The Only Ice Cream Scoop You’ll Ever Need, According to Our Allstar

Sweet, sweet ice cream. With an endless array of flavors that defy imagination, this iconic creamy concoction isn't just reserved for summertime soirées—it's an anytime, anywhere treat that knows no bounds. (Did I once enjoy a milkshake outside in the middle of a winter blizzard? Yes, yes I did. And it was amazing.) 

If you enjoy ice cream at home, you more than likely buy your favorite flavors at the grocery store in hard-packed tubs. Instead of running a big spoon under hot water or nuking the ice cream in the microwave for a few seconds, the easiest way to serve yourself up a bowl is with an ice cream scoop. After testing several popular scoops at home, Allstar Maura Rawlette knows just which one you should buy. 

Zeroll Original Ice Cream Scoop

Orig. $25 $20 at Amazon $25 at Williams-Sonoma View on Webstaurantstore.com

“I believe this could be the only ice cream scoop you ever buy,” said Maura. “I knew just looking at it that it would get the job done.” Of course, Maura did much more than just look at the Zeroll scoop; she put it to the test at home. She praised the aluminum scoop’s round edge, which dipped into ice cream with add-ins and hard-packed ice cream with ease, producing picturesque round scoops. 

What sets the Zeroll apart from other ice cream scoops is the secret hidden in the handle: heat-conductive liquid. The natural warmth of your hand permeates the scoop, ensuring a smooth and easy glide through the ice cream—no need to run the tool under hot water first. Ice cream never stuck to the scoop in Maura’s testing. 

Does the Zeroll scoop look a bit familiar? You’ve probably seen it before. The iconic scoop has been around since 1935, and the design really hasn’t changed much since (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it). It’s also a favorite among ice cream parlors since the handle is comfy to hold and doesn’t get cold to the touch. The aluminum alloy resists both rusting and corrosion, so it will last a long, long time. 

The simplicity of the Zeroll scoop also got a big thumb’s up from Maura. Since it’s one piece, there’s nothing that can break off. The weight is comfortable in hand—not to mention it’s designed for both right-handed and left-handed users. Though the brand says the scoop is hand-wash only, Maura ran hers through the dishwasher a few times with no issue. That said, it may be better to err on the side of caution if you want the scoop to stay in ideal condition for a long time. 

Each Zeroll ice cream scoop has a color-coded cap at the end of the handle, indicating its size. The version Maura tested was the 1020 model, which holds 2 ounces per scoop and has a gold cap. The available sizes range from the 1030 1-ounce model (with a red cap) and the 1010 4-ounce model (with a brown cap). No matter which size you pick, Zeroll promises to yield 20 percent more scoops per gallon since the tool won’t compress the ice cream down. 

There’s one potential downside for the Zeroll, and that’s the price. It’s not terrible, but it does feel a bit high for an ice cream scoop. Maura thought it was well worth it, however, once again citing the scoop’s effectiveness, simplicity, and durability: “This ice cream scoop is the best for any household.” High praise!

Other Ice Cream Scoops to Consider

Though the Zeroll was Maura’s favorite, she did test two other popular ice cream scoops that are worth considering—especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or something with a softer grip. 

OXO Steel Ice Cream Scoop

$17 at Amazon View on Oxo

Maura also admired this classic OXO model. The steel scoop has a comfy rubber grip, which is easy on the hands—ideal if you’re scooping out multiple servings. The resulting ice cream balls weren’t super uniform and pretty (maybe not Insta-worthy), but the scoop was effective, and that’s what counts most. 

Maura recommends this particular scoop for kiddos and older folks who struggle with arthritis. Why? The OXO scoop has a handy little lever built into the round scoop. If the ice cream doesn’t pop out on its own, a simple press of the lever will push it out and into a bowl. Maura did worry that the spring might give out over the years, but during her tests it performed without any issues. 

When it came to washing, she noted that this scoop was a bit tricky to hand wash under the lever, but after putting it through the dishwasher, it came out spotless. OXO does confirm that the scoop is dishwasher-safe, so feel free to toss it in and let the machine do the hard work. 

KitchenAid Classic Ice Cream Scoop

Orig. $15 $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $17 at Wayfair

The third and final scoop Maura tested comes from KitchenAid. She says it’s a solid “middle of the road” scoop, ideal for people who are just starting to build up their kitchen supplies. The highlight of the scoop is its affordability (and wide availability from multiple retailers). It also comes in a number of colors, including black, aqua, lavender, pistachio, and empire red. 

While Maura complimented the scoop’s weight and the feel of it in her hand, she noted that ice cream often stuck to it. “I tried it again using vanilla, and the first scoop looked picture-perfect, but afterward I needed a spoon to remove the ice cream.”

That said, it’s still a dependable scoop for a decent price. If you don’t care about impeccable scoops or having to use an extra spoon, then it’s a good wallet-friendly option—especially if you want a scoop with a bit of color. 

About Our Tests

To compare these three ice cream scoops head to head, Allstar Maura Rawlette tested them out in her home kitchen. She scooped multiple servings of plain vanilla ice cream, as well as ice creams with tasty add-ins—such as ribbons of caramel or candy pieces—to see how the tools handled. After jotting down her thoughts, Maura ranked each scoop using the following criteria:

• Design: Is the ice cream scoop comfortable to use? Does the handle have any non-slip material? Are there any special features?
• Performance: Does the scoop effectively scoop any type of ice cream, even if it’s very hard or has multiple add-ins? Does the ice cream release easily from the scoop? Does it create picturesque ice cream?
• Durability: Did any part break during testing? Are there parts that you believe can break in the future? Did it show any wear and tear after washing?
• Value: Is the ice cream scoop worth the investment?

Common Questions

How do you clean an ice cream scoop?

After dishing up some creamy treats, you’ll need to clean your scoop. Luckily most scoops are incredibly easy to clean. Just run them under some warm water, scrub with soap, rinse, and you’re done. Many ice cream scoops are even dishwasher-safe for the ultimate easy clean. That said, there are just as many models that require hand-washing instead. Always pay attention to the instructions in the packaging—the manufacturer knows the best way to clean the scoop and keep it in pristine condition. 

How many ounces are in a scoop of ice cream?

The amount of ice cream per scoop really depends on the scoop you’re using. For example, the Zeroll scoop that Maura tested holds about 2 ounces of ice cream at a time. Some scoops can hold as little as half an ounce, while larger ones can hold upward of 8 ounces. The right size for you depends on what you’re using the scoop for—smaller scoops are great for occasional desserts, single servings, or measuring out cookie dough, while larger scoops are ideal for big events or scooping a lot of ice cream at once. 

How many scoops are in a gallon of ice cream?

Again, the amount of scoops per gallon really depends on the size of scoop you’re using. You’re going to have “more” using a smaller scoop, and “less” with a larger one. A gallon of ice cream contains 128 ounces. With a 2-ounce scoop, you could get approximately 64 scoops. (I might have done better in math class if we were measuring ice cream for homework).

Why Take Our Word for It?

Writer Allison Wignall is obsessed with ice cream. She legitimately cried when her favorite ice cream parlor closed in her college town, and she staunchly defends mint chip as the best flavor of all time. Her work has been featured in The Spruce Eats, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and more. 

Maura Rawlette has been an Allstar since 2016, though she’s been an avid fan of Allrecipes for much longer than that. Also known as Chef Mo, she’s shared dozens of top-rated recipes, including mouth-watering appetizers, tasty cocktails, incredible meals, and delicious desserts.