Ninja Combi™ All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, and Air Fryer Bundle
Summary of Customer Reviews
The Ninja Combi™ All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, and Air Fryer Bundle has received mixed feedback from users, reflecting both its impressive features and notable drawbacks. Many users appreciate the convenience of having multiple cooking functions in one device, including air frying, baking, and slow cooking. Positive reviews highlight the Ninja Combi’s versatility, its ability to make cooking easier, and its suitability for preparing complete meals quickly. Customers particularly enjoy the crispiness of the air frying function and its usefulness for a range of dishes, from toast to full family meals. The device’s stainless steel design and ease of cleaning are also praised by several users.
However, there are a significant number of negative reviews pointing out various flaws in the product’s design and performance. Issues such as defective units being delivered, complex controls, and challenges with using the multi-cooking features have frustrated many buyers. Some users received units that were damaged or appeared used, contributing to their dissatisfaction. There are also complaints about the Ninja Combi’s bulkiness and inconvenience when handling hot components. Overall, the Ninja Combi appears to excel for those seeking a multi-purpose kitchen appliance, but its learning curve and potential quality issues have left some users disappointed.
Pros
- Versatility: The Ninja Combi™ can replace multiple kitchen appliances, allowing users to air fry, bake, broil, steam, and more with one device. A user mentioned, “This thing is magic! Love being able to cook a full meal at one time without hovering over a stove!” Its multifunctionality makes it a practical choice for those who want to save counter space and reduce the need for multiple cooking gadgets.
- Ease of Cooking: Allows for complete meals to be prepared in one go, cutting down on cooking time. Busy families and working professionals find this especially useful. As one user stated, “This is my go-to cooking appliance for everything. It is super easy to use, does everything that a conventional oven can do in a quarter of the time.” The ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously is a huge time saver, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is limited.
- Stainless Steel Interior: Several users highlighted the stainless steel interior as a major advantage, which makes the product easy to clean and maintains a sleek look. One reviewer commented, “Thank you NINJA for giving us a stainless steel inside that is easy to keep clean.” The stainless steel not only enhances durability but also provides a hygienic cooking environment, which many users appreciate.
- Crispiness: The air frying function is loved by users for delivering crispy and evenly cooked food. “The air fryer function, in particular, delivers crispy, evenly cooked food without excessive oil,” one review noted. This feature is particularly attractive for those looking to prepare healthier meals without compromising on taste or texture. Users have reported excellent results when cooking a variety of items, from French fries to chicken wings.
- Convenient Size: While not exactly compact, it has enough space to make dinner for the whole family while still being small enough to fit comfortably on a countertop. A customer mentioned, “Small and compact, easy to use.” The size is perfect for those who need a balance between capacity and space efficiency, making it versatile enough for both small and larger households.
Cons
- Quality Issues: Many users received damaged or defective units, such as cracked exteriors, faulty lights, or broken parts straight out of the box. For instance, a user said, “Delivery box was severely damaged and had holes everywhere. Cooker was dusty, dirty, and broken.” These quality control issues have been a significant source of frustration, leading to numerous returns and replacements. Users feel that the manufacturer should improve packaging and inspection processes to avoid such issues.
- Difficult to Clean: The design of the top heating elements makes it challenging to clean the interior after cooking certain foods. One reviewer pointed out, “It is terrible to clean the inside of the appliance, every meat I cooked is tough, it takes up a lot of space, and can’t be stored under the cabinet due to steam released.” The difficulty in cleaning is compounded by the design of the heating coils, which are hard to reach and can accumulate grease over time. Users recommend cleaning the appliance immediately after use to avoid buildup.
- Complex Controls: The various cooking modes and controls can be confusing for beginners. The multi-cook feature, in particular, was reported to be difficult to master. One user commented, “The combi is a good air fryer, but to me it’s very hard to multi-cook a meal. I’ve tried a couple of times and the meal was horrible.” The complexity of the controls means that new users may need to spend time experimenting with different settings to achieve the desired results. Some users suggested that a more detailed instruction manual or tutorial videos could help alleviate this problem.
- Bulky Design: Despite its usefulness, the Ninja Combi’s size and bulk can be inconvenient for some kitchens, making storage a challenge. One customer noted, “The item was not as I thought it would be. It’s bulky and looks like a cube.” The bulky design also makes it difficult to move the appliance around, especially for those with limited counter space. Users with smaller kitchens may struggle to find a permanent spot for it, which can be a major drawback.
- Heating Issues: There are reports of inconsistent heating and long preheat times. “The timer doesn’t actually start until the steam begins, which can often be an extra 10 minutes, making the 30 minutes listed for the timer quite misleading,” a reviewer shared. This inconsistency has led to some dishes being undercooked or overcooked, which can be frustrating for users trying to prepare meals efficiently. Additionally, the prolonged preheat time can be inconvenient, particularly when users are in a hurry.
Who Should Buy It?
The Ninja Combi™ All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, and Air Fryer Bundle is best suited for individuals or families looking to replace multiple kitchen appliances with a versatile, space-saving option. It’s ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods—from air frying and baking to steaming—and are comfortable with a bit of a learning curve. This product is particularly great for busy households that want to prepare quick meals without using multiple devices. It can simplify meal preparation and reduce cleanup time, which is a major advantage for those with hectic lifestyles.
However, those who are looking for an appliance that is simple to operate right out of the box or who have limited kitchen space might want to consider other options. The Ninja Combi™ may not be the best choice for individuals who prefer straightforward cooking appliances without the need to navigate through multiple settings and features. Additionally, the bulky design may be a dealbreaker for those with very small kitchens or limited counter space.
Do Users Recommend It?
The reception of the Ninja Combi™ is highly mixed. Many users recommend it for its multifunctionality and ability to simplify cooking, especially for those with hectic schedules. They love its capability to deliver crispy and delicious food without needing multiple gadgets, and they appreciate the overall design and ease of use for certain features. Users have found it particularly helpful for making weeknight dinners more manageable, as it allows them to prepare a full meal with minimal effort.
However, some users are dissatisfied due to quality control issues and challenges related to complexity and size. The product’s performance can be outstanding, but the risk of receiving a defective unit or struggling with the controls is a concern that potential buyers should keep in mind. The mixed reviews highlight the importance of understanding the product’s limitations before making a purchase. While it can be a fantastic addition to the kitchen for the right user, it may not be suitable for everyone. Prospective buyers are encouraged to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider their specific needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the Ninja Combi™ is a powerful kitchen tool that offers a wide range of cooking options, but it comes with some caveats. For those willing to invest the time in learning how to use it effectively and who can overlook potential quality issues, it could be an excellent choice that brings convenience and versatility to their cooking routine. For others, the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits, making it essential to evaluate whether this product aligns with their cooking style and kitchen setup.
Customer Reviews
Updated on 1 September, 2024
A great upgrade from the Ninja Speedi. More versatile and easier to use.
I am a Ninja fan and have, or have had the majority of their products. I also tend to research their products before I buy them in an effort to avoid duplication of functionality. I did buy the Ninja Speedi thinking it would be nice to cook a couple of foods at one time. I did use the Speedi a couple of times. Once to steam and crisp a whole chicken and once to air fry French fries. Both came out very well. The problem I had with the Speedi was that cooking two foods required one to be below the other and there was no way to monitor each food being cooked, and there was too much trial and error.
This Combi oven is basically an upgraded Speedi cooker that is much more versatile and, in my opinion, easier to use. It has the same functions and settings as the Speedi, but the ability to open a door on the front presents a whole new world of possibilities. I have used this cooker a few times since I got it and have not yet explored all the possibilities.
So, what do I love about this cooker/oven.
1) It opens from the front and has a window to view food as it cooks.
2) The steam and crisp function should be called a steam and brown function. I have used this function to reheat meats, such as leftover roast, chicken, etc. that had been frozen and thawed. The steam keeps the meat moist, and an external thermometer keep it from being over cooked.
3) It works great as an air fryer as did the Speedi.
4) The steam and crisp works as well as my more expensive Anova oven to cook leftover meats and for fish filets. For this, I use a Meater thermometer to monitor internal temperature. The steam and crisp also works well for refreshing stale bread and rolls, especially French bread. The result is a soft inside and a crispy crust.
5) This oven is large enough to cook a 5 lb. chicken using the steam and crisp. For this purpose, an external thermometer should be used as the suggested times in the manual tend to overcook the chicken.
6) Other than taking 7 minutes to build steam for the steam and crisp function, this oven does not require preheating.
7) What I have cooked in this oven so far is done surprisingly faster than in my other ovens.
8) The ability to reheat proteins, full meals, and casseroles without drying them out or changing the texture of the food is worth it’s weight in gold.
As with most new cooking appliances, there is a learning curve. Getting recipe ideas from the provided recipe book is a good way to get familiar with the capabilities of the Combi Oven. It should also be noted that recipes for the Speedi will work as well in this oven. Once you become familiar with this oven, it becomes easier to plan your own dual level meals. For the dual level meals that cook rice or pasta in the bottom pan, you still need to use a different bowl for serving. I sometimes use Rica-a-Roni or Knorr pasta sides that I can cook in the microwave in the serving bowl and not dirty another pan.
Overall, I very much like this cooker over the Speedi and would recommend it if it supplies the functions you need. I will update this review if my opinion changes, and hope this review was helpful for you.
- 232
- 0
There's a learning curve
This thing is massive. I had a Ninja Foodie before and even though I was still using it I decided to replace it with this one. That actually meant rearranging my 1950’s kitchen because it would not fit on my counter because it is a LOT taller than the foodie.
There is a learning curve to cooking with this. There are so many combinations and each one works a bit differently. Not only are there so many variations the time to cook things is different. For example, if you bake something combi bake you’re supposed to do it for 25% less time than normal – I learned this the hard way by burning the outside of my chicken.
I did make the meatloaf loafs borrowing bits and pieces from the included recipe book and they came out really good, almost crispy on the outside and moist in the middle.
When you air fry you do not have to pre-heat but you do have to add extra time at the end to account for this. If you use the tray inside the pan that is recommended it is nice because it gets both the top and bottom of the items you’re frying but it also means you can’t fit as much in the pan.
This is going to take me a little more practice to get it down but I feel like when I do it will be a well used appliance in the house.
My only complaints right off the bat are
– I wish they included more recipes in the included book, there are quite a few but really only 4 or 5 per cooking style and because this is so new there aren’t really any recipes online yet.
– The switch to go from combi cook to air fry is really hard to read because it is silver against gray. It might just be the lighting in my kitchen but both my husband and myself have a hard time reading it.
Good things:
It cooks quick
It is very quiet – especially compared to the foodie
Air fry is very crisp and no preheat
You can cook a whole meal all at once – it’s just going to take me time to figure out the right combinations
- 91
- 0
One to rule them all
We purchased this to replace our Ninja pressure cooker all in one, which will still use when we need to pressure cook things or slow cook things but man can you cook a lot of protein in this guy and boy howdy is it cool to be able to cook rice and pasta without thinking too hard about it. I’ve been very excited to receive this and it definitely exceeds expectations!
- 49
- 0
Best Investment
I Don’t leave reviews, but let me tell you if you are a busy mom like me , work all day and then have to come home to cook full meal . This is a game changer. You can cook full meals in 15 mins. I have done rice , pasta, ribs, chicken and even baked cookies. Don’t think about it twice and buy one.
- 48
- 0
I'm Down Sizing and Need Counter Height Appliances
Disclaimer: I received this item for free from the Vine program. I didn’t get paid for the review and, in fact, I Pay 45% in Federal and State Income Taxes for each item. I apologize that I don’t include pictures but I have a genetic trait that causes my hands to shake.
I’m a 74 year old widow, who lives alone, and not that much into cooking for myself. I no longer want to lean into the oven and pull out heavy pans while I’m straddling the oven door. I’m in a large, custom-built home that had only “their” below counter storage plan, not mine. My body is riddled with arthritis and my back suffers from osteoporosis and stress fractures. I have a very difficult time getting down, on my hands and knees, to grab the pots and pans, and various small appliances. And Yes! I must now struggle to get off the floor and back on my feet.
I’m hoping the Ninja SFP701 Combi All-in-One Unit will be my answer. This Unit can cook large quantities or can handle recipes cut in half. I do love leftovers so having excess is no problem. Using the Ninja SFP701 Combi All-in-One reminds me when I purchased my first microwave oven in 1980, the ones that were huge in size, weighed a lot, and cost about one half of a month’s salary. The Microwave came with a very limited number of recipes and I actually took classes held in people’s homes.
So, I’m overwhelmed by the Ninja SFP701 Combi All-in-One that comes with a few recipes and a sheet with suggestions for building my own Combi Meals. After cooking for over 60 years, I still like to read recipes and I’m no longer that creative. My kitchen area is still under “construction” as I abandon the stovetop/oven, toss aside the toaster, toaster oven, multitude of casserole dishes, the everything pressure cooking pot, duplicate and triplicate of various cooking utensils, and eliminating most of my pots and pans. In the meantime, I’ll search for recipes that look good and appropriate videos.
- 45
- 0
Ninja Combi gets 5 Stars!
I could not wait to give this Review! I could not be more pleased about the Ninja Combi. Seriously, so easy to use. The step by step Delicious Recipes and easy directions as to which function button(s)to push rates this product #1 in my book. It’s very attractive in appearance and does not take up a lot of room, yet I can prepare a large meal in no time. I Love It and highly recommend it.
- 38
- 0
Beautiful, well designed air fryer/multicooker
A very nice multi-cooker that I will be using to replace my air fryer and small oven with! I love that it serves as a large size air fryer/oven, can cook combi-meals within 15-20 minutes, steam vegetables at the same time as cooking proteins, the list goes on. I am excited to use this to bake cookies etc. during the holidays!
Here are some thoughts on this overall:
Likes:
– Very easy to use touchpad
– Smooth handle to open and close
– attractive, compact design
– comes with 3 trays for multipurpose use and are very easy to clean
– large enough with good amount of space
– multi-purpose!
– evenly air fry/heat
Some drawbacks:
– Interior height is about 5.5in — I wish it was just an inch taller on the inside to maneuver the trays easier
– having to open the door then pull out the trays to check the food sometimes — making sure I have a mitten whenever I use this
– so far I notice the smell of salmon can permeate the room when air frying, the smell is much more noticeable than other air fryers I’ve used, though it is similar when cooking stovetop
I definitely recommend this Ninja Combi Multicooker. It is my 2nd favorite appliance in my kitchen, right behind my espresso machine!
- 36
- 0
Needs more helpful recipes
Need more recipes to learn how to make combi meals. If you aren’t careful you will ruin dinner in this cooker it’s really time consuming when making combi meals.
- 36
- 0
It's not love for us
Boy is this a tough one to write. We love our Ninja products in our home. But this is the first that just wasn’t love.
My husband and I enjoy cooking and make things from scratch as much as we can with four little ones running around the house. This cooker just didn’t make quality enough combinations for us. Sure, the meals were fine. Sort of like what you’d expect a tv dinner to be. But cooking the two different types of things in this made at least one of them just slightly not as good as it could have been. And the amount of pasta or rice it made was sooo much, even for my family of six. We found that we had to adjust those amounts significantly. The portion sizes didn’t work well for us. Flavors were fine and could easily be tweaked, textures were slightly off pretty often. Not to mention the top tray is SO difficult to clean. Especially after chicken.
Oh, I wanted to love this machine. What a neat idea. I think for others who really rely on simpler meals that require less prep (and don’t mind a bit of repetition) that this could be a game changer. Just wasn’t a winner for us. I wouldn’t consider us picky eaters by any means. But man, we love good food and would rather put in the extra effort (or just use our Foodi).
- 33
- 0
The inside is too compact and scraping marks
I prefer the ninja speedi over the ninja combi I think the height should be wider on the inside of the oven and sautéing would be more complex for ex. If u Needed to chop hamburger it’s not worth the price. The bottom button area scrapes on bottom when sliding pan in and out making marks on big pan on inside of the bottom unit and u can hear it scraping when sliding the pan in and out from the lowest level design flow
- 33
- 0