Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Maker review review

The Ninja CREAMi is an appliance that has recently taken social media by storm, igniting a culinary trend across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Much like the best multi-cookers, this appliance can make a whole range of frozen desserts. Its innovative approach to ice cream has piqued the interest of frozen dessert lovers - from the frozen cottage cheese trend to frozen yoghurt - is the CREAMi the answer to the best way to make iced treats from home?

One reason why we absolutely loved the sound of the Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Maker is that it can provide an avenue for healthier and smarter choices for the entire family. This machine encourages culinary exploration, allowing the user to experiment with healthier alternatives to standard ice cream components, hence making dessert time not just indulgent but nutritious too.

The Ninja CREAMi is receiving a lot of love online due to its versatility and adaptability - with ice creams being whipped up before your eyes in as little as three minutes. Its six distinct settings allow for a wide variety of frozen desserts. Plus, it is user-friendly, so everyone can get creative on their own culinary endeavours - all while accommodating an array of dietary preferences. Perfect if you're after a healthy vegan snack.

To better understand this trending appliance, we decided to put the Ninja CREAMi to the test. Our goal was to explore if it could make healthier alternatives without refined sugars and plant-based alternatives. Let's dive deeper into our hands-on experience and determine whether the Ninja CREAMi can indeed live up to its burgeoning reputation.

Ninja CREAMi overview

Key features

A culinary game-changer, the Ninja CREAMi surpasses the capabilities of standard ice cream machines. It creates delectable frozen treats and allows for healthier renditions of beloved desserts, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen arsenal. Plus, it makes for a fun activity for the family.

Innovative freeze-then-churn mechanism: A distinguishing feature of the Ninja CREAMi is its unique freeze-and-churn operation. Unlike traditional ice cream machines that simultaneously freeze and churn, the CREAMi requires that you first freeze your chosen ingredients and then churn them into delectable frozen desserts, making it quick and easy. The machine takes up to 3 minutes to churn out your frozen dessert.

Versatile options: The CREAMi is a confectionery joy with seven built-in programs. Whether your preferences lean towards Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls, Light Ice Cream, Milkshakes, or Mix-Ins ice cream, the CREAMi caters to many types of frozen desserts.

Dietary accommodation: One of the standout features of the Ninja CREAMi is its ability to adapt to various dietary preferences. From dairy-free and nut-free to gluten-free and vegan, this machine enables you to take control of your diet without missing out on the joy of delicious desserts.

Testing the Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Maker

I've been excited to put the Ninja CREAMi to the test. Over the years, I've tried to whip up my own variations of ice cream at home, from frozen banana 'nice' cream to coconut ice cream. However, each time, my little blender would leave me disappointed, unable to create a creamy yet healthier ice cream. That's until I tested the Ninja CREAMi.

What was the product tested for?

I was really keen to see whether the CREAMi could truly help me create my vision of healthier ice cream. I wanted to see if this gadget could handle refined-sugar-free, organic ingredients while still producing a delicious frozen treat that feels indulgent.

How were the tests carried out?

To put the CREAMi to the test, I decided to use it to create various kinds of ice cream. I used its unique and simple freeze-then-churn method to create a range of frozen treats. My mission was to prepare delicious desserts using high-quality ingredients and dairy-free ingredients to see whether it could live up to the expectations I had seen on social media. This innovative approach to ice cream making allowed me to experiment with flavours. Here is how we put it to the test:

Test 1: Ice cream

For the initial test, traditional ice cream was made using milk, double cream, vanilla extract, and honey. The CREAMi churned out a smooth, creamy treat, all from the organic ingredients of my choice. Even after freezing overnight, the ice cream retained its creamy texture. This test highlighted the CREAMi's ability to maintain the dessert's consistency and integrity, a crucial feature for any ice cream maker.

Test 2: Vegan coconut ice cream

The second test entailed making dairy-free, vegan coconut ice cream using frozen coconut milk and coconut sugar - which has been a mission of mine to perfect for a while.

Initially, the mixture turned out slightly powdery, but a splash of oat milk and re-spin transformed it into a creamy ice cream. The CREAMi's ability to transform simple, vegan-friendly ingredients into a decadent frozen treat was truly impressive, making it perfect for those with special dietary needs.

Test 3: Sorbet

The final test was creating a sugar-free sorbet using frozen berries. The initial outcome wasn't as smooth as I wanted, but a re-spin made a perfectly smooth, naturally sweet sorbet. This confirmed the CREAMi's ability to effortlessly transform frozen fruit into a sugar-free dessert, an excellent option for those who love smoothie bowls but don't have a strong blender.

The tests are a testament to the CREAMi's versatility, underlining its abilities as a tool that can cater to various dietary preferences and requirements.

Performance

The performance of the Ninja CREAMi is what truly sets it apart. This marvel of a machine has been put through various tests, from traditional ice cream and vegan coconut ice cream to a refreshing berry sorbet, each time emerging perfectly smooth and whipped.

Each spoonful of ice cream churned by the CREAMi is a testament to its excellent performance, with the machine delivering smooth, creamy, and flavourful ice cream.

The vegan coconut ice cream and berry sorbet were delicious, indicating its potential to cater to different dietary requirements. Not only does it retain the integrity of the desserts even after they've been frozen overnight. The CREAMi showcases its versatility and ability to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences, making it an indispensable tool for those committed to a healthier lifestyle.

Usability

The Ninja CREAMi boasts easy usability, from assembling the parts to digging into your delicious dessert - it is a smooth process. Its parts lock securely in place, ensuring a stress-free assembly process every time. The touch-sensitive control panel is a breeze to navigate, making the selection of your preferred program easy and intuitive. And what about cleaning up after your dessert-making adventure?

All removable parts are dishwasher-safe, ensuring you can focus on enjoying your homemade treats rather than worrying about cleanup. Plus, there's a two-year guarantee from Ninja for additional peace of mind (applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland only).

Build

At first glance, the Ninja CREAMi is a stylish and modern piece of kitchen kit. Its black and grey hues are sleek in appearance, and while its size may require a fair bit of kitchen space, it's an appliance that justifies its footprint.

The CREAMi comes with three pint-sized tubs, each capable of crafting 500ml of your chosen frozen delight, offering the perfect amount for your family or household without taking up all the freezer space. With an 800W motor, it is a powerful appliance that essentially drills through the frozen milk or fruits to churn it into ice cream. The touch-sensitive front panel adds a layer of sophistication and allows for easy operation.

Final verdict

The Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Maker, despite its premium price tag and the requirement for pre-freezing ingredients, is a great investment that is perfect for households that want to prioritise health and have fun in the kitchen.

Its convenience, versatility, and ability to create a wide variety of frozen treats tailored to your specific dietary needs and preferences make it a great addition to your kitchen.

This powerful machine provides a quick, fun, and healthy route to homemade frozen delights, regardless of whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dessert maker. So whether you have a sweet tooth and want to always have ice cream on hand - or you want to ice cream in ways that align with your health goals - this appliance lives up to the hype.

If you love frozen desserts and have ever dreamt of creating them at home in a healthier way, the CREAMi is an excellent pick.

Ninja CREAMi FAQs

Is it essential to freeze the Ninja CREAMi tub for 24 hours?

According to Ninja Kitchen, a 24-hour freeze is recommended to ensure even freezing throughout your mixture. However, in my own experience, an overnight freeze worked just fine.

How much time does the Ninja CREAMi require to make ice cream?

The Ninja CREAMi whips up your dream ice cream or sorbet in under three minutes. Talk about speed!

Can you use frozen fruit in the Ninja CREAMi tubs?

Absolutely. In my own tests, the Ninja CREAMi worked excellently with frozen fruit, making it a great option for impromptu treats. Unlike many other home ice cream makers that require pre-freezing a bowl or insert, with the CREAMi, only your liquid base needs to be frozen.

What is unique about the Ninja CREAMi?

What sets the Ninja CREAMi apart is its reverse churning process. Unlike traditional ice cream makers that freeze while churning, the CREAMi needs your ingredients to be frozen before churning.

How noisy is the Ninja CREAMi during operation?

I found that the Ninja CREAMi can be somewhat loud when in use, averaging around 86 dB.

Are the parts of the Ninja CREAMi dishwasher-safe?

Yes, all the removable parts of the Ninja CREAMi are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze.

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.