The return to everyday cooking comes a familiar urge to upgrade the kitchen workhorses that do the heavy lifting. For anyone eyeing a new food processor – one that can handle weeknight prep without dominating the benchtop – the Ninja Stealth iQ Kitchen System has been quietly making waves. We put it to the test to see if it earns a place in a Gourmet Traveller kitchen.
Ninja Stealth IQ Our expert verdict on the food processor and blender
Pros
- All the accessories and extra blend-and-go jugs.
- Stealth by name and stealthily quiet by nature.
- Option to use the smart ‘Blend Sense’ which adjusts processing time automatically.
- Solid suction to surface for less chance of movement.
Cons
- If storage space is a premium, you may find it difficult to store all the accessories.
How the Ninja Stealth IQ can make your life easier
More than just a food processor, the Ninja Stealth iQ Kitchen System will earn its place on your benchtop by functioning as a true multi-tasker for everyday cooking. It chops and slices with ease, blends smoothies to a silky finish, and even kneads dough when weekend baking or weeknight pizza is on the agenda. The blend-and-go cups are particularly handy during the back-to-work and back-to-school rush, allowing smoothies and sauces to be made, sealed and taken straight out the door. For cooks looking to streamline meal prep in the new year – from weekday lunches to family dinners – this all-in-one blender and food processor simplifies the process.
Ninja Stealth IQ specs and product features
Colour: Black
Dimensions (cm): Product: 21.5 W x 24.5 D x 40.5 H Packaging: 48.7 W x 35.8 D x 38 H
Weight: 3.97kg
What’s in the box: Motor Base, 2.1L Jug, Total Crushing® & Chopping Blade Assembly, BPA-free 1.8L Food Processor Bowl, BPA-free Food Processor Bowl Feed Chute Lid and Pusher, Chopping Blade Assembly, Dough Blade Assembly, Reversible Slicing / Shredding Disc, Spindle, three BPA-free 700ml Single-Serve Cups with Spout Lids, Hybrid Edge™ Blades Assembly, Stealth Shield & Lid, Inspiration Guide with 15+ Recipes
How to use the Ninja Stealth IQ
1 Super-easy set up
Depending on what you’re looking to make will determine your set up. Start with placing the motor base on your benchtop – be aware that the non-slip suction feet are strong and take more than a little coaxing to release them from your work surface if you want to reposition the base. Then consult the guide to help you choose which bowl or blades will best suit your purpose. For the most part it’s fairly intuitive
2 Touch of a button
Once you’re ready, simply press the dial to start the Blendsense program – it will actively adjust speed and time based on ingredients density and size. Or if you’d rather control the process, press Manual, then choose your Mode from the blending and processing choices to blend, crush, chop, mince, slice or shred. There’s also a Pulse button that operates only when you press and hold it. Consult the Quick Start Guide for any tips, tricks or recipes to get you started.
3 Dream clean
Each detachable part of the Ninja Stealth IQ is dishwasher safe so cleaning is as easy as rinse and stack in the top rack of the dishwasher. There is a warning to not use the ‘heated dry cycle’ on your dishwasher. Alternatively you can hand-wash the accessories, but be extra careful handling the blades as they are razor-sharp.
Results from our Ninja Stealth IQ test run
We put the Ninja Stealth iQ to work on the kind of everyday cooking that matters most, beginning with the vegetable base for a rich Bolognese. Onion, carrot, celery and a few extra vegetables (destined to stay hidden from younger diners) were processed quickly and evenly, creating a fine soffritto without turning watery. We also tested the blender on a quick hummus using tinned chickpeas, which came together fast at the press of the BlendSense button. While it retained some texture, removing the chickpea skins would deliver a smoother finish. In both tests, the machine proved adept at the practical prep work that underpins good weeknight cooking and entertaining alike.
Overall, is the Ninja Stealth IQ worth it?
We’ve had the opportunity to test many of the best food processors across multiple price points, and at $399.99, the Ninja Stealth iQ Kitchen System punches well above its weight—not only in performance but in accessories. This ‘kitchen system’ is like having your own sous chef at your side, ready to chop, blend, mince, purée and knead at your command. And with stealth mode in action, you’ll never need to raise your voice to be heard above it.
Where to buy the Ninja Luxe Café
- Ninja Kitchen Australia, $399.99
- Harvey Norman, $339.99 (usually $399.99)
- Myer, $399.99 (usually $499.99)
