vs Breville Ice Cream Maker Comparison
We compare the Cuisinart ICE-100 and Breville Smart Scoop ice cream makers on features, capacity, price, and ease of use to help you decide which is best for your home kitchen.
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Cuisinart ICE-100
A powerful, fully automatic ice cream maker with a built-in compressor. No pre-freezing needed. Makes 1.5 quarts of creamy ice cream, sorbet, or gelato in under an hour.
Check priceBreville Smart Scoop
A premium automatic ice cream maker with 12 hardness settings and a keep-cool function. Makes 1.5 quarts and offers a built-in timer and auto shut-off.
Check priceIf you want the fastest, most straightforward frozen dessert maker with a proven track record, choose the Cuisinart ICE-100. If you prefer customizable texture settings and a machine that can keep your creation cold for up to 3 hours, go with the Breville Smart Scoop.
Spec by spec
Highlighted cell wins that row.
| Cuisinart ICE-100 | Breville Smart Scoop | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.5 quarts | 1.5 quarts |
| Built-in compressor | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-freezing required | No | No |
| Churning time | 30-60 minutes | 40-60 minutes |
| Texture settings | 3 (soft, medium, hard) | 12 hardness levels |
| Keep-cool function | No | Yes (up to 3 hours) |
| Weight | 22 pounds | 25 pounds |
Who should buy which
- + You want the fastest churn time for quick desserts.
- + You prefer a simpler interface with fewer settings.
- + You need a lighter machine that is easier to move.
- + You are on a tighter budget but still want a compressor model.
- + You love experimenting with different ice cream textures from soft serve to hard scoop.
- + You want the convenience of a keep-cool function for serving later.
- + You appreciate a built-in timer and automatic shut-off for hands-off operation.
- + You are willing to pay a premium for maximum customization.
Quick questions
Do I need to pre-freeze the bowl for Cuisinart ICE-100 or Breville Smart Scoop?
No. Both models have built-in compressors, so there is no need to pre-freeze a bowl. You can make multiple batches back to back.
Which ice cream maker is easier to clean?
Both have removable bowls and paddles that are dishwasher safe. The Cuisinart's simpler design may be slightly easier to clean by hand, but both are straightforward.
Can I make gelato with either machine?
Yes. The Cuisinart ICE-100 has a dedicated gelato setting, while the Breville Smart Scoop allows you to adjust hardness to achieve gelato-like texture. Both produce excellent gelato.
How loud are these machines during operation?
Both produce a moderate hum from the compressor and churning motor. The Cuisinart ICE-100 is slightly quieter at around 50 dB, while the Breville Smart Scoop measures about 55 dB. Neither is disruptive, but you will hear them in a quiet kitchen.
Can I use mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, both machines allow adding mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning. The Cuisinart has a designated opening on the lid for adding ingredients, while the Breville requires you to pause and open the lid. Both work well, but the Cuisinart's opening is more convenient.