Ninja has carved out a big space in the frozen treat world with two popular product lines: the Ninja CREAMi series for ice cream, sorbet, and soft serve, and the Ninja SLUSHi series for frozen drinks and slushies. The Ninja CREAMi NC701 and Ninja FS299 may both live in the “frozen fun” category, but they’re actually designed for very different experiences. One is all about creamy, scoopable or swirlable desserts, while the other specializes in icy, drinkable treats. Let’s break them down in detail.
Key Difference Between Ninja Creami NC701 Vs FS299
The key difference between the Ninja Creami NC701 and FS299 lies in their design and functionality focus. The Ninja Creami NC701 is part of Ninja’s original Creami lineup, featuring the standard program set for making ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls, along with a familiar vertical design and manual program buttons. It’s built for users who want a straightforward frozen treat maker with reliable results.
The Ninja Creami FS299, on the other hand, is a newer model that often features updated controls, potentially a more modern interface, and in some configurations, additional modes or refinements in processing speed. The FS299 may also have subtle design tweaks that improve usability or storage convenience. In short, the NC701 is the classic, tried-and-true Creami model, while the FS299 aims to deliver a slightly more refined and possibly more feature-rich frozen dessert-making experience.
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja Creami NC701 Vs Ninja FS299
Feature | Ninja CREAMi NC701 | Ninja FS299 |
---|---|---|
Type | Ice cream, soft serve, sorbet, frozen yogurt maker | Frozen drink & slushie machine |
Capacity | 16 oz per pint (2 included) | 88 oz vessel |
Programs | 13 one-touch programs (including 6 soft serve modes) | 2 preset programs |
Technology | CREAMi Creamerizer™ Paddle | RapidChill Technology |
Special Modes | CreamiFit (low-calorie, high-protein treats) | WhisperChill Compressor for quiet operation |
Mix-ins | Yes – add candy, nuts, chocolate, fruit | No mix-in feature |
Keep Frozen Time | N/A – best served fresh | Up to 12 hours |
Dishwasher-Safe Parts | Yes | Yes |
Best For | Custom ice cream & soft serve lovers | Large-batch frozen drink lovers |
Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Ninja CREAMi NC701 Swirl Ice-Cream Maker – Overview
The Ninja CREAMi NC701 is a versatile 13-in-1 frozen dessert maker that turns your countertop into a personal ice cream shop. It’s designed for anyone who loves having full control over ingredients, flavors, and textures. Unlike standard ice cream makers, the NC701 goes beyond classic scoops with six added soft serve programs, including Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, Swirled Frozen Yogurt, Lite Ice Cream, and the innovative CreamiFit mode perfect for creating lower-calorie, high-protein desserts in one spin.
- SCOOP OR SWIRL: Customize flavors and choose between classic scoops or soft serve outputs. With 13 versatile one-touch programs, there’s a frozen treat for everyone.
- 6 ADDED SOFT SERVE PROGRAMS: Go beyond classic scooped ice cream with Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, CreamiFit, Swirled Frozen Yogurt and Lite Ice Cream.
With its Soft Serve Handle featuring three speed settings, you can swirl your creations directly into a cone, making it an interactive and fun experience for all ages. The included two 16-oz CREAMi Swirl Pints let you make small-batch, personalized treats, which is ideal if everyone in the family wants a different flavor. The mix-in feature is a huge plus you can fold in chocolate chips, candy pieces, nuts, or fruit for a custom texture.
Cleaning is straightforward, as all the pints, lids, paddle, and swirl press are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. The NC701’s smaller serving size makes it better suited for dessert-style treats rather than large gatherings, but for pure customization and variety, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re crafting dairy-free, vegan, low-sugar, or indulgent recipes, this machine gives you the flexibility to own your flavor and make it exactly your way.
Pros:
- 13 versatile one-touch programs for maximum variety
- 6 dedicated soft serve and specialty dessert modes
- CreamiFit mode for healthier, high-protein treats
- Mix-in feature for custom textures and flavors
- Soft Serve Handle with 3 speed settings
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
- Compact design for small-batch desserts
Cons:
- Small capacity (16 oz per batch)
- Requires pre-freezing the pint before processing
- Not designed for large gatherings
- SCOOP OR SWIRL: Customize flavors and choose between classic scoops or soft serve outputs. With 13 versatile one-touch programs, there’s a frozen treat for everyone.
- 6 ADDED SOFT SERVE PROGRAMS: Go beyond classic scooped ice cream with Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, CreamiFit, Swirled Frozen Yogurt and Lite Ice Cream.
Ninja SLUSHi FS299 Professional Frozen Drink Maker– Overview
The Ninja SLUSHi FS299 is built for a completely different frozen treat experience large batches of smooth, icy drinks for entertaining or family fun. Its 88 oz capacity means you can serve multiple people at once, making it perfect for parties, pool days, and BBQs. At the heart of its performance is RapidChill Technology, which freezes liquids evenly without ice. This means your drinks stay flavorful without being watered down.
The FS299 has two preset programs to simplify the drink-making process, along with temperature control so you can make thicker, spoonable slushies or lighter, drinkable textures. Like the higher-end FS301, it also includes the WhisperChill Compressor, keeping drinks at the perfect temperature and texture for up to 12 hours without extra freezing or stirring.
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to freeze liquid evenly and maintain optimal temperature for perfect icy treats.
- A SUPERIOR FROZEN DRINK EXPERIENCE: With this versatile machine, turn your favorite liquids into smooth, flavorful frozen drinks: wine, coffee, soda, juice, chocolate milk, and more. Simply pour the liquid in, select your program, and watch it transform.
Cleanup is hassle-free thanks to its dishwasher-safe parts, detachable lid, and drip tray. It comes with a 10-recipe inspiration guide to get you started, though the FS299 is pretty intuitive pour in your drink base (wine, soda, juice, coffee, or chocolate milk), choose a program, and let it work its magic in 15-60 minutes. If you want an easy, big-batch solution for frozen drinks, the FS299 is an excellent pick.
Pros:
- Large 88 oz capacity for parties and group events
- RapidChill Technology for ice-free freezing
- WhisperChill Compressor keeps drinks frozen for 12 hours
- Adjustable temperature control for texture preference
- Easy-fill vessel and dishwasher-safe parts
- Simple operation with 2 preset programs
Cons:
- Limited to frozen drinks (no ice cream or soft serve)
- Bulkier than the CREAMi models
- Fewer presets compared to higher-end FS301
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to freeze liquid evenly and maintain optimal temperature for perfect icy treats.
- A SUPERIOR FROZEN DRINK EXPERIENCE: With this versatile machine, turn your favorite liquids into smooth, flavorful frozen drinks: wine, coffee, soda, juice, chocolate milk, and more. Simply pour the liquid in, select your program, and watch it transform.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Ninja Creami NC701 and the Ninja FS299 largely depends on what kind of frozen treats you love most and how you plan to use the machine.
- Choose the Ninja Creami NC701 if:
You’re a fan of creamy, customizable frozen desserts like ice cream, soft serve, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. If you love experimenting with flavors, textures, and mix-ins, or if you’re looking for healthier, low-calorie options with the CreamiFit mode, this is the machine for you. It’s perfect for small batches and personal servings, great for families or anyone who wants a fun, interactive dessert-making experience at home. - Choose the Ninja FS299 if:
You want to make large quantities of refreshing frozen drinks and slushies for family, friends, or parties. Its big 88-ounce capacity and RapidChill Technology make it ideal for entertaining or everyday frozen beverage lovers. If you prefer icy, drinkable treats like margaritas, frozen coffee, or slushies without the need for ice, and value convenience with simple presets, the FS299 will meet your needs.
Conclusion: Ninja Creami NC701 Vs Ninja Slushi FS299
Both the Ninja Creami NC701 and the Ninja FS299 bring innovative technology and high-quality design to the frozen treat market, but they cater to different cravings and occasions. The NC701 shines when it comes to creamy, rich desserts with endless customization options, while the FS299 is built for icy, refreshing frozen drinks in large batches.
Whether you’re craving your own homemade soft serve or want to impress guests with perfectly chilled slushies, Ninja offers solutions that combine convenience, performance, and style. With easy cleanup and smart features, either choice promises to elevate your frozen treat game this year.
Before you decide, consider what you and your household enjoy the most creamy desserts or icy beverages and pick the machine that fits your lifestyle. Either way, you’re set to enjoy delicious frozen treats all year round.