Get the scoop on the new Ninja Creami Breeze and see how it compares to the previous models.
As our readers know, we're big fans of the Ninja Creami and have featured numerous low carb frozen dessert recipes using the Creami. So when the Ninja Creami Breeze (model number NC201) was released we immediately pre-ordered it from the Ninja website to put it through our testing. We've been updating this post frequently in response to reader questions so if there's something you want to know about the Breeze please let us know in the comments.
Availability
As of this writing, the Ninja Creami Breeze is only available for order on the NinjaKitchen website and is not yet listed on Amazon or other retailers. We ordered ours directly from Ninja's website and it arrived in four days with no special shipping.
Comparing the Breeze to Previous Models
At first glance, the Ninja Creami Breeze appears to be a slight update to the original Ninja Creami (model number NC301), which was released two years ago. It features the same seven programs (Ice Cream, Lite Ice Cream, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Sorbet, Gelato, and Mix-in) as the original model and fewer programs than the 11-program Ninja Creami Deluxe released last year.
While the pint containers are the same size (i.e. 16 ounces), Breeze pint containers cannot be used in the original Creami and vice-versa. This is because the new the pint containers have notches that replace the need for an outer bowl during insertion into the Creami Breeze.
Note the notches around the lip of the Breeze container that the original does not have and showing that they are incompatible between models despite the similar size.
Key Features of the Ninja Creami Breeze
The most notable change in the Ninja Creami Breeze is the elimination of the outer bowl and the introduction of an angled spindle. By removing the outer bowl, the appliance becomes more compact, taking up less counter space.
This design improvement also simplifies the insertion process which has had some notable incidents, such when QVC hosts struggled to insert the outer bowl or when Modernist Pantry needed the strength of three people to remove the outer bowl. By contrast, the Breeze has a faster and more user-friendly experience when inserting the pint container. Insertion is a now simpler clockwise turn that locks into the place as shown in the animated image below. This is more similar to what you might find on a blender and removes the extra step of placing the pint in the outer bowl.
Additionally, the angled spindle makes it easier to notice and clean any residue or debris, ensuring a cleaner and more hygienic ice cream-making process.
While it might not be a direct benefit for consumers, the removal of the outer bowl could also lower production costs for NinjaKitchen.
Another surprising touch is that the Breeze has suction cups on the base. This should help keep the smallest Creami stable during processing by its powerful motor. However if you're frequently moving the Creami around on your counter (or into another room due to the noise...) the suction cups could become a nuisance and you may wish to cover them with tap.
Sizes of the original Creami and Creami Breeze
We've been asked if the Breeze is really that much smaller than the original Creami. The short answer is that Breeze is slightly smaller than the original Creami but it feels like a bigger difference because it looks less bulky. So if the original didn't physically fit in your countertop, the Breeze may not fit either. However, if it just looked bulky on your counter then you'll be pleased with the aesthetic of the newer Breeze. Think of it like getting a newer version of your phone, each year it's only slightly thinner but the difference can feel dramatic.
You can see the difference most clearly in the photos below which compare them from the front and top.
By our measurements, the height of the Creami Breeze is very slightly smaller (less than ⅛").
The width of the Breeze machine is only about 0.75" (or ¾ an inch) smaller but when you consider that it lacks the outer bowl which adds about 1.75" to the original's width the Breeze is actually 2.5" smaller (or about 30% smaller).
In terms of length, it's a little more grey. The Breeze machine is smaller but the angled spindle adds a bump in the back and the length is longer when the bowl is attached. With all those factored in it's about the same length even though it doesn't look it. However given that the bowl is smaller, this additional length is less noticeable than you might expect.
Should You Buy the Ninja Creami Breeze?
Overall the new changes in the Breeze are pleasant improvements in usability but do not add any new capabilities. If you don't already own a Ninja Creami, the Breeze is definitely worth considering.
However, we would recommend opting for the Ninja Creami Deluxe if it fits your budget, as it offers additional features and programs. If price is a concern, keep an eye out for discounts on the original Ninja Creami now that it's apparently being replaced by the Breeze.
To find out more about both of those Creami models, check out our review of the Ninja Creami Deluxe and how it compares to the original Ninja Creami.
As of this writing, the Breeze is only available from the official Ninja Kitchen website.
The Breeze is smaller and is easier to use than the original Creami but has the same 7 programs as the original. The Breeze does not have any of the new programs were added to the Creami Deluxe.
Unfortunately no. While the pint containers are the same size (i.e. 16 ounces), Breeze pint containers cannot be used in the original Creami and vice-versa. This is because the new the pint containers have notches that replace the need for an outer bowl during insertion into the Creami Breeze.
Curious - is there really a difference using the frozen yogurt button on the deluxe vs using yogurt as a base for ice cream in the breeze?
We have not compared frozen yogurt but suspect there is not much of a difference. We have tried Italian Ice on the Deluxe vs the original creami
as described at https://allscreamforicecream.com/italian-ice-in-the-original-vs-deluxe-ninja-creami/ and they were fairly equivalent. In addition there was an analysis of the blade speeds on the creami and lot of the speeds are close or even identical between the programs. This seems indicate there should be a roughly equivalent program.
My new Breeze just fits sideways in my appliance garage. It can be made smaller in depth by 1.5” by leaving off the pint container.
I’m hoping it will be quieter than my original Creami which I keep in a back bedroom so I can close the door. Noise canceling headphone are not enough with the original Creami.
I really like the new blade lid. It seems easier to clean. It can be hard to get sugar free ice cream out of the old lid. Hot water doesn’t dissolve it as well.
I got my Breeze from Kohls.
That's a good point about cleaning the lid. The deluxe was easier to drain than the original, and this seems like another area they are continuing to perfect in the product.
It looks like the Breeze is smaller but the acutal measurements are not much different. Is it just that it isn't as bulky? I recently bought the Ninja Creami and am in the return period at Costco. It is so big and bulky and am having trouble finding a place to keep it especially due to the height. Would the Breeze be a better fit?
We've added a new section to the post dedicated to the differences in size. In your case, because height is an issue we don't think the Breeze would be much better at fitting. That being said, the Breeze visually feels a lot smaller and less bulky than the original.
I wonder if they'll be working on a breeze deluxe model next year?
We've wondered the same thing and it seems likely. They've released a new model each year for the last three years. If history is any guide we should expect some kind of new model next year. Although we're not sure what will be different, a blend of the Breeze and Deluxe enhancements would make sense. Of course only Ninja knows for sure...
I just got my Breeze today. I am very excited to use it. I would like to get additional pints. Have you found them anywhere yet? Thanks!
Unfortunately no. They don't seem to be available on Ninja's website. For example this link for the NC301 works on their parts site and has a range of accessories and parts https://www.ninjakitchen.com/parts-and-accessories/results/?modelsearch=nc301 But this link for the Breeze https://www.ninjakitchen.com/parts-and-accessories/product-results/4044/ninja-creami-breeze-ice-cream-maker/ is currently an empty page. But, that may change very soon, so keep an eye out!
Is the Breeze quieter than the Creami models?
We're working on a comparison for this.