In 2023, NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin reviewed the Ninja Creami when it was first launched. At that time, the appliance quickly sold out despite high demand. Now, the Ninja Creami, including its deluxe version and other frozen treat makers like the Ninja Slushi and Ninja Creami Soft Serve Maker, is more accessible. The original Ninja Creami remains popular with food enthusiasts regularly sharing recipes on social media.

While the Ninja Creami remains a favorite, several competitors offer more affordable options. Brands like Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Nutribullet provide ice cream makers priced $30 to $50 cheaper. Other competitors like the GreenPan Frost offer features not found in the Ninja Creami, such as not requiring overnight freezing.

Comparative Testing

Zoe Malin and I spent weeks testing various ice cream makers, including the Cuisinart Fast Freeze, Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment, Nutribullet Chill, and the GreenPan Frost. Our goal was to assess how they perform compared to the Ninja Creami.

Top Pick: Best Overall

The Ninja Creami was the first appliance tested. Its included recipe booklet features a cream cheese-based ice cream recipe, differing from traditional egg base recipes. After a 24-hour freeze, the Ninja Creami produced creamy, smooth ice cream in about 10 minutes. Its loudness is a drawback, but the appliance is easy to set up and clean. It offers multiple pre-sets for different ice cream types, which adds to its appeal.

Compact Ice Cream Maker

The Cuisinart FastFreeze stands out for its compact size. It requires some manual effort, unlike others, but produces excellent ice cream texture, close to the Ninja Creami. The Cuisinart FastFreeze is lightweight and suitable for those with limited space.

Soft Serve Preference

Malin tested the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment, designed for those who already own a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It offers a convenient way to make ice cream without needing a separate appliance. While not as feature-rich as other options, it delivers solid results for stand mixer users.

Traditional Ice Cream

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker excels in creating traditional, egg-based ice cream. It is intuitive to use, focusing on simplicity without pre-sets. It is ideal for those who enjoy homemade ice cream, replicating the creamy texture of store-bought options.

Frost and Sorbet Enthusiasts

The GreenPan Frost is unique as it doesn’t require pre-freezing. This makes it a favorite for soft serve lovers. With a design tailored for slushies and sorbet, the Frost offers customization – a washing feature simplifies cleaning, another advantage.

Sorbet and Fruit-Based Treats

The Nutribullet Chill creates both ice cream and sorbet. While it favors sorbet texture, those who prefer such desserts will appreciate its performance. It’s compact and perfect for small kitchens.

Testing Process and Considerations

Key testing criteria included setup ease, usability, and ice cream texture. Setup varies from machine to machine with the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker being the simplest. Ease of use for the Ninja Creami and textures produced by various machines influenced our overall ranking.

Which Ice Cream Maker to Choose?

Your choice depends on your needs. The Ninja Creami is versatile and offers the creamy texture many seek, despite its noise. The Cuisinart FastFreeze is cost-effective and compact. The KitchenAid attachment suits dedicated bakers with space constraints. For traditional styles, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is excellent. If soft serve or sorbet is your preference, then the GreenPan Frost or the Nutribullet Chill may be preferable.