Making homemade ice cream is an experience that can evoke both feelings of intense nostalgia and frustration. For some, it’s the memory of tossing a double-bagged mixture of rock salt and cream around as a school science project. Others, like me, remember the struggle of hauling out an unreasonably heavy ice cream machine from the back of the pantry for just a few scoops. And let’s not even talk about the painstaking process of hand-churned ice cream.
Thankfully, one brand has emerged as a leader in lightweight kitchen appliances, including ice cream makers: Ninja (also known as SharkNinja). This company, which produces everything from vacuums to hair styling tools, launched its Ninja CREAMi ice cream maker in 2021. Since then, social media has been buzzing with excitement, with TikTok videos and Instagram reels showcasing how users create everything from protein ice creams with instant pudding mix to indulgent frozen cocktails. I decided to put the Ninja CREAMi to the test to see if it truly lives up to the hype.
What is the Ninja CREAMi?
The Ninja CREAMi is the brand’s flagship countertop ice cream maker. For this review, I tested the Deluxe model, which offers more frozen dessert options and a larger basin than the original 2021 version.
In essence, the CREAMi functions similarly to a blender. It features dual-drive motors that exert pressure on a paddle resembling a blender blade. This paddle cuts through and blends frozen ingredients according to one of the machine’s 11 preset modes. Beyond traditional ice cream, you can make sorbets, milkshakes, Creamiccinos (coffee frappés), frozen cocktails, Italian ice, and slushies. A standout feature of the Deluxe model is the half-and-half function, which allows you to create one flavor on top of the pint and another at the bottom.
Each Deluxe machine includes two 24-ounce pints, with all containers and the removable paddle being dishwasher-safe. Weighing approximately 15 pounds and standing 17 inches tall, the machine is easy to store, although it was slightly too tall to fit under my kitchen cabinet. Additionally, the machine comes with a recipe guide that provides essential operational instructions and numerous recipe ideas—something you won’t want to misplace.
Where to Buy and Price
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is available at several major retailers. Best Buy lists it for $229.99, while Amazon offers it for $249.99. Regardless of the retailer, the machine includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’re willing to forgo some features, you can opt for the 7-in-1 Ninja CREAMi for $229.99 on Amazon. For an even more budget-friendly option, Walmart sells the 5-in-1 model for $199.99, which is limited to making ice cream, sorbets, milkshakes, and mix-ins. Few brands offer comparable countertop ice cream makers. Other competitors, like Cuisinart, produce larger machines with pre-chilled canisters designed for on-demand ice cream making. These models range from $200 to $300, making the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe competitively priced.
Different Ninja CREAMi Models
As mentioned, multiple Ninja CREAMi models are available. The NC301 (7-in-1) model is the base version, capable of making ice cream, sorbet, light ice cream, gelato, smoothie bowls, and shakes. It’s slightly lighter than the Deluxe model but nearly the same price. The Deluxe model, however, allows for larger family-sized portions, while the 7-in-1 is limited to pint-sized servings. Unless you exclusively consume pints of ice cream and prefer a smaller footprint, the Deluxe model is the better investment. It allows for half-and-half mix-ins and the option to re-spin frozen treats for an even smoother texture.
Setting Up and Using the Ninja CREAMi
Despite its modern features, the Ninja CREAMi requires a bit of effort to set up. Attaching the blade to the cup took some trial and error, and I frequently referenced the user manual. The cups must be stacked within each other before locking into place. Without the guide, setup would have been difficult. Other appliances, like a KitchenAid stand mixer, are simpler to assemble and operate. While a thorough read-through of the manual is beneficial, the CREAMi’s design isn’t as intuitive as it could be.
Ice Cream
For my first test, I followed the manufacturer’s recipe for vanilla ice cream, which included cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. After mixing the ingredients, the recipe required 24 hours of freezing before processing. Once ready, I placed the pint in the machine, and within four minutes, I had a well-blended vanilla ice cream. The taste was standard but satisfying. To test mix-ins, I added peanut butter cups to the top half and Reese’s Pieces to the bottom. However, to achieve a true half-and-half effect, I had to blend the top mix-in separately before repeating the process for the bottom—more work than expected.
Fruit Sorbet
For sorbet, Ninja recommends using canned fruit in syrup or juice—fresh frozen fruit is not an option, as it may damage the machine. I chose canned peaches. After a 24-hour freeze, the sorbet texture was smooth, creamy, and entirely dairy-free. However, some unblended chunks remained around the edges, suggesting the blade didn’t reach the container’s perimeter.
Milkshake
Unlike the ice cream and sorbet, milkshakes don’t require pre-freezing. The recipe called for pre-made ice cream and milk. While it blended well, the result was an average shake—comparable to a diner’s, but nothing extraordinary. A traditional blender could achieve the same effect.
Protein Ice Cream
For protein ice cream, I experimented with Fairlife high-protein milk and instant pudding mix. When processed on the light ice cream setting, the top half turned into flavorless snow, requiring additional liquid and re-spinning. The bottom half had a more enjoyable pudding-like texture. Adjusting the recipe or using the regular setting might yield better results.
Frozen Hot Chocolate
Following the provided recipe, I microwaved milk with hot chocolate powder, froze it for 24 hours, then added more milk before blending on the Creamiccino setting. The result was similar to a Wendy’s Frosty—creamier than a Starbucks Frappuccino but not quite ice cream.
Is the Ninja CREAMi Worth It?
As someone who dislikes cluttering my kitchen with single-use gadgets, I was skeptical. While the Ninja CREAMi is versatile, it’s best suited for those who consume large quantities of ice cream or enjoy experimenting with frozen treats. The machine has a learning curve but becomes easier to use over time. However, its practicality is questionable. Since most recipes require 24-hour freezing, you must plan—something that store-bought ice cream eliminates.
If you’re primarily interested in making frozen beverages, a standard blender is a better, quieter, and more affordable option. While the Ninja CREAMi is a fun and innovative gadget, it’s not an essential kitchen appliance for the average consumer. However, if you love creating homemade frozen treats and don’t mind the prep work, it could be a worthy investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Ninja CREAMi easy to use?
Yes, but there is a learning curve. While the machine has simple preset functions, first-time users may need to experiment with recipes and the “Re-spin” feature to achieve the desired texture.
2. How long does it take to make ice cream with the Ninja CREAMi?
The blending process takes only a few minutes, but ingredients must be frozen for 24 hours beforehand, so planning ahead is necessary.
3. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit for sorbet?
The Ninja CREAMi works best with canned fruit in syrup or juice. Fresh fruit may not blend as smoothly unless it is pre-sweetened and properly frozen.
4. Is the Ninja CREAMi noisy?
Yes, the machine produces noticeable noise while blending, similar to a high-powered blender.
5. Can I make dairy-free or vegan ice cream?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk to create dairy-free frozen desserts.
