This article contains the FAQs for the NC200 Series Ninja® CREAMi Breeze™. This supports the NC201, NC201Q and CN205A.
Assembly
How do I assemble the pint on the motor base?
1. Plug in the unit first, The unit will not run if the CREAMi Breeze Pint is installed before the unit is plugged in.
2 Prepare Creami Breeze Pint. Remove the storage lid from the frozen Creami Breeze pint and check that the ingredients have not been frozen at an angle.
3. Install Creamerizer Paddle. Press and hold the latch on the top of the processing lid, then insert the paddle in the bottom of the processing lid. Release the latch to secure the paddle. The paddle will be slightly loose even when fully installed.
4. Install Processing Lid. Position the processing lid on top of the Creami Breeze Pint. Twist the lid clockwise to secure the pint until the arrows on the pint and processing lid align.
5. Install the Creami Breeze Pint. Insert the CREAMi Breeze pint into the motor base to lock, until you hear a click.
How do I disassemble the breeze pint from the motor base?
1. Remove Creami Breeze Pint.
2. When the program ends, press and hold the release button on the front of the motor base while twisting the pint counter-clockwise to remove the Creami Breeze Pint
3. Remove Processing Lid: Rotate the processing lid counterclockwise to separate from Creami Breeze Pint
Cleaning
Are all pieces dishwasher safe?
All parts are dishwasher safe (top rack only and should NOT be cleaned with a heated dry cycle) and can also be hand-washed.
Ensure the paddle, pint, processing lid, and storage lid are all separated before placing them in the dishwasher. The processing lid should be placed down horizontally.
How do I clean my unit?
Dishwasher
All parts are dishwasher safe (top rack only and should NOT be cleaned with a heated dry cycle) and can also be hand-washed. Ensure the paddle, pint, processing lid, and storage lid are all separated before placing them in the dishwasher. The processing lid should be placed down horizontally.
Motor Base
- Unplug the motor base before cleaning. Wipe the motor base with a clean, damp cloth. DO NOT use abrasive cloths, pads, or brushes to clean the base.
Using a damp cloth, wipe the spindle below the control panel after each use.
Processing Lid
- Remove the paddle before cleaning the processing lid as ingredients may be stuck under the paddle. Then run warm water through the paddle release lever and out the drain holes on either side. Position the lid with the lever side down to fully drain the lid. The processing lid should be placed down horizontally within the dishwasher.
Pints
How do I best freeze my prepped base in the pint?
1. If adjustable, make sure your freezer's temperature is set properly. The unit is designed to process bases that are between 9°F and -7°F. If your freezer is within this range, your pint should reach the appropriate temperature.
2. Upright freezers work best. We do not recommend using a chest freezer, as they tend to reach extremely cold temperatures.
3. Make sure that the storage lid is on the pint and that the pint is on a level surface in the freezer. To avoid damaging your unit, DO NOT process a pint if ingredients have been frozen at an angle or if the pint has been scooped out of and then refrozen unevenly. *If a pint is frozen unevenly, melt, whisk, and then re-freeze the ingredients on a level surface in the freezer for 24 hours.
4. Freeze for at least 24 hours. Although the CREAMi pint may hit freezing temperatures before 24 hours is up, it will need to get even colder before it is ready for processing.
5. Do not freeze with the processing lid. Only freeze pint with storage lid.
*** note: the storage lid will become tighter on the pint during the freezing process
Which lid should I use to freeze the Creami Breeze pint?
DO NOT freeze the pint with the processing lid. Only freeze the Creami Breeze pint with the storage lid.
Are NC300 or NC500 pints compatible with the NC200/NC100?
No, only NC100/NC200 pints are compatible with this unit.
Display
The One-Touch Programs won't illuminate. I can't select a program.
1. Ensure the unit is plugged into a working outlet before installing the pint.
2. Then press the power button to select a program.
3. Make sure the unit is fully assembled for use. If the unit is powered on and the pint is not installed
correctly, the install light will flash. If the paddle is not installed correctly, the install light will illuminate.
4. All One-Touch Programs will illuminate when the unit is fully assembled.
- The unit does not allow you to run back-to-back programs immediately. Between programs, release the pint and check the results before running another program.
Freezing, Processing & Output
Can I freeze my treat in a plastic bag inside the pint?
NO, processing a pint with a plastic bag or liner frozen into it ca cause damage to the machine
The unit has no power or has stopped running because it overheated.
ERROR: All LEDs will flash until the unit is unplugged
As a safety feature, the motor will automatically shut off if it becomes too warm after running consecutive programs or if the pint is heavily loaded. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and wait 15 minutes before using it again.
Call Customer Service if the motor base still does not operate.
Keep in mind that the following issues will promote overheating of the motor base:
- Processing ingredients that are too dense. Make sure you are using ingredients with enough sugar and/or fat. Follow the recipes in the inspiration guide for the best results.
- Processing a solid block of ice, ice cubes, or hard, loose ingredients, such as frozen fruit.
- An extra cold freezer. The unit is designed to process ingredients between 9°F and -7°F.
If your freezer is too cold, try changing the freezer's temperature setting, moving the pint to the front of your freezer, or leaving the pint out on the counter for a few minutes before processing.
Can I make a smoothie in the Ninja™ Creami™?
No. Do NOT make a smoothie or process hard, loose ingredients, such as frozen fruit.
Fruit must be crushed to release its juice or combined with other ingredients and frozen before processing. The Fresh Fruit Sorbet recipe in the inspiration guide provides an example of how to make a treat from fruit that is crushed to release its juice and frozen before processing.
- You can make a smoothie bowl after freezing fruit in liquid for 24 hours. Note that smoothie bowls made in the unit will be much thicker than typical smoothie bowls from a blender or other machines.
- Additionally, do NOT process a solid block of ice or ice cubes.
My frozen treat is liquid, not solid, after processing.
If a base is soft after processing, put the CREAMi™ Pint back in the freezer for several hours or until the desired consistency is reached.
- For best results, freeze base for at least 24 hours and process immediately after removing from the freezer. If the processed base is still not firm, try setting your freezer
to a colder temperature. The unit is designed to process bases between 9°F and -7°F.
- The proportion of fat or sugar may be too high in your recipe. Consult the inspiration guide and use the included recipes as a guide for best results.
Recipes and Programs
My frozen treat looks crumbly or powdery after processing.
When bases are frozen in very cold freezers, they may come out crumbly. After running a One-Touch Program, use the RE-SPIN Program to make your frozen treat smoother and creamier.
- DO NOT RE-SPIN if planning to use the MIX-IN program. Instead, proceed with the mix-in process. Your treat should be creamier after using the MIX-IN program.
- RE-SPIN is often needed for very cold bases. If your freezer is set to a very cold temperature, you may need RE-SPIN more frequently. The unit is designed to process bases between 9°F and -7°F. If your freezer is too cold, try changing the freezer's temperature setting, moving the pint to the front of your freezer, or leaving the pint out on the counter for a few minutes before processing.
- The proportion of fat or sugar may be too low in your recipe. Consult the inspiration guide and use the included recipes as a guide for the best results.
What should I do with leftovers in my pint?
Leftovers can be stored in tupperware containers, but we recommend storing leftovers in a CREAMi™ pint so they can be processed again later. Some leftovers re-freeze very hard and need to be processed again to enjoy, which will not be possible if they were stored in a container other than the pint.
Flatten the top of your frozen treat with a spoon or spatula before refreezing. If the treat is soft after re-freezing, you do not need to process it again—just scoop and enjoy it. If it is hard, process it again on the program you used to make it.
Note: if your treat contains mix-ins, processing again will likely pulverize the mix-ins and create a new flavor.
DO NOT use the RE-SPIN program for any leftovers.
Recipe for UL wattage testing requirements
The following recipe is required to meet UL wattage testing requirements. Please do not try this recipe at home.
Set the freezer to -17°C and let the freezer stabilize.
• Whisk 1 box of instant chocolate pudding powder (110 grams) with 2 cups of milk for 2 minutes.
• Pour base into an empty pint.
• Place the pint in the freezer for 17.5 hours.
• Process on the base using the RE-SPIN program
How do I make recipes dairy free? What substitutions can I use?
For Ninja™ Test Kitchen recipes, you can substitute unsweetened oat milk for milk (1:1), unsweetened coconut cream for heavy cream (1:1), and vegan cream cheese for cream cheese (1:1). Make sure to use unsweetened substitutes and to whisk any coconut cream by itself before using it as a substitute.
- We do not recommend other dairy substitutions unless specifically called out in the recipe.
- We cannot recommend substitutions for non-Ninja Test Kitchen recipes.
- Please note that making dairy substitutions will change the texture of your treat.
How do I make recipes use less sugar? What substitutions can I use?
For Ninja™ Test Kitchen recipes, you can substitute raw agave nectar for light corn syrup.
- We do not recommend other sugar substitutions unless specifically called out in the recipe.
- When using ANY sugar substitutes for any recipe, use the LITE ICE CREAM program to process.
Mix-Ins
How do I add mix-ins to my treat?
The MIX-IN program can be used to fold in slices and chunks of mix-ins. First, after processing your base using one of the other One-Touch Programs, use a spoon to create a 1 1/2-inch wide hole that reaches the bottom of the pint. Add mix-ins to the hole in the pint. (During this process, it is OK for the treat to rise above the MAX FILL line) After adding mixins, install the processing lid onto the pint and insert it into the motor base then run the MIX-IN program.
Notes:
- If adding mix-ins to store-bought ice cream, you do not have to process the ice cream on another program first. Just scoop the store-bought ice cream into the pint, make a hole, and add the mix-ins. Then process using the MIX-IN program.
- If adding mix-ins to a milkshake, do not process the milkshake before adding mix-ins.
Add the mix-ins and milk, then process using the MILKSHAKE program.
How much of my mix-in(s) should I add?
We recommend adding 1/4 cup of your favorite crushed candies, frozen fruits, chopped nuts, chocolate pieces, and more. When adding several different types of mix-ins, we recommend not exceeding 1/4 cup in total.
Feel free to adjust the quantity of mix-ins to your taste. If you would like fewer chunks, add less than 1/4 cup. If you would like more chunks, mix-in more than 1/4 cup. When adding more than 1/4 cup, be sure that the processing lid can still comfortably close over the pint to process using the MIX-IN program. It also helps to dig a deeper and wider hole when adding more than 1/4 cup of mix-ins.
What should I use or not use as mix-ins?
What to use: chocolate, nuts, candy, frozen fruit, and more to elevate any treat with bursts of flavor.
- What not to use: fresh fruit, sauces, and spreads. Adding fresh fruit, fudge, and caramel sauces will water down your treat. Chocolate hazelnut spread and nut butters also do not mix well. In place of these items, we recommend using frozen fruit or chocolate/caramel shell toppings.
How should I prep mix-ins?
What to use: chocolate, nuts, candy, frozen fruit, and more to elevate any treat with bursts of flavor.
- What not to use: fresh fruit, sauces, and spreads. Adding fresh fruit, fudge, and caramel sauces will water down your treat. Chocolate hazelnut spread and nut butters also do not mix well. In place of these items, we recommend using frozen fruit or chocolate/caramel shell toppings.
- How to prep:
Hard mix-ins—like chocolate, candy, and nuts— will remain intact and not get broken down during the MIX-IN program, so we recommend using smaller pieces of hard mix-ins, such as mini chocolate chips and candies or pre-chopped nuts.
Soft mix-ins—like cereal, cookies, and frozen fruit—will get broken down and shrink during the MIX-IN program, so we recommend using larger pieces of soft mix-ins.
Adjust the size of mix-ins to your taste using these guidelines.
General Questions
The collateral/box says 7 in 1, but there are only 6 functions. What is the 7th function?
The Mix-In Program is also considered a function on this unit making it the 7th function.
What is the difference between NC300 and NC200?
While the programs are the same, the build of the product is much different. The NC20X is slimmer with a smaller footprint on the counter, is a faster interaction as there is no outer bowl, and therefore has fewer parts to clean.
What can I make if I don't have 24 hours?
You can make a milkshake or customize store-bought ice cream with mix-ins in minutes.
To make a milkshake: add 1 1/2 cups of store-bought ice cream to a pint. With a spoon, create a 1 1/2-inch wide hole that reaches the bottom of the pint. Add mix-ins to the hole in the pint (optional), then add 1/2 cup of milk. Process using the MILKSHAKE program.
To customize store-bought ice cream: scoop 1 1/2 cups of store-bought ice cream into a pint. With a spoon, create a 1 1/2-inch wide hole that reaches the bottom of the pint. Add your mix-ins to the hole in the pint. Process using the MIX-IN program.
When should I use RE-SPIN?
If your base is crumbly or powdery after processing, use the RE-SPIN program to make it smoother and creamier.
Note: do NOT RE-SPIN if you will also be using the MIX-IN program, since running both after another program may overprocess ingredients. Also, do NOT use RE-SPIN to process leftovers.
RE-SPIN is often needed for very cold bases from the freezer; if your freezer is set to a very cold temperature, you may need RE-SPIN more frequently.
The unit is designed to process bases between 9°F and -7°F. If your freezer is too cold, try changing the freezer's temperature setting, moving the pint to the front of your freezer, or leaving the pint out on the counter for a few minutes before processing.
- Besides use with frozen bases, RE-SPIN can be used to customize the texture of your smoothie bowl or milkshake. Smoothie bowls made in the CREAMi™ are thicker than your average smoothie bowls. If you would like your smoothie bowl to be thinner, select RE-SPIN to process the mixture until your desired texture is achieved. Similarly, if you would like your milkshake thinner, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and select RE-SPIN. Process until your desired texture is achieved. However, note that mix-ins may sink to the bottom of thin milkshakes.