Which Ninja ice cream maker should I buy? Comparison between Ninja Creami and Ninja Deluxe

If you're thinking about whether to get yourself a Ninja Creami ice cream maker, or even if you already have one at home, this post will interest you. Because it's worth understanding why it's worth buying an ice cream maker from this brand, and I have no doubt you'll discover that it’s good for much more than making ice cream (and that’s something not everyone knows). In this post you'll see everything you can do with Ninja ice cream makers and how to choose between the Ninja Creami and the version DeLuxe.

With these ice cream makers, you can make lots of different recipes: from the classics from creamy ice creams to fruit sorbets, frozen yogurt, and smoothies. And the best part is that you make it yourself, at home, with the ingredients you choose. No weird additives or things you don't even know what they are.

What's also good is that are easy to use. Basically, you fill the container, freeze it for 24 h and then place it in the machine. In a couple of minutes you have a dessert or snack ready to enjoy.

What can you make with a Ninja Ice Cream Maker?

Both the Ninja Creami and the Deluxe let you make homemade desserts and drinks quickly and with the ingredients you choose. But they don’t offer exactly the same thing. Below I’ll detail what you can make with each one, so you can clearly see the differences:

With the Ninja Creami (NC300EU) can you do:

• Classic ice cream: made with milk, cream, sugar, or even in lighter or sugar-free versions.
• Gelato: denser and creamier, with a tighter texture.
• Sorbet: made only with frozen fruit, dairy-free.
• Smoothie bowls: dense and creamy, perfect as a healthy breakfast.
• Light ice cream: versions with less fat and sugar.
• Shakes: with frozen fruit, milk or plant-based beverage.
• Mix-Ins (Extras): you can add ingredients such as cookies, nuts, or chocolate after processing, to add texture and contrast.
• Re-Spin: if the ice cream is very hard or has ice crystals, you can give it a second pass to soften it.

The Ninja Creami is the perfect ice cream maker for preparing creamy, customizable desserts at home, including vegan or lactose-free options.

With the Ninja Creami Deluxe (NC501EU) you can also do:

• All of the above (the Deluxe lets you do everything the Creami does), and also:
• Frappes: cold drinks with ice, such as coffee with milk or iced cocoa.
• Slushies: with a shaved-ice texture, perfect with juices, teas, or homemade sodas.
• Frozen drinks: like thinner smoothies or frozen cocktails.
• Frozen yogurt: with plain or plant-based yogurts.
• More quantity per preparation: the tubs are larger (709 ml versus 450 ml).
• Prepare two flavors in the same tub. If you're torn between two flavors, with the "Top" (top) and "Bottom" (bottom) functions you will be able to do two different flavors at the same time.

Additionally, you should know that the Ninja Deluxe features more advanced blending technology: thanks to its dual-pressure system and professional paddle, it achieves a finer, more uniform texture.

In summary... Which Ninja ice cream maker should you choose?

If you’re looking for a machine to make ice cream at home in a simple, fun way, the original Ninja Creami is perfect. But if you want to take it further — more capacity, more variety, and better textures — the Deluxe is clearly the more capable option.

Tips to get the most out of your Ninja ice cream maker

After trying it out, there are a few handy little tips to help you get the best possible results. Nothing complicated, but definitely useful:

• Freeze the mixture well, at least 24 hours. This is important: if it's half-frozen, it won't be the same.
• Before processing the ice cream, leave the tub out of the freezer for 10 minutes before processing it with the Ninja (especially if it has been frozen for several days and appears deep-frozen).
• If you notice the texture is a bit hard or has crystals, Use the Re-Spin feature. Give it another pass and the result improves a lot.
• You can have several bases prepared and frozen, so you don't have to wait if you feel like something quick.
• The Mix-Ins are liked especially if you add them right after churning, so they distribute well (don't add them when the mixture is ready and you're going to freeze it; instead, add them when you're going to churn the ice cream).
• And yes, the parts are easy to wash. Most are dishwasher safe, but if you wash them by hand they'll stay perfect longer.

Differences between the Ninja Creami and the Ninja Creami Deluxe

There are two main models of Ninja ice cream makers: the Ninja Creami (model NC300EU) and the Deluxe (model NC501EU). The base is the same, but they have some differences that are worth knowing if you're considering which one to buy.

In summary: if you are going to use it occasionally and with basic recipes, with the Creami standard you'll do more than fine. But if you like to experiment, or want to prepare a larger amount at once, the Deluxe it's worth it.

Recipes with the Ninja Creami:

One of the most fun things about having a Creami is that you never stop creating. You mix fruits, yogurt, plant-based milks, cocoa... whatever comes to mind.

Te I recommend you start with the basic recipe given in the book that comes with the Creami. From here on, let your imagination run wild! You'll see that by following the guidelines of that base recipe, you can make endless combinations, or follow others included in the same recipe booklet.

On the blog, we've already shared several recipes you can make right in your Ninja ice cream maker.

Here are some recipes you can try with your Heladera Ninja:

• Vegan yogurt, blueberry, and lemon ice cream
• Crema Catalana ice cream with caramel
• Stracciatella Ice Cream

Conclusion: an ice cream maker for much more than ice cream

Both the Ninja Creami and the Deluxe open up a world of possibilities in the kitchen. You can tailor recipes to your lifestyle, prepare healthy desserts for the whole family, or simply enjoy good homemade ice cream whenever you feel like it.

And the best part is you decide which ingredients to use, with no additives or strange preservatives. If you already have one, try out new programs and combinations. And if you’re thinking about getting one, choose the one that fits your habits: both work great.

Once you try it, it becomes one of those machines you really use. And enjoy.

👉 I encourage you not only to discover Ninja ice cream makers, which have revolutionized the world of homemade ice cream worldwide, but also to take a look at everything the Ninja brand offers in its catalog, because it has a ton of revolutionary products. You can view the SharkNinja catalog here, leading small appliance brand in the United States for the kitchen.