(checked 2026-10-10)7% 1-star + 2% 2-star of about 4,278 ratings on the NC299AMZ (Amazon-specific version) listing.
Amazon's best-selling ice cream maker and easy for protein, low-sugar and dairy-free pints, but it isn't a churner. You freeze each pint for 24 hours first, it is very loud, and owners often report it breaking. Wirecutter and Serious Eats both passed on it.
Top complaints
- Very loud
Noise is a strongly negative Amazon aspect (about 87 of 96 mentions negative). Serious Eats' editor called its volume ear-splitting, and low-star Walmart reviews call it heavy and noisy.
- Breaks, burning smell, smoke
Amazon's summary says it breaks quickly (about 91 of 108 durability mentions negative). Wirecutter noticed a burning-plastic smell and shaking and read owner reports of shredded plastic in ice cream. Low-star Walmart reviews of the NC301 describe a paddle detaching after a year, a stuck install light, and units that smoked or caught fire.
- 24-hour freeze, one pint, uneven texture
Each base must be frozen solid for about 24 hours, and it makes one pint at a time. Wirecutter found the texture inconsistent where the blade can't reach, Serious Eats' editor also found it inconsistent, and owners report powdery results that need re-spinning.
What owners love
- Easy and versatile
Amazon owners praise its ease of use (about 93 vs 18) and creamy, homemade-tasting results. Food & Wine says all three Creami models it tested make great ice cream, including dairy-free and lighter recipes.
- Very popular
Amazon's #1 Best Seller badge in ice cream makers, with 10K+ bought in the past month on the search page.
Source: Amazon.com search results - Re-spin fixes most textures
A Food & Wine editor who has used the original Creami for over 2 years says re-spinning (sometimes with a splash of liquid) makes it creamier.
Source: Food & Wine
- You want ice cream the same day
- Noise bothers you
- You want a machine that lasts years
- Single pints and lighter or protein recipes
- Trying many flavors in small amounts
- Owners who plan a day ahead
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: more of a blender than an ice cream maker; fairly smooth but inconsistent, with doubts about build quality, durability and safety, and gunk in hard-to-clean spots.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended (updated 2026-07-21): its editor wasn't impressed by the inconsistent texture, hulking size or ear-splitting volume; it prefers the Ninja Swirl.
- Food & Wine: Its overall pick is the bigger Creami XL Deluxe (updated 2026-09-01); the original Creami is listed under 'What Didn't Make the List' but it says all three Creami models it tested make great ice cream.