Hello, fellow senior enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a detailed review of a kitchen gadget that’s been making waves – the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer. This versatile appliance promises to simplify your cooking experience, and we’re here to find out if it lives up to the hype.
When I first received my Ninja Speedi I was worried that it was going to be too large. But, it has quickly become a staple in my culinary routine, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you in this review.
What Is The Ninja Speedi?
The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a steamer, baker, roaster, searer, dehydrator, sauté pan, slow cooker, sous vide feature, and more. With its 6-quart capacity and 12-in-1 functions, it promises to deliver quick and delicious meals in just 15 minutes.
Video: Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer Review
Unboxing the Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer
Right out of the box, the Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer impresses with its sleek design and suburb packaging. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into its construction.
As I mentioned above when I first received it I thought the Ninja might be too large for me, but my thoughts quickly vanished. In fact, if you have a large family it may be too small.
Key Features of the Ninja Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer
- 12-in-1 Functions: This cooker offers a wide range of cooking options, including steam, bake, roast, sear, sauté, slow cook, sous vide, and more. It covers almost every cooking method you may need in your kitchen.
- Rapid Cooking: The Speedi Rapid Cooker utilizes advanced heating technology to cook meals faster than traditional methods, helping you save time and energy.
- Uses up to 75% less fat when using the air fry function vs. traditional deep frying
- Even Heat Distribution: The unit features a unique design that ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked meals every time.
- 6-Quart Capacity: With its generous capacity, you can prepare large family meals or multiple dishes at once.
- Intuitive Controls: The control panel is user-friendly, featuring simple buttons and a digital display for easy operation.
- Multiple Safety Features: The cooker includes built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off, overheating protection, and a cool-touch exterior to prevent accidents in the kitchen.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 14.1 x 13.8 x 12.4 inches
- Suggested Capacity: Up to 4 Chicken Breasts and 1 lb pasta
- Functions: 12-in-1
- Color: Sea Salt Gray
- Control Panel: Digital display and intuitive buttons
- Safety Features: Automatic shut-off, overheating protection, cool-touch exterior
The 12 Functions:
- Air Fry
- Bake/Roast
- Broil
- Dehydrate
- Proof
- Sear/Saute
- Slow Cook
- Sous Vide
- Speedi Meals
- Steam
- Steam and Bake
- Steam and Crisp
What Comes In The Box
- 6-qt non-stick Cooking Pot
- Multi-Functional Crisper Tray
- Owner’s Guide
- Build Your Own Speedi Meals -1 Page
- Quick Start Guide & Recipe Book – 69 pgs
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Versatility: The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer offers a comprehensive range of cooking functions, making it suitable for a variety of dishes and cooking styles.
- Rapid Cooking: With its advanced heating technology, this cooker significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals quickly.
- Even Heat Distribution: The unit’s design ensures that heat is evenly distributed, resulting in consistent cooking results.
- Generous Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for families or individuals who enjoy batch cooking or hosting gatherings.
- User-Friendly Controls: The intuitive control panel makes it easy to navigate and select the desired cooking function.
- Safety Features: The built-in safety features provide peace of mind and prevent accidents in the kitchen.
What Could Be Improved
- Bulky Design: The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer has a relatively large footprint, which may require ample counter or storage space.
- Learning Curve: Some users may find it necessary to spend time experimenting with the various functions and settings to achieve the desired results.
What People Are Saying
Customers who have purchased the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer generally appreciate its versatility and the time-saving benefits it offers. Many users have praised its ability to cook meals quickly and its even heat distribution.
Some customers have mentioned that the learning curve associated with using all the functions can be steep initially, but they found it worthwhile after gaining familiarity with the appliance.
Verdict: The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is a valuable addition to any kitchen, especially for those seeking versatility and time-saving convenience. Its wide range of cooking functions, even heat distribution, and safety features make it a reliable and efficient cooking companion.
My Experience
I purchased the Ninja Speedi about 2 months ago, initially thinking it was too big, but it quickly proved to be the right size. If you have a larger household, and depending on the size of your family’s appetites, it may be too small. Ninja suggests that the Speedi is for feeding up to 4.
I started with the slow cooker feature and it worked well, but I primarily bought it for other functions. The included recipe book didn’t have the type of recipes I was looking for, but I found the Burrito Bowl recipe to be a favorite.
I struggled at first to use the Speedi effectively. However, joining a few Facebook groups and watching YouTube recipes helped me settle in. People in the Facebook groups are very helpful with answering questions as well as posting recipes. I’ve also found searching youtube great for recipes demonstrated by those who have more experience with the Speedi.
The fried chicken I made was amazing, not using any oil it crisped up perfectly. The absence of a pressure cooking setting is worth noting, unlike the Ninja Foodi.
What I would like to have improved is how the lid of the Speedi opens upward (as shown above) so I need to pull it out from under the cupboard to open it up but that isn’t too much of an issue. Maybe, one day they will come out with a model where the lid slides open, but that is my wish nothing put out by the manufacturer.
I also wish there was a better way to clean the inside top of the lid where the coil and fan blades are. However, the dishwasher-safe cooking pan and crisper plate make cleanup simple. For the interior, steaming with water and lemon juice for 20 minutes followed by a wipe down has been effective.
Do be sure to use silicone utensils to prevent scratching.
Though I struggled at first and have more to learn, I no longer use any other cooking appliance other than the occasional microwave to heat something up. Another unexpected bonus is that I very rarely eat out or pick up fast food.
Summary
The Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is a 6-quart capacity appliance that offers 12-in-1 cooking functions, allowing you to steam, bake, roast, sear, sauté, slow cook, sous vide, and more. Its rapid cooking capabilities and even heat distribution make it a time-saving and reliable option.
While it may have a bulky design and a learning curve associated with mastering its functions, the overall consensus is positive. Users appreciate its versatility, generous capacity, user-friendly controls, and built-in safety features.
FAQs
Can I use metal utensils inside the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer?
It is recommended to avoid using metal utensils directly inside the cooker to prevent scratching the non-stick coating of the inner pot. It is best to use non-metallic utensils, such as silicone or wooden utensils, to ensure the longevity of the non-stick surface.
Is the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer dishwasher safe?
Partially, yes. The inner pot and the steam rack are dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze. However, the outer housing of the appliance should not be submerged in water and should be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Can I cook frozen food directly in the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen food directly in the cooker. The rapid cooking technology of the appliance allows for cooking from frozen without the need for defrosting. However, keep in mind that cooking times may need to be adjusted to ensure thorough cooking.
Additional Reading
Conclusion
With the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer, you can embark on culinary adventures, experimenting with a variety of cooking methods and creating delicious meals in no time.
Its versatility, rapid cooking capabilities, and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it may have some minor drawbacks, its benefits outweigh them, making it a worthy investment for home cooks looking to expand their cooking horizons.
Please note that this review is based on my personal experience and observations. I encourage you to do your own research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase. After all, a well-informed decision is always the best decision. Happy cooking!
With all products, features can change, so be sure the qualities that attract you to the product are still the same before purchasing.
If you have any recipes you love for the Ninja Speedi, please comment below.
