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.
After a little research, it appears that food processors will chop in a similar fashion to the Ninja. The smaller 3 and 4 cup models from reputable brands like KitchenAid and Cuisinart on run about $30 or $40. They sound like they’re very similar in operation to the Ninja, and the newer ones are apparently fairly easy to clean.
Now to see what Consumers Reports says are the best ones …
Richard
My local Sams Club (Franklin Mills, Philadelphia) had their version of the Ninja marked down to $40 yesterday (2/13/2010). I think it is their new regular price. I guess they are trying to sell through their stock. It had been $44 since introduced 2 months ago.
Hi Richard:
I purchased my Ninja while vacationing in Hawaii and was in a hotel room for 2 months so I found it the most useful tool that I had to prepare food. They make the best smoothies ever, however I have stopped doing that due to the high sugar content. I am conscious of this after I purchased the book “The Belly Fat Cure”. However it makes the best quacamole, chicken salad ever, also I now grate all my cheeze with it. Only takes seconds. The secret is the double blade which even the most expensive machines have. I am sure that these other manufacturers will be coming out with the double blade system. Due to the low cost of the Ninja, I will never be without one. A caution though. When using it, it is imperative that the top of the container turned until it sits (seats) on the top at the lowest level and more importantly that the Ninja power head is “seated” straight. This sometimes takes a bit of getting used to, but once mastered and care taken each time, you should not strip the gears as so many have by incorrect placement of the container lid and the power head. Hope this helps. Pat
Well – I had filed on the website customer service and in an email they replied with the same customer service number I had tried before. Good news is now it works, bad news is they didn’t have my model number in their system. They then gave me the headquarters customer service number of 800-361-4639. In a matter of minutes (since I already had a customer number setup on the original call) they promised to ship out new blades and power head. I should receive them within 10 days and there was NO COST to me. I’m very satisfied with them standing behind the product! I can’t wait to shelf the old bullet again.
I really don’t get where all of you are getting all these positive spins on this machine. Well I guess what my father said is very true, “SOMETHINGS IN LIVE SOME PEOPLE WILL SWEAR BY AND SOME PEOPLE WILL SWEAR AT.” Well, I guess this one I will swear at. I tried for 15 minutes to blend some defrosted frozen veggies to make a soup stock, after my hand got tired, I thought, I should suggest to this company to make the next GENERATION of this machine with an optional hands free button for the drive head. I was stopping stirring, shaking, pulsing, pulsing, pulsing, oh did i mention PULSING!!! FOR EVER. If I only need a machine like this to make smoothies and beat up ice for an alcoholic beverage, maybe I could agree with this, however, for me to limit the use of this machine only for that would be likened to me buying a car to back up to the end of my drive way 30ft to go to the mail box.
So much money for such simple task isn’t really worth it. I’m sending mine back.
Good luck to those of you whom have had good luck with them.
P.S. They also want me to pay to return them. $59.95 plus $29.95 shipping, they will give me $59.95 back, (Not the shipping and handling) ir will cost me $11.95 to return then.$59.95 minus $11.95, I’ll get back $48.00 after a total expenditure of $101.85. Just think, Go to a local store to buy this product, not mail order.
Can anyone tell me please the name of the company that makes this device? Or has the rights for it?
Thank You
Euro-Pro
Cheers everyone, I was spending the early morning hours with my normal insomnia when I saw a infomercial at 3:00 am on the Ninja. I do not work for Euro-Pro or any other promotional company. I have never had any problems with my Ninja…I love it!!! We have used it for several different things, often forgeting to pulse (my husband makes the BEST chocolate malts) in it. We haven’t used it for cheese yet but he will be making pimento cheese soon so will have him try it. Yes, I do cook but the day before Thanksgiving I fell and fractured both ankles and am looking forward to being released from this recliner soon. Needless to say, we love the Ninja, have one for backup and if Sam’s club marks them down again, we will buy another one. I won’t be caught without one again. I watched a friend burn up the motor in her 2 week old bullet. The Ninja is a fabulous item and wish they would have more live demos…
i am trying to order this product, but cannot get past the block that asks for a discount/promo code. i don’t have one! would, however love to have one in order to get a little more knocked off as i’d like to upgrade to get the extra containers, but won’t up it unless i can find a discount/promo number. can anybody help on this matter? oh and would somebody please tell me what a “green smoothie” consists of, as i am blonde…clueless, in other words!!
Michele,
I was at Sam’s Club this week and they knocked the price down to $38. This is about what you can buy it for with a 20% off coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond.
A green smoothie is made with fruit such as banana,apple,orange plus greens such as kale, collard etc. You can drink your green vegetables for breakfast. I never had kale to my knowledge–a dark green leafy veg. before trying a smoothie.
The Cadillac blenders cost $350-$400 (Vitamix and Blendtec). They will probably emulsify better or mill grains better. The Ninja will chop onions and tomato salsa better.
I received my replacement parts yesterday. In order to fix the stripped gear. They send you a new power unit and both blade fixtures. They redesigned the head of blades so everything just pops into place. All this happened with one phone call, no cost to me and in only 10 days. I’m very impressed with the customer service of Euro-Pro -I love the upgraded unit and would buy a product from them again with no hesitation.
ik love this peoduct i got it a few days ago and it it great
I just purchased the Ninja at Sam’s Club. After checking prices at Walmart, and Kohl’s, Sam’s had a better price, of $39.99. It also includes 2 extra small prep containers.
I can’t wait to try it.
Are you freakin kidding me? I just got this thing off QVC for like $100.09 bucks and I am seeing all great prices you all are paying…MAN I was DUPED!!! I think I am sending this puppy back in the mail!!! I can’t believe that!!!
I got mine from QVC in Cinnamon! I’m looking forward to using it. After reading the many comments on this site, I will be sure to use care when using it – make sure it is lined up correctly before pressing the switch and such.
i got mine at sams for 39.99 and it came with 3 small cups a big one. i love it
got mine yesterday at bed bath and beyond paid 32 with coupon i love it it does turn ice into snow. great thing is, if u buy it there, u can take it back a year or more later if u want and get your money back, no questions asked!
After much research I purchased the ninja prep 3/3/2010 at Khol’s. They had it on sale for 39.95 using my Khol’s charge with 30% off it cost about $28.00 plus I got $10.00 Khol’s cash that day for every $50.00 I spent
the ninja prep works just great Just wish the QVC and As seen on tv reveiws were more helpfull with recipes
James,
Try this fresh salsa: Do some prep cutting up. Do tomatoes then onions etc. Leave it somewhat chunky. Makes about 2 qt.
1/3 bag Roma tomatoes
2 medium onions
2 cucumbers
2 tbs chopped garlic
1 mango
2 bell peppers
1 medium habenero or 2 jalepeno peppers
cilantro–fresh or dried
1 Tbs. salt or salt to taste
lime juice
Yum! that sounds great, thanks!!
Very interesting to see so many reviews. There are a lot at QVC also. A friend of mine bought this from QVC and I noticed that they mention 3 times in the instruction booklet that you shouldn’t run the motor for more than 20 seconds at a time, with no mention of how long you should rest it before continuing. I believe the QVC demos showed it running longer than that and recommended longer continuous operation for one or two recipes. Also, somewhere (I forget if in the Euro-Pro literature or the Ninja web site) it is mentioned that their “free replacement” if something breaks, has close to a $15 shipping charge, after you pay to ship the damaged item back. Shipment on their recent company infomercial for two systems is about $30. Many of these companies probably make more on the “shipping & handling” than on the product, so try to buy at a local store. I purchased two other Euro-Pro products within the past six years and returned them…one small vacuum cleaner from HSN that didn’t work well and one steam cleaner from Target that spit out steam & water that only reached about 150 degrees. I noticed on an infomercial for one of their steam cleaners, probably their first, several years ago, the company’s president hit some “dirt” with steam but missed part of it, and when he wiped the area, the dirt that he missed disappeared along with the dirt that he hit with the steam. So, I must admit to not trusting this company, but maybe this time they have something that works fairly well. It will be interesting to see how well this mixer holds up under long term use. It looks like a significant number of purchasers run into problems with the plastic parts stripping. This needs to be addressed by some design changes. Perhaps one-piece blades rather than two-piece, or stronger plastic, or plastic replaced by metal, or the motor should perhaps (for some uses) start a bit slower than the full-power start it has now.
Hi SteveF.
You are correct, any of these companies that advertise over the television make their money on their shipping and handling chargesm, plus the upselling that they do when you call in. If anything goes wrong, you are stuck with the shipping charges. From reading the comments on this site I have seen that the Ninja has gone through several improvements. Read Marisa’s comment on Feb. 26th for the latest. If something goes wrong with a store bought Ninja, it appears that you simply call Ninja company and they replace the head with the new improved one. I have had mine since January and use it almost every day and each time I use it I make sure that the lid has slipped down into place and that the head is also securely in place. I never run it for more than 10 seconds just to be safe. I make my own Almond Milk every other day with it. I soak the almonds in water in the fridge overnight, rinse well the next morning. Add water, 3 pars water to 1 of almonds. It is fresh and extremely inexpensive compared to buying a quart in the store. I buy my almonds at Costco. I have tried to make the Almond Milk in my $400 Vita Mix machine and it does not make the milk anywhere near what my Ninja does. I just keep pulsing it until it is the almonds are almost pulverized. I save the almond granules left over and use them in my porridge or make cookies. This may be more information than you need Steve, but hopefully someone can use it. I would recommend that you buy local. P.
just wanted to let people know that I purchased my ninja prep master for 59.95 and the next day I walked into walmart and it was 38.88 regular price. Should have checked around more.
I just wanted to reiterate that I paid no shipping and handling – I dealt direct with Euro-Pro Headquarters. All I had to do was tell them what wasn’t working, where I purchased my unit, the model number and the date of purchase. I did not have to return anything and within a week I had a new power unit and both blade units. It works great – no way you can misalign it with the modifications they made to the unit and blades. I use it multiple times a day and love it!
Yup, just happened to walk down the appliance isle in walmart and there it was! My ninja for $38.88. Im very happy with the design of it and Im hoping the head wont strip, but Im very careful when i place it on the blades to make sure it engages properly (which I would suspect some people aren’t). I also feel the heavy use of it for shaving ice may be too much for the unit to handle.
The product seems very well made and I love it for making my salad dressing… chop garlic and then mix in the cup… very slick design.
I love my Ninja! I use it for everything from making malts, Salsa and Margarita’s! It does a great job for everything!
I would like to find out how much the Ninja is? For example I would like to know the price of it? How much money? Shipping cost? I’m from California? Hopefully soon I would like to order one of these for my house but I don’t have a clue right now how much money or shipping costs its going to be? Can someone please send me an e-mail to let me know?
I did see it advertistise the other night (on T.V. & it said 3 easy payment of #19.95 (I do believe so). The rest of the imformation I don’t know?
Thanks so much
You could just trot yourself down to your local WalMart, Sears, Bed Bath & Beyond, and many others and just buy it off the shelf.
As for the price, just spend a few minutes to read through the comments before yours and you will see all the price ranges from every different place.
DO NOT BUY!!!!! Ripeoff if you don’t like the product it’s a total of 100.00 for shipping . More than the product costst none refundable! Does NOT blend veg. Evenly. Cheap plastic brakes easy. Customer servise bad and lies about the refund of shipping!
Noticed it is available on this site for $43! Check it out.
I’m so torn about getting the Ninja. There’s so many really good comments but also really bad comments. Who do you believe?
Life is always full of decisions. If you can’t weigh the good and bad comments to make a rational decision, you are probably not ready to be a Ninja user.
McNerd, I bet you are a male and a jerk. I always wonder if the ones making the good comments are company employees which really makes me wonder if I’m right after your comment. I bought a Haan steam cleaner because of mostly good comments & I’m not happy with it and would not recommend it to anyone.
Hello Maggie,
You must be a lady. I am not an empoyee of Euro Pro, but I can tell you that the Ninja works fine if you are patient and follow directions. I really only make chicken salad and it does it beautifully and does not cost 6.99 a pound at the deli.
Maggie, your comments just reinforces my previous statement. I’m not an employee of Euro Pro either, but I am a satisfied customer of the Ninja.
I feel after reading Stefanie’s negative comments that she works for a competive product or else she did not follow the ‘instructions for use’ of her Ninja. I have had mine since December and use it every day, being careful to make sure the lid is ‘seated’ securely on the container and that the head is snugged in as well before pulsing. Last night I had an Italian dinner for guests. With my Ninja I did all of the following. I grated Pecorino Romano cheese, made Pesto to go with my polenta, made Quacamole for appetizers(recipie in Nina booklet), and made the pasta sauce with it. The pasta sauce is so simple. Put 2 garlic cloves, two large handfuls of basil, cut up about 14 oz. tomatoes (preferrably tiny grape type), add about half cup virgin olive oil, 1/3rd cup of Balsamic Vinegar and pulse until sauce consistency that you like, course or fine. Salt & Peppar to taste. Cook pasta, drain, leave a little damp and add sauce. Serve with a generous sprinkle of the cheese.
I will NEVER EVER be without a Ninja. I love it. P.
I forgot to mention. When buying, buy locally just in case something goes wrong and you have to have it repaired or returned,. No shipping charges to pay. Buying off of television is always a rip-off. P.
Maggie I like you! I just ignore idiots like Mcnerd. I had an issue and returned it to Bed Bath & Beyond and got a new one. I’ve always wanted something that does a great job with crushing ice and it does that. Be careful with placement and if the gears strip simply return or exchange it. I thought it was worth replacing with another one. Hope that helps you.
What’s good about buying from the infomercial is that it’s lifetime warranty.
If you buy it at the store, it’s only 1 year.
I called already and they exchanged my unit that I’m using everyday 🙂
the plastic gears are a mess. They strip very easily and are a pain to replace. I no longer have the box and returning it to macy’s is a no go. It was a gift for christmas and now I have a useless paperweight. this is the second one I have to replace and don’t think I will go with another one. The replacement parts cost more than what it would cost to purchase in the store as you have to replace the gear head and the blades. There is no where to purchase the replacement blades etc in a retail store so you have to wait for a while. NOT WORTH IT.
Hello Texas:
Contact the manufacturer directly with your story and I can almost guarantee that you will receive a replacement with their new, much better product. Read back on these notes to find out the name and contact info for the manufacturer. Hope this helps. P.
I have had mine for a little over one month. It’s a great little machine, for $50.00. I bought mine at Sam’s Club. The absolute worse thing about the Ninja is cleaning the top piece or if you will, the lid. And that’s not really difficult at all. It just requires a little more time. If I were to rate this device with stars or crowns, it would get 5 even with the cleaning issue. I have read quite a few of the comments left here. All I can say is WOW! If you read the instructions, and use minimal common sense, it should work fine. If you think your a know it all, and slam things around, you will get hurt or the machine will fail or both. If you load the cups with stuff, sometimes the motor head and gear won’t quite mesh. Take off the motor and slightly rotate the gear a little and retry. Don’t turn on the motor until the motor head fits perfectly in place. If you don’t understans this, please look up and start reading this with the sentence that begins “IF YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, AND USE MINIMAL COMMON SENCE”
I bought my Ninja 2 days agao at Bed,Bath & Beyond. I signed up at their website to recieve email offers/specials then rec’d a 20% off coupon. They were selling for a special price of 39.99 and with 20% off I got it for $32 + tx- a bargain 🙂 It came with 1 pitcher and 1 small container but thats all I need as I don;t mind washing them out and its good to go again
You can buy it at Bed bath & beyond- its on special for $39.99. Use a 20% off 1 item coupon ( go to their website and sign up for special offers etc and they will give you a link to print a coupon) You can bring it home for $32+tx includes one pitcher and one 2 cup container-
Okay, I broke down and bought one last night. $48. Nuked two cups of frozen fruit from Costco (mango, papaya, strawberry and pineapple) for a minute to soften them. Put it into the two-cup container and blasted it. Forgot to put liquid in. Made soft ice-cream. Spooned it into a mug and used a straw to eat/drink it. Wonderfully smooth. Way better than similar smoothies I’ve made for years in a blender. Same fruit — tasted better.
Instead of beating everything up, like a blender, the Ninja slices it up with it’s long, sharp blades. Much quicker and quieter than the blender. Seems reasonably durable. Everything fits together very well. Light, simple motor which doesn’t need to run very long, due to the design.
Late night smoothie making is now easier, quieter and quicker. And better. If I don’t pre-nuke the frozen fruit I’ll probably get harder ice-cream. Healthier than the real thing.
Nice.
Richard
Has anyone tried grinding fresh lemongrass, galangal, tumeric, ginger in the Ninja? My Indian mixie (that’s what a wet/dry grinder is called) has “died” and I was wondering if anyone has tried grinding (pulverizing)harder ingredients that are used in Indian and SE Asian cooking. I don’t want to end up with a white elephant. I need something that can grind the mentioned ingredients into a smooth paste.
Hey Viv. wow I said that like I know you. It really does a number on ice and frozen stuff. I can’t see why not on hard spices such as ginger. Those baldes are really sharp unlike blender blades. Even if it doesn’t work like you would like, there is still multiple uses for it. 🙂
Bob
@Vivien I haven’t done lemongrass but I use fresh ginger root on a regular. I create a lovely puree of ginger root onion and garlic cloves for my gravy with the Ninja.
I’ve had mine for at least 7 months and I use it every day for my breakfast smoothie. I would highly recommend this product to everyone.
Oh yah, I forgot. I do not work for the company.