With the rise of the Ninja CREAMi, many are wondering if this appliance is truly worth it. Beyond the ability to prepare delicious homemade ice cream, the Ninja CREAMi promises savings for lovers of quality ice cream. Let's take a closer look at its value for money, profitability, and the types of users for whom this appliance is a good investment.
The Cost of the Ninja CREAMi and its Accessories
The Ninja CREAMi is generally sold for between €150 and €200, depending on the model and retailer. This is a fairly significant initial cost for a kitchen appliance, but you also have to consider the additional accessories, such as replacement bowls, which make it easier to prepare different flavors without having to clean between batches. These bowls cost on average €10 to €20 each, adding up to €40 in total if you buy two or three extra bowls.
The Cost of Quality Ice Cream at the Supermarket
For ice cream lovers, high-quality tubs from the store can quickly add up. Premium brands like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's, or artisanal ice cream from the supermarket, often cost between 5 and 8 euros for 500 ml. If there are several of you at home or you enjoy eating ice cream regularly, this represents a significant expense.
Cost Comparison: Homemade Ice Cream vs. Store-Bought Ice Cream
With the Ninja CREAMi, the cost of ingredients to make a 500ml tub of homemade ice cream is around €1.50 to €2 for a simple milk, fruit, and sugar-based ice cream, and slightly more for indulgent recipes with cream or additions like chocolate or nuts. In comparison, buying ice cream of equivalent quality costs €5-€8 per tub, or even more for certain premium flavors or options.
If you make homemade ice cream once a week with the Ninja CREAMi, that means:
- Annual cost of homemade ice cream (52 weeks): approximately 78 to 104 euros for 52 500ml tubs
- Annual cost of commercially produced ice cream: approximately 260 to 416 euros for 52 tubs of 500 ml (at 5 to 8 euros per tub)
- Estimated annual savings: 182 to 338 euros
Therefore, even when choosing quality ingredients, the annual savings are significant and could cover the purchase cost of the Ninja CREAMi in less than a year, based on a consumption of approximately one tub per week. If you consume more ice cream, these savings become even greater, and the machine pays for itself more quickly.
Profitability of the Ninja CREAMi: For Whom?
The Ninja CREAMi is particularly profitable for certain consumer profiles:
Families or heavy ice cream consumers: If several family members regularly eat ice cream, the cost of store-bought tubs can quickly add up. The Ninja CREAMi helps reduce these costs by offering high-quality homemade ice cream.
For lovers of premium ice cream: If you appreciate artisanal or premium brand ice cream, the Ninja CREAMi is a wise investment. It allows you to recreate high-quality flavors at a much lower cost.
For people with dietary restrictions: Lactose-free, vegan, or low-sugar ice creams are often more expensive in stores. The Ninja CREAMi allows you to customize the ingredients for a lower cost, while still meeting your dietary needs.
For creative cooking enthusiasts: If you love inventing new flavors or experimenting with combinations, the Ninja CREAMi offers endless possibilities for trying out original recipes. Instead of buying multiple jars for each flavor, you can prepare them at home with a machine that allows you to easily vary textures and flavors.
Other Benefits of Ninja CREAMi: Ingredient Control and Health
One of the major advantages of Ninja CREAMi is the complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust the sugar content, choose organic ingredients, avoid additives and colorings, and opt for lactose-free or vegan options. This control is a significant benefit for those looking to consume more natural and healthy products.
Concrete Examples of Economy and Profitability
To illustrate this better, let's take the example of a family that consumes two 500ml tubs of ice cream per week:
- Store-bought ice cream: 2 tubs per week at an average of 6 euros, or 624 euros per year.
- Homemade ice cream with the Ninja CREAMi: 2 pots per week at 2 euros for the ingredients, i.e. 208 euros per year.
Annual savings: approximately 416 euros
With this level of consumption, the Ninja CREAMi would pay for itself completely in less than 6 months, even including additional accessories. For a family or a heavy user, this represents substantial savings and a compelling reason to consider this investment.
Conclusion: Is Ninja CREAMi Worth It?
In conclusion, the Ninja CREAMi can be an excellent investment for homemade ice cream enthusiasts and those who regularly enjoy frozen desserts. By allowing for cost savings compared to commercially produced ice cream, while also offering the ability to control the ingredients, this appliance is cost-effective for families, frequent consumers, and those seeking specific dietary options.
If you find yourself in these profiles or you like the idea of experimenting with new flavors, the Ninja CREAMi could well be a valuable ally in the kitchen.
