I finally tried the Ninja Swirl ice cream maker — here's what I love (and don't)

Ninja Creami Swirl first look — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The internet went crazy when Ninja teased its soft-serve ice cream maker in January, and after impatiently waiting to try the Creami Swirl for myself, I don't know how I managed without it.

I've tried every iteration of Ninja's Creami line, from the very first model to the Deluxe, but I've only recently unlocked the full potential of this ice cream maker by taking store-bought protein shakes and making delicious high-protein, low-fat treats.

It's loud and hefty

Ninja Swirl by Creami making protein vanilla ice cream — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The Swirl takes up some major counter-space. It's 15 inches wide, 10 inches deep and 17 inches tall, meaning it doesn't quite fit under my kitchen cabinets. It also weighs in at 20 pounds, making it quite the unit to lift on and off from your kitchen counters. Luckily, thanks to all my protein ice creams, I was well prepared for the task.

Included with the machine is two pint containers. These are exclusive to the swirl, and they come with a locking base that twists to act as a soft-serve dispenser once slotted into the left hand side of the machine.

The worst thing about the Swirl, or any Creami machine, is the 24-hour wait for your ice cream mix to freeze. I poured two vanilla protein shakes into my container (taking it right to the top of the Max Fill line) and returned to them after dinner the next day.

No re-spins needed

I used the 'Lite Soft Serve' setting to turn my low-fat mixture into a super smooth pint. I often have to re-spin my mixture after the first try because it comes out crumbly, but the ice cream came out ideal on the first try with the Swirl.

If you're wondering if this machine is as loud as its predecessors, the answer is a resounding "Yes". If anything, it's louder. I measured 84dB, and the setting took over four minutes, which is longer than my usual setting on the Creami Deluxe. That's probably because the machine needs to hit an extra-soft texture to make it suitable for soft-serve.

Hard to pour, easy to eat

To dispense, you simply pull down the lever on the side of the machine. Achieving a perfectly swirled soft-serve is actually incredibly hard. I was left with a random trail of ice cream snaking around my bowl, but if you do happen to spill, the machine comes with a drip tray to spare any sticky messes.

Flavor-wise, I had zero complaints with my soft-serve. It was ultra-smooth and creamy, and you'd have no idea you were eating a frozen protein shake instead of full-fat ice cream. It did start to melt fast though, so I had to race against the clock to finish my dessert.

My full review is still in the works, but if you're someone who loves dessert and still tries to hit a daily protein goal, the Swirl could be a game-changer.

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Millie is the Managing Editor of Homes at Tom's Guide. She's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners.

With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie hasn't 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. Millie is also an SCA-Certified barista.

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.

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