Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker OP350UK review: is this do-it-all gadget worth the expense?

Price on writing: £200 | Buy now from Amazon

What we like

• Versatile

• Fantastic results

• Simple to operate

• Clear instructions

• Easy to clean

• Quicker cooking times than the oven

• Energy efficient

What we don't like

• Pricey

• Bulky and heavy

• Lid isn't suitable for all functions (the pressure lid is included though)

• Big families may want a larger capacity

Our verdict

• Set up: 5/5

• Ease of use: 5/5

• Ease of cleaning: 5/5

• Results: 5/5

• Design: 4/5

• Value for money: 4/5

When it comes to versatility, it's hard to beat the Ninja OP350UK; we awarded it the title of 'top luxury multi-tasker' in our best slow cooker round-up. On top of slow cooking, it can also function as an air fryer, pressure cooker, steamer, grill, amongst others, so while it's pricey, you get a lot for your money.

If you're willing to up the budget, you can pick up Ninja multi-cookers with even more functions (for example, the Foodi MAX OL750UK has 15 cooking modes), but ultimately, we think the Ninja OP350UK offers everything you'd need from a multi-cooker and more without gimmicky settings that may go unused.

It's simple to use, and our tester Sue loved how easy it was to clean - the parts are dishwasher safe, but washing it by hand doesn't take too much work. The results are super impressive, too - Sue said the air fryer setting "cooked to perfection".

The downsides? It's bulky and heavy, although it could save on space compared to storing a few different gadgets. You will also need to change the lid over for certain functions, which adds a bit of extra faff.

The main drawback, however, is the cost. At £200, it's a big investment, but if you can afford to splash out, it's a great gadget. It's energy efficient, too, so you may even find that you save money on bills in the long run.

How we tested

We first asked Mumsnet users the slow cooker and multi-cooker models they recommend, recruiting our Insight panel to give their feedback on everything from ease of use and cleaning, versatility, design, and how tasty the results from each gadget were.

Once we had collated these results, we consulted with our Mumsnet tester, Sue, to get her in-depth insights into how she found the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker after almost a year of daily use. Through using unbiased Mumsnet users for feedback, we ensure we give you an honest account of how products fare after extensive use in a real family home.

For more kitchen gadgets loved by Mumsnetters, we've also rounded up the best bread makers, including reviews of models our users have tried and tested.

Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker: design and style

If your cupboards are stuffed full of everything from the best food processor to a random assortment of Tupperware, and you want your next kitchen purchase to keep things more streamlined, the Ninja Foodi OP350UK could be the one for you. Sure, it's pretty bulky and will take up a lot of room, but it does the job of nine gadgets in one, so it could save space (and money) in the long run.

Mumsnet tester Sue was pleased with the style of the Ninja, but found a few drawbacks with the lid: "I like the design of it but it is very heavy and needs ‘head space' so you can lift the lid fully. I keep mine on the cooker as it’s a double hob and I only really use one side of it anyway.

"I have a separate lid for the pressure cook and slow cook functions, which I would rather not have to have. The main lid is fixed on and just lifted up while the other lid goes on. Newer models have all-in-one lids and I would definitely go for that next time." 

With a 6-litre capacity, there's plenty of space for up to four portions, but if you have a large family to feed, you may be better off plumping for the Ninja Foodi MAX 7.5L, which can serve up to six people.

Cooking in the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker: how easy is it to use?

The Ninja 9-in-1 offers several different cooking functions that are all operated using a digital control panel (pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, bake/roast, sear/sauté, grill, yoghurt, dehydrate). There's also a handy timer on the gadget, something missing from some basic slow cook-only models.

After daily use for almost a year, Sue was thrilled with how simple the Ninja was to operate: "It's very easy to use, [there are] clear instructions and [it's] easy to go from one function to another, set the timer and walk away from it."

A standout function was the slow cooker - Sue had never used a one before and described it as a "real boon" to use. "Stews, casseroles, chilli, bolognese, joints of meat, and even cakes and puddings can all be ready when I get home."

She also loved using the air fryer (a feature many Mumsnetters rave about when it comes to their Ninja multi-cookers). However, Sue reported that the "air fryer function is not as quick as some reviews lead me to believe, but it's far quicker than using the normal oven."

Related: Discover the best cookbooks, as recommended by Mumsnetters

Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker: what are the results like?

From delicious stews to healthy(ish) fries - when compared to those produced in a deep fat fryer, at least - the Ninja excels at cooking tasty food.

"It cooks to perfection," Sue reported. "I have air fried homemade cookies, doughnuts, small pizzas etc. for the kids and all works brilliantly."  

It's not just Sue who raves about the results from the Ninja 9-in-1 - here's what other Mumsnetters have to say on the Talk boards:

"We have the Ninja Foodi. I think its the 9-in-1. We love it. Use it daily, even if it's for silly things like par-baked rolls or bake-at-home croissants for breakfast. Generally use it for the pressure cooker, air fry or bake function. We used it to cook salmon and tenderstem broccoli last week (part pressure cook then steamed). A nice, simple and tasty one-pot dish." - Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Toomanylosthours

"We have the Ninja 9-in-1. I use it more than our oven now that I've figured out timings etc. There is a recipe book on Amazon that's quite good. A lot of adaptable recipes and there are a few Facebook groups I've found handy for checking times for pressure cooking. My sister has the new 15-in-1 that doesn't have the pressure/slow cook lid separately and it's fab. If I was getting a new one I'd choose that one!" - Product recommended by Mumsnet user MrsStrongman

How easy is the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker to clean?

Post-dinnertime, the last thing you want to be doing is spending long amounts of time hovering over the sink, scrubbing pots clean. Luckily, the Ninja Foodi is exceptionally simple to clean. It has dishwasher-safe parts, but Sue tended to wash them by hand and remarked that it's "so easy to keep clean". 

Key specs

• Capacity: 6L (four portions)

• Dimensions: 43 x 36 x 32cm

• Weight: 11kg

• Functions: Air Crisp, bake/roast, grill, dehydrate, yogurt, sear/sauté, steam, slow cook, pressure cook, keep warm

• Pot: Ceramic

• Lid: Hinged

• Dishwasher safe parts?: Yes

• Power: 1460W

• Includes: Pressure lid, reversible rack, Cook & Crisp Basket

• Guarantee: Two years

About the author

Natasha Gregson is an Affiliate Content Editor at Mumsnet, specialising in lifestyle and home articles with a focus on product reviews.

After a three-year stint on Gransnet's editorial team, Natasha joined Mumsnet in 2021, and has since carved out a specialism in all things home, kitchen and lifestyle. A keen foodie, she loves nothing more than trying new culinary creations in the kitchen, which often includes testing out and researching the latest kitchen gadgets for Mumsnet, including slow cookers and multi-cookers.

Read next: The best recipe boxes for busy families

All information correct at the time of writing.