Ninja Creami Deluxe vs Swirl: Which One to Get? (October 2026)

On this page (7 sections)

1. Ninja Creami Deluxe vs Swirl: what is the main difference?
2. Which one makes more per batch?
3. Which makes soft serve?
4. How do the programs compare?
5. Which Ninja CREAMi is easier to fit in your kitchen?
6. Which parts and containers need checking?
7. Should you get the Ninja Creami Deluxe or Swirl?

Choose the CREAMi XL Deluxe for larger 24 oz. tubs and the Scoop and Swirl for soft serve and swirled treats. In a Ninja Creami Deluxe vs Swirl comparison, the deciding question is whether you want bigger batches or a handle that dispenses soft serve.

The NC501 has 11 one-touch programs and two 24 oz. XL tubs.

The NC701 has 13 programs, two 16 oz. pints, and a soft serve handle with 3 speed settings.

Both make customizable frozen treats, but their containers and serving styles differ. We compared the listed features and fit for common home uses.

Ninja Creami Deluxe vs Swirl: what is the main difference?

The Deluxe prioritizes XL tubs, while the Scoop and Swirl adds a soft serve handle and swirl press. That changes the portions you can prepare and how you serve them.

The NC501's two 24 oz. tubs hold 50% more than an original CREAMi pint, according to Ninja. Its 11 programs include ice cream, sorbet, gelato, Italian ice and frozen yogurt.

The NC701's two 16 oz. pints are smaller, but its 13 programs include 6 soft serve programs. The machine also includes a dispensing lid with swirl press and an automatic handle with 3 speed settings.

For a wider view of the machine family, see our guide to the different types of Ninja CREAMi. If you want a closer look at the Swirl's setup and features, read our Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl review.

Which one makes more per batch?

The NC501 makes larger batches by container capacity, with two 24 oz. tubs compared with the NC701's two 16 oz. pints. Choose by how much you expect to serve at once.

The capacity difference is 8 oz. per container. That can matter when several people want the same dessert or when you prefer fewer small batches.

The Swirl's 16 oz. pints may suit smaller servings and more flavor variety across its two containers. Capacity alone doesn't tell you how much finished dessert a recipe yields, so follow the recipe and container fill guidance.

Is the Deluxe better for families?

The XL tubs give the NC501 an advantage when you want more frozen base in each container. It also supports two separate mix-in flavors in one tub, which can help when people want different add-ins.

The NC601 Gen 2 has the same two 24 oz. XL tub format and two-flavor processing.

Its program set adds Dairy-Free, Smoothie Bowl and CreamiFit options.

Don't assume XL tubs fit every CREAMi model. The NC501 is designed for NC500 and NC600 Series 24 oz.

XL tubs only.

Which makes soft serve?

The NC701 is the clear choice for soft serve because it has dedicated programs, a dispensing lid and a swirl press. The NC501 and NC601 descriptions don't include a soft serve handle.

The NC701's handle has 3 speed settings. Its named soft serve programs include Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, CreamiFit, Swirled Frozen Yogurt and Lite Ice Cream.

That setup makes it easier to serve a swirl or cone from the machine. If you mostly scoop from bowls, those parts may add less value than the XL tubs on the Deluxe.

Our guide to soft serve machines and ice cream makers explains how the serving style changes the machine you need. It can help if you're comparing the NC701 with a dedicated soft serve appliance.

How do the programs compare?

The NC701 has more named programs, while the NC501 covers the main frozen dessert types and adds a re-spin function. Look at the options you'll use, rather than picking by the program count alone.

The NC501 includes 11 one-touch programs for treats such as ice cream, sorbet, gelato, Italian ice and frozen yogurt. Ninja also says its re-spin function can give a softer, creamier finish.

The NC701 has 13 programs, including six soft serve options. It also offers a 2-in-1 CreamiFit program for lower-calorie, high-protein treats.

The NC601 Gen 2 has 11 programs with Dairy-Free, Smoothie Bowl and CreamiFit added alongside CREAMi classics. Its feature set may suit you if those options are more relevant than soft serve.

What does “two flavors in one tub” mean?

The NC501 and NC601 can process one frozen base with two separate mix-in flavors in the same tub. This gives you a way to make two flavor variations from a single base.

The NC701 also supports mix-ins, with space for ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, candy and fruit. Its signature difference is the option to dispense soft serve as well as make scooped treats.

Which Ninja CREAMi is easier to fit in your kitchen?

The NC701 is shorter in the listed dimensions, but it weighs more than the NC501. Measure your counter and cabinet space, then consider where you'll store the machine between uses.

The NC501 measures 18.9 x 10.04 x 19.88 in and weighs 14.4 lb. The NC701 measures 15.15 x 10.03 x 17.51 in and weighs 20.8 lb.

The NC601 measures 18.58 x 9.61 x 19.45 in and weighs 15.4 lb. These are machine dimensions, so allow room to handle the bowl and containers during use.

Which parts and containers need checking?

Choose based on the container system you want to keep using, because the NC501's XL tubs are limited to compatible XL models. The NC701 comes with its own 16 oz.

2-in-1 pints and nozzles.

The NC501 is designed for NC500 and NC600 Series 24 oz. XL tubs only.

The NC701's included pints have nozzles for its swirl dispensing setup.

Both models include dishwasher-safe parts, though the NC701 specifies its 2-in-1 pints, lids, paddle and swirl press as BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Check the care instructions for the exact parts before cleaning.

If you plan to make frozen yogurt, our guide to making frozen yogurt in a Ninja CREAMi gives a use-specific walkthrough. For add-on containers and other extras, see Ninja CREAMi accessories and spare pints.

Should you get the Ninja Creami Deluxe or Swirl?

Get the NC501 if larger tubs and two-flavor mix-ins matter most; get the NC701 if you want soft serve from a handle. The NC601 is another XL option if its added programs match your recipes.

Pick the NC501 for 24 oz. XL tubs, 11 programs and re-spin.

Pick the NC701 for soft serve, swirled treats and smaller 16 oz. pints.

If you're deciding between the XL Deluxe and a standard CREAMi, our NC301 vs NC501 comparison covers that size step. For another brand's pint-style machine, compare the Ninja CREAMi and Black+Decker Perfect Pint.

For other home ice cream machine styles, start with our guide to types of ice cream makers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Ninja Creami Deluxe and Swirl?

The CREAMi XL Deluxe NC501 has two 24 oz. XL tubs and 11 programs, while the Scoop and Swirl NC701 has two 16 oz. pints and 13 programs, including 6 soft serve programs.

The Swirl also has a handle with 3 speed settings and a swirl press.

Can the Ninja Creami Deluxe make soft serve?

The NC501 is described with programs for treats such as ice cream, sorbet, gelato and frozen yogurt, and it has no soft serve handle. For swirled soft serve, the NC701 has dedicated soft serve programs, a dispensing lid and a swirl press.

Which Ninja Creami has larger containers?

The NC501 Deluxe has two 24 oz. XL tubs, while the NC701 Scoop and Swirl includes two 16 oz. pints.

The NC601 Gen 2 Deluxe also uses two 24 oz.

XL tubs, so it shares the larger container format.

Can you use Deluxe tubs in the Scoop and Swirl?

The NC501 XL tubs are designed for NC500 and NC600 Series 24 oz. XL models only.

The NC701 uses 16 oz.

2-in-1 pints with nozzles, so don't assume the tub systems interchange.