I recently spent a week in a vacation home in Bend Oregon. The timing was nothing short of serendipitous, as I used the week to put the Ninja Mega Kitchen System through the TKT ringer. The familiar whir of the blender filled the home, and we ate very, very well for the week. (Okay, I think we ate well – 2Chili may have a different view).
Note: If you’re interested in the Ninja Professional Prep attachments, see here.
Without further adieu, let’s get right to it!
Unboxing
As with any new kitchen appliance, the first hurdle to overcome is getting the product unboxed and figuring out how to use it. The Ninja Mega Kitchen System comes with a lot of pieces and parts, but it unboxed fairly easily. When all was said and done, here is what was in the box:
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The version I bought didn’t come with the processor attachments that allow for grating/shredding, but there is an option to buy these attachments if you are so inclined for about $59. I will likely buy them separately in the future and report back.
I will be honest and state that I am terrible about reading manuals. This is ironic since I have written more than a few user guides in my career! But, I did review the Quick Start Guide and skimmed the Inspiration Guide, which is a mini recipe book with 28 recipes. None of the recipes terribly interested me, but you may find them of some value.
Configurations
With all these pieces and parts, there are quite a few configurations for this system.
1. Single Serve Blending Configuration
You’ll notice that on the base there is now a button called “Single Serve,” which is used when you use the single serve cup. Unlike the other three speed options, this one defaults to a pulse, and you have to hold it down to continuously blend. (Unlike the Ninja Pulse, you hold down the button, not the single serve cup to blend.)
Note: The single serve lids are not closeable – there is a permanent open hole for drinking. This doesn’t bother me, but, you should know they don’t seal tightly (i.e., don’t mix a smoothie and put it in your gym bag for later…unless you want a gym bag full of smoothie).
2. Food Processor Configuration (Large, 64 oz. bowl)
An improvement over the Ninja Kitchen System, this food processor bowl is more of a traditional round shape (no square corners!), which eliminates the gripe that food can get caught in the corners.
3. Food Processor Mini Prep Bowl Configuration
If you look closely, you’ll see that the mini prep bowl seats itself inside the larger, 64 ounce food processor bowl. I understand why they did this, but this can lead to issues if you don’t seat it properly.
When using the mini prep bowl, always make sure you can see the full amount of metal from the spindle, or the lid won’t go on. I learned this the hard way. One way to ensure you don’t have to dump out whatever you were about to blend to reseat the bowl is to test the lid before adding whatever you’re blending. I have pictures of what it should look like here.
4. 72 ounce Blender Jar Configuration
This is the “old standby” configuration – just straight up big-time blending. There really are no design changes to this blender jar over the original Ninja Professional Blender, save for the attachment mechanism to the base. The base design had to allow for the single serve cup, so it is slightly different than previous Ninja Professional models.
Getting Down to Blending Business – How Does it Work?
The short answer to the most common question, “How does it blend?” is:
Very, very well.
With 1500 watts, this thing has amazing power that makes quick work of just about anything you want to pulverize. But, it’s not a one-trick pony by any means. While it is happy to grind whatever you want into a merciless pulp, it also has a gentler touch, should you need such a thing.
I did quite a few tests with the system, and wrote individual posts covering the various aspects I tried out. My aim was to use each element of the system to give you a glimpse into its capabilities, though I am sure I will keep coming up with new angles in the future. These individual aspect posts are in lieu of getting to the “nuts and bolts” in this all-up review, so if you missed them, I would recommend also reading the following posts:
- Whole food juicing (72 ounce jar)
- Cookie dough (64 ounce bowl and dough hook)
- Nut butter (Mini prep bowl)
- Rice milk (72 ounce jar)
- Oat Flour (72 ounce jar vs. 64 ounce bowl vs. single serve cup – a showdown!)
After using this system, I feel the folks at Ninja have made some marked improvements, and it all starts with the base. The feet are now suction cups, and with the flip of a small lever, you can lock the base down to your counter. This is huge in terms of not having what you are blending walk off on you.
A second major improvement is the addition of the single serve blending cup. This is the feature most people really, really wanted (based on all the questions I receive about it), and it delivers. It really is great to have for that morning smoothie or when you just want to blend a little something and not dirty up the larger jars.
The bad news is that you can’t just buy a single serve cup/blade and use it with your existing Ninja KS or Professional Blender. The attachment mechanism of the jar to the base had to change to accommodate the single serve cup. This also means blender jars from previous Ninja systems are not interchangeable with the Ninja Mega Kitchen System.
You can see that it now has a series of notches and a deep circular recess to accept the cup.
Single serve blending is done via the “Single Serve” button on the base, and it defaults to a pulse. You can steady state blend with the single serving cups, you just have to hold the button down to do so. The other jars do not require constant “button pressing” for steady state blending. You can “set it and forget it,” so to speak. Or, in other words, with the other jars/bowls, you can make nut butter and walk away for a minute while it blends, and thanks to the suction cups on the base, the blender will be where you left it!
A final, but important, major improvement I alluded to earlier is in the food processor bowl. They have made this bowl round, instead of just a squattier version of the 72 ounce blender jar. This is important because it allows the food to not get stuck in the corners while blending and truly speeds up the process. They also included a “mini prep bowl” this go round, which allows you to make effective smaller batches of nut butters or other items you’d normally “food process.”
If I had one critique for the Ninja folks, it’d be that they left the 72 ounce jar square in shape. It’s still an awesome blending experience, but you can get things caught in the corners, and this makes you have to stop and scrape down the jar. This is not the end of the world, but I wonder if they have ever thought of making the 72 ounce jar round.
Comparison – Ninja Professional 1100, Ninja Kitchen System 1100, Ninja Pulse, and Ninja Mega Kitchen System
I have created a PDF you can download if you’re into this sort of stuff. It compares the four products from the Ninja Kitchen folks across a few different parameters. Here is a preview of what’s on the chart – it’s all pretty and everything. You can also click the image to access the PDF.
Don’t see something on the chart that you want to know? Let me know and I’ll add it.
The Elephant in the Room: The Vitamix Comparison
One really can’t talk about high end blenders without at least mentioning the Vitamix.
I have never used a Vitamix, so I truly cannot comment on how the Ninja Mega Kitchen System stacks up against the gold-standard blender. Someday, maybe I’ll have the good fortune to receive a Vitamix to do a head-to-head showdown, but I don’t intend to purchase one. I simply cannot justify spending almost $500 on a single blender, even as much as I love to blend!
Pros and Cons
Ninja Mega Kitchen System Pros
- Variety of blending options, from the blender jar for large jobs to the single serve cups for small jobs, and plenty of food processing options, even without the special “food processing” attachments
- Power. This system has enough power to handle anything you want to blend, but can also be gentle enough for recipes that require more finesse and less brute force
- Unique multi-blade blending in the jar results in fast, consistent blending every time
- Suction cup feet allow you to lock the base down to the counter and eliminates the need to hover over the blender or hold down the base while blending to make sure it doesn’t move
- 72 ounce blender jar has a pour spout for easy pouring of contents without removing the blades
- Diverse and effective, professional-quality blending at an affordable cost compared to Vitamix or Blendtec
- Super easy to clean and dishwasher safe (be careful where you put the blades though, they are very sharp!)
Ninja Mega Kitchen System Cons
- The biggest gripe I think people looking for a “Vitamix alternative” will have is that you can’t make hot soup in the actual blender. You can make soup in a pot and blend it while it is hot in the blender (e.g., my butternut squash soup), but the blender itself will not make soup hot
- I would prefer than the blender jars not be plastic, but, at least they are high-quality, BPA-free plastic. You still need to be careful though, as the blades are very sharp and can easily scratch the plastic
- Requires a decent amount of cabinet space to store; If you are shy on space, the Ninja Pulse may be better for you
- Folks who are interested in “true juicing” and who are considering this mainly for juicing, will likely not be happy with it. While it can definitely do “whole food” juicing now, it will never be a juice extractor. It’s a blender that multi-purposes.
Which System Should You Buy?
Okay, so, lots of pictures and charts are fun and all, but, if you’ve read this far, I’m assuming you really are interested in buying a new Ninja blender, and maybe still don’t know which one is for you.
My bottom line opinion, that’d I’d tell a friend or stranger: If you are in the market for a Ninja, and have the cash (and the storage space) to get the Mega, get the Mega.
It’s sort of like when you’re at the car rental counter and they offer to upgrade you into a “better” car for a nominal fee. The larger car is often more comfortable and worth the cost. Same here.
After using it, I am convinced the Mega Kitchen System is worth the slightly higher cost compared to the other systems. The only exception would be if you’re shopping for a Pulse. The price point on the Pulse is much lower, and if you only need to blend small jobs, you are more than likely going to be very happy with it. (I love mine and use it daily). But, if you want the full boat big-boy blender, the Mega is now where it’s at.
Troubleshooting
Historically speaking, when I write a review, I get follow up questions from folks that own said reviewed item and are having issues. I thought I’d do a little upfront information sharing here to help with the troubleshooting aspect that may arise.
- Blender won’t start. This is a common one with any Ninja product because of one very important detail: Aligning the lid and jar arrows. If your blender won’t start, be sure you have the arrow on the lid aligned with the arrow on the base (above the handle). 99% of the time, this is the issue. If they are aligned, make sure the lid is securely locked – that is the issue the other 1% of the time!
- Can’t get the lid off. If you use your dishwasher to wash your blender jars, and put the lid on while it is still wet, you will probably have a hard time getting the lid off later when you want to use it. Pull hard to remove it (sometimes very hard), but, to prevent this from happening, let the jar and lid air dry for a couple hours after you take it out of the dishwasher.
- Can’t get the lid on when using the mini-prep bowl. Most likely, the mini prep bowl isn’t properly seated. It’s best to always test the fit before adding ingredients by making sure the lid will close. However, if you have already put ingredients in, pour them (carefully) into another container. Jiggle the mini prep bowl until you see the full portion of the metal spindle, test the lid, and then re-add your ingredients.
- Lost, broken, or otherwise need replacement parts. This is an easy one! You can order pretty much all the pieces and parts (including a new base) directly from Ninja.
In Closing
There is an Irish proverb that goes like this:
“Do one thing and do it well.”
Clearly, the folks at Ninja Kitchen didn’t follow this principle, because the Ninja Mega Kitchen system does a lot of things, and it does a lot of things well.
I am very happy with it so far and am looking forward to lots of creating in the near future. For ideas of what you can make with the Ninja Mega Kitchen System (or any Ninja blender), check out my recipe page, which has almost 50 recipes I have created for the Ninja Professional blender and will work in the Mega.
Thanks for reading, and happy blending!
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In the interest of full disclosure, I have no affiliation with the Ninja Kitchen folks, and I paid full price to purchase this system to review. Over the course of doing the review, I have worked this system and run it through the dishwasher a lot. So, it’s definitely seen significant use. However, since it is a new system and is new to me as well, I will continue to use it and update this review accordingly.
If you have uncovered an aspect that I have missed, please share in the comments for everyone to read. And, as always, if you found value in this review and decide to purchase the Ninja Mega Kitchen System, using the Amazon link will help support the site. It doesn’t cost you anything, but puts a few pennies back in the pot to support future reviews.
View Comments (362)
Great job on reviewing the system. This was the type of review I looked for (and didn’t find) prior to purchasing one. I got one any way and I LOVE it. You really explain things clearly and I think there will be others you help with this review.
Thanks for the nice note, Cyndee! It does take some work to do a review like this, so hopefully others will find it helpful!
Hello Angela. I loved your review! What a wonderful job, very well done. I was looking at this to purchase due to my current blender (oster) being extremely noisy. I wear ear plugs when making my smoothies I did not see if you mentioned anything about the noise level. Maybe I missed it. Please let me know what you think about the noise the system makes. Thank you!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for the nice note!
I have to say, the Ninja is fairly noisy, but no more so than any blender, and it sort of depends on what you put in it (ice would make it noisier). Here is a video I made of the Ninja vs. the Vitamix for green drinks, and I left the volume alone – so you can sort of hear both blenders in it.
https://testkitchentuesday.com/2013/02/18/ninja-vs-vitamix-green-drink-showdown/
I would say as blenders go, it’s not exceptionally loud or quiet – just kind of normal. If noise is a concern, I know that Blendec makes a noise shield that can go over their blenders to make them much quieter, but, I have never used one (Blendec or the shield!). It may be something to look into, though!
Good luck!
Angela
Thank you Angela for the super fast reply! You are awesome. I really appreciate the help.
Lisa
Anytime!
I got the mega ninja two days ago. was disappointed that i had to hold down the button for a single serve, but now even greater disappointment as it doesn’t work when I put the dough maker on, I spent about one hour putting on the lid and taking it off to get the ‘Alignment” right. If its going to take me hundred unsuccessful attempts , its not worth my morning rush-hour.
Certainly NOT worth 500 dollars.
Hi Dalai,
Hmm, I haven’t had that experience with the lid, but it sounds like you should return yours in favor of something that better suits your needs. The great news is there are lots of options these days!
Good luck,
Angela
Thank you so much for this review. I just purchased this system, although I didn’t get the mini prep bowl, because I got mine at Target. Anyway, I look forward to coming to your site over and over again.
Will you be posting recipes for this system as it does seem to be a bit different from the previous iterations of the Ninja Kitchen System.
Thanks again,
Janis
Hi Janis,
Interesting that yours didn’t come with the mini prep bowl – I didn’t realize there was a different “Target” model. I will have to check it out when I go there next.
You can use any of my Ninja Recipes in the Mega pretty much seamlessly. I will probably go back through them and add slightly modified instructions for items that would be better suited for the food processor bowl (all of the nut butters), but this will take some time. I just counted and I have over 50 recipes right now! But, for the most part, the instructions should work for your Mega. The only other difference is you may need to blend for less time in some cases, due to the higher power.
Have fun!
Angela
I called Ninja about the mini prep bowl and the customer service rep told me it’s because I purchased it at Target. If I had waited a couple of days, and convinced DH, then I could have gotten it from BBB and used a 20% off coupon and the price would have been less than the Target price. However, if I so choose, I can purchase the mini prep bowl for the low, low price of $35.99. (sarcasm inserted).
So here is my next question. Is the mini prep bowl worth spending the extra money? I can’t return the unit to Target as I marked on the outside of one of the single serve containers.
Well shoot, Janis, that is too bad. I bought mine from BB&B with the coupon. I think it stinks that there is a separate “Target” model. Most people will expect to get all the parts, not a special “Target” offering. I will be sure to update the text of this review so other people know this.
I wouldn’t spend $35 on the mini prep bowl. You can do everything you need to do in the larger food processor bowl.
I was wondering the same thing, thanks for clearing that up and saving me $35. I’m ordering directly from the website and the prep bowl isn’t included. You have to pay $80 (!!!) extra to get the little bowl, a cookbook, and 2 extra single serve cups (2 of the cups are already included with the system).
I decided to order directly because they have the food processing add-on which is important to me, that way I can get rid of a couple of current appliances.
The total price including the food processing option (processing bowl w/chute, 4 slicing/shredding/cutting discs and plastic storage box) is $168 with free shipping & 5 year warranty. I am hearing from others that they are on back order so it may be while before I get it.
Thank you for the wonderful review! It really helped me decide.
I always enjoy reading your reviews! It looks amazing but right now I’m doing my travel nursing and REALLY miss my Ninja, however, I’ve got my nutribullet to keep me happy… ? Perhaps when I’m done traveling around the US, I’ll get the Mega Ninja. Keep up the awesome posts.
Thanks for your input Angela. I will save my money and not get the mini prep bowl.
Much appreciated.
i was wondering if i can make cookie dough with the ninja blender. i dont have all the attachments? please let me know thank you
Hi Erica,
I am assuming you have the 72 onunce pitcher and standard blade. You absolutely can make cookie dough. Just cream the wet ingredients first, then add dry ingrendients and either pulse to combine or blend on one until combined. The attachments are nice but not necessary.
Angela
12-21-12
Hi… I ordered mine from the infomercial and didn’t get the mini bowl OR A RECIPE BOOK.
Looking forward to getting creative..
Enjoyed your review… Let me know if you get more recipes.
Thanks
Marsha
Hi Marsha,
Hmm, that’s strange. I haven’t seen the infomercial, so I’m not sure if maybe mine was the oddity with the mini-prep bowl, since another commenter mentioned she didn’t get one either. I ordered mine from Bed Bath and Beyond early on (I had a 20% off coupon).
With regards to the recipe book, you’re truly not missing that much with what was included in mine. It was called an “inspiration guide.” And it has recipes but I think it is more intended to give you ideas of what you can do. However, do you remember if the commercial promised one? If it did, you may want to call Ninja Customer Service and see if they will send you one. It can’t hurt to try.
I will keep posting my Ninja Recipes on this site, you can count on it!
Angela
Hello,
This is a Great review!
I did purchase mine from Kohls. I got the mini bowl and 3 Single serve setups using a 30% off coupon with my account about 3 months ago..
I love my Ninja and my family uses it an average of 2 times a day and it is still going strong. Ninja customer service is great as well if you do need it, just saying.
I have recently seen a demonstration of the VItamix and it is Awsome! I am big in juicing and the Vitamix will actually leave a nice creamy juice with NO pulp. However with the Vitamix you need the wet pitcher that it comes with, and a dry pitche to do anything dry like flower. It is also three times the cost of the Ninja (Maybe some time in my lifetime).
Thank you TestKitchenTuesday for sharing all your Great work and recipes.
Thanks for your note, Evon! Sounds like your configuration matches mine, except you got an extra single serve cup and it sounds like you got a great deal. I am guessing each retailer must have an option to get a slightly different configuration based on the price point they want to sell at.
There is no question the Vitamix is awesome, but I am with you – maybe sometime in my lifetime. If you do this green juice, it comes out very creamy and drinkable out of the Ninja – surprisingly so:
1/2 cup pineapple
Handful kale or spinach
5-6 mint leaves
Small chunk of fresh ginger
1/2 a lemon, squeezed
4 ice cubes
Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for the review!! Do you know if you can purchase the whipping blade separately from the Ninja company? It doesn’t come with the Mega Kitchen only the 1100 Kitchen System.
Hi Tracy,
In fact, you can. Get it here
Angela
Hi Angela, I just contacted customer support and they told me that the parts and accessories included in different units are not interchangable. For example, I wanted to purchase a whipping paddle and dough paddle for my Mega kitchen system and they said it would not work…but it appears that it would. Have you tried to use different accessories from different systems in your ninja?
Hi Trish,
Unfortunately, aside from the lids for the single serve cups, the parts are not interchangeable. I have talked a bit about this in the past and I think it is a major fail. They change just enough in the design to make them not interchangeable. Clearly this is on purpose, and it is my one big gripe with the manufacturer. I once accidentally used a Pulse single serve blade base with a cup from my Ninja Mega, and, it didn’t work, and sort of messed up the mechanism of the blade base.
It does seem like the whipping blade and dough paddle should work, but, personally, I wouldn’t risk it. Sorry I don’t have better news…
Angela
Thank you so much for publishing these great reviews. I ordered my Ninja Mega system last week, and was wondering just what I was getting myself into. After reading your explanations and reviews, I feel so much more confident that I’ll be able to handle this machine when it arrives. I’m so glad I found your site and now I’m really looking forward to using my Ninja.
Thanks again,
Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Glad to be of help!
Happy blending!
Angela
I am considering this system. I have been a long time user of the vitamix but this looks like it can do so much more.. I watched it on QVC.. I juice a lot but also do some “healthy” raw desserts that include smashing up dates, nuts and such. My biggest concern with this is how long it will last.. How long is their warranty?? That is one good thing about Vitamix.. 5 year warranty..
Hi Linda,
I looked into the warranty for you – according to their website, it’s 5 years.
If you have a Vitamix already, you can probably do everything this system can do, and more (like make hot soup). But, it is super versatile and the single serve blending cup is a really nice addition to its blending and food processing capabilities.
Angela
Thank you Angela.. Earlier I was looking at it online and it said 1 yr. warranty.. Hummm?? I think the advantage over the vitamix is the smaller round container for doing dough and such.. The vitamix throw everything up and away.. Always have to be poking it back down.. Its because the blade is at the very bottom..
That’s an interesting point, Linda. I have noticed the Vitamix has that stick so you can push stuff back down. You don’t have to do that with the Ninja. If you are big into nut butters, blended raw foods, etc. the Ninja can handle that very proficiently. I did a video using it to make cashew butter – it took about 80 seconds, if I remember.
One other note is that I had a big food processor bowl and a smaller, mini processor bowl with mine. Some folks didn’t get this, so it seems the package varies depending on where you buy it. The one from Amazon or Bed Bath and Beyond seem to have both food processor bowls, but I don’t see it on the one from Ninja directly, which is odd and confusing! I think they do this to be able to offer different price points…
Angela
Nor can I see where you can add the Prep package (the blades etc for shredding and slicing) as I think I would like that as well..
You know, I agree with you – I would like them too. The only place I have found them is here, in their Parts page:
I think if you order it direct from TV from the infomercial, they may have everything packaged up together, but I haven’t seen it in a while, so I can’t remember. Luckily it’s on a lot, so you may stumble on it today!
The salad shooter with all the blades is a separate priced package…I purchased it.. Works really well.. I’ve only used the shredder blade so far.
Marsha