Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
Best for: Best for homemade frozen treats with total ingredient control — the Ninja CREAMi transforms a frozen solid base into smooth ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and more with 11 one-touch programs.
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Our review
The Ninja CREAMi is unlike any ice cream maker you've used before. There's no churning, no rock salt, no pre-frozen bowl. Instead, you mix your base ingredients, freeze them solid for 24 hours in the included 24oz XL tubs, then lock the tub into the machine and press a button. The dual-drive motors push the Creamerizer Paddle down through the frozen solid block and back up again, transforming it into smooth, scoopable ice cream in about 2 minutes. It's genuinely impressive to watch.
The 11 one-touch programs cover everything: ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, Italian ice, milkshakes, lite ice cream, creamiccinos, and more. The real game-changer is total ingredient control — you decide what goes in. Protein-packed ice cream, dairy-free sorbet, low-sugar frozen yoghurt, keto options — whatever you want. Reviewers rave about single-ingredient pineapple sorbet and chocolate ice cream that tastes better than anything store-bought.
The XL 24oz tubs hold 50% more than the original CREAMi, and you get two in the box so you can prep multiple flavours. The Dual Processing feature lets you make two mix-in variations from one base — chocolate chips in the top half, cookies in the bottom.
The honest downsides: it's LOUD — multiple reviewers compare it to a jet engine or coffee grinder. It's tall (16 inches), so check it fits under your cabinets. The 24-hour freeze requirement means you need to plan ahead. And some reviewers report the blade breaking after months of heavy use, though Ninja's customer service is generally praised for handling replacements quickly. At ~$200 it's a premium purchase, but if you eat ice cream regularly, it pays for itself fast.
👍 Pros
- Transforms frozen solid into smooth ice cream in ~2 minutes
- 11 one-touch programs: ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes & more
- Total ingredient control — protein, dairy-free, keto, vegan
- XL 24oz tubs (50% bigger) with 2 included
- Dual Processing: two mix-in flavours from one base
- Re-Spin function to adjust texture
👎 Cons
- Very loud — sounds like a jet engine or coffee grinder
- Requires 24-hour freeze time (needs planning ahead)
- Tall (16 inches) — may not fit under kitchen cabinets
- Blade can break with heavy use over time
- Only compatible with NC500 series XL tubs
Specifications
| Type | 11-in-1 frozen treat maker |
|---|---|
| Programs | Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt, Italian Ice, Milkshake, Lite Ice Cream, Creamiccino, Frozen Drinks, Mix-In, Re-Spin |
| Tub Size | 24 oz XL (2 included with storage lids) |
| Motor | Dual-Drive Motors with XL Deluxe Creamerizer Paddle |
| Parts | Dishwasher safe tubs and paddle |
| Voltage | 120V (US only) |
| Brand | Ninja (model NC501) |
FAQ
How does it work?
You freeze your base ingredients in the XL tubs for 24 hours. Then the dual-drive motors push the Creamerizer Paddle down through the frozen solid block and back up, transforming it into smooth ice cream, gelato, or sorbet in about 2 minutes.
Can I make healthy ice cream?
Yes — that's the biggest selling point. You control every ingredient. Protein ice cream, dairy-free sorbet, low-sugar options, keto, vegan — just choose your base and freeze it.
Is it loud?
Yes — it's loud. The dual motors pushing through a frozen solid block create significant noise, comparable to a blender or coffee grinder. Processing only takes 2-3 minutes though.
What's the best thing to make first?
Reviewers overwhelmingly recommend single-ingredient pineapple sorbet as a first try — just blend fresh pineapple, freeze, and process. The results are consistently amazing.
Is it worth $200?
If you eat ice cream regularly, yes. You get store-quality (or better) results with total control over ingredients. Many reviewers say it's become their most-used kitchen appliance.
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