Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Makers Review
Considering buying a Ninja CREAMi ice cream machine? Learn everything there is to know about this popular kitchen appliance that makes it easy to create all sorts of delectable frozen treats at home.
Post includes recipes suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free diets. Weight Watchers points included in some recipes.
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If you love ice cream and other frozen treats, you’ve probably heard the buzz about Ninja CREAMi ice cream makers. The popular machine has taken DIY ice cream to new levels, thanks to its special “creamify” technology, which gives homemade concoctions an incredibly smooth, rich, and creamy consistency.
Table of Contents
A Guide
If you’ve been thinking of taking the plunge and becoming a CREAMi owner, you likely have a few questions….I know I did. Which is exactly why I’ve pulled together this guide to all things Ninja CREAMi.
Armed with this Ninja creami review aka overview of handy features, helpful tips, and of course, lots of delicious recipes, you’ll be well on your way to whipping up delectable dishes like Ninja Creami butter pecan ice cream, Ninja Creami frozen yogurt, and even a Ninja Creami dole whip that’s totally amusement park-worthy.
And once you’re busting out your Ninja Creami at all those summer BBQs, parties, and backyard gatherings, “grilling and chilling” will have a whole new meaning!
What is the Ninja CREAMi?
The Ninja CREAMi is a kitchen appliance that uses a motorized paddle to transform a solid frozen “base” into an ice cream consistency.
Unlike traditional home ice cream makers, the Ninja CREAMi does not have a cooling mechanism. Depending on the setting, it only takes a few minutes to change the texture of the pre-frozen ingredient base into a delectable frozen treat.
Why is the Ninja CREAMi so Popular?
The Ninja Creami gives you the ability to easily and quickly make homemade ice cream that tastes every bit as delectable as what you’d get from your local ice cream shop. And being able to make from scratch means you can customize the ingredients to suit different dietary needs and tastes.
I looooove that I can make my family luxuriously rich and creamy ice cream desserts that are made with wholesome healthy ingredients, many of which I already have in my pantry. Which means I’m saving money too. Talk about a true win-win!
My kids have been going crazy for this Ninja Creami mango sorbet and my DH and I are currently in our Ninja Creami strawberry Ice cream era, mainly because it tastes amazing, but also because I only need 2 simple ingredients to whip it up. #somuchyum
What is the Difference Between Ninja CREAMi and Ninja CREAMi Deluxe?
The original Ninja CREAMi Breeze made its debut in 2021, and thanks to social media it quickly sold out. That model has since been discontinued, so there are two machines currently on the market to choose from: the Ninja CREAMi and the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe.
While both machines have a good deal in common and both do an excellent job creating delicious homemade frozen treats, there are some key differences and specific features that are unique to each.
Ninja CREAMi Features and Benefits
- It has a 2-cup capacity pint container.
- 7 pre-set programs: Ice Cream, Lite, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, and Mix-in. So something for everyone.
- A compact footprint that’s good if you have limited counter space.
- Straight-forward and easy-to-use controls. Stress free making treats.
- Use it to make my OG Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream recipe.
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Features and Benefits
- The Deluxe has a larger, 3-cup capacity container. So you can make much more.
- I love the 11 pre-set programs: Ice Cream, Lite, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Mix-in, Italian ice, Slushi, Creamiccino™, frozen yogurt, and frozen drinks. Ice cream and sorbet are my two most used functions.
- Stronger motor for more consistent and reduced processing time.
- More flexibility, like being able to spin half a pint and using one frozen base to create two different flavors. Honest, you will have such fun making 2 different desserts in one.
- Use it to make this 2-ingredient Ninja Creami mango sorbet recipe.
Which is better, The Ninja CREAMi vs Ninja CREAMi Deluxe?
The answer really depends on your personal situation. With the Deluxe, you can go beyond ice cream and whip up a host of frozen delights and frosty drinks (a must in my household!).
I find the Deluxe to be a bit more sturdy and more consistent in processing, but not as quiet. The Deluxe is also easier to clean, which is a biggggg plus in my book.
And, the larger capacity of the Deluxe makes it ideal for families and entertaining. In the summer, we’re always inviting friends and family over, and I use it to make a variety of frozen desserts, from kid-approved classics like Ninja Creami chocolate ice cream and Oreo milkshakes to this refreshing Ninja Creami strawberry frosé for the adults. Something for everyone!
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe – What’s Included?
The Ninja Creami Deluxe machine includes the following components;
- One motorized base unit
- One Deluxe Creamerizer™ paddle
- One outer bowl with lid (this is where the pint is placed for processing)
- Two 3-cup (24 ounce / 680g) CREAMi® Deluxe pint containers and storage lids
- One instruction manual
- One recipe inspiration guide book
How To Use The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Model
- Step 1. Prepare the base by combining the ingredients in a mixing bowl or blender, depending on the recipe.
- Step 2. Transfer the base into one of the CREAMi pint containers, place the lid on it, and put it on a level surface inside the freezer. Allow to freeze for a full 24 hours.
- Step 3. After 24 hours, take the pint container out of the freezer, put the pint into the outer bowl, and place the lid on.
- Step 4 Follow the instructions guide to assemble, then select the program called for in the recipe to process.
- Step 5. When done, remove the outer bowl, open the lid, and check the consistency. Replace and use the re-spin function as needed until it has reached the desired level of creaminess.
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Tips for Ninja CREAMi Success
- Buy extra pint containers. Friends, you’ll want to make sure to have lots of extra CREAMi pint containers on hand so you always have a couple that are clean and ready to use. Between the batches of ice cream base stocked in my freezer and the urge to whip up a frozen drink on a daily basis, I can assure you that it is a must!
- Freeze multiple pints at a time! This way, you can quickly process a frozen base and satisfy an ice cream craving the moment it strikes. During peak strawberry season, I make multiple batches of my Ninja Creami strawberry ice cream so we can continue to enjoy it all summer long.
- Use the re-spin function. If your ice cream isn’t the right consistency after processing, simply use the re-spin function. And if needed, add a splash of water or other liquid before re-spinning again.
- Customize! Feel free to make substitutions like swapping dairy for non-dairy products to suit your taste and dietary needs. Just be aware that doing so may alter the texture or consistency, so adjustments to settings or processing time may be needed.
FAQs
The Ninja Creami is a totally different appliance than a traditional blender, and the two often work hand in hand. A blender creates a smooth liquid of varying thickness, depending on what is added, while the Ninja Creami machine transforms a frozen solid base into a true ice cream consistency.
To make many of the Ninja Creami ice cream recipes, the ice cream base ingredients are first combined in a blender, then the smooth liquid mixture is transferred to a Creami pint container to freeze.
Yeap. When making ice cream and sorbet, freezing the liquid base a full 24 hours is the key to ensuring you’ll have perfectly rich, creamy ice cream.
See my tips above for buying extra containers and preparing multiple batches in advance to always have a frozen base ready to process.
Yes, all of the removable parts (the paddle, outer bowl and lid) and the CREMI pint containers and lids can be washed in the top rack of a dishwasher.
Do not ever submerge the motorized base unit in water. To clean the base, unplug it and then wipe with a damp cloth.
More Ninja CREAMi Recipes You May Like
- Healthy Ninja Creami Recipes.
- The Best Ninja Creami Protein Recipes.
- Summer Ninja Creami Recipes.
- And, of course, this collection of more than 30 Ninja Creami Recipes!
Serving Suggestions
- Homemade frozen treats are the perfect ending to any of these 80+ Summer Dinner Ideas.
- Pair your favorite Ninja Creami ice cream alongside my Pool Party Food Ideas.
Recommended Tools
- The awesome Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is my machine of choice.
- Extra CREAMi Deluxe pint containers to keep your freezer well-stocked.
- Measuring cups and spoons for adding just the right amounts.
- Depending on the recipe, mixing bowls or a blender for combining your ingredients.
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