As someone who loves making frozen treats at home, I’ve spent time using both the Ninja NC701 and NC501 CREAMi machines. Both models bring the ice cream shop experience to your countertop, letting me craft scoops, soft serve, and creative frozen treats for family and friends.
Whether it’s indulgent ice cream, fruity sorbets, or high-protein CreamiFit options, these machines offer versatility, convenience, and customization. But after using both, I noticed clear differences in capacity, programs, and user experience that could help anyone decide which one is the better fit for their kitchen.
Key Difference Between Ninja NC701 vs NC501 Ice Cream Maker
The primary difference between the NC701 and NC501 lies in capacity and programs. The NC701 focuses on personalized soft serve and swirl options with 13 programs, ideal for single-serve pints and interactive fun.
The NC501, on the other hand, offers XL family-sized 24 oz tubs with 11 programs, including advanced dual-processing and Re-Spin features for creating larger, customizable batches. While both excel at healthy, low-fat treats, the NC701 is perfect for daily single servings, whereas the NC501 shines for family gatherings or batch preparation.
- SCOOP OR SWIRL: Customize flavors and choose between classic scoops or soft serve outputs. With 13...
- ADDED PROGRAMS: Unlock a variety of CREAMi frozen treats with 5 new programs.
Quick Specs Comparison Table: Ninja NC701 vs NC501
| Feature | Ninja NC701 | Ninja NC501 |
| Capacity | 16 oz pints | 24 oz XL tubs (3 lbs total) |
| Cooking Programs | 13-in-1: Scoops, Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, CreamiFit, Swirled Frozen Yogurt, Lite Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshake, Low-Cal, etc. | 11-in-1: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Creami, Dual-Process Mix-Ins, Re-Spin, and 5 additional programs |
| Soft Serve | Yes, automatic Soft Serve Handle with 3 speeds | No dedicated Soft Serve handle |
| Dual-Drive Motors | Single motor | Dual motor system for Deluxe processing |
| Customization | Low sugar, dairy-free, protein-rich, nut-free, vegan | Low sugar, dairy-free, protein-rich, vegan |
| Mix-Ins | Yes, for creams and swirls | Yes, allows dual mix-ins in separate layers |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe pints, lids, paddle, swirl press | Dishwasher-safe tubs, paddle, outer bowl |
| Dimensions | Compact 16 oz pint size | XL 24 oz tubs, slightly larger footprint |
| Included Accessories | 2 CREAMi Swirl 16 oz pints, Soft Serve lid & press, paddle, outer bowl, drip tray | 2 CREAMi XL 24 oz tubs, Deluxe Creamerizer Paddle, outer bowl, recipe guide |
| Color | Silver | Stone Silver |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Overview: Ninja Creami NC701 vs NC501
Design & Build
When I first unboxed the NC701, I loved its compact design. The 16 oz pints make it lightweight, easy to handle, and perfect for kids or single servings. The NC501, in contrast, feels more substantial, built for family-sized batches. Its dual-drive motors give it a sturdy feel on the counter, and I noticed it’s slightly heavier but still manageable. Both units have a modern stainless steel look that fits seamlessly into my kitchen.
Cooking Performance
Using the NC701, I could quickly whip up soft serve and frozen yogurt in just a few minutes, and the swirl handle adds a fun interactive element for kids. The NC501, however, impressed me with its dual-processing power, handling larger volumes effortlessly while ensuring even texture throughout. Re-Spinning on the NC501 allows me to customize creaminess, which is something I couldn’t do on the NC701. Both deliver smooth, creamy, and low-fat frozen treats consistently.
- SCOOP OR SWIRL: Customize flavors and choose between classic scoops or soft serve outputs. With 13...
- ADDED PROGRAMS: Unlock a variety of CREAMi frozen treats with 5 new programs.
Ease of Use
The NC701 is incredibly straightforward with its one-touch programs and intuitive digital display. The soft serve function is effortless, and cleaning is quick thanks to dishwasher-safe parts. The NC501 is slightly more advanced, requiring minimal setup but offering more customization options, especially with dual mix-ins. Both machines make frozen treats accessible, but I found the NC701 slightly more beginner-friendly for casual users.
Versatility & Functions
I appreciated the NC701’s 13 programs for scoops, soft serve, and even CreamiFit, which makes it perfect for daily experimentation. The NC501, while offering slightly fewer programs, focuses on larger capacity and dual-processing, allowing me to make two different flavors simultaneously, which is perfect for entertaining guests. Both allow mix-ins, dietary customization, and fun experimentation, but NC501 excels in batch versatility.
Quick Rundown of Ninja Creami NC701 Ice Cream Maker
- SCOOP OR SWIRL: Customize flavors and choose between classic scoops or soft serve outputs. With 13...
Pros √
- Compact, lightweight design
- 13 versatile programs including soft serve
- Fun, interactive soft serve handle
- Easy to clean, dishwasher-safe parts
- Perfect for single servings
Cons x
- Smaller 16 oz capacity limits batch size
- Lacks dual-processing for multiple flavors at once
Quick Rundown of Ninja Creami NC501 Ice Cream Maker
- ADDED PROGRAMS: Unlock a variety of CREAMi frozen treats with 5 new programs.
Pros √
- XL 24 oz tubs, ideal for families
- Dual-drive motors for consistent processing
- Dual mix-ins and Re-Spin function for customization
- Smooth, creamy texture every time
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
Cons x
- Slightly larger footprint on the counter
- No dedicated soft serve handle like NC701
Detailed Comparison Table: Ninja NC701 vc NC501
| Feature | NC701 | NC501 |
| Best For | Single servings, fun soft serve | Family-sized batches, dual flavors |
| Programs | 13 | 11 |
| Soft Serve | Yes | No |
| Capacity | 16 oz pints | 24 oz tubs (3 lbs total) |
| Dual Mix-Ins | No | Yes |
| Ease of Cleaning | Easy, dishwasher-safe | Easy, dishwasher-safe |
| Customization | Low-cal, protein, vegan options | Low-cal, protein, vegan options |
| Fun Factor | Swirl handle for cones | Smart Thermometer and Re-Spin for perfect doneness |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Ninja NC701 vs NC501: Conclusion – Which One to Buy?
After using both machines extensively, I’d say the choice between the NC701 and NC501 depends on your household needs. The NC701 is compact, playful, and perfect for personal servings or kids’ soft serve cones. It’s fast, easy to use, and delivers creamy treats with minimal effort.
The NC501, on the other hand, is designed for families or those who love batch preparation. Its dual-drive motors, XL tubs, and dual mix-in features allow me to create larger, more customizable desserts efficiently. For a fun, single-serve experience, NC701 wins, but for versatility and family-sized creations, the NC501 is my go-to.
