Ninja CREAMi NC501 Tub Guide: Which Pints Fit, and What 'XL Deluxe' Means
The number-one CREAMi mistake: buying the wrong extra tubs. Here's the plain-English version of Ninja's compatibility rules.
The short answer
The NC501 uses 24 oz XL tubs. Its Amazon listing says it is designed for NC500 and NC600 series 24 oz XL tubs only. Original 16 oz CREAMi pints, the ones made for the original-size machines, won't work in it. Independent reviewers note that the reverse is also true.
Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe NC501 Ice Cream Maker
Freeze a base for a day, then let the machine shave it into ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt or a slushie. 11 programs, two 24 oz tubs.
Price: in the $200–$300 range when we checked. Check Amazon for the current price.
Why it matters
Every CREAMi treat needs a base frozen for about a day. If you only own the two tubs in the box, you can make two batches before you have to wait again. Most regular users keep three or four tubs going, so extras are usually the first add-on people buy.
Before you order extra tubs
- Search by your machine's model number (NC501) plus "XL tubs" or "Deluxe pints."
- Check that the extra-tub listing names the NC500 or NC600 series.
- Don't overfill. Ninja marks a max fill line (24 oz), and overfilled bases can expand and crack tubs.
- Freeze tubs level and flat. Ninja and reviewers say an uneven top can cause processing problems.
What "XL Deluxe" gets you
- 24 oz tubs, which the listing says is 50% more than an original pint
- 11 programs, including Italian Ice, Frozen Yogurt and Slushi
- Dual processing: two mix-in flavors from one base
Still deciding? Read the full NC501 rundown or our protein ice cream explainer.