A quality coffee machine has become almost as essential to the modern kitchen as a stove or sink. For those of us with limited counter space, however, café-quality coffee often comes at the cost of valuable prep room.

With the new Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus, however, you can have the best of both worlds. Designed specifically for smaller kitchens, this compact all-in-one system delivers espresso, filter coffee, and silky café-style microfoam without dominating your countertop.

With barista assist, it removes all of the guesswork from your morning brew, too. As someone constantly fighting for precious counter real estate, I cannot wait to get my hands on what looks to be a worthy contender for the best espresso machines.

The best coffee makers have a reputation for being bulky. To reach the top spot, they often offer several functions, from multiple brew methods to built-in grinding and milk frothing − and the extra bells and whistles usually equate to more room.

The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Autofroth Espresso Machine, available at Amazon, delivers all of that without the added mass. Measuring just 10.08" L x 12.17" W x 13.43", it is 30% smaller than its predecessor, the Ninja Luxe Café Pro, which we reviewed and gave five stars last year.

Our expert reviewer Lydia Hayman completely fell in love with the original, saying it was the only machine she ever wanted in her kitchen. One of her only criticisms was that the machine was too big, making this launch possibly the thing to make it truly perfect. I will be sure to put it to the test to find out.

As with the original, the Mini is a highly automated machine, with Barista Assist Technology designed to remove the guesswork from making coffee at home. The system will automatically select the best grind and shot size to give you consistent results, no matter if you are a first-time bean drinker or a trained barista. With single and double-shot espresso baskets, three brew strengths, and three hot water settings, every drink can be tailored to your preferences.

And that's just the coffee. The Luxe Cafe Mini Plus also froths your milk, with a hands-free steam wand calibrated for both dairy and plant-based milks. It's shaping up to be one of the best ways to make espresso at home.

What Else to Shop

At just under $500, the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus is also one of the more accessible automatic espresso machines I've come across, offering an impressive range of features without venturing into premium coffee-shop territory.

To help you get the most from your new machine, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite coffee accessories, from storage and organisation essentials to brewing tools that can help take your at-home coffee station to the next level.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not sure which coffee style is best for you? Check out our guide to espresso versus drip for the best morning brew.

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There is nothing that screams summer like firing up the grill – the smell, the family-style meals, the gathering of friends under the sun. It's a time-honoured tradition, but it is not free from stress.

Even the best grills can make outdoor cooking difficult, be it food sticking, getting the right temperature, or having to watch it like a hawk to prevent burning. That's why Ninja's Woodfire Pro Electric Grill, available at Amazon, is number one on my summer shopping list, offering safer, quicker grilling without the fuss.

It does it all, from grilling to air frying, taking the guesswork out of summer feasts, and with $100 off in the run-up to Father's Day weekend, it is one of the best gift options too.

There tends to be some apprehension around electric grills, specifically around the lack of traditional flavor. The Ninja Woodfire Pro, however, uses real wood-burning pellets to develop that signature smoky taste without the live flame.

We reviewed its predecessor, the Ninja Woodfire, and we were seriously surprised by its performance. Despite being electric, our reviewer, Alex Temblador, shared, 'There was a delicious smoky flavor to the fish and vegetables that wasn’t overwhelming. The char created by the grill grate was incredible, too.' If the hundreds of five-star Amazon reviews are anything to go by, it is safe to say that the Pro version continues this legacy.

The added Bluetooth functionality further takes the guesswork out of cooking. While traditional grills require you to stand to attention, the Woodfire Pro uses an app to keep tabs on the progress of your meal, allowing you to monitor temperatures and adjust settings from the comfort of your outdoor dining area, so you don't have to break from socializing with guests.

What really sets the Woodfire Grill apart from your standard picks is the versatility. Ninja never shies away from functionality, and the Woodfire Pro is no different. With grill, BBQ, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate settings, there are very few limits to what this single appliance can do. It could safely replace an entire outdoor kitchen, catering to almost any cuisine for any al fresco dinner.

It's proof that you do not need to overspend on grills to achieve superb results.

What Else to Shop

To help you get summer hosting off to the best start, I have curated the best barbecue essentials designed to complement your new Ninja Woodfie Pro, from non-stick saviours to stylish accessories.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking for something a little more permanent? Consider designing an outdoor kitchen for a year-round hosting setup bound to impress.

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I’ve already had endless fun experimenting with the Ninja SLUSHi, so imagine my surprise when a late-night launch introduced me to the new Ninja SLUSHi Twist, a two-in-one machine designed to swirl together dual flavors.

Built with the same technology as the Ninja SLUSHi Max – including rapid freezing, support for higher-alcohol mixes, and generous capacity – the dual-canister Twist feels like the ultimate party upgrade for memorable summer entertaining.

The internet quickly agreed that this is the best Ninja appliance for summer, with the machine shockingly selling out in only two hours, according to Ninja's socials. The good news? A restock is already on the way, and you can sign up for alerts through Ninja’s website – this is one release you won’t want to miss the second time around.

This new machine is the answer Ninja fans have been searching for, as until now, creative followers have been cleverly pairing two standard Ninja SLUSHi machines to recreate the classic ICEE-style mixes of our childhoods. the Ninja SLUSHi Twist helps you to effortlessly combine two flavors in a single system, with no mess and no fuss.

The dual canisters can be used independently or together to blend any combination of slush, opening up near-endless flavor possibilities. A manual rotating base also lets you swirl the drinks for a visually striking, layered presentation.

Using the SlushAssist function integrated in the Ninja SLUSHi Max I recently reviewed, the Dual SlushAssist™ Technology senses ingredients in each vessel and auto-adjusts temperatures, so both drinks come out perfect, every time. No ice or blenders required.

Perhaps my favorite potential use for the SLUSHi Twist is the ability to make two different drinks to suit everyone at a party. One side can be used for a fruit slush and the other for milkshakes, for instance.

Alternatively, at a family gathering, one side could be used for child-friendly juice while the other serves an adult-friendly alcoholic slush (just be sure to label which is which to avoid any serious summer hosting mistakes). It’s the perfect upgrade for regular hosts looking to impress.

Signing up for stock updates is simple. Simply add your email for notifications on the Ninja SLUSHi Twist page to know when the next drop hits.

What Else to Shop

If you do not want to wait for the restock or wish to set up your station now ahead of delivery, we have rounded up a few of the next-best machines and fun accessories to prepare your home for summer slushes.

All prices correct at time of publication.

If you are getting excited for summer, consider some chef-approved ice cream social ideas to help your party planning along.

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My love story with slush drinks started when I was five, and my parents would take me to the local play centre. So, when I learned 20 years later that I could make them in my own kitchen with a Ninja SLUSHi Max, I jumped at the opportunity to review this countertop addition.

After testing it for a few weeks in my home, I can firmly say that it is one of the most enjoyable 'novelty' appliances I have ever tried. It slushes quickly, creating wonderful, customisable drinks without the need for ice or noisy blenders, and is the perfect pre-summer investment to impress guests all season long.

With only a few minor snags that ultimately docked just half a star, this fun kitchen investment is one of the best Ninja appliances for families and regular hosts. Here's how I got on with the Ninja Slushi Max.

Product Specifications: Ninja SLUSHi Max

Design and First Impressions

I will admit that I was concerned by the size and weight of the Ninja SLUSHi Max when it first arrived on my doorstep. The box was huge, and the large numbering on the side let me know that it was 44lbs (20KG). Luckily, I lift weights regularly, meaning I was able to move it from the front door to the kitchen, but this is a bulky box to manoeuvre alone if you are not used to lifting weights.

Even then, I still needed a second pair of hands to unbox the appliance. The box is held together with two plastic straps, which must be cut off. Once removed, the top section of the box slides off, leaving the SLUSHi nestled in a cardboard base. I needed my partner's help removing the outer cardboard box to cut the straps, and again to slide this base out as I lifted the main unit.

I am thrilled to say that without all this robust packaging, the machine is lighter, at 31.99 lbs. Most of this packaging was recyclable cardboard, besides the straps and the tape.

Inside the box, there was the unit and four instruction sheets. One booklet was the regulatory information, and the other three were guides. The full instruction manual and recipe book were accompanied by a condensed QuickStart guide, which contained the essential reading. Finally, there was a troubleshooting sheet with tips for achieving the perfect consistency.

The appliance itself is large, which was expected, given that this is the Max edition, but it's not so big as to completely take over my small kitchen. All in all, I think it is very chic, especially in the gray and gold 'Mocha' colorway. It was also covered in the signature Ninja stickers full of tips taken from the manual. I decided to leave most of these on for quick reference, but otherwise, they peel off easily.

Once in position, the machine must sit on the flat surface for two hours to allow the refrigerant to settle before first use. For easy moving, you can lift the front of the machine and slide it back and forth without damaging your counter.

Performance

The Ninja SLUSHi Max has six main drink settings: SlushAssist, which detects the liquid used and chills accordingly; slush, frozen cocktail, frozen cocktail max, milkshake, and frozen juice.

The unit then has an adjustable dial with 15 more temperature settings so you can achieve the perfect consistency, from cooler and more icy, to less icy and more pourable. When slushing, the machine registers around 70 decibels, around that of a normal conversation. This is not too distracting, and closing the kitchen door when I was in the room next door dulled it enough to not be heard over the TV. I was very impressed.

It is important to note that, as with any slush, be it homemade or commercial, it is a high-sugar drink. As the SLUSHi Max makes clear, this appliance does not work with diet or low sugar drinks without added sugar or syrup. We are not making health drinks here; they are truly indulgent, as the sugar content prevents the liquid from freezing solid. The unit has a built-in 'add sugar' or 'add liquid' warning system, which I put to the test.

Otherwise, I focused on the SlushAssist and milkshake settings for my tests, using fruit juice, low-sugar drink mixes, and dairy, respectively. I did not test the cocktail setting, as I do not personally consume alcohol.

The Slushie Test

The primary function of the SLUSHi Max is to make slush drinks, so a fruit slush was my first test.

After rinsing the machine out, I poured 34fl oz of a pre-mixed coconut and pineapple juice into the top spout, turned the machine on, and hit the SlushAssist button. This programme starts by 'sensing' the liquid, mixing it around without cooling. During this time, the machine is registering the sugar content (it must be at least five grams per 100ml of liquid, which my carton juice was), and picking the right temperature for the type of liquid.

After a few minutes of sensing, the machine switched straight to 'slushing' mode, indicated by the text on the LED screen. I was getting on with making some lunch while this worked, and was surprised at how quickly it was done. I did not fill the machine up to the max line, of course, but for 34fl oz it took less than 15 minutes to form a thick slush. The more liquid, the longer it will take. A max fill of an alcoholic beverage can take up to one hour, according to the manual.

The slush was so thick that I actually found myself turning the fine-tuning dial down slightly towards the thinner mix, and let the machine do its thing. A few minutes passed, the 'enjoy' light came on, and it was much easier to dispense and enjoy. It was exactly the quality I would expect from a commercial vendor.

I repeated this test later with a protein drink mix that I knew was too low in sugar. I added three tablespoons of granulated sugar to the drink mix and mixed it up before adding it to the machine, and chose SlushAssist once again. The process began as usual, and after a few minutes, it became noticeably louder. A few seconds later, the 'add sugar' light came on.

As per instructions, I dispensed some of the liquid, added another tablespoon of sugar, mixed, and added it back in before resuming the programme. This time, the machine 'sensed' the mix for a lot longer before returning to slushing. In the end, however, the programme was completed, and the slush was perfect. The troubleshooting was quick and relatively fuss-free. I was very impressed.

The Milkshake Test

I am a milkshake snob, and I must say that the milkshake setting let me down a little. If you are looking for a super smooth, indulgent shake, this is not the machine for you. Instead, I would suggest sticking to the usual method of milk and ice cream in a blender such as the Ninja BlendBoss I reviewed.

I followed a recipe in the included booklet, mixing whole milk, whipping cream, and vanilla flavoring in a bowl before pouring it into the machine. The fact that you have to mix the ingredients before adding them annoyed me, as you have to mix enough liquid to reach the minimum fill, and you have to use a large bowl. This made a complete mess when I went to add it to the machine, and I resorted to spooning it in. It is by no means as smooth as using juice.

Once it was finally in, I used the dedicated milkshake setting and left it to run. This took a little longer than the juice, at around half an hour for 27fl oz. When it came to dispensing, it was far too thick and took forever (see the video below), and I had to turn the dial to adjust several times before it actually came out into my glass. When it did, it was very icy and slightly clumpy. If you have ever run the experiment of making ice cream by hand, shaking a bag of cream and milk in a bag of ice, it was not too dissimilar to the results of that.

It was far from the thick, silky, smooth experience I would hope for, and while not unpalatable, I cannot see myself using the machine for dairy again.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Ninja SLUSHi Max was surprisingly simple, albeit a little cumbersome in my small sink.

The appliance has a built-in 'rinse' setting, which runs the motor without cooling, allowing you to pour in warm water into the empty barrel and dispense, removing the bulk of residue from your drink. I used this after every cycle, filling it to the max line, and dispensing into a large mixing bowl.

In the case of cleaning after juice, this worked wonders at removing all of the residue, meaning that handwashing in the sink was easy. The unit comes apart quickly, sliding the back handle forward to release the mixing unit, which slides off the front. The auger (mixing paddle) then also slides off, and the base condensation tray slides out too. It is truly effortless.

I used a soft cloth and non-toxic dish soap (such as Attitude from Walmart) to wipe out the interior and the stainless steel cooling unit, which remains attached to the main unit. Once dry, everything slides back into the place the way it came off. It is that easy.

After using dairy in the machine, however, the process was a little more irritating. I used the same steps; however required two rinse cycles before removing the components. Beyond that, I had to make an effort to get all of the milk from every small gap. If the milkshake had been restaurant-quality, I would not have minded, but it seemed like a waste of energy.

What Shoppers Say

The overall rating on the Ninja website largely agrees with my experience, with 4.3/5 stars on average.

Of the five-star reviews, customers praise how easy the SlushAssist setting makes the process, removing the guesswork entirely. They also love how easy it is to clean.

One shopper commented that it was 'great for alcohol' with the machine able to slush drinks with up to a 20% alcohol content. 'I have the original Ninja SLUSHi, and I just received the new one. I used them both at the same time with same ingredients. I will say that the new Ninja Max performed much better when slushing alcohol and was much faster. I did not have to dilute the alcohol and was able to get a sorbet-type consistency.' I am glad to hear this, when I cannot test this function myself.

One-star reviews usually comment on customer service, which is not something we take into account for appliance reviews. Otherwise, one user claimed their machine overheated and shut off several times during use. This is not something I have had an issue with, and it is the only example I can find of this complaint.

The story is much the same on the Ninja SLUSHi Max Amazon listing, with overjoyed users loving the increased capacity and speed of slushing.

Should You Buy The Ninja Slushi Max?

All in all, I would recommend the Ninja SLUSHi Max to anyone who is looking for a fun and useful hosting addition to their kitchen this summer. It is big and really only serves one function, but it is a very fun addition for anyone with the space. I personally have a tiny kitchen, but love it so much that I am willing to go through boxing it up at the end of the summer season to store elsewhere over winter.

It is best suited to people who host regularly and people with larger households, where the extra-large capacity and quick cooling times are perfect for catering to a crowd. At $369.99 at the time of writing, it is not the most affordable novelty kitchen 'toy', but I think it is a fun investment if you have the budget and know you will get good use out of it.

What Else to Shop

To help you add to the experience and make the most of your new investment, I have selected six of the best accessories for your SLUSHi.

All prices correct at time of publication.

While planning ahead for summer, brush up on the summer hosting mistakes to avoid to keep things running smoothly.

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Even as adults, my friends and I still get unreasonably excited about an icy slush drink in the summer. Thanks to the new Ninja SLUSHI Max, I can finally make enough for everyone to share without leaving my kitchen.

At first, the large SLUSHi worried me. The extra-large upgrade over the original felt intimidating for a small kitchen. After finally getting my hands on one, though, I can confidently say it earns every inch of counter space.

Now I’m counting down to long, sun-soaked weekends putting it through its paces with slushies, milkshakes, and frozen cocktails, and am convinced that it might just be the best kitchen appliance to have on hand all summer long.

I have yet to put the Ninja SLUSHi Max to the test, although based on initial impressions and existing reviews, it is already shaping up to be one of the best Ninja summer appliances so far.

What intrigues me most is the new SlushAssist technology – a preset program designed to 'read' the drink mixture and automatically adjust the timing and temperature. Whether you’re blending fruit juices, alcoholic mixes, or creamy milkshakes, it’s built to handle the balance for you. I’ll be putting it through its paces to see just how well it adapts.

For non-dairy blends, the machine can also keep drinks chilled for up to 12 hours, making it especially useful for long summer gatherings when guests might wander back for another round well after dinner as the evening winds down. It is the ideal tool for staying cool when hosting outside.

With the increased capacity of the Ninja SLUSHi Max comes a larger footprint, and there’s no denying it’s a sizeable appliance. In my small kitchen, it claims a noticeable portion of the counter space I’d usually reserve for food prep.

That said, it’s far less imposing than the packaging initially suggests and doesn’t look out of place alongside my refrigerator. For keen hosts who regularly entertain larger groups or households with children, I think it is more than worth the counter space.

Even before putting it fully to the test, I can already see it earning a permanent spot in my summer setup. And when the colder months roll around, I’d happily go through the effort of reboxing it and tucking it away until frozen drink season returns.

More to Shop

If you’re already sold and planning ahead for summer gatherings and ice cream socials, I’ve rounded up a few key accessories to help you get the most out of your Ninja SLUSHi.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Need something smaller or more budget-friendly? We have rounded up the best Ninja SLUSHi alternatives, too.

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David Beckham has collaborated with Ninja to design a chic new upgrade for one of the brand’s flagship coffee makers.

The former footballer, who has now made a name for himself as a stylish country homemaker (thanks to his green thumb and chicken-keeping skills), has launched a sleek limited-edition Luxe™ Café Pro coffee maker that's chic enough for his counters.

This premium appliance, which combines Ninja’s automated brewing technology with David's fashion-forward aesthetic, means you can now bring high-performing celebrity style straight to the heart of your home.

With so many now embracing artisan home coffee alongside aesthetic kitchen choices, these appliances now have to do more than deliver a great cup. Along with being one of the best espresso machines our in-house professional chef has ever tested, this upgrade will be a centerpiece on your countertop, rather than something you'll have to hide away in your appliance garage.

David Beckham Just Teamed Up With Ninja on a Stylish Coffee Maker

So far as the best coffee makers go, Ninja delivers every time. Having reviewed the original Luxe™ Café Pro, we found barely any faults besides it being large, and the cold brew not being ultra-cold. Otherwise, it performs quickly and quietly, delivering consistently well-extracted espresso, hands-free milk frothing, and the added convenience of a built-in grinder.

The original stainless-steel finish already felt elevated, but the David Beckham redesign takes things a step further, introducing matte black stainless steel and refined gold detailing, alongside ebony wood accents. The result is a countertop appliance that feels as much like an on-trend design object as it does a kitchen essential.

Importantly, every design decision has been made with practicality in mind, ensuring performance hasn’t been sacrificed for aesthetics. In a behind-the-scenes video released by Ninja, Beckham even pushed back on certain finishes, noting, 'I’m all about the details. My issue with that? Fingerprints.'

No fuss, no smudges, just a clean finish that looks as good as it performs.

The machine offers four functions in one: brewing full-bodied espresso, balanced drip coffee, quick cold brew, and offering an independent hot water system.

This is all alongside the hands-free milk steamer and grinder with 25 automated grind settings to take the guesswork out of making good coffee at home. It may be large, but it makes the best use of its real estate, cutting back on the number of appliances you need on your counter.

The David Beckham colorway launch is limited edition, so it won't be around forever, and I predict a sell-out soon.

What Else to Shop

Coffee stations are no longer just practical hubs for a quick morning pick-me-up – they’re increasingly becoming focal points within the kitchen.

To elevate your own coffee corner, I’ve selected six beautifully home essentials to refine both your routine and your countertop.

Even with the perfect appliances and accessories, your coffee corner may look unkempt without the perfect coffee bar organization ideas. Luckily, the experts have shared their top tips for combining pretty with practical.

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As a trained chef, I'm a harsh critic when it comes to coffee. I'm obsessive with flavor and texture – and my partner trained as a barista, so our combined standards are impossibly high.

With my days in the professional kitchen behind me, I now make a living by testing kitchen appliances, including the best coffee makers. I’ve tested everything from quiet KitchenAids and automatic De’Longhis to swish drip coffee makers and chic Bialettis. It's rare for me to get very excited by a product anymore, but the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Maker, discounted by $150 at SharkNinja, changed that. It's the only coffee maker I want in my home.

From cold brew to flat whites, lattes to espresso martinis, it makes the best caffeine I’ve ever brewed at home. All that to say, it's the only one making my Christmas list this year, and once you read my full review below, you'll see exactly why.

Specifications

First Impressions

I know when an appliance is actually luxe, because it makes me immediately want to rip out my dated kitchen and upgrade it with polished countertops and backsplashes to match.

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Maker is ultra-professional and high-tech. It's like the Ferrari of coffee machines; mechanical and functional, but with enticing lit-up buttons and dials that get you excited to take it for a test drive. Each part is satisfyingly robust and enjoyable to use, from the vacuum-sealed bean compartment that slots satisfyingly into place to the weighted dials that you twist to select your brew.

The only criticism I made in my notes is that the Ninja Luxe Café Pro is quite large and heavy. I struggled to lift it onto my counter, and once it was situated, I didn't want to move it again.

What's it Like to Use?

At first, I was a little perplexed by all the whizzy dials and options on the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Maker. But after a few minutes watching SharkNinja’s tutorial videos –and a quick play with the interface – it all clicked. By the end of my first week of testing, I could run it in my sleep.

You start by filling the water tank at the back. I actually take a shortcut by filling the milk-frothing pitcher with water and tipping it straight in – a bit easier than wrestling with the tank itself. Then, load the bean hopper with your coffee of choice (I’m loyal to Illy's Arabica Selections Brasile WholeBeans, available at Amazon).

Choose your shot size – I stick to a single, because a double has me bouncing off the walls – then pop the filter basket into the portafilter. Slot it into the grinder on the left, and the machine will predict the best grind size for your beans. It takes a couple of rounds to dial in, but I’ve learned that size 14 is the sweet spot for my Illy blend. There’s also a built-in scale that measures out the correct amount of coffee grounds.

From here, it’s seamless. Hit Grind, tamp using the built-in lever, then lock the portafilter into the brew head. Pick your drink – espresso, americano, ristretto, cold brew, and the list goes on – and voilà. The Ninja Luxe pours a perfectly balanced shot straight into your cup.

For a latte or flat white, you'll want to use the milk frother. With other machines I've tested, you need to manually steam the milk, getting your angles and timing right to create the perfect texture.

The Ninja Pro Luxe has an automatic steaming function, so you can sit back and relax. There are also multiple preset textures to choose from: Steamed Milk, Thin Foam, Thick Foam, Extra-Thick Foam, and Cold Foam.

Taste Test

When I say you have options with the Ninja Luxe Café Pro, I mean it. When I first got the machine into my kitchen, I didn't even realize there was a whole range of filter settings. You can choose between Classic, Rich, or Over Ice, and the drink sizes range from 175ml to 530ml.

For me, where the Ninja truly shines is in the espresso itself. The shot is rich, full-bodied, bold, smooth, and always at the perfect temperature.

The espresso serves as the perfect base for a variety of your favorite café-style drinks. I experimented with lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos, following the clever milk measurements and recipe card attached to the side of the machine. Each drink turned out consistently smooth, with the espresso flavor shining through beautifully. Honestly, I’ve stopped visiting my local café – because I can make even better coffee at home.

But that’s not all – the Ninja Luxe Café Pro can also make cold brew. The process was impressively quick, though my first batch came out just slightly warm, enough to melt the ice cubes in my iced coffee glass. Undeterred, I tried something a little more adventurous: espresso martinis (strictly off the clock!). They turned out beautifully, and I even served them to dinner party guests, who raved about the balance and flavor. (Apologies for the lack of photos – I was swept up in the hosting whirlwind!)

Cleaning, Storage & Maintenance

My biggest peeve when testing the best espresso machines is always the clean-up. For a while, I switched to using an Aeropress Original (from Walmart) at home because I was sick of cleaning appliances at work – the simple tube on the Aeropress just needs a rinse in the sink.

Thankfully, while testing the Ninja Luxe Café Pro, clean-up was effortless – so much so that I’d happily keep it in my kitchen permanently. A quick wipe of the steam wand after use is all it takes – no dismantling parts, no struggling with a straw cleaner, no fuss. The machine even has an auto-purge setting that prevents milk build-up and residue, keeping it ready for your next brew.

The only other regular maintenance is the drip tray. It can get a bit grubby, but the trays slide out easily and can be fully disassembled for a thorough clean. I’d also recommend draining it after each use – you’d be surprised how fast the water collects. Keep an eye on the rising orange buoy in the tray; it’s your not-so-subtle warning that a mini 'tsunami' might be brewing!

How Does it Compare?

For coffee lovers who enjoy a more hands-on experience, the best espresso machines from the likes of Breville and De’Longhi will offer greater control. With their traditional portafilters, steam wands, and temperature-controlled boilers, you can fine-tune your grind, tamp, and milk texture, which is satisfying if you know how or are happy to clamber up that steep learning curve (practice makes perfect).

What sets the Ninja Luxe Café Pro apart for me is that it bridges technicality with ease. You still engage in the process – grinding beans, tamping, frothing milk– but without the risk of a bad shot every time. It's really fun and gives you the sense of craft without the potential angst of a fully manual machine.

And compared with other automated machines, I found the Ninja less fiddly and more affordable (well under $1,000). I’ve tested some of the most luxurious machines on the market (like the Jura J8, for example), but the Ninja remains my go-to for its ease and price.

Should You Buy It?

In my opinion, this is a coffee maker that’s truly worth its salt. For the price, you get an impressive amount of fun and functionality. The only people I wouldn’t recommend this to are baristas who want complete hands-on control, or those who are very tech-averse – if mindful, simple brewing is your goal, one of the best Moka pots will suit you better, but you'll obviously sacrifice versatility.

For café-goers looking to save money on takeout and recreate that barista taste at home, you really can’t go wrong. The Ninja Luxe grinds fresh beans, automatically adjusts grind size, and pulls professional-level shots for dreamy lattes, rich Americanos, and so much more. I loved testing this intelligent, highly automated machine – and I’ll be genuinely gutted to send it back to Ninja. Goodbye, espresso martinis!

How We Test Espresso Makers

At Homes & Gardens, we’ve developed a barista-approved process for testing the best coffee makers.

Our tests are standardized across each machine, so we can compare all of the products against each other without bias. If we think a machine is good enough, it’ll go onto our best espresso machine, best French press, or our highly acclaimed best non-toxic coffee maker list.

If you're keen to see behind the scenes, you can read our dedicated page: how we test coffee makers.

Which Ninja Air Fryer Should You Buy?

Anyone who has spent time researching the best air fryers, will know Ninja is among the most popular brands. They have led the pack when it comes to innovation, being one of the first to launch dual-zone options and offering everything from compact models for small spaces, to extra-large fryers for big families.

I have tested countless air fryers, many of which are Ninja, and it is the only brand I keep in my own kitchen. If you are new to Ninja air fryers though, these are the three you need to know about.

Which Ninja Blender Should You Buy?

Blenders are what Ninja first became known for. Their range has always focused on packing lots of function into an affordable pricepoint, and they have something for everyone. Most of them have multiple blades to cut through your ingredients quicker and more thoroughly than other blenders. Then, when you're finished blending, most of the components are dishwasher-safe, to make cleaning up as easy as possible. If you enjoy a daily smoothie, or want a super-powerful blender-food-processor combo to prep your ingredients, see what we recommend from our rigorous testing.

Ninja Frozen Treat Makers

Ninja launched its first frozen treat maker – an ice cream maker – in 2021, and when it went viral a couple of years later, the brand developed more machines for making slushies and soft serve at home. They now come in a number of models and colorways. See our top picks from the range below.

More Ninja Bestsellers

Ninja Reviews, Deals & News

Those are our all-time favorites from Ninja, but just a fraction of what they do. Scroll on to see more of our Ninja reviews, and keep an eye out for deals.

Few brands innovate as relentlessly as this one, and even as a Kitchen Appliances Editor, it’s hard to keep up. I’d barely wrapped up testing the Ninja Blast Max for our best blender guide before getting a first look at their next, even cooler creation.

The new Ninja BlendBOSS™ retailing at $139.99, landed on the site today. It has that classic tumbler shape with a sturdy handle (just like the Stanley cup that sits on my desk 24/7), but you can flip the tumbler upside down, place it on a motor, throw in fruit, and blend a smoothie in seconds.

Here's everything you need to know about what is set to be one of the very best portable travel blenders launched in 2025.

At first glance, I'd worry that the Ninja BlendBoss could be a gimmick, but Ninja promises it's not some underpowered portable gadget. The motor is strong enough to crush ice and fibrous smoothies, or whip up savory dips, soups, or purees.

I immediately thought of my sister (always running from the gym to work), and my friend who packs a huge Stanley Cup, a portable coffee mug, and a blender cup of green smoothie for long study sessions at the library. The Ninja BlendBoss is the kind of tool that actually keeps up. It’s completely leakproof too, so you don't need to stress about tossing it in a tote or gym bag with your other possessions.

I love the adorable spaceship-style design. The BlendBoss comes in four colors – Cyberspace, Blue Raspberry, Lavender Lemonade, and Watermelon Bubblegum – which remind me of the Ninja Crispi portable air fryer, and the Ninja Slushi sorbet shades released this summer.

At $139.99, the NinjaBlendBoss hits that sweet spot for gifting. Nicer than something you’d buy yourself on a whim, but not out of reach.

Other personal blenders we rate

There are many fantastic personal blenders on sale today for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day. If you don't need the latest, greatest gadget, the options below are great.

The Ninja BlendBoss is available on SharkNinja as of today, and with Amazon, Target, and TikTok Shop picking it up soon, I can see this becoming one of those gifts everyone starts talking about. I’m already making a mental list of who’s getting one.

If Ninja is known for anything, it's constant innovation. The Ninja Blast Max is a chunky, 22-oz version of the original Ninja Blast, which I tested last summer. I was a big fan of the original and there wasn't much I'd have improved. Making it larger certainly wouldn’t have been my first thought, but once I got it into the test kitchen, I realized that more had been upgraded than just the size.

In fact, the Ninja Blast Max stands out from all the best personal blenders I’ve tried. The large cup has fixed blades inside, which means you can twist off the cup and drink straight from it without the motor base attached. Cleaning is easier, too – no worrying about water getting on the motor.

On top of that, the Max comes with Auto-IQ Blend, Smoothie, and Crush settings, which automatically tailor your drinks to the exact texture you want, whether you’re making a simple protein shake, fibrous green smoothies, or crushing ice for cocktails. This isn’t just a bigger Ninja Blast, it’s better – in every way.

Product specifications

Blending performance

If you think you'll be blending straight out of the box, think again. The Ninja Blast needs a 3-hour initial charge, which was actually a bit frustrating, since I had a busy day of testing ahead and I wanted to make my smoothies first. However, once fully powered, you can get up to 25 blends before needing to charge again. Once the green charger light finally got glowing, here's what I made in the test kitchen.

Test 1: Berry breakfast smoothie

A berry breakfast smoothie is always my first test when trying out the best blenders. I started by pouring some oat milk up to the 'minimum liquid' line on the side of the Ninja Blast Max – super handy. Then, I added my challenging breakfast ingredients: frozen blueberries, strawberries, chia seeds, flax seeds, almond butter, and a banana. There was more than enough room for everything.

I hit the Smoothie button, and the blender got to work. It was impressively quiet, measuring just 80 decibels – definitely a contender for my quietest blender list. The Ninja Blast Max took 35 seconds to finish the blend.

The results were delicious. I did notice a few tiny flecks of blueberry skin, but they didn’t affect the taste at all. The only truly uniform smoothie I’ve ever had came from an enormous $500 Vitamix, so I can forgive the Ninja Blast Max for a few flecks here and there.

Test 2: Kale smoothie

Next up, a curly kale smoothie, packed with vanilla protein powder, green yoghurt, peanut butter, banana, and oats. The challenge here is the fibrous greens – will the blender be able to blitz them down into nothing? Then there's the nut butter and protein powder – will they clump together or stick to the sides?

The Ninja Blast Max stood up to the challenge. I did have to run the 'Smoothie' cycle twice to really get the kale cut down into tiny flecks, but in the end, it was smooth and refreshing. Just as powerful as the Ninja's best countertop blenders.

Test 3: Ice

Portable blenders aren’t really designed to crush ice. They’re typically too small and underpowered. But I noticed that the Ninja Blast Max packaging boldly claimed: 'TURNS ICE TO SNOW', which was hard to ignore.

To my surprise, it did exactly that. I dropped in three large freezer-fresh ice cubes, added a splash of water, and touched the Crush button. It was pretty loud, but around 60 seconds later, I had a snow-like slush – ideal for frappuccinos or frozen summer cocktails on the go, if that's your thing.

Is it leak-proof and travel-friendly?

When I’ve tested other portable blenders, like the NutriBullet Flip, I always get a flutter of panic packing it into my bag alongside my laptop and notebooks – there’s that constant worry about leaks or spills. With the Ninja Blast Max, I felt strangely confident. The lid screws on tightly and securely, and the built-in seal keeps everything contained (I tested it first by tipping it upside down over the sink).

Once I was out and about, I didn't experience any drips or sticky messes. I can confirm the Ninja Blast Max is a portable blender you can trust.

I was originally concerned about the size of the blender being too large for my bag, but it was totally manageable, as the design is quite wide and squat, plus you can dismantle the motor and leave it at home. It didn't fit into my car cup holders though – if that's a real priority, you might want to get the measuring tape out before you buy – or try the svelte BlendJet2 Portable blender instead.

Cleaning

There are three easy ways to clean the Ninja Blast Max: handwashing, filling the cup with water and a drop of detergent, and hitting Blend, or simply popping the cup in the dishwasher. I tried all three, and each one was quick and effortless.

Compared with the original Ninja Blast, the Max feels even easier to clean. The fixed blades are well-designed, so there are fewer nooks and crannies for food to hide in, and the larger 22-oz cup gives you more room to get in with a sponge if you’re handwashing.

How does it compare?

Ninja Blast vs. Ninja Blast Max

The original Ninja Blast (the link goes to our review) was already one of the best portable blenders out there – compact, convenient, and capable of handling everyday smoothies and frozen blends.

The Ninja Blast Max, however, levels up in almost every area. Its 22-oz capacity gives you more room for larger batches, while the extra voltage and new settings (Smoothie, Blend, and Crush) make it more versatile than the single-speed original. It has a longer battery life, too. It packs in a lot of power, but weighs only 0.4 lbs more than the original.

Both models are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, but the Ninja Blast Max’s larger jar and new fixed-blade design make it feel even more user-friendly.

NutriBullet Flip vs. Ninja Blast Max

The NutriBullet Flip is another strong contender in the portable blender space, and in some areas, it has an edge. It’s quieter than the Ninja Blast Max and does a better job at keeping drinks cold thanks to its insulated design.

However, the Flip lacks some of the practical touches that make the Max a joy to use. The Ninja’s measurement markings on the side take the guesswork out of prepping smoothies, its transparent cup makes it easier to see the blend in action, and its lighter weight makes it easier to carry around. Most importantly, the Ninja Blast Max can crush ice, giving it the upper hand when it comes to versatility.

Should you buy the Ninja Blast Max?

The Ninja Blast Max takes everything we loved about the original and super-sizes it with more power, more capacity, battery life, and more versatility. It punches well above its weight for a portable design.

I'd recommend it to smoothie lovers who want bigger portions on the go, anyone who likes to make frozen drinks or iced coffees, or those who value ease of cleaning and reliable leak-proof portability.

If you're not quite sure or you need a little more guidance on making the right investment, I recently wrote a guide on how to choose the best blender for your needs.

A couple of months ago, shoppers clamoured to get their hands on an exclusive $50 discount dropped on the Ninja Slushi, limited to the first customers to the checkout. If you missed out then, now's your chance, as the discount is back, and this time it's open to everyone!

You can bag the Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink Maker for $299 in the Arctic blue and gray colorway at Ninja Kitchen. If you prefer one of the more vibrant shades they'll be available for $319 – both representing $50 off the full price, until 20 September while stocks last. Just add the code: SLUSH50 at the checkout.

If you felt left out of the best ice cream maker craze this summer, you could be serving up the last of summer cocktails and fun frozen desserts at your fall and holiday parties before you know it.

Why does everyone rave about the Ninja Slushi?

The Ninja Slushi has been a social media hit and I think that's because it takes us right back to the carefree, colorful slushies of childhood. It's our chance to recreate nostalgic favorites – and even make them more sophisticated and grown-up.

Instead of syrupy, sugar-loaded treats, you can serve elegant frozen cocktails (think this season's trending Honey Deuce cocktail), starring your own fresh ingredients. I've sampled the Ninja Slushi drinks for myself, and they are super light, with a snow-like texture you would struggle to get on some of the best blenders.

It’s as simple as pressing a button, and in moments, you've got slushies, milkshakes, and frozen desserts. There's no wonder the brand calls it 'RapidChill' technology.

The new Ninja Slushi sorbet shades of summer 2025 are stylish enough to keep on the counter, and it's definitely a party staple, since the drinks will stay cold for hours, so you can keep them coming.

Clearly in Ninja's eyes, Summer isn't over. Just last week, the brand announced the Ninja FireSide360 Fire Pit Launch, and while that's not on sale yet, Ninja’s site is full of other seasonal deals worth exploring. It's worth a scroll on the seasonal sales section of their website, to see if you spot one of the best Ninja air fryers or something else you like.

Fall is looming large, and just as the seasonal shift starts to get underway, Ninja drops the outdoor entertaining must-have product of the year: introducing the Ninja™ Fireside360™ Outdoor Propane Heater & Smokeless Fire Pit.

We all know the drill with fire pits: hours spent faffing around to get it to light, evenings spent shuffling around to avoid the wafts of smoke, wrapped in blankets trying to find a spot where you can feel a hint of warmth, waiting long into the evening for the embers to die out to signal its safe to retreat to bed, not to mention the dreaded clear up the next morning. But with the Ninja Fireside360, you can turn up and control the heat and smokeless flames with a simple turn of a dial.

You can choose between flame only (great for balmy evenings where no heat is needed), heat only, or flame and heat. It is totally weather-resistant, offering head-to-toe warmth with no smoke and no embers. It can be switched on low for a soft, calm glow or on high for full-throttle heat on icy cold winter evenings, snuggled up under the stars.

The customizable flame means that you can be in total control and get the ambiance just right, to suit the mood. Crucially, you can ignite, extinguish, and control the flame and heat levels, so there's no waiting around and no room for error. It is just as wonderful on sizzling hot summer days and balmy evenings as it is on cooler fall nights.

There is nothing quite as magical about lighting a fire pit under the bright sickle moon, but leaving with hair and clothes smelling strongly of smoke for days to come can make it less of an attractive proposition. Ninja's fire pit is totally smokeless, so it doesn't have to be a stress – it can be used every day, should you wish to.

We are yet to properly test the Fireside360, but are super excited about this new, versatile design from Ninja and cannot wait to get our hands on one!

Shop fall firepit essentials

If you're looking for a fire-pit that's low maintenance, then we think the Ninja Fireside360 is perfect. This is a spring, summer, fall, and winter must-have that will level up your outdoor evening parties and allow you to make the most of your garden through the seasons.

Ninja clearly knows how to tempt us. Just when I’d finished admiring the latest release of its soft-serve ice cream maker, the brand has gone and given the sellout Ninja SLUSHI™ machine a summer glow-up with the dreamiest, popsicle shades, now available for $369 at NinjaKitchen.com.

The new limited-edition palette is nothing short of delicious. There's Frosé, a powdery blush pink; Margarita, a pale green that evokes fresh lime and tequila; Blueberry Tea, a jewel-like deep purple; and Orange Mango, a vibrant sunset in frozen form. It’s the kind of color palette you’d expect from the best ice cream makers – cute and playful yet refined. I’m honestly torn; they’re all so pretty.

For those yet to be seduced, the Ninja Slushi is no ordinary frozen drink maker. Powered by RapidChill Technology, it transforms liquid into perfectly textured slush, no ice cubes required.

Five smart presets let you choose between a light, 'sipable' drink or a luxuriously thick, spoon-worthy dessert. With a generous 88-ounce capacity (over seven servings), it’s the ultimate time-saving trick for a poolside party.

Better still, the Ninja Slushi's insulated design keeps creations deliciously icy for up to 12 hours, meaning you can prepare a batch of summer cocktails before guests arrive and still serve them at a refreshing temperature.

As you can see from the videos going viral on TikTok and Instagram, the Ninja Slushi does claim a large slice of countertop real estate. But here’s my thinking: if something is going to live in full view all summer, it may as well be a joy to look at.

I keep finding myself drawn to the pastel-pink Frozé – and I’m not alone. Instagram is full of comments like, 'The way I need the pink in my life!' I'm also surprised by the love for the Mango color Ninja Slushi, too. It does create a retro orange kitchen aesthetic that reminds me of the popsicles I loved in my childhood summers.

At $369 via NinjaKitchen.com, this Ninja Slushi collection is likely to vanish as quickly as last year’s release. My advice? Choose your shade and move fast, before I talk myself into buying more than just one.

If slushies aren't your thing, there's good news. The brand has repeated the makeover on the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker and the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer, too, so everybody can get involved in this colorful summer craze.

I’ve had my eye on the Ninja Slushi for the best part of a year. As someone who loves hosting, I’ve been dreaming of serving up icy summer cocktails and fun frozen drinks at my dinner parties. Even after testing some of the best ice cream makers out there, the Ninja Slushi still tops my wishlist.

On the 11th of July, Ninja Kitchen is offering their very first limited-time discount on the Ninja Slushi. The first 711 customers today will get $50 off.

I've been refreshing the site all morning, and the discount code just went live. Use the code: SLUSHIDAY at NinjaKitchen.com to get $50 off.

Is the Ninja Slushi worth it?

What's so cool about the Ninja Slushi, I hear you ask? Well, I haven't tested it myself yet, but one of my friends has one and it's the talk of our friendship group.

The hype is all about the RapidChill Technology, which can frost your drinks in as little as 15 minutes – no ice required.

With five versatile settings – slush, spiked slush (hello, frozen cocktails), frappe, milkshake, and frozen juice – it’s a frozen drink lover’s dream. The best part in my eyes, is that it keeps your drinks cold for up to 12 hours, so you’re always ready to pour.

So, you'd better get your skates on to get the Ninja Slushi deal. If you miss it, it may be worth checking to see if any of our preferred Ninja Slushi alternatives are on sale.

I have to say, I own the Ninja Creami which is discounted by 20% on Amazon today and I've been having lots of fun experimenting with healthy Ninja Creami recipes. It's all about the homemade frozen treats this summer, folks!

Air fryers have long divided opinion in the world of kitchen appliances. For some, they're the secret to quick, healthy meals; for others, they’re just another bulky gadget cluttering precious countertop space. I sat firmly in the second camp until one Sunday afternoon at my mom’s house changed everything.

She served me a bowl of potatoes so perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, I assumed she'd spent ages in the oven with a careful parboil beforehand. 'No,' she said with a smile, 'Ninja Air Fryer Pro. Fifteen minutes.'

That was all it took. One bite, and my skepticism evaporated. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, available at Amazon, didn’t just crisp; it transformed the flavor. Vegetables, fish, even leftover pizza suddenly had new life, all without turning on the oven or using much oil. As someone who values function and form in the kitchen, I was surprised at how sleek and space-conscious it actually was.

Even better, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro – recently named the best air fryer of 2025 by Homes & Gardens Kitchen Appliance Editor Lydia Hayman – is currently available at its lowest price on Amazon.

'The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 delivers powerful, fast, and effortless air frying at a price that won’t put a dent in your budget. It's thoughtfully designed, incredibly easy to use, and produces crispy, delicious results in record time.'

This is a rare opportunity to try (or finally invest in) the gadget food lovers are quietly raving about. For busy weeknight dinners, effortless weekend lunches, or just the joy of perfect potatoes, this is one small appliance that earns its space.

What I once dismissed as a needless gadget has become a kitchen game-changer. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 delivers on crispiness, convenience, and counter-space sense.

At today’s Prime Day price, it’s the perfect time to see what you’re missing out on. Shop it now while it’s on sale, and prepare to be converted.

Shop top-rated air fryers

With so many high-performing air fryers on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you're looking for sleek design, compact convenience, or multi-functional features, these are the best air fryer deals to shop this Amazon Prime Day. The perfect way to upgrade your kitchen without overspending.

It might be the middle of winter, but if ice cream is on your mind, we wouldn’t blame you. Lately, Ninja has been flooding our feeds with picture-perfect swirls of soft-serve to tease the launch of their latest creation – the Ninja Swirl.

Here at Homes & Gardens, we're not only dreaming of ice cream; we're actually eating it too! We've managed to get our hands on an early Ninja Swirl sample to put it to the test and see how it shapes up in comparison with our favorite Ninja products.

Our tester, Kate, is putting the new Ninja Swirl through its paces (she's even testing puppy ice cream). The full review will be here soon, so stay tuned. But in the meantime, Kate has some early impressions to share – and let's just say, there are some fairly large surprises.

Ninja Swirl: Our First Impressions

Kate has set the Ninja Swirl up in her kitchen, and her first thought is: it is big. At a whopping 20 pounds and 17 inches tall, you might want to get your measuring tape out before clicking 'add to cart.'

Kate says, 'The Ninja Creami Swirl is a substantial, heavy machine. However, it is easy to move around, with the weight nicely balanced and all components securely held. There is no rattling and the only bit that requires a little bit of extra maneuvering is the cord.'

'Having not used an ice cream machine in at least 35 years (if my old Snoopy Sno-Cone maker even counts) I am a bit intimidated by the very professional-looking setup.'

Kate says the Ninja Swirl is ultra-premium. 'It's wonderfully reminiscent of something you might find in Willy Wonka’s laboratory. But it definitely takes up a bit of space, so that might be a consideration if countertop real estate is limited. That said, I’m thinking it’s going to have a permanent spot on my counter this summer!'

What does the Ninja Swirl do?

It might be big, but there's tons of functionality on the Ninja Swirl ice cream maker. There are no less than six soft serve programs, as well as a new low calorie 'CreamiFit setting' and a frozen yoghurt function, too.

Whether you prefer dairy-free, low-sugar options, or more classic creations, the Ninja Swirl ice cream maker puts the power in your hands. From creamy chocolate to healthy matcha or strawberry sorbet, you can whip up flavors to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, you also get to choose between a traditional scoop or a beautiful soft-serve swirl.

Kate says, 'Every component has clear labeling and directions on what it’s used for. In addition to the machine itself, also included in the box were two freezer pints, a special nozzle for the soft serve function, and a fantastic recipe book with full-color images and easy, step-by-step basic recipes for ice cream base and soft-serve.'

If the extra soft-serve features don’t sway you, the simpler and smaller Ninja Creami Deluxe is still well worth considering for your frozen treats. We rated it 4.5 stars in our in depth tests. Or, I've actually seen Ninja's simplest ice cream maker, the Ninja Original, in the February sales at Ninja Kitchen, discounted by a huge $100. It has seven functions including sorbet, ice cream, and milkshakes.

Can I buy the Ninja Swirl yet?

As with any hotly anticipated tech, the Ninja Swirl has sparked a lot of curiosity. Commenters on social media have been asking: What’s the price? Where can I buy it? Is it worth it?

Well, I have some answers. The Swirl Ice Cream Maker has launched on the Ninja Kitchen US, retailing for $349.99. To my surprise, it hasn't sold out yet – although the brand caution that there is a 'high risk of sellout.' The brand has sold out most of the Ice Cream Maker accessories, but a pack of four Ninja Swirl pints is available, if you're quick.

Our product tester, Kate, will have a full review to share with us soon, with more detailed thoughts on the taste tests, ease of use, clean up, and value for money. So stay tuned for the scoop (or swirl)!

H&G's top-rated dessert makers

If you're looking for more ice cream inspiration, we've tried and tested a wide range of machines (it's a hard job but someone has to do it!). We loved the Ninja Deluxe the most and thought the Cuisinart Soft-Serve maker wasn't a great investment. Here's the scoop on the Ninja Swirl competitors.

It's no secret that David Beckham is a fan of Ninja. The soccer player has partnered with the brand to show how he uses their kitchen appliances throughout his home countless times. As an avid cook and heath foot aficionado, it makes complete sense, and he has a new favorite blender this Christmas.

The 'footballer' took to Instagram to share a video of his Christmas decorations, and a Ninja Blast Portable Blender (available from Ninja) features prominently. In the humorous reel, Beckham steals the Ninja Blast from a stocking that ostensibly belongs to one of his children. He takes it to the kitchen and quietly makes himself a midnight smoothie. He then washes the blender and places it back in the stocking, ready to gift on Christmas morning. Not only does Beckham think the blender makes a great stocking stuffer, but he wants one himself.

It's clear why Beckham is obsessed with the blender. The Ninja Blast has a stylish, cordless, and hand-held design. It charges via USB-C for repeated use year after year. Its easy sip lid makes it simple to take on the go, as Beckham demonstrates. Despite its portable nature, the blender is relatively large, allowing room for up to 18 ounces of beverage. Plus, it's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

Beckham's choice has been consistently highly rated. H&G Kitchen Editor Lydia Hayman named the Ninja Blast the Best Portable Blender of 2024. In her Ninja Blast review, she calls it 'a portable blender actually worth buying.' She states: 'portable blenders have always struck me as gimmicks,' but then continues, 'However, when I put it to the test, I found a good blender in its own right. It did a great job with berries, leafy greens, and protein and creatine powders. It's remarkably good at crushing ice for a blender of this size and I used it at home for a delicious slushie. It lived up to our commute test, and it has lots of excellent safety features.'

If you are looking for a last-minute Christmas gift to add to a health-conscious friend or family member's stocking, David Beckham just might have you covered. With a seal of approval from both the king of soccer and kitchen appliance experts, it seems you can't go wrong.

Ninja appliances are everywhere at the moment, with the Ninja Creami amassing a cult following and David Beckham endorsing their range of appliances. With so much hype, you'd be forgiven for buying the Ninja Woodfire pizza oven without a second thought.

But before you buy, there are some other options to consider. We thought the oven was pretty good when we put it to the test. If you buy the oven, you'll get a fine appliance that makes fairly good pizza. However, 'pretty good' isn't the best, and for $300, you should get the very best pizza oven you can.

I think there are three other deals to consider before you take the plunge. Here's everything we found when we tested the Ninja Woodfire - and why there are other deals out there worth considering.

What's the deal with this pizza oven?

Is the pizza oven good?

This pizza oven is fine. It makes a fairly good pizza, but there's a technical detail that means that it's nowhere near the heights of an Ooni or Gozney oven.

Unlike most domestic pizza ovens, this appliance works using an electric filament. It's like a souped-up Easy-Bake oven. It can generate enough heat to cook a pizza fairly quickly.

When we tested this oven, we found that it can bake a pizza in around four minutes. That sounds impressive until you realize that that's four times longer than a wood-fired or gas-fuelled pizza oven.

That means that this pizza oven also won't puff up the crust in the same way as a gas or wood pizza oven. These ovens get twice as hot as the Ninja. The crust instantly bakes hard and fluffs up at the edges as the water in the dough evaporates into steam - this is what makes a classic pizza crust.

That reaction isn't possible in the Ninja Woodfire. It bakes the pizza dough to a consistency more like bread than pizza crust. It's fine, but it's not entirely dissimilar to baking the pizza in an oven - in which case there's no point in dropping a couple hundred dollars on the oven.

That's also true with toppings. When I tested the new Ooni Karu 2 Pro last week it did an amazing job at cooking vegetables. In just a minute, onions and courgettes on a flatbread developed a delicious char while maintaining a little juiciness. When we made a vegetarian pizza in the Ninja Woodfire, the vegetables were warmed up, but not charred, so it made for damp toppings.

This oven does have one unique feature: the smoker. Unlike other pizza ovens, this is equipped with a wood hopper to smoke meats. This is fine - it makes good joints of smoked meat. However, the hopper is tiny, so you have to keep topping it up as it cooks, unlike, say, a Traeger, which doesn't need constant attention and can hold much more meat.

In short, the oven is fine - but you can get much better appliances for around the same price.

What should you buy instead?

I think there are three deals of around the same price that are a better option than the Ninja Woodfire:

However, don't just take my word for it. Black Friday sees amazing discounts but its important to shop around. Every pizza tester in the world recommends Ooni and it can feel suspicious, so it's worth checking out Ooni alternatives. There is also a range of indoor pizza ovens to consider - and some at around the same price as this Ninja Woodfire.

We believe that ice cream can and should be enjoyed year-round; however, during the colder months, the thought of venturing out of the house to get a cone is less than appealing. That's where ice cream makers come in – and it would seem that the most famous family in California is already no stranger to its powers.

Kris Jenner, the socialite and Kardashian 'momager,' is a fan of one model in particular: the Ninja CREAMi, an ice cream maker (available via Walmart) that also spins milkshakes, sorbets, and more. It's one of the best ice cream makers currently available, so it's not surprising that it found its way into Jenner's kitchen.

'Meet my new obsession, especially as we head into the holidays I do lots of entertaining,' Jenner states in a clip posted on her Instagram page. 'You can turn almost anything into ice cream, from healthy fruit sorbets to decadent ice cream. You can customize it with candy or nut mixes of your choice, like these chocolate mix-ins. I worked with the Ninja team to design a custom favorite flavor – it's coffee with a chocolatey crunch.'

The machine is highly customizable, allowing users to select a frozen base and then transform it into something creamy, whether sweet or savory.

After freezing your base for 24 hours, the CREAMi whips it into a soft and scoopable treat. The machine's sleek design, compact size, and easy-to-use touchscreen are all selling points, in addition to the delicious creations it can make. It's no surprise, then, that our in-house tester gave the Ninja Creami Deluxe four and a half stars in her review. 'The Creamimade made the perfect vanilla ice cream. It was light, cold, crisp and smooth. There wasn’t any graininess or ice crystals. It was a proper success,' she says.

At such a low price and with endorsements from Jenner (and our reviewer), we're sold on the Ninja CREAMi. However, there's not much point in having an ice cream maker without some stylish accessories to make the experience even better (especially this hosting season).

Some people opt for coffee in the morning, while others have an affinity for protein smoothies. For Lala Kent, a dirty soda is her choice of morning brew, so it's only natural that she has a soda maker at home for her early A.M. concoctions. Kent's go-to? Ninja's Thirsti Still and Carbonated Water Maker, which is a best seller for a reason.

The Vanderpump Rules star made her love for this appliace official via a partnership with Ninja, who just launched their new ZERO SODA Flavor Drops – the new must-have addition for anyone who, like Kent, swears by their Ninja.

Rather than purchasing single-serve sodas, the Thirsti allows you to create your own blends at home – and with 25 flavor options, you can shake up your routine with a different-tasting beverage every morning.

'I'm obsessed with my Ninja Thirsti!' Kent shared in an exclusive interview with H&G. 'It was the perfect partnership because of my obsession with sparkling water. Then you add on the flavor drops – you can really customize any beverage from the amount of flavor to the amount of bubbles. And I feel like it's a must-have in all households; it's the perfect gift.' Plus, we're in luck. Her go-to is among some of the best black Friday Ninja deals already available (yes, ahead of the big day). You can shop via Amazon below.

Kent explains that she uses the machine from day to night, with plenty of options for different moods and times of the day. 'When they came out with the ZERO SODA Flavored Water Drops is when my world really got rocked,' she says. 'I am officially obsessed to a new level like I'm the girl who likes making a dirty soda. Having my Dr. Thirsti in the morning and then having a nightcap later on as well.'

The modern and compact appearance of the Ninja, which comes with a water reservoir, is another highlight for Kent, who says that the model suits small kitchens.

'For me, the Ninja Thirsti is already very sleek, and it looks fabulous on any kitchen countertop, so if you have limited counter space – I would say it’s the perfect size,' she explains. 'Also, since you would use it every day it's worth having that be the main on your countertop and everything else off – so you have your Ninja Luxe Café, then you have your Ninja Thirsti. Things like a toaster can go in a drawer or cabinet. Keep items you use every day on display.'

She continues, 'I first focus on the aesthetic of all things, and for me, I like convenience. I need it to be functional but also pretty. So, I like to put things on the countertop that I'm using throughout the day.'

The Thirsti comes in customizable bundle options, so you can select a combination of flavor drops that suit your preferences.

This aside, our appliance editor handpicked these Ninja deals that are worth the investment this Black Friday. You can get ahead of the crowd now.

At the end of a long day of work, you need kitchen appliances that can help you make dinner for your family quickly and easily, with very little mess. You also want pieces that look stylish on your countertops and don't take up too much space. The air fryer boom has been wonderful for those of us who prioritize simplicity and aesthetics in our cooking, but not all air fryers are created equal.

Celebrities always have their fingers on the pulse of the best appliances, so when searching for the best air fryer, we turned to an unlikely place: Michael Bublé and Luisana Lopilato's kitchen.

Bublé and Lopilato swear by the Ninja Foodi Os300, one of the most consistently well-rated air fryers, to cook for their family. We spotted the appliance in a recent Instagram video from Lopilato, where she makes her children and their friends an appropriately named 'octopus sausage' (literally hot dogs cut in the shape of an octopus). It makes delicious food in moments.

As per usual, the couple knows what they're doing. Our Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8qt XL review ranks a very similar appliance to Bublé and Lopilato's at 4.5 out of 5 stars. Contributing Editor Alyssa LeAnne Owens lauds the machine for its wide range of cooking options, all of which work incredibly well. She says that it preheats quickly, and the 'keep warm' function is great for family cooking. Her only criticism is that it takes up too much space on the countertop.

Luckily, for those who want one of the best Ninja air fryers in a more compact size, Amazon is offering up to 40% off of some of its best-selling styles for Prime Day. Though they aren't the exact style used by Bublé and Lopilato, all of Ninja's products are among Homes & Gardens's most loved list of kitchen appliances.

Though Michael Bublé's kitchen might not be the first place you think to look for air fryer inspiration, when his idea is this good, and on sale, how can we resist?

Ninja’s wide, capacious Dual-Zone proudly held a top spot in our best air fryer guide for a while. However, with the arrival of Ninja’s extra large, slender, two-tier model – the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer – there's a new kid on the block.

This model is narrow and unassuming, yet each basket contains two cooking levels, allowing you to cook up to four different ingredients simultaneously. On my first test, I cooked French fries, chicken thighs, courgettes, and green beans all at once. With minimal involvement and no preheating required, my dinner was ready in 20 minutes. Truly a game-changer for families, busy individuals, and compact kitchens.

There are a few snags, like instances of uneven browning and racks that are hot to handle. But for me, Ninja's Double Stack is exactly what the best air fryers should be: speedy and reliable for delicious dinners.

Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer: First impressions

The first thing I noticed about the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer is the sleek, svelte shape. It has a small footprint; narrow and slender enough to fit neatly under your kitchen cabinets. It glides effortlessly around the countertop, or you could easily tuck it away in a pantry or tall cupboard if you want it out of sight. I like the matte exterior and brushed silver or copper handles.

Cooking performance

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. For my first test of the Ninja Double Stack, I followed a meal recommendation from the recipe manual, as it contained all the ingredients I usually test.

Test 1: French Fries

The recipe preset suggested cooking the fries for 20 minutes, with instructions to shake the basket three times during the process. This feels like quite a lot of 'checking in', but I was glad in the end. When I checked at the 15-minute mark, the fries were already perfectly golden (although some at the back were very slightly paler). I decided to stop the timer early, and the results were outstanding.

The French fries were restaurant-quality – crispy on the outside and fluffy within. My partner said they were the best home-cooked fries he’s ever had and I agreed (high praise, as we eat a lot of frozen fries when I'm testing).

Test 2: Chicken thighs

I tipped some green vegetables into the bottom drawer, then slotted over the rack and placed two chicken thighs on top. I used the preset to Air Fry for 20 minutes. The chicken emerged with a crispy, slightly charred skin, which tasted delicious. The meat was juicy but I prefer it a little more succulent. I usually cook chicken thighs in the oven, and I find that makes the meat just a bit more tender.

Test 3: Roasted vegetables

The mixture of green beans and courgettes in the lower drawer turned out beautifully golden and caramelized, almost as if they had been slow-roasted. However, when I tried the same ingredients on the rack, the results were different. The courgettes at the front were charred and crisp, while those at the back remained pale. This uneven result could be due to insufficient shaking (it was tricky on the rack, because slices slipped through the grates!).

Test 4: Sausages

I also cooked some sausages on the rack and noticed the same problem. The heating element is clearly stronger at the front of the drawers. However, my sausages were saved by shuffling them around the rack and flipping two or three times, until every sausage was golden and delicious. I like my sausages really crispy. It usually takes me about 40 minutes to achieve anything close to this result in an oven, but the Ninja did it in 15 minutes (including the preheat) – so all was completely forgiven.

Test 5: Special Features

With six versatile functions – Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate – the Ninja Double Stack XL offers countless possibilities. The Air Crisp function gives breaded or battered foods an extra crunch. I tried it on chicken goujons and nuggets, and was very impressed.

The Bake function allowed me to whip up a delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie recipe from Ninja's manual. The brownies were quite thin and fudgy (rather than gooey, like you achieve in a traditional oven) but the process was very convenient. With no preheating and a slick cleanup, this air fryer is a great baking alternative. Plus, you can fill both drawers with brownie batter and end up with around 20 slices to feed a crowd.

Ease of use

In my experience, Ninja always prioritizes a user-friendly design. The instruction manual is brilliant, packed with recipes, meal-plans and temperature presets, so you can shut your brain off and cook with ease. While the display panel isn’t particularly high-tech, it’s effective and satisfying to use.

The 'match' and 'sync' options are a nice touch. Once you've selected the temperature and time on Basket 1, you can select the 'match' button to duplicate the settings for Basket 2. The 'sync' button allows you to set different cooking times, with a synchronized finish for serving at the dinner table.

Although there are no recipe presets on the display panel itself, this air fryer does come with a handy sticker to remind you of all the basic times and temperatures for meats, fish, veggies and fries. If you remove this sticker, you might be a little lost, so make sure to keep the booklet nearby.

One final note: you need to buy a pair of silicone tongs for this air fryer. The metal racks are hot to the touch, and prevent you from tipping food directly onto your plate. Thankfully, tongs are already in my collection of air fryer accessories I couldn't live without.

Capacity

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer’s 10-quart capacity is more than ample. Ninja say it can feed up to 8 people and cook up to 10lbs of chicken wings. I find it perfect for my partner and I – and I've also used it for entertaining two guests.

The recipe booklet also claims you can fit a 5-pound chicken in one drawer. I didn't try it, but I have my doubts. The drawers look too narrow for that. If you need to roast larger cuts of meat, I'd recommend the Foodi FlexBasket instead.

Ease of Cleaning

If you're wondering how to clean the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer, it has removable parts that are dishwasher-safe and easy to hand-wash. The ceramic non-stick coating on the crisper plates allows food residue to be wiped off with minimal effort – just soapy water and a soft sponge.

Even better, Ninja is an international brand, so there are several compatible basket liners available on Amazon. This is the easiest way to speed up cleaning and make your air fryer last longer. I fell in love with the silicone liners which fit perfectly into each basket.

The exterior, with its matte finish and silver handles, feels almost fingerprint-proof, making it easy to maintain its sleek appearance on your counter, too.

Design & Durability

The build quality of the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer inspires confidence. It's narrow but well-balanced and sturdy. The cool-touch exterior and non-slip feet add to its safety, ensuring that it stays securely in place on your countertop.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews for the Ninja Double Stack XL are generally very positive, with an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Customers rave about its ability to produce perfectly crispy fries, simplify family meals, and offer effortless cleanup. However, a couple of reviews raise concerns about the price and value for money, as well as the uneven browning I mentioned earlier.

One reviewer praised the non-toxic, ceramic coating on the crisper plates, but was disappointed by the PTFE coating in the drawers. If you're concerned about non-stick coatings, rest assured they are generally safe. They just require some care and maintenance, and you need to pay attention to make sure your air fryer stands the test of time. I've written up everything you need to know about non-toxic cookware in my latest feature.

How does it compare?

I’m currently testing Ninja’s DoubleStack and DualZone models side by side – to give you a clear comparison. I’ll come back here to update you very soon, but for now, it’s shaping up to be a very close call!

Our Verdict

The Ninja DoubleStack is certainly an investment, but I do think it's worthwhile if you're in the market for a large air fryer. With the 10-quart capacity, Ninja’s DoubleStack can feed a crowd, yet it still looks sleek and slender. It makes the crispiest French fries I've ever created – and I can forgive the occasions of uneven browning, for the ease of use and cleanup. I think it's a top choice for families and smaller kitchens.

How we test the best air fryers

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Our team has already tested the market leaders, so we know the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is the best part of air frying, so my tests also evaluate the intuitiveness of the controls, basket design, instruction booklet and the accuracy of recipe presets. I also make sure to explore any special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess the versatility. While I'm cooking, I make notes on capacity – essential knowledge if you're looking for a family-sized air fryer.

Cleaning up can be a hassle, so I check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. I also examine for non-toxic materials and durability. After testing, I scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weighed up the grill's features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.

Making a splash in the US market on July 11th, the Ninja SLUSHi™ quickly sold out. It’s nowhere to be seen on supermarket shelves, but everywhere on social media. My feed is filled with lucky people whipping up refreshing slushies and frappuccinos in their shiny new Ninjas.

So, what makes the Ninja Slushi so special? It's all about the RapidChill Technology, which can reportedly frost your drinks in as little as fifteen minutes – no ice needed. There are five exciting settings – slush, spiked slush (think: frozen cocktails), frappe, milkshake, and frozen juice. Ninja says it can keep drinks cold for up to twelve hours, too.

It sounds speedy, user-friendly, and utterly delicious. There's just one snag: you'll have to join a waitlist to get your hands on one. You're not alone; I'm also patiently waiting to test and review this cool new gadget.

In the meantime, if your cravings can't wait, I've got some Ninja Slushi alternatives for you. While Ninja’s machine does boast cutting-edge features, some of the best blenders on the market can also crush ice to make slushy, frozen treats. They might be a tad less fun to use (and you might not go viral for using them) but on a hot summer's day, the results are just as delightful.

Best Ninja Slushi Alternatives

If you want to get your frozen fix immediately, the best Ninja Slushi alternatives are right here.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after instant gratification and spontaneous frozen drinks, the Ninja Slushi looks like your go-to gadget. Its rapid chill technology supposedly takes your drinks from zero to frozen in as little as fifteen minutes and keeps them that way for twelve hours. It sounds ideal for entertaining. Once I’ve tested it (it's on route to me right now), I’ll report straight back.

However, with the help of a powerful blender or ice cream maker, you can still enjoy frozen drinks this summer. Or at least, while you wait for the Ninja Slushi to become available again.

FAQs

From his vegetable garden to his chicken coop, David Beckham takes his time outside seriously. As summer sets in, that means preparing seriously for cooking outdoors.

A huge part of barbequing is choosing the best grill, and Beckham has landed on his top pick: The Ninja Woodfire Grill. Ninja took to Instagram to share a photo of the famed soccer player posed with his grill to announce their new partnership. Since Beckham is known for his love of cooking and SharkNinja is known for its innovative kitchen technology, it's a match made in heaven.

'David shares our commitment to performance and quality, sets the same unimaginably high bar that we do, and is deeply passionate about cooking,' says Mark Barrocas, Chief Executive Officer at SharkNinja. He continues, 'We are so excited to work with him to bring the Ninja story to life and help us advance our mission to positively impact people’s lives around the world.'

With Memorial BBQ parties right around the corner, it's a perfect time to spotlight Ninja's incredible portable grill, which has gained the David Beckham seal of approval. The grill has gained acclaim for its sleek look and multitude of settings from classic grilling to smoking and airfrying. It is certainly a showpiece that would compliment any outdoor kitchen.

Beckham says: I love to be at home creating meals for my family either in the kitchen or cooking outside so I’m delighted to partner with Ninja to help bring greater awareness to their amazing products.'

David isn't alone in loving Ninja's products, especially the grill he's pictured with. In our Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill review the H&G editor who tried the oven gave it 4.5/5 stars. She lauded the multitude of capabilities of the grill, especially the smoking settings, which make this tool especially unique for an electric grill.

Editor Alex Temblador gushes, 'Many grills have multiple cooking functions, but there isn’t anything on the market quite like the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill.' She continues, 'Portable, affordable, and easy to clean, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill has become our favorite grilling toy.' Coming from someone who reviews home tech for a living, I can't think of a higher endorsement, except for maybe David Beckham's approval.

Ninja's kitchen tech plus David Beckham is a powerful combination, and we can't wait to see what else comes out of this collaboration.

In my time as one of Homes & Garden's kitchen experts, I've seen it all. I've tested the steamers, slow cookers, air fryers, toaster ovens, and countertop ovens. The Ninja Combi Multicooker claims to condense all these functions (and more) into one, simple appliance. It makes big promises, but does it deliver on them?

I put the Ninja Combi oven on my countertop to run it through a series of tests across the range of functions on offer. The test was only supposed to last for a day, but I kept it there and I kept it there and I kept it there until two weeks had passed. It quickly became my sous chef. Or, I should say, I became its sous chef. Now, I've had it for over a year and it has pretty much replaced my oven.

For starters, the Ninja Combi is easily one of the best toaster ovens I've ever tested. It can also cook chips like the best air fryers, roast a whole chicken, steam vegetables, and proof bread. It even uses ceramic-coated baskets and trays, making it one of the best non-toxic air fryers, too. It does everything and it does it well.

Specifications

Unboxing

Before we get into the unboxing process for the Combi, let me set some expectations. Countertop ovens are never small and the Combi isn't either. It's relatively compact in the context of countertop ovens, but it dwarfed my, somewhat chunky espresso machine when I lifted it onto the countertop. It's worth every inch of space, but that's one of the most striking things about unboxing the Combi: its size.

Thankfully, the Combi is easy to shift around and, in true Ninja style, the design is sleek and attractive. Getting everything set up was easy. The packaging was all recyclable (big tick), there wasn't any unnecessary cardboard (another big tick), and all I had to do was plug it in to set the Combi running.

Who would it suit?

If you live in a city apartment without an oven, this is the appliance for you. Given how versatile and capable the Ninja Combi is, it can meet a wide range of cooking needs. I’ve even been able to cook an entire roast dinner for five people in it!

The variety of functions makes it an excellent choice for anyone debating which kitchen appliance to invest in – whether that's an air fryer, steamer, proofer, or rapid cooker. If you enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods or simply want to streamline meal prep, the Combi is a great all-in-one solution.

It’s also well-suited for health-conscious cooks. Ninja explains that the pans and crisper tray are made from durable aluminum with a non-stick nano-ceramic coating that is FDA-approved and food-safe. The bake tray has an enamel coating, which is PTFE- and PFOA-free. I also appreciate the glass windows, which allow you to monitor your food as it cooks, reducing the risk of burning and potential exposure to toxins (you can read more about this in my feature: 'Are air fryers toxic?')

If you're short on time or want to reduce energy bills, the Ninja Combi can help with this too. It takes less than a minute to get to the temperature. I think this is why I keep returning to the Combi, opting to use it instead of my main oven because it was quicker to get ready, speedy when cooking, and then easy to clean. It works wonders for my utilities too, since I am only heating one small space.

One review that stood out to me was from a gentleman whose wife had just given birth. He wasn’t a confident cook, so he bought a Ninja Combi to help him. The presets made it easy to prepare healthy, complete meals for his growing family – something that speaks to how user-friendly this appliance is.

The only people who will need to pause for thought are those who are short on space. The Ninja Combi is pretty bulky, so you'll need to clear some room on the countertop if you want to use this.

What is it like to use?

The beauty of the Combi is in its simplicity. You plug it in and there's a switch at the top. One will offer you a menu of Combi cooker functions (combi meals, combi crisp, combi bake, steam, proof, and rice/pasta)The other air fry/stovetop selection will give you the ability to air fry, bake, broil, toast, sear, slow cook, sous vide, and make pizza. It sounds like a lot (it is), but it means that the Combi can cover a range of needs.

There are also manual settings, where you can set different timers, temperatures, and more. Being able to toggle between the combi cooker and air fryer menu means that you can let your oven do the hard work, or you can choose to tinker with the settings for yourself.

Test 1: steaming

Before the Ninja Combi, I wasn't somebody who steamed fruit and vegetables regularly. These days, I use it a lot. It won't sound like the Combi is much different from placing a steamer on top of a pan on the stove, but it is. The timer and settings mean that you can set the Combi running and it will steam until the pre-set timer is finished. There's no risk of oversteaming or your pan boiling over because the Combi controls it all.

The very first thing I steamed was an apple. I filled the Combi's tray with some water and then sat the air fryer basket on top of the water. I scattered the apple pieces across the basket and switched the mode to steam. The Combi auto-sets a timer for ten minutes, but I moved mine down to five minutes.

I needed my apple to be on the far side of steamed because it was going to become a puree in one of the doughs that I was making for the proofing test. As you can see in the picture, this was a great success. In under five minutes, my apple was steamed enough that I could puree it with a spoon.

Test 2: prooving

If you're a keen baker, you'll know what a Godsend a speedy place to prove your bread can be. I made an enriched fruit dough, which, without a proover takes two hours to double in size. Mine needed only half an hour before the buns had nicely puffed up and doubled in size.

Here's where the Ninja Combi's convenience came into play. I used the baking setting to bake my fruit buns, which took only eighteen minutes at 390 degrees. That's speedy. minutes. They were nicely browned on top and light and fluffy inside, perfectly prooved and baked.

Test 3: air frying

Air fryers have been the talk of the appliance industry for the last couple of years. More recently, I've seen them integrated into other kitchen appliances, including pressure cookers and countertop ovens, so I wasn't surprised that the Combi has an air fryer function.

The Combi has a useful air fryer basket, which I tested on fries and fish sticks. These are both cooked from frozen, so they're a great test for the heating power of the air fryer.

After fourteen minutes on the pre-set, my fries were nicely crisped up. They all looked evenly golden, with a good crunch on the outside and a fluffy texture on the inside. I was surprised that the Combi had achieved these results in just fifteen minutes (including pre-heating) because that's quicker than some of the best air fryers on the market.

The fish sticks were the same story: the breaded crumb exterior was nicely crisp and the insides were steaming and warm. As far as air fryers go, this is seriously impressive.

Test 4: roasting

I wanted to test the capacity of the Combi for you, and a great way to do that is with a roast chicken. I bought a chicken big enough for my family of five and prepared the trimmings for a roast dinner.

The chicken fitted easily onto the Combi tray. I basted it in a mix of herbs and olive oil and sat it on the tray with some vegetables around and underneath it. After just 45 minutes, the chicken was done and ready to eat. The skin was nice and crispy on the outside, but still succulent and tender inside. Hungry households will know that a roast chicken in just 45 minutes is incredible.

Test 5: grilling

If you're starting to think that the Ninja Combi could actually replace your oven, you're right. Just wait until I tell you about the results of these grill tests.

You can see how my cauliflower cheese turned out in the image above. It developed a deliciously crispy top with beautifully golden speckles across the cheese. The process was seamless: I first used the steamer function to soften the cauliflower, then poured over the cheese sauce and switched to the grill setting. It only took four minutes to achieve a lovely golden finish, but after peering through the viewing window, I decided to add another two minutes for extra crispy peaks. When I finally plated it up, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself.

For the grilled vegetable test, I chopped up peppers, carrots, and onions, placed them on the air fryer basket, and set the Combi to grill. It heated up almost instantly, so I popped the vegetables in and let it do its thing. Just six minutes later, I was greeted with perfectly charred peppers, crisped edges on the onions, and beautifully tender textures throughout. To call it a success would be an understatement – the Combi nailed it.

Test 6: baking

I've already mentioned that my fruit buns were a baking success, but I wanted to test a whole cake. I'm a keen baker, so I was eager to see whether the Ninja Combi could actually replace an oven for a variety of baking tasks.

First, I made a banana cake in a classic sandwich tin. I could have fitted two tins in, one on top of the other, but that would have required me to put one under the tray and I knew they wouldn't bake evenly.

My single banana cake was baked and ready to eat in just fifteen minutes. I was really impressed with the speed of the Combi and even more grateful for the timer. I put the cake tin in, set the time and temperature, and left the oven to its own devices. I could do work around the house without needing to worry about checking up on the oven, turning it off, and opening the door. The oven did all that for me.

Since those tests, I have made a lemon loaf cake, which took only 20 minutes at 320 degrees. Since I first tested it, I have also baked many chocolate cookies (which take only eight minutes) and multiple loaves of bread, which followed a similar story.

On top of the useful timer and pre-sets, the Ninja Combi takes less than a minute to get to the temperature. I think this is why I keep returning to the Combi, opting to use it instead of my main oven because it was quicker to get ready, speedy when cooking, and then easy to clean. I'm sure it worked wonders for my utilities too, since I was only heating one small space.

Test 7: toasting

If the Combi can toast a bagel, it covers the functions of almost all my countertop appliances (save for the coffee maker). I did a simple test, turning the Combi on to the toast setting and put my bagel underneath.

It did an impressive job. The top of my bagel was perfectly browned in just over two minutes, whilst the steamed side had stayed soft, but warm. Cutting into the bagel, I could see that it was still nice and doughy. Bagels can be tricky to get to the perfect texture but the Combi has it perfectly.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Another reason I was reaching for the Combi so frequently was because it's just so easy to clean. All of the trays and air frying baskets are dishwasher safe, so I stacked them in my dishwasher drawer and set it running. Most of the mess that I made was contained within these, but the inside of the Combi was easy to reach into and wipe down when I wanted to do a deeper clean.

As I've mentioned, storage and size is probably the biggest factor that you'll need to consider before diving into a purchase. The Combi is big on the countertop, which is fine if you use it as often as your normal oven, but if you won't use it much, it might be a little tricky to store. You'll need big cupboards with high shelves to pack this away.

What do customer reviews say?

Most people had the same experiences as me: a quick heat-up, precision temperature control, and excellent results. I was surprised that people didn't mention the size, since I thought this would be a common criticism, but people seem to make it work on their countertops.

People praise it for its versatile functions, close to silent fans, and impressive taste and texture results. It's really as good as a larger oven, just shrunk down. I even joined this Ninja Combi community group on Facebook, which has twenty thousand users sharing recipes, pictures, and cooking tips. It's very inspiring!

It's difficult to find reasonable criticisms of the Ninja. Most three-star reviews on Amazon and Walmart are to do with third-party shipping rather than anything to do with the Combi. The only other complaint that I could see was cleaning. Whilst I found it easy to clean, lots of people didn't like having to wait to clean theirs. The hotplate stays warm for a while, so you need to wait for it to cool. It came up in multiple reviews, so it's obviously a concern, but you also can't clean a normal oven when it's hot, so this possibly shouldn't be made into a criticism of the Combi.

The only other word of warning that came from the reviews was that the Combi can get hot, especially on your countertop. If yours isn't a heatproof material, it's worth investing in some sort of trivet, like this heat-proof mat from Amazon.

How does it compare?

I've tested my fair share of the best toaster ovens and countertop ovens on the market, and the Combi is definitely one of the best.

Another good multicooker brand is Instant. They make some fantastic machines, namely the DuoCrisp which can match the Ninja Combi in air frying, rapid cooking, baking, simmering and non-toxic credentials (it is lined with stainless steel).

The Instant has some extra functions, such as pressure cooking and yogurt making. It is also more subtle on the counter, as it is smaller and easier to hide away in a cupboard. Whilst that might be the solution to your issues with the Combi, it's worth noting that the interior dimensions of the Instant Pot are a little less generous. I was able to roast vegetables and a chicken in the Combi, the process wouldn't work in the Instant Pot. Plus, I find the shape slightly more awkward for bakes.

Should you buy the Ninja Combi Multicooker?

If you need an energy-saving appliance to help you make speedy meals, roast dinners, toasted snacks, and help with all your baking extras, you're in good hands with the Ninja Combi. I'm always cooking in the kitchen, so this very quickly slotted in as my sidekick. I barely use my oven anymore. I don't quite know what I would do without it now.

If like me, you’re a frappé fanatic, ice cream obsessed, and crazy about all things cold, the Ninja Creami Deluxe will already be on your radar. Its predecessor took TikTok by storm, so the brand decided to release the Ninja Creami V2, more formally known as the Ninja Creami Deluxe.

When a brand makes this decision there are two routes that the product will follow. In some cases, the second model is a serious improvement, bettering the original in every way. In other instances, the innovative original is too hard to top, so the first model retains its place in the top spot and the second looks like a pointlessly expensive marketing ploy.

As someone who uses the original Creami every week, multiple times a week, I was eager to see what the Deluxe has to offer. Is it bigger and better than the best ice cream makers or just a bit of a disappointment? 

Specifications

Unboxing

I was really pleased with Ninja from the get-go. All of the packaging from the paper wrap to the cardboard box was completely recyclable. When you're buying a machine this big, I think that it's important that you can dispose of all the packaging sustainably. It's also helpful if a brand doesn't go over the top with cardboard boxes that are double the size and Ninja doesn't. Even though the Ninja Creami Deluxe is a big appliance, the box isn't any bigger than it needs to be.

Alongside the main body of the Creami, you'll get three 24 oz pint pots (50% bigger than the original Creami's 16 oz pots), which come with lids. You can buy more of these if you want to prep multiple flavors ahead, but three is a great place to start. Ninja also sends a recipe book with suggestions for a range of different frozen delights. You can get these online, but sometimes it's nice to flick through a book of options.

Who would it suit?

The Ninja is one of the most versatile ice cream makers you can buy. The Creami also works differently compared to most other ice cream makers. Traditionally, you freeze a bowl in your freezer overnight and then pour cooled ice cream mixtures into your bowl, which churns your liquid into ice cream. These are great, but they demand a lot of freezer space. The Ninja only requires you to freeze the 24 oz tubs. To make the ice cream, the machine sort of drills through your frozen dessert, churning it into a smooth mix in a matter of minutes. This is great if you want the ice cream-making part to be quick, but it's also really handy if you're short on freezer space.

The people who will get the most out of their Ninja Creami Deluxe are those who would use all eleven functions. If you are one of these people, you'll also like that the Creami Deluxe has larger tubs than all of Ninja's other ice cream makers. My three tubs covered dessert for seven people, three nights in a row, so there's more than enough capacity for a big family.

The other people that I would recommend the Ninja Creami Deluxe to is creative chefs or those with narrow dietary requirements. When you start substituting ingredients in traditional ice cream recipes, traditional churners will serve you up ice crystals, very cold mush, or nothing at all, because it's all stuck to the churning bowl. The Creami works through whatever you give it, so you'll never miss out on ingredients. 

I filled one tub up with chocolate soya milk and absolutely nothing else. The Creami turned this into a super smooth, vegan-friendly, gluten-free chocolate ice cream. I’m on a very niche low FODMAP diet at the moment, which makes ice cream a really difficult foodstuff to find, but with the Ninja Creami, I’ve been able to make my own recipes, tailored to my diet. Now, I’m not sure I’ll go back to the shops-bought stuff because I can make desserts that are just as good, but without all the additives (if you've read Ultra-Processed People, you'll know what I'm talking about).

What is it like to use?

What Ninja does well is the user experience. Everything about the Ninja Creami is intuitive and effortless. Obviously, you need to freeze your frozen desserts the day beforehand, but once you start getting in the habit of it, you'll always keep pots stocked up in the freezer.

The Creami Deluxe has a slightly different interface to the original model. The Ninja asks you to select what you’re making (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, etc) and how full your tub is (full, middle, or bottom). Once you’ve done this, you’ll get a time estimate for how long it will take to make your dessert. This ranges from two minutes to six minutes, all impressively speedy time frames.

Test 1: ice cream

The first test I put the Creami through is an obvious one: ice cream. I followed Ninja’s recipe for vanilla ice cream, which calls for cream cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla paste, and sugar. I whisked everything up and froze it for 24 hours before my test. 

I selected the ice cream setting and told the Ninja that I had a full 24 oz tub to work through. The front screen told me that my ice cream would be ready in just two minutes, which is super quick. 

Once the Ninja was running, I was incredibly grateful that this only takes two minutes because the Creami Deluxe is noisy. I measured the peak noise as 82 dB, which is like a loud vacuum cleaner. You'd need to shout to be heard over it, which is pretty antisocial, especially if you live in an apartment or are using the Creami in an open-plan kitchen. Make sure to promise people in your proximity some tasty ice cream and they might tolerate it.

When my two minutes was up, I twisted the lid off my tub and the ice cream looked like crumbs, not ice cream. As someone who already uses their Ninja weekly, I knew what to do, but I could imagine that first-time users might be a bit stumped by this result. Ninja says that this happens if your base has been frozen in a very cold freezer (mine is a deep chest freezer). You have to add a splash of whole milk and then run the re-spin setting through, which takes another two minutes.

After four minutes in total, the Creami had made the perfect vanilla ice cream. It was light, cold, crisp and smooth. There wasn’t any graininess or ice crystals. It was a proper success.

I tested out the mix-in function with some cookie dough balls (this required another two minutes of mixing) and the Ninja did a great job. The cookie dough was well distributed throughout the ice cream and each spoonful still had its lovely, smooth texture. I think some of my cookie dough balls were blended into the ice cream, so they didn't stay whole, but this only enhanced the overall flavor.

Test 2: frozen yoghurt

The next test is frozen yogurt. Most ice cream makers struggle to translate a whole tub of plain yogurt into a frozen dessert, you always lose some yogurt to the sides of the bowl where it freezes solid.

The Ninja Creami Deluxe takes a little longer to make frozen yogurt than it does to make ice cream. It's a four minute task which, compared to other ice cream makers, is still super quick. 

I tested both dairy yogurt and an almond-based strawberry yogurt. I didn't do any prep aside from emptying a tub of ice cream into the frozen pots. I left it overnight and then let the Ninja get to work.

Both frozen yogurts came out a little crumbly on top (Blame my freezer), but I pushed the frozen yogurt around with my spoon and within a few seconds, it had formed a nice, smooth texture. Again, this was scoopable and dense, even on my almond-based yogurt. I was really pleased with the flavor and texture of both of these. If you held an ice cream spoon to my throat and demanded to know which setting I liked the best, it would be this one.

Test 3: sorbet

The next test for our ice cream makers is sorbet. With a high fruit and water content, I expect some graininess, since it's almost an inevitability with lots of homemade sorbets. However, the Ninja smashed my expectations into pieces. Both my lemon and raspberry sorbets had a deliciously dense, gelato-style texture. 

Both 24-ounce tubs were licked clean in one sitting. For the raspberry sorbet, I tested out a no-sugar recipe, essentially just blending raspberries and then pouring them into the tub. I've seen people doing similar things with banana and pineapple on TikTok, so was keen to see whether the Deluxe could perform in person. 

My pure fruit sorbet was absolutely perfect. This is where I feel that the Ninja Creami Deluxe comes into its own. In a classic ice cream maker, my raspberry sorbet would have ended up as an ice block, stuck to the sides, made up of mostly shards. However, in my Creami, it was deliciously smooth and scoopable.

Test 4: vegan ice cream

Vegan ingredients can be notoriously difficult to work with, so I had prepared myself for some slightly grainy results. I followed Ninja’s recipe for chocolate ice cream, substituting all of the dairy for oat-based alternatives.

The chocolate ice cream was a true success. It needed a re-spin with a splash of oat milk before it was properly creamy and smooth, but this was objectively the best ice cream of all that I made. I know this because I set it on the table for dinner with six people, none of whom are vegan. I didn’t label it as the non-dairy alternative and it was polished off (even before the cookie dough ice cream). People couldn’t get enough of it and nobody would believe me when I told them that it was vegan. That’s when you know your vegan alternative is good.

Special functions

With eleven functions to work through, just three tubs, and some high demand for ice cream in my home, I'm having to work through all the different settings slowly, but surely. I'll keep updating you here on what I've tested, but the most recent success has been my no-sugar, vegan protein ice cream. I’ve seen lots of these on TikTok and wanted to know whether I could turn my post-gym shake into a sweet treat. 

For my post-lunch treat yesterday, I tested out my protein shake in the Ninja Creami. I froze my shake the day before, using a scoop Form Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder, a blended banana, and some almond milk. When I wanted my 'ice cream' I set the Ninja on lite ice cream mode, ended up with the crumbly mix, re-span it with a splash of almond milk, and then four minutes later tucked into the tub.

It tasted just like ice cream, just with a little bit of graininess. However, I can’t tell you how pleased I was. This is probably the healthiest tub of ice cream that I’ve eaten in a whole sitting. I’ve tried the same recipe in other ice cream makers with absolutely no success, so I was really pleased with what I had made here. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The only things that get messy in the Creami are the ice cream tubs, the blade, and the lid. All of these parts are dishwasher safe, so the clean-up couldn’t have been any easier. I actually washed the blade by hand, since I didn’t want it to fly around inside my dishwasher, because it’s weighty and sharp, so I was concerned that it might chip and slice at things that I wanted to keep pristine. 

Storage-wise, the Creami is undeniably huge. It’s really tall and big. I had to take a shelf out of my cupboards to fit it in. Actually, in the last five days that I've been testing it, I've wanted it out so often that I ended up just keeping it on the countertop. It’s quite bulky, so evaluate your countertop and storage options before investing in one. 

I should caveat this with just how popular the Ninja was with my family. After one night of testing, word got out to my friends and I was asked to bring the Ninja to a barbecue two days after my first round of tests. It’s not really that portable, but it’s so good that you’ll end up bringing it round to your friend's house as the guest of honor.

How does it rate online?

On Amazon, the Ninja Creami Deluxe boasts 4.5 stars out of 5. Customers all found this easy to use, enjoying the quick process and delicious results. As expected, I found lots of people who liked to experiment with less reliable ice cream recipes, one reviewer even just freezes bananas in his mixing bowl and blends them into an ice cream. If you don't want added sugar or thickening agents, this is a dreamy ice cream machine.

Aside from taste, texture, and speed, people loved the Ninja Creami Deluxe for how easy it was to clean. The novelty of quick, easy ice cream and an even quicker clean up just doesn't seem to get old. People love using the Ninja Creami Deluxe from start to finish. 

The few criticisms that I could find were exactly as expected. People thought that this was big and bulky on the countertop. Some even described it as 'scarily loud'. Even though this is only for a few minutes, it's something that you need to account for. I was surprised that it didn't bother my dog at all, especially since lots of people's pets struck up a bit of a hostile relationship with the Creami. This is a bit of a gamble that you'll have to take.

How does it compare?

I’ve been the devoted owner of the original Ninja Creami 7-in-1 ice cream maker for a year, so I was eager to check out what changes Ninja had made. The original model has a sorbet, ice cream, lite ice cream, milkshake, mix-in, gelato, and smoothie bowl function. Whilst the Deluxe doesn't have a smoothie bow program, it boasts all the same functions as the 7-in-1 on top of a frozen yogurt, creamiccino, frozen drink, slushi, and Italian ice function. If you enjoy a frozen drink, the Deluxe has you covered across the board. It also boasts a 24 oz container, which is 50% bigger than the original 16 ounce.

There are lots of other, small, but significant design features integrated into the Deluxe. It can process half a container at a time if you want a half-and-half ice cream or don't think you'll use a whole tub. Plus, the timer is useful for measuring how long your ice cream needs. 

Size-wise, neither are particularly compact. They're also both pretty loud. Although, I think the Deluxe is quieter than the original, there's very little in it. So, if you're on a budget and will only be making ice cream, go for the original 7-in-1, if you like gadgets that give you everything, the Deluxe is a better bet. If you don't like the idea of either Ninja Creami's style of ice cream making, you can check out our buying guide to the best ice cream makers, which has plenty of other options.

Should you buy it?

If you need capacity and versatility, the Ninja Creami Deluxe is an investment you won't regret. I had a tough time trying to decide whether I preferred the Deluxe's upgrades and, in truth, I do. I like the little extras, such as the timer, extra functions, and bigger bowls. However, if you're looking to save some money, buying the original is a super-savvy decision.

How we test

We are dedicated to how we test all of our appliances. All of our experts are well-established product testers, bringing with them the expertise needed to discern whether these are worthy investments for your home. 

For ice cream makers, we researched the best products on the market. We wanted to look for appliances that were good value for money with exceptional results. We took these to our test kitchen and, over the course of a few days, tested these on ice cream, non-dairy ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. We made notes on the whole process from unboxing to cleaning up to make sure that we didn’t miss a thing. All of these ice cream makers were tested alongside each other, so we could make direct comparisons between them and their results. 

Ninja's products have gone viral: the Creami took TikTok by a storm this summer and their air fryers are a kitchen staple. They've quickly established themselves as a household name for durable, affordable products offering everything from knives to slow cookers.

Ninja's ever-growing Foodi range aims to cover a range of culinary functions, so it's unsurprising that their appliances often end up competing with each other. If both the toaster oven and multicooker can air fry, why buy the air fryer? Our experts have put all the appliances to the test to find out which is best for which functions.

We've included lots of Ninja products in our buying guides including the best grills, air fryers, and slow cookers. When it comes to comparisons, we've got you covered. Here, we've put normal Ninjas against the Foodi range, helping you to find the best for your kitchen needs.

Foodi Flip Mini Oven vs Max XL Air Fryer

Winner: Ninja Foodi Flip Mini Oven

Praised for their compact footprint as well as perfect performance, these two Ninja appliances are designed with small spaces in mind. The Ninja Foodi Flip Mini Oven folds away when not in use, but looks sleek and stylish when it's out on the countertop. The Ninja Max XL is the best compact air fryer in our buying guide; it takes up minimal space, but still offers considerable capacity. 

The obvious difference between these two appliances is their primary function. The Ninja Foodi Flip Mini Oven is a toaster oven and the Max XL is an air fryer. The wide and low silhouette of the Mini Oven says it all: it is brilliant across a range of functions, but is particularly useful for pizza, toast, and flatter bakes. The Ninja Max XL is taller and deeper, perfect for quick, crispy cooking. 

If you look at the list of functions, these two appliances share a remarkable number of them: air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, dehydrate, and reheat. The Mini Oven has a 'toast' and 'bagel' function as extras and the Max XL has a 'Max Crisp' for ultra air-fried food. After our tests, we concluded that the Mini Oven is generally good, but not a specialist in any function. 

As you might expect, the air fryer is better at air frying and catering for a family, but was weaker when it came to baking and bread-oriented options. It also struggled with low and slow bakes and looked much bigger on the countertop than the low-slung Mini Oven.

Foodi 14-in-1 XL vs Foodi 6-in-1 Dual Basket

Winner: Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer

For busy households who are short on time, these two appliances are a dream come true. Both favorites amongst our experts, they cover a range of household needs, but in very different ways. It shouldn't be tough to choose the best one for you, because they're brilliant for almost opposite functions. 

The Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 XL was one of the most exciting slow cookers we tested. As you can tell from the name, it has an exhaustive range of functions packed into one, dishwasher safe appliance. It has a 8 quart capacity, so is big enough for batch bakes and big families. We tested it across a range of functions and particularly enjoyed the slower settings: steaming, pressure cooking, and baking (the cinnamon rolls were unreal). However, even when we made fries, we were impressed with the crispy, oil-free results. These took 21 minutes though: with the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, we knew we could more than half the time.

With temperatures up to 450°F and incredible power, the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer air fryer boasts not only an 8 quart capacity (the same as the slow cooker), but also a super speedy cooking time. This is the fastest air fryer we've tested, even on other settings, such as baking, roasting, and dehydrating. 

Aside from being an expert in all culinary creations, this has two zones for cooking in, as opposed to the slow cooker's single pot. You could put chicken and wedges in at once and the air fryer will ensure you have a synchronised finish and dinner will be ready at the perfect time.

The bottom line with both these appliances is that they're big, versatile, and incredibly useful. The air fryer is better overall, because it can cook two foods at once in much less time than the multicooker. However, if you'd prefer a slow cook and more of a range of functions, we loved the multicooker.

What are the other Ninja Foodi products?

You'll hear the name 'Ninja Foodi' being used for a range of products. Everything  from grills to soup makers and slow cookers is listed as a 'Foodi'. That's because it's the brand's name for their versatile cookware collection. The Foodi range is designed to give you more cooking options in the kitchen. The Foodi appliances tend to combine multiple functions in one, which is why you can find so many Ninja Foodi Air Fryers, which don't really look like a classic air fryer. There are plenty of other useful characteristics that Ninja include in all their Foodi range, such as non-stick coatings, ensuring easy cleaning as well as cooking.

FAQs

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we are passionate about how we test our appliances. We take every product we recommend to our dedicated test kitchen. There, we put it through its paces, testing it on our standardized tests. We'll also explore any extra features that the machine offers, so that we can tell you if they're genuinely good or a bit of a gimmick. We make notes on other aspects too, so if a product is heavy to lift or too tall for wall cupboards, you'll know about it. If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our general how we test and detailed how we test air fryers pages.

Final thoughts

It's hard to go wrong with Ninja appliances. They do an excellent job of balancing quality and price. As long as you carefully choose the right Ninja appliance for your home, you're unlikely to feel cheated out of your money. Everyone has their preferences, so it depends on your household needs as to which model is best for you. The Foodi appliances are only a fraction of what Ninja has to offer.

I was very far from convinced when we first called this in. Portable blenders have always struck me as gimmicks; I could never see a situation where I'd need to blend a green smoothie while on the go. Even on the commute or while working out, I didn't see the benefit. The point of smoothies is to have fresh ingredients, so mixing a smoothie in my local gym did not appeal...

However, when I put the Ninja Blast to the test, I found a good personal blender in its own right. It did a great job with berries, leafy greens, protein and creatine powders. It's remarkably good at crushing ice for a blender of this size, and I used it at home for a delicious slushie. It lived up to our commute test, and it has lots of excellent safety features.

It's certainly not perfect – the Blast struggles with larger chunks of frozen ingredients like mango or papaya, and it can't blend seeds like one of the best blenders for your countertop.

Product specifications

Who would it suit?

I think it's good for single people needing their own blender or for small households. For example, my partner doesn't really like smoothies, so there's no need for us to have a 72oz monster blender taking up room in storage. I can just have one of these for blending for myself. I think it's also great if you're on a health kick and don't need a full size blender around all the time. It's good for smoothies and mixing up protein and creatine.

Unboxing

Setting this up was pretty easy. The box includes a sip lid with a carry handle, a blending motor, a pitcher, pitcher cap, and blade cover, as well as a USB-C charging cord. The instructions tell you to charge it for 2 hours before you begin; which is something to bear in mind if you were expecting to blend straight away.

Once you're charged, it's very easy to use. There are handy instructions that tell you the order you need to add all your ingredients to the blender for the smoothest results, as well as a minimum liquid line to make sure you add enough for the blender to work.

There's also a guide to the LED lights around the start/stop button. Purple means you're good to go, red means you need to charge, and orange means the blades are blocked. It's simple and effective.

Test 1: Protein shakes

I love this test because I designed it to catch blenders out. With every blender, we make a mix of frozen berries, spinach, protein powder, creatine, and ice, topped with almond milk.

We try this combination because these ingredients are as tricky as it gets for a blender, all in one. Frozen berries can be tough, especially the skins and seeds, and it's the same story with spinach. Protein powder and creatine are a good test for two reasons. The first is that they're the precise use case for a blender like this. It's clearly designed for taking to the gym or work to help you meet your macros. The second is that powders like these are notoriously difficult for blenders of all sizes, because they can easily clump or make the smoothie taste gritty.

This blender did a remarkably good job for its size. There were tiny but noticeable scraps of berry skin and spinach, but you wouldn't notice them unless you were looking for them. It was less good on protein powder, with a little grittiness. However, we trialled in on a single 30-second blend programme. If you ran it again I think it would probably handle it well. It's only really for protein, too - when I've since used it on creatine alone it did a fantastic job. Even better, it easily handled the ice, too.

I think it's probably about as loud as an electric toothbrush. I don't think you could do this at your desk while people are working, but you could probably get away with it in an office kitchen.

Test 2: Hummus

Sure, this is a little challenging for a blender of this size, but we have to be consistent. We test all our blenders on this, as it shows how they handle thicker ingredients. All we use is a can of garbanzo beans, a clove of garlic, a splash of olive oil and a little lemon. The process was far from perfect. We had to shake it around a lot and it was stuck a couple of times.

However, it made a pretty passable hummus. It wasn't the greatest I've ever made, as it was a little grainy, but it was definitely servable with crudités. If you want a homemade dip, this blender will just about manage it.

Test 3: Ice

Ice is the cornerstone of a good blender. Crushing ice is a summer essential, and if you can't make a frozen margarita in a blender you should stay well away.

Seeing as I was testing this on the clock, I didn't make anything alcoholic, but I did make a delicious lemonade slushie. I'm amazed at how good this is on ice for a blender of this size. Other portable blenders - specifically, the Nutribullet GO, will just rattle ice around and be unable to crush it. I filled this to the max fill line with ice and the minimum fill line with lemonade to really test it, and it more than met the mark. It made a delicious, ice-cold slush that's the perfect drink for summer.

Test 4: the commute

A portable blender is only useful if it's actually portable. That why we always take them into work with us on a busy commute. I made the purplest, biggest stain-risk smoothie possible before removing it from the blade base and screwing on the travel lid. This did not feel great – the thread on the travel lid is pretty shallow and while it screwed on very securely, I had the ominous feeling that it was going to burst open on the subway. I tucked this in next to my work laptop (don't tell our IT guys) and took it to work. It was perfectly fine. I had the smoothie mid-morning and it was a great way to up my fruit intake. However, while it easily fit into my backpack, at 10 inches it might not work for some handbags.

Cleaning

Cleaning this is really easy. You can add a dash of dish soap and some warm water into the blender and run a blending cycle, and it will take care of a lot of the cleaning. It's not perfect – it left some big daubs of hummus up the inside, but it removed a lot of smoothie leftovers. There's a spot on the blender motor that traps some of whatever you're blending, but it's easy enough to remove with a long-handle brush.

Safety features

Best of all, I loved the safety features included. I'm the sort of person to leave things out on the drying rack for a while, which meant the blender pitcher wasn't attached. I've had more than enough little cuts in my years testing blenders and food processors and the sight of the motor housing with the blades out briefly worried me until I remembered the plastic blade covering. You just screw it on the same as you do with the pitcher and the whole unit is safe, even if you turn it on.

How does it compare?

BlendJet is famous for portable blenders; the BlendJet 2 vs Ninja Blast matchup is a fair one. Both are portable, USB-C rechargeable, and great for on-the-go smoothies.

We've tested the BlendJet 2 vs Ninja Blast and found some key differences. The Blast is more powerful and handles frozen ingredients better, making it the better pick for thicker blends or icy drinks. It’s a bit bulkier and pricier, but the performance upgrade is noticeable.

The BlendJet 2, on the other hand, is lighter, quieter, and cheaper. It fits neatly in a handbag and is nice for softer ingredients or protein shakes. It’s very affordable (especially when it’s on sale), but the trade-off is that it feels a bit flimsier than the Ninja.

If you're looking for something in between, the Nutribullet Portable blender might hit that sweet spot. Again, it's slightly smaller and lighter than the Ninja Blast but not quite as powerful. I liked the drinking spout and that it's dishwasher-safe. It offers a nice balance for casual use.

And if you like the style of the Ninja Blast but wish it came in a larger size – good news! Ninja recently released the Blast Max, and it’s a serious upgrade in both size and style. It’s sleek, powerful, and designed to handle just about anything you throw in it.

Should you buy the Ninja Blast?

Yes, I think you should, but with some caveats. If you already have a blender you like, don't bother. I'm still not entirely convinced that there's any real reason to blend on the go, and you can make drinks to take with you in a bullet blender like a Nutribullet 900, so this blender isn't unique.

However, if you're in a small home, I've found this is a great option. 18oz is a lot of smoothie, and since there's only my partner and I in our apartment, I've found this makes enough for two. There's no need for us to get some behemoth that will dominate our space - one of these is good enough (see the above picture for comparison).

I also think it's a good choice if you just want to be a little healthier. I've definitely felt better for having this around. It makes for a fast, efficient way to improve your fruit and fiber intake.

When it comes to air fryers, two names dominate the conversation: it's Ninja vs Instant. Both brands are known for their innovative designs and crispy cooking capabilities, but which one deserves a spot in your kitchen?

As a trained cook and product tester, I've tested the best air fryers from both ranges, comparing their cooking performance, design, and value for money. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate multitasker, a mini machine for a small kitchen, or simply the best bang for your buck, we’ve got the answers to help you make an informed choice.

The headlines are: Instant makes the best value air fryers, but Ninja has the edge overall, with space-saving designs, reliable cooking performances, and a wide range of non-toxic air fryer options. I've compared the top models from both ranges, so I'll take you through the nitty-gritty comparison details below.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best small air fryer

Winner: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

If you’re short on space but still want quick air-fried food, there are plenty of compact options to choose from. Ninja and Instant are, of course, two of the best.

The Ninja Pro is the best air fryer we've ever tested in 2025 so far, with four simple but fantastic functions. The Instant Essentials is much more basic, with a singular 'air fry' function and not much else to offer. It has slightly less capacity, but can slide into small corners and it crisps up food very quickly.

Both Ninja and Instant's smallest air fryers will create enough food for couples or small families. On balance, the Ninja Pro has a better performance and more versatility, but the Instant could be a better choice if you're really tight on space and budget. Here's everything you need to know to decide which petite powerhouse you want to feature on your countertops.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best dual drawer air fryer

Winner: Ninja Double Stack

Both the Ninja Double Stack and Instant Vortex Dual Plus are top-tier dual-drawer air fryers, but the Ninja edges ahead with its larger capacity, sleek and ergonomic design, and impressive speed. While it lacks a viewing window, checking food is easy, as it heats almost instantly.

When it first came out in 2022, we rated the Instant Vortex Dual Plus 'five stars' for its ease of use, crispy results, and odor control. It's a strong rival, but has a bulkier design, smaller capacity, and slower performance. That's why many of our expert testers (myself included) own the space-saving Ninja Double Stack.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best non-toxic air fryer

Winner: Ninja Combi

If you're searching for the best non-toxic air fryer, both Ninja and Instant brands offer strong contenders. Models from both ranges have made it into our buying guide; Ninja actually has two models dominating our charts.

When it comes to the question of 'Ninja vs Instant', there is little between them in this arena. Ninja offers more variety in their range of non-toxic air fryers – with smaller, large and multi-functional models to choose from. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Crispi, and the Ninja Combi all use nano-ceramic coatings, which are PFAS-free and very easy to clean.

On the other hand, Instant has just one non-toxic air fryer, but it's a great one. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp uses high-quality stainless steel – which is a lovely, durable material, but it does require a tad more TLC.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best multicooker air fryer

Winner: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid

Much more versatile than air fryers, multicookers can cover a lot of functions. There's no guarantee that they'll air fry, nor is there any guarantee that they will air fry well, but both the Ninja and the Instant are experts across the board. In fact, we loved the Instant Multicooker so much that it's above lots of single-function air fryers in our estimation.

FAQs

Final thoughts on Ninja vs Instant

Instant tends to offer the cheaper option, but Ninja wins for design, ease of use, and cooking performance.

For those short on space, the Ninja Pro offers the best small air fryer that money can buy. But if you're on a budget, you'll prefer the basic Instant Essentials. If you're looking for dual drawer capacity, the Ninja DoubleStack is the best design we tested. And if you're looking for ceramic-coated options, Ninja has the better offering, with multiple non-toxic options to choose from.

However, if you're interested in a multicooker, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is the best all-singing, all-dancing air fryer and slow cooker. Best known for making the iconic Instant Pot, it's no surprise that multi-functionality is still the brand's bread and butter.

Although Ninja takes the overall prize, you won't go wrong with any of these models in this guide. They are all excellent air fryers that promise crispy, quick food.

How we test the best air fryers

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Our team has already tested the market leaders, so we know the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is the best part of air frying, so my tests also evaluate the intuitiveness of the controls, basket design, instruction booklet and the accuracy of recipe presets. I also make sure to explore any special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess the versatility. While I'm cooking, I make notes on capacity – essential knowledge if you're looking for a family-sized air fryer.

Cleaning up can be a hassle, so I check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. I also examine for non-toxic materials and durability. After testing, I scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weighed up the grill's features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.

In the battle for the best air fryer on the market there is one comparison drawn over and over again: Ninja vs Cosori. Both brands make a range of high-quality, smart air fryers and countertop ovens. These cater to a range of households, but which is better?

Our team of experts have reviewed nearly every Ninja on the market. We've also tested our fair share of Cosoris too, so if you want the experts' verdicts on which you should buy, you're in the right place.

We've compared their best air fryers and countertop ovens. So, if you're trying to narrow down the best air fryers on the market, we've done all the hard work done for you.

What's the difference between Ninja and Cosori?

Ninja is best for big families: Ninja air fryers stand out for their dual-zone cooking technology. The Ninja Foodi and Ninja Double Stack are great for preparing two dishes simultaneously with separate temperature controls. This makes them ideal for big families who need to feed a crowd. Their smaller air fryers (starting at 2 quarts) are often round baskets, which are not super space-efficient.

Ninja also offer models with ceramic-coated air fryer baskets, which are celebrated for being non-toxic. You can read our guide to the best non-toxic air fryers, here.

Cosori is better for couples or smaller families who like smart tech: Cosori, on the other hand, is best known for the powerful, but affordable TurboBlaze range. They are medium size, with square baskets that maximize cooking space. We loved this brand for crispier food at a lower price point. Cosori air fryers can also integrate with smart-home devices like Alexa and Google Assistant for added convenience, so if that's your thing, you'll prefer this brand.

Both Ninja and Cosori are offering some 'limited-time deals' for the holiday season. I've listed the best bargains below – you'll find more comparison points between each model further down the page.

Ninja Dual vs Cosori Blaze II

Winner: Ninja

Busy households will appreciate air fryers that can do it all. The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Dual Basket air fryer can cook two separate meals at the same time. They can sync finish, meaning you can make hasty, tasty food. The Cosori is also great, and we love the smart functionality, but the Ninja holds more food, cooks faster, quieter, and costs less.

We've put their specifications against each other in a table, but that doesn't tell the full story, so if you want to know more about their functions, there's more information further down.

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Ninja Max XL vs Cosori Lite

Winner: Ninja

If you're short on space, you can still own an excellent air fryer. Our favorite brand of the two is Ninja. The ironically-named Ninja Max XL is great for smaller spaces because it takes up surprisingly little space for a 5.5 quart air fryer. It's very fast, non-toxic, and simply makes better food than the Cosori. However, the Cosori is slightly smaller, quieter, and easier to use. Both Ninja and Cosori make top-quality, compact appliances. If you need to choose between the two, here's everything you need to know.

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Ninja Foodi Flip vs Cosori Smart Oven

Winner: Cosori

Toaster ovens are brilliant compact options if you're looking for an appliance that can do more than just air fry. They tend to demand more space on the countertop, but if you'll use every function, toaster ovens are excellent, hard-working appliances. We think Cosori wins here. It's very straightforward; their toaster oven can do everything Ninja's can, but much more besides, with room for a small chicken that the Ninja can't match.

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Black Friday shopping advice

Watch for Bundles: Retailers often bundle air fryers with accessories, like baking pans and skewer racks, which can increase the value for both Ninja and Cosori models.

Look for Price Drops on Last Year’s Models: While the latest models like the Ninja DZ550 and Cosori TurboBlaze may be discounted, older models often receive even steeper price cuts without sacrificing much in performance​cookindocs.com​Hunker.

Compare Dual-Zone vs. Single-Zone: Dual-zone air fryers like the Ninja Foodi are popular but can be pricier. If you don't need this feature, consider single-basket models to save money.

Shop Early: Inventory for high-demand items like air fryers can sell out quickly during Black Friday, so monitor deals early and be ready to purchase

FAQs

Final thoughts

You can't go wrong with a Ninja or Cosori appliance: we like them both for different reasons. If we had to choose the best for families, the Ninja Foodi and its DualZone technology would win the battle. For a compact option, the Ninja XL, even though it's a little bigger, is more consistent and competent than the Cosori. However, with the toaster ovens, Cosori has a more diverse offering and it can cook a rotisserie chicken. That's a deal breaker for most people.

If you’re searching for the best Ninja air fryer, you're in good company. The brand has become globally famous for air frying, offering everything from compact models to ultra-large, dual-zone, and multifunctional options. They’re sleek, fast, and stylish, and the best Ninja air fryers continue to push the envelope with bigger and better designs.

After testing countless of the best air fryers, Ninja is the only brand I keep in my own kitchen. The Ninja Crispi is my personal favorite – it saves space and uses clean glass materials – and I’m also a fan of the Ninja Pro, the best non-toxic air fryer with a ceramic coating.

That said, not every Ninja air fryer has passed my rigorous tests with flying colors. As a trained cook, I have high standards – even for basics like fries and nuggets – because the right air fryer makes all the difference in achieving effortless, perfectly crispy results. After hours of hands-on testing, I’ve put together a definitive guide to the best Ninja air fryers. Here’s my expert breakdown of which ones are worth your investment.

The Hot List

If you're looking for the headlines, here's a quick list of the best Ninja air fryers on the market. You'll find more details on the pros, cons, and how to choose the right model for you further down the page.

Best Ninja air fryer overall

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is the best air fryer I’ve ever tested. It’s one of the more basic models in Ninja’s lineup, but don’t let that fool you – it’s thoughtfully designed, incredibly easy to use, and delivers crispy, delicious results fast. The best part? It does all that without breaking the bank.

First, let's talk design. It’s cute and compact (not much taller than my kettle), so it won’t hog counter space. But inside, there's a surprisingly spacious 5-quart basket that can handle up to 4 lbs of food. That's perfect for couples or small families, but if you have more mouths to feed, Ninja also makes an XL 6-quart version (which comes with Bake and Max Crisp functions).

The smaller model has four everyday cooking modes (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate). I loved the large digital timer, which is clear enough to read from across the kitchen. Even better, it's a non-toxic air fryer with a ceramic-coated crisper plate. That's a huge win for health-conscious cooks like me, ensuring safe cooking and effortless cleaning.

Now, the real test: the food. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro passed with flying colors, turning out perfectly golden, crispy fries, and juicy, well-cooked chicken in record time. And cleanup was a total breeze. The food residue rinses right off with hot, soapy water, and the plate is even dishwasher-safe (though I always hand-wash for longevity). Sure, it doesn’t have high-end features like steak-searing or baking, but for everyday air frying, it’s an absolute steal.

Read my full Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 review for more details.

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Best Ninja air fryer for families

Ninja’s Double Stack air fryer is remarkably sleek and slender, but it can feed a crowd. That's because each basket contains two cooking levels, allowing you to cook up to four different ingredients simultaneously. On my first test, I cooked French fries, chicken thighs, courgettes, and green beans all at once. With minimal involvement and no preheating required, dinner was ready in 20 minutes. Truly a game-changer for busy families, tired individuals, and anyone with a limited kitchen.

You can sync the two drawers, so every element of your meal will finish together. Afterwards, you can place both drawers and the crisper plates into the dishwasher, for effortless cleanup.

The only downside was some instances of uneven cooking on the top rack. My courgettes at the front of the drawer got a lot crisper than the ones at the back. However, this can be prevented by shuffling your ingredients around the rack and flipping two or three times, until everything is evenly golden.

I also knocked some points off for the high price tag. The chunkier, horizontal version called the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 (featured below) is practically identical in terms of functions – however, the quick, delicious results and easy cleanup still make this my top choice for families. I can forgive its small flaws - I begged to keep this air fryer after testing, and now I use it every single day.

My Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer review covers all the details.

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Best space-saving / portable Ninja air fryer

The Ninja Crispi has just hit the market, and our product tester, Camryn, has plenty of positive things to say about it. As the first portable air fryer of its kind, it absolutely deserves a spot in our guide to the best Ninja air fryers.

One of Camryn's favorite features is the glass bowl, which allows you to watch your food crisp up in real-time. This mirrors the impressive technology I loved when I tested the Fritaire glass bowl air fryer, but unlike the Fritaire – where the air frying function fell short – the Ninja Crispi excels at delivering crispy, golden perfection.

With minimal oil, Camryn created crispy French fries, chicken wings, and salmon. 'I love the stackable and interchangeable cooking bowls,' she says. 'You can swap between different sizes to suit your meal – whether it’s a single portion of lunch or a family-sized batch of fries. This thoughtful design borrows elements from Ninja’s best blenders and food processors, ensuring home-cook-friendly flexibility. There are easy-grip handles and lids for portability.'

Theoretically, you can take this portable blender around with you, from the office (though we wouldn’t recommend frying fish there, unless you want fewer friends) or at a family gathering. However, Camryn says it’s a bit hefty for tossing into a backpack. At almost 16 lbs, it's equivalent to carrying a bowling ball or a large pack of dog food around. In terms of measurements, it’s actually not much smaller than the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, which tops our list. If portability or a glass cooking window isn’t a priority for you, the cheaper Ninja Air Fryer Pro might be a better option. However, if you love watching your food crisp up in real time and need an on-the-go air fryer, the Ninja Crispi is a game-changer.

Read more in our full Ninja Crispi review

Best value Ninja air fryer

If you've got space for a horizontal, dual-zone model in your kitchen – this is a brilliant choice. This is the air fryer we kept in our team test kitchen, and when our experts are off-duty, this is the machine we all reach for. It's essentially a wider version of the DoubleStack above, but it's priced under $200 (and often on sale for even less). If you want to keep your bank balance in check, this is a good option.

Our lead tester, Millie, has tried all five functions – broil, roast, reheat, dehydrate, and bake. This super smart model can air fry in one drawer, whilst baking or roasting in the others. If you're making a meal like fajitas, which requires fried chicken and roasted vegetables, you'll wonder what you ever did without this.

We were most impressed by the 450°F temperature limit, which is incredibly high. When we cooked frozen chicken and bacon, they were ready in minutes. We particularly liked the crisper plates which ensure that every crumb was crisped up and cooked right through. It's super speedy and can cook two different foods at the same time, just like the latest DoubleStack.

When it came to clean up, these drawers are both dishwasher safe, minimizing how messy your post-meal clean up will get. Where the 6-in-1 falls down is on it's chunky size – it takes up so much space.

Read more in my Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer review.

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Best multifunctional Ninja air fryer

In my time as a kitchen appliances tester, I've seen it all. I've tested the steamers, slow cookers, air fryers, toaster ovens, and countertop ovens. The Ninja Combi Multicooker condenses all these functions (and more) into one, simple appliance.

The Ninja Combi offers enormous capacity and twelve different cooking functions – from roasting to air frying. It heats up quickly and consistently produces perfectly crisped foods, from homemade fries to roasted vegetables. Our expert tester, Laura, used it to bake cakes and bread, too. She said: 'I loved the glass window, which lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks, reducing the risk of burnt or overcooked food.'

That said, Ninja’s presets may require a little tweaking to avoid overcooking in the first place. We also found that it got pretty hot underneath, which was a tad concerning. It's also enormous, so again, if you're just looking to air fryer have a look at smaller contenders on this list.

Finally, we have to give extra points for the fact that the Ninja Combi is a non-toxic air fryer. The baskets and trays are made from aluminum and coated in non-stick enamel and ceramic (considered safer, non-toxic alternatives to non-stick coatings like Teflon). For anyone looking for a non-toxic air fryer to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, options like this are ideal.

You can read more in our full review of the Ninja Combi Multicooker.

Best design Ninja air fryer

The Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Countertop Glass Air Fryer is larger than the original Ninja Crispi, and it comes with some versatile parts – a 1800-watt cooking unit, an adjustable base, a 6-quart and a 2.5-quart glass container, two non-stick crisper plates, and two storage lids.

Ninja says, 'All food-contact surfaces are designed without PFAS and PTFE, are dishwasher safe, and resist thermal shock' – which is a major plus in our book, as we much prefer the best non-toxic air fryers for cooking with peace of mind.

Our tester, Tobey, was thrilled by the spacious glass design and impressed by the food. She said: 'I got gorgeous fries on the first try that were hot and crunchy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. Then, crispy chicken cutlets and beautiful jerky snacks. I loved the intelligent controls. Just press the power button, use the knob to toggle to one of the 6 functions, then adjust the time and temperature to your precise needs. You can also modify the temperature while it's cooking, which I found wildly helpful.'

Tobey's main criticism is: 'Both sized containers have the same amount of surface space, which is fine for one or two people, but not great for larger families or households. And that goes for toast as well. I could fit two pieces in both the small and large bowls, and I had to cook the bread twice, once on each side, to get them properly toasted.' All that to say, if you want to grill and toast, you should look for a toaster-oven-style model like the Ninja Combi Multicooker, above.

Read more in our full Ninja Crispi review

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Ninja Air Fryer Alternatives

However, don't think that this page is just an advert for Ninja. We like their products, but they're far from the only game in town. In fact, Ninja comes in at number 4 in our guide to the best air fryers. There are plenty of other air fryers well worth considering:

How to choose the best Ninja air fryer for you:

There are a few different types of Ninja air fryers to choose from, but all of them work in a similar way. Here's my breakdown of the different options and who they suit:

Small single-basket Ninja air fryers: Ranging from four to five quarts, this size will suit most individuals, couples, or small families, who want make fries or snacks without taking up much counter space. They are also easy to hide away in cupboards when not in use. We always recommend square-shaped basket air fryers, since they maximize on cooking space.

Large single-basket Ninja air fryers: The next size up will cover 6 to 7 quarts. This allows you to cook bigger portions for around 4-5 people, so it's a good choice for families. They tend to come with more functions (like grilling or baking) and they naturally take up more countertop space.

Dual basket Ninja air fryers: If you want to make a full meal in the air fryer, you need two baskets. This design allows you to cook two different dishes at once and keep the flavors separate. They can usually contain up to 10 quarts, which suits busy families, couples, or hungry individuals.

Multifunctional Ninja air fryers: If your kitchen is cluttered with multiple appliances, you could replace them with a combi fryer. Ninja has an array of toaster ovens and slow-cooker combos, but our favorite is the Ninja Combi Multicooker. We don't really rate the others. We also love the Woodfire Grill, which can sizzle burgers or kebabs, bake bread, and air-fry vegetables outdoors – but it will cost you a pretty penny for all those functions.

If you're looking for a multifunctional appliance to save space and money, we talk about this in detail in our guide to air fryers vs toaster ovens.

How we tested these Ninja air fryers

To test the best air fryers on the market, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, instruction booklet, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.

Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials for non-toxicity and durability. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weigh up the features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.

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Ninja air fryer FAQs

Any decent blender can make a smoothie. The Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender makes so much more. With Auto-IQ options for ‘desserts’, ‘frozen drinks’, and ‘chunky soups’, this budget blender is beginner-friendly. 

With powerful blades and a big pitcher, the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender can tackle large and firm produce as easily as small and soft. But it isn’t perfect. Some of those preset programs are more effective than others, and the blades proved tricky to clean. 

To test this blender, I made a protein shake, a smooth soup, and a hummus dip. I also used the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender to crush some ice. Some of my recipes were freestyled, and one was taken from Ninja’s surprisingly excellent recipe inspiration guide. 

I found that this excels at making soup, and is pretty good at everything else. If you love a healthy, hearty soup, this is a must-buy. For anything else, I'd consider looking at the best blenders for more choice. 

Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender Specifications

Unboxing the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender

Like all Ninja kitchenware, this Cold & Hot Blender was packaged sustainably in cardboard and tissue paper. Each machine comes with an instruction manual and a recipe inspiration guide. I wouldn’t throw these away, especially if you’re new to blending. The instruction booklet gives helpful tips about correct loading and which produce to blend on what setting. 

Thanks to its capacious 64-oz. pitcher, this blender is tall and broad. It should just about fit under standard kitchen cabinets, though you’ll have to pull it forward to remove the lid and load. We found it fit under a standard cabinets by about 1/4 inch, so it's not one for smaller homes. The glass pitcher is marked with measurements in milliliters, ounces, and cups: whatever your recipe calls for. The lid is a little stiff, though. It makes for secure locking, but it might be difficult to remove if you struggle with arthritis. 

Clearly and intuitively labeled, the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender is easy to use. There’s a wide range of auto-IQ programs, including ‘smoothie’, ‘soup’, and ‘milkshake’ modes, which are great for blending beginners. If you like to have control in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate the manual ‘blend’ and ‘cook’ settings, too, with low, medium, and high speeds.  

I liked that this blender isn’t fussy: you don’t need to learn the right order in which to push the buttons. You can choose setting then speed, or speed then setting, and get the same results. 

Test 1: Protein smoothie

 Any decent blender can mix soft fruits. Since this machine looked pretty robust, I wanted to challenge it with tougher textures. 

I added a bag of frozen berries to my blending pitcher, along with a handful of spinach and two scoops of protein powder and creatine, topping it off with a splash of oat milk. I was keen to see whether the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender was powerful enough to shred the berry skins and seeds and thorough enough to incorporate gritty powders into a smooth blend. 

First, I tried the auto-IQ smoothie setting, with little to no success. The blades moved in stops and starts, before giving up altogether. I tried again, using the Ninja tamper tool to push my ingredients down towards the blades, but still no joy. It’s not a great sign when your smoothie setting can’t make a smoothie. 

I decided to change tack and blend manually for 40 seconds on the lowest speed setting. This worked much better: the blades sliced through the berries and leafy greens with ease and even managed to incorporate most of the protein powder. 

I switched to the highest speed setting for the last 10 seconds to try and achieve the smoothest possible finish. For the most part, the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender made a very well-blended, if very thick, protein shake. There were only a few seeds and scraps of leaf left intact. This made for an ever-so-slightly gritty texture, though it was good for my fiber intake. 

As I went to rinse the pitcher, I noticed that some of the protein powder had not been incorporated into the shake and was still stuck to the sides. So I scraped the powder down into the blended shake and gave it a quick stir: problem solved. 

Test 2: Soup

 Here at H&G, we’ve reviewed a lot of combination blenders, but the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender is one of a small handful to make soup from start to finish. I was excited to put this function to the test. 

I peeled three onions and threw them in my pitcher, along with a pinch of salt and some olive oil. Though I quartered the onions for ease, I wanted the blender to chop them. I selected the auto-IQ ‘chop’ setting, which was far more effective than the ‘smoothie’. After a 10-second blitz, my onions were finely chopped and coated in seasoning. 

Next, I selected the ‘sauté’ function. I’ll admit that I was pretty skeptical that the onions would cook evenly, especially since there were no obvious signs of frying, aside from a little steam. Five minutes later, the blender beeped quietly and quickly to let me know it was finished, and I was proved wrong: the onions were gold and glistening and smelled delicious. 

Feeling much more confident in this blender’s soup-making abilities, I added a bag of butternut squash chunks and some carrot strips. Though the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender comes with two soup settings, ‘smooth’ and ‘hearty’, I only wanted to try smooth soup. 

I pressed the button, and the 30-minute timer began. After that, the blender was so quiet, I practically forgot it was on. There was a blending blitz every few minutes, and a bigger blast for the last 60 seconds. But for the rest of the time, the blender just quietly bubbled away. 

I poured a few bowls of soup for lunch with the other product testers. I appreciated the neat, narrow spout on the pitcher, which prevented me from spilling a drop. It’s worth saying that the sides and the bottom of the pitcher got pretty hot. I’d recommend wearing oven mitts for this part. 

I added a crack of black pepper and some basil for garnish before we began. Though the first few sips were pretty hot, I can safely say it’s some of the best soup I’ve had all year, and much better than I was expecting before testing. Two of our testers found a tiny chunk of squash at the bottom of their bowl, but my own soup was super-smooth. 

Test 3: Hummus

 Following such a success making soup, I was optimistic about the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender’s ability to make dips. Since I had a can of chickpeas to hand, I decided to make hummus. 

First, I rinsed my chickpeas and poured them into the pitcher, adding a splash of water to loosen things up. It’s easy to overmix hummus, so I stuck to manual settings, using the lowest speed and pulsing for control. 

It took around 60 seconds to reach my desired texture: smooth, but not too smooth. When I tried to use the tamper to move the chickpeas, I found that the tool isn’t quite long enough to reach through the lid and touch the sides. This design flaw meant I had to stop the machine and remove the lid before I could reach the chickpeas, and replace the lid before I could blend again. This inefficiency isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it was inconvenient. 

Once I’d blended my chickpeas, I added two garlic cloves, the juice and zest of one whole lemon and a few tablespoons of olive oil. I stirred through three tablespoons of tahini for taste, then blitzed the mix for 15 seconds. The blades sprayed some hummus up the sides of the pitcher, so I used the tamper to push it down again. I seasoned the hummus with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of chili powder before mixing for five more seconds. 

The Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender made a very smooth hummus. Even the two whole garlic cloves were incorporated into the paste. The hummus was delicious to taste, but difficult to serve. Too much of the dip was trapped beneath the blades, which cannot be removed from the blender base. I had to scratch and scrape, and I still didn’t get it all out. The pitcher sides are very straight, which makes it difficult to push ingredients up and out. 

Test 4: Crushing Ice

Since this blender claims to tackle hot and cold ingredients, I was keen to see how well it crushed ice. This was the simplest test of the lot: I placed 10 whole ice cubes in the pitcher and blended manually for a few seconds. 

The result was okay. The ice was pretty melted, perhaps because the blender had been working with warmer ingredients. This sort of ice would be great for frozen margaritas, but one of the best Vitamix blenders would create much colder, sharper shards. 

Cleaning the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender

The lid, center cap and tamper are all dishwasher-safe for quick and convenient cleaning. If you wipe the motor base with a clean, damp cloth after use, you should prevent spills from becoming stains. 

The pitcher is not dishwasher-safe, since such high temperatures will damage the blender’s integrated heating element. This is annoying, but it’s par for the course with blenders that handle hot ingredients. Plus, each machine comes with a cleaning tool that gets between the blades. 

If you prefer to keep your hands dry, you could make use of the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender’s auto-IQ ‘clean’ program. Just fill the pitcher with around 25 fl. oz. of water and two small drops of dish soap. Close the lid and press ‘clean’. 30 seconds later, you can pour out the dirty water and rinse. I tried the ‘clean’ setting, and I was impressed by what a thorough job this machine could do. With that said, the machine did drip a little and the blades got very hot. You’ll have to handle it with care. What's more, while it did a pretty good job in the pitcher, there was some soup residue in the lid and along the top edge of the pitcher. 

How does the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender rate online?

The Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, praising its versatility and flavorful cooking. However, a handful of customers have noted that the lid latch mechanism deteriorates over time. We’ll update this review in a few months and let you know what we’ve found. 

How does it compare to other blenders?

The Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender is one of the best blenders we’ve tested. You might get more use out of this multifunctional machine than you would a basic blender like the Vitamix E310 Explorian. 

With that said, this blender isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a smoothie-maker you can grab and go, then the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender is much too big. You’ll be better off with something compact like the BlendJet 2. The Vitamix A3500 Smart Blender makes soups, dips, and smoothies, just like the Ninja, only it’s more powerful and easier to clean, albeit much more expensive. 

Should you buy the Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender?

 he Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender costs around $150. I’d say it’s worth the money, particularly if you’re keen on soups and smoother textures. It’s large enough to accommodate the ingredients to make multiple servings of soups, smoothies, and sauces to feed the whole family. While it isn’t the best blender on the market, it’s easy to use and great for beginners. Just prepare to hand-wash that pitcher.  

When it comes to slow and multi-cookers, Instant Pot is the brand that springs to most people’s minds. However, Ninja is slowly changing the game, and the PossibleCooker is further proof that the brand is serious competition. 

For one, the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker looks very different to other slow cookers on the market. It comes in a beautiful gray/blue color, and it’s designed to be a serving pot as well as one to cook entire meals in. 

Though 8 cooking functions isn’t the most you can find in a multi-cooker, this offers everything from searing to slow cooking. While there's no dedicated yogurt or rice mode as you might find in other slow cookers, you can slow cook, sauté and bake, offering a wide variety of meals in a single, large-capacity pot. 

After testing a range of different cooking appliances, I was excited to start putting the PossibleCooker through its paces. I’m a fervent meal-prepper, so the idea of making large quantities of food all in one pot was a dream. I’m pleased to say it didn’t disappoint and it’s definitely one of the best slow cookers around. That said, it doesn’t have some timing functions one might expect from a cooker of this caliber.  

Who does the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker suit?

 A large family or a meal-prepper. The large 8-litre capacity of the cooker’s pot makes it great for people who need to cook large batches of food.

Design-conscious cooks. The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker is a well-designed and aesthetic cooker, so it’s great for people who like their appliances to be visually pleasing. 

People who want an all-rounder. With 8 cooking functions, the PossibleCooker can do it all, which will suit people who like to make one-pot meals.  

Product specifications

Unboxing the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker

The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker came in a large cardboard box, which was heavy enough that I asked my partner for help getting up the stairs. Inside the box was entirely recyclable padding, including some cardboard and paper, which we always like to see.

The slow cooker is basically ready to use as you lift it out of the box. The only assembly required is slotting the non-stick 8-litre pan into the base, and putting the glass lid on top. The only accessory that comes with the slow cooker is a steaming rack, as well as an instructions booklet and a recipe book. 

First impressions of the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker

As I’d guessed from the weight of the box, this slow cooker is large. The 7-quart capacity makes it perfect to batch-cook meals or feed a big group of people, but it does also mean the cooker will take up a large amount of countertop space.

The first thing to note is that this cooker doesn’t look like others at all. The blue-gray colour, 'Sea Salt Gray', is aesthetically pleasing, and will look good in most kitchens. It’s original but not garish - and it makes a difference from the usual tedious black plastic of slow cookers. The exterior is made of matte metal, which looks sleek and classy.

The front LCD screen and dial are well-designed and intuitive to use, but the buttons are hard to press. Several times I had to check whether I had pressed the start button, only to find that I hadn’t and my food hadn’t been cooking all along.

The non-stick metal pan fits into the base with a satisfying click. It has a non-stick coating so Ninja recommends only using wood or non-stick utensils. A big difference from other slow cookers is the cooking pot is designed to be a serving pot too – as it’s so nicely designed, it doesn’t look out of place at the dinner table. The pot is also oven-proof up to 500°F, so you can transfer it to the oven to keep food warm or broil the top of a gratin.

Both the pan and the metal-rimmed glass lid feel well-made and premium, but it’s worth noting that they’re quite heavy to carry (as can be expected of such a large capacity item). Unlike many other slow- and multi-cookers, the lid can be removed from the pot at any time without having to stop the cooking process, which is a plus if you want extra control.

Test 1: Making risotto

Once I browsed Ninja's recipe book, the most appealing option was a butternut squash risotto. I was a bit sceptical about making risotto in a slow cooker, as the secret to its success is adding in liquid gradually. Instead, the recipe recommended browning off onions and garlic then adding all the ingredients, including two litres of stock, into the pot. 

Using the sear and sauté setting, I browned the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil. I was impressed at how well and quickly this worked, and found the process pretty much identical to searing ingredients on the stove. The only difference was allowing the cooker to preheat, which took about five minutes. Once the cooker has reached the right temperature, it lets out a beep to alert you, and the screen says 'add food',  which is a handy notification.

Per the instructions, I added in the risotto rice, vegetable stock, frozen butternut squash and sage. After stirring the ingredients around, I put the pot back on and left it to cook for 35 minutes. When I went to check back on the food, I found much of the liquid had not yet evaporated, but the rice was looking very overcooked. 

I changed the setting to simmer and took the lid off to allow some of the stock to evaporate, which helped a lot – but by the time it was done about 15 minutes later, the results were dire to say the least. Aside from the soggy texture, which I expected, the food was very bland, even with the addition of parmesan. That said, I would put this down to the recipe rather than the pot, which performed perfectly fine. 

Test 2: Steaming vegetables

For my second cooking attempt, I tried something a lot simpler: steaming cavolo nero. As with other functions, the setup is very easy. Ninja instructs to fill the bottom of the pan with at least 250ml of water, add the steaming rack on top, put the lid back on, turn the dial to “Steam”, and press start.

After preheating the pot, it beeped to remind me to add my veg in. I placed my cavolo nero leaves on the steaming rack, placed the lid on, and the timer automatically started for 10 minutes. When the time was up, the cooker beeped, and I checked back to find my veg perfectly steamed. This setting is handy and easy to use, so I’ve gone back to it a few times since having the slow cooker, for anything from broccoli to spinach.

Test 3: Lamb birrria

A few days after my failed attempt at cooking risotto in the cooker, I thought I would use one of my own recipes for lamb birria. The recipe meant I could test the braising mode, as well as the slow cooker. 

Having bought a leg of lamb, I set the cooker to the braise mode and put the whole chunk in to brown. The whole 3.3lbs leg fit into the pot, which was perfect. The meat browned in no time, and after having braised it on all sides, I added in blended roasted vegetables (the only part of the meal I didn’t make in the cooker, beef stock, spices, and put the lid on. 

For the bulk of the cooking, I chose the slow cooker function. This lets you choose between high and low, with differences in minimum cooking times. Should you select the 'low' function, the minimum time you can set is 4 hours, whereas with 'high', it’s minimum three. I found these limits a bit restricting, as if you wanted to cook something for less time, you’d have to start the timer and set your own separate one to alert you of the end of the cooking time.

Still, I chose to slow cook the lamb leg for six hours. Once they were up, the sauce needed to evaporate a little more, so I changed the cooker to the simmer mode and left it for another hour. The results were incredible: the meat fell off the bone, and the sauce was intensely flavourful. A huge success in my books, and proof that the recipe was the only letdown in my risotto attempt.

Test 4: Slow cooking rice pudding

After my previous attempt at making a rice-based dish in this cooker, I decided I’d try a sweet version to see if that went any better. I followed a recipe which recommended mixing melted butter, heavy cream, milk, pudding rice, vanilla extract, sugar into the buttered pan and leaving it to slow cook for three hours on low. 

Once I completed the first step of melting the butter (which required a separate saucepan), the only thing left to do was throw all of the ingredients in the pot, giving it a stir and and leaving it to slow cook on low for three hours.

 I again ran into the issue of not being able to fully customize the cooking time, as the PossibleCooker doesn’t let you set a time less than four hours on the low setting of the slow cooker. I had to set a timer on my phone and press the “Start/Stop” button after three hours had elapsed, which was a bit more hassle than it should’ve been. However, the results were amazing, and I was left with a large pot of creamy, warm rice pudding which lasted up to three days in the fridge.  

Cleaning the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker

The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker is a dream to clean. The lid and the steaming rack are dishwasher safe, but the non-stick pot needs to be cleaned by hand, which is very easy to do. These are the only parts that need cleaning.

One downside is some cooking liquid went over the side of the pot during the cooking process, which has left a mark on the base on the pot that is hard to rub out. Ninja warns to properly wipe the bottom of the pot when you’ve cleaned it before putting it back on the base to avoid this, but it’s quite easy for sauce to get over the side of the pot when you’re cooking. 

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

 The Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid, the top pick in our best Instant Pots buying guide, has 13 cooking functions to the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker’s eight. As well as all the PossibleCooker’s functions, the Duo Crisp can air fry, dehydrate, sous vide, broil and roast. 

However, the PossibleCooker has a slightly bigger capacity than the Instant Pot (7 quarts to 6.5), and the cooking pot on the former is non-stick, which is easier to maintain and cook on than stainless steel. The Ninja is also much more aesthetically-pleasing than the Instant Pot, but the latter is less bulky. The Duo Crisp is a bit pricier than the PossibleCooker, but considering the extra cooking functions, it’s a negligible difference. The Duo Crisp is a better choice for functionality, but the PossibleCooker is a better choice for aesthetics and portion sizes. 

Compared to a previous Ninja model, the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-qt XL, the PossibleCooker has slightly fewer cooking functions (14 vs 8) and less capacity (8 quarts vs 7). The PossibleCooker definitely stands out with its design, however, as it looks much better, and you can use it to serve to the table.  The pot in the PossibleCooker is also oven-safe, so you can use it to broil and for other recipes, where the Foodi 14-in-1 8-qt XL cannot do this. The Foodi 14-in-1 8-qt XL also tends to be more expensive. 

Should you buy the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker?

If you’re looking for an able, aesthetic cooker that can make large amounts of food at a time and look good while doing it, then this is an option to consider. Its 8-litre capacity means it will suit a large family, and the eight cooking functions allow you to cook one-pot meals that are seared, braised and slow cooked.  

The Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill has certainly changed the grill game. Just like most modern kitchen appliances that are impressively multifunctional – from air fryers that bake, roast and sear, to multi-cookers that slow cook, pressure cook, steam, and sautee – this portable grill does more than just your standard barbecue. 

We've tested many of the best grills on the market, and it's sat as our best electric grill all summer. The only thing that might put you off is the price. For a portable grill, a nearly $400 price tag might seem a lot, but the Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill currently has 10% off at QVC, which is the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday – as a shopping editor, it's a deal I couldn't go without shouting about.

What's more, today, 7/22, QVC are offering free shipping, but you'll have to get your order in ASAP. 

Our expert tester highly rates this best-selling grill, and while it won't match the size of a full-size smoker, it certainly stands up to the competition. Whether you're wanting to host an intimate cook-out or need a grill you can use on your balcony or terrace, this is the perfect portable grill for small families with small outdoor spaces.

Why you should buy it

But don't just take it from me, our grill expert, and head shopping editor, Alex David, highly recommends this grill – giving you all the more reason to get it while you can on sale. Here's his verdict: 

'I was hugely skeptical when I first saw this product on the market, which is why we had to test it. I’ve tried a lot of smaller grills and usually they just can’t match a full-sized grill. But after putting this one through the ringer, it really is as good as a proper pellet grill. The best feature by far is the smoker. It’s a good option if you’re a casual barbecuer or new to the scene. 

'You can experiment with smoking without shelling out $1000 for a full-sized smoker. It totally removes my main complaint about electric and gas grills, which is that they taste a little sterile when compared to charcoal. The WoodSmoke function imparts a smoky flavor with the ease of using an air fryer. 

I also love that you aren’t limited to classic grill fare with this. I’m still in awe that Alex turned out good cinnamon rolls with this, and I can’t even imagine experimenting with smoke on those. It’s genuinely a game changer - the only problem as far as I can see is the size, as it’s best suited to couples and smaller families.

More about the Ninja woodfire outdoor grill

A portable grill is rarely ranked so highly. But the Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill is just as good as larger grills. We're confident it performs in the same league as some full-sized smokers. With seven different functions – yes, seven – it's ideal for small families with small outdoor spaces, who want to cook food just as tasty as meals grilled on bigger barbecues. 

Offering grilling, roasting, smoking, frying, baking, dehydrating, and broiling, it can't match the cooking area of a full-sized smoker, but you can take this grill on camping trips, to your friend's yard or even with you on a summers day out. 

The portability is, of course, great, but the standout feature is the smoker. The Woodfire uses a box of wood pellets to infuse your dishes with a delicious, smoky flavor. Our tester Alex used it to make an incredible smoked pork tenderloin in just 45 minutes, and a neighbor she shared it with thought it was the best tenderloin they'd ever had. It offers incredibly quick cooking. We had a joint of salmon ready in only 7 minutes. 

The handy smart display will tell you when it's time to flip your food, but we recommend keeping an eye on it anyway, as this grill is so efficient that it will cook faster than the given recipe times. 

Our full Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill review has all the detail. 

FAQs

If you're in the market for a new grill but are on a budget, it's worth doing your research. There are certain sales periods like Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and President's Day when grills tend to go on sale. A deal in late summer like this is relatively rare, so it's worth moving fast, especially when there's free shipping.  Finding out the best time to buy a grill can save you some serious cash – especially if you've had your eye on a premium model. Rem

Coffee is big business, and as technology improves, home coffee makers are increasingly popular. They save you time and money and are increasingly essential as more of us work from home. 

However, there are so many different styles of coffee; there's drip, espresso, latte, filter, cold brew, and many more – and no one wants to buy a separate machine for each one. Some people opt to invest in one of the best espresso machines, which is great, but these can get expensive.

Enter the Ninja DualBrew Pro. This coffee maker means that you can make both drip coffee as well as use K-Cups. That's saying nothing of the milk frother, iced coffee function, or the independent water line to make tea. 

I tested every function of this coffee maker in my own home to see how it stacks up against the best single-serve coffee makers. I found a versatile appliance that will let you make a wide range of drinks for a fair price, although you'll need to clear a lot of room first.

Specfications

Unboxing

The Ninja DualBrew Pro comes in a large box, and you’ll find a user manual and quickstart guide inside. This coffee maker is great for many types of brew types and brew styles, and it even has a display that will adapt depending on the brew type and keep you posted on the progress of your brew. Overall, the Ninja DualBrew Pro is relatively compact, and it even has a retractable arm for the frothing tool and room to store the Ninja smart scoop on the machine itself. The only loose item is the Ninja pod adapter, which can be stored separately when not being used. However, it's a very tall appliance. 

For coffee grounds, you can brew 8 to 55 ounces, and pods are designed for 6 to 12 ounce brews. Hot water can be from 2 to 60 ounces. To prime the brewing process, fill the water vessel with water and run the 55-ounce brew cycle in the carriage. The water vessel is detachable, so it’s easier to refill at the sink and reattach. The brew basket is used when brewing pods or grounds, and there is a Ninja pod adapter that is locked in place over the brew basket when brewing pods.

What's it like to use?

To use the Ninja DualBrew Pro, start by choosing your brewing method, preferred size, and brewing style. Brew styles can be rich, classic, over ice, or a specialty brew, Classic brew styles are more balanced, whereas rich brews tend to have stronger flavors. The over ice brew style is more concentrated and is designed to be made over ice without being watered down. The specialty brew is made for coffee drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and other coffee shop drinks, and this only brews 4 ounces.  When it comes to making drip coffee or coffee from a pod, Ninja DualBrew heats up the water to a consistent temperature and evenly saturates the coffee ground so they’re all used equally. 

You can place a travel mug or carafe on the warming plate, or pull down the cup platform and set a mug on it. Once you’re ready, press the Start Brew button to start brewing, and you can track progress using the illuminating progress bar. The Ninja DualBrew will beep several times when your coffee is ready. 

Test 1: Coffee pods

If you want to make coffee quickly and without having to measure out your grounds, brewing coffee pods is a great option. If you’re using the pod mode, install the Ninja pod adapter in the brewer over the brew basket and ensure that the indicator on the left side is aligned with “Lock.” This can be a little tedious to add and replace if you alternate between brewing pods and coffee grounds, but the ability to do both methods from one machine makes it worth it. 

Once you’ve added the adapter, which will be detected automatically by the coffee maker, take your Ninja-compatible K-Cup place it in the top vessel, and choose your ounce amount, which can be 6 to 12 ounces. Firmly press down the handle to pierce your pod, choose your quantity, and then press the round button to start brewing. There is a drip stop that can be used to stop the brewing process, and this can be closed or reopened at any point during the brewing process.

Test 2: Coffee Grounds

This machine doesn’t come with a coffee grinder, so you’ll need to grind your own coffee beans or buy grounds. If you’re brewing coffee grounds, use the included Ninja Smart Cup to measure coffee grounds and follow the guidance for the number of scoops for each brew size, which can be found on the handle of the Smart Scoop.

This was my preferred method because it uses less waste than pods, and I was able to add more grounds if I wanted a stronger brew. I found that the Ninja DualBrew Pro did an effective job of saturating the coffee grounds so my brew was rich and balanced every time. 

Test 3 - Frothing Milk

If you like to enjoy your coffee with frothed milk or creamer, you can also use the frothing tool to foam up half a cup of milk, a milk alternative, or creamer. To do so, swing the arm of the frother and install the frother whisk by twisting up and to the right. Ensuring that the frothing whisk is submerged just below the surface, and press and hold the frothing button for 30 to 45 seconds. Then remove the frother by twisting up and to the left and clean at the sink or dishwasher.

Overall, I found that the frother made cold almond milk creamer pretty bubbly and sweeter but not foamy, so this machine isn’t replacing my reliance on Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother, available at Amazon for cold foam. However, this frother was much more effective with oat milk. The milk frother also won’t heat up the milk, so you’ll need to do that on your own first.  

Test 4: Hot water

You can boil hot water to two different temperatures, which can be used for things like oatmeal, hot chocolate, or tea. To switch to hot water mode, turn the dial to the water droplet icon. Then, water will be dispensed next to the coffee outlet.

Test 5: Keeping coffee warm

The warming plate turns on and stays on for two hours if you’re brewing at least ¼ of a carafe on classic or rich brew, and will be off automatically otherwise. The warming plate can also be turned on manually for up to four hours using the “Keep Warm” button at the front of the coffee maker, and you’ll know the warming plate is on when the triangular icon at the base of brew is illuminated. 

When I prepared my coffee in an open vessel like a mug but forgot to turn on the warming plate, I often needed to warm it up again after 15 to 20 minutes. However, coffee tended to stay hot when prepared in the closed carafe or travel mug, or when I turned on the warming plate before preparing my coffee.

Taste Test

The taste of the coffee from the Ninja DualBrew Pro varies depending on the brew style, but it doesn’t get watered down. Coffee made on the specialty method is designed for espresso-based drinks and is well-balanced when combined with dairy or creamer. 

However, this method didn’t stand up as a replacement for my espresso machine because it didn’t have a robust enough flavor, though the brew was stronger than a classic brew overall. The classic brew style tastes rich without being overpowering, and the over-ice option prepares a stronger brew so it doesn’t get watered down when prepared over ice.

Overall, the Ninja DualBrew Pro brews a consistent cup of coffee every time, and you can turn off the brew at any point if you choose the wrong size.

Cleaning And Maintenance

If you’re brewing pods, you can remove the used pod from the Ninja pod adapter and then remove the adapter from the brewer.

The Ninja DualBrew Pro is made with modular parts that can be easily removed, so it’s easy to remove Ninja pod adapter, frothing tool, and water reservoir for cleaning. They're all dishwasher safe, saving you from washing them by hand. 

How does it rate online?

People love the Ninja DualBrew. If you look online you'll find nothing but praise for the versatility offered by the Ninja. The people who seemed to enjoy theirs the most were those who switched between the different brewing methods. This tended to be large households with lots of different coffee drinkers: everyone could enjoy their coffee how they liked it.

Flavor-wise, people seemed satisfied, especially since you can adjust settings and try out different pods. They all said that it was easy to use, and quick to brew, and lots of people appreciated that the warming plate can keep coffee hot for up to four hours.

However, a tiny handful of users on Amazon felt that the filter isn't quite perfect. They could see residual grounds in the bottom of their coffee cup, whilst others felt that the espresso could be a little bolder.  

How Does It Compare?

The fairest comparison is with the De'Longhi All In One Combination Coffee Maker, another combination coffee maker. It ultimately comes down to styles of coffee. The All In One makes espresso, drip coffee, and lattes; the DualBrew makes drip coffee, single-serve, lattes and teas. If you're devoted to K-cups or Nespresso, the DualBrew is the clear winner, but if you want proper homemade espresso, you have to go with the All In One. However, you should also bear in mind that the DualBrew is usually $100 cheaper, depending on sales. 

While we love that you can steam milk in the DualBrew, it's an extra step that takes practice and effort. A machine like the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic can make milky coffees like lattes and cappuccinos automatically without you having to take any extra steps. 

It's also pretty tall on a countertop, so you might be better off with a more compact coffee pod machine like the Nespresso Vertuo Next if you have low cabinetry. 

Should you buy the Ninja DualBrew Coffee Maker?

The Ninja DualBrew Pro retails for $230, and it’s a great coffee maker for people who want the flexibility and convenience to brew with grounds or pods all-in-one coffee maker. From the frothing tool and display with the illuminating progress bar to the removable water vessel, even the small details are well considered. For the average coffee maker at home, this is a great option. 

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, our testing process is rigorous across all coffee makers. We have a standard series of coffees that we ask every coffee machine to make: espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. Espresso shows us how well the machine extracts the fundamental flavors of your coffee, an Americano shows us how well it can balance and dilute the espresso: there’s real skill in keeping coffee hot, but not burning it. Cappuccinos can be tricky to test because not every machine has milk-frothing functions. If they do though, we look for smooth, silky milk (on both dairy and non-dairy options), which adds sweetness to the normally more punchy and acidic espressos.

Machines like the Ninja work on different brewing styles, so we make sure to test those out too. Essentially, every function that a model offers, we make sure to test. Once we've scored the flavors, time, and temperature of each cup of coffee, we'll tale a step back and evaluate whether the machine is good value for money. We compare it to other models on the market, look at other reviews, and make notes on how we found using it longer-term too.

If you want to find out more, you can find all the details on our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

If TikTok hasn't shown the Ninja Creami on your 'For You' page, you'll have probably heard about it from enthusiastic owners. This appliance has changed the way people make ice cream. Rather than churn for twenty plus minutes, the Creami delivers you soft-serve results in three minutes.

Naturally, this had me intrigued. I've tested some of the best ice cream makers on the market, so I wanted to see whether Ninja was any match for them. I took the Ninja Creami to task, making ice cream, vegan ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. I made notes on the whole process, right up to the clean-up.

Whilst the results of the Creami were as promised, there are a few catches. The Creami requires the longest freeze time and it's quite loud. However, there are a lot of ice cream enthusiasts who would take this in their stride.

Ninja Creami Specs

Unboxing

The Ninja Creami’s box was damaged in transit, but thankfully, it was well protected. What I am not thankful for is the large amount of plastic used to package the Ninja Creami. Of all our ice cream makers, this had the most non-recyclable packaging by far.

The set up instructions are online, so you scan a QR code to get through to their website. This might be frustrating if you don’t have a smartphone. In reality, I’m more of a video tutorial person. Luckily for me, Ninja have a comprehensive set of video tutorials for you to follow instead.

After I heaved the Creami onto the countertop, it looked smart. It’s large, slim, and resembles a coffee machine. It’s heavy and tall, so certainly isn’t for everyone. You need tall cupboards, or, you’ll have to keep it out on the countertop.

It’s pretty standard to need to prep your ice cream makers in advance. The Ninja Creami calls for 24 hour preparation. This is because the Creami works backwards, chipping away and creaming your ice block until it’s a smooth, frozen desert. This length of time can catch you off guard, so I made sure to get some ice cream in their dedicated tubs well in advance of testing. I would advise that you do the same, so that you’re never caught out by ice cream cravings.

Who will it suit?

The Ninja Creami has an impressive range of settings and can quickly turn solid, frozen blocks of ingredients into ice cream and frozen desserts. It’s a good option for those who want to make small portions of ice cream, sorbet, and açai bowls. 

Lots of other ice cream makers require large amounts of freezer space for storing your ice cream bowls. For many, that’s a problem. Ninja Creami’s pint sized pots don’t need nearly as much room and double-up as ice cream containers, so are a brilliant option. They also can make ice cream in under three minutes; as long as you did your 24 hour prep, this is a hasty, tasty ice cream maker. 

If you don’t have much countertop space, or want to make big portions of quality, soft serve ice cream, you should buy the Cuisinart ice cream maker or KitchenAid attachment instead. They’re half the price with much better results.

What is it like to use?

There is a trick to using the Ninja Creami. Once I had mastered it, the process was slick. However, that skips over numerous reruns of the same Youtube video showing me how to assemble my Creami properly. 

To start, I took my  Ninja Creami pot out of the freezer. I slotted this into the outer, main pot. You’ll need to insert a sharp blade into the lid of the main container. For a somewhat accident prone person like me, this was hair-raising. Don’t do it with little ones. 

Next, you’ll slot the bowl onto the Creami base, click it in, twist it up and you’re ready to go.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a fair test, I used a standard vanilla ice cream recipe. This was the same one I used across all ice cream makers. I whisked one cup of whole milk with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Once dissolved, I added two cups of heavy cream and two teaspoons of vanilla paste. Overnight, this froze in my Ninja Creami pint tub.

I set my ice cream in place, pressed the ice cream button and let the Creami run. It timed 2.5 minutes and automatically stopped when it was done. The 2.5 minutes were filled with a loud, unpleasant screech that registered as 115 dBA, about the sound of a subway. Afterwards, I lifted the lid off to find a very smooth, well churned ice cream. I didn’t expect it, but I was impressed. There’s a mix in option for any extras and this integrated my brownie chunks throughout the mix really well. The ice cream was dense, but really creamy. I didn’t find any ice crystals or inconsistencies at all. I placed the ice cream in the freezer for a few hours and when I came back to it, the mixture was solid. The dense, velvety ice cream had become a rock. 

Vegan Ice Cream

By this point, I had tested all of our other ice cream makers with vegan ice cream, so the Creami had big boots to fill. Non-dairy ingredients have a tendency to split, take longer to freeze, or be difficult to handle. Non-dairy ice creams have even more of a reputation. They often suffer worse from freezer burn and I’ve opened many store-bought ice cream tubs to find a disappointing, hard, crystallized mix.

After three minutes, I could see that the Creami had churned my ice cream. I lifted the lid to find a soft, smooth vanilla ice cream. As with the dairy ice cream, it was dense, not light, but it was impressive. I had a look online and found a collection of non-dairy, low sugar bakers raving about the Creami. Their solution to the rock-hard freeze was to place the pint pot back in the Creami to for a re-spin. After a few hours, I tried this, and it worked. As a dairy-free option, it scores highly.

Sorbet

I found a Ninja recipe using only blended frozen berries. I was intrigued. Sorbets can get very sweet, so this was the perfect opportunity to test a low sugar option.

I blended 450g of raspberries and froze them overnight. These only had 17 hours in the freezer, but I had blended frozen raspberries, so they started off colder anyway. 

I sat my sorbet pot in position, pressed sorbet and ran the Creami. It created a  beautiful, non-sorbet raspberry crumb. This tasted like sorbet and melted in my mouth. Underneath, I could see the beginnings of sorbet too, but the top was the texture of breadcrumbs. I ran the pot through again and had the same crumb texture. With a tablespoon of water and another run through, my sorbet was smooth, shiny, and well creamed. It looked like shop-bought sorbet. It didn’t taste like it. It was really sharp – I’m definitely not used to sugar free sorbet. Aside from the sharpness, the sorbet was hard to fault.

Frozen Yogurt

I had seen people have issues with a crumbly texture in their Creamis and experienced it with the sorbet. I froze a tub’s worth of normal yogurt inside the dedicated Creami pint pots the night before.

I used the gelato setting and found that the resulting fro-yo was a fro-no-go. It was just crumbly. I sent it through again with little success. After adding a tablespoon of water, the mix was back to being silky smooth. It was really nice and light, so a pleasing end result. There were a few ice crystals where the yogurt had not fully mixed through, but I think if you sent the Creami on a final spin, this would be sorted. However, you shouldn’t have to do this. 

Cleaning and Storage

I used this appliance after another one of our expert testers had put the Creami through its paces. They told me that it was easy to clean, as the tubs, lids, and paddle were all dishwasher safe. However, when I came to use the Ninja Creami, it was clear that the dishwasher had not done a good job. There are lots of small spaces that the frozen fruit had been forced into. I needed a small brush to properly scrub the Creami out before I could use it. For this reason, I used warm soapy water to give the Ninja Creami a proper clean when I was finished. Make sure to scrub every tight space on the lid, because when the residue dries, it shows. The Creami has many places for food to get stuck on, so I didn’t find cleaning easy. It’s not a huge feat, but I found all of the other ice cream makers that I tested a lot easier to clean.

As I said, this is a tall, heavy machine. However, other ice cream makers have huge bowls which you need to fit in your freezer. The Creami pint sized pots are much smaller than the large mixing bowls. With the Creami, you sacrifice countertop space to save on freezer space. The pint pots double up as ice cream pots, so they are really useful. Just buy a few extra, because two isn’t enough.

How does it rate online?

The Ninja Creami went viral on TikTok, so there are lots of people with lots to say about its performance. Millie Fender, our expert Head of Reviews really liked the range of settings. With a small freezer, this was the best option for her household. 

Among reviewers, this was well-rated, often achieving four stars at least. The functions are fun, Ninja supplies a good range of tasty recipes, and lots of customers like having ice cream in three minutes. It’s much quicker than normal processes. The main community who particularly loved the Creami are those who made non-dairy ice cream or low calorie options. The high water content in these recipes make them crystallized and icy, but with the Creami, none of these negatives pull though.

Almost everyone commented on how loud and large the Creami is. It’s lucky that this only runs for three minutes, because people didn’t want much longer with the screech. Some had powdery sorbets or found that the Creami was very sensitive to ingredients, temperature, and freezing time. You can’t get away with any shortcuts.

How does it compare?

The Ninja Creami wins big points for some improvements on domestic ice cream makers. The pint-sized pots are significantly smaller than the Cuisinart and KitchenAid freezer bowls, which need a lot of space in the freezer. The ice cream making process only took three minutes, which is a tenth of the time that most ice cream makers needed and it had lots more settings. 

However, 24 hours worth of freeze time is the longest prep time of any ice cream maker that I tested. It was the heaviest and loudest by a long way. It is also double the price of most other appliances and it doesn’t feel like double the value. It’s well made, but expensive.

Should you buy it?

There is a very specific audience for the Ninja Creami. If you want to make ice cream quickly, in small batches, and you don’t have much freezer storage, the Creami ticks a lot of boxes. However, you pay a premium for speed and storage. For an appliance this big, I would have liked the Creami to have a blend capacity, to run a little quieter, and to produce more soft-serve texture ice cream.  

How We Test

We are dedicated to how we test all of our appliances. All of our experts are well-established product testers, bringing with them the expertise needed to discern whether these are worthy investments for your home. 

For ice cream makers, we researched the best products on the market. We wanted to look for appliances that were good value for money with exceptional results. We took these to our test kitchen and, over the course of a few days, tested these on ice cream, non-dairy ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. We made notes on the whole process from unboxing to cleaning up to make sure that we didn’t miss a thing. All of these ice cream makers were tested alongside each other, so we could make direct comparisons between them and their results. 

Ninja has become a household name for making some of the best air fryers on the market – and their first outdoor air fryer is no different. The Woodfire passed our tests with flying colors. Essentially, it's a portable electric grill with seven different functions, including air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and broiling. The standout feature, however, is the smoker – which uses mini wood pellets to infuse dishes with a delicious, smoky flavor.

To test the best grills on the market, we look for exceptional cooking performance and taste. One of our testers, Alex, who is based in Texas, smoked various cuts of meat, grilled salmon, dehydrated beef jerky and even used the baking function to make cinnamon rolls. She used the grill over a few weeks, culminating in a show-stopping pork tenderloin for her guests on New Year's Day.

As a trained chef and kitchen appliances editor, I also tested this grill in my small backyard and focussed on vegetarian side dishes, like grilled fruits and vegetables, air-crisped fries and halloumi cheese. During the taste tests, we looked for perfectly crispy fries (like we've seen in the best air fryers), tender juicy meat, and that iconic smoky BBQ flavor you'd expect from traditional grills.

We also assessed capacity, clean-up and durability. While it can't quite match the full-sized Weber grills at the top of our buying guide, we think this model is ideal for small families, beach houses and camping trips. We can see why it's a favorite with BBQ afficionado, David Beckham.

Specifications

Unboxing and setup

The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is delivered in a medium-sized box. At 30 lbs, it requires some strength to move around. Thankfully, two handles are included in the box. You just need to screw them onto the grill, then it's easier to carry the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill between your home, garage and outdoor grilling space.

Beyond the grill itself, the box contains a grill plate, an air crisper basket, grease pan, recipe booklet, two different pellet bags – an All Purpose Blend and a Robust Blend – and a scooper to measure the pellets.

The included recipe booklet really stood out to me. I've tested many kitchen products that have disappointed me with unhelpful manuals, but Ninja's booklet is packed with inspirational recipes for grilled meats, fish, vegetables, BBQ sauces, and spice rubs. The grill chart was particularly impressive, offering a quick guide to cooking temperatures and flipping guidelines for tons of fresh and frozen ingredients. I'm sure it will be confidence-boosting for beginners.

The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill uses 1760 watts of power, so it can only be plugged into a 15-amp circuit breaker. Alex tried plugging the grill into the same outlet as her hot tub and it tripped the breaker. She says, 'If I’d read the instructions more clearly, I would have noticed that Ninja suggests that this grill is the only appliance plugged into an outlet at a time. Be mindful of this before you buy, as you wouldn’t want the breaker to trip when you’re halfway through cooking.'

I also struggled with the short cable provided in the box. It's about 4ft long, so I needed to buy a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord to make it work with my backyard setup. But once you're connected, it's easy to slot in the grill plate, grease tray and get grilling with the flick of a switch.

Cooking Performance

Test 1: Grilling and roasting

Alex says, 'For my first run with the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, I decided to grill salmon and yellow squash. I wanted to add some smoky flavor, so I filled up the smoke box with a scoop of the All Purpose Blend pellets. You don’t have to measure the pellets out; the provided scoop is the exact dimensions of the smoke box and there's almost exactly enough for every function.'

'After filling the smoke box, I simply turned the dial to 'Grill' and hit the Woodfire Flavor button. According to Ninja's Recipe Book, I needed to set the temperature to high and the time to 10 minutes. While the grill preheated, I prepared the food. After about ten minutes, the screen read, 'Add Food.' Very quick and intuitive. I could already see smoke billowing around the grill and it smelled fantastic.'

'Even though I set the salmon and squash to cook for ten minutes, I ended up removing the food after seven minutes. It cooked incredibly fast. In fact, I wish I had only set the food to cook for five minutes because the fish was slightly drier on the outside than I preferred. Despite that, the fish was incredibly tasty and moister inside than I expected. There was a delicious smoky flavor to the fish and vegetables that wasn’t overwhelming. The char created by the grill grate was incredible.'

You don't have to use the woodfire pellets with the Ninja grill. I left the smoky meats to Alex, while I experimented with some side dishes to test the grill's versatility. I tried grilling cheeses and peaches without the pellets, and they turned out delicious. I was looking for perfect char lines and gentle caramelization on the peaches, which you can see below.

Test 2: Air Frying

This is the first outdoor air fryer/grill of its kind, so I couldn't wait to try the crisper basket and air fry setting. I tested it with a classic side of frozen French fries. Once the timer reached the halfway point, it told me to flip or shake the food. While I appreciate this intuitiveness in Ninja's best air fryers, I actually preferred checking on the food myself, as this grill cooks much faster than the suggested times. I found that after just ten minutes, my fries were already crispy and evenly cooked.

It's also worth noting that you can't air fry and grill at the same time, so you'll need to stagger ingredients if you're planning to make a meal which combines different cooking techniques.

Test 3: Broiling and baking

Alex broiled some leftover takeaway pizza and baked some delicious-looking cinnamon rolls. She says, 'It was incredibly easy, especially since I didn’t use Woodfire Technology to do so (I don’t think that would have been tasty!) Just as with most of the other cooking functions, the cinnamon rolls cooked a lot faster than I expected, so I’m glad that I checked on them throughout the baking process.'

Test 4: Smoking and Dehydrating

On New Year’s Day, Alex smoked a 1.5lb pork tenderloin. She says, 'The recipe book said it would take 45 minutes to smoke to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. It took about 40 minutes instead, and the result was fantastic. The exterior of the pork loin had caramelized, and the inside was exceptionally juicy. I shared some of the tenderloin with a neighbor who doesn’t usually like eating pork and they said it was the best tenderloin they’ve ever had.'

'I should add that the Woodfire Technology doesn't taste quite like a traditional smoker. There is a marked difference, and fans of hours-long smoked barbecue on traditional smokers shouldn't expect Ninja’s Woodfire Technology to be the same. It’s definitely not, but the Ninja still produces unbelievably tasty meals that are juicy, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone. With this grill, you can enjoy a similar taste without as much time and effort as doing it the old-fashioned way.'

'After this success, I tried to dehydrate round steaks into beef jerky. According to the dehydrate chart in the back of the Ninja recipe guide, beef jerky should take 5-7 hours of dehydrating time in the Woodfire Outdoor Grill. However, it only took two hours for the round steak to become beef jerky, and it tasted so good thanks to the Woodfire Technology. Once the beef jerky was done, I ate it all in one sitting!'

Capacity

The Ninja Woodfire Grill has a family-sized capacity, allowing you to create an entire meal in one go. There's enough room to roast a medium-sized whole chicken and place veggies around it. For grilling, it can accommodate up to four steaks or salmon fillets at a time, with some asparagus on the side too.

It's important to note that you can't air fry your carbs at the same time. A good strategy is to grill your meat first, let it rest, and then use the air fry function for French fries or potato wedges.

For those needing more capacity, Ninja have now released the Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL model. This larger model provides even more space for cooking. It can grill ten burgers at a time, making it more suitable for bigger families or gatherings.

Extra Features

The standard version of the Woodfire Grill is missing a few features. Unfortunately, the version that we tested did not have a built-in thermometer which would have been incredibly helpful during the cooking process.

The XL Pro Connect model (David Beckham's preference) includes two built-in thermometers, Bluetooth and cooking notifications via the Ninja app, so you can sit back and enjoy the cookout. For those who love smart features, this pro version is a great upgrade, while the standard grill remains a solid, budget-friendly choice.

Cleaning

It’s not particularly difficult to clean the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, but it takes a bit of time. Once the grill has cooled down, you must remove the grill grate, crisper basket, and grease tray and wash them by hand. Only the pellet scoop is dishwasher safe. If you have a good-sized sink and washing-up brush, you shouldn’t have a problem cleaning. The removable parts are made from non-stick ceramic coating, so food residue easily slides off and actually, hand-washing is a great way to make your air frying appliances last longer.

To make cleaning the grease tray easier, Ninja suggests covering it with aluminum foil, which allows you to throw away the greasy foil and prevents the tray from being too greasy. The smoke box doesn’t need to be cleaned, but you will have to dump ashes that may still be inside.

I'd also suggest that you clean the inside of the hood with a damp rag each time you’re done cooking, or else grease will build up over time. This is the case with the smoke box – grease has made its way into there and causes the lid to stick a little. Unfortunately, this is such a tight space that it’s very hard to clean with a damp rag. Perhaps an old toothbrush would be a better option.

Design, storage and durability

Although the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is constructed with high-quality materials designed for year-round outdoor cooking, it’s best not to leave it exposed to the elements. The grill’s compact size makes it convenient to store in a garage or large cupboard when not in use.

For those who prefer to keep it outdoors, investing in the grill cover offered by Ninja is a wise choice. The cover enhances the grill's durability by protecting it from weather conditions, helping to maintain its condition and performance over time.

How does it rate online?

On the Ninja website, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill has a 4.7-star rating out of 450 reviews. However, it should be noted that the reviews combine those of the grill I tested and the premium Ninja Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill with Built-in Thermometer and Premium Package. The grills differ only slightly in that the Pro Outdoor Grill has a built-in thermometer and includes additional accessories like a grill cover, veggie tray, and roasting lifters.

On Amazon.com, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill has a 4.7-star rating among 1,362 ratings and is the number one best-seller in Outdoor Grills.

Most reviewers loved this grill. They raved about its portability, how easy it is to clean, and the smoking features. I saw many reviews saying it makes a perfect gift for keen outdoor cooks. The only negative feedback came from those who seem to have a lot of experience with smoking on large traditional smokers. They weren’t always satisfied with the smoky flavor that this grill produces and had some trouble figuring out how to do multi-hour smokes of meat. These comments were very few, but they should be mentioned because it showcases how avid smokers might be too used to smoking the traditional way to like the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill.

If you ask me, I think that this grill and smoker is better designed for beginners or those who want a smoky flavor without the multi-hour-long experience of a traditional smoker.

Should you buy the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill?

We both fell in love with Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill. With a small cup of wood pellets, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill infuses smoke into meats and vegetables as you grill, roast, or dehydrate meats and veggies. And it doesn’t take hours of prep, cooking, or clean up time to do so.

Add in the benefits of being able to air fry, bake, and broil on this grill and it’s a win in the H&G book. Yes, we wish the grill came with a stand, cover and a built-in thermometer, but they can always be bought as additional accessories. Plus, it’s easy to take this grill on the road whether that be a tailgate, camping trip, or a friend’s house. Everyone will be impressed by this grill's cooking capabilities.

The price is affordable too, considering how many things this grill can do. Go ahead and clean out your garage or kitchen of the numerous appliances because the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill can do it all.

FAQS

Who tested this product?

As Reviews Editor, I've spent the past couple of years testing every kind of blender for Homes & Gardens. In that time, I've tried out every well-known brand, and some lesser known ones, and have become something of a specialist, learning to discern not just quality designs, but those that are easy to use, do exactly what they claim (sometimes more), and are durable.

One of the best blenders I've tested, and which makes our list of top buys is the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-IQ which is on sale at Bed Bath & Beyond today at almost half price. It's the lowest price you'll find it for, and it's a true bargain.

It's a serious deal at just $127.49. You can read my review of the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-IQ, but let me tell you a little more here about what you get for your money and why I rate it so highly.

The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-IQ is a three-in-one appliance with a smart Auto-IQ base. In English? That means it has a selection of both blender and food processor modes, with chopping discs and blades that can tackle everything from smoothies to making pastry to shredding and chopping. The 'Auto-IQ' is Ninja's system of preset functions for different tasks. These include one for smoothies, crushing ice, kneading dough, chopping vegetables, and extracting the most nutritional value out of your smoothies and soups. There are also manual buttons for either low, medium, high, or pulse blending or chopping. 

In other words, it's a breeze once you get going to ensure consistent, high quality results every time you use it.

During testing, I used it for everything from making soup (the jug, above, is big enough for four generous bowls) to chopping and shredding vegetables as prep for a sauce (as you can see below); the food processor bowl is 8 cups, large enough for family-sized portions.

But as well as being one of the best food processor combinations I've tried, it surprised me by working as a portable blender, too (the lovely lady below shows how it looks on the base to give you an idea of the proportions). 

Some blenders/food processors are a pain to clean, but I'm happy to report that this Ninja is easy: all removable attachments can go through the dishwasher.

The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-IQ is on the larger size, so if you are looking for a family-sized appliance and have storage for the attachments, this one is for you. I rate it highly, and it this price, it's not to be missed.

Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: which should you buy? If you're in the market for a new multi-cooker, it's likely that you've whittled it down to these two brands. Both are well-respected in their own right, but Instant made its name with its multi-cookers, which is why we have a dedicated guide to the best Instant Pots featuring the Duo, the Pro, and more great options. 

There are fewer iterations of the Ninja Foodi, which is a relative newcomer to the game. These multi-cookers all come with an air frying lid, which is something you'll only find on select Instant Pots. If you're someone who has always wanted to try the best air fryers but would prefer to do your pressure cooking, baking, and air frying in one smart device, there are an increasing number of models for you to choose from.

In this Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi battle, I put the Instant Pot Pro Crisp and the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid multi-cookers head-to-head. Both are some of the latest (and in my opinion, greatest) models from their lineups, with comparable capacities, functions, and styles. 

My verdict? While it's not suitable for every space, the Ninja Foodi is the multi-cooker I'd pick for my kitchen. However, if you're someone who will make good use of the pressure cooker function and sees the air frying setting as a 'nice to have' and not an essential, the Instant Pot will be your best bet. 

Price

The models I tested are incredibly well-matched: both retail for around $250 before discounts. However, if you're asking which is cheaper, Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, the answer is Instant Pot. 

Instant has a huge range of multi-cookers, and on any given day you can pick up the Instant Pot Duo for under $100, and other less flashy Instant Pots often go on sale for around $70. By comparison, the cheapest Ninja Foodi model is the Ninja Foodi FD402, and it's currently down to $199 on Amazon. 

With Black Friday home deals just around the corner, we're expecting some big savings on both Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi multi-cookers, but we'd be surprised if you could buy a Ninja Foodi for less than a more basic Instant Pot. 

Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: design

To make things fair, I took a look at the most comparable models (at the time of testing) from both brands when comparing. These were the Instant Pot Pro Crisp and the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid: both have air fry options, both have 11 cooking modes, and while the Pro Crisp only comes in an 8-quart capacity, you can buy the Ninja SmartLid in either 6.5 or 8-quart capacities. 

The main difference here is that the Instant Pot has two lids: something you'd have found with any Ninja Foodi that can also air fryer. That is until the SmartLid hit the market. Instead of having to switch from a pressure cooker to an air fry lid, you can now just slide the handle on the lid to choose from different cooking modes. This alters the internal functioning of the cooker, meaning you can pressure cook and air fry using just one lid.

Given that my main gripe with the Instant Pot when I tested it in the Instant Pot Pro Crisp review was its hefty storage requirements, I was excited when Ninja created a cooker that wouldn't require me to store an extra lid alongside the cooker. Instant has very recently come out with a single-lid alternative, too, but we're still reviewing that model.

While I didn't have an extra lid to store, the Ninja isn't quite as self-contained as I'd have liked. It comes with an air fry basket and a rack for roasting or steaming. They can't both go inside the cooking pot at once, so you'll still have to find space to store the insert you're not using. Still, it's an upgrade to only have one lid, so when it comes to storage requirements the Ninja is a winner. 

Extra features

The disadvantage of any Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker? That hinged lid. It's something I'd hoped they'd remove when re-designing it for this new line, but unfortunately, the lid SmartLid is still attached to the side of the pot. This means that if you want to cook with the lid up (to brown meat before slow cooking, or to cook off some onions for extra flavor) you'll have to do it in a part of the kitchen without low cabinets. In my kitchen, this is a bit troublesome because I have cabinets over every counter. 

Even if you are cooking with the lid down, you'll need to open it when adding ingredients or stirring your dish. If your kitchen has fewer cabinets or more counters than mine, this won't be such an issue, but I had to do most of my testing from the kitchen table. 

By contrast, the Instant Pot's removable lid meant I could easily fit it onto my counter, and that's despite the taller air frying lid. Simply pull it off using the in-built handle and place it on the resting plate, which comes included with the air fryer to prevent the lid from damaging any surfaces when not. The resting plate is yet another thing to store, but it is a better fit for my kitchen. 

Cooking

Cooking in the Instant Pot and the Ninja Foodi is another well-matched test, but there are some key differences. 

In both models, I pressure-cooked and then air fried a chicken to keep the meat juicy while crisping up the skin. Thankfully, a medium chicken fitted into both models, but the wider pot of the Ninja did mean it was easier to pressure cook in there. Then I had to add it to the air fry basket, which was definitely more of a snug fit as this has to fit inside the main cooking pot. 

Although narrower from the outside, the air fry basket on the Instant Pot actually fitted the chicken very well. However, I did find that the air fry setting wasn't quite as effective as the Ninja when it came to creating a crispy skin. 

I also used both machines to create one-pot pasta dishes that involved browning onions, simmering tomato sauce, and adding pasta to bake a nice brown cheesy top. One thing to note is that it's easier to switch between cooking modes on the Ninja than on the Instant Pot because you will not need to switch lids between uses. When switching your cooking setting on the Instant Pot, it will show a pre-heat or a pressurizing panel that can often take a good few minutes. 

When cooking the chicken I found that it took around ten minutes for the pot to pressurize, and when switching to air fry and adding a browned top of my pasta bake I found that the cheese was already bubbling away when the timer started counting down after pre-heating.  

Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: cooking modes

Both the Instant Pot Pro Crisp and the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid have 11 cooking modes.

For the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, these are: 

• Pressure Cook
• Sauté
• Slow Cook
• Steam
• Sous Vide
• Warm
• Air Fry
• Roast
• Bake
• Broil
• Dehydrate

And for the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid there is:

• Pressure Cook
• Steam & Crisp
• Steam & Bake
• Air Fry
• Broil
• Bake/Roast
• Dehydrate
• Sear/Sauté
• Steam
• Sous Vide
• Slow Cook
• Yogurt
• Keep Warm
• Proof

Both have all the essentials covered, and in my opinion, it's not a number game with these machines. Sure, if you like the sound of making yogurt in a mode that's specifically designed to do that, then opt for the Ninja. However, it's just a pre-set temperature and timer, something you can easily replicate if you opt for the Warm mode on the Instant Pot

Models available

While we directly compared one model from both lines, Ninja and Instant also offer a huge range of additional multi-cookers. 

All of Ninja's multi-cookers also offer an air fryer lid, which is something you will only find in a number of Instant Pot models: 

Whereas the Instant Pot range is a lot more varied in price and features:

Instant Pot vs Ninja Foodi: which should you buy? 

If you've read our full reviews, you'll know that we love both the Instant Pot and the Ninja Foodi, but for very different reasons. 

The Ninja Foodi was the first multi-cooker to add an air fry lid to its machines, bringing a new element to the classic Instant Pot design. However, Instant Pot was quick to follow suit with its own line of Crisp lids that can be fitted onto select models. While both brands make some of the best air fryers we've tested, we think the winner for those who want a smart multi-cooker that can also air fry is the Ninja Foodi.

However, if you want a classic multi-cooker that will allow you to sear, sous vide, slow cook, and pressure cook, the classic design of the Instant Pot and its deeper inner pot is perfectly suited. And if the price is your main priority, we also think the Instant Pot is the smartest choice. 

A summary of this article: NutriBullet excels at creating silky-smooth textures and is a top choice for smoothies. Ninja offers more versatility, featuring ‘total crushing’ blades that easily handle ice and frozen fruit. While NutriBullet focuses on compact, simple operation, Ninja provides more power and specialized attachments for varied tasks like food processing. We recommend NutriBullet for smoothies and Ninja for more powerful, versatile blending.

As someone who is always striving for the perfect smoothie, I’ve spent countless mornings testing blenders in the kitchen, trying to figure out which one truly makes the smoothest, creamiest drink. When it comes to Nutribullet vs Ninja, both brands have something to offer, but they shine in different ways depending on what you want from a blender.

If you're wondering how to choose the best blender for you, I've tested models of all shapes, sizes, and prices across both brands. Here’s my advice on choosing between Nutribullet and Ninja blenders, including tips on which might suit your kitchen, budget, and favorite recipes best.

NutriBullet vs Ninja: At a Glance

For ultra-smooth, single-serve smoothies, choose Nutribullet. Having tested NutriBullet vs Ninja blenders head-to-head, Nutribullet comes out on top. The latest model in the lineup, the Nutribullet Ultra, was able to cut through kale stems, tough pineapple core, and frozen chunks of fruit with absolutely no difficulty.

For large portions, soup, and food processing attachments, choose Ninja. Models like the Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-IQ have multiple speed settings and functions, which can handle pretty much any task you throw at it, without breaking the bank.

For a portable and leak-proof blender, choose Ninja. While we appreciate the budget-friendly Nutribullet Go and love the cooling insulation of the Nutribullet Flip, the Ninja Blast models stand out overall – they handle everything from icy smoothies to homemade pesto and hummus with ease.

If you need more guidance and in-depth testing insight, I've rounded up all my advice on how to choose the best blender into one guide. Here, I compare and contrast all the major brands and provide more bespoke buying advice.

What is Nutribullet Best For?

Nutribullet is famous for making compact, bullet-style blenders – perfect for whizzing up a quick, single-serve smoothie. With just a twist, the best Nutribullet will have your morning smoothie ready in seconds. The newest Nutribullet Ultra model packs the best power, so I can throw in fibrous greens and frozen fruit without worrying about chunks.

Nutribullet’s larger systems, like the Nutribullet SmartSense Combo, for example, come with more versatility and greater capacity, but I have to be honest: in practice, they don’t always blend as consistently as the smaller bullet blenders. Neither option is ideal for dips, as Nutribullets require quite a lot of liquid to achieve a smooth consistency.

For me, Nutribullet shines when I want a fuss-free, single-serve smoothie. I’ve also noticed that its models are discounted quite heavily during national sales, which is always a plus in my book.

What is Ninja Best For?

Ninja also has great single-serve options. I’ve spent a lot of time with the Ninja Blast and Blast Max Portable Blender. The latter is my favorite; it is lightweight, stylish, leak-proof, and crushes ice or leafy greens in seconds. If you're looking for the best portable blender, look no further – Ninja tops our guide.

The brand also stands out for colorful, design-forward blenders, like the NinjaBlendBoss – which looks like an upside-down spaceship. We haven't tested this new release yet, but to my professional eye, it seems to prioritize fun over chef-level blending.

Where Ninja really impresses is with its larger kitchen systems. I’ve used the Ninja Foodi Hot & Cold Blender for everything from soups to dips, and it rarely disappoints. It also makes the best blender food-processor combo, as well as all-singing, all-dancing ice cream makers (see: the Ninja Creami), which can also whip up pro-level milkshakes and açai smoothie bowls. The downside is that these systems are pricey, take up counter space, and sometimes feel like overkill if all you want is a morning smoothie.

If you want the best portable blender or a spacious, ultra-versatile kitchen system, Ninja wins.

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FAQs

Throughout my years of testing and writing about Ninja and Nutribullet, I've had a few common questions roll in from readers. If you have a specific need, budget, or blender recipe in mind, you should find it answered below.

Which Brand is Better Value for Money?

When it comes to comparing NutriBullet vs Ninja for value for money, it really depends on what kind of blender you're after. Nutribullet's portable blenders tend to be slightly cheaper, but its kitchen systems are usually more expensive and not worth the leap, unless they are on sale.

My advice is to wait for Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, or other seasonal deals, and take a look at our reviews for each model (you can find them all in one place, if you click Nutribullet or Ninja). That way, you can see which blender offers the best performance for your budget, and get some money knocked off.

Which Brand is Easier to Use?

Honestly, both Nutribullet and Ninja blenders are easy to use. If I were forced to choose, I'd say Nutribullet's bullet models are the easiest blenders to use. They require no battery charging or fancy programming – you just need to get them out of the box, twist, and go.

Which Brand do the Professionals Use?

As a trained cook myself, I have to admit I've never seen a Ninja blender in a professional setup. But I have seen chefs using the Nutribullet Pro 900 and the Nutribullet Ultra to whip up small portions of dressing, veloutés, and smooth dips. Of course, for larger trickier tasks, chefs bring in the big guns like Vitamix and Thermomix.

Which Brand is Best for Making Frozen Cocktails?

If you’re making single-serve frozen cocktails, occasionally, a powerful NutriBullet will work (just make sure you add enough liquid).

If you’re making larger batches, like a pitcher for a party, then Ninja is the better choice. Its largest and highest spec models unite ice-crushing strength and capacity.

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How We Test NutriBullet Vs Ninja Blenders

We've had hands-on testing time with all the NutriBullet vs Ninja blenders. When reviewing, we crushed ice, blended frozen fruit into thick smoothie bowls, and made green smoothies from fibrous kale and spinach.

Cleaning a blender is a very important part of the user process, so we give props to blenders that can be cleaned in a dishwasher. However, some also come with self-cleaning settings that can prevent ingredients from sticking to the blades of the pitcher. We cleaned every blender by hand to see how easy this was, and whether it felt safe.

You can find out how Homes & Gardens tests blenders on our dedicated page. Our review and testing guidelines provide more insight into our process.

If you know how to clean a Ninja coffee maker, you'll be able to enjoy better-tasting coffee from a machine that will last a long time. It's not a complicated process, but it's an important one, so here are our expert tips for what to do.

You have probably already done some research into how to clean your coffee maker, but Ninja coffee makers have sliding lids and specific reservoirs that might need some more attention. You also can't use vinegar in them, unlike with other coffee makers, so there are plenty of places to innocently slip-up.

As one of the best coffee makers on the market, it's important to keep your Ninja model in tip-top condition to ensure your first serving of the day doesn't disappoint. But what does this process involve? Here, Ninja experts share the only cleaning tips you need to know.

How to clean a Ninja coffee maker

There are no better people to ask than the experts – so we did just that. Here's how the professionals at Ninja maintain their coffee maker after their caffeine kick. You can check how to clean a Keurig coffee maker in our separate guide.

1. Remove the brew basket

The first step involves removing your basket, which is best left until after your brewer has cooled. If you're using pods, the team suggests removing the Ninja Pod Adapter and brew basket before washing the used parts thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Clean the frother whisk

Ninja's experts then suggest cleaning the frother whisk after each use. It is best to hand-wash thoroughly – or place it on the top rack of your dishwasher.

3. Cleanse the carafe and brew-through

After cleaning the milk frother, whisk, and brew basket, it's time to take on the carafe and brew-through lid. Ninja's experts recommend using dish soap and warm water for this step as well.

'Use a bottle brush or cloth to wash the inside of the carafe,' they advise. However, resist the urge to use a wire brush, as this can damage the coffee maker.

For best results, they recommend rinsing the reservoir after each brew and refilling it with fresh water for the next brew.

It's also worth noting that the glass carafe, brew-through lid, permanent filter, brew basket, water reservoir, water reservoir lid, frother whisk, and special Ninja scoop are all things you can clean in a dishwasher.

How to clean the water reservoir

To clean your water reservoir, Ninja's experts suggest emptying your reservoir and hand-washing it or placing it in your dishwasher: 'For a better clean, we recommend placing it in the bottom rack of the dishwasher, standing upright with the opening facing downward,' they say. To keep the reservoir sparkling clean, this should ideally be repeated weekly.

How to clean the sliding lid

Cleaning your sliding lid is an essential part of caring for any espresso machine. Thankfully, this process is simple.

'Open the hinged hood on top of the brewer by pulling up on the left side. Once opened, slide the sliding lid out of the back of the brewer to remove it,' the experts say. They then recommend hand-washing the sliding lid with warm, soapy water before putting the sliding lid back into its tracks and closing the hinged hood.

It's important to note that you can't put your sliding lid in the dishwasher.

What are the best Ninja coffee makers?

We dedicate our days to testing coffee makers and Ninja makes some of the best. These three are our favorites, not just because they're easy to clean, but because they brew delicious coffee too.

FAQs

Can you clean a Ninja coffee maker with vinegar?

No, it is better to avoid cleaning with vinegar. Though it is possible to descale a Keurig with vinegar, this solution can be harmful to the internal parts of your Ninja coffee maker (most notably the rubber gaskets and seals). There is also the risk of a lingering scent that could be detrimental to the taste of your coffee until it passes.

What is the white stuff in my ninja coffee maker?

According to Ninja's official website, if you spot lots of white particles or film inside your coffee maker, these are most likely mineral deposits from the water you're using. Mineral deposits are nothing to worry about, but they can build up over time and negatively impact your machine's usability if left unchecked. If you start noticing these deposits, it's time to clean your machine.

Why does my Ninja coffee maker make cloudy coffee?

The majority of your morning coffee is water, so it's likely that this cloudiness is the result of minerals from your tap water. This is particularly noticeable in areas with “hard” water. To resolve this issue, consider investing in a quality water filter or use bottled water for your morning cup (opt for glass bottles for added green points).

Cloudy coffee could also be the result of grinding your coffee beans for too long. If your beans are too finely ground, they may be passing through the filter and ending up in your mug.

A coffee maker is an essential part of your home coffee station, so it's important to stay on top of machine maintenance. In addition to learning how to clean your machine, it's worth investing in the best cappuccino and espresso cups to take your morning brew to the next level.

While scrubbing up your Ninja products, take some time to clean your Ninja CREAMI, too, if you have one.

The Ninja Max XL is one of the brand's earliest iterations of the air fryer – and one of the most popular models. It was all the rage in 2020, with users showing off the spaceship-style device on Instagram and TikTok, making crispy fries, breakfast bakes, and snacks.

We first tested the Ninja Max XL air fryer in 2022 and we were impressed with the performance. It did an impressive job of cooking bacon and frozen food in record times, setting the standard for the best Ninja air fryers that followed.

However, in 2025, the air fryer industry has developed in leaps and bounds, leaving older models like the Ninja Max XL air fryer in the dust. Today's designs are sleeker and more practical; take the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for example, which has since shot to the the top of our best air fryers list.

While the Ninja Max XL air fryer's circular shape feels old-fashioned and limiting now, we still think the cooking performance is commendable. The ceramic-coated materials have also earned an honorable mention in our guide to the best non-toxic air fryers. In this review, you will see how the Ninja Max XL held up in our professional tests – from French fries to roasted vegetables – with some points of direct comparison with the newer models.

Specifications

First impressions

We tried the Ninja Max XL in the UK, so there are a couple of very slight differences worth noting. In the UK it's known as the Ninja Max AF160UK air fryer, and in the US it's called the Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer.

The only other difference is on the control panel. While the settings work in the exact same way, where the US air fryer has an air broil button, the UK has no alternative, and only features three cooking modes. We don't tend to broil things in the UK, so we were unable to test this setting, but we still tested against the four recipes we use in our air fryer reviews and simply adjusted the settings for timings and temperature.

The product comes in a box with mostly cardboard packaging, which meant we didn't have to feel guilty when disposing of it in the recycling. It has a removable circular tray with an insert that elevates food to allow air to circulate around it for an even cook. This also lifts away, and both this and the interior of the basket are coated in a sturdy non-stick coating.

We noted that the drawers felt secure and slid into place without any difficulty. This felt very high quality, but the silver-coated handle and top of the machine did look and feel quite cheap. Over the course of our extended testing, it has started to flake away. We preferred the matte handles on the newer Ninja Air Fryer Pro – which we tested recently. The design has clearly been updated in response to this issue.

Cooking performance

Test 1: Homemade fries

Our first standard test is making fries. We chopped potatoes into chunky wedges, soaked to remove starch, and then dried and tossed them in a little oil and some seasoning. Making fries from scratch in an air fryer will significantly reduce the amount of fat in your finished meal. We only needed a few tablespoons, and this was split between three different air fryer tests.

To see how well the air fryer can cook on a slightly lower temperature, we set it to 360°F for 18 minutes on air fry mode. Unlike models from competitor brands, like Instant, the Ninja air fryer range has no pre-heat time and no midway reminder to shake your fries when cooking. Despite this, we do recommend shaking your fries to get an even finish, but while it's nice to have a pre-heat time we do find that it is not always necessary when air frying. After all, it only takes a minute or so to pre-heat.

After 18 minutes we were disappointed that our fries were not well cooked at all. Where in some air fryers we still manage to achieve a fluffy inside and crisped outside in this time, the Ninja Max XL needed an extra 10 minutes.

After this, the fries still lacked a crisp coating but were cooked through. Some were a little more cooked than others, but for the most part our fries were even, which is impressive given the smaller basket size of this air fryer. They had a good taste, but we suspected that this is an air fryer that performs better at higher temperatures.

Test 2: Frozen chicken goujons

Air fryers are famously good at cooking food from frozen. This especially applies to breaded food, which can often take a long time in a conventional oven or even one of the best toaster ovens, and will need to be flipped halfway through cooking to prevent any sogginess. Air frying makes this a thing of the past, so we tried out the Max Crisp setting to see how well the Ninja Max XL could cook some frozen chicken goujons.

We tested this air fryer alongside another Ninja model, the Ninja Foodi Dual Basket Air Fryer. This air fryer allows you to adjust the Max Crisp temperature, whereas in the more basic Max XL you cannot change the temperature from a preset 450°F. This sure is effective, but a little overzealous, so you need to keep an eye on your food.

The chicken was done in just nine minutes, when the packaging suggested it would take 25 minutes in an oven. It was very hot all the way through, although the high temperature did overly brown the goujons in some areas. If anything, it was a little overcooked.

Test 3: Bacon

Cooking bacon in air fryer takes minutes, and it often drains out a lot of the fat that renders away from the meat as it cooks, leaving you with crispy rashers and a little less oil.

We noticed that the streaky bacon we used was a little long to fit into the air fryer basket. Square basket air fryers could happily fit 6 or more rashers in one go, but you would struggle to fit more than four in this air fryer without overlapping. This is what gives the new Ninja Air Fryer Pro the edge over its predecessor.

We put the air fryer onto 400°F and set the cooking time to five minutes. The bacon was crispy and delicious, but it would even have benefitted from a little less cooking time. Again, the cooking temperatures on this air fryer is a little overzealous, so you do need to adjust timings accordingly. This is probably due to the small cooking area which means the air fryer pre-heats very quickly.

Plus, the fan is very powerful, as evidenced by our curled bacon. It had clearly been blown around the cooking basket as it cooked, meaning it had folded in places.

Test 4: Roasted vegetables 

Most air fryers come with roasting modes. Is this any different to the air frying mode? You might ask. Fundamentally, no. Air fryers all work like a convection oven, so the main difference will be the preset cooking temperature. In this case it is lower than the air fry mode, which means food will be less crispy but will cook through in a way that is similar to traditional roasting.

We were happy with the roasting in this air fryer. After 15 minutes we were particularly impressed with the slight browning of the sweet potato, which had a lot of flavor. We didn't shake the tray around while cooking either, but due to the slats in the removable insert, the vegetables were cooked quite evenly on all sides.

While other air fryers we have tested struggle to get any browning on the zucchini, we found that the Ninja Max XL Air Fryer did a good job of this, meaning it was effective at removing the moisture from vegetables. This left them still with some crunch, but without any sogginess.

Cleaning

One big advantage of Ninja air fryers is that the removable parts are dishwasher safe. This convenience factor is partly why you'll find the brand in our guides to the best blenders and best food processors, too.

Even if you don't have a dishwasher to clean the removable insert and air fryer drawer, the non-stick coating is very easy to clean by hand. We have guidance on how to clean an air fryer if you wish to clean the heating element and control panel.

How does it compare?

In our opinion, the newer Ninja Pro which has replaced this model in Ninja's lineup stands head-and-shoulders above the old Max XL (although it's actually much shorter and squatter). This latest model smooths out the pain points from the previous design. The cooking times are more accurate, it's sleeker and more refined, easier to use, and the square basket is much more practical. It's also better value for money, retailing at a cool $119 at Ninja Kitchen.

If you're concerned about choosing a non-toxic air fryer, you can rest assured that the newer Ninja Air fryer Pro also has a nano-ceramic coating. As does the new Ninja Crispi, which launched in early 2025 with a glass container and PFAS-free crisper plates. This is actually a good option if you're looking for a small air fryer that fits into petite kitchens. It's portable, too.

For larger families or anyone who needs big capacity, Ninja makes an XL version of the Pro air fryer for around $40 more. This can handle up to 9 lbs (6.5 QT) of wings and provides two more cooking functions (including Bake and Max-Crisp). I also have to recommend Ninja's latest and greatest, space saving design: the Ninja DoubleStack, which is basically like two Ninja Pros stacked on top of each other. It's even more slender on the counter, and you can fit up to four different ingredients on the shelves.

What do customer reviews say?

Customers are thrilled with the crispy food they can create in the Ninja Max XL air fryers. It has scored an average 4.7 stars on Amazon.com, out of a whopping 84,140 global reviews. Most customers mention recipes like French fries, roast potatoes, frozen fish fillets, fried chicken, and tater tots – praising the machine's speed and ease for their favorite comfort foods.

Other reviewers love how easy it is to clean. One customer says: 'As soon as I have finished cooking, I fill it with hot water and washing liquid and leave to cool then just wipe around and it’s clean.' Some customers were frustrated by the size and limiting shape, urging people to size up if they need to feed more than two or three people.

The lowest-scoring reviews mention that it's difficult to get food evenly cooked in the Ninja Max XL. You do have to shake the basket to flip your food and get a consistent finish, but that is no different to the majority of air fryers on the market. Perhaps Ninja's instructions booklet isn't clear enough on this point. However, if flipping frustrates you, we recommend the KitchenAid Digital Toaster Oven with Air Fry – this is one of the few 'no-flip' options out there.

Our verdict

So, should you buy the Ninja Max XL Air Fryer? Well, it still gets the four star rating from our review process. It's easy to use, simple to clean, and works especially well on high temperatures. However, it doesn't perform quite as well as other air fryers on lower temperatures, and the Max Crisp setting is not adjustable, meaning you will be somewhat limited if you want full control of the machine.

This air fryer is one of the noisiest models on the market (at 67 decibels), but it's not so loud that you couldn't speak over it. It cooked frozen food and bacon in record time, but the circular shape of the cooking basket will be best suited to side dishes or smaller servings of meat, as it will struggle to fit in food of certain sizes.

We also found that the look and feel of the air fryer is not our favorite, and it wouldn't be our first choice of air fryer to display in our kitchen. If you find the Ninja Max XL Air Fryer in the sales, it might be worth it, but otherwise, I'd always go for the newer Ninja Air Fryer Pro model instead.

In this Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer review we put Ninja's flagship fryer to the test. Pitting it against a selection of air fryers from the existing Ninja lineup, as well as some of the best air fryers from Instant brands, we were able to directly compare the cooking results against some of the leading air fryers on the market.

A souped-up version of the existing Ninja Foodi DZ201, the DZ401 has a larger capacity and a dial to select your cooking mode, time and temperature, as opposed to relying on buttons either side of the control panel.

We tested the Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer in the UK, where it's known as the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK. There are a few superficial differences, but under the hood it's the same machine no matter where you buy it. Both have fully removable non-stick cooking baskets with non-stick inserts that can go through the dishwasher. 

They also come with six cooking modes, an expansive temperature range of 105°F–450°F (although in the UK this is 40°C-250°C), and two modes that can sync your cooking modes or your cooking time for smart finishes when making complete meals. Here's how it held up in testing. 

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Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer: specs

• Capacity: 10 quarts split between two 5 quart baskets 
• Cooking modes: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate
• Temperature: 105°F–450°F
• Size: 17.1" L X 13.9" W X 12.8" H
• Weight: 19.8 pounds
• Power: 1690 watts
• Cleaning: Nonstick and dishwasher-safe baskets and inserts
• Cord length: 2.6ft

Getting started

The Ninja Foodi DZ401 came in a large box that was, satisfyingly, packaged in mostly recyclable materials. With the exception of a plastic cover that coated the inserts, the air fryer itself, and the instruction manual, everything else was made of cardboard and could happily be recycled. It's available in black at most retailers, but you can also buy it in red, turquoise, and navy at QVC. 

As we said above, we tested the Ninja Foodi DZ401 in the UK, where it is known as the AF400UK. If you're looking for a Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer review, this will answer all of your questions, but with the exception of a few small external differences the Ninja Foodi DZ401 is essentially the same machine. It has the same power, dimensions, capacity, appearance, and temperature range. 

The main difference is the control panel. In the UK it comes with: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Bake. In the US it can Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The only difference is the Max Crisp setting, which is essentially the air frying setting but at at a higher temperature to create added color and crisp. In the US this is replaced with Air Broil, which is high heat broiling but within an air fryer basket, to create a charred effect. So essentially, it's the same function, but with a different name.

The other key difference is the name given to the Match and Sync settings. In the US you can choose between Match Cook and Smart Finish. In the UK these settings are called Match and Sync. Sync will cook two foods at different settings but with the same finishing time, meaning you can set them up at the same time but the second drawer will only start cooking once the first has the same amount of time left needed for them to finish cooking at the same time. This is the same as Smart Finish on the US Ninja DZ401. The Match setting simply replicates the settings you've applied on the first drawer over to the second.

Cooking fries

In every air fryer review we start with homemade fries. To do this I chopped some potatoes into wedge-shaped pieces and then soaked them to remove the starch, dried them off, and tossed them in oil and seasoning. 

We pre-set the air fryer to cook at 360°F for 18 minutes. This fitted well into one cooking basket. The air fryer does not pre-heat like the Instant Vortex Plus 6 Quart 6-in 1 Air Fryer, and I first noticed that it's quite a noisy air fryer at over 80dB. 

The fries required a little extra time, although so did all of the air fryers we tested. After the first 18 minutes my fries came out quite pale, but I felt that it might have taken a lot less time at closer to 400°F. After 25 minutes the fries were well browned and even. 

There was no reminder to shake mid-way through the cooking cycle but I would recommend doing this to make sure that there is no uneven cooking. 

I also noticed that the drawers were very smooth to insert and take out of the air fryer, making the machine feel very high-quality to use. The baskets clicked right into place with no trouble or extra pressure needed. 

Cooking frozen food 

Air fryers do a brilliant job of cooking frozen breaded food. The Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer was no exception. I cooked some pre-made chicken strips with a breaded coating to see how well they could crisp up the exterior of the chicken. 

I tested this by using the maximum heat of the air fryer, 460°F, and set the air fryer up to cook for 12 minutes. 

Even 12 minutes was too much time, and I was happy with how the chicken was cooked after just nine minutes. It was very crisp outside, perhaps even a little burnt in some places, and steaming hot inside. 

This just goes to show how fast this air fryer can cook when you amp it up to high heat or use the Air Broil mode. The Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer does go up in ten-degree intervals, whereas an Instant air fryer goes up in individual degrees. 

Roasting vegetables 

Air fryers come with modes that can roast and bake as well as air fry. To test these, I made some roasted vegetables as a delicious and healthy side dish. Vegetables come with a high level of moisture naturally, which will mean it's harder to crisp them up inside an air fryer or even the best toaster oven. 

This is a good test of evenness. The Ninja Foodi MAX XL we tested didn't do the best job of this, but the Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer did impress. Although some vegetables were more cooked than others, this is to be expected when cooking zucchini and onion, which have different moisture levels. Across the finished basket, everything was cooked in just 15 minutes at 370°F.

Cooking bacon

We cook bacon when testing to see how evenly the air fryer cooks, and to test how strong the fan inside the air fryer is. Especially with streaky bacon, the internal fan in an air fryer can cause it to move around the air fryer tray when cooking. 

I was pleased that my bacon fitted perfectly into one cooking drawer. It was well-shaped to take up to five rashers, although I stuck to three. 

The bacon came out evenly rendered and crisp on both sides with no need to turn. After just five minutes at 400°F, the bacon was actually a little overcooked. It was also obvious that it had been blown around the cooking basket. It did not come out in straight rashers but rather curled up and quite hard, a sign that it was overcooked. 

If you do cook bacon in this air fryer, be prepared for it to be cooked in as little as three minutes!

Cleaning

This air fryer is a dream to clean. Just remove the inserts and the trays and put them through the dishwasher. The Instant Vortex Plus 6 Quart 6-in 1 Air Fryer outperformed this Ninja model with fries and bacon, but its basket cannot go through the dishwasher, which is a big setback. It also marked easily, but the Ninja Foodi DZ40 did not have this problem thanks to the dial and physical buttons, as opposed to the Instant air fryer's touchscreen. 

Should you buy the Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer is a very large air fryer. It's perfectly suited to large households or those who find their solitary air fryer lacking. A dual drawer design does seriously change the cooking options in your home, because you can cook two elements of a meal at once, but note that with the cooking controls on the Ninja Foodi DZ401 I did find that there was a bit of a learning curve. Perhaps it's just me, but I found it easy to confuse the Match and Smart Finish settings. 

I also noted the lack of shake reminder or pre-heat settings with this air fryer, which is something that could impact the precision of your cooking times. However, it's a speedy choice with a very high maximum temperature that can crisp up frozen food in under ten minutes. That's really impressive. Plus, cleaning was a breeze.  

About this review, and the reviewer

Millie Fender is our Editor for all things small appliances at Homes & Gardens. She spends a lot of time testing everything from toasters to air fryers in her own apartment and recommending the very best ones to readers. 

Millie put this air fryer to the test for a number of weeks to make fries, bacon, and roasted vegetables. She will keep this review updated with any thoughts on how it compares to other models on the market.

For those who are new to the world of food processors, an appliance like the Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor is a great entry-level option. This moderately priced model offers a middle-of-the-line capacity and comes with standard attachments like a chopping blade and shredding/slicing disc, and it’s simple and approachable enough for beginners—or simply anyone who doesn’t want or need a fancy food processor. 

When put next to some of today’s more expensive food processors, the Ninja Professional Plus may lack bells and whistles, but its simple, straightforward design is a great option for many kitchens. It can hold up to 9 cups of ingredients in its work bowl, and thoughtful design features like a locking lid and Auto-iQ preset buttons make it easy and enjoyable to use. However, is it too basic to be considered one of the best food processors?

To get a sense of this appliance’s performance, we tested the Ninja Professional Plus alongside other popular food processors like the Cuisinart Custom 14 and Nutribullet 7-Cup Food Processor. I spent several weeks using all its different attachments and settings, and while the design does have a few quirks, I ultimately think it’s a great basic option for everyday applications. 

Ninja Professional Plus specs: 

• Power: 1000W
• Capacity: 9 cups
• Size: 7.76 x 9.88 x 16.02 inches
• Weight: 7.65 pounds
• Included: Chopping blade, dough blade, reversible slicing and shredding disc, 20-recipe inspiration guide

Unboxing

As I took the Ninja Food Processor out of its box, I couldn’t help but notice just how much packaging was in it. There were pieces of styrofoam, cardboard supports, and lots of little plastic bags. It definitely seemed excessive for a fairly small appliance.

Overall, this food processor is an average size and comes with standard accessories. In addition to a 9-cup work bowl, it includes a chopping blade, reversible slicing/shredding disc, and an all-plastic dough blade. It was extremely straightforward to set up, and the unit is lightweight enough that it can easily be moved around your kitchen as needed.