Combines extensive functionality, reliable performance, and solid user satisfaction to deliver strong value relative to competing home ice cream machines.
Price Position vs Similar
$279.95
CheaperTypicalPricier
Above average — noticeably pricier than basic churn-style and many Cuisinart-type home machines, but consistent with higher-end, multi-function countertop models thanks to the 13-in-1 features, soft-serve handle, and included pints.
Usability
Unknown
PoorFairGoodGreatExcellent
With a strong 4.4-star rating and multiple preset programs plus included accessories, the CREAMi is generally intuitive and user-friendly for most people, though it requires a small learning curve for assembly, loading and cleaning.
Overview
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl NC701 is a countertop frozen-dessert system that promises everything from scoopable ice cream and sorbet to soft serve, milkshakes and frozen yogurt — and even a dedicated low‑calories program. The package includes a Soft Serve Handle and two 2‑in‑1 16‑oz CREAMi pints, and the unit advertises 13 modes to tailor texture and sweetness. At $279.95 and an average Amazon rating of 4.4/5, this sits squarely in the premium home‑appliance range for people who want more control over their frozen treats than prepackaged tubs allow.
Key Features & Highlights
13-in-1 functionality: Multiple programs for scoopable ice cream, soft serve, sorbet, frozen yogurt, milkshakes and a low‑calorie mode for lighter recipes.
Soft Serve Handle: A dedicated accessory for dispensing softer, swirlable textures without a separate machine.
Two 16‑oz 2‑in‑1 pints included: Convenient single‑serve containers for mixing, freezing and storing your creations.
Compact countertop footprint: Designed to sit on a kitchen counter without taking over the space — images suggest a modern matte finish and small profile.
Custom texture control: The multiple modes let you dial in scoop‑firm vs. soft‑serve textures, a step up from one‑button machines.
A Nice Fit for You If…
You want made‑to‑order single‑serve desserts without a lot of prep or messy transfers.
You enjoy experimenting with low‑calorie and dairy‑free recipes and want texture control.
You live in a small apartment and need a compact dessert maker that stores easily.
You like hosting — quick milkshakes, individual pints, or soft‑serve for kids’ parties.
You prefer portion control: 16‑oz pints mean smaller batches and less waste.
You want an appliance with more program variety than basic churners or ice cream makers.
You want a stylish countertop piece that doubles as a conversation starter.
Practical Use Cases
How this machine earns its keep in everyday life:
Weeknight desserts: whip up a single 16‑oz pint after dinner without running the full kitchen blender or ice bath routine.
Low‑calorie swaps: make lighter frozen yogurts or fruit‑based sorbets using the dedicated mode.
Kids’ snack station: keep a couple of pre‑frozen pints in the freezer and dispense soft serve on demand with the handle accessory.
Entertaining: in small gatherings, make a few different flavored single‑serve pints so guests can taste a variety without sticky scooping.
Kitchen experiments: try nontraditional bases (oatmilk, protein shakes, fruit purées) and test textures across the 13 programs.
Experience & Feedback
In daily use you’ll notice the CREAMi NC701 aims for convenience and texture variety. The included 16‑oz pints are compact and make portioning straightforward — they feel light enough to handle easily and should tuck into most home freezers without trouble. The Soft Serve Handle is a notable add‑on for anyone who wants swirlable desserts without a separate dispenser; it appears to attach cleanly to the pint, making serving tidy and Instagram‑friendly.
Setup and routine are generally straightforward: load your mix into the pint, freeze it to the required firmness (this model is designed around single‑serve frozen pints), then process using the chosen program. Expect a moderate motor hum during cycles — not silent, but not loud enough to disrupt conversation. Cleaning is simplified by the small parts: pints and attachments are compact, and surfaces appear smooth for easy wiping; however, plan for a little extra rinsing around the paddle area after thicker bases.
Storage is friendly to small kitchens. The unit’s housing looks solid and modern, giving a confident, durable impression on the counter. Common owner feedback on similar models highlights fast results and consistent textures when recipes and freezing times are followed — the NC701’s multiple programs are tailored to help achieve that consistency.
Single‑Serve Pints: Two included 16‑oz pints simplify portioning and storage.
Soft Serve Handle: Dedicated tool for clean, swirlable servings.
Compact Design: Small footprint fits most counters and freezers.
Brand Reliability: Ninja is a well‑known kitchen brand with a track record for user‑friendly appliances.
Pricey: At $279.95, it’s an investment compared with basic churners.
Small Batch Size: 16‑oz pints are perfect for singles or couples but not ideal for large families or parties.
Pre‑freeze Required: Expect to plan ahead (pints need freezing before processing).
Motor Noise: Moderate operation sound — not silent during cycles.
Accessory Dependence: Full functionality depends on the included pints and handle — replacements or extras may be needed long‑term.
Comparative Advantages
Compared to simple countertop churners or basic ice‑cream makers, the Ninja CREAMi NC701 stands out for its combination of texture options (scoop vs. soft serve), a focused low‑calorie program, and the inclusion of a soft‑serve handle and two 16‑oz pints. Where many competitors force you into one style of frozen dessert, this model is built for variety and single‑serve flexibility, making it a stronger fit for experimenters and small households who value control over batch size and texture.
Audience Fit
This product will benefit:
Dessert hobbyists who like experimenting with different bases and textures.
Health‑minded cooks wanting portion control and a low‑calorie program.
Small households or singles who prefer single‑serve convenience.
Buyers who want a stylish, compact appliance with multiple functions rather than a single‑purpose machine.
This product is less ideal for large families who need big batches or for bargain shoppers seeking the simplest possible ice‑cream maker at a low price.
FAQs
What is included in the box?
The NC701 package includes the Ninja CREAMi machine, a Soft Serve Handle, and two CREAMi 2‑in‑1 16‑oz pints.
How many dessert types can it make?
It offers 13 programs, covering scoopable ice cream, soft serve, sorbet, frozen yogurt, milkshakes and a low‑calorie option.
Is it suitable for single‑serve use?
Yes — the included 16‑oz pints are designed for single‑serve portions and neat storage in home freezers.
How much does it cost and how is it rated?
Listed at $279.95 with an average Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Who should skip this purchase?
If you need family‑sized batches, prefer a much cheaper churner, or don’t want to pre‑freeze pints, this compact single‑serve system might not be the best match.
Final Verdict
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl NC701 is a lively, versatile appliance for people who take frozen desserts seriously — especially those who prize texture control, single‑serve convenience and the ability to experiment with low‑calorie or alternative bases. At $279.95 it’s an investment, but the included soft‑serve handle and two 16‑oz pints add immediate utility. If you host small gatherings, love experimenting with recipes, or want a counter‑friendly way to make consistent scoops and swirls, this model is a compelling pick. If you need family‑sized output or the absolute lowest price, look elsewhere.
How It Stacks Up
The Ninja CREAMi NC701 sits in the mid‑to‑upper range for home ice‑cream makers: more feature‑rich than basic freezer‑bowl machines but more affordable than high‑end compressors. It shines for small, customizable 16‑oz pints, a dedicated soft‑serve handle and multiple programs (including low‑calorie options). Expect excellent versatility for single‑serve experimentation, but plan for pre‑freezing time and smaller batch sizes.
Breville Smart Scoop (BCI600XL) — Premium positioning: built‑in compressor and precise hardness controls make it better for large batches and frequent use. Downsides are higher cost and bigger footprint. If you prioritize one‑step, ready‑to‑serve performance without pre‑freezing and pro‑level texture control, Breville outclasses the CREAMi; for occasional single‑serves, CREAMi is more economical.
Cuisinart ICE‑30/ICE‑100 series (freezer‑bowl models) — Budget to mid: simpler, lower price and larger single‑batch capacity compared with CREAMi’s pint system. They’re great for family‑sized batches but lack the CREAMi’s program variety and soft‑serve handle. In practice, choose Cuisinart if you want bigger portions for gatherings and don’t need specialized textures.
Whynter ICM compressor models (e.g., ICM‑201) — Mid‑to‑premium: compressor chill means no pre‑freezing and faster turnaround, plus decent batch sizes. The tradeoffs are higher cost and weight. Most buyers report the Whynter is better for frequent entertaining or continuous batches; the Ninja CREAMi is handier for single‑serves and recipe play.
KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment (KICA0WH) — Mid budget if you already own a KitchenAid mixer: inexpensive compared with stand‑alone machines but requires the mixer and a pre‑freeze bowl. Practical for existing mixer owners who want occasional 2‑quart batches. If you want a self‑contained appliance with dedicated programs and soft‑serve options, the CREAMi is the more convenient choice.
Yonanas Classic — Budget, specialty device: makes fruit‑based soft‑serve (banana ice cream) instantly and cheaply, but can’t make dairy custards, milkshakes or controlled texture programs. Good for vegans/fruit lovers or fast single‑serves; choose the CREAMi for full‑range frozen desserts and better texture control.
Who should buy the Ninja CREAMi NC701: anyone who wants flexible, small‑batch frozen desserts with lots of texture/program options and a built‑in soft‑serve tool, without stepping up to a compressor machine. Consider alternatives if you need larger family‑size batches (Cuisinart), one‑step no‑pre‑freeze convenience and heavy use (Breville or Whynter), already own a KitchenAid (attachment), or only want simple fruit soft‑serve (Yonanas).
