Which Ninja Ice Cream Maker to Buy? Comparison Between Ninja Creami and Ninja Deluxe

If you're considering whether to get a Ninja Creami ice cream maker—or even if you already have one at home—this post is for you. It’s worth understanding why investing in an ice cream maker from this brand is a good idea, and I’m sure you’ll discover that it can do much more than just make ice cream (which not everyone realises). In this post, you’ll see everything you can make with Ninja ice cream makers and how to choose between the Ninja Creami and the Deluxe version.

With these machines, you can make all sorts of recipes—from classic creamy ice cream to fruit sorbets, frozen yoghurt, and smoothies. And the best part is that you do it all at home with ingredients you choose. No strange additives or mystery ingredients.

Another great thing is how easy they are to use. Basically, you fill the tub, freeze it for 24 hours, then place it into the machine. In just a few minutes, you’ve got a delicious 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 quickly prepare homemade desserts and drinks using your own ingredients. But they don’t offer exactly the same functions. Here’s a breakdown of what you can make with each one so you can clearly see the differences:

With the Ninja Creami (NC300EU) you can make:

• Classic ice cream: using milk, cream, sugar, or even lighter or sugar-free versions.
• Gelato: denser, creamier, and smoother in texture.
• Sorbet: made with frozen fruit only, no dairy.
• Smoothie bowls: thick and creamy, perfect for a healthy breakfast.
• Light ice cream: with less fat and sugar.
• Milkshakes: using frozen fruit and milk or plant-based alternatives.
• Mix-ins: you can add ingredients like biscuits, nuts or chocolate after blending, for extra texture and flavour.
• Re-Spin: if the texture is too hard or icy, give it another spin to smooth it out.

The Ninja Creami is perfect for creating creamy, customisable desserts at home, including vegan and dairy-free options.

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

• Everything listed above (the Deluxe does everything the Creami does), plus:
• Frappés: icy drinks like iced coffee or chocolate frappés.
• Slushies: icy, granita-style textures made with juice, tea or homemade soda.
• Frozen drinks: such as thinner smoothies or frozen cocktails.
• Frozen yoghurt: using regular or plant-based yoghurts.
• Larger batch sizes: the tubs are bigger (709 ml vs. 450 ml).
• Two flavours in one tub: with the \"Top\" and \"Bottom\" functions, you can make two different flavours at once.

Plus, the Ninja Deluxe features more advanced blending technology: its dual-speed system and professional paddle produce an even finer, smoother texture.

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

If you’re looking for an easy, fun machine to make ice cream at home, the original Ninja Creami is ideal. But if you want more—more quantity, more variety, and even better textures—the Deluxe is clearly more complete.

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

• Freeze the mixture thoroughly for at least 24 hours. That’s important: if it’s only partly frozen, the result won’t be the same.
• Take the tub out of the freezer 10 minutes before processing, especially if it’s been frozen for several days and is extra hard.
• If the texture is too firm or icy, use the Re-Spin function. It will give it another cycle and improve the texture.
• Keep a few bases frozen and ready, so you don’t have to wait when you want a quick treat.
• Add mix-ins right after spinning, so they distribute properly (don’t add them before freezing the base).
• The parts are easy to clean. Most are dishwasher safe, but hand washing will help them last longer.

Differences between the Ninja Creami and Ninja Creami Deluxe

There are two main models: the Ninja Creami (NC300EU) and the Deluxe (NC501EU). The base machine is the same, but they have a few differences you should consider before choosing.

In short: if you’ll use it occasionally and stick to basic recipes, the standard Creami is great. But if you want to experiment more or prepare larger batches, the Deluxe is worth it.

Recipes to try with your Ninja Creami

One of the best parts of owning a Creami is how fun it is to experiment. Mix fruit, yoghurt, plant-based drinks, cocoa... anything you can imagine.

We recommend starting with the basic recipe provided in the included guide. From there, let your imagination run wild! You’ll see you can easily create endless combinations or follow the recipes included in the book.

We’ve already shared several great recipes on our blog you can make with your Ninja Creami:

• Vegan yoghurt, blueberry and lemon ice cream
• Crema Catalana ice cream with caramel
• Stracciatella ice cream

Conclusion: an ice cream maker that does more than just ice cream

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

And the best part: you control what goes in—no weird additives or preservatives. If you already own one, try new programmes and flavour combinations. And if you’re thinking of buying one, pick the model that best fits your routine: both work brilliantly.

Once you’ve tried it, it becomes one of those appliances you actually use—and enjoy.

👉 We encourage you not only to discover the Ninja Creami machines, which have revolutionised homemade ice cream making around the world, but also to check out everything Ninja offers in their product line. You can browse the full SharkNinja catalogue here, a leading small appliance brand in the US.