This is our Exclusive Review. User Reviews are found here.
Unlike a lot of the current blog reviews around, we actually went out and bought our Ninja Master Prep, direct from main the website. Most of the reviews that have been popping up so far have consisted on reviews by people who were given a free machine in exchange for the publicity.
While these reviews are often completely legitimate, we hope that by purchasing our own Master Prep, our reviews will be completely honest and free of any bias.
“Rule the kitchen” is the slogan. Well, like most people thinking of buying one of these, I already rule my kitchen. The question is, can it help me do new things or save time, and is it easy enough that I might convince my lazy spouse to use it?
The Ninja consist of the “Master Pod” (the motor) and two seperate two containers. First is the “Mini Master Prep” which is a two cup processor and the “Master Prep Pitcher,” a forty ounce blender primarily used for making smoothies and other cold or frozen beverages.
Inside the containers are the two removable blades (two separate blades which is pretty unique). The containers also have individual sports for easy pouring and a tubberwareish storage lid.
To start my test, I did what it seems most people start off with – chopping an onion. Basically, you press the pulse button till you get the consistency you want. I was concerned that the line between huge chunks and complete mush would be too small to get correctly. I was wrong and presently surprised. Evenly chopped Onion with no tears!
Since I now had chopped onion, I figured it was just as well to make Salsa! Chopping of Tomatoes, Peppers, Celery (yes, I put Celery in Salsa) went as well as the onion. Throw in a few spices and I had one of the easiest Salsas I had ever made.
I also stored my leftovers in the container as recommended, it worked as good as my usual storage plastic.
On to the Blender then. If you`ve seen the commercial, than you know you want to make Snow. “Blasts ice into fluffy snow to make restaurant-style drinks in just seconds.” Really? Let`s try it then. Even better, it actually worked. No crappy snow cone full of huge pebbles of ice. It can honestly help you make some of the best frozen drinks you`ve ever had – at least in terms of consistency
I`m thinking the dual blades are what allow it to make such nice snowy ice. Other blenders generally have a single blade, so this is my guess as to what sets the Master Prep apart.
Size wise, I found the blender pitcher more than big enough for making drinks for a large group. I probably could have used a bigger prep, but then again I have a larger than normal family.
Since I first tried the Ninja out, I`ve used it a ton more. Mostly to chop all sorts of vegetables for whatever meal I`m making for supper, but also for stuff like chicken salad sandwiches and meatpies.
As of now, I have no complaints and there are really no negatives. It`s easy to use and preforms as advertised. For $50.00 it actually works as well as much more expensive kitchen appliances. For example, we have a $200.00 food processor we bought when we had our first child. I think we`ve used it maybe four times in as many years. The thing is just too damn cumbersome and has too many pieces. Meaning that no one wants to use it because of the cleanup, or as often, can`t use it due to a missing piece.
At the end of the day, I`m not sure if I`ll keep using it day in and day out – I don`t mind cutting vegetables by hand, and nobody wants a strawberry daiquiri every day. However, and it`s a big however, I`m pretty sure I`ll use it more than enough over the next year to get my $50.00 worth, and the things seems well made enough that I would expect it to have a much longer lifespan.
Bottom line – if you can see yourself using the Ninja Master Prep, you won`t be disappointed.
I`ll update this post as I continue to use the Prep, but in the meantime please share your reviews here.
