There are so many different models available now it makes it a challenge to choose which Ninja Foodi multi cooker to buy. Each has a different size and cooking features so how do you choose?

First let’s consider why you want a multi cooker at all, what are the benefits? Well to start with if you have separate devices like an air fryer, a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, a steamer, a grill, an oven and a dehydrator you need a lot of space in your kitchen. A multi cooker gives you all these features in one single device. Then there is the fact that it cooks so much faster than a conventional oven and you don’t have to wait for it to heat up so it saves on your electricity and means that you don’t need to switch a large oven on just to heat something up quickly. Then there is the cooking more healthy aspect, it is well known that air frying is much more healthy than deep fat frying, pressure cooking and steaming is much more healthy than boiling and simmering plus it keeps more nutrients in the food. Finally think about the washing up… instead of cleaning lots of pots and pans all you have to clean up is the inner pot and perhaps a crisper basket or rack that you have used, all of which can be popped into your dishwasher if you have one.

So lets have a look at the comparison between the different models before we explain each of the features to help you choose which one you prefer

SmartLid Multi Cookers

We will compare the SmartLid multi cookers separately from the standard model multi cookers because they offer something completely different. These are the latest models which offer a massive benefit of being one complete unit with a single lid so hugely beneficial if you are limited on the amount of space you have. The standard models have a fixed lid that is used for most of the cooking functions but a separate lid (that you have to find room to store) that is used for pressure cooking and steaming). One of the main disadvantages of the standard models was the extra lid which you had to find additional space to store, yes you can rest this on top, if you are not constrained with height space with your wall mounted cupboards, or at the side of the Foodi (you can buy holders to attach them to the side for storage) but it does get in the way and is an extra aggravation. The SmartLid model takes this problem away.

Cooking Functions

Whats In The Box

Energy Savings

So what are the key differences really? The 15-in-1 and 14-in-1 are more suitable for larger families whereas the 11-in-1 would be ideal for a smaller family. The 15-in-1 comes with the digital cooking probe and offers the ‘steam roast’ cooking function, that is the main difference between this model and the 14-in-1. The 11-in-1 does not have the ‘steam meals’, ‘steam bread’ ‘steam roast’ or ‘prove’ cooking functions and does not have the digital cooking probe either. It is worth mentioning that you can purchase the digital cooking probe separately. Size wise they are virtually all the same, the 11-in-1 is just 3cm shorter than the other two models. Another great feature of the SmartLid 15-1 model is that it has an automated pressure release which you can set to Quick Release, Natural Release or Timed Release – when the pressure cooking is complete it automatically releases the steam according to the setting you have chosen.

Next question is what is the combi steam modes and how will this change the way you cook? Well the Ninja official website says “Discover a new way to cook, combining steam with convection for juicy, speedy, crispy results! Using the sauce, water, stock, wine or other liquid added to the pot with your ingredients, steam will infuse moisture and flavour into your food as it cooks. The result? Perfectly cooked food that’s tender and moist on the inside, crisp on the outside.” but lets look at each of the different combi steam functions and what they offer…..

Steam Air Fry – Ideal for crispy vegetables, lasagnes or frozen foods where you want them to stay moist on the inside and crispy on the outside

Steam Bake – Ideal for baking cakes and biscuits that are fluffy and moist

Steam Meals – This is really good for cooking layered meals where you use the multi racks to cook a one pot meal including fish/meat and vegetables OR just lots of different vegetables

Steam Bread – Perfect for using your multi cooker as a bread maker

Steam Roast – This is what you would use for cooking a one pot tender and crispy roast dinner quickly, it is claimed that you can cook a perfect 3kg roast chicken in under one hour

Standard Multi Cookers

As we stated before the standard models have a fixed lid that is used for most of the cooking functions but a separate lid (that you have to find room to store) that is used for pressure cooking and steaming). One of the main disadvantages of the standard models was the extra lid which you had to find additional space to store, yes you can rest this on top, if you are not constrained with height space with your wall mounted cupboards, or at the side of the Foodi (you can buy holders to attach them to the side for storage) but it does get in the way and is an extra aggravation. They do have multiple cooking functions and you can achieve most of the same results in a standard multi cooker that you can with the SmartLid model but it you will have to use multiple functions instead of pressing one button and letting the cooker get on with it, like steaming/pressure cooking first and then air fry instead of steam air fry for example.

Cooking Functions

Whats In The Box

So what are the key differences really? The Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 is the largest model at 43cm high, which is 8cm higher than the Max 9-in-1 so make sure you have the space under your cupboards if you choose this one. The Max models are ideal for larger families of up to 6, the standard models work for families of up to 4 and the mini model is ideal for a couple. The 9-in-1 models give you the additional dehydrate and yoghurt making functions, dehydrate is great for making dried fruits or meats as snacks or for making a really tender joint of beef, effectively slow cooking. You do not get dehydration racks in any of the models but you can buy these separately to create more space for this function.

Hopefully you are now armed with all the information that you need to make your choice. Please do not hesitate to contact us or comment if you have any feedback on this handy comparison guide. You can purchase your multi cooker directly from the Ninja Kitchen UK website or by clicking the shop now link below