Ninja Prestige Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Is It Worth the Hype?
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The Verdict is In: Is the Ninja Prestige Air Fryer Toaster Oven Worth the Hype? A Deep Dive Review
The kitchen appliance landscape has become a battlefield of single-function devices, each vying for precious counter space. Enter the Ninja Prestige Power XXL Air Fryer Toaster Oven – a behemoth promising to replace multiple appliances with one versatile machine. Food & Wine’s recent review tackles this ambitious claim, putting the popular model (available on Amazon) through its paces and ultimately delivering a nuanced assessment of whether it lives up to the considerable hype and price tag.
What is the Ninja Prestige Power XXL?
At its core, the Ninja Prestige isn't just an air fryer; it’s a combination oven designed to function as a toaster, broiler, bake-and-roast appliance, dehydrator, and of course, a powerful air fryer. The "Power XXL" designation signifies its larger capacity – capable of fitting a 14-pound turkey or multiple pizzas (up to 12 inches). It boasts a digital control panel with pre-programmed settings for various foods, alongside customizable time and temperature controls. A key feature is Ninja’s “Flip & Roast” technology, which rotates the cooking surface 360 degrees during air frying, supposedly promoting even browning and crisping. The appliance also includes an included baking rack, a roasting pan, a pizza pan, a dehydrating tray, and a crumb catcher for easy cleanup.
The Testing Process: Beyond Just Air Frying
Food & Wine’s reviewer didn't limit their evaluation to air frying alone. They subjected the Ninja Prestige to a rigorous battery of tests, including baking cookies, roasting chicken, toasting bread, broiling salmon, and dehydrating fruit. This comprehensive approach aimed to determine its performance across its advertised functions. The review also compared results against a standard oven and dedicated air fryer to provide context for the appliance’s capabilities.
What Worked Well: Strengths of the Ninja Prestige
Several aspects of the Ninja Prestige impressed the reviewer. The air frying function, unsurprisingly, was a standout performer. The "Flip & Roast" technology did deliver on its promise – providing exceptionally even browning and crisping across various foods like french fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks. The large capacity proved genuinely useful for cooking larger meals or entertaining, allowing the reviewer to cook an entire rotisserie chicken comfortably.
Baking performance was also generally positive. Cookies emerged with evenly browned edges and a chewy center, although the reviewer noted that baking times were often slightly longer than those specified in standard recipes due to the appliance's smaller overall internal volume compared to a full-sized oven. The broiler function produced nicely charred vegetables and quickly cooked salmon fillets. The dehydrating feature was deemed effective for making fruit leather and jerky.
Where it Fell Short: Addressing the Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, the Ninja Prestige isn’t perfect. Several drawbacks emerged during testing. A major concern is the appliance's size. Its substantial footprint makes it a significant counter space commitment – something potential buyers need to seriously consider. The reviewer also noted that the controls, while digital and feature-rich, can be initially confusing and require some learning. The pre-programmed settings aren’t always accurate, necessitating adjustments based on individual preferences and food types.
Furthermore, cleaning presented challenges. While a crumb catcher is included, it's not entirely effective in containing all debris. Reaching certain areas within the oven cavity for thorough cleaning can be awkward due to its depth. The baking rack and roasting pan are non-stick but require careful handling to avoid scratching the coating. Finally, preheating times were longer than expected, impacting overall cooking efficiency.
The "Flip & Roast" – A Closer Look:
While the “Flip & Roast” feature was touted as a key differentiator, the review offered a measured perspective. While it undeniably improved browning and crisping uniformity, the reviewer questioned whether its impact was significant enough to justify the added complexity and cost. It's an interesting innovation but not necessarily a game-changer for all users.
The Verdict: A Powerful Tool with Considerations
Food & Wine’s final verdict on the Ninja Prestige Air Fryer Toaster Oven is cautiously positive. It’s undeniably a powerful and versatile appliance capable of replacing multiple single-function devices, especially for those who frequently air fry or cook larger meals. The quality of results across various functions is generally high. However, its size, learning curve with controls, cleaning challenges, and relatively high price tag are significant factors to consider.
Who Should Buy It?
The Ninja Prestige is best suited for:
- Families who frequently air fry: Its large capacity and excellent performance in this area make it a worthwhile investment.
- Those looking to consolidate kitchen appliances: If you’re willing to sacrifice counter space, the Ninja Prestige can replace an oven, toaster, broiler, and dedicated air fryer.
- Serious home cooks who appreciate versatility: The customizable settings and diverse functions cater to a wide range of cooking needs.
Who Should Skip It?
The Ninja Prestige might not be ideal for:
- Those with limited counter space: Its size is a major constraint.
- Budget-conscious shoppers: It’s a premium appliance with a corresponding price tag.
- Casual cooks who primarily use their oven for basic baking: A standard oven or smaller air fryer might suffice.
Ultimately, the Ninja Prestige Power XXL Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a sophisticated and capable kitchen tool, but its suitability depends on individual needs and priorities. Thoroughly assessing your cooking habits and available space is crucial before taking the plunge.
Read the Full Food & Wine Article at:
[ https://www.foodandwine.com/ninja-prestige-air-fryer-toaster-oven-amazon-11875477 ]