As someone who loves experimenting with frozen desserts at home, I’ve had the chance to try both the Ninja NC301 and NC299AMZ CREAMi ice cream makers. Both of these compact machines are perfect for kids and small households, letting me create ice cream, gelato, sorbets, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls in just a few steps.
While they share many similarities in design, functionality, and ease of use, there are subtle differences that affect capacity, accessories, and the overall user experience. After testing both, I’m here to help you decide which one suits your kitchen needs best.
Key Difference Between Ninja Creami NC301 vs nc299amz
The main difference between the NC301 and NC299AMZ is largely in accessories and minor design tweaks. The NC301 comes with two 16-oz pints, while the NC299AMZ typically includes a single 16-oz pint. Both use Creamify technology, 7 one-touch programs, and Re-Spin functionality for creamy textures, but the NC301’s extra pint and storage options make it slightly more convenient for making multiple flavors or serving two people simultaneously. Otherwise, their features, usability, and performance are almost identical.
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800...
- FUNCTIONALITY: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato,...
Quick Specs Comparison Table: Ninja NC301 vs NC299AMZ
| Feature | Ninja NC301 | Ninja NC299AMZ |
| Capacity | 2 x 16 oz pints | 1 x 16 oz pint |
| Programs | 7-in-1: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, Mix-In | 7-in-1: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, Mix-In |
| Soft Serve | No | No |
| Re-Spin Function | Yes | Yes |
| Creamify Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Customization | Low sugar, keto, dairy-free, vegan | Low sugar, keto, dairy-free, vegan |
| Ease of Cleaning | Top-rack dishwasher safe pints, lid, paddle | Top-rack dishwasher safe container, lid, paddle |
| Included Accessories | Motor base, 2 pints with lids, Creamerizer paddle, outer bowl | Motor base, 1 pint with lid, Creamerizer paddle, outer bowl |
| Color | Silver | Black |
| Wattage | 800 W | 800 W |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Analysis: Ninja NC301 vs NC299AMZ
Design & Build
When I unboxed the NC301, I immediately liked its compact, kid-friendly design. The two pints allowed me to prepare two flavors at once without waiting for another batch. The NC299AMZ is equally compact, slightly sleeker in black, but only includes one pint, which means I often need to clean and prep between batches if I want multiple flavors. Both units feel sturdy and well-built, with a small footprint that fits comfortably on my countertop.
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800...
Cooking Performance
Using the NC301, I was able to create creamy ice cream and gelato consistently, thanks to its Creamify Technology. The machine evenly shaves the frozen block, giving me smooth, rich textures every time. The NC299AMZ performs almost identically, ice cream, sorbets, and milkshakes all turned out creamy and delicious. Both devices allow me to re-spin for softer textures, and the one-touch programs made creating frozen desserts effortless.
Ease of Use
Both models are intuitive and beginner-friendly. The 7 one-touch programs mean I don’t have to guess settings, and cleanup is quick thanks to dishwasher-safe pints, lids, and paddles. The NC301’s two pints are handy for creating different flavors simultaneously, which is slightly more convenient when making desserts for family or friends.
- FUNCTIONALITY: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato,...
Versatility & Functions
Both units are highly versatile. I can make classic ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, Lite Ice Cream, and mix-ins with ease. The NC301’s extra pint gives me flexibility when experimenting with flavors, whereas the NC299AMZ is ideal for single-flavor use or small households. Both allow dietary customization for low sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options, making them great for health-conscious users.
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800...
Pros √
- Comes with 2 x 16 oz pints for multi-flavor preparation
- Compact and kid-friendly design
- 7 one-touch programs with Re-Spin functionality
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
- Perfect for small families or sharing
Cons x
- Slightly larger storage footprint due to the extra pint
- No dedicated soft serve function
Ninja CREAMi NC299AMZ Ice Cream Maker
- FUNCTIONALITY: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato,...
Pros √
- Compact, space-saving design
- 7 one-touch programs with Re-Spin functionality
- Creamify Technology delivers creamy, smooth texture
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons x
- Only includes one 16 oz pint
- Less convenient for making multiple flavors simultaneously
Detailed Comparison Table: Ninja NC301 Vs NC299AMZ
| Feature | NC301 | NC299AMZ |
| Best For | Families or multiple flavors | Single-user or small households |
| Programs | 7 | 7 |
| Pints Included | 2 | 1 |
| Re-Spin Function | Yes | Yes |
| Creamify Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Customization | Low sugar, keto, dairy-free, vegan | Low sugar, keto, dairy-free, vegan |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher safe | Dishwasher safe |
| Color Options | Silver | Black |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Conclusion: Ninja NC301 vs NC299AMZ
After using both machines, I can confidently say that the Ninja NC301 is the better choice if you want the flexibility to create two flavors at once or enjoy desserts with a friend or family member. Its extra pint and slightly larger footprint make multi-flavor prep simple and fun.
The NC299AMZ, however, is still a fantastic compact option for smaller households or for anyone who only needs one pint at a time. Both deliver creamy, smooth, and customizable frozen treats consistently, making either machine a solid addition to your kitchen.
My personal pick for versatility and convenience is NC301, especially for families or ice cream enthusiasts who love experimenting with flavors.
