Ninja Foodi Hot & Cold Blender has us all mixed up

By / Life / September 3rd, 2020 / 15
Ninja Foodi Hot & Cold Blender

It’ll likely take some time before we really know if any actual good came out of the COVID-19 pandemic’s mostly bad tidings. Although one pretty good thing has already been realized: being relegated to our home most of the time has forced many of us to hone our home cooking and bartending skills. I was recently introduced to a device that makes both considerably easier: the Ninja Foodi Hot & Cold Blender.

The Ninja Foodi Hot & Cold Blender (model HB150C, if you must know) may be dubbed a mere “blender,” but it’s more accurately a blender on steroids (a turbo blender, if you will). It sports some cool features that’ll appeal to both chefs and bar-chefs alike. Not only does it pack a 1400-peak-watt power train, allowing it to double, perhaps, as a small outboard motor – or possibly a rather unique looking drone if suitably modified – but it has the ability to create a wide range of both hot and cold concoctions. The base of the unit’s almost two litre glass pitcher houses a heating unit that can allow you to do things like sauté ingredients prior to use, and help you create finished warm (or hot), soups, sauces and dips.

Making these is a no-brainer thanks to the unit’s automatic presets (hearty soup, smooth soup and the like); the included 60-plus-page recipe book; and the blender’s 800-watt heating element. Classic chicken noodle soup? No problem. Toss your ingredients into the pitcher. Set the pitcher on the base. Press the “Hearty Soup” preset, and in about a half-hour, wala! You have a CNS that would seriously make grandma nervous. Same deal for traditional tomato sauce, Alfredo sauce, queso dip… and practically anything hot and liquid you can dream up.

Looking for something cool to keep you cool? Simply clean out the pitcher using the Ninja’s (much welcome) self-cleaning setting and pick your punch. Smoothie maybe? Frozen drink? How about ice cream? All options are possible.

For mixologists-in-waiting, here’s a really nifty feature: By using the “Infuse” setting, the heating unit can toast spices, herbs and fruits to extract flavours. Add your favourite hooch, hit the “Cocktail” button and indulge in your own custom-made signature cocktail. No sugars or syrups required (yay). You can create spa waters, concentrates and mixers as well. Naturally, anything created using the heating function will require cooling prior to enjoying.

Of course, you’re not compelled to use any of the 12 pre-set Auto-iQ smart programs for your hot and cold creations. There are the usual manual settings so you can crush, pummel and pulverize to your own liking.

I haven’t finished putting the Ninja Foodi Hot & Cold Blender through its paces, but with limitless possibilities at my fingertips, that could take a while.

Ninja Foodi Hot & Cold Blender / $159.99
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tod Stewart is the contributing editor at Quench. He's an award-winning Toronto-based wine/spirits/food/travel/lifestyle writer with over 35 years industry experience. He has contributed to newspapers, periodicals, and trade publications and has acted as a consultant to the hospitality industry. No matter what the subject matter, he aims to write an entertaining read. His book, 'Where The Spirits Moved Me' is now available on Amazon and Apple.

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