Ninja NC501 vs NC701: A Surprising Family Choice

When people ask me about the Ninja NC501 vs NC701, I tell them it depends on the ice cream experience you want at home. The NC501 is the flexible choice for families. The NC701 gives you that soft-serve shop feel right in your kitchen.

I live in Austin, Texas, where summers are brutally hot. I’ve tested both machines to keep my family cool and happy after dinner. From my hands-on use, I’ll walk you through the real differences. That way, you can see which one fits your lifestyle best.

Let’s dig in and find out which Ninja Creami model deserves a spot on your counter.

Ninja NC501 Review

When I first tried the Ninja NC501, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had used traditional ice cream makers before, but this one works in a totally different way. Instead of slowly churning liquid, it takes a frozen pint and spins it into smooth ice cream. The first time I made a batch, I was surprised by how creamy it came out. It felt like something I’d buy at a shop.

I used it after dinner with my family, and it turned into a fun routine. I prepped pints the night before, froze them, and by the next evening we had fresh ice cream, milkshakes, or even slushies ready in minutes. It does take planning—because of that 24-hour freeze—but once you get into the habit, it’s worth it.

What I Like

• Large capacity: The 24 oz pints are big enough for family nights. One batch easily serves four people.
• Variety of programs: I liked how it makes more than ice cream—slushies, frozen drinks, and even frozen coffee.
• Top/Bottom feature: Handy for when I only want half a pint. I can save the rest for later without waste.
• Texture quality: When it works right, the ice cream is smooth and creamy, even with lighter or lower-sugar bases.
• Easy cleanup: The pints and parts go in the dishwasher, which keeps things simple.

What Could Be Better

• Noise level: It’s very loud, like a power tool. I usually step out of the kitchen while it runs.
• Planning ahead: You need to freeze the pint for 24 hours, so it’s not good for last-minute cravings.
• Tall size: At nearly 17 inches, it doesn’t fit under some kitchen cabinets. Mine has to stay out on the counter.
• Mix-ins: Candy and nuts sometimes get chopped too much instead of mixing in evenly.

Ninja NC501 Overview

Recommendation

If you want an all-around frozen treat maker, the Ninja NC501 is a strong pick. It’s best for families who like having plenty of ice cream on hand or for people who enjoy variety—slushies one day, milkshakes the next. Meal preppers will also love being able to freeze several pints ahead of time.

If you live in a small space, or if you want quick, on-demand ice cream without waiting a full day, this model may not be the right fit. In that case, a smaller or simpler dessert maker could be better.

For me, the Ninja NC501 has earned a spot in my kitchen. Yes, it’s loud and tall, but it delivers creamy, custom ice cream that feels special every time we use it.

Ninja NC701 Review

The first time I tried the Ninja NC701, I knew it was different. Instead of only making frozen treats in a pint, it let me pull down a handle and swirl soft serve right into a cone. My kids loved it. They lined up like we were at an ice cream shop. That made the whole experience feel special.

I used it during a summer barbecue, and it was a hit. The smaller 16 oz pints made just enough for four cones. Everyone got a treat without extra ice cream melting away. It’s not for big batches. It’s about the fun of serving soft serve at home.

What I Like

• Soft serve experience: The handle let me swirl cones like a shop. Dessert felt interactive and fun.
• Special programs: The NC701 has settings for soft serve, frozen yogurt, custard, and fruit whip. The textures came out right every time.
• Protein-friendly: The CreamiFit setting worked with protein shakes. I made one with vanilla whey powder, and it came out creamy instead of chalky.
• Family fun: My kids enjoyed pulling the handle. It turned dessert into an activity, not just food.
• Smooth results: Compared to the NC501, this one made lighter and softer textures. They were easy to dispense.

What Could Be Better

• Footprint: It’s wide and heavy at almost 21 lbs. On my counter, it takes more space than my coffee maker and blender combined.
• Waste: A bit of ice cream stays stuck in the pint and nozzle. It’s not a big issue, but I noticed it.
• Smaller capacity: At 16 oz, the pints don’t hold as much as the NC501. For big families, you may need extra pints ready.
• Noise: Like the NC501, it’s loud while spinning. I warn people before turning it on.
• Special pints only: The NC701 uses unique pints with a nozzle. They don’t work with other Ninja Creami models.

Ninja NC701 Overview

Recommendation

If you want the ice cream shop feel at home, the Ninja NC701 is the one to pick. It’s best for families with kids, people who love soft serve cones, or health fans who make protein ice cream. The fun factor is hard to beat.

If you want bigger servings or more variety, like frozen drinks or slushies, the NC501 may be better. The NC701 is about the swirl, not bulk.

For me, the Ninja NC701 is less about making a lot of ice cream and more about enjoying the process. It makes dessert time fun. My family looks forward to it every week.

Ninja NC501 vs NC701: Detailed Comparison

I’ve used both the Ninja NC501 and the Ninja NC701. At first glance, they look alike. But they deliver very different experiences. The NC501 is versatile. The NC701 feels like a mini ice cream shop at home. Let’s break it down so you can see which one fits your kitchen better.

Freezing Speed: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

Both need frozen pints before use. Each requires about 24 hours in the freezer. In my tests, the NC501 worked better with different bases. The NC701 needed firmer freezing to swirl soft serve smoothly.

Rating: NC501 – 8/10, NC701 – 8/10

Capacity: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

The NC501 is built for bigger servings. The NC701 is about fun and smaller portions. For family nights, I reached for the NC501. For summer barbecues, the NC701 stole the show.

Rating: NC501 – 9/10, NC701 – 7/10

Bowl Material: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

Both use durable plastic pints. The NC701’s are special since they include a nozzle for dispensing. That also means they don’t work with other Ninja Creami models.

Rating: NC501 – 9/10, NC701 – 7/10

Mixing Quality: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

Here’s where the difference stands out. The NC501 mixes well but can over-chop mix-ins. The NC701 makes smoother textures, though it leaves some ice cream in the nozzle.

Rating: NC501 – 8/10, NC701 – 9/10

Noise Level: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

Both machines are loud, like a blender or power tool. I usually step out of the kitchen while they run.

Rating: NC501 – 6/10, NC701 – 6/10

Performance: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

The NC501 shines in variety. The NC701 delivers the “wow” factor with cones. Both perform well, but for different needs.

Rating: NC501 – 8/10, NC701 – 9/10

Ease of Use: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

Both are simple once you learn the buttons. The NC701 feels more interactive. The NC501 is more “set and forget.”

Rating: NC501 – 8/10, NC701 – 9/10

Value for Money: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

Both are premium machines. The NC501 gives more versatility. The NC701 offers a unique soft serve experience.

Rating: NC501 – 9/10, NC701 – 8/10

Overall: Ninja NC501 vs NC701

Here’s my take: the NC501 is practical. The NC701 is fun. If you want one machine for milkshakes, ice cream, and frozen drinks, go NC501. If you want the joy of swirling cones at home, go NC701.

Rating: NC501 – 8.5/10, NC701 – 8/10

FAQs on Ninja NC501 vs NC701