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.
Hi Shand56,
Now you’ve gone and confused us all!
This is a forum for the Ninja Master Prep.
Since this is the page you had to post your question, I imagine you noticed the difference in the looks in the picture up there at the top of the page?
It sounds as if you need to find a website that is specific to your model. (Possibly the 1100?)
And because you mentioned =>
“I just plugged in the large canister unit of my new Ninja set, and the power light just blinks red. It won’t respond to any of the activity buttons.”
We don’t have any lights on ours…nor do we have any activity buttons!! (see, now we’ll all be looking for yours)
Check if the people who own one like yours would know by going over to this site ~
(click here for the other blender reviews)~
http://reviews.qvc.com/1689/K32665/euro-pro-k32665-ninja-kitchen-system-1100-watt-72-oz-blender-w-40-oz-bowl-reviews/reviews.htm
TO SMIDGE – I KNOW THEY ADVERTISE YOU DON’T NEED TO ADD MILK TO THE COFFEE RECIPES BUT I DO FOR THE EXTRA NUTRITION MILK OFFERS AND I AM NOT LACTOSE INTOLERANT. I HAVE USED FLAVORED COFFEE WITH THE ICE AND ADD MY OWN SWEETENER SUCH AS SPLENDA, TRUVIA OR STEVIA AND BLEND. I PULSE IT A COUPLE TIMES AND THEN BLEND 10 TO 15 SECONDS. THE COFFEES CAN BE LEFT OVER BREW LIKE THEY SHOW ON TV OR YOU CAN USE THESE INSTANT COFFEES LIKE FOLGER INSTANT, THE SINGLE STICKS WHICH MAKE A STRONG CUP OR 2 WEAKER CUPS. YOU CAN ALSO USE THE FLAVORED “INSTANT” LIKE FOLGERS “ENGLISH TOFFEE, FRENCH VANILLA, MOCHA OR ORANGE”. YOU CAN USE THE “INTERNATIONAL COFFEE” WHICH IS SWEETER BUT FOR ME IT’S TOO SWEET. IF YOU WANT YOU CAN ALSO ADD HOT COCO MIX FOR A CHOCOLATE – COFFEE FLAVOR. I FOUND THAT THE CHOCOLATE SYRUPS DON’T PUT OUT ENOUGH “CHOCOLATE” FLAVOR AND ONLY ADD MORE SUGAR. I EVEN TRIED THE “SPECIAL DARK” AND IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE. IF YOU WANT TO BE REALLY BAD JUST THROW IN SOME ICE CREAM (I use sugar free most the time) and make the coffee like a shake! I ADD ONE GOOD HEAPING TABLESPOON PER CUP. IF YOU ADD ICE CREAM WITH FRUIT OR NUTS. BLEND THAT FIRST TO GRIND THE NUTS AND FRUIT – I LOVE BLUE BUNNY “CHERRY BORDEAX” AN AMMERETTO ICE CREAM WITH CHOCOLATE PIECES AND DARK CHERRIES. I ALSO LOVE PEPPERMINT STICK. ANYWAY, FIRST BLEND IN THE ICE CREAM IF USING HARD PIECES THEN POUR IN THE COFFEE OR THE INSTANT KINDS, MILK IF WANTED AND THE ICE.
IF YOU USE PLAIN ICE CREAM LIKE CHOCOLATE, VANILLA, COFFEE FLAVORED YOU CAN ADD THAT TO THE REGULAR MIX – ICE, COFFEE OF CHOICE, MILK IF WANTED AND ICE CREAM. POUR INTO MUG AND ADD A SQUIRT OF “CANNED WHIP CREAM LIKE REDI WHIP” AND JOYFULLY INDULGE!! DON’T USE THE FROZEN COOL WHIP AS IT TURNS OILY.
THESE ARE SOME OF MY “COFFEE RECIPES” THAT I HAVE MADE. YOU CAN GO AS HEALTHY OR SINFUL AS YOU WANT. OK, SMIDGE, IF YOU ARE A COFFEE DRINKER ENJOY YOURSELF – HAVE A CUP AND HAVE FUN! IF YOU WANT, SHARE THE ONES YOU LIKE BEST. THESE ARE TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE!
Re; blinking red light on the bigger machine….there is a few minor things that are “left out” of the instructions. 1. The container must be twisted and locked and be in line with the symbols on the power unit.
2. The lid must be placed in the correct alignment with the symbols and firmly (meaning firmly) pressed down because both top and bottom must be locked in.
The blinking red light should stop.
The problem is with the totally inadequate documentation. This is clearly a rinky dink company with absolutely the matrix for customer so-called service from New Delhi.
WOW, mikki,
You’ve gone mad! ;D
I agree with the problem using chocolate. I am diabetic so I watch the sugar…Best I’ve come up with is to simmer dark baker’s chocolate in a little water and make a syrup of my own. It leaves a little residue in the bottom most times, but is very good.(I love dark chocolate)
I guess adding the milk is good for you, but I’m not supposed to have it. A tiny bit of cream is good for me. And its gotta be real organic cream! Cool Whip is made with high frutose corn syrup AND hydrogenated vegetable oil which is very bad for you!
Also, I like to use all natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup (from a tree). I can use those without much trouble to my blood sugar. Artificial sweeteners have been unkind to me…I used SPLENDA for awhile and developed a nasty rash all over my legs. My body can’t use anything that isn’t all natural (I mean from a whole source) which wipes out all artificial sweeteners.
I find I use my NINJA for things I wouldn’t have thought about before….from listening to people in this forum.
Yesterday I used it for waffle batter. I used to use my blender some but hated the way stuff down in the very bottom was pulverized but closer to the top was barely mixed. My NINJA did a perfect job in just a couple spins!
What a joy!! ;}
You are so good Howard! I bet you are one of those people everyone can call with mechanical problems.
In all my 60 odd years, if you want the best, you always pay top dollar for it. I have used one of the best blenders for decades now with absolutely no problems….I just don’t use it much because it isn’t adaquate for my needs.
I have a friend who has a very intimate relationship with her high-powered-makes all things important to life & soup-blender. But she never oohs & aahs over how cute it was when she needed a quick fix!
The same problem we all have is SIMPLICITY for a quickie job. Why should I spend a lot of money on something I figured would serve me like any other kitchen tool?
I once paid $20 for a fancy can opener and $15 for a new fangled pastry brush…(see what I mean,here?)
The price is just fine for the amount of service the NINJA MASTER PREP puts out. Even if mine broke next year…no problem…The store I bought it from would stand behind it and just replace it! If something is small and it costs less to replace than fix…why pay people to worry about fixing it? (Think of the cost to pay people to deal with all these problems~ better to just give us a new one)
Customer service is becoming a thing of the past due in part to the ease of just replacing something. That’s been true for absolutely everything I’ve bought for the last 10 years….and even though I had to talk to a person in another country half-way around the world for an issue I had with my NINJA…they helped me just fine.
Smidge. Have you tried the Stevia sugar in the raw. I understand that it has been used in diabetic foods for a while now. Truvia is made from the Stevia also but I like it in it’s natural state. I would think too, that the cream would make the recipe taste really smooth and creamy! Stevia is natural sugar from the stevia plant, like maple syrup is from the Maple tree (YUM!) It’s not suppose to fluctuate your blood sugar levels. I don’t just use that only, either. I bounce around from Stevia to Truvia (also made from Stevia) and splenda. I don’t know if that would help with the bad reaction you had or not. I don’t have any alergies except to some of the pollin both in winter and in summer. But it is mild. But you have some good taste ticklers there that you use. Like you I am only for the dark chocolate and lucky for us, it is the best and healthiest to eat! Some of that dark chocolate you mix into a home made syrup (Heaven help us) would be so-o-o good in the coffee drinks. Can you drink soy milk? There are some really good brands – all VANILLA or chocolate by either West soy or Vita soy. But I haven’t checked on the sugar content. But I love soy products. What ever, the “plain” is always so “yuk” so I don’t use it.
Getting back to what you first said, yes! My kitchen IS my lab! I guess every one needs a hobby! The NINJA has only given me another avenue to unleash my fetish of food creations. Pastry and confection is my niche.
I never did…I gave up testing them all. If my blood sugar were any worse I might have had to, but no.
I used Splenda for several months and developed such a bad rash, I went to the DR. It turns out that Splenda has been guilty of that for many people.
I drink soy milk from time to time (never sure if I had a reaction or not-it wasn’t severe.Menopase symptoms were worse and it helped.)
Soy milk has sugar in it, so I don’t use it often.
I never made any of these luscious drinks before NINJA time! Too much mess and trouble for just me. This little NINJA has opened the world of diversity up to me big time!
So easy to be creative….without much of the hassle.
Smidge, check out Stevia. It is natural and not artificial although it is refined in its white powder form. I am just learning to use the green leaf which is not refined like the white since my daughter found out that she is border line diabetic. I bought a plant last year and I am hoping to find an other one to start more growing. I am not that great on growing things from cuttings. But I just used a tablespoon of green leaf stevia to replace 3/4 c. white sugar in the sweet potato pie recipe I make for my husband. Except for the tiny specks of green we did not notice any difference in taste. Hubby is waiting for another one of those pies and the Ninja makes it so easy.
Just wanted to let you know about Agave nectar for a sugar substitute. Its 100% natural,comes from the Agave catcus. But the best part is that it has a very low glacemic index which is great for diabetics. The taste is somewhere between honey and maple syrup but sweeter so you don’t use as much, and thinner. I’ve never baked with it but use it in my coffee, tea, of course in my smoothies with my Ninja, on my oatmeal, etc. I’ve used it for a few years now and like it a lot.
April
April! That sounds so good! Are you talking about a juice of the plant or does it come in granulated form? That sounds like a real yum of a product! I’ll bet it is awesome in the smoothies and on oatmeal. It sounds fruity, is it? I don’t think I ever had it so I’m not familiar with the taste.
(tell me more, tell me more!)
Thanks you guys!
I heard of Agave but the price was a shock at Safeway.
I’ll look for it to test. And, I promise to test the Stevia.
Getitright…you’ll have to give more info about the leaves. I make my own red clover antihistamine due to allergies…so I know about going GREEN! ;D email me=>
g.k.smidge@hotmail.com
I bet we’re messing with the theme of this forum! ;D
Smidge, I have not tried grinding my dried stevia leaves with my Ninja since I have some I ground with my Vita Mixer before I got the Ninja but the ground dried leaves work great in the little that I have tried them. I have not tried using the fresh leaves. I am not sure what the ratio would be but I am sure the Ninja could handle it. I think I will experiment.
Mikki,
Agave nectar only comes in a liquid form and it is about the consistency of thin honey. (the taste is very similar to honey also) It’s 25% sweeter than sugar so you don’t use as much, but not that overly sweet taste you can sometimes get from some of the other substitutes. Yes, as Smidge says it costs a bit more but I found the price the same as Stevia or Truvia. I’ve also found it on sale as its becoming popular and different companies are trying to get our business. Its big selling point is that it is natural and slowly absorbed into the body so you don’t get big spikes in blood sugar. I was skeptical at first, but I am sold on it now. I’ve never baked with it because it doesn’t come in a granular form, but for everything else it great.
April
getitright..
The reason I’m sooo excited is one of the selling points for Splenda was it worked so well with cooking. And it did. But it still had a funky metalic taste (I’m picky)
Also, from the research I’ve done…regular sugar isn’t that bad until they ‘process’ it to make it more manageable. But like flour and rice, etc…when they play with the natural product, they mess it up.
If agave is good for all this and a all natural/not played with/sweetnener….I’ll buy it! The science is…the natural takes longer to digest, therefore, it’s less likely to cause blood sugar and other health problems.
I was curious about the results of the leaves when used directly in cooking? You must let me know!
Where can I find recipes for this appliance. There is usually a recipe book with small appliances but the Ninja didn’t have one. Thank you.
Back on Dec 30th I posted a few recipe sites for “drinks”…
692~SMIDGE Says:
December 30th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Hey, Darryl-
There are a truck-load of recipes out there on-line!
NINJA would be wasting their time!
Here are a few drink recipes I found online…
(If you can’t find one you like—Google it)
DRINK RECIPE WEBSITES~~>
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/entertaining/frozen-drink-recipes
http://www.drinksmixer.com/
http://www.instantbartender.com/items.php?catid=5
Lots of people have given great suggestions on this forum for making other things…you should read through a few.
I bought Bob Warden’s Ninja Master Prep cookbook and seldom even look at it. There are recipes online. Some from the cookbook are already online.
http://www.ninjakitchen.com/recipes.shtml
I found that the recipes for smoothies are everywhere. Vita Mix has many on their web site. Also if you ever bought a Bullet blender their recipes work with the Ninja also.
I hope that this helps. Mine had a few recipes so I wonder why so many got none.
Love it, love it, love it. Far more superior than its competitor and I had it.
So glad Santa bought it for me.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it 11
Hey, April Walton….
I researched Agave since you posted and found some interesting information…
I spent a few hours with the food-buyer of my local Co-op market and asked about the sweeteners posted a couple days ago.
The buyer said Agave was popular at first but people found out it wasn’t any safer for us than HFCS.
“Agave nectar is not traditional, is highly refined, and actually has more concentrated fructose than high-fructose corn syrup. It is not a “natural” sweetener. Thus far, the evidence definitely points toward the conclusion: Agave Nectar = Bad.”
I bought a little Stevia and plan to test it out…(later)
Something else I started researching is KEFIR and how to make it. Looks like we all need to have more Pro-biotics in our diet. (bought a six-pack of Lifeway Bio~Kefir(vanilla) and it was delicious!)
I mentioned Kefir because we need to include it everyday in our diet…
It works great in these drinks we make with the NINJA!
Just curious…
Wonder if ‘Santa’ has had anyone give him crap about their NINJA? ;p
i received a ninja master prep for Christmas. i was sooo excited to learn how to make some smoothies among other things. what a disappointment to discover the cook book that was to be included was NOT included in the box. so yes i would like to give “santa” a whole lot of crap!!
Hey Smidge
When I first started using agave nectar several years ago I did extensive research on the internet and it lived up to all the claims and no bad press, but now it appears after several years on the market that opinions have changed, at least by some research, and it has several problems that hadn’t come to light back then. Thanks for the head’s up. My Ninja continues to delight me with perfect smoothies in the morning, great guacamole, and perfect pie crusts. On the crusts however, I’m careful to just pulse a few short bursts so as not to over work it as that will result in a tough pie crust.
APRIL~
An odd thing I had happen… I bought a 6-pack of Bio-Kefir and loved it (made by Lifeway). But the list of ingredients said it contained agave nectar. I emailed the company and asked them about my concerns about using agave and they said it was fine as far as they were concerned.(?) GOTTA WATCH ‘EM!
Our health is in our own hands…Which is why I find myself looking for better ways to make my own food…and finding the best organic ingredients!(organic farms are visited by the “organic foods” police to make sure it truly is being raised properly!)
ABOUT THE RECIPE BOOK~
I looked at Amazon and Ebay and nadda…they don’t have the cook book for the Ninja Master Prep.(which is very odd!) Ebay usually has at least one of everything out there!…so…I started looking and found that only a couple of sites are selling the book that is made for the Ninja Master Prep.If you go to the website to buy the machine…they have listed a few recipes there you can copy.~
http://www.ninjakitchen.com/recipes.shtml
Since they aren’t marketing the Master Prep cookbook any longer,I wonder if they may plan to come out with a new one for the new 1100 model instead?
You can buy the NMP book on the website I posted for $19.95 plus $6.95 S/H. (I saw another site that was a couple bucks less–may want to keep watch as to why no one else has it for sale?)
Hi, everyone. I just bought a Ninja 1000 (at least it is 1000 watts; I don’t know if that’s the correct model name) in order to start making “greens” drinks on my doctor’s advice. I don’t want to take it out of the box unless I’m sure that it will blend raw kale, spinach, parsley, etc with fruit and a little water on a daily basis. I can’t afford a Vitamix! Anyone out there with experience using the Ninja for blending tough vegetables?
Cookbooks:
QVC has two Ninja cookbooks for sale. They are both under $20 each.
Hi Buddyjane: I also have a VitaMix and it has been taken out of my cupboard only once since I have purchased my original Ninja which has a much lower powered motor than yours new Ninja. I make Almond Milk as I keep my sugar intake to 16 grams a day to get rid of belly-fat (that really works) so I don’t use milk anymore because of the high sugar content, even though it is natural. I also only use Stevia Powder for sweetening. I like the kind that I buy at GNC as it does not seem to leave the bitter taste and it is less expensive. A bonus!
To compare machines, I made Almond Milk with my Ninja and then with my VitaMix. The VitaMix had to run twice as long and never did make it as smooth as my fabulous little Ninja.
When using your Ninja to make sure that you do not strip the gears make sure that you have turned the lid until it seats down on the container completely and also the motor part. If either of them are have not fit in correctly when you turn it on you will strip the gears. Sometimes you need to manually turn the blade assembly to get the motor to fit snuggly down if there are solid items in the container.
Any time that I put food in it that is a little hard, like celery or carrots etc. I always cut them up to about 3/4 inch pieces. I grate all of my Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese in my Ninja as well after I have cut it to smaller chunks.
You should have no problem and with care it will last you years and you probably will not ever take another appliance out of your cupboard. The only other one that I use now is my Espresso Maker and I can’t seem to figure out how to get my Nina to make my Capuccino. haha
To quote Charleton Heston from one of his movies (Words changed slightly) “If you want my Ninja when I die you will have to pry it out of my cold dead hands!!!
Enjoy! Pat
I love it for simply chopping veggies!
Hi Buddyjane: I also have a VitaMix and it has been taken out of my cupboard only once since I have purchased my original Ninja which has a much lower powered motor than yours new Ninja. I make Almond Milk as I keep my sugar intake to 16 grams a day to get rid of belly-fat (that really works) so I don’t use milk anymore because of the high sugar content, even though it is natural. I also only use Stevia Powder for sweetening. I like the kind that I buy at GNC as it does not seem to leave the bitter taste and it is less expensive. A bonus!
To compare machines, I made Almond Milk with my Ninja and then with my VitaMix. The VitaMix had to run twice as long and never did make it as smooth as my fabulous little Ninja.
Pat are you looking to sell your VitaMix… I know for sure you don’t have to cut anything up to fit in it as you would with the ninja…thanks for the tip on Almond milk and being lower in calories then skim milk esp for smootie use…
Comparing the Vitamix (or any other blender) and the NINJA is like comparing apples and oranges.
One was made to be an exceptional tool for jobs that the other doesn’t do well.
Before stating which one isn’t a good appliance, figure why you bought it to begin with?
Even NINJA has figured out that there are a few things a more powerful motor is good for. However, if all you need is a little help with a simple job…the Master Pro is fine and easier to handle!
Each has a few stars on its chest for whatever it was made to do. The little Ninja isn’t made to do a lot of “extended-heavy-duty-work”. Make soup? (no) grind corn or rice? (no) mayby a couple times but after awhile you’ll need to buy another…or replace pieces of it.
Ask a repairman or hobbiest if they want to give up all their tools but one?…(wouldn’t dream of it!) ;D
I just don’t understand why the tiny cookbook is being left out of the box with new purchases. I have bought 2 different models and both had the same cookbook… they just changed the color of the Ninja on the front to match the ones in the box. Seriously though, just do a web search for Ninja recipes. I admit I bought the Ninja cookbook for $20 and still wonder why I did. Maybe I used one recipe out of it. When I make a smoothie, I don’t use a recipe anyway. I use what I have on hand. After awhile one just learns what will work and what will not.
As far as the Vita Mixer and Ninja, I thought ab out putting my Vita Mixer away but as Smidge said, apples to oranges. It is easier for ME TO USE MY Vita Mixer for my smoothies. It takes me less time. I do not have to cut pieces as small for the vita Mix nor take the top off and on to add more to it. They both do an equal job of making a fine finally product but the Vita Mix does the job I want it to do better for me. But I put my kefir in first and then add whatever I am going to use to it.With the Ninja it has to be cut smaller and put in all at once or you have to take the top off and fit it in around the blades. But I bought the Vita Mix to grind rice and bean flour first of all so if I did not already own it I doubt I would buy one now but make do with the Ninja. It does a great job but this old gal is used to making her smoothies a different way I guess. My cheap little Ninja gets more work than my Vita Mix though and I bet their new model will give Vita Mix a run for its money.
OK, confession time! ;p
I haven’t made a smoothie…yet.
I have made all kinds of chopping jobs with veggies I need for meals…it chops the celery and onions in 1 minute and I don’t have pieces all over my kitchen!
(I’ve even chopped a bit of meat for soups for a faster cooking time. It’s small and easier for me to handle than a bigger heavier container like my Oster blender.
ABOUT THE RECIPES~
I know people who never even start a project without a cookbook to tell them how much of everything they need.
So….they need the BOOK!
I bought a Ninja yesterday When I unpacked it there wasn’t a recipe book. What good is it without one?
Can’t even find a place to buy a “Ninja” recipes. Very disappointing.
I don’t know if it was an error in packing or what but I did not receive a recipe book when I opened the package for the Ninja blender.
Very disappointing. Do you have to buy them extra?
Join the club, Pat Mc…
A great many people on this site have been saying the exact same thing. I didn’t have one inside my box either.
The last few posts are suggestions for where to find a recipe book….or just copy off of several websites.
The Ninja I got from Costco says “Recipe Book Included” right on the box. It wasn’t inside! I called Costco to find out if it was only my box that didn’t have this book and the lady there said all of their boxes didn’t have any. She called the vendor and said there is no recipe book! What?! So Ninja needs to take care of this problem, maybe post a link somewhere for us Ninja users. Then again, it’s not that hard to figure out. If you use ice or frozen fruits for smoothies, you’re going to need liquid such as OJ or Apple Juice or milk. For iced coffee, just needed ice, brewed coffee (Organic of course!), chocolate syrup, and vanilla creamer. Blend until ice is finely crushed. Ok, if you notice ice and fruits are not getting crushed, just relax and add more liquid! Such a simple thing to figure out. Also, for those that had problems with theirs stripping the gear, it’s user error. To make it easier, hold down the motor with one hand and use the other to press the button. That way just in case the blade skips over something such as an ice or frozen fruit, the motor won’t get out of place. This was pretty obvious from the start and when I at first read about how many were having this problem, I already thought, “user error…” Use mine at least 2-3 times per day and never had any problems yet. Figured everything about it myself, maybe my recipes might be better than their books would’ve shown anyway… Good luck and for those newbies, just remember, hold the motor pod down with one hand and use the other hand to press the button…
The little recipe booklet I got with my machine last spring has mostly beverage recipes – alcohol mixes, iced coffees, a couple dip recipes, a salsa and chicken salad. That’s not much BUT it still gives one the idea of “HOW TO GET STARTED” and you can take it from there. I went once through it and I haven’t used it since. I understand that when they came out with the 2nd Ninja with 3 sized of containers (one between the regular 2) with triple blade, they actually had a book by the kitchen “chef master” of the commercial (sorry, I don’t remember his name) but that was a regular cook book put together by him and I believe it runs $19 – $20 dollars. That is the one I wanted to get as it has all kinds of recipes. Then again with this new 1100 Ninja blender/juice extractor, I’m sure there will be different recipes. I even asked Walmart where I got my regular NINJA if they planned to get the new 1100 machine in. They didn’t know.
But on the regular NINJA if you want to know what you are missing in the recipe area, that’s it. But if it is suppose to come with it and it says so, it should come with it whether it turns out you need it or not. I just hope you all at least got your OWNER’S MANUAL and the QUICK START – MEET THE NINJA PREP pamphlets. They are important to know how to run it and put it together correctly. They contain all the instructions not only on how to put it together,but what to do and what not to do. If they shorted you this, too, GET THEM! Make sure you get these, too, along with the recipe booklet. Just for starts in case you didn’t get those either, Make SURE that BOTH the lid AND the motor pod is fully seated DOWN into the container and straight and DOWN ONTO the spindle before operating. Also, the book tells you to NOT run for more than 20 seconds. I ALWAYS pulse 2-3 times and then do the longer blend. If you need more blend, then hold it down again to blend a little longer. I don’t pulse on the 2nd or continued run.
OK.Here’s a “saver for you. I ALWAYS pulse 1,2 or 3 times because it does 2 things. 1- it brings all the settled ingredients up into the blade system for the first run so it blends better and 2- a quick pulse will tell you by the sound and feel of the motor if all is seated right or not. if not, you stop, reseat and pulse again. It is a good precaution. Like a lot of you, the second time I ever tried to use it, I pulsed, the motor was loud, rumbled and vibrated for that half second to let me know, “whoa! This isn’t right!” I took it apart, reseated the lid and the motor, which I realized was off, and pulsed again. It was fine and the machine suffered no effect or damage. That little NINJA went on to do great stuff all last year until now and it is still going strong. Remember to, if the lid is crooked just a little, the motor pod will be also. But I do agree, it sure would be nice if it was just a little more user friendly. It really IS a GOOD thing to have!
I have become an alcoholic overnight trying out all the fab cocktail recipes since I got the Ninja on Monday as a birthday gift. Today is Wednesday! OMG, this thing rocks. I was also very sceptical over getting a infomercial product but this thing really is the business.
Hey Rikke,
May I ask where you found the recipes you are using?
If you bought the NINJA from an infomercial, you sure you have the Master Prep? (or, maybe the new 1100?…didn’t think they were selling on tv anymore?);}
The few problems with the Master Prep are completely solved with the 1100. I agree that lack of recipes is a problem solved my me by just tossing in shit that tastes good and flipping the switch. BTW somewhere I stumbled upon a sort of master recipe that said the “base” is everything (sherbet, yogurt, milk etc.) and then just add marijuana, oxycontin, or vitamins. Works for me.
Way to go Howard!
Now you are truly one of US!
Keep an eye on “mikki wildstarr”…she’s always experimenting with the recipes,too! ;D
(Bought from a store I hope?) lol
I have not read the last comment yet, but it is 6am and I am watching the infomercial on the new NINJA KITCHEN SYSTEM 1100as I write. Right now they are doing the juice extration where they are juicing ALL the fruit and vegies AND THERE IS NO LEFTOVER FOR THE “CATCHER” THERE IS NOTHING TO CATCH! You get 100% of the fruit. I see it also has a special “paddle” blade for the dough, It comes with a 40oz and 72oz pitcher. Now, it does say that the recipe book (29.00 value) goes to to first 500 callers. Shipping and Handling free, 2 year warrantee as well. It is going for 4 payments of 39.95. call 1 800 605 3192 -which is a different number than I was a couple hours earlier (yes, I saw this ad now twice this morning.) You can also go to that website of NINJA1100.com – they just did the desert segment. If ordering off the informercial, I would ASK if that $29.00 recipe book IS included with your order (I’m bold enough to let them know that I heard people aren’t getting their books and I want to know that I am getting mine and I expect it to be in the order when it arrives.) Sorry, but sometimes you have to almost get annal on it. I don’t bitch but I am firm and precise to be sure we understand each other and I make them commit. “yes, the book is included – yes, the shipping and handling is free as the ad says.” Personally, I HATE to order off the infomercials but sometimes there is no other way. If you can get this 1100 kitchen system at a retail store or Cosco or Sams Club, check it out. Also if it shows and mentions there is a recipe book included ( there is 150 recipes in the book for the 29.00 by the way) and check before you take it out of the store if you can. If it shows it is suppose to be included and it isn’t, I call attention to the department head and have them check the other ones. That is no little 10 recipe booklet, we’re talk $30.00! that you are paying for or getting slighted.
OK the commercial is over, but I wanted to clear up any doubts as to what they ARE advertising. They DO say, however, that “the special offer is NOT available in any store” and I don’t know if that means the book or not. Just check what IS suppose to be in the kit and make sure it is really there. You may have to purchase that book separate in that case, if it isn’t listed as content in the kit.
It’s me again. The information I just gave if for the 1100 Blender or Kitchen System. I don’t know what is going on with the older models like what I have. There is a model since mine that has 3 pictures and the one blade is 3 double blades and the other are 2 double. Now they have this 1100 powerhouse and I Want it BAD – I could say I NEED it bad as my juice Extractor is almost shot and leaves so much unjuiced stuff behind. So. If I can get it at an established “Now” store like Bed Bath and Beyond I would LOVE to see what it all contains and bring it on home! WHOO! YES!!
This is in response to some of the later posts. First, Shark (the real company behind Ninja) is a very bad company as any Google search will show. They are hell to back up and their products usually so cheaply made that they don’t last. I have the 1100 bare bones (large pitcher, powerful four speed motor, and locking lid) and I am more than satisfied with it. No, I got no recipe book despite the promise of one. I now note that there are more than a few “special” offers around the purpose of which, I believe, is to confuse the public. I would tell you to buy retail but each store I’ve seen carries different model numbers. Again, Shark (EuroPro) ain’t a very good company. The Ninja 1100 is terrific.
I am absolutely convinced I need to buy from a reputable “store” so I can have their garantees of replacement for damages.
I needed a replacement for a piece on my Master Pro and the SHARK people were fine with it because I had registered my warranty.
However, they only ship UPS and I live in an area that is tought to deal with UPS. I only have a PO BOX and they will not deliver to a post office.
So, its a hassle for me that other people wouldn’t have.
I prefer to deal with the store (which was Walmart)
As for the $30 cookbook…
I would just as soon copy any recipes I want off the websites online.(The cookbook would make a nice gift,tho)
Decisions, decisions, decisions! ;D
Hey Rikke-
Care to share any of your drink recipes?
Smidge, just ask for USPS and I’m sure they will accommodate you
Thanks Howard,
But I hassled for days with the UPS people (they use the USPS to ship~ it shouldn’t be such a big deal). They need to have at least $5.00 to leave the package to be picked up elsewhere.
I need to have a delivery confirmation (which never got to me in time) and get on the phone everyday to UPS to see if they have it…then travel (for me)at least a half hour to another town to the main station to pick it up…at their convenience~not mine~then a half hour home again…so I really hate dealing with UPS!
Fed-Ex doesn’t have all those silly rules…but there again, it requires jumping through a few hoops to work it out…and they don’t ship Fed-ex anyway.
I’ve ordered stuff online where if I call the main office they will ship to my PO BOX but not everyone will.And shipping problems are little over the top for the service people in other countries to sympathize with.
I just don’t want all the hassle, so I buy from a local store if there is a chance I may need help with future problems. Walmart and Costco are great about that! I really believe the companies would rather just replace an item than fix it anyway. Less trouble, less paperwork not as many people needed to find a solution to and/or solve the problem.
Thanks, tho…yes, smaller companies will usually ship USPS.