10 Best Ice Cream Makers

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi is a versatile ice cream maker that stands out with its 13 different functions, including options for classic ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, and milkshakes. This range makes it a great choice if you want variety and the ability to experiment with different frozen treats. Its 480ml capacity per tub is ideal for small batches, perfect for 1-2 people or for trying new recipes without making too much at once.

The machine uses a special Creamerizer Paddle that helps create smooth, creamy textures quickly, which is a plus for those who want soft serve-style ice cream at home. The freezing method requires that you pre-freeze the tubs, which means some planning ahead is necessary. Cleaning is made easier since most parts are dishwasher safe and removable, which is helpful after making sticky or creamy desserts. The design includes two tubs with lids and nozzles, allowing you to prepare different flavours without mixing them up.

The machine is quite heavy (over 9kg) and takes up a fair amount of counter space, so it might not suit everyone’s kitchen size. It also offers a specialised function to create low-calorie protein treats, though some users might find the learning curve for all 13 functions a bit steep initially. If you value variety and creamy texture in your frozen desserts and don’t mind the size and pre-freezing step, the Ninja Swirl is a solid choice for home use.

The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker stands out with its versatile 10 functions, allowing users to produce a wide array of frozen desserts like ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and even milkshakes. This flexibility is ideal for families or avid dessert lovers wanting to experiment with different recipes. Its family-sized capacity, with three 709ml tubs, ensures that you can prepare enough treats for gatherings, making it a suitable choice for those who entertain often.

An attractive feature is the 2-in-1 flavour option, enabling creative flavour combinations in one tub, such as mixing cherry and vanilla. Ease of use is enhanced by its dishwasher-safe parts, simplifying cleanup after use, which is a big plus for busy households.

However, the machine is relatively large and heavy, measuring 47 x 46 x 24 cm and weighing about 7.3 kg, which might require considerable counter space and could be cumbersome to move around. The material used is primarily plastic, which might be a concern for those seeking a more durable construction.

The CREAMi Deluxe comes with advanced CREAMify Technology and a professional creamerizer paddle, promising smooth textures. Despite its sophistication, the straightforward operation makes it accessible even for beginners.

In summary, if you are looking for a feature-rich ice cream maker that supports creativity and caters to larger gatherings, the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a compelling option. However, be prepared to allocate adequate space in your kitchen to accommodate its size.

The Ninja CREAMi is a versatile ice cream maker ideal for anyone wanting to create a variety of frozen treats at home. It uses a manual freezing method where you fill tubs with your ingredients and freeze them in your freezer for 24 hours before processing. With 7 pre-set programs, you can easily make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, and more, offering plenty of flexibility for different tastes or dietary needs like low sugar or dairy-free options.

The machine includes five 473ml freezer-safe tubs, allowing you to prepare up to 2.35 litres in total (five tubs combined), which is convenient if you want multiple flavours or servings ready at once. Its parts are dishwasher safe, making clean-up straightforward, which is a big plus for busy users. The included ice cream scoop and recipe guide also help beginners get started quickly.

A notable consideration is the need to plan ahead since the tubs must be frozen for a full day before use, so it’s not suitable if instant ice cream is desired. The unit is a bit heavy (around 7.9kg), so it’s best kept on a stable countertop. The Ninja CREAMi suits families or individuals who enjoy experimenting with different frozen desserts and don’t mind the advance freezing step. Its customisation options and easy cleaning make it a practical choice for casual home use, especially if you like making multiple flavours at once.