Wondering if the Instant Pot InstantChill ice cream maker is worth buying? In this blog post I share the pros and cons of buying this small kitchen appliances and if it works well to make vegan ice cream.
Buy the Instant Pot InstantChill Ice Cream Maker on Amazon >
What is the Instant Pot InstantChill ice cream maker?
- Instant Pot is a popular brand of small kitchen appliance. I love using my Instant Pot Pro for meal prep.
- In May 2026 they released their ice cream maker called InstantChill.
- The unique thing about this ice cream maker is that you NEVER have to pre-plan your ice cream making, except having the ingredients on hand!
I just purchased one so stay tuned for my honest review and recipes using this ice cream maker!
No freezing required!
There is absolutely:
- No freezing the bowl
- No freezing the ice cream batter
- Just pour everything into the machine and in about 20 minutes you have fresh, homemade ice cream!
It’s really amazing because basically every other ice cream machine on the market requires pre-freezing something (either the device or ingredients).
Instant Pot InstantChill vs Ninja Creami
One of the biggest questions shoppers have is whether the Instant Pot InstantChill is a better choice than the Ninja Creami.
The biggest difference is how the two machines make ice cream.
The difference between the two ice cream makers
- The Ninja Creami requires you to freeze your dessert base for about 24 hours before processing it.
- The Instant Pot InstantChill uses a built-in compressor to chill and freeze ingredients as it churns, so there is no need to pre-freeze containers ahead of time.
InstantChill is better for convenience
If convenience is your top priority, the InstantChill has a clear advantage. You can decide to make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, or frozen yogurt and start the process immediately.
Ninja Creami has more of a dedicated following – for now!
The Ninja Creami, however, has built a loyal following because of its ability to create extremely smooth textures and transform frozen ingredients into creamy desserts. It also has a large recipe community, making it easy to find ideas and troubleshooting tips online.
Can the Instant Pot InstantChill Replace the Ninja Creami?
The InstantChill may appeal more to shoppers who want a traditional ice cream maker experience without the hassle of freezing bowls or pints in advance. The Ninja Creami may be a better fit for people who enjoy experimenting with recipes and don’t mind planning ahead.
For buyers deciding between the two, the InstantChill’s no-pre-freeze convenience is likely its biggest selling point, while the Ninja Creami’s established reputation and large user community remain strong advantages.
How to make ice cream with the InstantChill
Here’s a quick photo showing how to make ice cream with this in three easy steps:
Stay tuned for my Instant Pot InstantChill First Look and Unboxing!
Why don’t you have to pre-freeze anything?
This machine has a built-in compressor, similar to how commercial kitchens make ice cream. This is a very powerful appliance so it gets cold quickly and is able to freeze the ice cream quickly.
With the Instant Pot InstantChill you can truly decide to make ice cream and in less than 30 minutes enjoy it!
Buy the Instant Pot InstantChill Ice Cream Maker on Amazon >
Does it make vegan ice cream?
Yes! This appliance has a specific setting for vegan, dairy-free ice cream.
Since I follow a plant-based diet this is so great because it can be difficult to make delicious homemade vegan ice cream.
Stay tuned for my Instant Pot InstantChill Vegan Ice Cream Test!
It makes rolled ice cream!
Another awesome feature is that you can make homemade rolled ice cream with this small kitchen appliance. Rolled ice cream is so fun and a unique way to make ice cream treats at home. Kids especially love this!
Is it loud?
No! It’s very quiet.
Can you make other things with this?
Yes, you can make a variety of frozen desserts, including:
- Gelato
- Sorbet
- High protein ice cream
- Vegan ice cream
- Dairy-free ice cream
- Egg-free ice cream
- Healthy ice cream
and more!
How much ice cream does it make?
You can make up to 2 pints of ice cream with this small kitchen appliance at a time.
10 Unexpected Things You Can Make with the Instant Pot InstantChill (Beyond Ice Cream)
1. VEGAN CHEESECAKE SOFT SERVE
Protein: ~8g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 1 package (12 oz) silken tofu
- 1/4 cup sea moss gel
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
- Pour into the InstantChill.
- Run the Ice Cream or Soft Serve program.
- Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.
RECIPE NOTES
- Add strawberries for strawberry cheesecake.
- Add crushed graham crackers before serving.
2. PINEAPPLE DOLE WHIP
Protein: ~1g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups frozen pineapple
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into InstantChill.
- Churn until thick and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
RECIPE NOTES
- Add mango for a tropical version.
- Add coconut flakes as a topping.
3. CHOCOLATE PROTEIN ICE CREAM
Protein: ~20g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups soy milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend ingredients until smooth.
- Chill mixture if desired.
- Process in InstantChill.
- Serve soft or freeze briefly.
RECIPE NOTES
- Add peanut butter for extra richness.
- Great post-workout dessert.
4. FROZEN COLD BREW MOCHA
Protein: ~5g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cold brew coffee
- 1 cup soy milk
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend ingredients.
- Pour into InstantChill.
- Process until slushy and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
RECIPE NOTES
- Top with coconut whipped cream.
- Add peppermint extract for a mocha mint version.
5. STRAWBERRY LEMONADE SLUSH
Protein: <1g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups strawberries
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar or maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into InstantChill.
- Churn until slushy.
- Serve immediately.
RECIPE NOTES
- Add raspberries or watermelon.
- Perfect summer recipe.
6. GREEN JUICE SORBET
Protein: ~2g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups fresh green juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix ingredients.
- Pour into InstantChill.
- Process until frozen and scoopable.
- Serve immediately.
RECIPE NOTES
- Works with kale, celery, cucumber, and apple juice blends.
- Great use for extra homemade juice.
7. CARROT-ORANGE SORBET
Protein: ~1g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups carrot juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all ingredients.
- Pour into InstantChill.
- Churn until smooth and frozen.
- Scoop and serve.
RECIPE NOTES
- Tastes like a frozen juice bar.
- Excellent for fresh-pressed juice lovers.
8. BANANA BREAD ICE CREAM
Protein: ~5g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups soy milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend ingredients until smooth.
- Process in InstantChill.
- Serve soft or freeze briefly.
RECIPE NOTES
- Add walnuts for crunch.
- Sprinkle with granola before serving.
9. MANGO SMOOTHIE BOWL SOFT SERVE
Protein: ~4g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups mango chunks
- 1 banana
- 1 cup soy yogurt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend ingredients.
- Process in InstantChill.
- Transfer to a bowl.
- Top with fruit and granola.
RECIPE NOTES
- Add pineapple or passion fruit.
- Great breakfast dessert.
10. CHOCOLATE PUDDING GELATO
Protein: ~7g per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 1 package silken tofu
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend until silky smooth.
- Process in InstantChill.
- Freeze 30 minutes for firmer texture if desired.
RECIPE NOTES
- Tastes like frozen chocolate mousse.
- One of the easiest dairy-free recipes to make.
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