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.
