Ice Cream Makers · Buying guide

Ninja CREAMi Review: Is This Ice Cream Maker Worth It? (2026)

Reviewed by Mara Ellison, Kitchen-Gear Editor

Ice Cream Makers

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The Ninja CREAMi is not a traditional ice cream maker. Instead of churning a liquid base, you freeze your mix solid in a pint, then the machine shaves and spins it into a smooth, scoopable dessert. That one difference explains both why people love it and why some find it fussy.

Our verdict in 20 seconds

Worth it if you want homemade frozen desserts with control over sugar and ingredients and you don't mind planning a day ahead. Skip it if you want to decide on dessert at 8 pm and eat it at 8:10.

Who it is for

• Low-sugar and high-protein dessert fans: you decide exactly what goes in the pint.
• Families with allergies or dietary needs: dairy-free and nut-free bases are easy to make.
• People who like to experiment: fruit sorbets, frozen yogurt-style desserts and milkshakes all use the same pints.

Who should skip it

• Spur-of-the-moment dessert makers: the pint must freeze solid first.
• Anyone sensitive to noise: owners often describe it as loud while it runs.
• Big-batch hosts: it processes one pint at a time.

What it does

• One-touch programs: the NC299AMZ offers seven programs, including ice cream, lite ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshake, smoothie bowl and mix-in.
• Pints included: it ships with several 16 oz pints and storage lids, so you can freeze more than one flavor at a time.
• Re-spin: if the first pass comes out crumbly, a re-spin (often with a splash of milk) usually smooths it.
• Mix-ins: it can fold in cookie pieces, nuts or chocolate chips after processing.

Pros

• Full control over ingredients and sugar.
• Works with many bases: dairy, dairy-free, high-protein, fruit.
• Several pints let you batch-prep different flavors.
• Removable parts that most owners find easy to wash.

Drawbacks

• Planning required: pints need about 24 hours in the freezer first.
• Loud: a common complaint in owner reviews.
• One pint at a time: not ideal for parties.
• Texture depends on the recipe: a poorly mixed or low-sugar base can come out icy or crumbly.

How it compares

Tips for better results

• Freeze the pint level on a flat shelf so the surface is even.
• Use a base with enough fat or sugar; very low-sugar mixes tend to come out icy or crumbly.
• If the result is powdery, add a tablespoon of milk and use the re-spin.
• Let a rock-hard pint sit at room temperature for a few minutes before processing.

How we reviewed this

We haven't run lab tests on this machine. This review is based on Ninja's published specifications, the product listing, and recurring themes across thousands of owner reviews, so we describe what to expect rather than inventing a stopwatch result.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Ninja CREAMi make real ice cream?

It makes a texture close to ice cream from a frozen base. It does not churn a liquid the way a traditional machine does, so details of your recipe matter more.

How long does it take?

The machine runs for a couple of minutes, but the pint has to be frozen solid first, usually about 24 hours.

Is it hard to clean?

The pints, lids and blade are removable and generally easy to wash. Check the manual for which parts are dishwasher-safe.

Can I make dairy-free or high-protein desserts?

Yes. Because you build the base yourself, dairy-free, nut-free and high-protein versions are all possible, though lower-sugar and lower-fat bases need more care to stay smooth.

Verdict

The Ninja CREAMi is worth buying if you will plan ahead and want control over what goes into your dessert. If you want instant results, buy ice cream and save the counter space.

Keep reading

• Best blenders (2026): for smoothie bowls and frozen drinks.
• Best air fryers under $100
• Best silicone freezer trays: handy for freezing and portioning bases.