Ninja Speedi vs Pressure Cooker: Which One is Right for You?

Ninja Speedi and a traditional pressure cooker placed side by side on a kitchen counter for comparison.
The world of kitchen appliances is ever-expanding, offering countless options to make cooking faster, easier, and more versatile. Among the many tools available, the Ninja Speedi and traditional pressure cookers are two of the most popular choices for home cooks. While both promise quick and efficient cooking, they differ significantly in their functionality, design, and target audience.

If you’re trying to decide between the Ninja Speedi and a pressure cooker, you’re in the right place. This in-depth comparison will break down their features, advantages, and differences, helping you choose the best appliance for your needs.

Buy Now at Amazon


What is the Ninja Speedi?

The Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer is a multi-functional appliance designed to combine several cooking methods into one compact unit. It’s marketed as a tool that can prepare complete meals in under 15 minutes. From air frying and steaming to baking and roasting, the Ninja Speedi is an all-in-one kitchen powerhouse.

Key Features of the Ninja Speedi:

  • Multiple Cooking Modes: Combines air frying, steaming, baking, roasting, sautéing, and more.
  • Speedi Meals: Designed for quick one-pot meals, like pasta or rice dishes, using its unique layering system.
  • Rapid Cooking: Cooks meals in 15 minutes or less with its combination of steam and convection heat.
  • Compact Design: Takes up minimal counter space while offering maximum versatility.
The Ninja Speedi is ideal for busy households, meal preppers, or anyone who enjoys experimenting with multiple cooking techniques in a single appliance.


What is a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is a classic kitchen appliance that uses steam pressure to cook food quickly. Whether you choose a traditional stovetop model or a modern electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, this tool is all about efficiency. It’s particularly well-suited for cooking soups, stews, beans, grains, and tougher cuts of meat in a fraction of the time.

Key Features of a Pressure Cooker:

  • High-Pressure Cooking: Uses steam pressure to cook food up to 70% faster than traditional methods.
  • Durable Construction: Available in stainless steel for durability and even heat distribution.
  • Variety of Sizes: Comes in capacities ranging from 3 quarts to 10 quarts or more.
  • Focus on Cooking Basics: Specialized for tasks like braising, steaming, and canning.
Pressure cookers are great for home cooks who value simplicity, durability, and speed in preparing hearty meals.

Buy Now at Amazon


Ninja Speedi vs Pressure Cooker: Feature Comparison

1. Cooking Methods

  • Ninja Speedi:
    The Ninja Speedi stands out with its multi-functional capabilities. It combines air frying, steaming, roasting, baking, and sautéing. It even offers a "Speedi Meals" option, which lets you cook a protein, vegetable, and starch all at once using its two-layer cooking tray.
  • Pressure Cooker:
    A pressure cooker specializes in high-pressure cooking, making it ideal for soups, stews, and braised dishes. While some modern electric pressure cookers (e.g., Instant Pot) include additional functions like slow cooking and steaming, they don’t match the versatility of the Ninja Speedi.
Winner: Ninja Speedi for versatility, but the pressure cooker excels in cooking hearty, traditional meals.


2. Speed

  • Ninja Speedi:
    The Ninja Speedi is designed for rapid cooking, with most meals ready in under 15 minutes. This is particularly useful for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something quickly without compromising on quality.
  • Pressure Cooker:
    While a pressure cooker also cooks food quickly, it typically takes longer than the Ninja Speedi because of the time needed to build and release pressure. However, it’s still significantly faster than traditional cooking methods.
Winner: Ninja Speedi for shorter overall cooking time.


3. Ease of Use

  • Ninja Speedi:
    The Ninja Speedi is highly user-friendly, with pre-programmed settings and an intuitive control panel. Its two-layer cooking system makes meal prep simple and efficient.
  • Pressure Cooker:
    Modern electric pressure cookers are fairly easy to use, but stovetop models require more monitoring. Electric models like the Instant Pot come with pre-set programs for rice, beans, and more, making them beginner-friendly.
Winner: Ninja Speedi for convenience and innovation.


4. Versatility

  • Ninja Speedi:
    The Ninja Speedi can perform a wide range of tasks, including air frying, steaming, sautéing, and more. It’s ideal for those who want one appliance to handle multiple functions.
  • Pressure Cooker:
    Pressure cookers are less versatile, focusing primarily on steaming and high-pressure cooking. While some electric models include additional functions, they don’t match the variety of cooking methods offered by the Ninja Speedi.
Winner: Ninja Speedi for being a true multi-cooker.


5. Design and Size

  • Ninja Speedi:
    The Ninja Speedi is compact and designed for small kitchens. It’s an all-in-one appliance, so it can replace multiple tools like an air fryer, rice cooker, and steamer.
  • Pressure Cooker:
    Pressure cookers, especially stovetop models, can be bulky and take up more space. Electric pressure cookers are more compact but don’t combine as many functions as the Ninja Speedi.
Winner: Ninja Speedi for its space-saving design.


6. Price

  • Ninja Speedi:
    The Ninja Speedi is priced higher than most standalone pressure cookers due to its multi-functionality.
  • Pressure Cooker:
    Traditional stovetop pressure cookers are typically more affordable, and even electric models like the Instant Pot are priced lower than the Ninja Speedi.
Winner: Pressure Cooker for affordability.

Buy Now at Amazon


Who Should Choose the Ninja Speedi?

The Ninja Speedi is the perfect choice for:

  • Busy households that need meals ready in 15 minutes or less.
  • Home cooks who want an appliance that can air fry, steam, roast, and more.
  • Those with limited kitchen space who need a multi-functional tool.
  • People who enjoy experimenting with diverse cooking methods.

Who Should Choose a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is best suited for:

  • Those who cook large batches of soups, stews, or grains regularly.
  • Home cooks who value simplicity and durability.
  • Budget-conscious buyers who want a fast cooking solution without breaking the bank.
  • Fans of traditional, hearty meals like braised meats or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion: Ninja Speedi vs Pressure Cooker – Which One Wins?

The choice between the Ninja Speedi and a pressure cooker ultimately depends on your cooking needs and preferences.

  • If you value versatility, speed, and innovation, the Ninja Speedi is the clear winner. It’s an all-in-one appliance that simplifies meal prep and offers a wide variety of cooking methods.
  • On the other hand, if you’re looking for a durable, affordable, and efficient tool for traditional cooking tasks, a pressure cooker is the way to go.
No matter which option you choose, both appliances are excellent additions to any kitchen, offering time-saving benefits and delicious results.


FAQs

Can the Ninja Speedi replace a pressure cooker?
The Ninja Speedi offers rapid cooking but does not use steam pressure like a traditional pressure cooker. While it can handle many tasks, it may not be as effective for pressure-specific recipes like canning or tenderizing tough cuts of meat.

Is the Ninja Speedi worth the price?
Yes, the Ninja Speedi is worth the investment for those who need a multi-functional appliance that saves time and space.

What are the key differences between the Ninja Speedi and an Instant Pot?
The Ninja Speedi focuses on air frying, steaming, and quick meals, while the Instant Pot specializes in high-pressure cooking and offers additional features like yogurt making.

Can you cook rice in the Ninja Speedi?
Yes, the Ninja Speedi can cook rice using its steaming and rapid-cooking functions.

Do pressure cookers have air frying capabilities?
No, traditional pressure cookers do not have air frying capabilities. However, some models, like the Ninja Foodi, combine pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance.

Which appliance is better for meal prep?
Both are great for meal prep, but the Ninja Speedi's versatility makes it more suitable for preparing a variety of dishes in one go.
 
Top