Ninja Creami ice cream maker test
![Die Ninja Creami wird mit einem Außenbehälter inklusive Deckel mit Klingenpaddel und drei Einfrierbehältern geliefert.](https://www.eis-macher.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NinjaCreami_1-384x512.jpg)
The Ninja NC300EU Creami ice cream maker is the perfect companion for all ice cream lovers who value Quick and uncomplicated preparation lay. You don't necessarily have to worry too much about a balanced recipe. However, you can find out whether this is the best approach in my article below.
In our test, we took a close look at the most important features and functions and also tested various recipes.
Content
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Design and equipment
The Ninja CREAMi NC300EU ice cream maker & dessert machine from € 137.99 * scores with its compact and modern design. It is robustly made and comes with three BPA-free ice cream containerswhich each have a capacity of around 0.5 liters.
Other containers such as the GoMaihe set of 4 Creami containers for the Ninja from € 27.99 * increases the amount of ice cream you can produce at once. This is definitely recommended if you have many different varieties in stock or want to feed several people. Alternatively, you can also use the Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 ice cream for from € 400.00 * which is, however, considerably more expensive.
The digital control enables intuitive operation and offers various programs for different ice cream variations. Explanations of the various functionalities follow in the next section.
Using the ice cream machine
Strictly speaking, the Ninja Creami is not a typical ice cream machine, but rather a very powerful mixer.
First, the ice cream mass is Frozen in the freezer compartment for at least 24 hours. Make sure that the containers are level so that the ice cream freezes as horizontally as possible. This ensures that the blades do not hit the hard frozen ice cream on one side later on.
The company promises that you can make ice cream very easily. You mix together what you want in your ice cream and freeze it. You can also simply freeze fruit and make ice cream from it.
The sharp blades in the lid of the outer container then turn the block of ice into ice snow. Anyone can imagine that this is not exactly quiet.
With this simple procedure, you can avoid ingredients that you allergic is or which one has to take due to a certain Diet does not want to eat. It is therefore very easy to make ice cream that High protein, low fat, sugar-free, vegan, low carb etc.
As the blender chops everything in the container, you don't have to worry about mixing ratios and balances. At least that's the idea behind it. My own tests have shown that this is a little too short-sighted (see My personal experience).
If you are not satisfied with the consistency of the ice cream after one of the main programs, make a Re-Spin. The ice cream is mixed again and is supposed to be creamier afterwards. However, I have the impression that it is more the additional time and thus the melting of the ice crystals that is the main effect here.
It is also possible to refreeze previously mixed ice cream and mix it up again later. Again, care must be taken to ensure that the surface of the ice cream mixture is as even as possible.
Functions Ninja Creami
The Ninja Creami NC300EU ice cream maker offers an impressive range of functions. There are Various setting options from classic ice cream, sorbets and gelato to milkshakes and smoothie bowls. It is not really possible to find out how the individual programs differ. I suspect that the speed and performance of the blending unit varies. However, I have not yet carried out a detailed test.
Programs:
- Ice Cream: for creamy ice cream based on milk and milk alternatives.
- Sorbet: perfect for fruity recipes with water.
- Light Ice Cream: for recipes that are low in sugar, low in fat or made with sugar alternatives.
- Smoothie bowl: Ideal for a healthy breakfast or a snack between meals. Simply freeze fruit and vegetables together with milk, milk alternatives or juice.
- Gelato: for Italian-style ice cream with more air and therefore particularly creamy.
- Milkshakes: Simply mix your favorite ice cream with milk or a milk alternative once without freezing and enjoy.
- Re-Spin: if the ice cream is not creamy enough after one of the above programs, simply blend again.
- Extras: when the ice cream is ready and you still want to mix in ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, sweets, frozen fruit and much more. Hard ingredients such as nuts remain whole - soft ingredients such as cookies or fruit are chopped up.
![Die Ninja NC300EU Creami Eismaschine hat 6 verschiedene Hauptprogramme sowie zwei Zusatzprogramme zum erneuten Mixen (Re-Spin) und Hinzufügen von Extras.](https://www.eis-macher.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NinjaCreami_2-512x384.jpg)
Technical details
Technical specification | Details |
---|---|
Capacity | approx. 0.5 liters per container |
Number of programs | 6 main programs, 2 additional programs |
Performance | 800 watts |
Dimensions | 27 x 16.5 x 40.5 cm |
Weight | 6.4 kg |
Color | Black/silver |
Spare parts and accessories for Ninja Creami
On the positive side, the Ninja CREAMi NC300EU ice cream maker & dessert machine from € 137.99 * also offers various spare parts and accessories. There are replacements for the Blade from various providers.
The Lid for the outer container has not even been available to order directly from Ninja for over a year. So take good care of yours and treat it with care!
In addition to the three supplied, it may be useful to have a Other containers to be added.
A Cover for the entire appliance are also available to prevent the ice cream maker from gathering dust.
User friendliness
The Ninja CREAMi NC300EU ice cream maker & dessert machine from € 137.99 * is very user-friendly. It is operated via a clearly arranged digital displaywhich offers various preset programs. All removable parts are dishwasher safewhich makes cleaning much easier. Another advantage is the Compact designwhich takes up little space in the kitchen.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Quick preparation: within 1-3 minutes with pre-frozen ice cream.
- Very good ice cream: high creaminess and versatile production possibilities with a high level of creativity.
- Versatility: Suitable for various ice cream creations and drinks. Well suited for food intolerances, diets and dietary requirements.
- Simple operation: intuitive to use and various modes to choose from.
- Easy to clean: Dishwasher-safe parts.
- Space-saving: Compact design that takes up little space in the kitchen.
- High-quality design and workmanship: good workmanship and stylish appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Noise level: The machine is quite loud during operation.
- Consistency: Depending on the recipe, ice cream may have to be mixed several times and may not achieve the desired creaminess.
- Quantity: Larger families may need more ice cream containers or the more expensive Ninja Creami Deluxe.
- Freezer compartment: You need a freezer compartment that offers sufficient space and the necessary shelf space to freeze the containers straight.
- Advance planning: The ice cream must be frozen for at least 24 hours beforehand. No spontaneous ice cream production.
- Signs of wear: Depending on the processing and duration of use, the inside of the cup may scuff and plastic splinters may appear in the ice.
My personal experience with the Ninja Creami
Ice quality
I have to admit that I was really surprised when I dipped my spoon into the ice cream mixture for the first time. I was very skeptical as to whether the ice crystals could really be whipped so small with a mixer to produce a creaminess that would meet my requirements. But I was proved wrong! The ice cream (based on one of my recipes!) was wonderfully creamy.
The recipes provided do not fully meet my expectations. If you work with the Ninja CREAMi NC300EU ice cream maker & dessert machine from € 137.99 * If you want to make really good ice cream, you have to follow a few rules. Simply throwing any ingredients together does not make good ice cream. That may work and may be enough for some people.
In my opinion, the real potential of the machine can only be exploited if you use a well-balanced recipe. Then you generally don't need a respin and can store the ice cream in the freezer without having to mix it again. The very simple recipes in the accompanying booklet are sometimes crumbly and become rock hard when refrozen.
Creativity
Who can Dietary requirements has many options with this appliance. Ice in Low carb, vegan, sugar-free, lactose-free or high protein can be produced easily.
Of course, you can also do this with a conventional ice cream maker, but then you have to eat the ice cream immediately, because these special recipes usually become quite hard in the freezer.
With the Ninja CREAMi NC300EU ice cream maker & dessert machine from € 137.99 * the remainder can simply be placed in the freezer compartment and mixed again in a few minutes if required. This option is not available with other ice cream makers. You would first have to make the ice cream mixture liquid again and then carry out the freezing process again. This would take 1-2 hours.
Volume
As the owner of an ice cream machine with compressor and smoothie blender, I'm used to a lot. But the Ninja Creami is in a category of its own. However, it's not as bad as I've read in some reviews.
My measurements have shown a fluctuating volume of between 70 - 80 dB. This is several orders of magnitude higher than that of conventional compressor ice machines.
Ninja Creami Deluxe
Anyone who needs a larger capacity and wants to produce 709 ml (0.7 liters of ice) in one go should take a look at the Ninja Creami Deluxe NC501 to buy. This appliance also offers 10 functions and you can make two varieties in one container. A distinction is made between 'top' and 'bottom' when blending. However, this must be planned accordingly when freezing.
Conclusion
The Ninja Creami impresses with its versatility and quick preparation time. It is ideal for anyone who wants to try out different ice cream creations at home without having to put in a lot of effort. However, certain rules must also be observed here and the appliance can only score points with a good ice cream recipe.
Ultimately, this is a high-performance blender that mixes a frozen block of ice until it is creamy. Whether the price is justified in comparison to compressor ice cream makers is something everyone has to decide for themselves.
Despite minor disadvantages such as noise and advance planning (freezing 24 hours in advance), it offers a good alternative to other ice cream makers and is an asset to any kitchen.
I also bought the Ninja ice cream maker, I think it's great, you have to know how many people you're making ice cream for, I have the smaller one, it's enough for 3-4 people, my grandson especially likes it when I make the Monte ice cream, simply delicious.... loud yes, but there are worse things....
Hello Regina,
Thank you for sharing your experience with Ninja Creami. How do you prepare the Monte ice cream?
Kind regards
Hello ice cream maker.
Can you tell me the best time to add the glycerine to the ice cream for the Creami?
I added it to the Respin yesterday and it is totally hard (but perhaps the dosage was too low at 1g to half a cup)
Hello Angela,
I haven't tested the Creami with glycerine yet, because the basic idea is that you can mix the ice cream again at any time to make it creamy. But of course, it's worth a try 🙂
I'm not sure whether the Respin mixes the glycerine in well enough for the glycerine's freeze inhibition to work evenly. If I were you, I would try to mix the glycerine into the liquid ice cream mixture. You don't do this with a compressor ice cream machine, as it would take much longer and prolong the freezing process. But when freezing the Creami container in the freezer compartment, this might be a better approach.
In my experience, you need about 10 g of glycerine per 500 g of ice cream (i.e. about 5 g for half a cup). So perhaps 1 g was actually a little low. On the other hand, the ice cream should not be too soft for the Creami so that it can process the ice cream well. Perhaps you should gradually feel your way around and try 3 g for half a cup next time?
Feel free to report what your tests have revealed 🙂
Best wishes and have fun making ice cream!
All right, I'll be happy to do that.
I know that it's part of the principle of the machine. But it's sometimes annoying if you want to eat 2-3 varieties, having to mill them again every evening.
Had read the tip in a creami group and then came across your pages while googling 🙂
Hello Angela,
I'm glad if I could help. 🙂
I completely understand that it's annoying when you can't just take your ice cream out of the freezer, especially if you have several flavors.
I don't usually have this problem because my balanced recipes don't get that hard. The exception is ice cream varieties with a lot of fat, such as nut ice cream.
If you make recipes with little or no sugar, for example, then of course things look different. I'm curious to see whether the glycerine can compensate for this. I haven't tested that myself yet.
I wish you every success with your tests!