The Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker with 14 Functions: A Complete User Experience
Worth It - Deals & Finds
After two months of daily use, I’m ready to share every detail of what makes this kitchen powerhouse so special!
TL;DR: Is It Worth $229?
YES – if you need a versatile countertop appliance that can replace multiple kitchen gadgets, cook complete meals quickly, and don’t mind a learning curve.
MAYBE NOT – if you’re short on counter space, want a completely intuitive appliance without experimentation, or primarily need just one function like air frying.
After eight weeks of cooking everything from quick weeknight meals to elaborate weekend feasts, I can confidently say the Ninja Combi is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances I’ve ever tested. Here’s my unfiltered experience covering everything from unboxing to long-term performance.
Where to Buy
First Impressions: Substantial and Well-Designed
Opening the box reveals a substantial appliance that immediately communicates quality. At approximately 15.4 x 14.9 x 13.1 inches, the Combi occupies significant counter space—similar to a large toaster oven or small microwave. The complete package includes:
- The Ninja Combi multicooker unit
- A deep “Combi Cooker Pan” for steaming and combination cooking
- A flat baking tray for traditional oven functions
- A crisper tray for air frying
- A comprehensive recipe book with 20 chef-created recipes
- Quick-start guide and reference charts
What immediately impressed me was the thoughtful design. The door swings open to the left with a substantial feel, and the digital control panel on the handle is clearly labeled with icons representing the 14 cooking functions. Inside, there are two rack positions with corresponding heating elements (top and bottom) plus the convection fan system for air frying.
The brushed stainless steel exterior gives it a premium look that fits well in most kitchen designs, though the size means you’ll need to consider placement carefully. It’s not an appliance you’ll want to move frequently, weighing in at just over 20 pounds.
Setup was straightforward—simply remove the packaging materials, wash the accessories, and plug it in. Unlike some complex kitchen gadgets, there’s no app to download or Wi-Fi to configure, which I found refreshing.
The 14 Functions: Versatility Beyond Expectations
The Ninja Combi’s 14 cooking functions are divided into two main categories accessible via the function selector:
Combi Cooking Functions:
- Combi Meals – Combines steam and convection for complete meals
- Combi Crisp – Steam and air fry simultaneously
- Combi Bake – Steam and baking functions together
- Rice/Pasta – Precisely cooks grains and pasta
- Sear/Sauté – Works like a stovetop pan
- Steam – Pure steam cooking
Traditional Cooking Functions:
7. Air Fry – Crispy results with little to no oil
8. Bake – Traditional oven function
9. Broil – High-heat top cooking
10. Pizza – Specialized for perfect pizza results
11. Toast – Even browning for bread
12. Slow Cook – Low and slow cooking for tender results
13. Proof – Low-temperature environment for bread dough
14. Sous Vide – Precise temperature water bath cooking
What distinguishes the Ninja Combi from other multicookers is its unique “Combi” technology that combines HyperSteam with convection cooking. This allows for cooking complete meals with different components simultaneously—something that previously required multiple appliances.
After testing each function extensively, I found that certain ones exceeded expectations while others required some experimentation to perfect:
Standout Functions:
- Combi Meals is truly revolutionary for cooking complete dishes (protein, starch, and vegetables) simultaneously in 15-20 minutes
- Air Fry performs as well as dedicated air fryers, producing crispy results faster than a conventional oven
- Steam provides perfectly moist vegetables and fish with nutrient retention
- Slow Cook rivals dedicated slow cookers for tender braises and stews
Functions Requiring Experimentation:
- Rice/Pasta needs adjustment from the included recipes depending on your rice variety
- Sous Vide works but requires more time to come to temperature than dedicated units
- Pizza performs well but requires positioning adjustment for even cooking
The true value proposition of the Combi lies in its ability to combine functions that would normally require multiple appliances. For example, I made a complete meal of salmon, broccoli, and rice all at once using the Combi Meals function—something that would typically require a steamer, oven, and rice cooker separately.
Real-World Cooking Performance
Over two months, I tested the Combi with a wide variety of recipes, including both those from the included recipe book and my own creations. Here’s how it performed across different cooking scenarios:
Complete Meals
The standout capability is definitely cooking complete meals in one go. Following the recipe for “Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli and Rice,” I placed rice in the Combi Pan, positioned the crisper tray with salmon and broccoli on top, and selected the Combi Meals function. After 18 minutes, everything was perfectly cooked—the rice fluffy, salmon moist with a slight caramelization on top, and broccoli tender-crisp.
This “stack cooking” approach saves significant time and dramatically reduces cleanup compared to traditional methods. While there’s a learning curve to adapt your own recipes to this approach, the included cooking charts provide an excellent starting point.
Air Frying
Air frying in the Combi delivers excellent results comparable to dedicated air fryers. Frozen french fries reached perfect crispness in 14 minutes (including preheat time), which is on par with the best air fryers I’ve tested.
Chicken wings with a light coating of oil and spices came out remarkably crispy with juicy interiors after 22 minutes at 390°F, rivaling deep-fried results. The crisper tray allows air circulation for even cooking, though I found flipping halfway through beneficial for the best results.
Baking and Roasting
Roasting a 4-pound chicken produced impressive results—crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat in about 55 minutes. The convection function ensures even cooking, though I noticed slightly faster cooking times compared to my standard oven recipes.
Baking performance is solid for most applications. A batch of chocolate chip cookies baked evenly, though I found I needed to reduce the temperature by about 25°F compared to standard recipes to prevent over-browning. The limitation here is size—you’re restricted to smaller baking sheets or pans that fit the interior dimensions.
Steaming and Rice Cooking
The steam function excels at vegetable preparation. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans all emerged perfectly tender-crisp with vibrant colors in just 6-8 minutes. The HyperSteam technology also proves valuable for cooking frozen ingredients directly without thawing—a huge time-saver for busy weeknights.
Rice cooking required some experimentation. The default settings worked well for white rice, but brown rice needed additional water and cooking time. Once dialed in, however, the results were consistently good across multiple attempts.
Unique Cooking Methods
The Combi Crisp function creates remarkable results by combining steaming and air frying. When making fried chicken, I found the meat remained incredibly juicy while the exterior developed a perfectly crispy crust. This approach reduces cooking time while enhancing moisture retention.
The proof function maintains the perfect low temperature for bread dough rising, and I successfully made pizza dough from scratch using this feature before switching to the Pizza function for baking.
Design and Usability
The Ninja Combi balances functionality with accessibility. The control panel is intuitive, with clear labels and a digital display showing current temperature and remaining cooking time. The two-button system to select cooking functions (one for Combi functions, one for traditional methods) simplifies navigation through the 14 options.
The internal light and see-through door allow you to monitor cooking progress without opening the door and losing heat. This proves essential when cooking items prone to burning or when judging browning levels.
The included accessories are thoughtfully designed:
- The deep Combi Cooker Pan has high walls ideal for rice, pasta, and liquid-heavy dishes
- The bake tray features an enamel coating that’s easy to clean and perfect for cookies and roasting
- The crisper tray allows air circulation for crispy results in air frying mode
All accessories are dishwasher-safe, which significantly eases cleanup. The nonstick nano-ceramic coating on the pans and crisper tray is PTFE and PFOA-free, addressing common health concerns about nonstick surfaces.
One design element that requires adaptation is the side-opening door. While this provides excellent access to the cooking chamber, it requires sufficient clearance space on the left side of the appliance for proper operation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Ninja Combi is remarkably straightforward for such a versatile appliance. The nonstick coating on all accessories truly lives up to its name—even stubborn residue like cheese or caramelized sauces wipes away with minimal effort.
For more thorough cleaning, all accessories are dishwasher-safe, though I found hand washing equally effective and less likely to cause long-term wear on the nonstick surfaces. The interior of the unit can be wiped down with a damp cloth after cooling.
For deep cleaning, Ninja suggests a steam cleaning method: fill the bake pan with three cups of water and run the steam function for 15 minutes. This loosens any accumulated residue inside the oven cavity, which can then be easily wiped away.
The exterior stainless steel surfaces occasionally show fingerprints but clean up nicely with a microfiber cloth. The control panel needs gentle cleaning to avoid damaging the electronic components.
One maintenance consideration is the interior light, which isn’t user-replaceable. However, after two months of regular use, there’s been no degradation in brightness.
Energy Efficiency and Cooking Speed
One significant advantage of the Ninja Combi over a traditional oven is energy efficiency and reduced cooking times. Using a plug-in energy meter, I found that despite its powerful functions, the Combi used substantially less electricity than preheating and running my full-sized oven for equivalent recipes.
Preheating is remarkably fast—typically 1-3 minutes depending on the function, compared to 10-15 minutes for a conventional oven. This, combined with the smaller cooking chamber and efficient heating elements, translates to both energy savings and reduced cooking times.
For example, roasting a chicken that would take 75-90 minutes in my conventional oven was completed in about 55 minutes in the Combi, including the preheat time. Similarly, cookies that called for 11 minutes at 350°F in a standard oven were perfectly done in 8 minutes in the Combi.
The time savings become even more pronounced with the combination cooking functions. A complete meal of protein, vegetables, and starch that would typically take 30-45 minutes using multiple appliances can be prepared in 15-20 minutes using the Combi Meals function.
Learning Curve and Recipe Adaptation
While the basic functions are intuitive, mastering the Ninja Combi’s full potential requires some experimentation and willingness to adapt recipes. The included recipe book provides an excellent starting point, but expanding beyond those 20 recipes means learning how to convert traditional cooking methods to the Combi’s unique capabilities.
I found that most conventional oven recipes work well with a simple adjustment: reducing temperature by about 25°F due to the efficient convection system. For combination cooking, there’s more of a learning curve in determining which ingredients should be placed where and timing adjustments for different food combinations.
After about two weeks of regular use, I felt confident adapting most recipes to the Combi’s functions. The cooking charts in the recipe book proved invaluable, providing general guidelines for cooking times and temperatures for various ingredients.
One aspect that requires particular attention is the “stack cooking” approach for complete meals. Understanding which items cook faster or slower helps determine proper placement (usually quicker-cooking items go on top, slower ones on the bottom). After several attempts, I developed a good intuition for this approach.
Value Proposition: Is It Worth the Investment?
At $229 (often available for less during sales), the Ninja Combi represents a significant kitchen investment. However, considering it potentially replaces multiple appliances—air fryer, toaster oven, steamer, rice cooker, and slow cooker—the value proposition becomes more apparent.
For households with limited storage space or those looking to consolidate kitchen gadgets, the Combi offers remarkable versatility in a single footprint. The build quality suggests durability, and Ninja’s track record for reliability adds confidence to the investment.
The cost-benefit analysis improves if you:
- Currently own several single-function appliances that could be consolidated
- Value time savings in cooking complete meals
- Cook for a family or frequently entertain
- Would benefit from reduced energy consumption compared to a full-sized oven
For singles or those with very specific cooking needs, a dedicated single-function appliance might prove more economical. Additionally, the significant counter space requirement must be factored into the decision.
Who Should Buy This?
The Ninja Combi is ideal for:
Busy families who need to get complete, nutritious meals on the table quickly without compromising quality. The ability to cook protein, vegetables, and grains simultaneously is a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
Home cooks with limited kitchen space who want to consolidate multiple appliances into one versatile unit. While the Combi has a substantial footprint, it replaces several single-function devices.
Meal preppers who will appreciate the ability to cook batch components efficiently. The family-sized capacity accommodates larger quantities for weekly meal preparation.
Those looking to reduce energy consumption compared to using a full-sized oven for everyday cooking tasks. The Combi preheats quickly and uses less electricity for most common cooking operations.
Experimental cooks who enjoy learning new cooking techniques and are willing to adapt recipes to maximize the appliance’s unique capabilities.
The Combi might not be ideal for:
Singles or couples with minimal cooking needs who might find a single-function device more appropriate for their lifestyle.
Those with very limited counter space who cannot accommodate the substantial footprint of the appliance.
People seeking a completely intuitive, set-it-and-forget-it appliance without any experimentation or learning curve.
Long-Term Durability Assessment
After two months of almost daily use, the Ninja Combi shows no signs of wear or performance degradation. The nonstick coatings remain effective, the door hinges operate smoothly, and all functions continue to perform as expected.
The build quality suggests longevity, with robust materials and solid construction throughout. The heating elements cycle on and off appropriately, indicating proper thermostat function and temperature control.
One consideration for long-term use is the eventual degradation of nonstick coatings, which is inevitable with any nonstick cookware. Using appropriate utensils (avoiding metal) and hand washing when possible will extend the life of these surfaces.
Ninja offers a one-year limited warranty, which is standard for kitchen appliances in this category. Their customer service has a generally positive reputation for addressing any manufacturing defects or premature failures.
Final Verdict: A Versatile Kitchen Powerhouse with a Learning Curve
The Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker delivers on its promise of versatility and efficiency, offering 14 distinct cooking functions in a single appliance. Its standout feature—the ability to cook complete meals with different components simultaneously—provides genuine value for busy households seeking to prepare nutritious meals efficiently.
While there is a learning curve to mastering its full capabilities, the included recipe book and cooking charts provide an excellent foundation. The time investment in learning pays dividends in cooking efficiency and expanded culinary possibilities.
The build quality, thoughtful design, and ease of cleaning suggest this appliance is built for the long haul, making the price point reasonable for the functionality offered. For those with sufficient counter space who value versatility and efficiency, the Ninja Combi represents an excellent addition to the modern kitchen arsenal.
OUR SCORE
Have you tried the Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker? What features matter most to you in kitchen appliances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
