Perfect 10

Forget ice cream. Homemade sorbets are the true superstars of summer. Smooth, sweet, cool, and refreshing, sorbets capture peak season flavors in an intense way that no ice cream can match. We’ve blended cocktail-inspired concoctions; added herbs, spices, herbal tea—even vinegar—to fruity classics; and tried our hand at corn, cucumber, and tomato sorbets for a collection of frosty treats that truly taste of summer.

Crank It Up Choosing the right ice cream maker for your needs can make all the difference. Below, three models we love.

BASIC

Cuisinart ICE-21v Frozen Yogurt—Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker This inexpensive machine churns out 1½ quarts of perfect frozen treats every time using a bowl you prefreeze. Invest in a second bowl ($30), and you’ll always have a cold one ready to go. $59.95; cuisinart.com

SPACE SAVERKitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment If you already have a KitchenAid stand mixer, this freezer bowl attachment is the tool for you. Simply prefreeze it, then hook it onto your stand mixer to make up to 2 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet. $99.99; kitchenaid.com

BIG BATCHESHamilton Beach 4-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker You add your own ice just like with an old-fashioned ice cream maker, so you don’t have to plan ahead and prefreeze a bowl. Its 4-quart capacity makes it great for parties or large groups. $32.99; amazon.com