If you're looking for the best way to make your own ice cream, an ice cream maker is the way to go.

While an ice cream maker isn't necessary to make ice cream (see “No-Churn” above), it is ideal.

These days, ice cream makers are relatively inexpensive, with many models under $50, and easy to find in stores or order online.

If you plan to make ice cream once a month or so, get a frozen-bowl machine.

These countertop machines include a liquid coolant–filled bowl, which has to be frozen in advance.

If you have the space, you can store the bowl in the freezer by default.

These machines are low in cost and easy to get the hang of.

If you're like me and want your ice cream right now, go for an electric maker that doesn't require any pre-freezing.

With this type of machine, you add ingredients directly into the mixing bowl and turn it on; no additional freezing is required.

The downside is that these models tend to be more expensive than the frozen-bowl variety—but they're also much faster at churning out finished product!

For most people, the choice between an ice and rock salt machine or a compressor-style maker comes down to convenience. If you want to make the ice cream with your bare hands and elbow grease and rugged determination, get an ice and rock salt machine.

They come in automatic styles as well, but the signature here is the old-school hand-crank, which you wind yourself while the ice cream spins in a rock-salted ice bath. Besides requiring more effort, these models are messier than the other two. (And be careful not to get salt water in your ice cream!)

Compressor makers are more convenient because they don't require manual cranking or refilling of salt water every few minutes.

Instead, they're powered by electricity and use a refrigerant cycle to freeze the ice cream with no manual intervention required. These machines are easier on your wrists, too—you just pour in your ingredients and let them do their thing!