Ninja NC500 vs NC501: My Honest, Surprising Take

When I first looked at the Ninja NC500 and NC501, I just wanted an easy way to make ice cream at home. Both models are close, but small details matter.

I tested them side by side in my kitchen here in Austin, Texas. The NC500 feels like the starter model. The NC501 adds extras that make family nights easier. From making sorbet for my kids to protein ice cream for myself, I saw what worked and what didn’t.

If you’re stuck between the two, this guide will help you choose without trial and error.

Ninja NC500 Review

When I first tried the Ninja NC500, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I already had a few kitchen gadgets, but I wanted something that could make frozen treats without extra work. After using it for weeks, I can say this machine is fun, strong, and unlike anything else on my counter.

It doesn’t work like a blender. Instead, it shaves down a frozen block of mix into smooth ice cream, sorbet, or frozen drinks. I found that if I keep a few pints ready in the freezer, I can have dessert in minutes. It’s not perfect, but for the right person, it feels like a small game-changer.

What I Like

• Easy to use – The controls are simple. I pick a program and press start. The digital timer shows how long is left.
• Great texture – My first batch of ice cream was smooth and creamy. Even low-sugar recipes tasted rich.
• Versatile programs – The NC500 does more than ice cream. Sorbet and frozen coffee both came out great.
• Fast cleanup – The pints, lids, and paddle are dishwasher-safe. That makes it easy to use often.
• Good size – The 24 oz. pints are just right for sharing or making two flavors at once.

What Could Be Better

• Very loud – It sounds like a blender or shop vac. I don’t use it late at night.
• Takes planning – The mix must freeze solid for 24 hours. If I forget, I can’t use it right away.
• Large size – At nearly 17 inches tall, it won’t fit under all cabinets. I keep it on a side counter.
• Durability concerns – Some users report wear on the paddle or motor. Mine is fine so far, but it’s worth noting.

Ninja NC500 Overview

Recommendation

If you love ice cream, smoothies, or frozen drinks and don’t mind a bit of prep, the Ninja NC500 is a great pick. I’d suggest it for small families, health-focused eaters, or anyone who likes to control ingredients. It’s perfect for low-sugar or dairy-free recipes that still taste creamy.

If you want something quiet or instant, this may not be the best fit. A compressor-style ice cream maker might work better in that case. But if you’re okay with freezing pints a day ahead, the NC500 gives results you won’t get from a blender.

For me, it’s worth the counter space. I prep three pints on Sunday, and my family enjoys fresh desserts all week.

Ninja NC501 Review

When I brought home the Ninja NC501, I was curious if it would live up to the hype. I had already tried the NC500, so I knew the basics. The NC501 turned out to be the same strong machine, but this bundle felt better for daily family use.

The NC501 works by shaving frozen pints into smooth treats. It’s not a blender. It makes ice cream, sorbet, or frozen coffee that tastes close to what you’d buy at a shop. By keeping two or three pints in the freezer, I could serve dessert anytime with little effort.

What I Like

• Simple setup – The dial and timer made it easy to start. No stress, no fuss.
• Two included pints – My NC501 came with two 24 oz. pints. One for the kids, one for me.
• Great texture – The sorbet I made was smooth and fresh. Even protein mixes came out creamy.
• Extra functions – I liked the frozen drink and Creamiccino™ settings. They gave more variety.
• Dishwasher-safe parts – The paddle, lids, and tubs went right in the dishwasher. Cleanup was quick.

What Could Be Better

• Noise level – It’s loud, like a blender. I don’t use it when the kids are asleep.
• Freezer planning – Mixes need 24 hours in the freezer. No last-minute desserts here.
• Tall design – At 17 inches, it didn’t fit under one of my cabinets. I keep it on a side counter.
• Spare pints cost extra – Two pints felt limiting at times. Buying more adds cost.

Ninja NC501 Overview

Recommendation

The Ninja NC501 is a smart choice if you want frozen treats at home and like control over ingredients. It’s great for small families, health-minded eaters, or anyone who wants dairy-free or low-sugar ice cream that still feels creamy.

If you want more pints at once, check the CN501CO bundle from Costco. It often includes three tubs. If you want instant desserts and less noise, a compressor ice cream maker may fit better.

For me, the NC501 has been fun and reliable. I prep mixes on the weekend, freeze them, and my family enjoys fresh desserts all week. It takes planning, but the results make it worth it.

Ninja NC500 vs NC501: Detailed Comparison

I’ve used both the Ninja NC500 and NC501 at home. They are very close, but small changes affect daily use. Both make creamy ice cream and sorbet, but each has its own edge. Here’s my side-by-side take.

Freezing Speed: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Both models need pints frozen for about 24 hours. In my tests, the speed of spinning frozen blocks into ice cream was the same. The texture was smooth, but neither makes “instant” desserts.

Rating: NC500 – 7/10 | NC501 – 7/10

Capacity: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Both use 24 oz. deluxe pints. The NC500 comes with one. The NC501 includes two. That extra pint helped when making different flavors for my kids and myself.

Rating: NC500 – 7/10 | NC501 – 8/10

Bowl Material: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Both models use BPA-free plastic pints with sturdy lids. They are dishwasher-safe. After months of use, mine showed no cracks or wear.

Rating: NC500 – 8/10 | NC501 – 8/10

Mixing Quality: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Both shaved frozen blocks into creamy ice cream, sorbet, and frozen coffee. The texture was even on both. The NC501 stood out with its Creamiccino™ option for more variety.

Rating: NC500 – 8/10 | NC501 – 9/10

Noise Level: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Both machines are loud, about as noisy as a blender. I avoided using them late at night.

Rating: NC500 – 6/10 | NC501 – 6/10

Performance: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Performance was almost the same. Both made smooth desserts and worked without issues. The NC501 only stood out for the extra preset.

Rating: NC500 – 8/10 | NC501 – 9/10

Ease of Use: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Both had simple controls and a digital timer. The NC501’s second pint made family use easier.

Rating: NC500 – 7/10 | NC501 – 8/10

Value for Money: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

The NC500 is usually cheaper. But the NC501 adds more in the box. If you need more pints, the NC501 can save money in the long run.

Rating: NC500 – 7/10 | NC501 – 8/10

Overall: Ninja NC500 vs NC501

Both models are strong picks. The NC500 is a good entry choice. The NC501 feels like a better family bundle.

Rating: NC500 – 7.5/10 | NC501 – 8.5/10

FAQs About Ninja NC500 vs NC501