'I've found a £40 alternative to the Ninja Creami that creates 'perfectly smooth' ice cream every time'

I am a big fan of Ninja devices. Although expensive, they are incredibly reliable, which, for me, justifies the price. One product I can't get behind price-wise is the . I've totally been sucked into the videos of other people's delicious-looking concussions on TikTok, but £200-plus for an ice cream maker is steep, so I've found an alternative.

This is England after all, and we get about two to three weeks' worth of summer on a good year. So, I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of it. Ninja's Creami is currently on sale for £194, however, It can create homemade ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yoghurt in less than 40 minutes.

Rivalling Ninja's high-end , it creates ice cream in record time, and sweet-toothed lovers can customise flavours with any toppings they like. As well as the cheaper price, it also comes with a host of rave reviews from shoppers who love its 'tasty' results.

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It comes with a 1.8 litre bowl, which you need to freeze for 12 hours before use. Some reviewers advise always keeping it in the freezer so it's ready and prepped whenever you fancy it. The device has a 4-out-of-five-star satisfaction rating and 30 reviews - most of which are given top ratings. One pleased buyer said: "We bought three ice cream makers, one for us and one each for our sons. Our grandchildren love it.

"We all keep it in the freezer ready to use. The recipes are easy to read and the ice cream is ready in 25 minutes. I would highly recommend it." A second Lakeland shopper wasn't as pleased, saying: "This was bought for me as a gift to replace an old Philips machine that worked the same way.

"This one is quieter, but not quite as good at freezing the ice cream. I froze the bowl for 24 hours, prechilled the mixture and made a small portion (it came less than halfway up the paddle). But after 45 minutes, it was still pretty loose. I will try again, but I suspect the problem may be that the paddle isn't quite a perfect fit for the bowl - it doesn't quite reach the edges to scrape the cream on/off the metal surface.

"The timer stops the motor after 45 minutes (max), but I suspect it needs much longer." We can't find the Philip's ice cream maker online, which suggests it may no longer be on the shelves. However, another alternative is the (£40 at Amazon), which makes ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yoghurt.

Back to a third buyer wrote: "So far I have made two lots with this machine, one vanilla and one chocolate. Both churned well and froze in the pot fairly quickly, after just 20 minutes of churning. Both batches of ice cream turned out perfectly, really smooth with no ice crystals, etc."

They also noted a downside, adding: "A big issue that I have with this machine is the ridiculously tiny opening for pouring in the mixture. Even when using a jug and pouring really slowly it ends up smeared over the lid.

"That is a very bad design in my opinion. Also the paddle started up going in reverse on the second lot, luckily I realised in time, stopped and restarted it."

A fifth buyer concluded: "Only had mine a week and have made eight batches of ice cream and sorbet. Really pleased with the results. I make it and decant it into containers in the freezer rather than eat it straight away apart from cooks and tasters!

"Really pleased with it even if worried as not very expensive. I keep the freezer bowl in the freezer. There are so many good recipes out there. I agree with other comments regarding the small size of the opening to pour the mixture in.

"A small funnel makes easy work of it! The main reason for the purchase is I'm getting rid of all the nasties and emulsifiers in our food. This is all fresh and much better for us."

The higher-end Ninja Creami has more than 500 customer reviews. This works different to Lakeland's budget model. To use, simply fill a tub with ingredients, pop it in the freezer for 24 hours, and then process to perfection in minutes when you're ready to serve. The device's 'Creamify ' transforms your frozen base into an indulgent treat.

One Ninja shopper said: "Brilliant appliance. It surpassed high expectations, and I literally feel this is the best thing I've ever bought." Another added: "I bought this as a present for my fiancé for . We’re finally getting around to using it, and we LOVE IT.

"We’ve made sorbet and ice cream so far and it’s amazing, so quick as well. This is a must-have summer staple."

A third wasn't as pleased, saying: "This is not an ice cream maker. It is just a mixer. You have to make the ice cream yourself and freeze it in a freezer for 24 hours before putting it in this overpriced blender for a minute. I would not recommend this product, absolute waste of time."

Another alternative to Ninja's and Lakeland's ice cream makers is one from Cuisinart. Its is £100 at Argos, and can make 3.5 pints of ice cream in 25 minutes. Ninja's is set to appear in a new show called What's the Big Deal: Britain's Best Buys?