Comparing Ice Cream Makers: Ninja Creami and Its Competitors

In 2023, NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin reviewed the Ninja Creami when it first hit the market. The appliance experienced high demand, often selling out. Over time, the availability of this fan-favorite ice cream maker improved. The brand introduced a deluxe version and other frozen treat makers like the Ninja Slushi and Ninja Creami Soft Serve Maker.

The original Ninja Creami remains popular. A phenomenon on social media, its recipe ideas frequently appear in influencer posts. However, the competitive landscape for ice cream makers has expanded. Brands like Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Nutribullet offer alternatives at lower prices. Some new models, such as the GreenPan Frost, include features not found in the Ninja Creami.

Zoe Malin and I compared several ice cream makers to the Ninja Creami. These included the Cuisinart Fast Freeze, Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment, Nutribullet Chill, and GreenPan Frost. Below is a summary of our findings.

Ninja Creami Review

The Ninja Creami was the first machine I tested. Using a cream cheese-based recipe from the accompanying booklet, I prepared vanilla ice cream with heavy cream, sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract. The Ninja Creami requires a 24-hour freezing period for the base. It delivers a creamy and smooth texture akin to store-bought ice cream. Despite its loudness, reminiscent of a blender, the quick and easy setup is notable. This machine scores a solid 9.9 out of 10 in my opinion.

Cuisinart Fast Freeze

Sent by Cuisinart, the Fast Freeze is compact and lightweight. Although its process involves pushing a handle up and down, it produced an ice cream texture rivaling that of the Ninja Creami. Despite being manual, this model is budget-friendly and made in a small, efficient form factor.

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment

The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment works with the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It’s easy to set up but requires owning a mixer. The insulated bowl, filled with freezing liquid, helps the creation process. The end result, while slightly less customizable, offers a great texture.

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker

This device focuses on simplicity, featuring an insulated bowl and a paddle. The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker produces excellent traditional egg-based ice cream. While less versatile in terms of texture presets, it is intuitive and easy to use.

GreenPan Frost

The GreenPan Frost specializes in soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, and more. With no pre-freezing required, its electric freezing function is a standout feature. Although it doesn’t provide the same texture as store-bought ice cream, it excels in making soft serve.

Nutribullet Chill

The Nutribullet Chill caters to sorbets and fruit-based desserts. With compact and quieter operations, it offers a soft texture similar to soft serve. It’s an ideal choice for sorbet enthusiasts.

Testing Criteria

When testing these appliances, setup and ease of use were key considerations. The Ninja Creami stood out with its presets and easy instructions. Meanwhile, the Cuisinart Fast Freeze’s manual operation required some effort but delivered impressive results. Ice cream texture was crucial, with the Ninja Creami and Cuisinart Fast Freeze achieving the closest to traditional ice cream’s texture.

Choosing the Right Ice Cream Maker

• Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker: Versatile, with many presets, ideal for those who prefer creamy textures.
• Cuisinart FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker: Compact, affordable, requiring manual effort, suitable for small spaces.
• KitchenAid Cream Maker Attachment: Suitable for KitchenAid users seeking new functionalities.
• Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker: Perfect for traditional ice cream lovers.
• GreenPan Frost: Ideal for soft serve or frozen drinks enthusiasts.
• Nutribullet Chill Ice Cream Maker: Best for those who love sorbet and fruit-based treats.

The Ninja Creami stood out, offering superior ice cream textures and versatile features. However, alternatives like the Cuisinart FastFreeze also delivered comparable results at a lower cost.