Bonnie: “Rule the kitchen with this new Ninja Master Prep,” boasts the makers of this new kitchen appliance.
They claim that this under-$50 Ninja could dice more evenly than my expensive food processor and chop ice better than blenders.
“Skeptical,” is an understatement.
So, when asked, I agreed to test this as a possible FeaturedBite on Bite of the Best.
The Ninja came with a “Master Pod” containing the motor, which fits atop the two containers to power the machine. One use is on the “Mini Master Prep” a 2-cup quasi-food processor for chopping; the other is on the “Master Prep Pitcher,” a 48-ounce blender for making frozen drinks and smoothies.
The removable blades (notice the plural!) sit inside the containers, each of which has a pour spout and comes with a blue (my favorite color) storage lid.
But, does the Ninja work?
I first tested it on an onion. I followed the instructions’ suggestion to pulse the motor until the onion was the consistency I wanted. When done, I removed the top expecting to see different size pieces. Wrong. I found no chunks, just evenly chopped onion pieces. Same results with a ripe tomato.
Next test was the blender. The Ninja folks boast that this “blasts ice into…fluffy snow to make restaurant-style drinks in just seconds.” It does just that. Think frozen margaritas or daiquiris, yogurt smoothies or any slushie drinks.
Before making drinks, I suggest making ice cubes from whatever liquid ingredients you’re planning to use so you don’t dilute your drinks.
They suggest you serve, seal and store in the same container. That’s where I no longer follow their suggestions. I prefer to serve in nonplastic containers.
I like this product so much that one of my talent agency clients is now representing the Ninja.
Bryan: Ok, so I’m not going to lie. I definitely felt a little twinge of “infomercial” when first seeing my Ninja Master Prep. I mean, it slices, it dices… Don’t look at it the wrong way or it’ll kick your a$$! I heard the voice of kitchen gadget guru, Ron Popeil echoing in my head: “It’ll solve all your kitchen needs,” he whispered. “But I’ve heard that all before,” I answered.
Could it be true this time?
I have to say that part of my review of this product is unfortunately going to involve bashing another, similar product. While I don’t like pointing fingers, I had been promised this same litany of abilities from another company once, though my immersion blender/chopper from the Bistro collection truly failed to deliver on any of its boasts. My milkshake maker was a bust and impossibly hard to use, while the mini food processor accessory couldn’t even make its way through an already pre-chopped onion. I was promised everything and I got nothing. It was simply useless. (Sorry Wolfgang, you still make great pizza. We’re cool, I promise!)
When the Ninja arrived, I readied myself for disappointment again, but this time found none. The Ninja not only delivered on its promises, it exceeded every one of my expectations! This is two kitchen devices in one, and each of them actually works! Taking into account all the additional accessories, the Ninja is phenomenally useful.
The Ninja is quite a powerful and unique blender and food processor. I realized why this kitchen gadget got its name as soon as I started using it. While most other blenders and choppers have a single, bottom-dwelling blade, the Ninja has dual blades. This unique, if not revolutionary, adaptation allows the gadget to transform ice cubes into perfect, creamy frozen drinks in just seconds. Many blenders will leave chunks or transform cubed ice into a watery mess. There is something special though about the dual blades, creating the perfect consistency for shakes, smoothies and frozen cocktails.
The mini food processor is equally as powerful (both blades use the same interchangeable, top-driven motor). The chopper perfectly produces diced or minced vegetables; onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, and the like all passed with flying colors! The Ninja is also perfect for any of your salsa or dips. The pulse control makes it easy to avoid turning your entire creation into mush.
The “Master Pod” easily switches from the Mini Prep to the Prep Pitcher. I was worried, as I’ve sometimes seen TV personalities make this type of switch with ease, only to be confounded by my own, at-home try. I like things that are idiot-proof and the Ninja passed its tests with flying colors. The pod only fits on in one way, and the blades can only connect in one way. Utility is further compounded, as the set includes two storage lids, allowing your Ninja creations to last in the fridge without the need of an additional storage container.
The blender pitcher is generously sized, ideally designed for parties with a large 48-oz pitcher. It’s perfect for making several drinks at a time, and features an easy flip pour spout and no-slip bottom. The Ninja pieces are also dishwasher and microwave safe. It’s not going to make your dinner for you, but the Ninja will certainly multitask at your behest.
Eric: To explain this in modern written language, OMG this product is not a WTF. The Ninja, or as I like to refer to it, “the little infomercial product that could,” is an appliance designed for the modern kitchen as well as for the fast-paced lifestyle many of us live. Similar to its infomercial nemesis, “The Bullet,” the Ninja is designed for two specific reasons – crafting great ice-based drinks and prepping the otherwise tedious mise en place.
(from Bite of the Best) Drake, we are not the official Ninja site – instead we’re a site that review and recommends products for you! You’ll need to contact Ninja or EuroPro (the manufacturer) directly.
i like the ninja but one problem i cant fit it on the no splash zone it would be nice if it made a click when its secured we mitght return it if we cant get help
Can I but the bowls for storage. If so how much do they cost melnick858@aol.com
EXCELLENT PRODUCT – but our plastic base gears did wear out suddenly. Thanks due to the advice in this forum (Ninja division at 1(800) 361-4639 and simply explain what part is worn down.) A new FREE replacement is on the way. AWESOME customer service. Do NOT call the number on the ninjakitchen.com website which is wrong anyway – should be 798 and said I would have to buy a new one. Almost gave up!
I received the Ninja for a Christmas gift and am very satisfied with the product. Now that the Ninja Pro has been introduced to the public, I see there is a recipe booklet available with the product. How can I get a copy of the booklet, since there was nothing like this available, when the original Ninja was designed. Thank you.
I’ve had a Ninja for a couple months now. It works. Makes great smoothies — which I do once or twice a day. It works a lot better than a Cuisinart food processor.
But … if Cuisinart made the Ninja it would be a little more solid and a little safer. The lid would have a twist-lock and so would the motor assembly. That would be an important improvement.
It would be nice if the spout was a little bigger and narrower too. That help with pouring frozen drinks. Currently the flow as you pour is wider than a wide glass. You have to pour with care with the current design.
Richard
These reviews have been very helpful. I wanted something to chop cooked meat up so that my husband could once again eat meat since he does not like wearing his false teeth any more (79 and an invali). My Vita Mix is great for many things but I hate trying to get food out from around the blades. I liked the Bullet for not having that problem but it did not take long to burn up the motor with my daughter making mocha drinks all the time. I have been burnt so many times that I was suspicious of this Ninja Prep. So I read all the good and bad reports. Then I checked out Costco and Walmart…. nothing (well Costco has a Bullet );) Target has one that is $39.95 an thanks to this group of reviews I found out that it was the 1st one out. QVC has the new one on back order or ‘wait list’ for $68 and that includes the shipping. When I read that the parts are interchangeable I order the new one from QVC and bought the 1st model from Target. There is up to a 45 day wait from QVC and then it still might not come in. I bought one of the cook books from http://www.ninjakitchen.com/bobs_recipes.html#entr2 for $15 and free shipping. It should be here tomorrow.
I have to admit that I had a few moments of wondering just what I was doing wrong with the first ice I tried to crush but quickly saw that I had not pushed the splash guard down far enough.
It minces cooked meat just right for hubby. I used it to mince hard cooked eggs and shells for my cockatiel parents and plan on using it to chop their carrots instead of using my Salad Shooter which has just about gone its limit any way. I will be able to do 2 processes at once rather than grating one and then the other.I do believe the Ninja will do everything that I was using my Salad Shooter for and with less work.
My smoothies will still be made in my Vita Mix as well as making different flours but this ninja will be sitting right beside it.
On the QVC web site someone was complaining that the new cookbook only has 10 new recipes more than the first one. Someone suggested buying old blender cook books but why if you have a computer and access to the web? I threw “vita mix mocha freeze recipe’ in for a search and was surprised at the recipe web page I found. Forget the cookbook that came with my vita mix. This site has great recipes and I hope it is not tacky to post it here.
http://www.vitamix.com/foodservice/recipes/beverage.asp
I have not checked out Vita Mix recipes online for some time But I know I will be trying some of these with both my machines.
I purchased the Ninja because it promised to make ice into snow…shockingly — it did just that. I was spending 15 minutes each morning crushing ice to put in a cooler and the ninja cut that down to about 3 minutes…..and the ice is SNOW! I love this thing!
Granny – I put in the blade and then put in my ingredients. I then slightly twist the top of the blade to make sure it can spin and isn’t getting caught on anything. I think place the lid on the container and finally the motor on top of that. The motor is a little tricky. It will go flat in order to use it though…it does take a little fanangline! LOL
I got mine about a month ago. I LOVE it! Smoothies every morning since the day it arrived. Super easy and healthy for the kids to have fruit/spinach/milled flax smoothies at breakfast time.
i got it at target on sale for 35 or 38, I’m not sure but I know it was under the 40 price point.
http://www.target.com/Ninja-Master-Prep
At first i loved the ninja master prep. I used it daily for two months, and then it refused to work any longer. I looked it over and found out that top of the splash guard that is supposed to fit into the Master Pod had worn out, the plastic was too soft and it had stripped itself. Result, it will not work. So disappointing.
Can the Ninja cut up fruit without peeling and vegetables like the Montel Williams HealthMaster?
replace the bushing that is in the power unit. the teeth are worn out and the ninja will not spend the blades
Help, I really like this ninja
Your ninja sucks! Worked good for a few uses and then the blades would not fit coreectly in the mixer units causing everything to strip out. No link to replace defective parts. Big time rip off!!!
Attn.kellee jones
I find that 99% of the times the Ninja fails is that it has been used improperly. The blades have not been assembled correctly or the lid has not been set on properly by turning it until it drops into place and most important, the motor has been started without it being fitted “seated” in the correct position. According to many of the comments above, whenever someone has a problem they simply call 1-800-361-4639 and the company immediately looks after the problem. Hope this helps. Pat
You have to get the gears completely meshed and the motor unit sitting completely flush. The blades have to be turned slightly until this fit is perfect. If that happens correctly, it will not strip gears.
I don’t know if Wolfgang Puck’s knock off works better.
i found the ninja to be a piece of junk, the fitting on the top of the blade strips out the fitting in the motor housing making the machine useless.I used it twice and it stripped out.
I get suspicious when I see a comment like Russells. I have a feeling that these negative comments are coming from the competition. I have had a Ninja since last December and use it at least 5 times a week with no problems. If the gears strip out that is 99% caused by the operator not making sure that the lid is securely on and that the motor is also turned until it settles down on the base. Stripped gears come from starting the motor when either the lid or motor are improperly placed. Anyway, it is no big deal, contact the company at their 1-800 number and they replace it no charge. Find the number in previous comments. Owners, please take care when operating these winning little machines and they will last a long time. P.
Yes, Pat, comments like Russel’s do smell a little.
I bought my machine from the local Walmart a couple months ago and, although I am careful how I put the top on, I don’t think I need to be. My unit won’t let the motor turn on unless it’s completely seated on the container.
Richard
I forgot to mention, I use my machine several times a day.
No problems.
Richard
Hi, I’m interested to purchase this product: Euro-Pro Ninja Master Prep Blender and Food Processor. Can advise what is the voltage, what is included in the package, can ship to Singapore, what is the total cost to ship to Singapore? thanks. pls let me know ASAP.
The is a US product, 110 volts 60 cycle. I don’t think it will work in your country.
This is not the product website so you can’t order it here.
Hi Kim:
Call 1-800-361-4639, the Ninja people and they may be able to help you. If not go online to Bed, Bath and Beyond and see if they ship to Singapore. Good luck, this is the best machine that I have ever used, meaning that I use it 10 times to 1 of any of my other appliances., I always get a kick out of how fast it grates cheeze, makes sauces or guacamole etc. Hope you tet one. Pat
I want to buy a Ninja Pro, but before I do, where can I get extra Ninja containers, as it comes with so few?
I’m curious why people find the need for extra Ninja containers? Once I blend something I just pour into a regular storage container, just as I did with a regular blender.
I actually find the Ninja blender containers to be bulky and inefficient for storage purposes.
putting plastic gears on a motor is a joke , my gears were stripped in 2 days , until the makers start usuing metal the ninja is just junk–im very disapointed in this product
Yes it does appear that ownership & use of an early model Ninja does require common sense and an IQ of at least 100, but I do believe the later models have been changed to make them more idiot-proof. The company does replace the parts, but unfortunately there seems to be no replacing the other part.
I’m wondering if some kind of warning label should be placed on the Ninja packaging, but then again, if the current instructions were followed there would not be any issues either. A quandary.
After spending about 30 min reading through the majority of the comments, i’m shocked at all the issues that some have had. Stripped gears really shouldn’t be an issue with proper use. I would be pretty concerned about those that operate a motor vehicle on a daily basis but have trouble using the Ninja. I am no way affiliated with the company but have put my Ninja through the paces without any issues.
My point from my post a while ago, was that the blades are not stationary, If it gets knocked off the counter, the blades will fall out and possibly cut somebodies toe off. like it almost did to my mom’s. People say it takes common sense work it, but the problem is, It takes common sense to Make the blades stationary. && Common sense wasn’t used during the creation of this product.
I might suggest gluing the blades to the bottom so they are stationery, if that is the problem, but I’m trying to visualize the ease in which it would be knocked off the counter from its nonslip base, motor coming off, lid coming off, and blades coming out in time for the toe(s) to get in the way. I’ve had slippery hands with the motor but in all the time I’ve used the Ninja the base has been immovable with proper care.
It’s a case of common sense when using equipment like this: You have to be careful. What’s the sense of worrying about sharp blades when a kitchen is full of knives? Or how about the sharp edges of tin cans? Or the occasional broken glass? Honestly, can’t anyone take any responsibility for what happens in their own home without blaming equipment? Good heavens, it’s not like this is something that is impossible to understand how it works, or what the safety issues of it is.
On a more positive note. I used the Ninja to make what i’ll call buffalo chicken burgers that turned out excellent! They were flavorful, moist and fairly healthy.
Ingredients:
2 lbs Chicken breast cut in 1-2 inch cubes
2 slices thick cut bacon
1 egg
1/2 medium onion
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/2 cup oats or breadcrumbs
salt
pepper
Frank’s red hot sauce
Recipe:
put the chicken breast in to the 48 oz pitcher and add salt, pepper, frank’s red hot to taste. I used a tsp of salt, a tsp of pepper and 1/2 tbsp of Frank’s. Pulse until rough chopped. Put the pitcher in the fridge.
Cook the 2 slices of bacon until it just begins to crisp up. Don’t cook it all the way as you don’t want it to be completely crumbly. Cut up the bacon in to 1/2 inch pieces.
Cut up the onion and put in the 2 cup bowl and pulse till evenly chopped.
Take the pitcher with the chicken out of the fridge and add in all the ingredients. Pulse until all combined. Do not over pulse or it will turn in to chicken paste.
Lay out some parchment paper or saran wrap that you’ll lay the formed patties on to. I suggest putting some oil on your hands to make forming the patties easier (it’s pretty sticky). I made 5 patties out of it, so about 6.4 oz of chicken per patty. Move patties to fridge to keep cool (easier to get on the grill this way).
Get your grill nice and hot and be sure to coat grates with a light layer of oil. Grill each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side depending on how thick you made the patties.
Toast up your buns, add any addtl condiments you like and eat. I mixed up some light ranch with more frank’s red hot to use as a bit of topping.
The patties came out moist and juicy with excellent flavor, little bites of bacon and blue cheese along with the hot sauce make these extremely flavorful and a nice change from a standard grilled chicken breast. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
forgot to add…put in one clove of garlic along with the onions.
YES! Chainsaws are poorly designed as well. If you knock it off the counter it could cut your leg off.
Knives are also poorly design, if you knock it off the counter it could stick into your toe.
Guns are also poorly designed, if you try to clean them while they are loaded you could shoot yourself.
Cars are poorly designed as well, if you forget to shift them into park and accidently hit the gas peddle you could kill someone.
Rolling pins are horrible, if you place them up high and an earthquake happens, it could roll of the shelf and hit you in the head an knock you out!
Some of these comments are hilarious. Here is the MAJOR problem with the Ninja..
APCBOE
All Problems Caused By Operator Error.
Scott,,,,,,,,PRICELESS ANSWER, Love my Ninga,
@seriously? Thank you so much for posting this, I can’t wait to try it out.
I got the Ninja Pro back in May (Model QB1004W) and absolutely love it. I learned how to make homemade Guacamole from the recipe book that came with it and I make smoothies almost every day.
I agree with all the responses about care and usage of this, you have to use common sense and take your time assembling it to use – when I am done making whatever I am making the first thing I do is remove the blades from container and wash them and put them in the dish drain to dry. I don’t leave them in while trying to get the food out or set them on the counter to get in the way. And when they are dry they get put back into the container, ready for the next usage.
If the blades on the Ninja were fixed, it would be just like my Vita Mix only cheaper. There are some things I quit making with my Vita Mix because I got tired of trying to clean out around those blades at the bottom.
As for knocking it off with the blades still in it, I assumed it was meant that it was not in use then? I don’t leave my where it can be knocked off with the blades in it and I doubt many people do.
My daughter purchased the entire Ninja blender/processor for my birthday in March of this year. I kept the box for a few months because it is not a product I use regularly. I was going to use it over the weekend and try the processor part. I installed the top to the processor and turned it on when all of a sudden it stopped. When looking at the bottom of the top I saw that the processor had stripped the plastic area and has now made the item useless since it will not work. My daughter paid good money for this item and I only got to use this two times successfully to make drinks only. Please advise what the process to get a replacement because the stores will not honor it without receipts.
Barbara Wood
Attn: Barbara
Did you read the instruction book from front to back. What happened is that you stripped the gears because you either did not turn the lid so that is sits snuggly on the container to make sure that it was seated in the lowest position or you did not turn the motor part to make sure that it was seated in the lowest position. If you just set either the lid or engine on the container without making sure that they are lowered into the correct position you will strip the gears. This problem is 100% operator error. To contact the company the 1-800 number to call is in the comments above in a couple of entries. I want you to look for it so that you will read some of the comments on this site and will know how to operator this wonderful little Ninja machine correctly and it will last you a long long time. By the way, I have one of the original machines with the weakest plastic gears (the newer ones have stronger plastic) and I take care when using it and have had it since December, using it several times a week. It is ALWAYS operator error when the gears strip. The company is wonderful and I am sure they will send you a replacement at no charge. They have had to do this hundreds of times because people did not take the time to read the manual, cover to cover, before using. P.
I completely agree w/Pat – I have also had my Ninja since last December and it was one of the original weaker models. I use mine EVERY single day to make my breakfast smoothies (fresh fruit and icecubes) – I’ve actually worn some of the Ninja decal off the motor ‘cuz it gets handled so much. Treat this machince with care an it will last you a long time.
I love the ninja, I have one at home,awsome on ice, Itold my boss about it , she bought one for the kitchen , I’m a cook, I’ve only had it for 2 days and just love it , really douse a good job on corn (puree) and harder foods, hope it can stand up to the work out. THANKS : )
We have both the Magic Bullet and the Ninja Professional and each has its own job. The Magic Bullet makes veggie and fruit drinks which, so far as we’ve seen, the Ninja DOES NOT. We will try the Ninja on other jobs (chopping, mixing). The one thing I’ve found I don’t like is the power head as it is very smooth and hard to grip in one hand if you don’t have huge hands.
To PennyPA:
I have made delicious smooth veggie and fruit smoothies with my Ninja. To my knowledge you cannot create powdered ice with any other machine on the market, which makes the smoothies very smooth and creamy. As for the smoothness of the top, I am amazed at what people find to complain about. I have used my Ninja for months, hundreds of times and have never realized that “it might slip out of my hands”. As adults we have to start taking responsibility for using tools of the kitchen safely. I am constantly discouraged at what our human race has become, chronic complainers about every little thing. Just read many of the comments above. PMC
Thank you PMC for your response. However I am not interested in smoothies; I mentioned that the Ninja does not make fruit and veggie JUICES like the Magic Bullet. Someone asked to compare the two and that is the only thing we’ve tried making on the Ninja so far.
I do take responsibility for using tools of the kitchen safely. I merely mentioned the top is smooth and hard for me to grip since I have a small hand. I was not complaining. I merely pointed out one thing I did not particularily like about the Ninja.
I am having stomach issues and wanted to purée my food. After reading a number of reviews, I just bought and used the Ninja for dinner. Fantastic. I just need to adjust the amount of water. I mixed cooked hamburger, chicken, millet, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. It was gruel-like, but that was exactly what I was going for. 🙂 I will give it another day or two, but I think this is perfect for my needs. I bought it at Target as I didn’t want to wait! Recommended highly, IF the parts stay sturdy.
Susan, like you I got mine at Target rather than wait but I also ordered the newest one from QVC but it is on a wait list and might not even come in. I wanted one to mainly chop food up fine enough for my hubby to eat without his teeth. He spends so much time sleeping in his chair that they were always falling out of his mouth. Ever hear the old song about grandpa holle4ing “anyone seem my teeth?”? I got tired of him leaving his meat because it was just not tender enough. Now I find that I have acid reflux to deal with and this little machine is making it easier for me because I am grinding/chopping up my meat with hubby’s. I think as long as we pay attention to the instructions it is going to last quite awhile.
I purchased one of these and really liked it but…… The connector in the bottom of the power unit stripped and I can’t find a replacement anywhere. Seems like a unit costing $60 with a single point of failure would have a replacement part available. Really disappointed.
Obviously you have never actually contacted the company. Try that! Contact information is provided in these threads.
See July 6th for comment from Pat for the number to call for replacement. Read some of the other messages. The gears stripping is 100% the failure of the operator by not making sure that the lid and/or the motor were correctly seated on the container. WHEN PLACING LID ON CONTAINER GIVE IT A TURN UNTIL IT SITS DOWN FIRMLY, THE SAME FOR THE MOTOR. TURN IT UNTIL IT SITS (SEATS) DOWN FIRMLY OVER THE SHAFT. IF IT WILL NOT FIT FIRMLY ON THE SHAFT TURN THE SHAFT SLIGHTLY UNTIL IT FITS FIRMLY INTO THE MOTOR. Hope this helps with your replacement machine.