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Comparison

Ninja Creami NC300 vs NC301 vs NC299

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Short answer

The NC300, NC301 and NC299 are all versions of the original Ninja Creami. They use the same 16 oz pint and the same freeze-then-shave method. The differences are mostly the program count on some versions, the color, the retailer and what comes in the box. The current NC301 and NC299AMZ listings both name the same 7 programs, so buy whichever is cheapest and confirm the program list on the box.

Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.

Verdict

Treat the NC300, NC301, NC299AMZ and NC351 as the same original Creami. Buy the cheapest listing that names all 7 programs, which is currently the NC301; pay more for the NC351 only if you want its navy look.

Ninja has sold the original Creami under several model numbers, which makes shopping confusing. This page is for buyers comparing an NC300, NC301, NC299AMZ or the newer NC351 and wondering whether any of them is worth paying more for. We lay out what the current Amazon listings say, explain the 5-in-1 vs 7-in-1 question, cover pint compatibility, and finish with a short verdict. The NC300 is not in the listings we track, so we describe it from Ninja's general lineup rather than a listing.

Same machine family, different labels

Every original Creami works the same way. You freeze a base in a 16 oz pint for 24 hours, lock the pint into an outer bowl, and a paddle spins down through the frozen block to shave it smooth. Ninja calls this Creamify Technology. The Re-spin function runs a second pass when the first spin is crumbly. See how the Ninja Creami works for the details.

Model numbers on these originals mostly track the retailer, the color and the bundle rather than a new motor or a new paddle. That is why prices for nearly identical machines vary so much. Always compare the program list printed on the box and the number of pints included, not just the model number.

Side view of a Creami pint with the spinning paddle moving down through the frozen baseDirection of travel:down, while it spinsMAX fill lineSpun, creamyFrozen base(pint stays still)ShaftPaddleOuter bowl and lid lock the pint in place
The pint stays still while the spinning paddle works down from the top of the frozen block. Fill no higher than the MAX line.

Spec comparison from the listings

The table uses the current Amazon listing text. The NC300 row is described from Ninja's lineup, not from a listing, so treat it as a guide and check the box.

  • NC301
    Programs listed7: Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, Mix-In
    Color or lookNot stated in title
    NotesCreamify Technology, Re-spin
    Listing price$163.79
  • NC299AMZ
    Programs listed7: same list as NC301
    Color or lookNot stated in title
    NotesAmazon-specific model number
    Listing price$219.99
  • NC351
    Programs listed7: Ice Cream, Lite, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Mix-in
    Color or lookNavy, new look
    NotesListing says same performance, fresh look
    Listing price$199.99
  • NC300
    Programs listed7-program original (check box)
    Color or lookVaries
    NotesNot in our tracked listings
    Listing priceNot listed
Original Creami models compared

5-in-1 vs 7-in-1

Searches for a 5-in-1 Creami usually refer to earlier versions of the original that shipped with fewer programs. Some versions of the NC299 did not include Gelato and Smoothie Bowl, which brings the count down to 5. The current NC299AMZ listing names all 7 programs, so the 5-program version may only turn up as older or secondhand stock.

Missing programs are less of a loss than they sound. A custard base can be spun on Ice Cream instead of Gelato, and a thick fruit and yogurt base can be spun on Sorbet or Lite Ice Cream instead of Smoothie Bowl, with a re-spin if needed. Use the Creami program picker to find the right button for your base on each model, and see Creami programs explained for what each program does differently.

Pints and accessories

All of these original models use the 16 oz pint. That makes spare pints and lids easy to share between them, as long as the packaging lists your model number. They do not fit the Creami Deluxe, which uses 24 oz XL tubs. If you might want bigger batches later, read Creami vs Creami Deluxe before buying extra pints, and check our Creami pint sizes reference for the full compatibility picture.

Note.Always match pints, lids and paddles to the model number on the label under your machine. A pint that is not listed for your model may stop the bowl from locking.

How to choose between them

Our best Ninja Creami guide compares the originals with the Deluxe and Swirl so you can see the whole lineup at once.

  1. 1

    Check the program list on the box or listing. If it names all 7 programs, the machine covers everything the original family can do.

  2. 2

    Compare the number of pints included. Extra pints let you keep a rotation going in the freezer.

  3. 3

    Compare price. With the same core performance, the cheapest 7-program listing is usually the best buy.

  4. 4

    Pick a color you like, since the NC351 is mainly a new look.

  5. 5

    If you need more than a pint per spin, skip the originals and look at the Deluxe models instead.

Compare the full Creami lineup →

What none of them change

No original Creami model fixes the basic trade-offs of the design. Every pint still needs 24 hours in the freezer, the machine is loud while it runs, and you can only process one pint at a time. Lean bases may still come out powdery on the first spin and need a re-spin with a splash of milk. If those trade-offs bother you, see is the Ninja Creami worth it and our Creami alternatives.

On the other hand, any of these models handles the uses that made the Creami popular: protein ice cream, sugar-free and dairy-free pints, sorbet and milkshakes. Start with Creami protein ice cream or the Creami vanilla recipe once you have one.

Frequently asked questions

Is the NC301 better than the NC300? They are the same original Creami design with the same 16 oz pint. Compare the program list and bundle on the box rather than expecting a performance difference.

What is the difference between NC299AMZ and NC301? Both current listings name the same 7 programs. The AMZ suffix marks a model number tied to Amazon. Buy whichever is cheaper with the bundle you want.

Is the NC351 a new motor? The listing describes it as the Creami reimagined with the same powerful performance and a fresh new look, with 7 programs. Treat it as a restyle rather than a new machine.

Do NC300 pints fit the NC301? Original Creami 16 oz pints are made to work across the original models, but always check that your model number appears on the pint packaging before buying.

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