Just got the Ninja Creami? Follow these 3 tips for perfect results every time

Ninja creami next to a range of drinks
(Image credit: Ninja)

Whether it was the top of your Christmas wish list or you've invested in a Ninja Creami to hit your health goals this new year, I can attest that this iconic kitchen gadget can completely change your kitchen game.

But getting to grips with a new way of preparing food can be daunting, and if you're not armed with tips and tricks for getting the most of our your Ninja Creami, it could end up sat on your counters gathering dust.

The great news is that Ninja has a huge array of its own verified recipes on the Ninja Test Kitchen website, but there are also plenty of Ninja Creami community pages online that will give you the lowdown on common mistakes and tricks that the brand might not tell you.

Here are my top 3 Ninja Creami tips and tricks to get you started.

3 Ninja Creami tips

1. Don't freeze with the lid on

ninja creami prime day deal

(Image credit: Ninja)

Ninja is very insistent that you freeze your mixtures upright, and for good reason. If your frozen mix isn't flat on top, it could damage or even break your machine as it tries to blend at uneven pressures.

When freezing my mixtures I would instinctively put the lid on to allow me to stack with other products in my freezer and protect my mixture, but it would always come out with a raised lump in the middle of the frozen mixture.

After some online research, I found that this is caused by the lid itself. There are heaps of Ninja Creami enthusiasts who recommend leaving the lid off when freezing to prevent this, and I was happy to find that it actually works!

2. Add thickeners for a professional effect

Ninja Creami Gelato

(Image credit: Future)

You can add thickeners such as xanthan gum and guar gum powder to your ice cream mix to create a thicker and more scoopable consistency.

My ice cream made with the Ninja Creami melts faster than store-bought ones because store-bought ice creams contain additives that make them smoother, thicker, and longer-lasting.

I found this tip on a Ninja Creami Facebook community page and it's made a huge difference in my finished ice creams. Just make sure you only use a small amount (a half teaspoon at a time) and incorporate it fully.

Guar Gum Powder, 16oz
Guar Gum Powder, 16oz: $8.99 at Amazon

This naturally vegan and gluten-free guar gum powder will last you a very long time seeing as you'll only be using tiny amounts at a time. A lot of the reviews mention that it works brilliantly in ice cream, too.

3. Don't be afraid to re-spin

Ninja creami grainy mixture

(Image credit: Future)

There are a number of reasons why your ice cream could look grainy or crumbly after the first spin. Perhaps it's not been incorporated well enough, or it was too cold when you first processed it. The trick is not to add in any additional liquid if you re-spin, which is a mistake I've made before which left me with something more resembling a milkshake than an ice cream.

Just scrape around the outside of the container and flatten the top down, then put it back in for a re-spin and you should be left with a much smoother consistency the second time around.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Millie Fender
Senior Homes Editor

Millie is the Senior Home Editor at Tom's Guide. She's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners. Starting out in 2019 as a Staff Writer at TopTenReviews, Millie then moved on to Future's Homes portfolio, where she eventually oversaw all product testing as Head of Reviews.

With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie's not tested. She's traveled the world reporting on the latest home innovations and product launches, learning how to use pizza ovens from Pizzaiolos in Naples, and touring the De'Longhi factory in Venice.

When she's not reporting on home and appliance trends, Millie loves watching live music. She's currently learning the guitar - naturally, she plays a Fender.

Read more
Ninja creami next to a range of drinks
5 no-prep Ninja Creami ideas that take seconds, and taste delicious
Ninja Creami Swirl vs Ninja Creami Deluxe
The new Ninja Creami Swirl comes with a soft serve dispenser — here's what we know
Ninja Creami Swirl first look
The Ninja Swirl is finally here — and we got a first look
Ninja Creami Swirl vs Ninja Creami Deluxe
The Ninja Swirl isn't out yet, but Creami fans are already mad — here's why
cuisinart ice cream maker
You can't buy the Ninja Swirl yet, but this popular alternative even comes with a sprinkles dispenser
Ninja Slushi Frozen Eggnog
I made spiked eggnog in the Ninja Slushi, and it was a big hit at my holiday party
Latest in Home Appliances
a photograph of the dreame h12 pro wet and dry vacuum cleaner cleaning up spilled cheerios on a hardwood floor with an amazon spring sales deals badge
I loathe spring cleaning — but these awesome Amazon Big Spring Sale vacuum deals might make me change my mind
Corsori 9-in-1 air fryer
I use this air fryer every day — and it's 25% off now for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
De'Longhi Linea Classic
De'Longhi's timeless new Linea Classic espresso machine is shockingly affordable, and ideal for small kitchens
the dyson airwrap ID in teal and terracotta colorway (patina and orange) with a lapis case, with a brush, hairfryer, curling wand attachments
I'm so sick of everything being 'smart' — and the Dyson Airwrap i.d. I've been testing is the last straw
the breville dose control pro, called sage dose control pro in the uk, a silver coffee grinder with 60 grind settings and labeled grind size adjustment
The Breville Dose Control Pro is one of the most divisive coffee grinders — here’s why I disagree with the haters
Vanilla Decaffeinato
I'm a decaf drinker — here's why Nespresso's latest drop has finally persuaded me to buy a Vertuo machine
Latest in Features
Wordle answer for #1,244, Thursday, November 14
I used ChatGPT to help me win at Wordle — here's what happened
A hand feels the temperature regulation of the SPRINGSPIRIT Dual Layer Mattress Topper.
What is a bamboo mattress topper and should you buy one?
2025 Mini Cooper Countryman SE All4 review.
I drove the Mini Cooper Countryman EV for a week — here’s my pros and cons
Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack
I tested this laptop backpack for 6 months — and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made
a person with muscular calves running
Physio says runners need these 3 calf strength variations in their training — here’s why I’m finally listening
Obscura VPN website landing page
Obscura VPN wants to be the "best darn VPN out there" – can it?