What is the best kitchen gadget for protein ice cream and smoothies?

Best overall: Ninja CREAMi Deluxe if your main goal is thick protein ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. It is the gadget most directly built for turning frozen protein mixtures into scoopable, soft-serve-style desserts.

If you make smoothies every day and only occasionally want “protein ice cream,” a high-power blender is more practical. My one-appliance pick for that use is the Vitamix Explorian E310, because it blends frozen fruit, protein powder, ice, nut butters, and greens reliably—but it will make thick smoothie bowls more than true Creami-style ice cream.

Practical verdict: choose Ninja CREAMi Deluxe for protein ice cream first; choose Vitamix E310 for smoothies first.