Ninja creami nc299 vs nc301: Which One Should You Buy?
Ninja Creami NC299 vs NC301 – Key Differences, Pros & Cons Explained

If you're trying to pick Ninja Creami between the Ninja Creami NC299 and NC301, you're not alone! I've been in your shoes, having personally crafted countless frozen delights from tangy sorbets to rich, smooth ice creams—with both models.
It's a real challenge to figure out which machine truly delivers the best results without any hassle. So, let's skip the fancy ads and dive into the actual differences, helping you confidently choose the ideal Creami for your kitchen.
Ninja CREAMi NC299 Review
What I Like
- Makes super creamy treats
- "Re-spin" for perfect texture
- You can add your favorite mix-ins
- Easy to wash
What I Don't Like
- It's a bit loud
- You must freeze ingredients for a whole day
The Ninja CREAMi NC299 is an excellent pick for frozen treats. It truly transforms solid frozen bases into delicious, creamy desserts. I've consistently found it makes smooth ice cream, refreshing sorbet, and even fantastic dairy-free options, delivering that rich, firm texture you'd expect from a specialized shop.
A standout feature is the "Re-Spin" button. If my creation ever feels a bit icy on the first go, a quick re-spin almost always makes it perfectly smooth.
This machine offers many handy settings: Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Light Ice Cream, Smoothie Bowl, Milkshake, and a brilliant "Mix-in" option for evenly folding in goodies like chocolate chips after processing.
It comes with three pint-sized tubs, which are great for experimenting with different flavors. Its slim design and tuck neatly onto most counters.
Plus, cleanup is super easy; the tubs, lid, and paddle are all dishwasher-safe.
However, be ready for some noise during operation. Also, remember most recipes need a full 24 hours of freezing, so spontaneity isn't its strong suit. Planning ahead with extra frozen tubs is key. Some users also mention that the included recipe book isn't always the best, so exploring online recipes can be helpful.
Maximum Yield: 0.5 quarts per tub | Processing Time: 1.5-2.5 minutes | Setting Options: 7+| Dimensions: 15.95 x 6.52 x 12.07 inches | Weight: 13.58 pounds.
Ninja CREAMi NC301 Review
What I Like
- Super Creamy Texture
- Lots of Treat Options
- Easy to Use Controls
- Great for Mixing in Goodies
What I Don't Like
- Loud When Running
- Needs 24-Hour Freezing
The Ninja CREAMi NC301 has become a favorite in my kitchen for frozen desserts. It truly excels at turning solid frozen ingredients into perfectly smooth and firm treats, much like those from a high-end ice cream parlor.
I've consistently achieved creamy ice creams, delightful sorbets, and even excellent dairy-free options with it. Operating the NC301 is straightforward thanks to its many easy-to-use buttons.
I can select from Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Lite Ice Cream, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, or the handy "Mix-in" function, which evenly distributes additions like chocolate chips or nuts.
My NC301 came with three pint-sized containers, which are fantastic for preparing various flavors or experimenting with new recipes. Its tall, slim design (around 16 inches high, 6.5 inches wide, and 12 inches deep) means it tucks neatly onto my counter.
Plus, cleaning is a breeze; the containers, lid, and blade go right into the dishwasher or wash easily by hand. Just a heads-up: it can be quite loud when churning, and nearly all recipes require a 24-hour freeze time.
This means planning ahead is a must, though keeping extra frozen containers helps. Also, I've found that exploring online recipes often yields better results than relying solely on the included booklet.
Maximum Yield: 0.5 quarts per tub | Processing Time: 1.5-2.5 minutes | Setting Options: 7+ | Dimensions: 15.95 x 6.52 x 12.07 inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds
Ninja Creami NC301 vs NC299: Details Comparison
Having personally used both Ninja Creami NC299 and Ninja Creami NC301 of these smart machines through their paces. Whipping up everything from vibrant sorbets to luxuriously creamy gelatos. I know firsthand the tiny nuances that make a big difference. Let's know about the details comparison of these products:
Program Versatility
When it comes to easy buttons, the Ninja Creami NC299 usually has a basic set. These often cover Ice Cream, Lite Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshake, and a Mix-in option. This gives you a good but simple choice of popular frozen treat.
The Ninja Creami NC301 makes this much bigger. It often has seven or more clear programs. This often adds special settings for Gelato and Smoothie Bowls. This gives you a wider range of easy cooking choices. It lets you make many more creative treats.
Core Creamifying Action
The NC299 uses Ninja's special "Creamify Technology." This strong system has a unique paddle. It carefully turns frozen ingredients into a wonderfully creamy dessert. The NC301 also has a very smart system. Both models get their famous smooth feel similarly. They both break down ice bits well. This makes sure your frozen treats are always smooth and full of flavor. They will not be watery.
Dessert Freshness Management
For storing treats you made, the NC299 is best for eating soon after you make it. Any leftovers need to go back in the freezer. Then you need to re-spin them to get their creamy feel back. The NC301 works the same way. It does not have any features to keep things cold for a long time. Leftover NC301 treats also get better with a quick re-spin from the freezer. This makes them feel like they were just made.
User Customization
The NC299 has a "Re-Spin" button. This lets you quickly fix crumbly or icy treats. You can spin them again until they are just right. The NC301 has a helpful "Re-Spin" button for a smooth texture.
But there is more! The NC301 offers even more ways to make your treats perfect. It has more ready-made settings for different kinds of desserts. This gives you more ways to make your favorite frozen sweets.
Capacity Of Your Creation
Ninja creami NC299 usually comes with one or two 1-pint (about 0.5 quarts) cups. These are good for one person or smaller batches. The NC301, though, usually comes with two 1-pint cups as a normal part of the package. This means you can make two different flavors right away. Or you can make two batches one after another. You do not need to buy extra cups.
Operational Noise
The Ninja creami NC299 makes a clear, strong sound when it runs briefly. This shows its powerful motor is working hard. The NC301 also makes a loud sound when it runs. Both models are known for being quite noisy. This is normal for their fast, ice-shaving way of working. But the short time they run makes the noise less of a problem.
Market Position and Value
Look at NC299, this one often makes a good starting choice. You might find it at a lower price, especially if it's an older model or on sale. The NC301, on the other hand, is usually the current main model. It often costs a bit more. This slightly higher price for the NC301 shows its extra programs. These make it a more useful choice if you want to make many different kinds of frozen desserts.
Automated Dessert Creation Styles
The NC299 makes it super easy to create key frozen treats. It has simple, automatic programs. Think of classic ice cream, lighter ice cream choices, cool sorbet, and tasty milkshakes.
The NC301 takes this automatic making up a notch. It often has an even bigger choice of ready-made options. This usually includes special modes for making perfect gelato and healthy smoothie bowls. This lets you easily make a wider range of dessert types.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the NC299 is simple. Its parts that come off, like the pint cups, lids, and the special paddle, are easy to wash. You can put them in the top rack of your dishwasher. The NC301 also cleans very easily. Its matching parts are also safe to put in the dishwasher. This makes cleaning simple after every tasty batch.
Pint Capacity
The Ninja creami NC299 usually comes with one or sometimes two 1-pint containers. This is great for making just one serving. But if you want more space right away, the NC301 often comes with two 1-pint containers right in the box! This instantly doubles how much you can make. It lets you create different flavors at the same time. Or you have an extra one ready for your next craving.
Program Diversity
Ninja creami NC299 is a great choice for making classic frozen desserts. It has ready-made settings that are perfect for popular treats. Think of classic ice cream, cool sorbet, and creamy milkshakes. Its strength is in how well it does these main jobs easily.
On the other hand, NC301, though, offers even more ways to use it. It has a wider range of ready-made programs. You will often find more special settings on the Ninja CREAMi NC301. These include making smooth gelato and healthy smoothie bowls. This bigger choice greatly increases the types of frozen desserts you can make automatically. It lets you try many more tasty things!
Final Verdict: Ninja CREAMi 299 vs Ninja CREAMi 301
Final Winner: Ninja CREAMi NC301 (Check pricing)
For most dessert lovers, the Ninja CREAMi NC301 truly stands out as the top pick. It elevates the original CREAMi experience with a wider array of automated programs. Plus, you often get an extra pint container right out of the box, giving you more freedom for your culinary adventures.
The Ninja CREAMi NC299 is still a very strong contender, consistently delivering that signature creamy texture from its unique ice-shaving process. It's an excellent option if you mainly want the core ice cream, sorbet, and milkshake functions without needing all the extra programs.
Both the Ninja CREAMi NC299 and Ninja CREAMi NC301 excel at transforming a frozen base into truly exceptional, creamy, and smooth desserts.
However, the Ninja CREAMi NC301 slightly surpasses its sibling with its expanded one-touch features and often better initial value due to more included accessories. If you're ready to explore a broader world of frozen dessert styles with greater ease, the Ninja CREAMi NC301 is the clear front-runner.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through these links.
About the Creator
Mohammed mamun
Hi, I'm Mohammed Mamun — a chef, food blogger, and content writer with 15 years of experience in the culinary world. I specialize in honest reviews of home appliances and create simple, flavorful recipes for home cooks and food lovers alike



Comments (1)
I've used both the NC299 and NC301. The NC299 makes great creamy treats like you said. The "Re-spin" button is really useful. But yeah, it's noisy and freezing the ingredients takes a while. I'm curious, how do the noise levels of the NC301 compare? And does it have a similar "Re-spin" feature? Also, are there other differences in the settings that might sway someone's choice?