The Ninja Creami Swirl just hit our counter, and we’ve been putting it through its paces. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the counter space, noise, and 24-hour prep — or if it’s just a flashy kitchen gadget — this hands-on review has you covered. From setup and recipes to real-world results and cleanup, here’s everything you need to know.
What Comes in the Box?
The unit arrives in multiple boxes, and it’s bigger than you’d expect — so clear some space. Inside, you’ll find two pint containers with lids, the swirl attachment, and a recipe-packed user manual.
Soft Serve Test: Vanilla Recipe
We tried Ninja’s basic vanilla soft serve recipe: pudding mix, sugar, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. After mixing and freezing for 24 hours, we popped the pint into the base, locked in the swirl lid, and hit the “Soft Serve” program. The machine did its job, and the result? Creamy, dreamy soft serve — complete with an impressive swirl.
Favorite Features & Key Observations
🍦 13 Program Modes: Includes 6 for soft serve, 7 for traditional ice cream.
🌀 Swirl Mechanism: Adds that classic soft-serve swirl (and it looks amazing).
⚡ Re-spin Shortcut: Skip the 24-hour wait — just re-spin your favorite store-bought ice cream.
🔊 Still Noisy: Slightly quieter than the original Ninja Creami, but still loud.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun: Everyone was excited to try it — toppings, swirls, sundaes, you name it.
Tips, Mishaps & Pro Hacks
Make sure your mixture is fully blended before freezing — our vanilla batch had a few pudding clumps. Also, don’t be surprised when the swirl attachment blasts out a final “extra push” at the end. It’s normal… and kind of hilarious.
Soft Serve Without the Wait
The coolest trick? You can use regular ice cream and just hit “Re-spin” to make it soft-serve ready. No freezing required. It works shockingly well with brands like Halo Top, Breyers, or any favorite pint.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleanup is easier than expected. Just open the base, clean the inside nozzle pocket, and rinse the attachments. No complicated parts or hidden messes.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you’re a soft serve fan or just want a fun, family-friendly way to cool off in the kitchen — the Ninja Creami Swirl is worth every scoop. It’s not perfect, but the flexibility, fun, and flavor are hard to beat.