There’s nothing that evokes summer like a creamy 99p flake on the British seaside (sunshine optional). But what if you could recreate that feeling from the comfort of your own home? Enter the best ice cream makers, which deliver soft serves and swirls at the touch of a button.
While it’s easy to part with less than a fiver at an ice cream truck or parlour, there’s more to consider when investing in an at-home machine. Combining flavour and fun, Ninja’s creami has gone viral this summer – but is it actually worth it?
The creami 13-in-1 (Sharkninja.co.uk) claims to turn almost anything into a frozen dessert, from ice cream to sorbet, smoothies and gelato, all with minimal fuss and mess. You should think so too, as it will set you back nearly £400.
Read more: Best ice cream makers, tested for delicious scoops and swirls at home
From Greenpan to Cuisinart, Ninja has increasingly fierce competition in the ice cream maker game, but Russell Hobbs’ machine (£139, Amazon.co.uk) could offer the best value for money. Offering similar versatility – ice cream, milkshakes and sorbet – the appliance boasts a sleek, compact design that’s ideal for smaller kitchens. Best of all, it’s more than £200 cheaper than the Ninja creami.
If you’re looking to stretch out summer, I’ve compared the top ice cream makers on the market – and Russell Hobbs stood out as the best affordable alternative to Ninja’s creami. Here’s everything you need to know.
Russell Hobbs chilluxe ice cream maker
★★★★☆
What we love: Modern, lovely-looking design that looks great on the worktop, creamy ice cream consistency, and versatile settings
Take note: Bowl requires freezing for around 24 hours before use, makes small batches
“A stylish and compact ice cream maker that delivers incredibly smooth, creamy results with minimal effort; we were instantly drawn to Russell Hobbs’ minimalist design. It wouldn’t look out of place on any kitchen worktop, unlike many bulkier appliances. The machine is not quite as spontaneous as other models available, as it requires a bowl to be pre-frozen for 24 hours before use. However, it’s a great affordable choice for those looking to make several different flavours in smaller batches.
The fun mix-in function disperses chocolate chips or bits of fruit evenly at the right time, while the versatile machine can also create everything from ice cream to sorbet and milkshakes. The milkshake setting was actually what stole my heart. It’s really handy to have one machine that does several things, especially if you’re in a flat or have a small kitchen space.”
Buy now £159.99, Amazon.co.uk
Ninja creami scoop & swirl
★★★★☆
What we love: Great soft serve, delicious ice cream, perfect for individual portions, and great for kids
Take note: Can be hard to get used to, requires pre-freeze, bulky
“I’ve had my Ninja swirl for over a year now. The real selling point continues to be the soft serve function, which is far more precise than others I’ve tried – it really does replicate a delicious 99 from an ice cream van. There are six programmes to choose from, including classic ice cream, frozen yoghurt and gelato, making it easy to tailor recipes to different diets and preferences (you can even choose a high-protein option).
Sticking to Ninja’s recipes is important, as the soft serve needs the right ingredients to hold its shape. Once I got it right, the ice cream was deliciously smooth, creamy and much closer to a proper gelato than a standard homemade ice cream. Keep your hand firm on the lever, as portions are generous. Kids will love getting their hands messy and making their own individual portions with four tubs included.
The machine is around double the width of the creami (£199, Sharkninja.com), so it’s not one for small kitchen countertops. That said, it’s definitely among the brand’s most stylish designs. The main body is pre-assembled and just a few parts to click into place, while the only preparation needed is similar to the creami – the tubs needing to be filled and frozen for 24 hours before use. It’s a bit annoying, but a familiar setup.”
Buy now £349.99, Sharkninja.co.uk
Should you buy the Ninja creami or Russell Hobbs ice cream machine?
While both machines deliver excellent homemade ice cream, the Ninja swirl stands out for its impressive soft-serve function, generous serving options and family-friendly features. It’s by far the best choice for those wanting to replicate an ice cream parlour experience at home.
But the Russell Hobbs machine offers a more compact and stylish alternative that fits neatly into smaller kitchens. Using the same familiar yet fiddly pre-freezing process, the machine produces equally creamy results at a more affordable price point – plus offers the same versatility for milkshakes, sorbets and more. With a nearly £200 price difference, Russell Hobbs arguably seals the deal.
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