Ninja Creami pint sizes: which containers fit which model

Pint size by model

Ninja has sold the Creami in a few families. Within each family there are several model numbers that differ in color, bundle or retailer, but the pint size follows the family.

Why the sizes are not interchangeable

The paddle on each model is set to travel a specific distance down through the pint. The outer bowl and lid are also shaped around one pint height. A 24 oz Deluxe pint is too tall for an original Creami outer bowl, and a 16 oz pint in a Deluxe does not sit where that machine expects. Ninja marks pints and accessory packs with the models they fit, and lists original pints as not compatible with the Deluxe and the reverse.

Using the wrong pint can trigger the Install light, keep the lid from locking, or make the paddle hit the pint. If you have both a 16 oz and a 24 oz machine, label your pints or keep them in separate bins. For other start-up problems, see Ninja Creami not working.

Note.Do not force a lid to lock over the wrong pint. If it does not seat easily, it is the wrong part.

The MAX fill line

Every pint has a MAX fill line below the rim. Liquid expands when it freezes, and the space above the line leaves room for that expansion and for the paddle. Filling past the line is a common reason pints come out with a hump, the machine stops, or base splashes into the lid.

The line is the same idea on 16 oz and 24 oz pints; only the volume differs. A 16 oz pint holds a base of roughly 1 3/4 cups at the line, which is why most Creami recipes are written around that amount. A 24 oz pint holds about half again as much, so Deluxe recipes multiply a 16 oz recipe by about 1.5. Fill to the line, not to a measured number, since the base shrinks or grows slightly with different ingredients.

Scaling recipes between 16 and 24 oz pints

Most published Creami recipes are for 16 oz pints. To make them in a Deluxe 24 oz pint, multiply each ingredient by 1.5. The classic vanilla base of 1 tablespoon cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk becomes 1 1/2 tablespoons cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups whole milk. Full method in Ninja Creami vanilla ice cream.

Going the other way, divide a Deluxe recipe by 1.5. If you end up with extra base, pour it into a second pint up to the line, or freeze it in an ice pop mold.

• 16 oz to 24 oz: multiply by 1.5
• 24 oz to 16 oz: multiply by 2/3
• Always stop at the MAX line, whatever the recipe says

Buying extra pints

Extra pints let you keep several flavors frozen and ready, since each needs about 24 hours in the freezer. Buy pints sold by Ninja or clearly labeled for your exact model family, and check that they come with storage lids. Some third-party pints are sold as compatible; read the model list carefully and make sure the fit matches your machine. Wash new pints before first use; see how to clean a Ninja Creami.

If you are deciding between models mainly on batch size, the Deluxe's 24 oz pints suit families, while 16 oz pints suit one or two people. Our best Ninja Creami guide and best large capacity ice cream maker guide cover both, and Ninja Creami vs Deluxe compares them directly.

Storing pints in the freezer

Freeze pints upright on a level shelf with their storage lids on. Taller 24 oz pints need more shelf height, so measure your freezer if space is tight. Smooth the top flat before refreezing any leftovers, as covered in storing and refreezing Ninja Creami pints.

Frequently asked questions

Do Ninja Creami Deluxe pints fit the original Creami? No. Deluxe pints are 24 oz and taller. Ninja lists them as not compatible with the original 16 oz models.

How much base goes in a 16 oz Creami pint? Fill to the MAX line, which is roughly 1 3/4 cups for most bases. Recipes for 16 oz pints are written around that amount.

Can I buy 24 oz pints for my NC301? No. The NC301 uses 16 oz pints. Buy pints labeled for the original Creami models.

Are Ninja Creami pints dishwasher safe? Ninja lists pints and storage lids as top-rack dishwasher safe. Hand washing helps keep them clear.