If you're passionate about homemade ice cream, you've probably wondered what the difference is between the Ninja Creami and a real professional ice cream machine . Can the Ninja Creami really compete with the machines used by professional ice cream makers, or are there areas where it falls short? Having used both, I'd like to take a look at the main differences between the two types of machines and why the Ninja Creami might be the best option for your home use.
1. Price: Ninja Creami advantage
Let's start with the most obvious point: the price . A commercial ice cream machine often costs several hundred, or even several thousand euros. These machines are designed for intensive use in environments such as ice cream parlors or restaurants , where they must produce large quantities of ice cream in a limited time.
The Ninja Creami , on the other hand, is much more affordable . You can buy it at a much more affordable price, while still having the ability to create quality ice cream right at home.
My opinion: If you're a fan of homemade ice cream but don't want to spend a fortune, the Ninja Creami is definitely the best option for home use. It gives you very satisfying results without breaking the bank.
2. Size and bulk
Commercial ice cream machines are usually large and take up a lot of space. They are designed to produce large quantities of ice cream continuously, making them ideal for ice cream parlors or restaurants, but not very practical in a home kitchen where space is often limited.
The Ninja Creami , on the other hand, is compact and easy to store. It fits easily on your countertop, without taking up too much space. This is a real advantage if you don't have a lot of space in your kitchen.
My experience: For me, the size of the Ninja Creami is a big plus. No need to rearrange everything in the kitchen to make room for it. I take it out when I need it, and it's just as easy to store.
3. The preparation process: simplicity versus technicality
With a commercial ice cream machine , the process is often a little more complex. You have to prepare your base, cool it, then pour it into the machine, which will mix and cool everything at the same time. The results are often excellent, but it takes time and a certain amount of skill .
The Ninja Creami is designed to be ultra-simple . You prepare your mixture (fruit, yogurt, cream, etc.), freeze it in the dedicated container, then simply put your container in the machine the next day. With the push of a button, the machine blends and transforms the mixture into ice cream. No need to monitor the temperature or stir the mixture constantly.
My opinion: quick and easy solution , the Ninja Creami wins hands down. Professional machines are great, but they often require more preparation and attention.
4. Production capacity
Commercial ice machines are designed to produce large quantities of ice at once. This is very convenient if you have a restaurant or host large parties. They can produce several liters of ice at a time and operate continuously without any problems.
The Ninja Creami is designed for smaller quantities . You prepare your mixture in an individual jar (about 500 ml), which is perfect for small family portions or for testing different recipes without wasting anything.
Helpful tip: If you want to prepare several flavors or recipes in advance, you can buy extra jars to freeze and prepare on demand.
5. The texture and quality of the ice cream
Commercial ice cream makers are designed to achieve an ultra-smooth texture , without ice crystals. By constantly stirring during freezing, they help incorporate air and prevent crystals from forming, resulting in truly creamy ice cream.
The Ninja Creami , thanks to its reverse turbine technology , also allows you to obtain a very creamy and smooth , without ice crystals. Even if you freeze your mixture before putting it in the machine, the result is amazing. And if the texture is not perfect after the first cycle, you always have the Re-spin to make it even smoother.
My Opinion: Honestly, for a home machine, the Ninja Creami does a great job. The texture is really close to what you would get with a professional machine, especially for homemade ice creams and sorbets. That's a big plus!
6. Versatility
A commercial ice cream machine is primarily designed to make... ice cream. It excels at this, but its function is fairly limited. It's not really designed for experimenting with frozen yogurt, smoothies, or more unusual preparations.
The Ninja Creami , on the other hand, is extremely versatile . It allows you to make not only ice cream and sorbets, but also frozen yogurt, protein ice cream, smoothie bowls, and even more experimental creations. This is a real plus if you want to vary your pleasures and try new recipes regularly.
My Experience: I love the versatility of the Ninja Creami, especially when I want to make lighter desserts or healthy snacks, like protein smoothies or sugar-free frozen yogurt.
Conclusion: Ninja Creami or professional ice cream maker, which should you choose?
Ultimately, it all depends on your needs and what you intend to use your machine for. If you're looking to produce large quantities of ice regularly for a restaurant or business, a commercial ice machine is still an excellent choice. It's designed for performance and can produce liters of ice without fail.
But if you want a machine that's practical , affordable , easy to use , and offers great versatility at home, the Ninja Creami is definitely a great investment. It lets you make quality ice cream with healthy ingredients, without the hassle of professional machines, while taking up very little space in your kitchen.
So, for me, the Ninja Creami has everything going for it and wins the prize in a family setting or for little gourmet treats at home!
Discover More Ideas and Tips in My E-Book “Secrets for Successful Ice Cream”
If these combinations inspire you and you want to deepen your knowledge to create perfect homemade ice creams, my e-book "Secrets for Successful Ice Creams" guides you through every step. You will find:
- Detailed recipes to get you started with the Ninja CREAMi,
- Tips for balancing flavors and mastering textures,
- Original combination ideas to personalize your ice creams and make them real little masterpieces.
Whether you're a fan of classic recipes or ready to experiment with new flavors, this e-book helps you enhance your frozen creations to delight all palates!
