I’ve been shopping & cooking! I took a page from the ASK Book…two pages, actually. Thanks to Shari I bought a Ninja smoothie-making blender & thanks to Diana I bought a Cosori air fryer toaster oven (thanks a lot, ladies). After using both for over a week now, thought I would share my experiences & impressions.
Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System, Smoothie Bowl Maker & Nutrient Extractor
This purchase was 100% out of necessity since our NutriBullet single serve blender started to smell like it was burning. We’ve had the NutriBullet for about 8 years so it owes us no money.
But with everyone making smoothies in my house, it was time for an upgrade. Plus, it was time for a new blender, my regular blender is almost 25 years…I got it when we got married. Yes, I know I’m rationalizing, but I think a girl is entitled to a new blender every 25 years.
So I reread my Juicers & Smoothie Makers post & decided on the Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System, Smoothie Bowl Maker & Nutrient Extractor. It does everything the Ninja Mega Kitchen System & Blender does but with a bit more control & one less container attachment. The Ninja Foodi Power Blender has 6-preset Auto-iQ programs, a variable speed dial & a pulse button. It makes smoothies, frozen drinks, sauces, baby food, nut butter, cookie dough, & more.
I am lovin’ this thing! We’ve been making smoothies like they’re going out of style & the blender is amazing. As you can see in the photo of the blender next to my KitchenAid mixer, it’s not that big. But it is powerful. The Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System, Smoothie Bowl Maker & Nutrient Extractor (SS351) comes with a BPA-free 72 oz “Power Blender & Processor Pitcher”, 14 oz smoothie bowl, 24 oz “Nutrient Extraction” cup, storage lid, spout lid, & three different interchangeable blades to use based on what you’re making.
Functions I really like:
- The blender is as handsome as a blender can be so I don’t mind keeping it on my counter since we’re using it every day
- The pre-programmed Auto-iQ buttons take the guesswork out of making smoothies & bowls – they come out great every time
- I really appreciate that the grooves for the blender blade & lids of the to-go cups are inside the cup so you don’t feel the grooves against your lips when you drink straight from the cups
- The base suctions to the countertop for added stability
- The locking lid handle
- The pour spout has it’s own little lid to keep batter fresh
- The measuring lines on the containers
- All parts except the small smoothie blade goes in the dishwasher
- The large blender pitcher blade has several blades along its shaft, vs. just at the bottom like my old blender, so it’s better at blending large quantities of different types foods. I haven’t tried the dough blade yet but I’ll add update when I do.
The only downside I’ve found is that the main blender pitcher is quite large & not tapered, that is, it’s not narrower at the base like my old blender, hence it’s not suitable for blending small quantities. But that’s ok, I learned my lesson & will use one of the smaller blending container next time. The other thing to note, which is not really a big downside to me, is that the blender is a bit loud when in operation. But I forgive its volume because it’s short-term & the ending product is worth it.
The Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor is available for $170 at Best Buy or $150 at Bed Bath & Beyond with a 20% off coupon.
Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo 12-in-1
As soon as I started researching air fryer toaster ovens for Diana, I knew I had to have one. After rereading my Air Fryer Ovens post & I decided on the Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo 12-in-1 (CO130-AO) because it has three shelf racks so you can cook more food at the same time. I chose the larger model, CO130 vs. CO100, because bigger is better for cooking larger quantities for a family. In addition, the CO130 comes with a rotisserie attachment, not that I’ll ever use it, but it’s nice to know it’s there if I want it.
As you can see in the photo of the oven next to my Keurig, which is on a k-cup drawer, the Cosori is not as massive as it sounds. Also pictured are my delicious roasted Brussel sprouts with balsamic glaze. Yum!
Functions I really like:
- The unit looks great & is not much larger than the regular toaster oven it replaced
- The settings are intuitive & easy to use
- The glass oven door is marked along the left side noting which rack position to use based on what your cooking – great for taking the guesswork out it
- I’ve been using the air fryer almost every night to make roasted veggies with dinner & they’ve been coming out great
- The toaster function works well
- Frozen pizza came out great
- The interior oven light goes on when there is one minute of cook time remaining – not sure why, but this pleases me
- Clean up is easy
The only downside I can think of so far is the Cosori CO130-AO I bought is not a “smart oven” so it cannot be controlled via an app or by Alexa. If this feature is important to you, make sure you order the “smart” oven. Personally, I love technology so I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t get the smart oven but it’s not a deal breaker or worth the hassle of exchanging it.
The Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo 12-in-1 (CO130-AO) (both regular & smart oven) sells for $200 on Amazon.
