When I decided to invest in a Ninja ice machine, I was faced with a problem: several different models on the market, all with slightly different functionalities, and no really clear comparison to help me choose. After spending hours poring over specs, reading reviews, and finally testing two of the three models currently available, I can finally give you my verdict.
Spoiler: there is no universal «best» model. It all depends on your needs, your budget and, above all, how often you plan to make ice cream. But I can tell you exactly which model will work best for you.
Things to remember : The Ninja Swirl (350€) is the most complete with soft serve, the Creami Deluxe (250€) offers the best features/price ratio, and the Creami classique (200€) is perfect for beginners. The compact Breeze has been withdrawn from the French market. My personal choice: the Deluxe for 90% users, the Swirl only if the soft serve really appeals to you.
The 3 Ninja Creami models available in France
Before getting into the detailed comparison, here's an overview of the three machines currently on the French market. The Ninja Creami Breeze (NC100), the compact version of the range, has been withdrawn from sale in France and is no longer available.
Ninja Creami NC300: the basic model
This is the first generation by Creami, the woman who launched the phenomenon. She offers 7 programs Ice Cream, Lite Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Gelato, and Mix-in. No frills, just the essentials for scoopable ice cream.
Average price : 180-200€ depending on promotions. This is the entry-level model, perfect for discovering Creami technology without investing too much.
Ninja Creami Deluxe NC500: the bestseller
Visit improved version of the classic model. It retains the 7 basic programs and adds 5 extra CreamiFit, Italian Ice, Creamiccino, Slushie, and Frozen Drink. Total : 12 programs for maximum versatility.
Average price : 230-250€. In my opinion, this is the best value for money of the range. I'll come back to this in more detail below.
Ninja Swirl NC700: the ultimate machine
Visit latest arrival of the Creami family, launched in summer 2025. It takes everything the other models do and adds the soft serve function with cornet distribution. Total : 13 programs including 6 specific soft serve modes.
Average price : 330-350€. This is the absolute top of the range, the Rolls Royce of homemade ice cream makers.
Detailed comparison: technical specifications
Here's a summary table to quickly compare the specs of each model currently available.
| Features | Classic NC300 | Deluxe NC500 | Swirl NC700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 180-200€ | 230-250€ | 330-350€ |
| Programs | 7 | 12 | 13 |
| Soft serve | No | No | Yes |
| Pot capacity | 473 ml | 700 ml | 473 ml |
| Pots supplied | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions (HxW) | 40×16 cm | 40×16 cm | 38×25 cm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg | 3.2 kg | 4.1 kg |
| Noise level | Very high | Very high | Very high |
| CreamiFit | No | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
All machines use the same Creamify technology (freeze then blend), so the basic quality of the ice creams is identical. The differences lie in the available programs and additional features.
Note on the Breeze NC100: This compact model has been withdrawn from the French market. If you're looking for a space-saving machine, the classic Creami NC300 remains the best option, with its already compact dimensions (40×16 cm).
My test of the Ninja Creami Deluxe NC500
I began my Creami adventure with the Deluxe, and frankly, I don't regret that choice. It's the one I use most every day, even now that I also have the Swirl.
What I love about the Deluxe
Visit 12 programs offer a versatility I hadn't imagined at the outset. The program CreamiFit in particular has changed my life. I make my post-sport protein ice creams by directly processing a frozen Fairlife shake. Result: 30g protein for 150 calories with the texture of real ice cream. Impossible with other models without CreamiFit.
The program Creamiccino is also great. I make homemade frozen cappuccinos that rival Starbucks. Cold coffee, milk, sugar, freezing, Creamiccino program, and I've got my Frappuccino-style iced drink.
L’Italian Ice gives a perfect granita texture, somewhere between smooth sorbet and crushed ice. Perfect in summer with lemon or watermelon. The Slushie creates this half-liquid, half-ice texture ideal for frozen cocktails.
Visit Frozen Drink makes it possible to transform any cocktail into a frozen version. I've made frozen margaritas, piña coladas, iced mojitos... The possibilities are endless.
With 5 more programs than the basic model, the Deluxe more than justifies its price tag. 50 more. Over the long term, that works out at around €0.50 per additional program. Clearly profitable.
Small defects
The Deluxe is as popular as ever noise than a construction site. My 2-3 minutes of mixing sound like an industrial drill. After six months of use, I've got used to it, but it's still the downside of all Creamis.
L’footprint is not insignificant either. At 40 cm high, it doesn't fit under my kitchen cabinets. I have to leave it permanently on the worktop or store it in a dedicated cupboard.
The time to 24-hour freezing remains incompressible. It's impossible to make ice cream on a whim like with a conventional ice cream maker. You have to get organized and prepare your pots in advance.
My test of the Ninja Swirl NC700
I fell for the Swirl four months after buying my Deluxe. The appeal of the homemade soft serve was too strong. Was it worth the extra 350€?
Soft serve: a real game changer
Visit soft serve of the Swirl is spectacular. The texture is exactly the same found in Italian ice-cream parlours or at McDonald's. Light, airy and creamy, it melts gently on the tongue. The 3-speed handle dispensing system works perfectly.
I made cones for my nephews last weekend. The look on their faces when the ice came out in a perfect spiral, just like on a glacier, was priceless. For spectacle and family fun, the Swirl is unbeatable.
Visit 6 soft serve programs (Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, Swirled Lite Ice Cream, Swirled Frozen Yogurt, CreamiFit in swirl mode) give real variety. My favorite: the Frozen Custard, A texture somewhere between gelato and soft serve, incredibly rich.
The program Fruit Whip creates airy, dispensable sorbets. I made a mango-passion fruit whip that was just perfect. Frothy texture, intense taste, refreshing.
Swirl compromises
Visit price €350 is pretty hefty. It's almost double the price of a classic Creami. You really need to be sure you want soft serve to justify the investment.
L’congestion is worse than the Deluxe. Wider (25 cm vs. 16 cm), heavier (4.1 kg vs. 3.2 kg). If you have a small kitchen, this can be a problem.
Visit Swirl pots are not compatible with other Creamis. If you already had a collection of pots for your old Creami, you have to buy new ones specifically for the Swirl. Frustrating and expensive.
Visit complexity is slightly higher. Between the nozzles to be screwed on, the dispensing cover and the handle to be installed, there's more handling than with a standard Creami. Not insurmountable, but less immediate.
My opinion on the Ninja Creami classic NC300
I did not personally own the Classic Creami, But my brother has had one for a year. I've had the opportunity to test it several times at his place.
What works well
To make classic scoopable mirrors, It does exactly the same job as the Deluxe. The Creamify technology is identical, so vanilla or chocolate ice cream will taste just as good on the basic model as on the more expensive versions.
Visit 7 programs cover the essentials: Ice Cream for classics, Sorbet for fruity bases, Gelato for Italian textures, Milkshake for liquid textures, Lite Ice Cream for low-fat versions. For someone who just wants to make traditional ice creams, this is more than enough.
Visit prices from €180-200 is much more affordable than the top models. If you want to try out the Creami concept without investing too much, this is the right choice.
What it lacks
No CreamiFit, So it's impossible to make protein ice creams worthy of the name. My brother tried the Lite Ice Cream program, with disappointing results. For athletes like us, it's a real shame.
No creative programs such as Creamiccino, Italian Ice, Slushie. You're limited to classic ice creams. It's okay for a while, but you end up going round in circles.
Frankly, for 50 more, The Deluxe offers so much more that I always recommend skipping this step and going straight for the Deluxe.
What about the Ninja Creami Breeze NC100?
You may have heard of the Breeze, the compact version of the Creami. It was the most small and lightof the range (30 cm high, 2.3 kg), designed for small kitchens and studios.
Unfortunately, the Breeze no longer sold in France. Ninja stopped distribution, probably because the model didn't find its audience. The price difference with the classic Creami was too small (€20-30) to justify compromising on robustness and stability.
If you were looking for the Breeze for reasons of’footprint, The classic Creami NC300 remains relatively compact at 40 cm high and 16 cm wide. That's only 10 cm more in height than the Breeze, and you gain in solidity and stability during mixing.
For very small spaces (Parisian studios, student rooms), you'll unfortunately have to make do with the NC300's standard dimensions, or forgo having a Creami. No compact alternative currently exists in the Ninja range.
My personal ranking of the 3 models
Having tested or observed the three machines available, here's my ranking based on value for money and actual usefulness.
1. Ninja Creami Deluxe NC500 - The all-round champion
This is my number one choice for 90% users. Visit 12 programs offer incredible versatility for just 50 more than the basic model. The CreamiFit alone justifies the extra cost if you're sporty or watch what you eat.
Creamiccino, Italian Ice and Slushie open up possibilities you can't even imagine at first. I thought I was just making vanilla-chocolate ice cream, but now I'm creating frozen drinks, granitas, frozen smoothies...
For whom : Anyone who wants a versatile machine without breaking the bank. Athletes (CreamiFit), creative cooks, families who want variety.
Price : 230-250€ - Best value for money range.
Rating: 9.5/10
2. Ninja Swirl NC700 - For soft serve enthusiasts
If you love soft serve and dream of making them at home, then the Swirl justifies its price. The cone-shaped dispensing function works really well, and the 6 soft serve programs give textures impossible to obtain with other models.
On the other hand, it's a substantial investment (350€) that only makes sense if you intend to use the soft serve function regularly. If all you want is classic scoopable ice cream, go for the Deluxe and save €100.
For whom : Real ice cream enthusiasts who make ice cream at least 3-4 times a week. Soft serve lovers. Families with children who love the «show» aspect of cones.
Price : 330-350€ - Top of the range for those who want it all.
Rating: 9/10 (excellent but expensive)
3. Ninja Creami NC300 - For a safe start
The basic model remains a excellent machine to make classic scoopable ice creams. If you're just starting out and aren't sure you'll be using a Creami on a regular basis, starting with this model at €180-200 is a good idea.
On the other hand, be aware that you may quickly want to upgrade to Deluxe as you discover all the possibilities you don't have. My advice: save 2-3 more months and go straight for the Deluxe.
For whom : Beginners who want to test the concept. Those who only make traditional, unadorned ice creams. Really tight budgets.
Price : 180-200€ – Correct entry-level.
Rating: 7.5/10 (good but quickly limiting)
Which Ninja Creami is right for you?
To help you decide, here are my recommendations for different user profiles.
If you're an athlete or watch your diet
Choice: Ninja Creami Deluxe or Swirl
The program CreamiFit is absolutely essential for you. It turns any protein shake into creamy ice cream. I've tested with Fairlife, Premier Protein, MyProtein, all of which give excellent results.
If the soft serve also appeals to you, take the Swirl. Otherwise, the Deluxe will do the job perfectly for €100 less.
You just want classic vanilla-chocolate ice cream
Choice: Ninja Creami NC300
Why pay more if you only use the basic programs? The classic Creami will make ice creams just as good as superior models using traditional recipes.
However, I warn you: you'll probably want to upgrade in 6 months' time when you discover all the things you can do with the extra programs.
You have a small kitchen
Choice: Ninja Creami NC300
Visit Breeze compact has been withdrawn from the market, so if you have space constraints, the classic Creami remains the best option. With its 40 cm high and 16 cm wide, It remains relatively compact compared to other household appliances.
If you really don't have the space for a 40 cm-high machine, you'll unfortunately have to turn to a smaller, conventional ice cream maker, as no compact Creami is currently available.
You love soft serve and Italian ice cream
Choice: Ninja Swirl
Don't hesitate, the Swirl is made for you. The distribution function works really well, and the soft serve programs give textures impossible to reproduce otherwise.
Yes, it's expensive (350€), but if it's your passion and you do it regularly, the investment is justified.
You want the best value for money
Choice: Ninja Creami Deluxe
It's my universal choice for 90% people. The 12 programs cover absolutely every need, the CreamiFit is brilliant, and the price of 230-250€ remains reasonable.
It's the one I always recommend to my friends who ask me for advice.
You use the machine every day
Choice: Ninja Swirl
If you make ice cream every day, the investment in the Swirl pays for itself. Maximum versatility with 13 programs + soft serve means you'll never get bored.
Also plan to buy 6-8 additional pots so you always have stock ready in the freezer.
Accessories to buy at the same time
No matter which model you choose, there are essential accessories to be ordered at the same time as your machine.
Extra pots: mandatory
The machine comes with 2 jars only. It really is the bare minimum. I advise you to buy immediately at least 2 additional pots, ideally 4-6 extra pots.
Why is this? Because each jar needs to freeze for 24 hours. If you want to have several flavors available during the week, you need several jars ready in advance. With 6-8 jars in all, you can cover the whole week without any problem.
Price : Approx. €25-30 for a pack of 2 jars. Budget : 50-100€ according to number.
Please note: Swirl pots (NC700) are not not compatible with other models. Make sure you buy the right pots for your machine.
The recipe book: optional but useful
Ninja offers a official recipe book with some fifty tried-and-tested recipes. Price: approx. 15-20€.
Personally, I didn't buy it. There are so many free recipes on YouTube, Creami Facebook groups and blogs that a book seemed superfluous. But for beginners who want recipes that are already balanced, it can be reassuring.
An accurate kitchen scale: a must
To make a success of your ice creams, you need measure precisely your ingredients. Recipes «by eye» give very random results. A kitchen scale with 15-20€ that weighs to the gram is indispensable.
I use mine before every preparation. The difference between 70g and 90g of sugar completely changes the final texture.
Where to buy your Ninja Creami at the best price?
After months of comparing sites, here are my recommendations.
Amazon remains my first choice. The prices are generally the best, especially during the summer months. French Days (April and September) or Black Friday (November). I got my Deluxe at 209€ during French Days, a €40 discount.
Use price trackers like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to be alerted when the price drops. Creami prices fluctuate widely on Amazon.
Baker and Darty also offer Creami, generally €20-30 more expensive than Amazon, but with the advantage of the In-store service. If you prefer to have a physical point of contact, it may be worth the extra cost.
Cdiscount sometimes has flash sales with unbeatable prices. I saw the classic Creami at €169 during a lightning promotion. But beware of unreliable third-party sellers, buy only «sold and shipped by Cdiscount».
Visit official Ninja website sells at a fixed price with no real promotions. On the other hand, they sometimes offer bundles (machine + extra pots + recipe book) which can be a good overall deal.
My final verdict: which Creami to buy in 2025?
After six months with the Deluxe and four months with the Swirl, my final recommendation is very clear.
For 90% people: take the Ninja Creami Deluxe NC500 à 230-250€. It's the perfect sweet spot between features and price. The 12 programs cover absolutely every need, the CreamiFfit is a game changer for athletes, and you'll never feel limited.
If you're a soft serve enthusiast : invest in the Ninja Swirl NC700 at 330-350€. The distribution function works really well and opens up unique possibilities. But be aware that you're paying an extra €100 mainly for the soft serve.
If you're starting out on a small budget : the Ninja Creami NC300 at 180-200€ will do the job on classic ice creams. But honestly, save 2-3 months more and get the Deluxe, you won't regret it.
If you live in a studio : the Ninja Creami Breeze NC100 at 160-180€ is your only option if you're really short of space. Otherwise, opt for the classic, which is only slightly larger.
Personally, if I had to buy today and I didn't own any Creami, I'd go for the Deluxe without hesitation. It does 95% of what the Swirl does (except for the soft serve distributed) for €100 less. The soft serve, brilliant as it is, doesn't justify this price difference on its own, unless it's your passion.
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