I'm a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
So, you’ve got your eye on the new Ninja Swirl and wondering whether to go with the Scoop setting or the Soft Serve setting?
I get it. When it comes to homemade ice cream, the texture is everything. But which setting delivers the results you’re craving?
Here’s the deal:
- Is Soft Serve creamier than Scoop?
- Which one’s better for dairy-free ice cream?
- And does one take longer than the other?
Let’s break down what matters most so you can hit that perfect scoop.
Texture: Creamy vs Scoopable
The biggest difference? Texture.
- Scoop Setting: Think classic ice cream—dense, smooth, and firm enough to scoop into cones or bowls. This setting works well with both dairy and non-dairy recipes, giving you that rich, satisfying texture.
- Soft Serve Setting: Lighter, creamier, and more airy—just like the soft-serve you get from an ice cream truck. It’s perfect for serving straight from the machine, no extra freezing required.
So if you’re going for that classic, scoopable texture, use the Scoop setting. But if you’re all about creamy soft-serve cones, the Soft Serve setting is the way to go.
Time and Prep: Quick vs Faster
Nobody wants to wait too long when ice cream’s on the menu. Here’s how the two settings stack up:
- Scoop Setting: Takes slightly longer because the ice cream needs to freeze a bit more to get that firm, scoopable texture. Still, it’s faster than most traditional ice cream makers.
- Soft Serve Setting: Faster and more convenient. Since the texture is lighter and softer, it’s ready to serve almost immediately after mixing.
Bottom line: If you’re impatient (no judgment), go with Soft Serve for instant satisfaction. But if you can wait a bit longer, Scoop delivers that classic ice cream experience.
Versatility: Toppings, Mix-Ins, and More
Both settings let you get creative, but each one shines in different ways.
- Scoop Setting: Perfect for mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cookie dough chunks. The denser texture holds mix-ins better, so you get a good crunch in every bite.
- Soft Serve Setting: Best for toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, or crushed cookies. Since the texture is lighter, mix-ins might sink to the bottom if you add them too early—so save those for the end.
If you’re all about chunky, mix-in-loaded ice cream, choose Scoop. But if you love classic soft-serve cones with toppings, go with Soft Serve.
Pros and Cons
Scoop Setting
✅ Classic, scoopable texture
✅ Holds mix-ins well
✅ Works great with dairy and non-dairy recipes
❌ Takes slightly longer to freeze
❌ Not as light and airy as soft serve
Soft Serve Setting
✅ Light, creamy, and airy texture
✅ Faster and ready to eat immediately
✅ Perfect for cones and sundaes
❌ Mix-ins can sink if added too early
❌ Softer texture means it melts faster
Feature | Scoop Setting | Soft Serve Setting |
|---|---|---|
Texture | Dense, smooth, and scoopable | Light, creamy, and airy |
Freezing Time | Slightly longer | Faster, ready to eat immediately |
Mix-Ins | Holds mix-ins well | Best with toppings added after |
Serving Style | Perfect for cones and bowls | Ideal for swirls and sundaes |
Non-Dairy Options | Works well | Works well |
Melting Speed | Slower | Faster |
Major Differences
- Texture: Scoop is dense and scoopable. Soft Serve is light and airy.
- Time: Soft Serve is faster; Scoop takes a little longer to freeze.
- Mix-Ins: Scoop holds mix-ins better. Soft Serve works best with toppings added after serving.
- Serving Style: Scoop is great for cones and bowls. Soft Serve is perfect for swirls and sundaes.
If you want classic ice cream, choose Scoop. But if you’re after that soft-serve experience, go with Soft Serve.
FAQs
Which setting is better for dairy-free ice cream?
Both work great! If you’re using oat, almond, or coconut milk, the Soft Serve setting delivers a creamier texture. But if you want a firmer, scoopable texture, go with Scoop.
Does the Soft Serve setting take less time?
Yep! The Soft Serve setting is faster because the ice cream doesn’t need to freeze as much. If you’re in a hurry, this is the way to go.
Can I add mix-ins to both settings?
Definitely. But the Scoop setting holds mix-ins like chocolate chips and nuts better because the texture is denser. With Soft Serve, it’s best to sprinkle toppings on after serving.
Which setting is closer to store-bought ice cream?
The Scoop setting is closer to traditional store-bought ice cream—dense, smooth, and scoopable. The Soft Serve setting is more like what you’d get from an ice cream truck—light, airy, and creamy.
Other Interesting Articles
- KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker vs Cuisinart Rice Cooker: Which Should You Choose?
- KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker vs Aroma Rice Cooker: Which One’s Right for You?
- KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker vs Zojirushi: Which One’s Worth It?
- Flavortown vs GreenPan: Which Cookware Reigns Supreme?
- Flavortown Laser Titanium 12-Piece Cookware Set: Worth the Splurge?
Author
This article was written by HappyFoodGeek, your go-to kitchen gadget expert. From ice cream makers to cookware, we break down the pros and cons so you can make the best choice for your kitchen.