The Ice Cream Maker That Also Does Soft Serve

Why it’s worth a look

Ninja’s CREAMi machines are built around frozen pints of your own dessert base. The Scoop & Swirl takes the same idea and adds a soft-serve handle, so the treat can go straight into a cone or a bowl. With holiday gift lists starting, it’s a natural one to consider for a family that loves dessert night. We write about it here from Ninja’s own specifications and a recent Serious Eats review.

How it works

You start ahead of time. Mix a base, from simple cream and sugar to fruit or a protein shake, pour it into one of the included pints and freeze it. When you’re ready, the machine’s paddle spins down through the frozen pint and turns it into a smooth treat.

From there you choose. Scooped programs give you ice cream, gelato, sorbet and more to eat from the pint or a bowl. The six Swirl programs make a softer texture, and the handle on the front dispenses it like a soft-serve machine. Ninja’s CreamiFit programs are for lighter, protein-rich recipes.

The details, per Ninja

• Programs: 13 one-touch programs, including six soft-serve Swirl programs
• Power: 800 watts at 120 volts
• Size: about 13 by 9½ inches, and about 17½ inches tall
• Weight: 22.2 lb, with a 31.5-inch cord
• In the box: motor base, paddle, outer bowl and lid, two 16-ounce pints with storage lids, and a dispensing lid
• Warranty: one year

Strengths and trade-offs

What worked well

• Scooped desserts and soft serve from one machine
• You control the ingredients in every pint
• Ninja lists its parts as dishwasher safe
• Serious Eats found it intuitive and fun to use

Limitations

• You need to freeze each pint ahead of time
• It’s tall and heavy, so plan for counter or cupboard space
• Two pints come in the box; extras are sold separately
• Serious Eats called it big and expensive

How it compares

If you only want scooped ice cream, Ninja’s other CREAMi models skip the soft-serve handle. On Ninja’s own comparison chart, the CREAMi XL has 11 programs for scooped treats. Choose the Scoop & Swirl if soft-serve cones are a big part of the appeal, especially with children at home.

Who it suits, and who should skip

It suits you if you make frozen desserts often, like to control what goes into them, and want the fun of soft serve at home. It also fits a household that plans ahead, since every pint needs time in the freezer. Skip it if you want ice cream on a whim, have little counter space, or already own a CREAMi you’re happy with. For a dessert-loving family, it’s a cheerful addition to the kitchen.

If frozen drinks are more your style, the Ninja SLUSHi is a fun next read. And for a sundae night, a fresh waffle from the Ninja Belgian waffle maker makes a sweet base.

Your questions, answered