In the ancient days, the word ‘Ninja’ was synonymous with assassins. However, times have changed, and now the word ‘Ninja’ is the name of a famous kitchen brand that produces the latest kitchen appliances and blenders. One of the most popular appliances of the Ninja Kitchen brand is the all-purpose Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker.
The Ninja Foodi provides different settings, which include grilling, roasting, pressure cooking, slow cooking, and a keep-warm function. However, the fact of the matter is that it is quite an expensive multi-cooker, which makes it harder to sell than its competition.
Price:
The GE Smart Countertop Microwave costs $140. In comparison, the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker costs $249. However, it also comes at a discounted price, and Amazon Prime Day offers it for $100 in 2019.
There are also many cookbooks related to the Foodi Multi-Cooker. You can check out the cookbooks here.
Design:
When you see the Multi-Cooker, you will observe that it is more like a mini-oven. Thus, it takes a significant amount of space.
You can control the settings through a panel on the front present below a digital display. The time and temperature controls are present on the sides of the display. When you cook, the time ticks on a clock, which helps you to keep track of the timings.
Just below the display, there are different cooking options, like Slow Cook, Steam, Pressure, Air Fry, Grill, Sear, and Roast. The On button is present on the bottom right, the Keep Warm button is bottom left, and a large start/stop button is present at the center. Moreover, every task requires you to select the cooking time, type, and temperature. Thus, it is a bit manual, and you have to get used to it with time. Still, a significant plus of the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker is that it is perfect for large families and parties.
Performance:
Let’s see the performance of the different settings of the pressure cooker.
Slow Cooking:
In many recipes, you have to fry the ingredients, like chunks of beef for stews and onions for curries, before putting them in a slow cooker. However, in Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, you can switch from searing to slow cooking by touching a single button. To do this, add the ingredients and click on the Slow Cook button.
When the slow cooking timer finishes, the 30-minute Keep Warm Function starts, which doesn’t spoil the meal. You can press the Keep Warm button to maintain a steady temperature until you are ready to eat the food. The Keep Warm function gives the Ninja Foodi cooker an edge over ordinary ovens.
These features offer greater versatility over slow cookers, mini ovens, and air fryers. Although there are many settings that you have to use, Multi-Cooker is the best option for slow cooking.
Pressure Cooking:
When you cook with the Multi-Cooker, you will notice that it saves a lot of your time. For example, a small chicken takes typically between an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to cook. However, with Ninja Foodi’s pressure cooker, it would take just 15 minutes to cook.
However, you need to be careful while using the pressure cooker feature. You need to factor in the time that it takes for the pot to reach the desired pressure. If you release the pressure slowly, you will overcook the food, and if you release the pressure quickly, you will undercook the food.
Steaming:
To use this option, you need a grilling rack to keep the food on it and then steam by putting water underneath it. Unlike many of the other settings, the steaming in the Foodi is the same as the traditional method.
Grilling:
Although grilling is an excellent option to have in the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, it is less effective in comparison to a standard grill. The main reason is that the size of the Foodi limits the amount of food you can put on the grill. For example, you can’t put more than two chicken breasts in the multicooker for grilling.
Verdict:
The Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker is a mix of class and versatility. However, it is expensive, and it isn’t for the faint-hearted. Moreover, the controls are quite complicated, and the design is a bit ugly. Still, if you have money and you are good with tech, it is an excellent choice for you.
