When it comes to the best ice cream makers on the market, the Ninja Swirl by Creami has been on my wishlist since it first came out earlier this year. And I have been seriously eyeing one up since the start of summer, hovering over the 'buy now' button, until something else stopped me in my tracks.
The GreenPan Frost ice cream and frozen drink maker, from Williams Sonoma caught my attention with its chic retro appearance, enticing me to find out more. My research revealed that GreenPanFrost is just as versatile as the Ninja Creami, with 7 modes and 6 different textures to choose from.
Although it is, undoubtedly an expensive purchase at $399.95 it's comparable to the Ninja Swirl which retails at $349.99. But there's one feature that might just have sealed the deal for me: a built-in chiller. This means that, while the Swirl requires a lengthy 24-hour pre-freezing time, the Frost guarantees delicious frozen treats in as little as 15 minutes.
Slushies, frozen cocktails, smoothies, sorbet or soft-serve – the choice is yours with the GreenPan Frost. Simply mix, pour and freeze for as little as 15 minutes and you've got a delicious dessert. You can even add protein powders, yogurt and dairy-free milk alternatives to make healthier frozen treats.
I've spent the whole summer debating whether to buy a Ninja Swirl and I was almost convinced – but I wasn't sure I'd get enough use out of it and I was concerned about the pre-freeze time. When it comes to hosting, I just don't trust myself to work that far in advance and it requires a full 24 hours in the freezer before you can turn it into gorgeous soft serve.
I also struggled to picture a large machine taking up so much space on my counter. The GreenPan Frost is comparable to the Ninja Swirl in size, save a couple of inches here and there (one is longer, the other wider). And, I couldn't help wondering if there was a prettier alternative, given the prominence it would have in my kitchen. So, when I spotted the Frost, in it's attractive retro style and appealing colorways, from pistachio green to deep blue berry, cream and an off-black called licorice, it felt like I'd stumbled across 'the one.'
On first glance, the GreenPan Frost is sleek and efficient. An ultra-quiet built-in compressor freezes ingredients without the need for extra containers: simply fill the 64-ounce bowl, select your desired setting, and the machine will work its magic within 15 minutes.
There are 6 different modes to choose from (producing soft-serve, sorbet, milkshakes and slushies, with two additional settings which allow the machine to clean itself) plus 7 different textures, from soft and creamy to thick and firm. The family-size bowl might feel excessive if you're used to the pint-sized portions provided by the Ninja Creami machines, but I love batch-making my frozen desserts; and when I'm done, I can simply set the Frost to cleaning mode, or pop the removable parts in the dishwasher.
Of course, the Ninja Creami took TikTok by storm, and the brand quickly announced two even more impressive upgrades – the Ninja Creami Deluxe and the Ninja Swirl Creami, which our reviewers were impressed by. They did however note a few drawbacks. The most significant being the prep time: the Creami requires a frozen base, which is then shaved and thawed to create a creamy consistency, meaning you've got to prep your frozen treats ahead of time and be organized enough to do so. Reviewers also noted that the machine is loud and rather bulky, too. We're yet to try the GreenPan model for comparison, but as soon as I get my hands on it I'll be sure to report back.
I love these ice cream glases by La Rochère: they're elegant and yet perfect for a traditional ice cream sundae, piled high, topped with sprinkles and sauces.
No frozen treat is complete without a long-handled spoon, and these will do the trick. They're an essential piece of kit if you're planning on making good use of your ice cream maker.
This dainty scalloped dish is ideal for serving up scoops of ice cream or sorbet. Top with some sprinkles and a glace cherry for a diner-style vibe or fruit slices for a more sophisticated look.
Whichever frozen treat maker you decide on, do try out making this whipped lemonade in yours for a refreshing summer sip.
