You’ve probably heard about the Ninja Creami by now. The original ice cream maker came out in 2021, and thanks to TikTok, it’s become one of the most popular kitchen appliances. Last summer, it was nearly impossible to find one because it was sold out everywhere. Now that it’s easier to get, I got to try the Ninja Creami to see if it lives up to the excitement.
Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker
The newest Ninja Creami ice cream maker has gone viral with its 11 functions, including ice cream, lite ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and frozen drinks. It comes with two 24-ounce containers. After using it at home for the last three weeks, I understand why it’s so popular.
What I liked about it
It’s super customizable
The Ninja Creami Deluxe is a versatile ice cream maker with 11 functions, offering a wide range of frozen treats from classic ice cream to unique creations like Creamiccino. This versatility allows for extensive customization, catering to various flavor preferences and dietary needs.
The machine comes with a recipe booklet, but numerous online resources provide further inspiration. Users can easily experiment with ingredients, as demonstrated by the author’s successful creation of a protein-rich chocolate ice cream using readily available ingredients.
The Ninja Creami’s flexibility and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any kitchen for those seeking to enjoy homemade, customized frozen treats.
Most recipes I made came out great
During the three weeks I tested the Creami, I made different recipes, like Bon Appétit’s Vanilla Ice Cream, The Kitchn’s coconut milk ice cream, sorbet with canned fruit, and protein ice cream.
The vanilla and coconut milk ice creams were the tastiest, though they took the most prep time. The creamy result made it worth it. I used the “mix-in” feature to turn vanilla ice cream into cookies and cream with crushed Oreos. The Oreos mixed well, with some bigger chunks.
I was surprised by how much I liked the coconut milk ice cream. It was creamy and refreshing, and you wouldn’t guess it’s vegan! I even ate the leftovers at work one afternoon. I used the “bottom” function because I only had half left, and it was as good as the first time.
Sorbet might be my favorite to make in the Ninja Creami. You just pour canned fruit into the container and freeze it—no prep needed. I tried it with peaches, pineapples, and mangoes. All were tasty, but pineapple was my favorite because it reminded me of Dole Whip.
I was mostly happy with the texture of my creations, but true ice cream lovers might spot some icy bits. This happens because the Creami’s blades don’t reach the sides of the container, so the mixture there doesn’t get creamy unless you scrape the sides after the first spin and then spin again.
Don’t hesitate to use the respin feature. I initially thought my recipes were wrong because I had to respin everything at least once, but it turns out this is normal. Ice cream can be crumbly or icy if your freezer is very cold or if you’re making low-fat or low-sugar recipes. Ninja actually suggests using respin in the booklet that comes with the machine. Most of my recipes started out crumbly — like Dippin’ Dots — with just one spin. But after a respin or two, they had a much creamier texture.
It’s easy — and a lot of fun — to use
I hadn’t made homemade ice cream since I was a kid, but now with the Ninja Creami, I’m hooked on making all kinds of frozen treats. My fiancé and I enjoy two-part ice cream dates — first, we prepare the ice cream, and 24 hours later, we enjoy it.
The ice cream maker is easy to use once you understand it. I was a bit nervous with all the instructions at first. You just make your ice cream base, pour it into the container, and freeze it flat for at least 24 hours. The next day, you put the container in the outer bowl, attach the lid with the blade, and click it into the Creami. Then, select the right settings and press a few buttons. You might need to respin your ice cream and can add mix-ins then. The best part? Cleanup is super easy since all parts are dishwasher-safe.
Let’s talk about noise. I expected it to be loud because reviewers said so, but it’s not as loud as I thought. It’s like using a blender and a vacuum at the same time. It’s loud, but okay for a machine that runs for only a few minutes. Size-wise, the Creami is a bit bigger than my Nespresso Vertuo coffee maker. I store it on a bottom shelf when not in use.
What I didn’t like about it
You have to plan ahead
The main drawback of the Ninja Creami is needing to freeze the ice cream base 24 hours ahead. This means you can’t enjoy ice cream right after mixing, and you can’t have it immediately when a craving strikes.
I usually meal prep on Sundays, so I just need to start prepping my Creami bases in advance too. The machine includes two containers, but you can purchase more on Amazon to keep your freezer full (though they cost $30 for two).
There are a lot of ‘rules’ to follow
The ice cream maker comes with several booklets, and it can feel overwhelming. It’s annoying to flip through so many papers when you need specific information.
There are many “rules,” but you can choose whether to follow them. For example, if your ice cream base freezes unevenly, the instructions suggest letting it melt completely and then refreezing to protect the machine. But I’ve found that letting it sit out for a few minutes lets you scrape off lumps to make it smooth. There are also confusing rules about the order of respinning, using the mix-ins feature, using certain canned fruits, and avoiding nonfat yogurt.
How it compares
The Ninja Creami is different from other ice cream makers. It uses a blade to shave and mix frozen ingredients instead of a frozen bowl or compressor. Our testing team’s favorite ice cream maker uses a bowl you freeze overnight, while the compressor ice cream maker we recommend needs no prep, though it’s pricier than the Ninja Creami. Another tester tried this Hamilton Beach model, which uses salt and ice instead.
All these machines usually have larger capacities, from 1.5 to 4 quarts. The Ninja Creami Deluxe’s “pint” is 24 ounces, 50% larger than a standard pint. The smaller size is great for us since there are only two people in my home, and we love trying new flavors often.
Bottom line
I’ve wanted the Ninja Creami since last summer when it was always sold out. Now that I have it, I wish I’d gotten it sooner! It’s a fun and easy way to make all kinds of frozen treats, from ice cream to sorbet to slushies. I love customizing ingredients and experimenting with recipes to turn almost anything into a creamy dessert. It does need some planning and there’s a learning curve, but everything I’ve made has turned out great with little effort.
If you have space on your counter or in a cabinet, this ice cream maker is a great buy for anyone who wants to try making frozen desserts at home.