Who each type suits

One- or two-serving households

If you usually serve only a little frozen yoghurt, compare working capacity with the amount you intend to make. Magimix UK states a 0.6L working capacity for Le Glacier; Cuisinart UK lists a 950ml bowl for the compressor-powered ICE90U. Check the permitted minimum fill before assuming either will make your smallest intended portion.

Same-day dessert makers

If you do not want to reserve freezer space for a bowl or prepared base, a compressor machine avoids that preparation step. Cuisinart UK states that its ICE90U and larger ICE150U do not need bowl pre-freezing; you still need to allow time to make the dessert.

Flavour experimenters with freezer space

If preparing separate bases ahead of time appeals to you, consider a frozen-base processor. Ninja Kitchen UK says most CREAMi NC300UK recipes need 24 hours in the freezer before processing, so this approach depends on planning and space for the tubs.

What matters when choosing

Compact compressor machine

Choose when: You want to churn a freshly mixed base without pre-freezing a bowl. Cuisinart UK lists a 950ml bowl for the ICE90U.

Allow for: No bowl pre-freezing does not mean an instant finished dessert.

Compact freezer-bowl churner

Choose when: You can plan ahead and want a modest working capacity; Magimix UK states 0.6L for Le Glacier.

Allow for: Its bowl needs 10–12 hours of pre-freezing, according to Magimix UK.

Frozen-base processor

Choose when: You would rather freeze separate bases and process a chosen flavour later.

Allow for: Ninja Kitchen UK says most NC300UK recipes require 24 hours of freezing before processing.

Concern What to check when buying Who this matters to
Batch size and leftovers Compare working capacity, not just total bowl capacity, and check the permitted minimum fill. If I usually serve one or two people, I want a batch size I can use without storing much extra. Around 42% of consumers put portion size first.
Advance preparation Check whether the machine needs a frozen bowl or frozen base, and how long that preparation takes. When I decide to make dessert on the day, I do not want to find that the bowl or base needed freezing beforehand. For around 33% of consumers, avoiding advance freezing is the primary need.
Separate flavours Check the supported frozen-yoghurt recipe method and what containers or mix-in options the exact model includes. If I want different flavours for different servings, I am willing to prepare bases ahead of time. That flexibility comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Reading total bowl size as usable batch size

    Magimix UK lists Le Glacier with a 1.1L total bowl capacity but a 0.6L working capacity. Those figures answer different questions about how much you can make.

    Compare working capacities where stated, and consult the manual if you need to make less than a typical batch.

  • Choosing a freezer bowl without space to freeze it

    Magimix UK specifies 10–12 hours of bowl pre-freezing for Le Glacier; Cuisinart UK specifies 12 hours for its ICE30BCU. Neither preparation step fits an unplanned same-day batch unless the bowl is already frozen.

    Check your freezer space and decide whether you can prepare the bowl in advance.

  • Expecting a frozen-base processor to churn fresh liquid immediately

    The Ninja CREAMi NC300UK follows a different workflow: Ninja Kitchen UK says most recipes need 24 hours of freezing before processing.

    Choose it for bases you can prepare ahead; consider a compressor machine if starting with a freshly mixed base on the same day is your priority.

  • Assuming a larger bowl will be more useful

    Cuisinart UK lists a 1.5L bowl for the ICE150U, compared with 950ml for the ICE90U. Extra capacity is relevant if you also make larger servings, but may not match your usual small batch.

    Start with the amount you expect to serve, then decide whether you need capacity for guests or repeated batches.

Brands to consider for these preparation methods

Cuisinart

Cuisinart UK describes compressor and freezer-bowl machines relevant to frozen-yoghurt making.

  • Its ICE90U has a 950ml compressor bowl; the larger ICE150U has a 1.5L compressor bowl. Cuisinart UK says neither requires bowl pre-freezing.
  • Its 2L ICE30BCU takes a freezer-bowl approach and requires the bowl to be frozen beforehand. Compare both preparation method and capacity rather than choosing by brand alone.

Magimix

Magimix UK offers a compact freezer-bowl option and a larger built-in-freezer machine.

  • Le Glacier has a stated 0.6L working capacity and supports frozen yoghurt, according to Magimix UK.
  • Le Glacier needs 10–12 hours of bowl pre-freezing. Magimix UK lists dual 2L bowls for Gelato Expert, which calls for a different capacity decision.

Ninja

Ninja Kitchen UK describes the CREAMi NC300UK as a machine that processes dessert bases after they have been frozen in tubs.

  • Preparing separate tubs lets you plan different bases ahead of processing.
  • Ninja Kitchen UK says most NC300UK recipes require 24 hours of freezing, so allow time and freezer space.

Joybuy products for planned batches

This frozen-base processor is relevant if you want to prepare separate frozen-yoghurt flavours ahead of time rather than churn a freshly mixed base immediately.

Ninja CREAMi NC300UK frozen-dessert maker in Black/Silver

Ninja CREAMi NC300UK, Black/Silver, with 3 tubs

Suited to preparing separate dessert bases ahead of time; Ninja Kitchen UK says most NC300UK recipes need 24 hours of freezing before processing.

The listed variant includes three tubs, seven programmes and a stated 1.4 L capacity. If you want a portion smaller than a tub, check the permitted minimum fill and the recipe instructions before buying.

View on Joybuy

Common questions

Do I need a compressor machine for small-batch frozen yoghurt?

No: a freezer-bowl machine can suit small batches if you can freeze its bowl in advance. For a no-pre-freeze option, Cuisinart UK lists a 950ml compressor bowl for the ICE90U; compare its capacity with the servings you actually intend to make.

Can a freezer-bowl ice cream maker make frozen yoghurt?

Yes, if that model supports it and its bowl has been frozen as instructed. Magimix UK lists frozen yoghurt for Le Glacier and specifies 10–12 hours of bowl pre-freezing; check the recipe and preparation instructions for the model you choose.

Can I use a Ninja CREAMi straight after mixing a yoghurt base?

Not for most NC300UK recipes: Ninja Kitchen UK says the base should be placed in a dessert tub and frozen for 24 hours before processing. Follow the preparation steps for your chosen recipe and programme.

How should I freeze a homemade frozen-yoghurt base?

Follow the ingredient labels and your appliance’s recipe instructions when preparing and freezing the base. GOV.UK food hygiene guidance for businesses also advises freezing fresh food before its use-by date, dividing food into smaller portions and labelling what is frozen; it does not set a single storage period for every homemade frozen-yoghurt recipe.