Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 suits home cooks who want both scooped treats and soft serve from one machine. Its 13 programs and automatic swirl handle add variety, while its 16 oz pints make smaller batches than the XL Deluxe.
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The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 is a good fit if you want both scooped frozen treats and soft serve at home. It has 13 one-touch programs, an automatic handle with 3 speed settings and two 16 oz pints; choose a different machine if larger batches or on-demand freezing matter more.
This review compares its features with the XL Deluxe and a compressor machine, then covers pint fit and who should choose each option. For a wider look at the category, see our guide to types of ice cream makers.
Is the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl worth considering?
The NC701 is worth considering if soft serve is a key reason you're shopping for a frozen treat maker. Its handle and six added soft serve programs set it apart from models built mainly around scooped treats.
Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701: Best for scooped and swirled treats
- 13 one-touch programs
- 16 oz pints
- Automatic soft serve handle with 3 speed settings
- 2 CREAMi 2-in-1 pints included
The NC701 combines classic scooped treats with soft serve programs and an automatic handle. It fits cooks who want ingredient control and swirled servings at home.
Pros
- Makes both scooped and swirled treats
- 13 one-touch programs
- Two 16 oz pints included
- Pints, lids, paddle and swirl press are dishwasher safe
Cons
- Smaller pints than the XL Deluxe
- NC700-series-specific extra pints are not compatible with other listed CREAMi series
The machine offers 13 programs in all, including Soft Serve, Fruit Whip, Frozen Custard, CreamiFit, Swirled Frozen Yogurt and Lite Ice Cream. You can also customize ingredients for options such as dairy-free, vegan, lower-sugar and high-protein treats.
Its two included pints hold 16 oz each. That size works for smaller batches and different flavors, while the XL Deluxe's two 24 oz tubs suit larger servings.
The automatic handle has 3 speed settings for dispensing soft serve. The NC701 also includes two 2-in-1 pints with nozzles and storage lids, an outer bowl, paddle, swirl press and drip tray.
What can you make with the NC701?
The NC701 covers scooped treats and swirled soft serve, with programs for several frozen dessert styles. Its range makes sense when you want to vary ingredients and serving style without choosing a separate soft serve appliance.
For scooped treats, the machine supports classics and mixes such as chocolate, nuts, candy and fruit. The brand describes its Creamify Technology as transforming frozen bases into frozen treats.
The soft serve programs include Soft Serve, Fruit Whip and Swirled Frozen Yogurt. Frozen Custard, CreamiFit and Lite Ice Cream are also among the six added programs.
CreamiFit is designed for lower-calorie, high-protein treats. The program can be useful if you want to adjust ingredients around a particular recipe, though results depend on the ingredients you use.
How does the soft serve handle work?
The automatic handle dispenses soft serve with 3 speed settings. That gives you a way to serve swirled treats directly, rather than relying only on a scoop.
The NC701 includes a dispensing lid with swirl press and pints with nozzles. Those parts support the swirled serving setup, while the 2-in-1 pints and storage lids also let you store frozen treats.
NC701 vs. Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe NC501
Choose the NC701 for its soft serve handle and swirled programs, or the XL Deluxe for its larger 24 oz tubs and dual processing. Both let you customize ingredients, but they suit different serving priorities.
| Detail | Scoop and Swirl NC701 | XL Deluxe NC501 |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | 13 one-touch programs | 11 one-touch programs |
| Included containers | Two 16 oz pints | Two 24 oz XL tubs |
| Soft serve handle | Automatic handle with 3 speed settings | Not listed among its features |
| Dual processing | Not listed among its features | Two mix-in flavors in one tub |
| Re-spin | Not listed among its features | Re-spin function |
| Best fit | Scooped and swirled treats | Larger tubs and two mix-in flavors |
The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe vs. Scoop and Swirl comparison looks more closely at which model fits your kitchen.
For a broader comparison of Ninja formats, see Ninja NC301 vs. NC501.
Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe NC501: Best for larger frozen batches
- 11 one-touch programs
- Two 24 oz XL tubs
- Dual processing for two mix-in flavors
The XL Deluxe is a better fit when larger tubs matter more than serving soft serve from a handle. Its 24 oz tubs hold more than the NC701's 16 oz pints.
Pros
- Two 24 oz XL tubs
- Dual processing for two mix-in flavors
- 11 programs including Italian ice and frozen yogurt
- Re-spin function
Cons
- Does not include the NC701's soft serve handle
- XL tubs are designed for NC500 and NC600 series only
The NC501 includes 11 programs and two 24 oz tubs. It can process one frozen base into two separate mix-in flavors in the same tub, and it has a re-spin function for a softer, creamier finish.
Its XL tubs are designed for NC500 and NC600 series machines only. Don't assume those tubs fit the NC701, which belongs to the NC700 series.
How does the NC701 compare with a compressor machine?
The NC701 uses frozen pints, while GreenPan Frost has a built-in compressor and a 2 qt capacity. Frost may suit you better when you want to make a larger bowl of frozen treats without preparing individual frozen pints first.
GreenPan Frost Ice Cream and Slushie Machine: Best for on-demand frozen treats
- Built-in compressor
- 2 qt capacity
- 6 modes and 7 texture settings
GreenPan Frost suits cooks who want a built-in chiller and a 2 qt bowl for ice cream and frozen drinks. It does not rely on the NC701's frozen pint approach.
Pros
- Built-in compressor means no separate freezer step
- 2 qt capacity
- Modes for slushie, soft ice cream, sorbet and milkshake
- 7 texture settings
Cons
- Larger 25.4 lb machine
- Different workflow from preparing and freezing a pint
Frost offers six modes and seven texture settings. Its modes include slushie, soft ice cream, sorbet and milkshake, and GreenPan says it can make treats in as little as 15 minutes.
That workflow differs from the NC701, which turns frozen bases into treats. Read our guide to no pre-freeze ice cream makers if you want to compare more machines that chill ingredients in the appliance.
What should you know about extra NC701 pints?
The extra Ninja Scoop and Swirl pint pack fits NC700-series machines only. It includes two 16 oz pints, two storage lids and two nozzles, giving you more containers for making or storing treats.
These pints do not fit NC300, NC500, NC100 or NC200 series machines. Check the model number at the bottom of your unit before ordering accessories.
For cleaning guidance across the range, see which Ninja CREAMi parts can go in the dishwasher. The NC701's pints, lids, paddle and swirl press are dishwasher safe.
Who should choose the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl?
Choose the NC701 if soft serve and scooped treats are both priorities and 16 oz pints fit your usual batch size. Its program range also gives you ways to vary flavors and ingredients, including lower-calorie and dairy-free options.
Choose the XL Deluxe if you prefer larger 24 oz tubs and the option to split one base into two mix-in flavors. Choose GreenPan Frost if you want a built-in compressor and a 2 qt bowl for frozen drinks and desserts.
If you are still comparing brands and formats, our guide to Ninja CREAMi alternatives covers other options. For a closer look at the NC701's place in the range, read what types of Ninja CREAMi are available.
The verdict on the NC701
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 fits cooks who want soft serve as well as scooped treats from a countertop machine. Pick it for its automatic handle and 13 programs; pick the XL Deluxe for larger tubs, or GreenPan Frost for compressor-based freezing and a larger bowl.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl do?
The Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl NC701 makes scooped frozen treats and swirled soft serve using 13 one-touch programs. Its included soft serve handle has 3 speed settings, and its programs also cover options such as fruit whip, frozen custard, frozen yogurt and lite ice cream.
How big are the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl pints?
The NC701 comes with two 16 oz pints. If you want larger individual tubs, the Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe NC501 includes two 24 oz tubs, though it does not offer the NC701's soft serve handle.
Can other Ninja Creami pints fit the NC701?
The extra pints in the Ninja CREAMi Scoop and Swirl 2-pack fit NC700-series machines only. They are not compatible with the NC300, NC500, NC100 or NC200 series, so check the model number on your machine before buying additional pints.
Is the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl dishwasher safe?
The NC701's pints, lids, paddle and swirl press are dishwasher safe. Check care instructions for each part before washing, since the motor base is not among the dishwasher-safe parts named for this model.
