Ninja Speedi vs. Foodi – Complete Comparison

In today’s bustling kitchens, where time is of the essence and multi-functional appliances are cherished, the lines between innovation can sometimes blur.

Often, many find themselves standing before the multi-function appliance aisle, pondering the key question: Ninja Speedi or Ninja Foodi (Ninja Speedi vs. Ninja Food)? With both offering a multitude of cooking abilities, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of features.

So, what exactly distinguishes these culinary marvels? These two specific options mainly differ in size, number of multi-functional features, and price.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’re dissecting the Ninja Speedi vs. Foodi to bring clarity to your culinary choices. We will take a look at what they have to offer, the different cooking functions they can assist you with, as well as any special features such as SmartLid technology.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Is a Ninja Speedi?

The Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is a culinary game-changer that redefines the art of cooking at home.

This multifunctional kitchen marvel boasts a 6-quart capacity and 12-in-1 functionality, making it the ultimate kitchen companion for anyone seeking to whip up delectable dishes with ease.

Below we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the main features of this amazing appliance.

Main Features of the Ninja Speedi Air Fryer

• Rapid Cooking System

At the heart of the Ninja Speedi lies its groundbreaking Rapid Cooking System.

This innovation allows you to harness the power of steam and air fry technology simultaneously in one pot. Imagine the magic of moisture from steam melding with the delightful crispiness of air frying, all happening in a single cooking vessel.

This dynamic duo ensures that your meals achieve restaurant-worthy perfection, quickly and efficiently.

• One-Touch, One-Pot Meals

Say goodbye to complicated, time-consuming recipes.

With the Speedi Meals function, you can create an entire meal for your family in as little as 15 minutes.

Choose your base, select your vegetables, and pick your protein – then let the Ninja Speedi work its culinary magic.

The result? A perfectly balanced, wholesome meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

• Ample Capacity

The Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer features a generous 6-quart cooking pot, accommodating up to four chicken breasts and a pound of pasta.

This ample space allows you to prepare family-sized meals effortlessly, making it the ideal appliance for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and everything in between.

• Versatile Functionality

With its 12-in-1 functionality, this kitchen dynamo adapts to your culinary desires. In Rapid Cooker mode, choose from options like Speedi Meals, Steam & Crisp, Steam & Bake, Steam, or Proof.

Switch over to Air Fry mode to unlock even more possibilities, including Air Fry, Bake/Roast, Air Broil, Dehydrate, Sear & Sauté, Slow Cook, and Sous Vide.

The SmartSwitch functionality seamlessly transitions between these modes, offering endless cooking versatility.

• Speedi Meal Builder

Finding inspiration for your meals has never been easier, thanks to Ninja’s Speedi Meal Builder. This feature opens the door to a world of customizable recipes, allowing you to craft delicious dishes with ingredients you already have on hand.

• Meal Making Reinvented

The Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is a master of multitasking. It flawlessly cooks mains, grains, and vegetables simultaneously without compromising texture or quality.

Whether you’re searing, roasting, or air frying, this appliance delivers top-tier results every time.

• Effortless Cleanup

Say farewell to tedious post-cooking cleanup. The non-stick cooking pot and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe, ensuring that tidying up is swift and hassle-free.

Downsides of This Model

While the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer offers an array of impressive features and benefits, like any kitchen appliance, it does have its downsides. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider.

• Learning Curve

Operating this multifunctional appliance may require a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re new to air frying or rapid cooking.

The multitude of cooking modes and functions might be overwhelming for some users. It may take time to master the nuances of each setting to achieve desired results.

• Size and Storage

The Ninja Speedi™, with its 6-quart capacity, is a substantial appliance that demands counter space or storage room.

If your kitchen is already cramped, finding a suitable spot for it may be a challenge. Additionally, its weight, at 16 lbs, makes it less portable than smaller appliances.

• Price

While it offers excellent value for its functionality, the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer may not be budget-friendly for everyone.

 Its price point is higher compared to basic kitchen appliances, which could be a deterrent for cost-conscious consumers.

• Noise

Like many kitchen appliances, the Ninja Speedi can be noisy during operation, particularly when using functions like air frying or rapid cooking. The noise level might be bothersome for some users, especially if you prefer a quiet cooking environment.

• Limited Accessories

While the appliance comes with a non-stick cooking pot and a crisper tray, it doesn’t include an extensive array of accessories like some other air fryers. This limitation may disappoint users who enjoy having a variety of accessories for different cooking needs.

• Durability

As with any complex kitchen appliance, there’s always the potential for wear and tear over time.

Some users have reported issues with the longevity of certain components, such as the non-stick coating. Ensuring proper care and maintenance is essential to maximize its lifespan.

What Is a Ninja Foodi?

The Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-qt. SMART XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer represents a revolution in kitchen appliances, combining multiple functions and innovative technologies to simplify cooking while expanding culinary possibilities.

At its core, the Ninja Foodi is a multifunctional kitchen appliance designed to streamline cooking processes and offer versatility in meal preparation.

Its primary functions include pressure cooking, air frying, and SteamCrisping, all unified under one SmartLid.

It offers a spacious 8-quart cooking pot to accommodate larger meals, making it suitable for families or gatherings.

Main Features of the Ninja Foodi

• SmartLid Slider

The Ninja Foodi’s innovative SmartLid Slider is the key to its versatility.

By simply sliding the SmartLid, you can switch between pressure cooking, air frying, and SteamCrisping modes. This intuitive design eliminates the need for multiple appliances.

• SteamCrisp Technology

One of the standout features is the SteamCrisp Technology. It allows you to steam and crisp simultaneously, ensuring faster cooking times while retaining the juiciness and crispiness of your dishes.

This technology is particularly useful for achieving perfect results with meats and vegetables.

• Foodi Smart Thermometer

Achieving precise doneness levels has never been easier. The included Foodi Smart Thermometer lets you monitor the internal temperature of your food, ensuring it’s cooked to perfection without guesswork.

It’s a game-changer for those who want their meals cooked to specific standards.

• Smart Cook System

With four smart protein settings and nine customizable doneness levels, you can achieve your preferred level of doneness, whether you’re cooking a steak, chicken, or any protein. Say goodbye to undercooked or overcooked meals.

• Hands-Free Steam Release

The Ninja Foodi offers three auto-steam release controls, allowing you to select your preferred pressure release setting. This feature enhances safety and convenience during the cooking process.

• Deluxe Reversible Rack

To maximize cooking capacity, the included reversible rack doubles your cooking space. Prepare complete meals with mains and sides simultaneously, reducing overall cooking time.

• 14 Programmable Cooking Functions

What sets the Ninja Foodi apart is its combination of functionalities and technologies all within one appliance.

It offers 14 programmable cooking functions, including pressure cooking, air frying, broiling, baking, dehydrating, and more.

This versatility means you can create a wide range of recipes, from pressure-cooked stews to air-fried crispy snacks—all in a single pot.

Downsides of This Model

The Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-qt. SMART XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer is a versatile and innovative kitchen appliance. Unfortunately, many users experience some downsides. While not everybody may have the same experience, it’s still important to mention.

• Size and Weight

Due to its large 8-quart capacity and robust features, this Ninja Foodi model is quite substantial in size and weight. It may take up a significant amount of counter space, and it can be challenging to move or store for those with limited kitchen space.

• Complexity

The multitude of cooking functions and features might be overwhelming for some users, especially those who prefer straightforward appliances. It may take time to fully grasp all the capabilities and settings.

• Price

Ninja Foodi models, especially those with advanced features like the SmartLid and Foodi Smart Thermometer, tend to be at a higher price point compared to basic kitchen appliances.

While it offers exceptional functionality, it might not be budget-friendly for everyone.

• Learning Curve

With numerous cooking options and customizable settings, there can be a learning curve associated with getting the most out of this appliance. Users may need some time to experiment and become comfortable with the various cooking methods and adjustments.

• Maintenance

While the cooking pot and accessories are dishwasher safe, the appliance itself may require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently. The complexity of the appliance can make cleaning a bit more involved.

• Size for Smaller Meals

For individuals or smaller households, the 8-quart capacity might be excessive for everyday cooking. It’s designed to cater to larger families or gatherings, so it may not be the most practical choice for those with fewer mouths to feed.

• Noise

Like many kitchen appliances with multiple functions, the Ninja Foodi can generate some noise during operation. While this is common, it might be a consideration for those who prefer quieter cooking experiences.

Ninja Speedi vs. Foodi – The Differences

In the world of kitchen innovation, Ninja has carved a name for itself with two remarkable appliances: the Ninja Speedi and the Ninja Foodi.

These culinary powerhouses share the same mission – to simplify meal preparation – but diverge in features and capabilities. Let’s take a look at the main differences.

Size and Capacity

The Ninja Speedi and Ninja Foodi are both versatile kitchen appliances, but they differ significantly in terms of size and capacity.

The Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer boasts a 6-quart capacity, which is generally suitable for cooking meals for a family of up to four people.

Its size is well-suited for everyday cooking tasks without taking up excessive counter space. This capacity is perfect for cooking main dishes, side dishes, and even desserts, all in one pot.

On the other hand, the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8-qt. SMART XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer is more substantial, with an 8-quart capacity.

This extra capacity makes it ideal for larger families, gatherings, or anyone who enjoys batch cooking. With the Foodi’s larger size, you can easily prepare meals for a family and have leftovers for future meals.

Functionality

When it comes to functionality, both appliances offer a wide range of cooking methods and features. However, the Ninja Foodi has a broader spectrum of capabilities.

The Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer primarily focuses on rapid cooking, air frying, and a few essential functions. It excels at quickly preparing complete meals in as little as 15 minutes using its Speedi Meals function.

While it offers impressive versatility, it may not be as feature-rich as the Ninja Foodi.

In contrast, the Ninja Foodi is a kitchen powerhouse. It combines pressure cooking, air frying, and SteamCrisping under its SmartLid.

It also features SteamCrisp Technology for simultaneous steaming and crisping, resulting in faster, juicier, and crispier dishes.

With 14 1-touch programs, the Foodi can handle a wide array of cooking tasks, including baking, roasting, broiling, and even sous vide cooking. It’s a versatile appliance that can replace several other kitchen gadgets.

Price Points

One noticeable difference between the Ninja Speedi and the Ninja Foodi is their price points.

The Ninja Foodi is more expensive than the Ninja Speedi. The price discrepancy is primarily due to Foodi’s broader range of features and functions.

While the Speedi offers rapid cooking and air frying, the Foodi includes additional capabilities such as pressure cooking, sous vide, and a more extensive array of 14 programmable cooking functions.

It’s important to note that the higher price of the Foodi reflects its versatility and ability to replace multiple kitchen appliances. If you’re looking for a single appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, the Foodi’s higher price might be justified by the convenience and flexibility it offers.

Which Is Better, Ninja Speedi or Ninja Foodi?

The choice between the Ninja Speedi and the Ninja Foodi ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both appliances offer impressive features and versatility, but they cater to different kitchen scenarios.

Consider the Ninja Speedi if:

• You Prioritize Speed and Convenience

If you’re looking for a kitchen appliance that can deliver complete meals in as little as 15 minutes, the Speedi is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for busy individuals or families who need quick and easy meal solutions without sacrificing taste and quality.

• You Have Limited Counter Space

The Speedi has a more compact design compared to the Foodi, making it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space.

• You’re on a Budget

If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution for preparing fast and tasty meals, the Speedi offers excellent value for your money.

Consider the Ninja Foodi if:

• You Value Versatility

The Ninja Foodi is a kitchen workhorse with a wide range of cooking functions. It can pressure cook, air fry, steam, bake, broil, roast, dehydrate, and more. If you want an appliance that can replace multiple kitchen gadgets and handle a variety of cooking tasks, the Foodi is the superior choice.

• You Have a Larger Family or Entertain Frequently

With its 8-quart capacity, the Ninja Foodi is better suited for larger families or those who frequently host gatherings. You can prepare substantial meals with ease, and the included Deluxe Reversible Rack allows you to cook multiple components simultaneously.

• You’re Willing to Invest in Kitchen Convenience

While the Ninja Foodi comes at a higher price point compared to the Speedi, it offers a broader range of features and functions.

• You Enjoy Culinary Experimentation

The Foodi’s extensive functionality allows for culinary experimentation. Whether you want to try sous vide cooking, dehydrate fruits, or air fry crispy snacks, the Foodi provides a platform for creative cooking.