You're deciding between Ninja Creami and a classic ice cream maker to make your own ice cream? After 6 months of intensive use of both appliances, I'm sharing my detailed feedback to help you make the right choice for your needs.
The quick answer: The Ninja Creami transforms any frozen preparation into creamy ice cream, allowing greater creativity, while the classic ice cream maker is easier to use and less expensive to make traditional ice creams.
Quick comparison table: Ninja Creami vs Sorbetière
| Criteria | Ninja Creami | Classic ice cream maker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 200-250€ | 40-150€ |
| Total time | 24h (freezing) + 3 min | 30-40 min (+ 12h for the bowl) |
| Noise level | Very noisy | Silencer |
| Revenue flexibility | Excellent | Limited |
| Ease of use | Simple | Simple |
| Texture obtained | Ultra creamy | Farmhouse classic |
| Cleaning | Easy | Easy |
| Dimensions | Medium (35cm) | Medium (25-30cm) |
How does a classic ice-cream maker work?
A storage sorbet maker (the most common model) operates with a double-walled bowl containing a cooling liquid. The principle is simple: first place the bowl in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours. Once the bowl is well frozen, you pour your liquid preparation into it and the paddle starts to turn for a few seconds. 20 to 40 minutes to incorporate air and create texture. At the end of the cycle, you get a soft-textured ice cream, Ready to eat immediately or place in the freezer to firm up further.
Visit compressor ice-cream makers are a more expensive alternative (between 200 and €400) which don't need to pre-freeze the bowl, but consume more energy and take up considerably more space.
What I really like about the classic ice cream maker
The first undeniable advantage is the speed of execution. Once you've remembered to put the bowl in the freezer the night before, your ice cream is ready. 30 minutes chrono. It's perfect for Sunday afternoons when you're having friends over: you prepare your base, start the machine during the aperitif, and hey presto, fresh dessert for everyone.
Visit price is also a strong argument. For 40 à 100€, This is a very reasonable investment. It's a very reasonable investment to find out if you're really going to use this type of appliance, or if it's going to end up at the back of the cupboard after two tries.
I also like the silencer of the appliance. Unlike some food processors, which look like drills in action, the ice cream maker purrs gently for 30 minutes. You can have a normal conversation next door, and even run a machine while the kids are napping without triggering any drama.
Visit live texture is a real pleasure. You can monitor the progress of your preparation and stop exactly when you get it right. consistency you like. Some like their ice cream ultra-creamy and soft, others prefer a firmer texture. With an ice cream maker, you decide in real time.
Finally, for classic recipes such as vanilla ice cream, strawberry sorbet or chocolate ice cream, the result is always perfect. Ice cream makers excel in these tried-and-tested traditional preparations.
Limits that frustrate me on a daily basis
Visit pre-freezing bowl, is really the major constraint. You can't get ice cream on a whim. You have to anticipate 12 to 24 hours in advance, and frankly, how many times have I had a craving for homemade ice cream without having thought to put the damn bowl in the freezer? The result: a slightly disappointed trip to the supermarket for an industrial tub.
Visit limited capacity is also a problem if you want to offer several fragrances. One round equals one flavor. If you want to make vanilla, chocolate and pistachio for a family meal, either you make everything the day before and fill your freezer, or you wait 12 hours between each flavor. Not really practical.
I also found that original or low-fat recipes give average results. Very high-fat ice creams don't always set well, and light recipes with little cream tend to form "creamy" shapes. crystals. The ice cream maker likes classic balanced preparations, period.
How does Ninja Creami work?
Visit Ninja Creami uses a completely different technology called «Creamify». Instead of turbinating during the freezing process like an ice cream maker, it transforms a liquid into a liquid. block completely frozen into creamy ice cream. The process takes place in several stages: first you prepare your mixture and pour it into a dedicated pot, then freeze the jar for 24 hours minimum. Once the mixture has solidified, the machine «grates» and «kneads» the frozen block with a super-powerful blade turning at high speed. In just 2 to 3 minutes, you get a ultra-creamy texture that looks just like homemade ice cream.
In the end, it's closer to a industrial food processor than a traditional ice cream maker, and this fundamental difference explains why the results are so different.
Why I love using my Ninja Creami
Visit creative freedom is undoubtedly the most striking advantage of this device. You can literally transform any ingredient in ice cream: Greek yoghurt, blended frozen fruit, protein powder, almond milk... No limits as long as the mixture freezes. I even managed to make coffee ice cream with just cold coffee and a little milk. Impossible with a conventional ice cream maker.
The multiple pots makes a real difference to your day-to-day life. You can prepare 3 or 4 different fragrances on Sunday, store them in the freezer, and mix only what you want each day. Want vanilla ice cream on Monday, raspberry sorbet on Tuesday and chocolate ice cream on Wednesday? No problem, everything's ready to mix in just 2 minutes.
Visit texture obtained really impressed me. Even with very low-fat recipes, without cream or egg yolks, the Creami produces a smooth, creamy ice cream that rivals anything you'll find in a glacier. The secret is this ultra-fast «grating» action, which incorporates tiny air bubbles and smoothes out all the ice crystals. The result is close to Ben & Jerry's-type American ice cream, with its rich, dense texture.
For people who watch their diet, it's a great tool. Visit protein ice cream post-sport nice cream banana-based desserts with no added sugar, low-calorie sorbets... everything works perfectly. The machine compensates for the lack of fat with its intensive blending technique.
The various available programs (ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshake, smoothie bowl) allow you to tailor the final texture to your personal taste. And the «Re-spin» is brilliant: if your ice cream has hardened too much after several days in the freezer, you just remix it for a minute and it regains its original creamy texture.
The constraints you have to accept
L’24-hour wait remains the main limitation. Unlike an ice cream maker, which produces ice cream in 30 minutes (if the bowl is ready), with the Creami you must plan and freeze your preparations at least the day before. No spontaneous ice cream, you have to get organized.
Visit noise generated during the 2-3-minute mix is truly impressive. It sounds like a construction site. If you have small children who sleep or sensitive neighbors in an apartment, it's best to avoid ice sessions late at night. My cat systematically disappears as soon as I get near the machine.
L’financial investment is not negligible, with a price tag of around 200 à 250€ depending on the model. To really optimize use, you should also buy additional pots (about 15€ each), which quickly adds up.
I also found that some poorly balanced preparations can give granular or crystalline textures. A minimum of fat or sugar in the recipe to make the magic happen. Beginners may have a few misfires before mastering the ideal proportions.
My verdict after 6 months of use
I have both appliances in my kitchen, and with hindsight, I've come to realize that each has its own specific needs. different needs. Rather than opposing them, I now see them as additional depending on the situation.
The ice cream maker comes out of the cupboard mainly when I need a ice quickly for an unexpected occasion. A sunny Sunday when friends drop in unexpectedly, a sudden craving for ice cream after dinner when the bowl was in the freezer... In these moments, it's my lifesaver. I also use it for tried-and-tested classic recipes like my basic vanilla ice cream or my summer strawberry sorbet, because I know the result will be perfect every time. When I prepare for lots of people, Its capacity and simplicity make it a great choice for a barbecue or birthday party, for example. And there's that little user-friendly live turbining that appeals to curious guests.
The Ninja Creami, on the other hand, has become my tool of choice for the’culinary experimentation. All my original creations pistachio-salt flower ice cream, nice cream coffee-banana, frozen yoghurt with red fruits... She's also my best ally for the protein ice cream which I systematically prepare after my sports sessions. On Sundays, I take advantage of my batch cooking to prepare my ice creams of the week I have three or four jars of different flavors that I store in the freezer and mix as I go along, according to my mood. When I'm looking for that ultra-creamy texture worthy of an artisanal ice cream maker, it's to Creami that I turn without hesitation. For the individual portions and day-to-day management, it's really ideal.
Which machine is right for you?
Opt for a classic ice cream maker in these situations
The classic ice cream maker remains the best choice for people who start in the world of homemade ice cream and want to test without taking any financial risk. If your budget is tight and you don't want to spend more than €100, this is clearly the best option. It's ideal for fans of traditional recipes who simply want to reproduce their favorite vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet without the hassle.
This machine is also particularly suitable for occasional consumers who bring out their machines mainly in the summer or for special events. If you don't plan to make ice cream every week, there's no need to invest in top-of-the-range equipment. Last but not least noise-sensitive, Whether you have young children at home or neighbors in an apartment, you will appreciate the silent operation of the ice cream maker.
For those who fit this profile, I particularly recommend the Cuisinart ICE30BCE which is located around 70€. In my opinion, it's the best value for money way to discover homemade ice cream with a reliable, efficient machine.
Turn to Ninja Creami if you recognize yourself here
The Ninja Creami is the obvious choice for creative in the kitchen who love to experiment and think outside the box. If you like to try new things original flavor combinations and invent your own recipes, this appliance will quickly become indispensable. For those following a special diet (protein, low-carb, vegan, sugar-free) will also be happy with its ability to transform virtually any ingredient into ice cream.
This investment is particularly justified if you are looking for a professional texture comparable to that of artisan ice-cream makers. Visit regular customers who eat ice cream all year round, not just in summer, will quickly get their money's worth. The machine is also ideal for organized people who like to prepare their meals in advance and have ready-to-eat stock in the freezer. Finally, you need to be ready to invest in a versatile device that costs the earth but offers incomparable possibilities.
If you opt for Creami, I strongly advise you to take the Deluxe model if your budget allows, as it offers more predefined programs. And best of all, order now 2 or 3 extra pots with the machine. That's what makes all the difference in day-to-day operation, and allows you to exploit the machine's full potential.
Recipes that change everything
After dozens of tests with both machines, I have clearly identified the types of preparation in which each excels. This distinction is important because it directly influences your choice according to your culinary habits.
When an ice cream maker gives the best results
Visit egg ices, those prepared with a base of custard, are absolutely perfect in the ice-cream maker. The texture is silky and creamy, exactly what you'd expect. I tested my recipe for bourbon vanilla ice cream with custard, and frankly, the result rivals anything you'll find in the shops. traditional ice cream parlour.
Visit classic fruity sorbets are also the ice cream maker's favorite playground. Strawberry, lemon, mango, passion fruit... all these flavors give consistent, delicious results. The fresh, light character of the sorbet is perfectly preserved, with the slightly grainy texture that characterizes good artisanal sorbets.
For simple dairy ice creams (vanilla, chocolate, caramel, pistachio), the sorbet maker does the job with ease. These tried-and-tested recipes contain enough fat and sugar for perfect turbining. And when you need to prepare large volumes For a party or family meal, the ice cream maker is more practical than the Creami with its individual pots.
Where Ninja Creami makes the difference
Visit nice cream, this fake ice cream made from blended frozen bananas, is simply impossible to make with a traditional ice-cream maker. The preparation is too thick to turbinate properly. With the Creami, it's child's play: frozen bananas in chunks, a little milk, and you've got a creamy treat. creamy ice texture in 2 minutes. Add peanut butter, cocoa, red fruit... The possibilities are endless.
Visit protein ice cream represent the holy grail for athletes. Mix cottage cheese, whey, a little milk and fruit, freeze for 24 hours, and the Creami transforms it into a delicious and nutritious drink. creamy, protein-rich ice cream. I systematically prepare them after my bodybuilding sessions, and frankly, it's incomparable with the commercial alternatives.
For bold, original creations, Creami offers total freedom. Peanut butter ice cream with cookie dough pieces, Greek-style frozen yoghurt with honey and pistachios, avocado-lime sorbet... Everything that seems impossible with an ice cream maker works perfectly with the Creami. The machine compensates for unbalanced non-conventional revenues by its mixing power.
Visit low-fat recipes reveal the true strength of this technology. Even with very little fat, the texture remains smooth and pleasant. I've made ice creams with almond milk at 2% fat content that had the same creaminess as a classic ice cream at 10% fat content. It's quite amazing.
Finally, the frozen homemade yogurt achieves a level of quality superior to that found in specialist chains. The texture is perfect, neither too icy nor too soft, with that special characteristic smoothness real American frozen yogurt.
Prices and where to buy in 2024
The ice machine market offers a wide range of prices, depending on model and functionality. For classic ice cream makers, l’entry-level starts around 40 à 60€ with brands such as Tristar or H.Koenig. These basic models do a good job of getting you started, even if durability may be limited. The mid-range, between 70 and €100, This is the range of more robust machines from Cuisinart, Seb or Magimix. It's in this range that the best value for money. For models equipped with a compressor integrated, count between 200 and €400 from Magimix or Delonghi. These professional machines eliminate the need for a pre-freezing bowl, but still represent a substantial investment.
On the Ninja Creami, With the addition of the new Visit NC300 base model is around 200€, while the NC500 Deluxe model rises to approximately 250€. The main difference lies in the number of automatic programs available. To optimize use, you should also budget for the additional pots count 15€ each or 25€ for a pack of two jars. With a total of three or four pots, you can really exploit the machine's potential.
These devices are widely available online and in stores. Amazon often offers the best prices with regular promotions. Cdiscount and Baker also stock these products, sometimes with attractive offers. Visit Ninja France official website sells its machines directly with a full manufacturer's warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make sorbets with Ninja Creami? Yes, absolutely! There's even a sorbet program. The texture is excellent, even with directly frozen fruit.
Does the ice cream maker work without electricity? Hand-cranked manual models are available, but results are very unpredictable. The electric models are highly recommended for consistent results.
How long can you keep homemade ice cream? 2 to 3 weeks in the freezer for both methods. With Creami, you can remix if texture hardens too much after several days.
Can the Ninja Creami replace an ice cream maker? Yes, technically. But it doesn't instant ice like an ice cream maker. The two approaches are different and complementary.
Which machine consumes the least power? The ice cream maker consumes 30-40 min at low power. Creami only 2-3 min but at higher power. Over the year, consumption is equivalent.
My final opinion
Honestly? If I had to keep just one, it would be Ninja Creami. Not because it's better in absolute terms, but because it corresponds better to my use: I prepare my ice creams at the weekend for the week, and I love to try out new flavors. original recipes, and the texture it produces is just incredible.
BUT (and it's a big but), if you're just looking to make classic ice creams from time to time in summer, a 70€ ice cream maker will do the job perfectly. No need to invest €200 for this.
Ideally? Start with an ice cream maker to learn the basics, then move on to Creami when you're hooked on homemade ice cream. That's what I did, and I don't regret it.
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