Alright, let’s talk gadgets! Specifically, the Ninja Express Chop. Now, I’m no stranger to kitchen gizmos – I’ve got drawers full of ’em, some hits, some definite misses. So, when this little chopper landed on my doorstep, I was curious: could it actually make my life easier, or would it just become another dust-collecting countertop ornament?
First off, it’s small. Seriously small. If you’re tight on kitchen real estate, this thing’s a winner right out of the gate. The stainless steel accents give it a modern look, and that “ergonomic power head” they brag about? Surprisingly comfy! It fits nicely in your hand, and that one-touch button? Simple as can be.
But let’s get down to brass tacks: how does it chop?
I decided to put it through its paces. Onions were first. I love a good salsa, but chopping onions? My eyes start watering just thinking about it. The Ninja Express Chop definitely sped things up, turning those tear-jerkers into manageable bits in seconds. Were they perfectly diced? Nah, not exactly. Some were bigger than others, but hey, I’m not entering a dicing contest.
Next up: herbs and garlic. And this, my friends, is where this little machine earned its keep. Minced garlic in a flash? Yes, please! Finely chopped herbs without turning into green mush? Absolutely! I use fresh herbs like crazy, so this alone makes it worth the price of admission.
Then, I got a little ambitious and tried a quick pesto. Basil, pine nuts, garlic – the Ninja handled it all like a champ. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of parmesan, and BAM! Instant pesto, ready to slather on pasta or spread on crusty bread. And the best part? Cleanup was a total breeze. Everything popped apart and went straight into the dishwasher. Score!
Okay, so it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. The power cord is a bit on the short side, which can be annoying depending on where your outlets are. And like I said, don’t expect perfectly uniform dicing, especially with tougher veggies. Plus, the open top design made me a little nervous about spills, so I made sure not to overfill it.
So, what’s the final word? Is the Ninja Express Chop a kitchen superhero? Maybe not quite. But it’s a darn handy little helper for everyday cooking. It’s perfect for those quick chopping jobs you just don’t feel like doing by hand, especially when it comes to garlic and herbs. If you’re short on time, short on space, and not obsessed with perfectly matching vegetable cubes, then this little Ninja might just be your new best friend. Just remember, it’s not going to replace your full-size food processor for big tasks.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Is it for you? Consider this:
- Grab it if: You’re a busy cook, have a small kitchen, and loathe chopping garlic.
- Skip it if: You need perfectly diced veggies, cook large meals regularly, or want a full-on food processor replacement.