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!
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!
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Ninja Creami Original Manuals and Inspiration Guides (with Free PDF Downloads)
If you’re looking for the official Ninja Creami Original manuals, quick start guides, or inspiration guides, you’ve come to the right place! Usually, if you buy your Ninja Creami brand-new, it will come with a bunch of info in the box like the owner’s manual, inspiration guide, quick start guide, and a small recipe book. But if you lost yours or didn’t get the machine brand new, it probably didn’t come with this information. Sometimes it can be really hard to find what you’re looking for and it can take, what seems like, forever to actually find it. So I’ve […]
Ninja Creami Deluxe Manuals and Inspiration Guides (with Free PDF Downloads)
When you buy a new Ninja Creami Deluxe, it usually comes with an owner’s manual, quick start guide, inspiration guide, and a couple of basic recipes to help you get started. If you bought your machine second-hand or misplaced the original paperwork, you’ll probably want to get another copy. Unfortunately, Ninja doesn’t send out physical replacements, but you can download most of the information from Ninja’s site. If the information isn’t available as a PDF to download, there’s usually some info directly on the product or FAQ pages. Sometimes, it can be time-consuming and tricky to find the exact information […]
Ninja Swirl by Creami Manuals and Inspiration Guides (with Free PDF Downloads)
When you buy a new Ninja Swirl by Creami, it usually comes with a manual, quick start guide, inspiration guide, and a few basic recipes to help you get started. If you bought your machine second-hand or misplaced the original paperwork, you’ll probably want to get another copy. Ninja doesn’t send out physical replacements, but you can download most of the information from Ninja’s site. If the information isn’t available as a PDF to download, there’s usually some info directly on the product or FAQ pages. It can be a little tricky to find the information that you are looking […]
Ninja Creami Manuals and Inspiration Guides (with Free PDF Downloads)
When you purchase a brand-new Ninja Creami, it will usually come with a manual, owner’s guide, quick start guide, troubleshooting guide, FAQs, inspiration guide, and basic recipe book. If you purchased your machine second-hand, it may not include these items. Ninja does not mail out physical copies of these items if you have misplaced yours or if your machine did not come with one. However, they do have this information available as a free download online. If you can’t find the information that came with your Ninja Creami, don’t worry! I’ve pulled together all of the info that is available […]
Ninja Creami Models Compared: Which One Is Right for You? (With Side-by-Side Chart)
There are several different Ninja Creami models available, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you and your family, based on features, price, and accessories. The chart below should help you decide. Ninja Creami Models There are a couple of different versions. One is not necessarily better than the other. It is a matter of preference. Each model has different variations in the numbers and letters for the model. The numbers and letters in the model number vary based on retailer, accessories, and color. If you buy an original machine with 7 functions, you’ll see […]
What’s the black greasy stuff on the Ninja Creami lid and in the ice cream?
Some Ninja Creami users have reported that they have found black, greasy residue when wiping down the spindle, under the lip of the machine where the spindle comes out, and even in the ice cream. Find out if this is normal and what to do if it happens with your machine. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… Some have found that putting warm, soapy water in a container and processing it helps keep the spindle clean. However, I DO NOT […]
Why is the Ninja Creami spindle grinding into the paddle? Is it broken?
If you hear a grinding noise while the Ninja Creami is processing your ice cream, this could be a sign that the machine is malfunctioning due to the paddle demagnetizing from the spindle, causing the spindle to grind or drill into the paddle. Don’t ignore this issue. See below for info on why this can happen and what to do about it. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… When this happens, it’s usually a bigger issue with the entire machine. […]
Why Are Your Ninja Creami Containers Getting Scratched? (And How to Prevent It)
This is one of the most common troubleshooting issues with the Ninja Creami. Are you starting to notice that the inside of your Ninja Creami containers are getting little scratches or grooves that go around the container? You’re not alone. This is very common and can sometimes be easy to prevent. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… You need to contact Ninja directly to resolve this issue. Contact Ninja through their customer service phone number. Warranty number: 1-866-826-6941 Customer Service US: 1-800-365-0135 Save […]
Why Is the Install Light Flashing on Your Ninja Creami? (How to Fix It)
It’s not uncommon for the install light to flash on your Ninja Creami. When the light flashes, the machine won’t operate as expected. In many cases, the machine won’t operate at all until you identify the reason behind the flashing light and resolve the issue. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… You need to contact Ninja directly to resolve this issue. Contact Ninja through their customer service phone number. Warranty number: 1-866-826-6941 Customer Service US: 1-800-365-0135 Save for Later on Pinterest!
What to do if the Ninja Creami outer bowl is stuck on the machine…
Sometimes, the outer bowl can get stuck on the machine and it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to get out of the machine. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… You need to contact Ninja directly to resolve this issue. Contact Ninja through their customer service phone number. Warranty number: 1-866-826-6941 Customer Service US: 1-800-365-0135 Save for Later on Pinterest!
Is it normal for the Ninja Creami machine to need to be unplugged and plugged back in to work?
This has become a much more common issue in the past several months and it appears to be more common with a specific Ninja Creami model. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… Several users have reached out to Ninja and have been told it is a defect, and their machines have been replaced. Others have called and been told it’s a safety feature. ***This may be dependent on warranty status and the customer service rep that is contacted. ***I […]
What to do if the Ninja Creami paddle falls off the spindle while the machine is running?
This is one of the most common troubleshooting issues with the Ninja Creami. Sometimes the paddle will disconnect from the spindle while the machine is processing. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… It seems like if the blade/paddle comes off once, the problem continues to happen. This may be due to the magnet that connects the blade to the rod being damaged or the rod being slightly bent (even if you can’t see that it’s bent). These things might happen […]
What to do if the Ninja Creami paddle won’t stay in the lid…
This is one of the most common troubleshooting issues with the Ninja Creami. Sometimes the paddle will disconnect from the lid, before you even start to process the ice cream. This can happen when you try to clip the paddle into the lid or when you put the outer bowl with the lid on it into the machine. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… Do not buy a new paddle or lid without first contacting Ninja, as the paddle may […]
What do you do if you find plastic shavings in your Ninja Creami lid or container?
This is one of the most common troubleshooting issues with the Ninja Creami. Oftentimes, people will notice that there are little white strings of plastic wrapped around the paddle in the lid of the Ninja Creami or they will notice that there are small scrapes that go around the inside of the Ninja Creami containers. Reasons why this may happen… There are various reasons that this can happen, none that have been confirmed by the manufacturer. How to resolve the issue… When this happens, it’s usually a bigger issue with the entire machine. Do not buy new paddles and containers […]
Ninja Creami Low Calorie Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
If you’re craving a creamy, indulgent frozen treat without the guilt, this Ninja Creami low-calorie vanilla frozen yogurt is perfect! With its smooth texture and rich vanilla flavor, it’s the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding extra calories. Plus, it’s easy to make using the Ninja Creami ice cream maker and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences. This recipe comes in at 255 calories, 21 grams of protein, 18 grams of sugar, 5 grams of fat, 88 carbs, 24 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the […]
Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a protein-packed ice cream that combines the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with added protein while still being creamy and scoopable like traditional ice cream, then this recipe is perfect for you! I’ll show you how to use peanut butter powder and protein powder to create a high-protein peanut butter ice cream using your Ninja Creami machine. This recipe comes in at 394 calories, 39 grams of protein, 4 grams of sugar, 17 grams of fat, 57 carbs, 37 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the […]
Ninja Creami Low Calorie Chocolate Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a rich, chocolatey, smooth, and creamy homemade ice cream recipe that’s also low in calories, then you have to make my recipe for low-calorie chocolate ice cream using the Ninja Creami ice cream maker. This recipe comes in at 235 calories, 10 grams of protein, 14 grams of sugar, 12 grams of fat, 83 carbs, 19 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition facts. Making low-calorie and healthy ice cream recipes in the Ninja Creami can be a little tricky. It’s really […]
Ninja Creami Low Calorie Peach Frozen Yogurt
Did you know that you can make delicious, creamy, peach frozen yogurt in your Ninja Creami ice cream maker with only 4 simple ingredients…and with only 204 calories for the entire pint? Well, you can! And…it’s pretty amazing. Not only is the flavor great, but the texture is pretty fantastic, too! It’s so thick and creamy! This recipe comes in at 224 calories, 24 grams of protein, 14 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fat, 76 carbs, 28 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition facts. This […]
Ninja Creami Lemon Pie Protein Frozen Yogurt
If you like lemon pie as much as I do, then you have to try my recipe for protein packed, lemon pie frozen yogurt made in the Ninja Creami machine. It has a super thick and creamy texture, just enough lemon flavor, and a bit of a tang from the yogurt. This recipe comes in at 288 calories, 40 grams of protein, 10 grams of sugar, 4 grams of fat, 45 carbs, 25 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all nutrition facts. This recipe isn’t just about the […]
Ninja Creami Caramel Apple Sorbet-Low Calorie
If you like caramel apples, then this is the recipe for you! My recipe for making low-calorie caramel apple sorbet in the Ninja Creami ice cream maker uses store-bought applesauce, which means you can enjoy it any time of year! I’ll show you how to make my caramel apple sorbet recipe by using only 4 ingredients! That’s right, not only is it delicious, low calorie, and easy to make…but you only need 4 ingredients! This recipe comes in at 220 calories, 0.01 grams of protein, 44 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fat, 100 carbs, and 52 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) […]
Ninja Creami Mandarin Orange Sherbet-Low Calorie
Do you like orange sherbet? I’ll show you how to make a refreshing frozen treat using simple ingredients (no Jell-o or pudding powders in this recipe…there’s real mandarin oranges!) and the Ninja Creami ice cream machine. Not only is it low in calories, but it’s super easy to make since it uses canned mandarin oranges. The flavor is great and it has a super creamy texture! This recipe comes in at 189 calories, 10 grams of protein, 28 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fat, 32 carbs, 8 net carbs (total carbs-allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at […]
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!