The Ninja Foodi Blender & Soup Maker: A Seasonless Culinary Companion
The Ninja Foodi Blender & Soup Maker promises versatility, making it a tempting addition to any kitchen. But does it deliver on its all-season appeal? I put it to the test, focusing on its soup-making capabilities and overall performance. Available directly from Ninja or retailers like AO.com, it currently boasts a compelling sale price, making it even more attractive.
My primary interest lay in its soup-making prowess; crafting homemade soups from scratch can often be time-consuming. This appliance, however, simplifies the process dramatically. With a capacity of 1.7L for cold liquids and 1.4L for hot, it’s surprisingly spacious. The splash-free lid, featuring an integrated measuring cup, adds a significant touch of convenience, while safety mechanisms ensure the blending stops if the lid is removed – a crucial safety feature for any kitchen appliance.
The appliance’s standout feature is its simultaneous blending and cooking capabilities. This allows for the creation of both smooth and chunky soups, catering to diverse preferences. To get started, I utilized the included recipe booklet, opting for the tomato and basil soup.
Tomato and Basil Soup Recipe: A Hands-On Experience
The recipe was remarkably simple. I began by quartering a small onion and placing it in the appliance. The ‘chop’ function swiftly diced the onion into manageable pieces. Next, I selected the ‘sauté’ function, which gently cooked the onions for about five minutes. After this, I added two 400g tins of peeled tomatoes, 250ml of chicken stock, half a teaspoon of dried basil, and 80ml of double cream. With the ‘cook’ function set to high, I let the appliance work its magic for 15 minutes.
The result? A piping hot, flavorful mixture. A one-minute blend transformed it into a smooth, creamy soup that tasted far superior to many restaurant versions. Remarkably, the entire process, from chopping to blending, was completed within the appliance. The cost? A mere 40p per portion, yielding more than four servings, making it ideal for batch cooking and freezing. Adjusting the blending time allows for creating a chunkier consistency, perfectly suited for recipes using vegetables like celery and carrots.
Beyond Soups: Unleashing its Versatility
The Ninja Foodi’s capabilities extend far beyond soup. It effortlessly blends cold ingredients to create smoothies, fresh sauces, homemade jams, milkshakes, and even desserts. The included self-cleaning function, although requiring a pre-rinse to remove stubborn residue, is a welcome addition. Simply add water and washing-up liquid, and the appliance cleans itself in approximately six minutes.
Value and Comparison to Competitors
While slightly pricier than some competitors, the Ninja Foodi’s versatility justifies the £149.99 price tag (currently reduced to £129 on the Ninja website). Its year-round usability surpasses the limitations of single-purpose soup makers. For comparison, the Lakeland Touchscreen Soup Maker is currently on sale for £94.99, the Daewoo Soup Maker for £37.99 at Robert Dyas, and the Morphy Richards Soup Maker for £66 at AO.com.
Final Verdict: A Smart Investment?
The Ninja Foodi Blender & Soup Maker is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a time-saving, versatile culinary tool that simplifies cooking and elevates your meals. While the price point is higher, its year-round usefulness, ease of use, and impressive performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium, all-in-one blending and cooking solution. The current sale price sweetens the deal, making it an even more compelling option. Its cleaning could be improved, but overall its efficiency and quality far outweigh this minor issue.
