We enjoy our small Cuisinart countertop ice cream maker. But it only makes about a quart at a time. It has two containers that you keep in the freezer that works like an ice pack. So you don't have to mess with ice, salt, water, etc. like you do with the older type freezers. It comes with lots of recipes for ice cream, frozen yogurt, etc. If you dump in a can of soda you have a slushy in about 10 minutes.
I have wonderful memories of the old crank-type freezer that my parents and grand-parents had. Growing up on a dairy farm with lots of milk, homemade ice cream was a regular summer treat for family gatherings. Taking turns turning the crank on the freezer was always a family affair and the creamy freshness of that homemade treat with a freshly baked cake or pie or even just sprinkled with crunchy Cheerios was such a great family time.