If you are in the market for a Ninja Creami, you are probably wondering which Ninja Creami to buy!
There are a couple of different versions. One is not necessarily better than the other. It is a matter of preference.
The Ninja Creami is like no other ice cream maker out there. But, if you are familiar with the Pacojet, it is very similar to that. The idea behind the Ninja Creami is that you create a base recipe, freeze it in the Ninja Creami containers for 24 hours, and then process it in the Ninja Creami. The Ninja Creami has a creamerizer paddle that basically shaves the frozen base ingredients and then mixes them together to create a smooth and creamy treat. You can make an unlimited number of flavors just by changing the mix-ins that you add in. You can make an endless amount of desserts or meal replacements from simple things like a can of pineapple or protein shakes.
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The Ninja Creami is not a blender, does not have regular blades like a blender does, and cannot process ice or water. Doing so can break the machine. In order for the Ninja Creami to process something into a creamy mixture, it needs to have fat, sugar, and/or dairy in it. When I say it needs sugar, it doesn’t need actual sugar. It needs either sugar, a sugar substitute, or a high in sugar ingredient like fruit. The same goes for dairy and fat. You can use substitutes to make dairy-free and sugar-free treats. Although, some substitutes will create a less creamy texture. See the FAQs that I put together to learn more about substitutions.
The most commonly asked question is “which Ninja Creami is the best and which one should I buy?” The answer is simple. Buy whichever one fits your needs the best. What you need and want is not going to be in line with what everyone else wants and needs. There is no one machine that is everything for everyone.
Ask yourself these questions:
Due to the Ninja Creami Breeze being very difficult to find and likely discontinued, I would not recommend buying the Breeze.
- How much ice cream do you want to make at one time? There are 2 options, 16 ounces or 24 ounces. If you want bigger containers of ice cream, get the Ninja Creami Deluxe. The deluxe is the only version that makes bigger containers of ice cream.
- Will you use the extra functions that come with the Ninja Creami Deluxe or the Ninja Swirl by Creami? See the chart below that compares functions between machines. Most functions can be “replicated” using a different function on another machine with the exception of frozen drinks, slushi, and creamiccino. If you don’t need to have those functions, then one of the other machines will work just fine. If those functions are “must haves” for you, then buy the Ninja Creami Deluxe. If you want to turn your Ninja Creami creation into a swirled soft serve, then the Ninja Creami Swirl is the best option.
- Will you use the gelato or smoothie bowl functions? The original 5-1 and 7-1 are basically the same. The only difference is the 7-1 has the gelato and smoothie bowl functions. The original 5-1 is more difficult to find in stock as it is only sold at Walmart.
- You don’t HAVE TO HAVE a frozen yogurt button to make frozen yogurt. You can use lite ice cream instead. You don’t HAVE TO HAVE a gelato to make a recipe that is similar to gelato. You can achieve that texture with different ingredients, using a different function. In my opinion, the ingredients are more important than the button that you press, in most cases.
- All machines have some issues which is to be expected when so many machines have been sold. No one machine is “safer” to use than another. Read the manual, use recipes that have been tested out first, and don’t process things that are too hard on the machine. Doing these things can help your Ninja Creami last longer.
- Ninja Swirl by Creami: Containers are 16 ounces. These containers are different from the other 16 ounce containers and are not interchangeable.
- The Swirl has 13 functions: Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, Creamifit, Lite Ice Cream, Milkshake, Sorbet, Gelato, and Mix-in (bold are new). Some functions are available as both soft serve and scoopable, which makes the 13 processes.
- Specifications for US version:
- There is a soft serve function called Creamifit which is specifically designed to process high protein base recipes.
- The package comes with the Ninja Creami Swirl base, outer bowl, outer bowl lid, 2 16 ounce containers and lids, paddle, one dispensing lid.
- Watt Motor: 800 watts
- Dimensions: 17.52×10.04×15.16 inches
- Weight: 20.83 pounds
- Cord Length: 31.5 inches
- BPA Free
- Everything except the base unit itself is top shelf dishwasher safe.
The Ninja Swirl by Creami can be found at the following retailers:
Click the link to the store to see if it’s in stock today!
- Original Ninja Creami 5-1 and 7-1: Containers are 16 ounces. You can get either 5 or 7 functions.
- The 5 in 1 has the following functions: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshake, Lite Ice Cream, Mix-in
- The 5 in 1 has the following functions: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshake, Lite Ice Cream, Mix-in
- Specifications for US version:
- 800 Watt Motor
- Dimensions: 12.07X6.52X15.95 Inches
- Cord Length: 30 Inches
- BPA Free
- Lid, outer bowl, containers, and paddle are dishwasher safe.
- Depending on where you purchase the machine, it will have a different number of containers and different colors available. The product number will also vary based on the retailer and the containers that come with it.
The original 7-1 Ninja Creami can be found at the following retailers:
The best place to purchase the machines is usually at Sams, Costco, Kohls (if there is a 40% off coupon), or on HSN or QVC. HSN and QVC usually have extra containers sold with the machine.
Click the link to the store to see if it’s in stock today!
- Ninja Creami Deluxe 10-1 and 11-1 Containers are 24 ounces. You can get either 10 or 11 functions, based on the country that you buy it in.
- The 10-1 has the following functions: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Lite Ice Cream, Gelato, Milkshake, Frappe, Frozen Drink, Slushi, Frozen Yogurt, and Mix-ins
- The 11 in 1 has the following functions: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Lite Ice Cream, Gelato, Milkshake, Creamiccino, Frozen Drinks, Italian Ice, Slushi, Frozen Yogurt, and Mix-ins
- Specifications for US version:
- The Deluxe version is said to be quieter than the original version.
- 800 Watt Motor
- Dimensions: 12.01X8.42X16.69 Inches
- Weight: 14.44 Pounds
- Cord Length: 31.5 inches
- BPA Free
- Lid, outer bowl, containers, and paddle are dishwasher safe.
- Depending on where you purchase the machine, it will have a different number of containers and different colors available. The product number will also vary based on the retailer and the containers that come with it.
The Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-1 can be found at the following retailers:
The best place to purchase the machines is usually at Sams, Costco, Kohls (if there is a 40% off coupon), or on HSN or QVC. HSN and QVC usually have extra containers sold with the machine.
Click the link to the store to see if it’s in stock today!
- Ninja Creami Breeze 5-1 and 7-1- Containers are 16ounces. The containers for the Breeze are different than the containers for the original machine. They have plastic pieces on the outside to help screw into the machine. You can get either 5 or 7 functions, based on the model.
- The 5-1 has the following functions: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Lite Ice Cream, Milkshake, and Mix-ins
- The 7in 1 has the following functions: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Lite Ice Cream, Milkshake, Gelato, Smoothie Bowl, and Mix-ins.
- Specifications for US version:
- 800 Watt Motor
- Dimensions: 12.01X8.42X16.69 Inches
- Cord Length: 30 inches
- BPA Free
- Lid, containers, and paddle are dishwasher safe.
- Depending on where you purchase the machine, it will have a different number of containers and different colors available. The product number will also vary based on the retailer and the containers that come with it.
The Ninja Creami Breeze is very difficult to find and is likely discontinued. For this reason, it is not available at any retailers.
What’s the difference between the Ninja Creami models?
All of the original versions, regardless of how many functions they have, use pint containers that are 16 ounces big. The Ninja Creami Deluxe machine uses 24-ounce containers. While Ninja calls the deluxe containers pints, they are not actually pints. They hold 1.5 times as much ice cream as the original containers. The Breeze uses 16-ounce containers. The Swirl uses 16-ounce containers. None of the containers are interchangeable. You need to purchase different containers for each model of Ninja Creami.
No, they are not. The original Ninja Creami, Breeze, and Swirl containers are 16 ounces and the Deluxe containers are 24 ounces. They cannot be used interchangeably. Even though the original machine, Breeze, and Swirl all use 16-ounce containers, they are not interchangeable.
You can make two different flavors at the same time if you use the top or bottom function in the DELUXE model. The base recipe will be used to make the entire 24 ounces. But, when you process mix-ins, you can process just the top with your mix-in of choice. Scoop out the top and then add a different mix into the bottom half. So, you’ll end up with two different flavors. Same base but different mix-ins.
It is recommended to freeze your treat for 24 hours before processing with both the original models as well as the deluxe version. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can make milkshakes with premade ice cream without having to freeze it before processing.
The model number will vary based on the retailer where you purchase the Ninja Creami. The number of containers and the color of the machine will also be different model numbers.
Yes! All you need to do is multiply the Ninja Creami recipe by 1.5 times to make enough to fill the Ninja Creami Deluxe container. All of the Ninja Creami recipes on this blog have the option to automatically change the measurements to the 1.5X size for the deluxe version. In the recipe card, click on the button that says 1.5X and the measurements will automatically change for you!
No, you don’t have to. Although many of the official Ninja Creami recipes in the recipe book that comes with the Ninja Creami do use heavy cream. The problem with using heavy cream in the Ninja Creami is that it gets overmixed and basically starts to turn into butter. A traditional ice cream maker works with heavy cream better than the Ninja Creami does, regardless of which model you have. The functionality of the Ninja Creami overprocesses the heavy cream. So, I’d recommend that you use half and half or a mixture of milk and cream. You still want the creaminess that the fat adds, but you don’t want it to be so high in milkfat that it becomes an almost greasy feeling. And yes, you can make creamy ice cream with half and half instead of heavy cream! It works great!
Looking for more Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes?
Ninja Creami Containers and Where to Purchase
- Knock-off or generic containers are NOT recommended due to the issues that many people have had when using them. While they look the same, and some have said they work okay, they may not be the exact same dimensions and the indentations in the bottom may not be the same. Using non-Ninja containers may damage the machine and void the warranty. All containers linked below are official Ninja branded containers.
- Depending on where you purchase the machine, it will have a different number of containers and different colors available. The product number will also vary based on the retailer and the containers that come with it.
- The best pricing for containers is usually at Kohls with a coupon.
The Ninja Swirl by Creami (model series 700) use unique containers. The containers for the Ninja Swirl by Creami are 16 ounces. These containers do not work in any other machine.
Containers for the Ninja Swirl by Creami can be found at the following retailers:
Click the link to the store to see if it’s in stock today!
ALL original Ninja Creamis (model series 300) use the same containers. The containers for the original Ninja Creami are 16 ounces. These containers do not work in any other machine.
Containers for the original Ninja Creami can be found at the following retailers:
Click the link to the store to see if it’s in stock today!
ALL Ninja Creami Deluxe (model series 500) use the same containers. The containers for the Ninja Creami Deluxe are 24 ounces. These containers do not work in any other machine.
Containers for the Ninja Creami Deluxe can be found at the following retailers:
Click the link to the store to see if it’s in stock today!
ALL Ninja Creami Breeze (model series 100 and 200) use the same containers. The containers for the Ninja Creami Breeze are 16 ounces. These containers do not work in any other machine.
Containers for the Ninja Creami Breeze can be found at the following retailers:
Click the link to the store to see if it’s in stock today!
Ninja Creami Recipe Books
There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to making the perfect Ninja Creami treats! I’ve created Ninja Creami recipe books to help out with this! I’ve done the hard work for you and have tried, tested, and perfected recipes for you! All books are available in print (with coil binding), full color digital download, and a printer friendly digital download.
Ninja Creami Dust Covers and Noise Reducers
The Ninja Creami can be very loud when it is being used. Many folks have tried to make it a little quieter by putting things over the machine (like boxes, bags, blankets etc.). Since the machine is electrical, this is NOT recommended. But, there are some new covers on the market that are made specifically to cover the machine when it’s not in use and a couple of them have even been designed to reduce the noise.
Please do your research before purchasing and using anything that goes over the Ninja Creami while the machine is turned on. I am sharing these products because so many people have been asking for them, but have not used them myself.
Dust Covers for the Ninja Creami can be found on Amazon
Use the arrows to scroll and click on the image to see if it’s in stock today!
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”5222225″]Ninja Creami Cozys/Koozies
If you eat your ice cream straight from the container, you might find that your hands can get very cold! To keep your hands nice and warm, use a koozie! Whether you call it a koozie or a cozy, there are ones that are specially made to fit the Ninja Creami! No more cold hands!
Cozys/Koozies for the Ninja Creami can be found at various retailers
Click on the image to see if it’s in stock today!
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”5222227″]Leave a comment and rate this recipe!
Keep scrolling to see my newest recipes!
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Penny says
What a great rundown! I have the 7-in-1 that I got for a gift in 2022 and I am happy with it (except that it can sound like a turbojet!). I was just perusing the other models and realized that, for me personally, I don’t need the more advanced model. I thought it was a bit frivolous but, since I have gotten my teeth removed for dentures… This thing is my new best friend.
I am going to try adding just a tiny bit of heavy cream to my next recipe. I’ve basically stuck with making basic ice cream and a Greek yogurt gelato that I call “Yogurlato”. I can’t wait to check out some of your recipes though. Maybe I will get a little more adventurous.
Lauren Cardona says
I’m so glad you found this post helpful! Good luck on your Creami adventures!