Everything you need for the ice cream party of your dreams

Summer is inching closer and it’s getting hot out there. If you're already looking for ways to cool down with friends (that doesn't involve buying your own pool), might we suggest hosting your very own ice cream party?

Whether your jam is traditional homemade ice cream, sorbet, or popsicles, these delicious warm-weather staples can provide sweet relief—and you don’t even have to leave your house to get them.

We’ve rounded up our favorite gadgets for making—and serving—frozen treats at home. From award-winning ice cream makers to top-rated ice pop molds, here’s what we recommend to help you beat the heat all summer long.

1. The best ice cream maker we’ve ever tested

The Ninja Creami is our favorite ice cream maker for many reasons. But perhaps most importantly, it's extremely versatile.

This do-it-all machine can turn simple ingredients into creamy sorbet, milkshakes, gelato, smoothie bowls, and, of course, ice cream. The slim motor base has a digital one-touch program for whatever treat you want to make, and its own pint containers for creating and spinning your perfect frozen creations.

Unlike many ice cream makers that require you to freeze a bowl or insert ahead of time, the Creami only requires that you freeze your liquid base. Twenty-four hours later (yes, we know it's hard to wait!) you can whip up your treat in less than 2 minutes. And fortunately, you get multiple freezing containers in your starter kit (plus you can purchase extras) so you never have to be without a frozen concoction ready to go.

And don't forget, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and "soft serve" can be whipped up without waiting!

$200 at Amazon

2. The budget-friendly Cuisinart ICE-21

Easy to use, reasonably priced, and small enough to live on your counter during the summer, this Cuisinart ice cream machine can create a smooth batch of classic vanilla as well as a well-mixed rocky road. And as our pick for the best value ice cream maker, it won't break the bank.

The simple design—a single switch to turn on and off, plus an open top to facilitate pouring in chocolate chips and scooping out taste tests—means that you can focus more on flavors and fixings and less on screwing up dessert.

The cherry on top of this fudge sundae is that the Cuisinart ICE-21 is impressively speedy. In about 20 minutes, it can turn a sugar-and-cream mixture to a bowl of delicious dessert. We even used it to make dog-friendly ice cream for our four-legged friends. For under $75, we think that’s a worthwhile investment for your next ice cream party.

$70 at Amazon

3. A fruity soft-serve maker for every kind of diet

Whether you’re on a dairy-free diet or just prefer your dessert light, this top-rated fruit soft-serve maker from Yonanas can help you indulge. It turns frozen fruit into a delicious, healthy soft-serve treat that tastes like ice cream.

According to reviews, its chute easily accepts berries, sliced mango, and frozen banana, and its integrated spinning blade mashes and incorporates the fruit into a smooth confection with the texture of soft-serve ice cream or yogurt.

$40 at Amazon

4. Ice pop molds for kid-friendly creations

If you’ve got little ones, these soft silicone ice pop molds are perfect for making them age-appropriate sweet treats. Just pour in their favorite juice or flavored water mixture and let your freezer do the work.

Available in a range of sizes and fun shapes, including fish pops, safari pops, and space pops, they’ll put a smile on everyone’s faces. They’re also BPA-free, easy to use, and don’t make a mess—what’s not to love?

Don’t have kids? You can also use the full-sized molds for making frozen alco-pops. You’re welcome.

$18 at Amazon

5. An ice cream attachment for your stand mixer

If you have a KitchenAid stand mixer and don’t want to invest in a standalone ice cream maker, this ice cream maker attachment is for you.

This bad boy makes up to two quarts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in under 30 minutes. Put the included freeze bowl in the freezer ahead of time, then fill it with your chilled ice cream base and power it up. It’s pretty hands-off: The dasher rotates inside the bowl to mix everything evenly.

$100 at Amazon

6. Festive cups and spoons for serving

Your next ice cream party isn't complete without this nostalgic set of ice cream-themed cups and spoons. They're great for kids and adults alike. (Who doesn't love a little taste of childhood?)

You can choose to opt for the set of six or 12, but each option will include four colors (with matching spoons and cups), where all pieces are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. These popular accessories have been lauded by over four thousand reviewers for their durable build and adorable look (especially for parties!).

$14 at Amazon

7. Our winning ice cream scoop

Don't make the all-too-common mistake of attempting to scoop evenly round servings of ice cream with a flimsy spoon from your utensil drawer.

Our favorite ice cream scoop, the OXO Good Grips ice cream scoop, was a clear winner during testing thanks to its comfortable handle, durable (and dishwasher safe!) stainless steel build, and ability to churn out consistently round scoops. It will take the headache—and hand ache—from long-term scooping at a party.

$16 at Amazon

8. A waffle cone maker

Sure, you can grab a box of pre-made cones for ice cream serving, or you can make fresh cones from scratch, elevate your frozen desserts, and make your home smell like heaven in the process.

The Chef’s Choice WaffleCone Express makes homemade waffle cones less intimidating and more achievable. It can churn out fresh cones in just two minutes, and it comes with a hand-rolling form for shaping, plus recipes to guide you through the process. You'll not only be able to reap the benefits of deliciously fresh cones, but this appliance is a conversation starter that's perfect for entertaining.

$50 at Amazon