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.
I’m glad to hear that this is a good product, but the problem is that we can’t tell how long it will work, or how reliable it’s going to be. Lots of stuff works great the first couple of times, and then the parts start breaking off or the engine stops working. Unfortunately, considering the price, there’s a chance this won’t last long. Typically, cheaper appliances mean cheaper construction.
The only blenders I’ve found with consistently good reviews are 200-400 dollars. Except the beehive Oster one. Strangely, a $30-40 one seems to often rank up there with the two very expensive ones.
My first comment here was in September 2009 and I’ve been using my Ninja almost daily since then — The motor unit has never been unplugged and put away — and I have NEVER had an issue or problem with it, though I can fully understand how things can and do go wrong if used improperly.
The company apparently has redesigned the connecting points to reduce the chance of problems, but I wouldn’t worry about it unless you are an absolute klutz with appliances.
This is one of the best products i have ever bought. It is really powerful and worked wonderfully. i have had a bullet which did not last very long and there is no comparison. the ninja is well worth the money and it is not that expensive. Would highly recommend.
I got my Ninja as a clearance item at Sam’s Club today for 34.00 I had never read all these reviews before my purchase. It sure sounds like it was a good purchase. I used it and it does make the ice very fine. I really think I’m going to enjoy this.
The product seemed to be OK at first but after some use the plastic gears on both the blades and the motor wore down making the unit useless.
Unfortunately that’s what happens when the product is used improperly. Contact the company and get replacement parts that are more destruction proof.
I was looking to replace my 37 yr. old food processor (still working) and a very noisy blender. After reading many reviews I decided to try the Ninja. I got mine at a great price yesterday at Bed,Bath,& Beyond..only $25.59. I signed up at the BBB website then went to the store with my 20% off coupon (thank you to those who posted the info). The sticker price was $49.99 but a sign by the display read “$39.99, 20% off”. At the register they deducted $10 (price adj.),$8 (promo 20%), and $6.40 (my 20% coupon). I’ve used both the blender and the food processor and I’m really liking it..powerful and easy to clean. As others mentioned, you do need to read before using, make sure it’s properly put together, and beware of those blades. I definitely recommend the Ninja, but if I had children living at home, I would not let them use it. In Reply To Tracy: Yes, it makes a great milkshake. Here’s the recipe I use (serves 2). You could use chocolate syrup instead of the Nesquik powder, maybe reducing the milk slightly.
Vanilla Shake:
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 to 1¼ cups low-fat milk
1 to 2 Tbsp. sugar
Chocolate Shake: 2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 to 1¼ cups low fat milk
2 Tbsp. choc. flavor Nesquik mix
Strawberry Shake:
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 to 1¼ cups low-fat milk
3 Tbsp. strawberry flavor Nesquik mix
Hey ninja gang… I just found out that a couple of free Ninjas are offered on this site! I’m gonna try for it…
Will the Ninja puree raw vegetables and leafy greens?
ok so i saw this on TV and thought no way none of my other blenders work like they say they will but this one AWESOME!!!
I purchased the Ninja blender and was asked if I would want the cookbook and at the time I sad no and now I wish I said yes. I was wondering where can I order 2 cookbooks for the Ninja, I want 2 cookbooks because I got 2 ninjas and gave one as a gift. I have the little book that came free with it but I would like the other now. So I hope I can order 2 cookbooks like I should of in the first place. Thanks hope you can help.
Charlotte ,i just checked with qvc and they have some in stock just dial 1800 345 1515 and you can purchase ,,, enjoy
Slice a peeled banana, a cored and sliced pear and put them into a sandwich bag–then into the freezer. When hungry add a splash of milk and Ninja. Topped with a little chocolate syurp
and you have a great treat.
Hi I bought the Ninja food processor during christmas time and raved about it ever since it died the other day. It lasted under 4 months. I bought it at bed bath and beyond in manalapna/freehold nj off of rt. 9. I don’t have the box anymore and no receipt. The motor died when you turn it on. IS there anything you can do for me!!!! I make vegetable juice often and loved the easy clean up from this processor!!!! Help???
Does the ninja whip cream
Yes it does. There is a comment above about a lady who did it. She put the container with blades into her freezer for a while to get it cold, added the whipping cream and pulsed a very few times and the cream whipped.
She cautioned not to pulse it too many times or you will have butter. Hope this helps.
Thankyou
Great Product!! I bought it because I destroyed TWO food processors trying to shred Parmasan cheese rinds. They are tough tough tough!! The Ninja got the job done. The cheese gave it a good fight, but the Ninja conquered it. I only wish that the container was a little larger so I could make pastry, pie crusts and biscuts..stuff like that. For the most part, the Ninja WORKS and is a joy in the kitchen!!
Darin:
I grate my Pecorino Romano all the time in the small NINJA container. I find that if I cut it up into half inch square pieces and do not load it up with too much at once that it works every time.
I would try to make the pie crusts and biscuits in the largest container, it should be plenty big enough. Let us know how you make out with these types of doughs.
Cheers! Pat
Hi, I just bought a ninja master prep yesterday, can you tell me how to make it slice? Thanks. Johanna
I’m not aware that a blender is designed for slicing. It will however chop.
Did you see the Wolfgang Puck’s knock off? Ninja apparently did not have a patent. Wolfy was selling a knock off this weekend for $49 introductory price. Glass bowls and a motor which seemed to mount more easily. It also had an emulsifying plastic gizmo for whipping skim milk or richer into a Cool Whip. I didn’t see the whole thing but it might even have three stacked blades.
Have had my Ninja for 1 month. It replaced old blender and old food processor. It is just an absolute pleasure to use.Remarkable kitchen tool but be very careful when washing the blades and don’t let children anywhere near it.
Have never been happier with a gadget .. feel like a kid again !!
I watched Wolfgang’s presentation this weekend, but only saw one set of blades.
I wouldn’t trade my Ninja for it.
Wow, really sounds like a great product. I wanted to
order from the actual site but did so much better ordering two from Bed Bath and Beyond’s website. There I got two “complete” products (motors included). Yes, the website ninjafreeship.com offers free shipping but the shipping at BBB was less than $11.00 and the whole deal was still less. I did miss out on the carry out cups…too bad.
works great;but only one speed is restricting
Since the Ninja is a “pulse” blender it would never stay on long enough for different speeds to have any influence or make a difference.
I just brought a brand new Ninja Master Prep that I have yet to use, however, I’m pretty excited. The reason being is that when I checked the Sam’s website and see if they had any available, they were all sold out. So right before I decided to buy the first model I believe it is (the QB900) from Wal-Mart, I decided to just go to the actual store myself. To my surprised they had the QB1003!
This model happens to be the newest version — supposedly 2x faster than the QB900 and QB950 models. It was $49 + tax, came with two extra prep bowls, a 30-page recipe guide, and it’s black (I happened to like the look better, lol). Dump the antiquated, ubiquitous QB900 models and at least get the QB950 model, or better yet, check your local Sam’s retailer for the QB1003 model. Good luck, and I’ll report back after I have used it.
Amazon.com is currently selling this model for 80 bucks, by the way, so it’s a great deal for only $50 and immediate use!
I thought it was the greatest invention. I used a magic bullet to make smoothies every day for the last three years but it is too small. The Ninja was larger and I was able to make larger quantities. It worked fantastic for the first two weeks, now it just spins around when it is empty. The plastic material used to make the stems that go into the pod are stripped and unable to turn the blades to make anything. I am again using my magic bullet several times a day.
The company is trying very hard to improve customer satisfaction with the worn down gear issues. I think the problem is twofold: ‘operator error’ by the user (or user’s family member!) and/or poor quality plastic issues in the manufacturing. That being said, anyone with this problem can contact the Ninja division at 1(800) 361-4639 and simply explain what part is worn down. They sent me a prepaid UPS label for returning the part that is damaged and will replace it free of charge. That is going the extra mile for their customers. I think they probably had a fair amount of complaints and truely want to fix the problem. I love my Ninja and can hardly wait to buy one for my daughter and her family.
I have been trying to find the new version everywhere. I tried my local Sam’s club and they only have the QB900. The only place I can find it so far is Amazon.com. I am in Southern California if anyone knows of any other place to get it. Why doesn’t the main site for Ninja even say that it exists?
I don’t feel like standing in the kitchen chopping and cutting my fingers. I am 65 this yr. and need to prepare food being on SS. from 70,000 a yr. to 1000.00 a month now I must do it for myself. I have studied the bullet and the ninja and the ninja seems to be the most useful for my life style from frozen drinks and shakes to chopping some things for my salads or chicken salad. I went to bed bath & beyond and I would rather spend a little more and get the best of offers on the Ninja Home page with the free shipping or pay for shipping if I order the one with the beater. DO YOUR HOME work folks before you purchase.
I just visited http://www.ninjakitchen.com/NinjaMasterPrepProSystem.shtml?tabID=detailsCont and they have a BRAND new version with lots of accessories included – I think I am going to order it.
Not enough people praise good products or good customer service. I hope my endorsement helps make this product successful. To make a long story short, the Ninja delivers everything as promised. I used it every day for two weeks straight, and at least 4 times per week since. Fruit smoothies, shakes for the kids, mincing veggies for chili, salsa, guacomole, you name it. We joke about how it “rules the kitchen”, but it’s true. This is a great product. You won’t be disappointed.
I bought the grandkids some snow cone flavored liquid syrup in order to make them snow cones when they come by. In my cupboard, I have some of those packets of drink flavored mix that you add to a bottle of water (you know, like crystal light. So I thought, why not? I filled the Ninja with ice, added the drink mix packet and pulsed away. I then added enough water for the right consistency. No syrup on the floor and only 50 calories. Try it!! The kids loved it and you will too.
Ninja Pro at Sams. My local Sams (Franklin Mills, Philadelphia) had the Ninja Pro on display/for sale at $50. Looks like a great deal…too bad I got the regular version back in Nov for $44 at Sams. The pro is a sleek black with SIX blades used in the pitcher (vs. 4 for the regular Ninja). Came with 3 prep bowls (like the old regular Ninja I purchased at Sams). I think, but could not verify, that they’ve switched over to metal gears on the Ninja Pod. That should eliminate stripping. I couldn’t verify because the display version was glued to the display…probably to prevent theft and injury from the blades.
Big Lots sells the ninja for 30.00.(Texas) Just bought one the other day. Made snowcones for the kids, and they loved it. (Wal-mart sells snowcone syrup) You know it gets hot in Texas so we will making many more snowcones this summer!
The new black “professional” model has a 450 watt motor and, at QVC, comes with 3 container sizes. The new 48 oz comes with a one-piece cutter with 3 pairs of blades. The new 40 oz size has a one-piece cutter with 2 pairs of blades, and the 16 oz still has a two-piece cutter with 2 pairs of blades, but I think they may have a different shape and aren’t flat, don’t just come out straight, perpendicular to the shaft, but may be curved…not sure about this. I would hope that they have done something about the “stripping” problem that sometimes happens. I would guess that making the longer cutters one-piece instead of two-piece, eliminates one place where stripping can occur. QVC was selling for $50 for one day and then raised it to $55. Plus $7 or $8 shipping. There is an interesting looking Hamilton Beach Dual Wave Blender out there that has a twin motor/blade that can take individual containers on each, one at a time or two at a time, and there’s a large container that covers and uses both blades…go Google it! I think the speed of each side is controlled individually. $75 at one site.
Yes, I too was sceptical about this product. However, I received it as a gift for Mother’s Day. I had been looking at them and thought about getting one. I have gotten rid of the blenders, just not the food processor, as it does other functions that my cooking level requires. This Ninja however, was awesome. We decided to make a pitcher of Pina Coladas, it was a little late in the evening and it had been a long day. We stuck them in the freezer as we had done with our blender pitcher before. The only difference is we did not have to wait on the product to thaw out first then try to doctor it or scoop it out with a spoon, or have part ice, part liquid. We attached the motor to the top of the pitcher, which still had the blades in it. Lightly pulsed a few times, the drink was as if we had just made it. I cannot say enough good things about this product. I am totally in love with it. My whold family uses it for different things. We are parents who are chefs, with 3 teenage children who like to cook, so every piece of equipment in our house gets a work out. This one seems as though it will stand the test of time. Thank you and happy cooking and drinking.
Today, the third time I used Ninja I did one batch of whipped cream which came out great. Trying to do a second batch, somehow the cover will not seat properly (it seems to be flat and even but is not tight) the motor unit will not engage. Multiple tries all fail. Am I missing something? Doing something wrong? Is there a design glitch? I like Ninja when it works but I must be able to depend on it when needed or its useless in my kitchen. JAS
I put my old blender in the closet and threw away three other so called blender/choppers away. Iam 65 yrs old this year & I tell you this NINJA Made the perfect shake and smoothie not to mention the mix drinks.
The chopper didn’t make liquid out of the vegs I chop for the dinner salad. It was perfect. So easy to clean by hand on the spot when finished. I use it now every time I want to be quick & out of the kitchen.
MIX your favoriate protein drink with favoriate fruit and water or milk or juice and really enjoy a healthy effortless drink. A frozen vodka & orange juice is great.
Get one of the Ninja units and have some fun
Jenny:
If you cleaned the blender and did not put the top blade on the correct way, the lid will not sit right. That happened to me once. Simply take the top blade off and turn it the other way around.
Also if the motor part does not fit on correctly, simply turn the blades a little and it should seat in fine. Hope this helps. If not, you may have stripped the gears and will have to call the 1-800 number for a stronger replacement set. See previous posts to get the 1-800 number. Pat
This product works amazing the first few times. I went to use it for the third time last night and the plastic peace that seals the lid to the actual “bender button” thing that attaches to the top actually ended up basically eating itself then from there i discovered that i drank part of the plastic peace. This morning my mom went to clean it and the blade fell out and cut her toe open, she is at the hospital as i write this. I am very upset about this product, it is not safe. The pieces are not staionary in the blender and if you go to pour your drink into a cup, you may end up with out a toe. I have a 1 year old, what if this happened to her? I don’t recommend this product. I will be looking further into details about the safety warnings and contacting other people, and returning it to bed bath and beyond, for a much safer blender, and a blender that the pieces won’t basically eat itsself up! I got it as a wedding present and was SO excited about it untill last night/this morning.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I have had the little rubber circular thing start coming out one time when cleaning it I just pushed it back in .
As for cleaning it, I always lift the blades straight up by the tube , seperate them and rinse them under warm running water straight away too avoid overhandling them. Then I wash out the chopping bowl and put it face down to drip dry over top the blades so no chance of getting cut .
I am sorry to hear of your moms injury . I think one has to take precautions while handling this due to the fact the blades are so sharp. Without that sharpness however, the NInja would not be able to do what it does. I love mine and have had no problems with it at all, safety or otherwise. Just my cents
Debbie
Lauren,
Read the manual, it states for you to remove the blades first before cleaning or serving. It’s not rocket science. Its people like your mom that have created “WARNING THIS COFFEE IS HOT”. Why would your 1 year old be handling this? Why would you not clean the device over the sink? If she had, she wouldnt have had her toe cut open. This is not the first time you used it or cleaned it, so you know the blades are loose already.
Eating plastic….come on, you know if something is not right when using this….does anyone else see a pattern here besides me??
To me this is just like grabbing the sharp end of the knife and wondering why you got cut.
I know this device is great to use and you dont have to use the manual to use it, but this is why there is a manual. So you can learn to use it properly without breaking plastic and slicing toes.
Warning for everyone, READ THE MANUAL!!
I was sympathetic until I read “I have a one year old, what if it happens to her?” I guess the answer to that one would be she’d go into the foster care system when you were arrested for child negligence for being so stupid as to allow a one year old child access to this machine.
OK, snarkiness aside, you simply have to understand how a piece of equipment works before you operate it, especially when it has very sharp blades. Since you are NOT one year old, and neither is your mother, I would assume you noticed that the blades are not fixed and that you have to have some care with the machine.
Your own lack of knowledge on the operation of a piece of equipment does NOT make it the equipment’s fault if you get hurt. The machine is what it is. You have it in your kitchen and want to use it, SO READ THE MANUAL. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE OPERATION. I can’t believe the number of people who are so clueless as to whine when they get hurt after being silly about not taking care with this machine.
This is almost comedic. I have cut my fingers a few ties over the years with knives, gues what? I still use knives to cut stuff. I broke a glass on the sink one time and got cut real good reaching into the water….guess what? I still drink out of glasses.
This is borderline ridiculous, but her it is entertaining.
BTW did I mention I have a ninja and use it quite often and so far have not had a single issue, but it has only been since Christmas.
Scott
After hours and hours of looking for a standard countertop milkshake machine, I found none. What I did find was the NINJA. I was aprehensive about purchasing the product because it was too good to be true with all the promises. After I made up my mind to but the machine, I was truely blown away. The NINJA does not only make the best milkshakes, but it makes the best salsa, or soup you can imagine. I love this product and wouldnt sell it for twice what I paid.
Words of advice….buy one and try it. Then you will be just like me and throw your cheap blender away.
Hi: I got my Nija, for Christmas (o9) and I just opened it today. THere are no directions how to put it together and frankly I cannot figure it out and neither can my old lady friens. I am 81 and always that I was fairly smart but I guess noneof us oldies, here, ar. Please send me instructions or something. It appears that the center pole does not come far enough up into the top of the things to go through the holes to turn it. HELP–thank you—-granny-b
I need to repair or replace the turning piece located in the bottom part of the motor that spins knifes/blades….someone got goop stuck in it and tried to repair it and f..ked it up. Thanks