# TLDR Review: Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream Maker

*Published: 2026-02-24 | Updated: 2026-02-24 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/ninja-creami-nc701-ice-cream-maker*

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## Product: Ninja CREAMi NC701 Ice Cream Maker
**Brand:** Ninja

## Pros
- Produces smooth, creamy, restaurant-quality soft serve ice cream and other frozen treats like sorbet, gelato, and milkshakes with consistent texture.
- Versatile 13-in-1 functionality allows making low-calorie, protein-enriched, and customizable desserts for all ages.
- Clear and easy-to-follow instructions make it fun and simple to use.
- Durable, well-made design with a secure pint container that clicks reliably into place.
- Great for ice cream enthusiasts looking to experiment with homemade treats tailored to their taste and dietary preferences.
- Slushy function adds extra variety, working well for more texture options.
- Produces creamy fruit whips and protein shakes with excellent consistency.
- Soft serve handle allows choosing between classic scooped or swirled textures.

## Cons
- Does not actually freeze the ice cream mixture; users must prepare and fully freeze their base beforehand—this is more of a processor than an ice cream maker with built-in cooling.
- Requires about 24 hours of pre-freezing, making it less ideal for spontaneous ice cream cravings.
- Portion size is small, usually only enough for about two people without purchasing extra pint containers separately.
- Operates very loudly during blending cycles, which can be intrusive in quiet or small spaces.
- Sometimes needs repeated cycles or removing and reseating the pint to start properly, which can be frustrating.
- Blades may develop an unusual oily residue occasionally, and the mixing cups lack insulation, causing the ice cream to melt relatively quickly once served.
- The 'Swirl' version’s smaller portion size can feel limiting compared to standard or deluxe models, reducing value for larger families or gatherings.
- Overall, it may seem redundant or less practical for users who already own a Ninja ice cream maker or prefer one with a built-in freezing function.
- KitchenAid mixers with appropriate attachments can be a more cost-effective and multifunctional alternative, especially for those wanting to avoid pre-freezing steps.

## Bottom Line

The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi is a fun, versatile gadget perfect for anyone who loves crafting customizable, creamy soft serve and frozen treats at home—especially if you enjoy controlling ingredients or need low-calorie options. However, keep in mind it won’t magically freeze your dessert from liquid to ice cream; you need to pre-freeze your base for about a day, and its small portion size and loud operation might be a deal-breaker for some. If you want a true ice cream maker with built-in freezing or larger capacity, you might want to explore other options or consider KitchenAid attachments for more multifunctional use. Otherwise, it’s a solid choice for creative home dessert lovers who don’t mind the wait and noise.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Produces smooth, creamy, restaurant-quality soft serve ice cream and other frozen treats like sorbet, gelato, and milkshakes with consistent texture. | Does not actually freeze the ice cream mixture; users must prepare and fully freeze their base beforehand—this is more of a processor than an ice cream maker with built-in cooling. |
| Versatile 13-in-1 functionality allows making low-calorie, protein-enriched, and customizable desserts for all ages. | Requires about 24 hours of pre-freezing, making it less ideal for spontaneous ice cream cravings. |
| Clear and easy-to-follow instructions make it fun and simple to use. | Portion size is small, usually only enough for about two people without purchasing extra pint containers separately. |
| Durable, well-made design with a secure pint container that clicks reliably into place. | Operates very loudly during blending cycles, which can be intrusive in quiet or small spaces. |
| Great for ice cream enthusiasts looking to experiment with homemade treats tailored to their taste and dietary preferences. | Sometimes needs repeated cycles or removing and reseating the pint to start properly, which can be frustrating. |
| Slushy function adds extra variety, working well for more texture options. | Blades may develop an unusual oily residue occasionally, and the mixing cups lack insulation, causing the ice cream to melt relatively quickly once served. |
| Produces creamy fruit whips and protein shakes with excellent consistency. | The 'Swirl' version’s smaller portion size can feel limiting compared to standard or deluxe models, reducing value for larger families or gatherings. |
| Soft serve handle allows choosing between classic scooped or swirled textures. | Overall, it may seem redundant or less practical for users who already own a Ninja ice cream maker or prefer one with a built-in freezing function. |
|  | KitchenAid mixers with appropriate attachments can be a more cost-effective and multifunctional alternative, especially for those wanting to avoid pre-freezing steps. |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Best Buy | $279.99  | In Stock |
| Target | $349.99  | In Stock |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*