Create frozen desserts quickly with this specialized appliance. The ninja ice cream maker is a game-changer for anyone who loves a sweet, homemade treat. You can go from craving to cone in minutes, no fancy skills required. It’s honestly so simple to use, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get one sooner.
We put this popular model through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype. From rich ice cream to refreshing sorbet, we tested it all. Here’s our honest take on whether this machine deserves a spot on your counter for those hot summer days—or really, any day you need a sweet fix.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Ninja Ice Cream Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Treat Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen…
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9.7 |
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Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins,…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Ninja CREAMi | Ice Cream Maker Bundle | Includes…
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9.2 |
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Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream Maker, Soft…
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9.0 |
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Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Slushies and…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
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Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, 7 One-Touch Programs, with…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen…
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7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Ninja Ice Cream Maker
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Treat Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Yogurt and More, 11-in-1 Programs, XL Capacity, Includes Two 24-oz Family-Size Tubs, Silver, NC501
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Treat Maker (NC501) is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for creating a wide range of frozen desserts at home. It builds on the popular CREAMi concept with significant upgrades, most notably its larger capacity and expanded program options. This 11-in-1 machine gives you the tools to make everything from classic ice cream and sorbet to milkshakes, frozen yogurt, and even more specialized treats. A key feature is the XL capacity.
The unit comes with two 24-ounce family-size tubs, which hold 50% more than the original CREAMi pints. This means you can make enough dessert for several people in a single batch. The appliance also introduces five new programs, broadening the variety of frozen treats you can experiment with. You have total control over ingredients, allowing for low-sugar, high-protein, dairy-free, or vegan creations tailored to your dietary preferences. Customization is a central theme.
Beyond the base flavors, the Dual Processing function is a standout. It lets you prepare two separate mix-in flavors in the same tub. You could add candy to the top layer, process and serve that, then later add cookies to the bottom layer for a completely different treat. This flexibility extends with the Re-Spin function, which lets you process the dessert a second time for a softer, creamier texture if you prefer. The technology behind it is Ninja’s Advanced Creamify system.
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7 One-Touch Programs, with (2) Pint Containers & Lids, Compact Size, Perfect for Kids, Silver
The Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker is a compact, versatile kitchen appliance designed to give you complete control over your frozen desserts. It turns almost anything into a wide variety of treats, from classic ice cream and gelato to sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. With its 7 one-touch programs, it handles the technical side, so you can focus on creativity and flavor.
Its core appeal is customization. You decide exactly what goes into your pint.
Whether you prefer a decadent, rich gelato or are looking for low-sugar, keto, dairy-free, or vegan options, the CREAMi adapts to your dietary needs and preferences. You start by preparing your liquid base, freezing it overnight in one of the included pint containers, and then processing it with a single touch.
The proprietary Creamify Technology uses an 800-watt motor to shave the frozen block into an incredibly smooth and creamy texture, rivaling store-bought quality.
The seven specific programs—Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-in—are optimized for different types of treats. Each program adjusts the speed, pressure, and time to get the best results for that specific texture.
Ninja CREAMi | Ice Cream Maker Bundle | Includes (4)16 oz. Tubs for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More| 7 One-Touch Programs| Compact Size| Perfect for Kids | Silver
The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker Bundle is a compact kitchen appliance designed to make frozen treats simple and personal. It’s core function is to turn your frozen bases into a wide variety of desserts with minimal effort. You load a pint container that you’ve pre-frozen solid, select a program, and let the machine work. It uses a powerful motor and a specialized blade to shave and recombine the frozen block into a perfectly creamy texture.
This bundle includes the Ninja CREAMi machine itself, which comes with two 16-ounce pint containers, plus two additional reusable pints and lids. That means you can have multiple flavors ready to go in your freezer. Just pop one out and process it whenever the mood strikes. The containers are designed specifically for this machine’s unique processing system, so they freeze and work correctly. It’s important to note these pints are compatible with the NC299 and NC300 series machines.
You have seven one-touch programs to choose from: Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-In. This range lets you cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Want a rich gelato? Use that program. Prefer a dairy-free fruit sorbet? That’s covered too. The Mix-In program is particularly fun; it creates a hollow in your just-processed treat where you can add chips, nuts, or candy, and then the machine blends it in for you.
Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream Maker, Soft Serve Desserts, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Yogurt and More, 13-in-1 Programs, Includes Handle and Two 16 oz 2-in-1 Pints, NC701
The Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream Maker is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for creating a wide variety of frozen desserts at home. It goes beyond basic ice cream, offering 13 one-touch programs to handle everything from classic scooped pints to swirled soft serve directly from the container.
You have significant control over your creations. The machine lets you choose between a classic, scoopable texture or a smooth, swirled soft-serve consistency for many treats.
Six dedicated programs are specifically for soft serve styles, including options like Frozen Custard, Fruit Whip, and Swirled Frozen Yogurt. A key feature is the Creamify Technology, which processes at higher speeds to achieve that signature creamy, soft-serve texture right in your kitchen.
Customization is a major focus. You control all the ingredients, making it straightforward to accommodate dietary preferences or goals.
Whether you’re aiming for low-sugar, dairy-free, high-protein, or vegan desserts, you can tailor the base to your needs. The included 2-in-1 CreamiFit program is engineered specifically for lower-calorie, high-protein pints, aiming for a good texture in a single processing cycle.
Adding mix-ins is part of the fun and allows for personalization.
Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Oprah's Favorite Things 2025, 13 Programs, Soft Serve Handle & (4) CREAMi 2-in-1 16oz Pints, Gift for Kids & ALL ages, NC701
The Ninja CREAMi NC701 is a versatile countertop appliance designed to create a wide variety of frozen desserts at home. It gives you complete control over what goes into your treats, allowing for customization to meet dietary preferences like low-sugar, high-protein, dairy-free, or vegan. You start by freezing your own mixture in one of the included pints, then process it to your desired consistency.
This model features 13 one-touch programs.
The core function lets you choose between a classic Scoop texture, similar to hard-packed ice cream, or a Swirl for a softer, more malleable result. Six of these programs are dedicated to soft-serve styles. With the included Soft Serve Handle attachment, you can dispense directly onto a cone, creating that classic swirled treat right in your kitchen.
The automatic handle has three speed settings, making it a fun and interactive activity for the whole family.
A key highlight is the 2-in-1 CREAMiFit program. It’s specifically engineered for processing lower-calorie, high-protein bases, helping to achieve a creamy texture without the need for multiple processing cycles. This makes it simpler to create fitness-friendly pints.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart Double Insulated Machine, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker, Ready in 20 Minutes, ICE-21P1, White
The Cuisinart ICE-21P1 Ice Cream Maker is a straightfoward appliance designed to bring homemade frozen desserts into your kitchen without complication. Its core promise is speed and simplicity, letting you create a fresh batch of ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in about 20 minutes from start to finish. The key to this efficiency is its double-insulated freezer bowl.
You simply store this bowl in your freezer overnight, and when your ready to make ice cream, it acts as the freezing agent—no rock salt or ice to deal with, which really minimizes the mess and prep work. With a 1.5-quart capacity, this machine is well-suited for a typical family or a small gathering. It yields enough for everyone to have a satisfying serving or two, and it’s a great size for experimenting with different flavors without being wasteful.
The mixing paddle, which does the churning, is designed to incorporate air while scraping the sides, helping to create a creamy texture as the mixture freezes. You get to control the ingredients, meaning you can make classic vanilla, a fruity sorbet with no added sugar, or a tangy frozen yogurt exactly to your taste. Using the Cuisinart ICE-21P1 is intentionally simple. The transparent lid locks on easily, so it stays secure during operation.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Machine, Fully Automatic Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl Makes Frozen Desserts in Under 30 Minutes, ICE30BCP1, Silver
The Cuisinart ICE30BCP1 Ice Cream Maker is a fully automatic 2-quart machine designed for making a variety of frozen desserts at home. It’s built around a core feature: the double-insulated freezer bowl. This bowl is the key to it’s operation, eliminating the need for ice or rock salt. You simply store the bowl in your freezer until its ready, then it uses that stored cold to freeze your mixture. The bowl holds a full two quarts, giving you plenty of ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt to share.
Functionality is straightforward and robust. The machine features a heavy-duty motor that does all the churning for you. Once you pour your prepared base into the bowl and turn it on, the machine takes over. It typically produces a finished, soft-serve consistency dessert in under 30 minutes. For a firmer texture, you can then transfer the dessert to a container to harden in your freezer. The brushed stainless steel housing is durable and easy to clean, fitting in with most kitchen appliances.
Several thoughtful details make the process smoother. A large ingredient spout on the lid lets you add chips, fruit, or other mix-ins during the final stages of churning, so they get incorporated without being pulverized. The unit includes a retractable cord storage to help keep your countertop neat when the machine is not in use. The entire assembly is BPA-free, which is a nice reassurance for food contact. Everything you need to start is included in the box.
Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Slushies and Mix-In Frozen Dessert Maker, Compact Machine, Easy to Use, Includes 3 Mixing Cups with Lids, ICE-FD10
The Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Slushies and Mix-In Frozen Dessert Maker, ICE-FD10, is a compact machine designed to put homemade frozen treats within easy reach. It simplifies the process, turning your kitchen into a personal dessert bar without the need for complex techniques or bulky equipment. This unit’s core appeal is it’s 5-in-1 functionality. With five preset programs, it’s built to create ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, slushies, and desserts with mix-ins.
The operation is straightforward. You pre-freeze the machine’s base for 24 hours ahead of time. When your ready, you add your ingredients to one of the included cups, twist the top to select your dessert style, and press the freeze wand. The machine takes over from there, delivering a fresh, half-pint serving in just minutes. It’s a fast way to satisfy a spontaneous treat idea. For those mindful of ingredients, this maker offers clear advantages. You control exactly what goes in.
That means you can create non-dairy ice cream alternatives, protein-packed shakes for post-workout recovery, or pure fruit sorbets with no added sugar. It’s a practical tool for aligning your treats with your dietary preferences, something store-bought pints rarely allow. The design prioritizes convenience and space-saving. The entire machine is compact enough to tuck away in a cabinet. It comes with three separate, detachable mixing cups that have their own lids.
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, 7 One-Touch Programs, with (2) Pint Containers & Lids, Compact Size, White (NC301WHBBB)
The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker (NC301WHBBB) is a compact kitchen appliance designed to give you complete creative freedom over frozen desserts. It’s not just for ice cream; it turns almost anything you can freeze into a custom treat. The process is built around simple pint-sized containers, making it straightforward and mess-free.
You start by preparing your base mixture. This is where you have total control.
Whether you’re aiming for a low-sugar, keto-friendly, dairy-free, or fully vegan dessert, you choose every ingredient. Pour your creation into one of the included pint containers, freeze it solid overnight, and then the CREAMi takes over. It’s a three-step method: prep, freeze, process. The machine comes with two pint containers and lids, so you can always have another flavor ready in the freezer.
At the heart of the system are seven one-touch programs.
You select the setting that matches what you want to make: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, or a dedicated Mix-in cycle. Each program is engineered with a specific combination of speed, pressure, and time to perfectly shave through the frozen block.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 2-Quart Stainless Steel Frozen Yogurt, Gelato, Sorbet, Ready in 20 Minutes, LCD Screen and Timer, ICE-70P1
The Cuisinart ICE-70P1 Ice Cream Maker is a 2-quart stainless steel machine designed to bring the craft of frozen desserts into your home kitchen. It’s built for simplicity and speed, promising a batch of your favorite treat in about 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re aiming for classic ice cream, tangy frozen yogurt, dense gelato, or a light fruit sorbet, this unit handles it all with a consistent freeze.
You get a generous 2-quart capacity, perfect for serving a family or having leftovers to stash in the freezer for later. The stainless steel exterior isn’t just for looks—it’s durable and easy to wipe clean after your session is done. One of the key features is the integrated LCD screen and countdown timer. This lets you see exactly how much time is left and the machine will automatically shut off when it’s done, so you don’t have to constantly check on it.
It’s a real set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Operating the machine is straightforward thanks to its three settings and multiple speed options. You can choose the right consistency for your recipe, whether it needs a slow churn or a faster mix. The lid comes with a handy ingredient spout and an integrated measuring cup. This allows you to add in mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts during the final stages of churning without making a big mess.
Ninja Ice Cream Maker Buying Guide
The Ninja ice cream maker is built for frozen dessert creativity. It goes beyond just ice cream, letting you make sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt at home. But with a few models available, how do you choose the right one for your kitchen? This guide highlights the key factors to consider.
Capacity and Batch Size
Think about how much you typically need to make. Are you creating a treat for just yourself or a whole family gathering? Some models have a smaller bowl, perfect for quick, single servings. Others offer a larger capacity, ideal for making enough for everyone. Matching the size to your household prevents waste and ensures you can make the right amount.
Multi-Function Versatility
Do you want a machine that only makes ice cream? Many Ninja models are part of multi-cooker systems. This means the base unit can also pressure cook, air fry, or steam. If kitchen space is limited or you love multi-purpose gadgets, this is a huge advantage. If you only want an ice cream maker, a dedicated model is the simpler, often more affordable, choice.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Let’s be honest, if it’s a hassle to use or clean, it will just collect dust. Look for intuitive controls—some even have pre-programmed settings for different desserts. The bowl and paddle should be dishwasher-safe. There’s nothing worse than finishing a delicious batch and facing a complicated cleanup. A user-friendly design means you’ll actually use it regularly.
Texture and Consistency Control
This is where the magic happens. The machine’s power and paddle design determine your final product’s texture. Some units offer settings for softer-serve style or firmer, scoopable ice cream. If you hate icy crystals and want that creamy, shop-bought consistency, check reviews to see how well a specific model performs. After all, texture is everything in a frozen dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ninja Ice Cream Maker
What can I make with a Ninja ice cream maker?
You can make much more than just ice cream. It handles sorbet, frozen yogurt, and gelato too. You can even make lower-sugar or dairy-free treats. It’s very versatile for trying new recipes.
How does it work? Do I need to pre-freeze a bowl?
No, you don’t. That’s the big convenience. It has a built-in compressor that freezes the mixture as it churns. You just add your ingredients to the container and select a program. It’s ready to use anytime.
Is it loud when it’s running?
It makes some noise, like a kitchen blender. It’s not silent, but it’s not overly loud either. You can easily have a conversation in the same room. The noise is a steady churning sound.
How long does it take to make ice cream?
It depends on the recipe and the program you choose. Most options take between 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. The machine will let you know when it’s done.
Can I use it to make just one or two servings?
Yes, you can. The container has markings for minimum and maximum fill lines. You can make a smaller batch if you want, which is great for trying new flavors without waste.
How do I clean the Ninja ice cream maker?
Cleaning is pretty simple. The main container, lid, and paddle are all dishwasher safe on the top rack. You just need to wipe down the main unit with a damp cloth. Always unplug it first, of course.
Where should I store the machine?
It’s a countertop appliance, so it does take up some space. Many people keep it on the counter if thay use it often. If not, you can store it in a cupboard. Just make sure it’s completely dry first.
What’s the texture of the ice cream like?
The texture is very smooth and creamy. Because it freezes while it churns, it doesn’t get icy crystals like some methods. It’s similar to what you’d get from a shop, honestly.
Last Thoughts Before You Buy
Create custom frozen desserts with surprising speed and simplicity. This machine makes the whole process feel easy. You can use real ingredients you already have at home. The result is a treat that’s exactly what you want, every single time. It’s perfect for a quick after-dinner sweet or a fun weekend project with the family.
If you want more control over your desserts and less fuss, this is a great choice. The ninja ice cream maker delivers on its promise of fast, easy frozen treats. You get to be the chef, choosing every flavor and mix-in. It’s a straightforward way to make something special without any hassle. Give it a try and see how simple homemade ice cream can realy be.