Exploring Ice Cream Makers: Ninja Creami Leads the Pack

In 2023, my colleague Zoe Malin from NBC Select reviewed the Ninja Creami. At its launch, the device was in high demand and sold out frequently, even at major retailers like Costco and Best Buy. Today, acquiring this appliance is simpler; Ninja has launched a deluxe version along with new frozen treat and beverage makers, such as the Ninja Slushi and Ninja Creami Soft Serve Maker. Despite being over two years since its launch, the original Ninja Creami maintains its popularity and boasts a strong following.

I regularly observe food influencers sharing Ninja Creami recipes on social media. However, I’ve noticed that many competitors have introduced ice cream makers at lower prices than the $229 Ninja Creami. Brands like Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Nutribullet offer alternatives that are $30 to $50 cheaper. Furthermore, some brands offer appliances with features the Ninja Creami lacks, as seen with GreenPan’s Frost, which doesn’t need overnight freezing.

Testing Ice Cream Maker Alternatives

Malin and I tested a variety of ice cream makers, including Cuisinart Fast Freeze, Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment, Nutribullet Chill, and GreenPan Frost, to see how they compare to the Ninja Creami.

Best Overall Ice Cream Maker: Ninja Creami
Ninja provided the Creami for testing, which I selected over the Deluxe due to its extensive reviews. I followed the recipe included in its booklet, which features a cream cheese base, and also tried a basic vanilla recipe with heavy cream, sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract. The Creami requires at least 24 hours of freezing before use to achieve the desired texture. It comes with dishwasher-safe pints and a mixing bowl. After testing and sharing with coworkers, I found the Ninja Creami exceeded expectations with a creamy texture reminiscent of store-bought ice cream. Despite its noise level, akin to a blender or vacuum, it delivered excellent results.

Best Compact Ice Cream Maker: Cuisinart Fast Freeze
Cuisinart sent this appliance for testing. It is compact and lightweight, which makes it ideal for small spaces. The manual operation, requiring users to push a handle while it runs, surprised us with its excellent texture and creaminess. Although slightly smoother than expected for a cream cheese base, the ice cream was delicious. While not better than the Creami, it serves as a fantastic alternative for space-limited individuals.

Best for Soft Serve: GreenPan Frost
This new appliance is designed for soft serve, sorbet, milkshakes, and frozen drinks. It doesn’t require advance freezing as it utilizes built-in electric freezing. The convenient dial allows for texture customization. Its parts are dishwasher-safe, with an alternative cleaning option via soap and water. Ideal for soft serve enthusiasts, the GreenPan Frost impressed us with ease of use and innovation.

Additional Insights on Ice Cream Makers

KitchenAid’s ice cream maker attachment uses an insulated bowl with freezing liquid, requiring a separate appliance. Its fast and efficient setup makes it perfect for small kitchens. Although it lacks multiple pre-sets, its attachment format is ideal for existing KitchenAid Stand Mixer owners.

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker offers simplicity with egg-based ice cream recipes. Its paddle design and freezing method ensure creamy texture. While it doesn’t have pre-sets, its ease of use is perfect for those seeking straightforward operation.

Nutribullet Chill focuses on sorbets and fruit-based treats. A courtesy sample showed promising results with softer texture ice creams. Compact and designed for small spaces, it suits sorbet lovers and those preferring fruit-based desserts.

Choosing the Right Ice Cream Maker

Choose based on preferences. If versatility is key, the Ninja Creami excels with its customizable texture and variety of pre-sets. For compactness and affordability, Cuisinart’s FastFreeze delivers solid results. KitchenAid satisfies existing mixer owners seeking dual-use capability. Cuisinart’s traditional model targets those desiring store-like ice cream. GreenPan Frost appeals to soft serve fans, while Nutribullet Chill caters to sorbet aficionados.

Ultimately, I favor the Ninja Creami for overall performance. It creates perfect texture quickly and offers pre-set customization. Cuisinart FastFreeze holds second place with affordability and similar texture results.