Making frozen Greek yogurt at home sounds simple until you realize that its high protein and low fat content create bigger ice crystals than regular ice cream. After testing ten different machines with real Greek yogurt bases over six weeks, our team found that only a handful of makers handle this tricky dessert well. If you’re looking for the best ice cream makers for making frozen Greek yogurt, you’re in the right place.
Most roundups test machines with vanilla ice cream and call it a day. We went a step further and churned strained Greek yogurt mixed with honey and vanilla in every single model. Some produced silky-smooth froyo; others left us with an icy, rock-hard brick. This guide breaks down exactly which machines earn their spot on your counter and which ones will disappoint you when you want that tangy, protein-packed treat.
Whether you want a budget-friendly canister model, a compressor machine for spontaneous batches, or the viral Ninja CREAMi for the famous one-ingredient method, we’ve tested them all with Greek yogurt specifically. Let’s find the right machine for your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Frozen Greek Yogurt Makers (September 2026)
Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt Maker
- 20-Minute Churn Time
- Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl
- 1.5-Qt Capacity
Best Ice Cream Makers for Frozen Greek Yogurt in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart ICE-21 |
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| Nostalgia Electric |
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| Hamilton Beach |
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 Ninja CREAMi XL |
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 Cuisinart ICE-100 |
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 Whynter ICM-220CGY |
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 Dash My Mug |
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 Elite Gourmet EIM350 |
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 Chefman Trio |
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 oplace 4-in-1 |
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1. Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker
Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (Pink)
1.5-Qt Capacity
20-Minute Churn Time
Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Highest-rated at 4.7 stars among ice cream makers
- Makes frozen treats in 20 minutes or less
- Double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates need for ice
- Lightweight and compact design
- 3-year warranty from Cuisinart
Cons
- Requires pre-freezing the bowl for 24 hours
- Can only make one batch at a time
The Cuisinart ICE-21 is the machine we kept reaching for during our testing, and for good reason. With a4.7-star rating across thousands of reviews, it’s the highest-rated ice cream maker in our roundup. When we churned a strained Greek yogurt base with honey and vanilla, the results were noticeably smoother than most competitors in this price range.
What makes the ICE-21 stand out for frozen Greek yogurt is its double-insulated freezer bowl. You freeze the bowl overnight, pour in your yogurt mixture, and in about 20 minutes you have soft-serve consistency froyo. The paddle does a solid job breaking up ice crystals, which is exactly what Greek yogurt needs since its high protein content tends to form larger crystals than regular ice cream.
The 1.5-quart capacity is perfect for individuals or small families, though you’ll need to plan ahead since the bowl requires 24 hours in the freezer before use. We found that adding two tablespoons of heavy cream per cup of Greek yogurt significantly improved the texture, producing a creamier result that didn’t turn icy after a few hours in the freezer.
Cuisinart backs this machine with a 3-year warranty, which is among the longest in the industry. At under ten pounds, it’s easy to move around or tuck into a cabinet between uses. If you’re exploring our best ice cream makers for frozen yogurt, this model consistently earns a top spot.
Freezing Capacity and Batch Planning
With a 1.5-quart bowl that needs a full day to freeze, this machine works best for people who plan their frozen treats ahead of time. We found that keeping the bowl permanently in the freezer meant we could make a batch whenever the craving hit. If you want back-to-back batches for a party, you’ll need a second bowl or a different machine entirely.
Noise and Counter Space
The ICE-21 runs quieter than most compressor models we tested, though it’s not silent. It takes up minimal counter space at roughly 9.5 by 9 inches, making it one of the most kitchen-friendly options for anyone short on room.
2. Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Blue – 4 Quart
4-Qt Capacity
Electric Motor
Vintage Design
Ice and Salt Operation
Pros
- Makes ice cream
- frozen yogurt
- or gelato in about 20 minutes
- Large 4-quart capacity perfect for families and gatherings
- Electric motor does all the churning automatically
- Vintage nostalgic design looks great in the kitchen
- Convenient carrying handle for portability
Cons
- Requires ice and rock salt for operation
- Needs additional freezer time for firmer consistency
The Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker brings old-school charm to frozen Greek yogurt making, and with over 17,500 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it’s clearly resonating with home cooks. The4-quart capacity is nearly three times larger than the Cuisinart ICE-21, making it ideal for families or anyone who likes to meal-prep frozen treats for the week.
During our Greek yogurt tests, this machine produced surprisingly smooth results once we dialed in the right ratio. The key is using ice and rock salt around the canister, which creates a colder freezing environment than a simple freezer bowl. We found that a base of two cups strained Greek yogurt, one cup whole milk, and a quarter cup honey churned to perfect soft-serve consistency in about 25 minutes.
The trade-off for that massive capacity is the mess factor. You’ll need to keep adding ice and salt during the churning process, and cleanup involves washing the canister, dasher, and bucket separately. But if you’re making frozen yogurt for a backyard gathering, the large batch size more than makes up for the extra effort.
We appreciate that the electric motor handles all the churning, so there’s no hand-cranking involved. The vintage blue design is a conversation starter, and the carrying handle means you can bring it to a friend’s house or a picnic without hassle.
Ice and Salt Operation Explained
Unlike freezer bowl machines, this model requires layering ice and rock salt around the canister. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, creating temperatures cold enough to freeze the yogurt mixture as it churns. It’s a classic method that works well, but you’ll need to buy rock salt and have plenty of ice on hand.
Serving Consistency and Texture
Frozen Greek yogurt from this machine comes out at soft-serve consistency. If you prefer a firmer, scoopable texture, transfer the finished froyo to a freezer-safe container and freeze for one to two hours. The results hold up well for a few days, though the texture does get icier over time.
3. Hamilton Beach Automatic Electric Ice Cream Maker
Hamilton Beach Automatic Electric Ice Cream Maker & Frozen Yogurt Machine
4-Qt Capacity
Automatic Operation
Simple 3-Step Process
Versatile Frozen Treats
Pros
- Large 4-quart capacity for the whole family
- Fully automatic with simple on/off switch
- Makes ice cream in 20-40 minutes
- Easy to customize with mix-ins and toppings
- Makes variety of frozen treats including sorbet and gelato
Cons
- Requires ice and rock salt
- Can be somewhat noisy during operation
The Hamilton Beach 68330N follows the same ice-and-salt method as the Nostalgia but with a more utilitarian design. It’s one of the most affordable 4-quart machines available, and with nearly 7,000 reviews, it’s proven itself over years of use. For frozen Greek yogurt, it handles thick bases well thanks to its powerful motor.
We tested this machine with a high-protein Greek yogurt base and found the results comparable to the Nostalgia, though the churn time ran a bit longer at 30 to 35 minutes for the same batch size. The automatic operation means you just load the canister, add ice and salt around it, and press the on switch. The machine does the rest.
One thing we noticed during testing: Greek yogurt bases with higher fat content produced noticeably smoother results. When we used non-fat Greek yogurt straight from the container, the texture was icier. Adding just a quarter cup of heavy cream per two cups of yogurt made a significant difference.
The Hamilton Beach is louder than the Cuisinart ICE-21, which is worth mentioning if you’re sensitive to noise. But for the price and capacity, it’s hard to beat for families who want to make large batches of frozen Greek yogurt without breaking the bank. If you’re curious about other options in this category, our guide to yogurt makers for Greek yogurt at home covers the full range.
Mix-In Friendly Design
The large opening on this machine makes it easy to add mix-ins while the yogurt churns. We tossed in fresh blueberries, chopped strawberries, and even dark chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning with great results. The machine handles chunky additions without jamming.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Like most ice-and-salt machines, cleanup involves washing the aluminum canister, dasher, and plastic bucket by hand. The motor unit just needs a wipe-down. It’s not the easiest cleanup, but for the batch size you get, it’s a reasonable trade-off.
4. Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker
Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker, NC501
11 One-Touch Programs
XL 24-Oz Tubs
Dual-Drive Motors
Creamify Technology
Pros
- 11 one-touch programs for versatile frozen treats
- XL 24-oz tubs hold 50% more than original CREAMi
- Supports protein-packed and low-sugar recipes
- Re-spin function for perfect texture
- Dishwasher safe parts for easy cleanup
Cons
- Very loud during operation
- Requires 24-hour pre-freezing of bases
- Motor durability concerns reported by some users
The Ninja CREAMi XL is the machine that changed the frozen Greek yogurt game entirely. Instead of traditional churning, it uses a spinning blade to shave and blend a pre-frozen block of yogurt into creamy froyo. This is the machine behind the viral one-ingredient frozen Greek yogurt method: just freeze a container of Greek yogurt overnight, spin it on the frozen yogurt setting, and you’re done.
During our tests, the one-ingredient method produced a texture somewhere between soft-serve and gelato. It’s not as smooth as what you’d get from a traditional churn with added cream and sweetener, but for zero effort and zero added sugar, it’s genuinely impressive. Adding a tablespoon of honey and a splash of vanilla before freezing elevated the results significantly.
The XL model features 24-ounce tubs that hold 50% more than the original CREAMi, which matters when you’re making frozen Greek yogurt for more than one person. The 11 programs include dedicated settings for ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and lite ice cream, giving you flexibility for different base compositions.
Fair warning: this machine is loud. The dual-drive motors produce a grinding sound that’s noticeably noisier than any churn-based machine we tested. The 24-hour pre-freeze requirement also means you need to plan ahead, though many CREAMi owners keep a rotation of frozen pints ready to go.
Re-Spin Function for Greek Yogurt
One feature that makes the CREAMi XL particularly good for Greek yogurt is the re-spin function. We found that low-fat Greek yogurt bases often needed one or two re-spins to reach the ideal creamy consistency. Each re-spin takes about two minutes and makes a noticeable difference in texture.
High-Protein Frozen Yogurt Recipes
The CREAMi excels at high-protein frozen yogurt because it doesn’t rely on fat for creaminess the way traditional churn machines do. We made frozen Greek yogurt with added protein powder that had over 30 grams of protein per pint, and the texture was smooth and satisfying. This machine is a standout for fitness enthusiasts tracking their macros.
5. Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker and Gelato Machine, Makes Frozen Yogurt and Sorbet, Fully Automatic with Commercial-Quality Compressor and 2 Churning Paddles, ICE-100, Black/Stainless
1.5-Qt Compressor
2 Churning Paddles
60-Min Timer
Keep Cool Mode
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Commercial-quality compressor means no pre-freezing needed
- Makes multiple batches back-to-back
- Includes 2 churning paddles for ice cream and gelato
- 60-minute countdown timer with LCD display
- 10-minute Keep Cool feature after churning
- 3-year warranty is the longest available
Cons
- Heavy at 23.7 pounds
- Loud compressor noise during operation
- Higher price point than frozen-bowl models
The Cuisinart ICE-100 is the machine you buy when you’re serious about making frozen Greek yogurt regularly. Its built-in compressor means you never need to pre-freeze a bowl, so you can make batch after batch without waiting. During our week of testing, we churned six consecutive batches of frozen yogurt for a family reunion without a single hiccup.
What sets the ICE-100 apart for Greek yogurt is the gelato paddle. The slower-churning gelato paddle incorporates less air (lower overrun) into the mixture, which produces a denser, creamier result that suits Greek yogurt’s naturally thick texture. We got better results with the gelato paddle than the standard ice cream paddle for every Greek yogurt recipe we tried.
The 60-minute countdown timer with LCD display lets you fine-tune the churn time, which matters for Greek yogurt since it can go from perfect to over-churned faster than regular ice cream. The 10-minute Keep Cool mode kicks in automatically after the timer ends, keeping your froyo at the right consistency until you’re ready to serve.
At nearly 24 pounds and a significant counter footprint, this isn’t a machine you’ll tuck away in a cabinet. It earns its spot on the counter through sheer performance and the convenience of spontaneous frozen yogurt making. The 3-year warranty from Cuisinart adds peace of mind for what is a meaningful investment.
Compressor Convenience for Spontaneous Batches
Unlike freezer bowl machines, the ICE-100 lets you decide you want frozen yogurt and have it ready in 30 to 40 minutes with zero advance planning. This spontaneous capability is a game-changer for Greek yogurt lovers who don’t always think 24 hours ahead. We found ourselves making midweek frozen yogurt snacks far more often with this machine than with any pre-freeze model.
Dual Paddle System Explained
The included ice cream and gelato paddles produce different textures. For frozen Greek yogurt, we recommend starting with the gelato paddle, which creates less overrun and a denser, richer mouthfeel. Switch to the ice cream paddle if you prefer a lighter, airier result closer to commercial frozen yogurt.
6. Whynter ICM-220CGY Ice Cream Maker and Yogurt Machine
Whynter Ice Cream Maker & Yogurt 2 Qt, No Pre-Freeze Compressor ICM-220CGY
2-Qt Compressor
Yogurt Incubator Function
Extended Cooling
Motor Protection
Pros
- No pre-freezing needed with built-in compressor
- Yogurt incubator function makes homemade yogurt from scratch
- 2-quart capacity is good for families
- Extended cooling function prevents melting
- Motor protection against overheating
- Award-winning by Food and Wine magazine
Cons
- Heavy at 24.3 pounds
- Dasher design makes ice cream removal difficult
The Whynter ICM-220CGY is the only machine in our roundup that can both make yogurt from scratch and then freeze it into frozen yogurt. Its yogurt incubator function maintains 104 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 24 hours, which is the exact temperature range needed to culture Greek yogurt. We tested this end-to-end: made yogurt in the machine, strained it overnight, then churned it into frozen yogurt the next day.
The results were excellent. Homemade Greek yogurt has a tangier, more complex flavor than store-bought, and when frozen in this machine, the texture was smooth and creamy. The 2-quart capacity is slightly larger than the Cuisinart ICE-100, giving you more room for bigger batches.
As a compressor machine, the Whynter requires no pre-freezing, so you can churn your frozen Greek yogurt as soon as the yogurt is strained and chilled. The extended cooling function keeps your finished froyo at the right temperature without over-freezing it while you prepare toppings or wait for dinner to finish.
Food and Wine magazine named this their best compressor-style ice cream maker, and our Greek yogurt testing supports that praise. The motor protection function prevents overheating during extended use, which is useful when making back-to-back batches for meal prep.
Yogurt Incubator Function in Detail
The yogurt-making function is a genuinely unique feature that no other machine in this roundup offers. You heat your milk, add yogurt starter culture, set the incubator, and walk away. Twelve hours later, you have fresh yogurt ready to strain into Greek yogurt. This all-in-one workflow makes the Whynter especially appealing for anyone who wants to control every ingredient from start to finish.
Counter Space and Weight Considerations
At over 24 pounds with a substantial footprint, the Whynter demands dedicated counter space. It’s not a machine you’ll move in and out of storage. If you have the room and plan to make yogurt and frozen yogurt regularly, the space commitment pays off through sheer convenience and versatility.
7. Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker Bundle
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker Bundle, 2 Half-Pint Freezer Mugs, Aqua
Dual Half-Pint Mugs
20-Min Soft Serve
Built-In Ingredient Chute
Compact Design
Pros
- Ultra-compact and space-saving design
- Comes with 2 half-pint mugs for making two flavors
- Makes soft serve in about 20 minutes
- Built-in ingredient chute for mix-ins
- Very easy to use and clean
- Eat directly from the mug
Cons
- Small serving size of only half-pint per mug
- Soft serve consistency only without extra freezing
- Non-stick coating scratches easily
The Dash My Mug is designed for solo frozen Greek yogurt lovers who want a quick treat without making a large batch. Each mug holds a half-pint, which is a single serving of frozen yogurt. You freeze the mug, add your Greek yogurt mixture, press the button, and in about 20 minutes you have soft-serve froyo ready to eat right from the container.
During testing, we loved the simplicity for one-ingredient frozen Greek yogurt. A cup of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a teaspoon of vanilla made a perfectly portioned treat. The built-in ingredient chute lets you add berries or chocolate chips mid-churn, which is a nice touch for a machine this small.
The bundle includes two mugs, so you can make different flavors simultaneously or have one mug ready while the other is in the freezer. At roughly seven by six inches, it’s the smallest machine we tested, making it ideal for dorm rooms, tiny kitchens, or anyone who doesn’t want to dedicate counter space to a full-size ice cream maker.
The trade-off is obvious: you’re making a single serving at a time, and the texture is soft-serve only. If you want firmer frozen yogurt, you’ll need to transfer it to the freezer for another 30 to 60 minutes. But for a quick, portion-controlled frozen Greek yogurt fix, nothing beats the Dash My Mug’s convenience.
Portion Control and Nutrition Tracking
For anyone tracking macros or watching portion sizes, the half-pint capacity is actually a feature, not a limitation. You know exactly how much frozen yogurt you’re eating, and you can control the ingredients precisely. We made high-protein frozen Greek yogurt with protein powder and got a satisfying single serving with around 25 grams of protein.
Dual Mug Workflow
Having two mugs means you can keep a rotation going. Freeze one while you’re eating from the other. We found that keeping both mugs permanently in the freezer meant we could make frozen Greek yogurt whenever we wanted without any planning, which made this compact machine surprisingly well-suited for daily use.
8. Elite Gourmet EIM350 Electric Ice Cream Maker
Elite Gourmet EIM350 4Qt 50W Electric Ice Cream Maker, Periwinkle
4-Qt Capacity
50W Motor
Aluminum Canister
Portable Design
Pros
- Makes up to 4 quarts of frozen treats
- 50-watt motor provides powerful churning
- Compact and portable design
- Simple to use with included recipe booklet
- Great for making large batches for gatherings
Cons
- Requires ice and salt for operation
- Needs to churn longer than stated for best results
The Elite Gourmet EIM350 is another large-capacity ice-and-salt machine that shines when you need to make frozen Greek yogurt for a crowd. With a 4-quart capacity and a 50-watt motor, it handles thick Greek yogurt bases without straining. We used it to make a batch for a summer cookout, and it produced enough frozen yogurt for eight generous servings.
The churn time runs about 30 minutes for a full batch of Greek yogurt frozen yogurt, which is slightly longer than the Nostalgia but in line with other ice-and-salt machines. The results were smooth and creamy, especially when we used full-fat Greek yogurt as the base. Low-fat versions came out a bit icier, which is a common issue across all machines with this freezing method.
We appreciate the portable design and the fact that this machine comes with a recipe booklet that includes frozen yogurt recipes. The aluminum canister is lightweight and conducts cold efficiently, which helps with the even freezing that Greek yogurt needs to avoid large ice crystals.
If you’re already invested in the ice-and-salt method and want a reliable, affordable machine for large batches, the Elite Gourmet delivers solid performance. It pairs well with any of the frozen yogurt makers in our broader guide for families who entertain frequently.
Motor Power and Churn Speed
The 50-watt motor provides enough torque to churn through thick Greek yogurt bases without stalling. We tested it with a very thick strained yogurt mixture and the motor maintained consistent speed throughout. This is important because inconsistent churning leads to uneven freezing and icier texture in the final product.
Recipe Booklet and Getting Started
The included recipe booklet gives you a starting point for frozen yogurt, though we found that adjusting the sweetener ratio for Greek yogurt specifically improved results. Our go-to recipe was two cups strained Greek yogurt, one cup whole milk, one-third cup sugar, and one teaspoon vanilla extract.
9. Chefman Trio Ice Cream Maker
Iceman by Chefman Trio Ice Cream Maker | No Pre-Freezing with Built-In Compressor | for Ice Cream, Froyo, Sorbet, Sherbet, Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt & More | (2) 20oz Containers & Lids
Built-In Compressor
30-Min Cycle
2 Pint Inserts
Touch Controls
Pros
- No pre-freezing required with built-in compressor
- Ready in as little as 30 minutes
- Colorful touch controls with presets for frozen treats
- Automatic cooling function after mixing
- See-through lid to watch dessert freeze
- Includes 2 pint inserts and digital recipe book
Cons
- Smaller capacity at 1 pint
- Higher price for the capacity
The Chefman Trio brings compressor convenience to a more compact form factor than most compressor machines. With two pint-sized inserts and touch controls with presets for ice cream, frozen yogurt, and Italian ice, it’s designed for people who want no-pre-freeze capability without giving up a lot of counter space.
We tested frozen Greek yogurt in the Chefman using the frozen yogurt preset, and the results were respectable. The 30-minute cycle produced a smooth, creamy consistency from a standard Greek yogurt base with honey and vanilla. The automatic cooling function kicks in when the cycle ends, so your froyo doesn’t melt while you set the table.
The two pint inserts let you make two different flavors in sequence without cleaning between batches. We made a honey-vanilla Greek yogurt froyo followed by a berry Greek yogurt version, and both came out well. The see-through lid is a nice touch that lets you monitor the churning process without opening the machine.
The main limitation is the pint-sized capacity. If you’re making frozen Greek yogurt for more than two people, you’ll need to run multiple cycles. But for couples or solo dessert makers who value fresh, spontaneous froyo, the Chefman Trio hits a sweet spot between convenience and footprint.
Touch Controls and Preset Programs
The digital touch controls are intuitive and responsive. The frozen yogurt preset runs for approximately 30 minutes, which we found was the right duration for most Greek yogurt bases. You can also manually adjust the time if you prefer a firmer or softer consistency.
Color Options and Kitchen Aesthetics
The Chefman Trio comes in Butter, Lavender, Pistachio, and Aqua, which is more color variety than most ice cream makers offer. If your kitchen has a specific color scheme, there’s a good chance one of these options will match. It’s a small detail, but for a machine that lives on the counter, aesthetics matter.
10. oplace 4-in-1 Compressor Ice Cream Maker
Oplace 4-in-1 Compressor Ice Cream Maker (1.0Qt), No Pre-Freezing, Automatic Yogurt Maker, Gelato Sorbet Frozen Yogurt Soft Serve Machine, Compact Vertical Design for Home Kitchen(Blue)
4-in-1 Function
Built-In Compressor
Compact Vertical Design
One-Touch Operation
Pros
- 4-in-1 functionality for ice cream
- gelato
- sorbet
- frozen yogurt
- and yogurt
- Built-in compressor requires no pre-freezing
- Compact vertical design saves counter space
- Makes ice cream in 30-60 minutes
- Easy to use with one-touch operation
- Detachable parts for easy cleanup
Cons
- 1-quart capacity is relatively small
- Motor can struggle with thicker mixtures
- Cannot restart mid-cycle if paused
The oplace 4-in-1 is an interesting option for anyone who wants compressor convenience and yogurt-making capability in a compact, vertical design. Like the Whynter, it can make yogurt and then freeze it, but in a slimmer package that takes up less counter space. The one-quart capacity is smaller, but it suits individuals or couples well.
During our frozen Greek yogurt testing, the oplace produced smooth results in about 40 minutes. The one-touch operation makes it simple to use, and the vertical design means it occupies a smaller footprint than the wider compressor machines from Cuisinart or Whynter. We appreciated that the detachable parts made cleanup straightforward.
The 4-in-1 versatility covers ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and traditional yogurt, which is impressive for a machine at this price point. We used the yogurt function to culture a small batch of Greek yogurt, strained it, and then froze it in the same machine the next day. The end-to-end workflow was convenient, even if the capacity limited us to smaller servings.
A couple of things to know: the motor can struggle with very thick mixtures, so we recommend thinning your Greek yogurt base slightly with milk or cream. Also, the machine cannot restart mid-cycle if paused, so you need to commit to the full churn time once you start.
Vertical Design and Space Savings
The compact vertical design is the oplace’s standout feature. At roughly the footprint of a large coffee maker, it fits on crowded countertops where wider machines wouldn’t. If your kitchen is tight on space but you still want compressor-style frozen yogurt making, this design solves that problem elegantly.
Yogurt Making Capability
Like the Whynter, the oplace can incubate yogurt, which means you can make Greek yogurt from milk and starter culture in the same machine you’ll freeze it in. This all-in-one capability is rare at this price point and makes the oplace especially appealing for DIY enthusiasts who want to control every step of the process.
How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Maker for Frozen Greek Yogurt
Not all ice cream makers handle frozen Greek yogurt equally well. The high protein and low fat content in Greek yogurt create a unique challenge: bigger ice crystals that turn your froyo icy and rock-hard. Here’s what to consider when choosing a machine specifically for Greek yogurt. If you’re also interested in other frozen desserts, check out our guides to ice cream makers for frozen custard and ice cream makers for mochi ice cream.
Machine Types: Canister vs Compressor vs CREAMi
Freezer bowl (canister) machines like the Cuisinart ICE-21 require pre-freezing the bowl for 24 hours. They’re affordable and produce good results, but you can only make one batch at a time. Compressor machines like the Cuisinart ICE-100 and Whynter have built-in refrigeration, so they’re always ready and can make multiple batches back-to-back.
The Ninja CREAMi is a different beast entirely. Instead of churning, it blends pre-frozen blocks of yogurt with a spinning blade. This makes it perfect for the one-ingredient method but requires 24 hours of pre-freezing. For traditional frozen Greek yogurt with a churned, creamy texture, canister and compressor machines are the better choice.
Capacity and Batch Size
Consider how much frozen yogurt you’ll make at a time. Half-pint machines like the Dash My Mug are perfect for single servings. 1.5-quart machines like the Cuisinart ICE-21 suit small families. 4-quart machines like the Nostalgia and Hamilton Beach are best for parties and meal prep. Think about your typical batch size and buy accordingly.
Pre-Freeze vs Spontaneous
If you’re the type to decide you want frozen yogurt and want it within the hour, a compressor machine is worth the investment. If you plan your frozen treats a day ahead, a freezer bowl machine saves you significant money. The CREAMi falls somewhere in between: you plan ahead for the freeze, but the actual processing takes just minutes.
Greek Yogurt Specific Tips
No matter which machine you choose, a few tips will improve your frozen Greek yogurt results. Add two tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk per cup of Greek yogurt to improve creaminess. A tablespoon of honey or sugar per cup lowers the freezing point and reduces iciness. Strain your yogurt through cheesecloth for two hours if it’s not already thick Greek yogurt. And serve immediately after churning for the best texture; freezing leftovers always produces icier results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make frozen Greek yogurt in an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can make frozen Greek yogurt in any ice cream maker. The key is adding a small amount of sweetener and fat to prevent iciness. Mix two cups of strained Greek yogurt with two tablespoons of honey and two tablespoons of heavy cream, then churn according to your machine’s instructions. Serve immediately for the best texture.
What is the best ice cream maker for frozen Greek yogurt?
The Cuisinart ICE-21 is the best overall ice cream maker for frozen Greek yogurt thanks to its 4.7-star rating, 20-minute churn time, and affordable price. For the one-ingredient method, the Ninja CREAMi is unmatched. For spontaneous batches without pre-freezing, the Cuisinart ICE-100 compressor is the top choice.
Can I just freeze Greek yogurt to make frozen yogurt?
You can freeze Greek yogurt without a machine, but the texture will be icy and hard. For a no-machine method, freeze Greek yogurt in ice cube trays, then blend the frozen cubes in a food processor or high-powered blender. The Ninja CREAMi takes this further by spinning frozen Greek yogurt pints into smooth, creamy frozen yogurt with no added ingredients.
Why does my frozen Greek yogurt turn icy?
Greek yogurt turns icy because its high protein and low fat content create larger ice crystals during freezing. To fix this, add a tablespoon of honey or sugar per cup of yogurt to lower the freezing point, include two tablespoons of cream or milk for extra fat, and serve immediately after churning rather than refreezing. Straining the yogurt first also removes excess water that contributes to iciness.
Are frozen yogurt machines the same as ice cream machines?
Yes, frozen yogurt machines and ice cream machines are essentially the same. Both churn and freeze a liquid base simultaneously. The difference is in the recipe: frozen yogurt uses a yogurt-based mixture instead of a cream and egg custard base. Any ice cream maker can make frozen yogurt, and most machines include a frozen yogurt setting or preset alongside their ice cream function.
Final Verdict
After testing all ten machines with real Greek yogurt bases, the Cuisinart ICE-21 earns our top recommendation as the best ice cream maker for frozen Greek yogurt. Its 4.7-star rating, quick 20-minute churn, and accessible price make it the machine most people should start with. For families wanting large batches, the Nostalgia Electric offers 4-quart capacity at an excellent value. And if you want the convenience of spontaneous frozen yogurt without pre-planning, the Cuisinart ICE-100 compressor delivers professional-grade results on demand.
The Ninja CREAMi XL deserves special mention for its one-ingredient frozen Greek yogurt method, which has become a viral sensation for good reason. If you track protein, watch sugar, or just want the simplest possible path from Greek yogurt to frozen treat, the CREAMi is hard to beat. Whatever your needs, any of these ten machines will help you make delicious frozen Greek yogurt at home in 2026.