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.
~~RETRACTION~~
I recently submitted a not so glowing review on the Ninja Chopper. My complaint was that the powerhead connector was a single point of failure and that I was unable to get a replacement part. Well! I now stand corrected. I was guilty of not following the assembly instructions causing the problem. Also on the company, someone sent me the 800 number. I called and to my surprise they made everything right. So I stand corrected and I have found this company to be one of the most BEST/RESPONSIVE I have ever dealt with.
Mia Copa,
Eddie
well, its been a week and the ninja held up to all the work that was put to the test, grinds and purees great, as for the power pod being big and heavy, use 2 hands .
I was so excited when I ordered the Ninja that I gave my regular blender away. I am a smoothie fanatic so I thought with the ice crushing blades, I would have smooth smoothies. Not so! Yes it did crush the ice, but 1 left my strawberries and other fruit in chunks. 2. he litter rubber piece in the top of the large container fell off into my drink. 3. Without this piece it akes it difficult to align the top to fit properly. 4. The blades made scores of cuts at the bottom of the large picture. I now see why they offered 2 for the price of 1. You will need that other one sooner than you expect. I’M SORRY I GAVE AWAY MY BLENDER.
I smell a Mission Impossible (fictional) tale. What little rubber piece? There’s not one on mine that I am aware of capable of falling into a glass. There’s a big rubber seal but I haven’t figured out how to remove it after months of use. Blades made scores of cuts at the bottom of the picture [sic]? How is that possible? Can someone actually run the Ninja without the blade shaft on the pin in the bottom?
McNerd:
I am with you on this one. I am suspicious that that message was put there by a competitor company. The rubber piece cannot fall of and it is impossible for the blades to touch any part of the container if the blades are put on the machine correctly. My smoothies are just that “smoothies” as smooth as silk. If the message is not a message by a competitor, it is once again, operator error.
There is a little plastic “thing” below the Power Head and i notice that wears down that plastic thing, where can you get a replacement.
I know that eventually will wear out
thanks
victor
Well, I did not get rid of my Vita Mix blender just because I did not buy it just to make smoothies but to grind rice/bean flours when my grandson was on a gluten free diet for a year. It is kind of stupid to get rid of something before you actually find out how another one works, especially one you see on TV. I only bought mine after reading thru all the comments here. I still use my Vita Mix for my smoothies but I also use my Ninja every day for one thing or another and I also cannot comprehend how anyone can score the bottom of the pitcher with the blades. It does not sound like ‘Jenney’ has even seem a Ninja, let alone used one.
@mcnerd – regarding the blue rubber seal on the top of the blender piece. This can be removed, it took me several months of trying to keep all the little nooks and crannies clean to no avail. A few days ago I figured out that it honestly just slides right off – I feel silly that it took me so long to figure it out. As for Jenny’s tales of woe, either she got a completly defective machine or definitely operator error.
Yes, Jenny is either an idiot or a liar. (Sorry, it’s just too blatant.) Can’t imagine someone putting up a faked defamatory posting and doing it so poorly.
The ‘little rubber’ thing on my containers is actually silicone, which should last forever — especially since there is NO friction there. The shaft never touches it. (I’ve used my unit twice daily for many months.) The silicone seal is really more of a splash guard. The shaft that goes though it is held in precise enough position that it can’t touch the sides of the seal. I suppose you could knock the seal out of place if you were a very forceful klutz. That’s very hard to do though, since the lid centers the shaft before it gets near the seal. Maybe she poked it out with a fork or something. The seal is entirely unnecessary unless you make soup or something in your Ninja and it splashes all the way to the top.
What vendor thinks it is competing against the Ninja? I get better/smoother fruit smoothies from my Ninja than from any blender or food processor I’ve ever used. And it’s quieter too, thankfully. I throw big chunks of fruit in and everything comes out smooth.
The Ninja is fairly foolproof. The motor won’t even start unless everything is in it’s proper place. It’s really just a variation on the food processor. But the difference is everything. It will make perfect snow from ice cubes. And it will make the equivalent of ice cream from frozen fruit. Fast. Cuisinarts I’ve tried won’t do that — maybe if I pre-chopped all the fruit.
I don’t like recommending a product that is sold on infomercials, because there’s so much useless crap sold there. But the Ninja is a great inexpensive kitchen tool. It works well, and it’s safe. (Unless you’re a total idiot, or a competing vendor trying to make the Ninja look bad.) Wouldn’t it be better just to focus on selling your own product?
Richard
Recently I purchased you Nija food grinder, I was happy with it until yesterday, I was making a mixed drink when the plastic gear stripped, it now no longer works.
the part I need replaced is the lower blade , how can I get a replacement.
George R. Mullen Jr.
mullen family:
The gears stripped because you did not have either the top of the container or the motor fully ‘seated’. You must be sure to turn each when placing until they drop down to fully engage at least 1/4 inch. If you read the blogs above you will find the 1-800 number to call for replacement.
I ask you to ‘hunt’ for the number so that you will become familiar with the operation of this wonderful machine.
I’m curious how a stripped gear requires replacement of the lower blade. Do these people really own a Ninja “grinder”?
I originally posted the correct 1 800 number to get ANY PART replaced free of charge, so go back and find that number (others have posted it too). They sent me a prepaid label for the part I needed replaced and to my surprise they sent me a completely new unit even though I just needed a new plastic gear assembly. Now that is the best customer service experience ever. My Ninja is perfect and my salsa delectable, and my smoothies ambrosia! I couldn’t be happier.
we need a part for our processor that we have bought less than 6 months ago, lower blade for the Master prep bowl, the plastic gear on the top that goes into the motor is worn, it makes the blade wobble which could be dangerous. how do we about getting a replacement?
george mullen
1800 dartmouth drive
norristown, pa 19401
Hi George:
The plastic gears do not wear out if used correctly. You must take extra care to turn the lid in a clockwise direction until it drops the extra 1/4 inch. The same for the motor, it must be turned until it “seats” firmly in place. If it does not, manurally turn the blades from the plastic piece at the top a bit until the motor fits snugly in place. I have had mine over 6 months using it all the time with care and no problems.
The company is excellent and I am sure that you will be satisfied with their excellent service. Call 1-800-361-4639.
I bought a ninja a few months back n registered its warranty with you and the motor is gone how do I get in touch with a live person to see what the next step is?
Hopefully you did not register with ‘us’ because we’re all just customers and this is not the Ninja product website, but you can read a few threads back and get the 800# to call.
How does one burn out a motor that is just supposed to be pulsed for a few seconds at a time?
bought a ninja less then 6 month ago, tried to grind 6 icecubes, the end of the plastic shaft that goes into the motor split, contacted ninja people, it is going to cost us about 26.00 dollars for a replacement part, what can we do? I guess we are stuck, we have to buy it, should have listened to my neice and bought the magic bullet.
George, I think I read your comment before or one like it some where. Same complaint about ‘should have bought the Magic Bullet instead’. MY Magic Bullet lasted about 6 months and the motor burned up with my daughter making iced coffee daily for herself and son. She gave up on those but my grandson now uses my Vita Mix for his. None of them have tried my Ninja which is working just great for me so far. The Magic Bullet is still out there at our local Costco, maybe you should go out and get one.
PASTOR GARY COMPTON,
I DON’T WORK FOR THE COMPANY BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THIS NINJA MUST BE TREATED LIKE A LADY OR SHE WILL FLAT QUIT. I WOULD SUGGEST BUYING ONE FROM SAM’S COST $49.88 + TAX (MOD. # CB1003 12 PIECES)THEN IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS YOU CAN RETURN IT. I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE 90 DAYS TO TRY IT OUT. READ THE OWNERS MANUAL CAREFULLY FROM FRONT TO BACK. IT WILL GIVE YOU MANY YEARS OF SERVICE IF YOU TREAT IT LIKE A LADY . I USE 8 OF THEM, NOW, IN MY FOOD MINISTRY. I HAVE REPLACED THE GEARS IN ONE WHICH I PURCHASED WHEN THEY FIRST CAME OUT. I NOW COLLECT THEM FROM THE LADIES AT CHURCH WHEN THEY THROW THEM AWAY. I FIX THEM. AND GET TO KEEP THEM UNTIL THEY FIND OUT I HAVE REPAIRED THEM AND USING IN MY MINISTRY.. THEN THEY TAKE THEM BACK……REMEMBER EVERY TOOL HAS ITS OWN JOB. NEVER USE A HAMMER FOR A SCREWDRIVER OR A SCREWDRIVER FOR A HAMMER….
THE COMPANY IS EXCELLENT AND I AM SURE THAT YOU WILL BE SATISFIED WITH THERE SERVICE. CALL 1-800-361-4639.
ONE LAST THOUGHT, REMEMBER YOU ARE THE ONE WITH THE BRAIN AND THE NINJA HAS NONE. IF THAT DOESN’T TELL YOU SOMETHING, YOU SHOULDN’T BE USING ANYTHING WITH A MOTOR OR ANYTHING WITH MORE THAN ONE PART…..
GOD BLESS & GOOD LUCK TO ALL
GADECO@aol.com
I saw the “pro” product at Sam’s Club yesterday with the black, 450-watt motor. For $49 you get the large 48 container with the 3 double blades plus 3 of the small containers with the double blades. The package doesn’t have the 40-ounce container, which may be the most useful size. For this weekend (August 6-8), most Sam’s are having an open house and non-members can buy products for the same price as members. I don’t know how returns are handled for non-members.
Do you ship to Australia?
Regards,
Eric
The new Ninja pro is online at Bed Bath & Beyond for $59.99. I called 2 stores and one had it in stock. With the 20% off coupon that BB&B often mail out, that brings it down to $48 plus tax. This is the package with one each of the 3 size bowls, which is probably more useful than the deal at Sam’s Club which lacks the medium size one. I have asked twice about BB&B’s return policy on this item and both times I was told it was an open-end policy…if the item ever breaks they will refund or replace. That’s rather amazing. You should keep your receipt but if you don’t keep it and you paid with a credit card, they can usually find your purchase in their system.
This is a great product. Purchased at Sam’s for $49 with two extra small bowls included! Use it often for smoothies and iced coffee. REALLY sharp blades. Watch it!! I was easily cut with general handling. It does a great job – getting produce from the garden and will be making salsa with the Ninja. Cleans up easily in the dishwasher. Check the small flexible washer in the lids that keeps the mixed contents from getting to the motor. Easily comes lose but NOT A PROBLEM. Can’t be ordered as a separate part unfortunately. Buy this and enjoy – works great.
we bought this about six months ago, but never used it until last month, tried to grind up six ice cubes, had the motor seated properly etc, it made a couple of turns, the plastic gear broke, it became useless, we finally found out where to get a replacement part;, no guarantee or nothing like they advertise on tv, replace any part free, it cost us 18.00 dollars plus shipping and handling, ove3r 26.00 dollars in all for the replacement, in my estimation this is nothing but a piece of junk, i should have listened to my neice and bought the magic bullet, she bought hers a couple of years ago, uses it everyday and is still going strong. we didn’t get a decent recipe book with it likes the magic bullet does.
Wow, bad vibes over not getting a recipe book for a blender. Yes you should have followed the directions of your niece and gotten that thing with the recipe book. The Ninja was not made for Bullet-type people it seems.
Question to george mullen: how many Magic Bullets does your company sell per month?
Richard
I was emailed and asked how many magic bullets are sold a month, I don’t know, and don’t care, but I am sure it be at least 1 for this month because we are going out today and buy one today.
just received an email telling me I should have bought the one with the recipe book, forget the recipe book, I should have bought the one that showed the Ninja on TV, grinding up Ice, like I said before we put a few ice cubes in the Ninja and it stripped the gear, then when I wrote about it, I was told I probably did ;not have the motor seated properly, what an excuse, the gear is made of plastic and the end of the spline wore causeing it now not to seat properly.
“I was told I probably did ;not have the motor seated properly, what an excuse, the gear is made of plastic…”
Yes, what an excuse, for YOU to make. Most things today are made of plastics. Yes the early Ninja had a softer plastic gear than was needed to deal with people without common sense, but the company replaces it for free with an improved gear. But the problem really is not the gear, but the person trying to operate the unit without applying common sense.
George:
Did you call the company to let them know what happened. By the stories in this blog, whenever anyone called they immediately remedied the problem. Unfortunately they have had to replace a lot of machines because of ‘operator error’ and they have done it without complaint. If you have read all of the stories in this blog you will know that the Magic Bullet does not come anywhere close to the operation of a Ninja. I would not trade mine for anything. Call them at 1-800-361-4639 and let us know how you make out.
reply from mcnerd, says the ninja was made for people with common sense and they would replace parts free, HA HA, it cost me on most 27.00 , what kind of common sense does a person to need to push down top, if they would have spendt a couple of more bucks, when they made the ninja, they would have put a steel spline on both ends of the shaft, who ever heard of putting soft plastic on a motor operated pc. of eqipment that is supposed to operate at a high speed, and again I ask, why couldn’t the ninja grind up a few ice cubes like they show on tv?
also what kind of company sells products, with no address where they come from, or phone #, you have to go on the internet to get any results.
George:
I have ground up too many ice-cubes to count and they turn out exactly like shown on television. I have one of the earlier models with the weaker plastic and use mine several times a week, making sure each time that both the lid and motor assembly are ‘seated’ correctly.
Same for me and my Ninja never gets unplugged since it is used daily since I first bought it almost 1 year ago (as proved by the first comments above). No complaints whatsoever.
Thank you Author Pat
I took your advise and called the 800 number, they were very nice and said it was possible that the machine was defective, how ever I do not think that was the case, I think just the plastic spline was. anyway they offered to replace the whole thing if necessary, and also will give us credit for part we paid for, thanks again, Pat, you were very helpful instead of some of the comments I received, like it takes common sense to use the machine and maybe my wife didnot have it seated properly. thanks again, I see that not every body that owns ones of these machines is so inconsidered.
george
Hi George:
Thank you very much for your nice comments. I have never had to call the company but had read testimonials of people who were very unhappy when they called. They did a complete turn-around after speaking with the company as in every case the company replaced their part or the full unit for no cost. I live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada and we cannot buy them in Canada yet. I have many friends waiting to purchase one. I bought mine in Hawaii last December. After I sent the message off to you, I called that number and asked them when they are coming to Canada. She told me very shortly and that Canada Tire will be carrying them. It is a large auto/hardware chain up here. Glad that everything turned out for you.
Cheers! Pat
I just want to say that I have had my Ninja for almost a year now and have used it nearly every single day and all I can say is it is FABULOUS!!!!!! I am so happy with this product and I can assure you I am VERY skeptical of as seen on TV products because believe me I have been very disappointed in the past, but if you are considering getting one of these I very HIGHLY reccommend it. This product does exactly as they claim, I grind ice in it all the time and it’s perfect snow and the smoothies this item makes is phenomenal, so very smooth and creamy and I don’t even need to add milk or anything just frozen fruit and a little juice. I just saw the infomercial for the new ninja professional and I can say that I am so excited and can’t wait to get the new one. I have no problem with the old one but if this one does so well already I can only imagine what three sets of blades would do! So like I said, this product has already lasted me a year and I couldn’t be happier with it so I feel I have already gotten my moneys worth tenfold and recommend it to everyone. One thing I have heard people say is that ordering from the comanydirectlt is costly so I do recommend getting it from another store so you don’t have to pay the extra shipping and handling and you can just return there if not happy with it, I got mine at KOHLs and it was a great price. So I hope everyone enjoys there Ninjas!!!
this ninja master is 110 or 220v? thanks
Sold in the USA it is 100v 60 cycle. If sold in other countries it would need to be 220 and have a different plug.
Sold in the USA it is 120v 60 cycle. If sold in other countries it would need to be 220 and have a different plug.
I dearly loved my Ninja & took very good care of it.Noticed it wasn’t sitting down in slot as easy last week. Used it yesterday & little grommet was missing but then found it on bottom of ninja. Now ninja won’t align up with blade stem or go on it. Only had it about 3 mons. Now Samms has professional for $50 but if it only lasts say 6mons. bad investment!!
Hi Derma:
Call Customer Service 1-800-361-4639 and after you tell then your story, let us know what happened. Pat
I called about a month as there was a problem with my main unit and two of the blades. An account was created for me and you needed a four digit code from the plug – I called back with it and they said they would send my new unit out – I still haven’t received my product?
just got it,made awsome frappes, bought mine at macys.com for 29.99 + $6.00 shipping
Hello,
I purchased a Ninja Master Prep recently (June) and am anxious to get started. So, I finally got it out only to find that there are no recipes etc. There is a recipe-ish something printed on a large fold-out showing how to make salsa. Actually it only says things like…’put the ingredients in first’ No mention of how much etc. There have to be some recipes that are specific to the Ninja. In the ad online it states that a recipe book comes with the Ninja Master Prep. However there was none. So, I guess I’m going to make salsa and cappuccino the rest of my life. I’d like instructions about how to chop nuts, how to make other quick dishes etc. etc. There do not seem to be much in the way of recipes online either.
Thanks for your help. My address, if you have any books or recipes….5674 S. Iddings Rd., West Milton, OH 45383
There is a Ninja cookbook, but you have to buy it separately. Personally I use it just like any other Blender when things need to be chopped or blended. Then I just put the item in and push the pulse button for a few seconds until I get the consistency I want. Its just that the Ninja does the job much better because of the extra set of blades.
Here’s a recipe though for you, so you aren’t stuck with salsa and cappuccino the rest of your life:
Ninja Creamy Italian Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
2 oz parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, peeled
3 Tbs red wine vinegar
1 Tbs mayonnaise
3 Tbs sour cream
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
3 basil leaves, fresh
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1. Place all ingredients in the Master Prep Pitcher. Secure the top and pulse in quick bursts for 45 seconds, until smooth and frothy.
2. Salt and pepper to taste before serving over your favorite salad. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors mingle.
Servings: 6
Prep Time:: 1 minute
If you buy the Ninja from Walmart, Macys, Sams, QVC, etc. can u still call Ninja directly for help to send any replacement parts? Basically, can u still get a warranty with Ninja directly if you don’t buy it from them directly? I am thinking that you probably can’t, so to be on the safe side I was thinking I would probably order directly from their website even though I am not happy abut the extra cost. I appreciate any help any1 is able to offer. TY.
Hi Amy:
The warranty is valid wherever you purchase your Ninja. It is my understanding that if buy from QVC and something goes wrong, you have to send it back to them and YOU pay shipping charges. If you buy it locally you just return it to the store or call the manufacturers 1-800 number and they will look after you. If you read the reports above, you will see that the manufacturer is excellent with reports of failure. I caution you that you READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY and be sure that when you use your Ninja that when putting the lids on that you give them at least a quarter turn to make sure they sit down (seat) firmly on the container and that you also turn the motor part until it also slips downward snuggly over the gears. This machine is ment to pulse only and not hold down the power to keep it running. Do not run for more than 10 seconds at a time and you will love your machine.
Hi, well i’ve had a ninja at work for about a month, and 2 other cooks use it besides me, and it gets used alot,is still going strong, in fact my superviser purchased 2 more for the other 2 kitchens. I also just made my first smoothie- awsmoe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bought one today at Sam’s Club for $50.00..I’ve gone through 2 Bullet blenders. I was a bit skeptical but it is easy to return at Sam;s Club. This little machine is fantastic.Between making a frozen coffee drink to
guacamole..it is worth the investment