I have spent a considerable amount of time testing both the Ninja Creami NC299AMZ and the Ninja Creami NC301, putting them through back-to-back sessions to see how they handle ice cream bases, gelato mixes, smoothie bowls, and even more textured creations like cookie-loaded milkshakes. While both machines share Ninja’s signature Creamify technology, their real-world performance is shaped by the differences in accessories, usability, design, and overall workflow.
If you are trying to decide which model deserves a place in your kitchen, my hands-on experience with these two ice cream makers should give you clear direction. Here is how they compared in day-to-day use.
Main Difference Between Ninja Creami NC299AMZ Vs NC301 Ice Cream Maker
The most meaningful difference between the NC299AMZ and the NC301 is what comes in the box. The NC299AMZ includes one pint, while the NC301 includes two pints, which significantly affects convenience if you batch-make flavors. The NC301 also adds more user-friendly design touches like a built-in timer and a refined interface. Aside from those distinctions, their core processing performance is nearly identical.
- FUNCTIONALITY: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800 watts. Voltage:...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
Comparison Table: Ninja Creami NC299AMZ Vs NC301 Ice Cream Maker
| Feature | Ninja Creami NC299AMZ | Ninja Creami NC301 |
| Capacity | One 16 oz pint | Two 16 oz pints |
| Color | Black | Silver |
| Special Features | Dishwasher-safe parts | Digital display, built-in timer, automatic shut-off |
| Included Accessories | 1 pint + lid, outer bowl + lid | 2 pints + lids, outer bowl + lid |
| Programs | 7 one-touch programs | 7 one-touch programs |
| Material | Plastic, Metal | Stainless steel, plastic |
| Power | 800 watts | 800 watts |
| Compatibility | NC299 & NC300 pints only | NC299 & NC300 pints only |
| Price Position | More budget-friendly | Slightly higher |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
When I placed both machines side by side, the contrast in design was immediately noticeable. The NC299AMZ has a simple, all-black finish that feels functional, but not particularly premium. The NC301, on the other hand, features a cleaner, silver-toned look that fits better with modern kitchen aesthetics. The build quality of the NC301 also felt slightly firmer and more polished, especially around the lid and outer bowl connection.
The two-pint advantage on the NC301 seems small on paper, but in practice, it reduces the amount of freezing rotation needed when making different flavors. I found myself naturally gravitating toward the NC301 for that reason alone.
- FUNCTIONALITY: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800 watts. Voltage:...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
Ease of Use
Both models are straightforward, but the user experience differs in small yet meaningful ways.
The NC299AMZ is simple and beginner-friendly, but the lack of a digital screen means you rely entirely on one-touch buttons without feedback. It works fine, but feels a bit dated.
Switching to the NC301, the digital display and built-in timer made the process smoother. I always knew which stage I was in, and the additional automation made the workflow feel more refined. For families or frequent treat-makers, the NC301 simply removes guesswork.
Both machines share the same Creamify paddle system, which I found incredibly effective at turning frozen bases into creamy ice cream in minutes. However, the NC301 felt slightly faster in responding between program switches due to its upgraded interface.
- FUNCTIONALITY: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
Performance & Functions
Program-wise, the two machines are identical — both offer Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-in.
During testing, both models delivered the same level of creaminess. Whether I used dairy, almond milk, or a protein shake as the base, the results were consistent. The Re-Spin feature works equally well on both machines to soften the batch further when needed.
Where they differ is the overall workflow:
- With the NC299AMZ, I found myself cleaning and refreezing more often because it includes only one pint.
- With the NC301, the dual pints allowed me to rotate between batches or give someone else a flavor without interruption.
In terms of actual ice cream texture, both machines performed identically. Gelato came out slightly denser, smoothie bowls were perfectly thick, and sorbets held a silky consistency.
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800 watts. Voltage:...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning is easy for both models. The pints, lids, and paddle are all top-rack dishwasher safe, which I appreciated after a long cooking session.
If I had to choose which one is easier to live with, I would again pick the NC301, not because it cleans better, but because having two pints means I clean less frequently. That convenience adds up more than you would expect.
Ninja Creami NC299AMZ Ice Cream Maker
- FUNCTIONALITY: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
Pros:
- More budget-friendly
- Lightweight and simple to operate
- Makes excellent ice cream, gelato, and smoothie bowls
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Compact footprint
Cons:
- Only one pint included
- No digital display or timer
- More repetitive workflow for multiple flavors
- Slightly less premium build
Ninja Creami NC301 Ice Cream Maker
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800 watts. Voltage:...
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to...
Pros:
- Includes two pints for batch-making
- Polished design with digital display
- Built-in timer improves usability
- Automatic shut-off for convenience
- Same powerful Creamify performance
- Easier multi-flavor preparation
Cons:
- Slightly higher price
- Still reliant on overnight freezing for all bases
- Silver finish shows fingerprints more easily
Conclusion and My Recommendation:
After using both the Ninja Creami NC299AMZ and the Ninja Creami NC301 extensively, I can confidently say that while both machines produce outstanding frozen treats, the NC301 offers a more complete ownership experience.
The actual ice cream output is identical, but the convenience advantages — dual pints, better user interface, digital timer, and a more polished build — made the NC301 far more enjoyable in daily use. If you only intend to make one flavor occasionally and want to save money, the NC299AMZ will absolutely get the job done. But if you like experimenting, preparing multiple flavors, sharing with family, or simply want a more refined machine, the NC301 is worth the upgrade.
In my experience, the NC301 delivers the same results with less hassle and a smoother workflow, making it the model I would personally keep on my counter.
