Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker vs Ninja CREAMi Swirl NC701

Both are Ninja CREAMi machines that freeze a base overnight and then process it into frozen dessert. The original CREAMi is the better pick for most people: it holds a full quart across two pints, has the proven seven-program lineup, and has far more owner feedback behind it. The Swirl NC701 adds soft serve and swirl dispensing, but it holds half as much, weighs noticeably more, and has a much smaller track record. Buy the original for everyday ice cream, sorbet and gelato. Step up to the Swirl only if soft serve and the swirl look are the whole point.

• Choose the Ninja CREAMi if you want the established all-rounder for ice cream, sorbet, gelato and smoothie bowls, with two pint containers and a large base of owner experience.
• Choose the Ninja CREAMi Swirl NC701 if soft serve and swirled, dispensed desserts matter more to you than capacity, and you want the newer 13-program machine.