The Rundown · Kitchen

Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe NC501: The Rundown Before You Buy

By the BuyRundown team · November 9, 2026 · Researched, not hands-on tested

Replace with our own photo/video: before-and-after of a frozen tub and a finished scoop.

The rundown in one line: Worth it if you'll make frozen treats weekly, especially high-protein or low-sugar ones. Not worth it if you hate planning a day ahead or can't stand a loud motor.

Check price on Amazon Price: in the $200–$300 range when we checked.

What it is

The CREAMi went viral because it makes ice cream from things you wouldn't expect, like protein shakes, cottage cheese bases and blended fruit. The NC501 is Ninja's original XL Deluxe model. It comes with two 24 oz tubs and 11 one-touch programs, and it costs in the $200–$300 range when we checked.

The process is different from an old-school churn. You freeze a liquid base solid for about 24 hours. Then the machine drives a blade down through the frozen block and shaves it into a scoopable texture in a few minutes.

Key specs

Spec	Detail	Source
Model	NC501, first-generation CREAMi XL Deluxe	Amazon listing
Programs	11: Ice Cream, Lite Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, Italian Ice, Milkshake, Creamiccino, Frozen Drink, Slushi, Mix-In	Amazon / Ninja
Tubs	2 × 24 oz XL tubs with lids, 50% more than an original CREAMi pint	Amazon listing
Tub compatibility	NC500 and NC600 series 24 oz XL tubs only	Amazon listing
Freeze time	Base frozen about 24 hours before processing	Ninja / reviewers
Program time	About 1–5 minutes per program	Ninja support
Re-spin	Yes, a second cycle for a creamier finish	Amazon listing
Dual processing	Turn one base into two mix-in flavors in the same tub	Amazon listing
Power	800 W	Ninja
Dishwasher-safe	Tubs, lids and paddle; wipe the motor base	Ninja / reviewers

Who it's for

Protein, low-sugar and dairy-free experimenters, since you control every ingredient
Families who want bigger batches (24 oz tubs)
People who like drinks too: Slushi, Frozen Drink and Creamiccino modes
Anyone who will freeze a few tubs at a time so one is always ready

Who should skip it

Spontaneous dessert people, because each tub needs about a day in the freezer
Small kitchens with low upper cabinets (one reviewer measured about 17.6 in tall)
Anyone sensitive to noise, since owners describe it as drill-loud
People who already own original 16 oz CREAMi pints and expect them to fit (they don't)

Pros

Total control over ingredients
Bigger 24 oz XL tubs than the original CREAMi
11 programs, including drinkable ones
Re-spin rescues crumbly low-fat bases
Two tubs included, and the parts are dishwasher-safe

Cons

You have to plan about 24 hours ahead
Loud while processing (one review measured 86 dB at 1 m)
It's tall and heavy for a countertop
Its XL tubs don't work with original-size CREAMi models, and vice versa

What we found

What testers say: Ninjacreamer.com ran a 30-day test. Full-fat vanilla and mango sorbet came out smooth on the first spin. A protein base needed one re-spin and an oat-milk base needed two. That matches the most common owner tip: low-fat and protein bases often come out powdery the first time, so add a splash of milk and re-spin.

Before you buy extra tubs, read our CREAMi tub compatibility guide.

Alternatives

Smaller budget or a smaller household: Ninja's original-size CREAMi models use 16 oz pints. Check the program list on each listing.
Newer Deluxe models: Ninja has released later CREAMi models, and their program lists differ. Compare them before you buy, especially if you want Italian Ice or Slushi.
Curious about the trend? Read the protein ice cream explainer.

FAQ

Do I really have to freeze the base for 24 hours?

Ninja's instructions and most reviewers say yes. Bases need to be frozen solid and flat. Keeping two or three tubs frozen gets around the wait.

Will my old CREAMi pints fit the NC501?

No. The listing says the NC501 is designed for NC500 and NC600 series 24 oz XL tubs only.

Is it loud?

Yes. Reviewers consistently call it the loudest appliance in their kitchen, though a cycle only lasts a few minutes.

Can it make protein ice cream?

Yes. That's the main reason it went viral. Protein bases often need a re-spin, sometimes with a splash of milk.

What's dishwasher safe?

Ninja lists the tubs, lids and paddle as dishwasher safe. Wipe the motor base.

See the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe NC501 on Amazon

Sources

How we research: we read the current Amazon listing, the manufacturer's specs and support pages, and independent reviews, and we cite them above. Specs can change between product versions, so confirm on the listing before you buy. Last checked November 9, 2026.