If you’re serious about making homemade ice cream, an ice cream maker is a game-changer. Sure, you can whip up ice cream without one (hello, no-churn method!), but a machine makes the process smoother and the results even creamier.

The good news? Ice cream makers are more affordable than ever, with plenty of great options under $50.

If you plan to make ice cream regularly—say, once a month or so—a frozen-bowl machine is a solid choice. These countertop models come with a bowl filled with liquid coolant that needs to be pre-frozen before use. If you’ve got the freezer space, you can store the bowl there permanently for anytime cravings.

Not only are these machines budget-friendly, but they’re also super easy to use.

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!