We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

We all know the struggle of using any old spoon to dig into rock-hard ice cream. And as far as we're concerned, life's too short to wait for ice cream to thaw before serving it. Luckily, there's an easy solution. Designed to glide through ice cream, sorbet, and gelato, ice cream scoops are a game changer when it comes to getting frozen treats into a bowl or cone.

While they may appear simple, ice cream scoops do a great job of producing perfectly rounded scoops of your favorite dessert — all without putting pressure on your wrists. The best models are also highly durable, so you can rest assured that your purchase will keep you supplied with picture-perfect ice cream balls for years to come.

Whether you're a fan of homemade ice cream or are content purchasing your frozen treats at the grocery store, here are the best ice cream scoops of the year.

As basic as they may initially appear, ice cream scoops can function in a number of distinct ways. Whatever the design, however, a great ice cream scoop should feel comfortable in your hand and cut through frozen ice cream without straining your muscles.

There are certain things you should consider before investing in an ice cream scoop. First, there is the size of the handle and the scoop head. Then there is the design — scoops can be round, oval, pointed, and even look like a spade. Some ice cream scoops even feature easy-release handles. When it comes to ice cream scoops, durability is also very important. After all, you don't want your scoop to snap in half just because you're dealing with extra frozen ice cream.

To make your selection easier, we have scoured the deepest corners of the internet to investigate different ice cream scoop options and how they are rated by experts and ordinary folks. With this in mind, here are the best ice cream scoops in 2022 to help you take the guesswork out of your next shopping and scooping expedition.

Made from oxidation- and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, the Zeroll Original ice cream scoop is the brainchild of a company that has been producing scoops since way back in 1935. However, what makes this model truly stand out from the pack is its unique handle. Filled with heat-conductive liquid, the handle absorbs the warmth from your hands for easier scooping and release (via Amazon).

The Zeroll ice cream scoop comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 to 4 ounces. In addition, the utensil has been designed to create fuller-looking scoops by minimizing compression, yielding scoops with a 20% greater volume per gallon of ice cream. And this is good for both your wallet and waistline. Perhaps the only downside of this kitchen tool is that it isn't dishwasher safe.

According to Lily Alig from Insider, the Zeroll ice cream scoop is worth its price tag. She says, "It may seem like a lot to spend $20 on a unitasking tool, but the Zeroll is good enough at its one job to be worth it." She highlights the fact that the oval bowl has narrower edges that simplify the process of scooping through frozen ice cream.

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Zeroll Original ice cream scoop from Amazon starting at $24.95.

At just over $5, the Norpro anti-freeze ice cream scoop is both affordable and practical. Made from heavy-grade aluminum for maximum durability, the Norpro is sturdy enough for daily use. Plus, the scoop is filled with defrosting fluid to cut through hard ice cream. Last but not least, the scoop comes with a non-stick surface for easy clean-up. Lefties will appreciate the fact that the Norpro anti-freeze ice cream scoop is suitable for both right- and left-hand use.

So how does the Norpro anti-freeze ice cream scoop rate among connoisseurs? The Best Views Reviews website has given the scoop a very respectable 8.9 out of 10 points. Amazon reviewers also praise the thrifty scoop, giving it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. One satisfied Amazon customer described it as better than advertised, saying, "We LOVE this ice cream scoop. The solid handle and size make it much easier to control than the previous fave and the scoops of ice cream slide out smoothly. It really does not stick. I would happily trade both of our $20 scoopers for a few more of these."

Purchase the Norpro anti-freeze ice cream scoop from Amazon starting at $6.85.

Have you ever found yourself with a scoop full of ice cream that just won't slide into the bowl or ice cream cone? Well, you're not the only one — ice cream and scoops tend to stick together. This is where the OXO Good Grips classic ice cream scoop is a game changer. Equipped with an easy-to-use pop-up lever release, the scoop delivers round balls of ice cream with a simple squeeze. Plus, it combines stainless steel for durability with a BPA-free non-slip handle for maximum comfort. Better still, the scoop is dishwasher safe to keep your kitchen mess-free.

The OXO Good Grips classic ice cream scoop has been met with a favorable reception, and 76% of Amazon customers awarded it five out of five stars. One Amazon reviewer describes the OXO Good Grips as an effective ice cream scoop, commenting that it "stands up to the dishwasher and could remove ice cream without my having to pry it out with my fingers [...] It does everything I need it to do. The spring action on the lever is a bit stiff, but it's not so stiff that I can't use the implement."

As of August 2022, you can purchase the OXO Good Grips classic ice cream scoop from Amazon starting at $14.93.

With a price tag of around $40, the Midnight Scoop stainless steel ice cream scoop is one of the pricier options on the market. However, in this case, the saying "you get what you pay for" may very well ring true. Designed by aerospace engineer Michael Chou, the Midnight Scoop is highly durable and comes with a lifetime guarantee for absolute peace of mind. As per the brand's motto, "If you drop your scooper from a 45-floor building or run it over with your car, we will replace your scoop — no questions asked" (via Amazon).

Billed as a third-generation scoop, the Midnight Scoop stainless steel ice cream scoop is made entirely from stainless steel. Plus, it features a spear-shaped tip to easily glide through frozen ice cream and an ergonomically-designed curved handle to take pressure off the wrist joints during scooping. Last but not least, this kitchen tool is dishwasher safe.

Purchase the Midnight Scoop stainless steel ice cream scoop from Amazon starting at $39.95.

Crafted from stainless steel, Balci's heavy-duty ice cream scoop boasts a pointed tip, enabling it to effortlessly glide through ice cream. Plus, the material is non-stick to easily release each scoop into your bowl or cone. The handle features a comfortable BPA-free rubber grip to prevent any accidental slipping. And once you've had your frozen treat, you can pop the Balci ice cream scoop in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. This model comes in a range of appealing colors, from neutral black to bright pink and purple (via Amazon).

The Balci heavy-duty ice cream scoop has received a rating of 9.2 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money and 9.8 out of 10 on Best Views Reviews, indicating that it's a high-quality product. One Amazon reviewer recommended the Balci ice cream scoop, saying, "It has a little weight to it — which I like. The grip is coated and makes it very comfortable to hold and has a good feel. It cuts through ice cream beautifully. It seems oddly shaped compared to other scoops I've had, but it makes nice ball shaped scoops."

Purchase Balci's heavy-duty ice cream scoop from Amazon starting at $12.99.

Asie from delaying the prize, trying to dig through rock-hard ice cream can place strain on your wrist joints. Luckily, the Spring Chef ice cream scoop can simplify the task of getting your ice cream scoops out of the carton and into a bowl thanks to its ergonomically-designed handle. The scoop's thin edges also help glide through frozen ice cream while its unique curved shape helps to roll it into balls. The scoop even features a special notch designed to pop open tight container lids. To top it off, the Spring Chef ice cream scoop is dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.

With 4.8 out of 5 stars across more than 32,000 Amazon ratings, the Spring Chef ice cream scoop seems to have won the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts. It has also received an impressive 9.9 out of 10 rating on Best Views Reviews and a 9.5 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money. One satisfied Amazon customer praised the ice cream's sturdiness and handle, commenting, "Our ice cream was, as usual, hard as a rock and I thought it would be a good time to try it out. I was very surprised at how effortlessly this rugged ice cream scoop dug into the hardened ice cream, but better yet, my hand wasn't sore afterward thanks to the comfortable, thick rubber handle."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Spring Chef ice cream scoop from Amazon starting at $12.97.

If you're serious about ice cream, the Jenaluca cookie and ice cream scooper set has you covered. Ideal for ice cream, sorbet, cookie dough, and even fruit, the versatile set comprises three differently sized scoops with easy-release handles. In terms of size, the largest scoop can hold three tablespoons, the medium scoop one and a half tablespoons, and the smallest scoop two teaspoons.

Made from stain-resistant stainless steel, the sturdy set features a spring-free cod-and-ratchet system to alleviate wrist and hand pressure while scooping. Better still, it can be used with either the left or right hand. The scoops are dishwasher safe and come with a lifetime guarantee, so you can rest assured that you are investing in a quality product. Delivered in an appealing silver box, the Jenaluca combo set also makes a great gift idea.

Purchase the Jenaluca cookie and ice cream scooper set from Amazon starting at $59.97.

Featuring a wide, spade-style stainless steel head, OXO's Good Grips stainless steel ice cream spade is ideal for scooping up big servings of ice cream. In addition, according to the manufacturer, the no-nonsense spade is even sturdy enough for packing pints of ice cream. For extra comfort, the utensil features a comfortable non-slip handle that won't get cold during scooping. The OXO Good Grips stainless steel ice cream spade is dishwasher safe.

So how does OXO's ice cream spade perform? According to the Webstaurant Store, the spade "does twice the work of a normal ice cream scoop with half the effort." The outlet highlights the fact that the flat sides facilitate loading up a bowl with ice cream, or creating a smooth surface with a sauce. One Amazon customer commented that the scoop is definitely not for anyone on a diet, saying, "This is more of an ice cream shovel. They should sell a holster for this. Perfect for gardening or digging a foxhole should the need arise."

Purchase the OXO Good Grips stainless steel ice cream spade from Amazon starting at $14.95.

Rite Aid's Thrifty old time ice cream scooper is the epitome of effortless scooping. Simply place the scoop's cylinder on the ice cream, turn the utensil 90 degrees and pull up. Position the scoop over a cone or bowl and squeeze the handle to release the ice cream cylinders. Made from commercial-grade stainless steel, we can see this scooper also making for a unique conversation starter. 

The Thrifty ice cream brand has a long history dating back to the Great Depression when it was sold at Thrifty Drug Stores across Los Angeles. And while the ice cream became widely popular in the '30s and '40s, it was initially sold at Thrifty Drug Stores to bring in customers. Dr. Raymond Borun, the son of the company's co-founder Harry Borun, recalls, "They did their own manufacturing and made a lot of different flavors [...] It was very high quality and they were very proud to get awards at the L.A. County Fair. The price was quite low so we didn't make a lot of money off it, but it got people in the store to buy other things" (via My Kitchen Tool Kit).

Purchase the Rite Aid Thrifty old time ice cream scooper from Amazon starting at $34.99.