# Best Ninja Creami alternatives that churn instead of spin Source: https://scoopandchurn.com/best/best-ninja-creami-alternatives Publisher: Scoop & Churn. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://scoopandchurn.com/how-we-pick The Ninja Creami works by shaving a base that has already been frozen solid in its tub. Ninja's own listings tell you to freeze the base for 24 hours or overnight, and each run fills one pint-size tub. If that wait, the small batch or the high-speed spin is what puts you off, the alternative is a machine that churns liquid base into ice cream on the spot. A built-in compressor does the freezing, so you can decide on dessert after lunch and serve it after dinner, and most of these make 1 to 2.1 quarts per run. This guide compares churning machines on the listing facts that matter to a Creami shopper: machine type, batch capacity, any stated churn time, whether anything must be pre-frozen, and the programs or modes included. ## Picks ### 1. Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Ice Cream Maker and Gelato Machine, Makes Frozen Yogurt and Sorbet, Fully Automatic with Commercial-Quality Compressor and 2 Churning Paddles, ICE-100, Black/Stainless Type: Compressor; Capacity: 1.5 qt; Programs: 60-min countdown timer; Keep-cool hold: 10 minutes; Build: Black and stainless Cuisinart's compressor model with two paddles, one for ice cream and one for gelato, plus a 60-minute timer. The most complete package under $300 for cooks who want gelato too. What the listing offers: - The second paddle made specifically for gelato is unique among the picks under $300. - The listing states a limited 3-year warranty, the clearest coverage term in this group. - Touchpad controls with a large LCD and a 60-minute countdown timer keep operation simple. Limits to know: - At 1.5 quarts it makes less per batch than the 2 to 2.1 quart machines here. - Keep Cool runs only 10 minutes after the timer ends, according to the listing. ### 2. Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel Type: Compressor; Capacity: Not stated; Programs: 12 hardness settings, 4 presets, manual; Keep-cool hold: Up to 3 hours; Build: Brushed stainless steel A stainless churner that senses the hardness of the mix for the frozen yogurt setting you choose and holds it for up to 3 hours. Suits cooks who want froyo stopped at the same texture every time. What the listing offers: - Frozen yogurt is one of the listed hardness settings, so the machine decides when it is done. - Keep Cool holds the froyo chilled and churned for up to 3 hours. - Full manual mode is available if you want to stop softer. Limits to know: - Capacity is not stated in the listing, so batch size is unknown. - It is the most expensive pick in this guide. ### 3. COUPLUX Fastest Freezing Ice Cream Maker, with Built-in Compressor 2.1QT Type: Compressor churner; Capacity: 2.1 quarts; Noise claim: Low noise (no dB figure); Keep cool: Up to 2 hours; Pre-freeze needed: No A 2.1 quart compressor machine with three modes, a 2-hour keep-cool hold and a stainless bowl, priced near the bottom of the range. The value pick for large batches. What the listing offers: - The 2-hour keep-cool hold is the longest stated in this group. - 2.1 quarts makes up to 24 scoops per batch, according to the listing. - The listing describes a food-grade stainless bowl, steel mixing shaft, all-metal body and low noise. Limits to know: - The low-noise claim has no decibel figure behind it. - The listing gives no warranty term, so check coverage before you buy. ### 4. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, Automatic, No Pre-Freezing, 1-Qt Type: Compressor; Sorbet support: Sorbet preset; Capacity: 1 qt; Keep-cool hold: Keep Cool preset, duration not stated; Pre-freeze needed: No A compact Cuisinart with Quick Freeze Chill Technology, four presets and an integrated cord wrap for storage. Suits small kitchens where the machine goes back in a cabinet after use. What the listing offers: - Integrated cord wrap makes it tidier to store, per the listing. - One-touch presets for ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and Keep Cool. - Built-in ingredient funnel for adding mix-ins while churning. Limits to know: - Dimensions and weight are not stated despite the compact claim. - 1-quart batches are small for larger families. ### 5. Cuisinart 6-in-1 Slushy & Soft-Serve Maker, Ice Cream Maker Machine Makes Soft-Serve Ice Cream, Slushies, Sorbet and More, Quick-Freeze Chill Technology Maintains Perfect Temperature, ICE-200 Type: Compressor soft serve and slushy; Capacity: 1.7 quarts; Noise claim: Ultra-quiet motor, low-noise operation; Keep cool: Holds temperature and consistency; Pre-freeze needed: No A compressor-chilled soft serve and slushy maker that produces 1.7 quarts in as little as 15 minutes and dispenses with Smart Dispense Control. The pick for swirl cones without freezing a base. What the listing offers: - No pre-freezing is required; the listing says a compressor holds the temperature and consistency. - It can produce 1.7 quarts in as little as 15 minutes, per the listing. - The listing describes an ultra-quiet motor for low-noise operation. Limits to know: - It is built for soft serve and slushies, not dense scoopable ice cream for the freezer. - The quiet claim comes without a decibel figure, so it is hard to compare with other machines. ### 6. Whynter Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker, 2.1 Qt, ICM-201SB Type: Compressor; Capacity: 2.1 qt; Programs: Not stated (LCD timer); Keep-cool hold: Not stated; Build: Stainless steel housing An upright Whynter that keeps a 2.1-quart batch in a smaller footprint than horizontal machines. For small kitchens that still feed a family. What the listing offers: - Upright stainless housing designed for a smaller counter footprint. - 2.1-quart capacity, the largest in this compact guide. - No bowl in the freezer, so it saves freezer space too. Limits to know: - Taller and heavier than the 0.8 to 1.28 quart picks, though the listing gives no figures. - No preset programs are listed, only an LCD timer. ### 7. Martha Stewart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1QT Fully Automatic, 3 Modes, Black Type: Compressor; Capacity: 1 qt; Programs: 3 modes: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Frozen Yogurt; Pre-freeze needed: No; Power or noise: Not stated A 1-quart compressor machine with three modes and a backlit display. A small-batch option for cooks who want named modes over a plain timer. What the listing offers: - 1-quart batch makes up to 8 servings, per the listing. - Built-in compressor means no freezer space for a bowl. - Three modes and an easy-turn dial keep it simple. Limits to know: - The listing makes no footprint or compact claim, and gives no dimensions. - Costs about the same as the Cuisinart 1-qt, which adds a cord wrap and Keep Cool. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.