Ninja® 12
BLACK+DECKER 7
Navigating the world of kitchen appliances can sometimes feel like a culinary maze, with new gadgets constantly popping up promising to revolutionize your cooking. Today, we’re diving deep into two popular contenders that offer convenience and versatility, but in distinctly different ways: the Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS, which we’ll affectionately call the Ninja® 12, and the BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Slow Cooker, or BLACK+DECKER 7 for short. Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to expand your repertoire or a busy home cook seeking to simplify meal prep, understanding the unique strengths of each can help you make the best choice for your kitchen.
The Ninja® 12 stands out as a multi-functional powerhouse, aiming to replace a dozen different kitchen tools with its innovative design and extensive cooking capabilities. On the other hand, the BLACK+DECKER 7 offers a more focused, yet still charmingly practical, approach to slow cooking, with a unique chalkboard exterior that adds a personal touch to your countertop. This comparison is for anyone who has ever wondered if they need a do-it-all appliance or if a specialized, yet smartly designed, single-tasker is the better route. We’ll break down their features, analyze their performance based on user experiences, and help you figure out which of these kitchen companions will best suit your culinary needs and lifestyle.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes each cooker tick, their respective pros and cons, and which one is the right fit for your kitchen adventures. Let’s get started by taking a quick look at how they stack up side-by-side.
In-Depth Look: Ninja® 12
The Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS, or Ninja® 12, is designed to be the ultimate kitchen workhorse. It’s not just a slow cooker; it’s a versatile appliance that aims to streamline your cooking process by taking on the roles of numerous other kitchen tools. Imagine decluttering your cabinets – this one appliance could potentially replace your slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and even a dedicated utensil. That’s a bold claim, and one that many users find it lives up to, making it a fantastic option for those who love to cook but are short on space or simply want a more efficient kitchen setup.
One of the standout features of the Ninja® 12 is its ability to sear and sauté directly in the cooking pot. This means you can brown your meats or soften your aromatics right in the same vessel where the main cooking will happen. No more dirtying extra pans or transferring ingredients back and forth between stovetop and slow cooker. This integration is a game-changer for one-pot meals and significantly reduces cleanup. The Triple Fusion Heat Technology, which combines bottom, side, and steam heat, is another innovation that allows for faster cooking – up to 30% faster than conventional ovens, according to Ninja’s testing. This efficiency is crucial for busy weeknights when you need delicious meals on the table quickly.
The generous 8.5-quart capacity makes the Ninja® 12 perfect for entertaining or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making a massive batch of chili for twenty people, a hefty portion of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for thirty sliders, this cooker has the space. Plus, the removable cooking pot is oven-safe up to a remarkable 500°F, allowing you to achieve that perfect crispy topping or finish cooking your dish in a conventional oven if desired. It truly expands the range of recipes you can tackle, from slow-cooked stews to oven-finished roasts and even bread. The thoughtful inclusion of a multi-functional utensil, doubling as a ladle and pasta fork with a built-in rest on the lid, further enhances its user-friendly design. For those who appreciate culinary exploration, the dedicated Sous Vide and Proof functions open up new avenues for gourmet cooking and baking right at home.
Pros and Cons of the Ninja® 12
Pros:
- Exceptional Versatility: Replaces numerous appliances, offering 12 cooking functions for a wide range of culinary possibilities, including slow cooking, searing, sautéing, sous vide, and proofing.
- Integrated Cooking: Sear and sauté directly in the pot, reducing the need for additional cookware and simplifying the cooking process.
- Large Capacity: The 8.5-quart size is ideal for families, meal prepping, and entertaining large groups.
- Oven-Safe Pot: The ability to finish dishes in a conventional oven up to 500°F adds versatility for achieving perfect textures.
- Faster Cooking: Triple Fusion Heat Technology aims to speed up meal preparation.
- User-Friendly Design: Includes a helpful multi-functional utensil and boasts easy cleanup with its nonstick pot.
- High-Quality Build: Users frequently mention the excellent build quality expected from Ninja products.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: As a multi-functional appliance, it generally comes with a higher initial investment compared to a basic slow cooker.
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, it might take some time to master all its capabilities.
- Pot Washing: While the utensil and lid are dishwasher safe, hand-washing the pot is recommended to prolong its life, which some may find less convenient.
Customer Reviews for the Ninja® 12
Here’s what users are saying about their experience with the Ninja® 12:
- “Purchased this a couple of months ago and absolutely love it. The Ninja Foodi has quickly become one of my most-used kitchen appliances. It heats evenly, is easy to use, and the multiple cooking functions make it incredibly versatile. I’ve used it for slow cooking, sautéing, and one-pot meals, and everything turns out great. Cleanup is easy and it feels very well made. If you’re on the fence, I highly recommend it.”
- “Absolutely love it. Works great. So convenient to sauté and then set to cook in the same dish. Great quality (ninja, so as expected). Heats up quickly for all functions.”
- “I have used it a few times. I love it. I love how the pot comes out of the slow cooker. The handles are not hot when I pull it out and serve dinner. I love all of the settings. As the slow cooker finishes it switches from low to warm. I love the size and it wasn’t too expensive. I feel like I should replace all of my old slow cookers with this amazing slow cooker.”
Best for: Ninja® 12
The Ninja® 12 is an excellent choice for home cooks who are looking to consolidate multiple kitchen appliances into one, particularly those interested in expanding their cooking methods beyond basic slow cooking. It’s ideal for individuals or families who enjoy preparing a variety of dishes, from traditional slow-cooked meals to more complex recipes like sous vide preparations or even homemade bread. Its large capacity makes it perfect for entertaining, meal prepping for the week, or households with multiple members. If you value convenience, speed, and versatility, and are willing to invest in a premium appliance that can handle a wide array of cooking tasks, the Ninja® 12 is likely to impress. It’s a fantastic upgrade from a standard slow cooker and a true multi-tasker for the modern kitchen.
In-Depth Look: BLACK+DECKER 7
The BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Slow Cooker, or BLACK+DECKER 7, is a charming and practical appliance that focuses on the essential task of slow cooking with a few delightful twists. While it may not boast the extensive menu of functions found in a multi-cooker, it excels at what it does best: delivering perfectly slow-cooked meals with ease and adding a touch of personality to your kitchen decor. The most distinctive feature is undoubtedly its chalkboard exterior. This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a functional design element that allows you to jot down recipes, leave messages for family members, or even doodle while your dinner simmers away. It’s a fun way to get kids involved in meal planning or simply to personalize your kitchen space.
Included with the BLACK+DECKER 7 are two sticks of chalk, ready for immediate use. The surface is designed to work with traditional chalk sticks, making it easy to maintain and refill your creative supplies. This feature sets it apart from almost every other slow cooker on the market, offering a unique interactive element that many users appreciate. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the BLACK+DECKER 7 is built with practicality in mind. It features a built-in lid holder, a small but incredibly useful detail that keeps your countertop clean by allowing you to prop the lid up conveniently on the side handles while stirring or serving. This eliminates the need to find a separate spot for a hot lid, preventing messy drips and potential burns.
With three essential heat settings – Low, High, and Warm – the BLACK+DECKER 7 provides the core functionality needed for a wide variety of slow-cooked recipes. These settings are intuitive and cover all the bases for tender, flavorful meals. The durable 7-quart stoneware crock is designed to retain heat effectively, ensuring even cooking and producing delicious results. Furthermore, the removable crock makes serving and cleaning up a breeze. For those who need to transport their slow cooker, the locking lid adds a significant layer of convenience and security, preventing spills during transit. This feature makes it an excellent choice for potlucks, parties, or simply moving the cooker from the counter to the refrigerator. While it’s a dedicated slow cooker, its thoughtful design elements and unique chalkboard surface make it a standout appliance for those who love the simplicity and comfort of slow-cooked food. You can even find extensive reviews and comparisons for this model, as it’s a popular choice among slow cooker enthusiasts, much like those that pit it against other brands in the slow cooker arena.
Pros and Cons of the BLACK+DECKER 7
Pros:
- Unique Chalkboard Exterior: A fun and functional feature for personalization, recipe notes, and family interaction.
- Convenient Lid Holder: Keeps countertops clean and makes stirring and serving easier.
- Locking Lid: Provides secure transport and prevents spills.
- Generous Capacity: The 7-quart size is suitable for families and small gatherings.
- Easy to Clean: The removable stoneware crock simplifies serving and cleanup.
- Intuitive Controls: Three simple heat settings (Low, High, Warm) are easy to understand and use.
- Affordable: Typically offers great value for its price point.
Cons:
- Limited Functions: Primarily a slow cooker with no advanced features like searing or sautéing.
- Gasket Difficulty: Some users report the rubber lid gasket can be difficult to reattach after cleaning.
- No Integrated Timer: Unlike some more advanced models, it lacks a programmable timer.
Customer Reviews for the BLACK+DECKER 7
Here’s what users are saying about the BLACK+DECKER 7:
- “I have looked high and low for a quality slow cooker, but my search is over. This is it! I love it! Easy to use and has three ways to cook on it. Feet keep it from sitting down directly onto counter, plus you cook with the lid closed down, which I have seen warned against doing for safety reasons on other brands, especially Crockpot. The lid locks and the cooker can be carried by the handles. No way to carry from top.”
- “The BEST of the BEST!!! This is the Best cooker, value for your money, easy to clean, perfect size, and the lid lock is easy to unlock. Cooking time made easier!! At a push of a button!!”
- “Pros: Attractive, easy to clean, easy to operate. Cons: Rubber lid gasket a little tough to reattach after cleaning. A little tough is an understatement. More like impossible.”
Best for: BLACK+DECKER 7
The BLACK+DECKER 7 is ideal for individuals or families who primarily need a reliable and straightforward slow cooker. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the simple pleasure of slow-cooked meals and are looking for an appliance that is easy to use and maintain. The unique chalkboard feature makes it a great addition to a family kitchen, especially if you have children who might enjoy interacting with it, or if you simply like the idea of a personalized touch on your appliances. If you need a cooker for potlucks or gatherings due to its locking lid and ease of transport, this model is a strong contender. It’s also a fantastic option for budget-conscious shoppers who want a functional and attractive slow cooker without all the bells and whistles of a multi-cooker.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When deciding between the Ninja® 12 and the BLACK+DECKER 7, it’s helpful to compare them across several key aspects of performance and utility. Both are designed to make cooking easier, but they approach this goal with different philosophies and feature sets.
Performance and Versatility
The Ninja® 12 is the clear winner in terms of raw performance and versatility. Its “12-in-1” designation isn’t just a marketing slogan; it genuinely offers a broad spectrum of cooking methods. The ability to sear and sauté directly in the pot, combined with functions like sous vide and proofing, means it can handle everything from a quick weeknight stir-fry to a carefully controlled sous vide steak. The Triple Fusion Heat Technology promises faster cooking times, which is a significant advantage for busy schedules. The BLACK+DECKER 7, on the other hand, is a dedicated slow cooker. Its performance is focused on delivering excellent slow-cooked results. The three heat settings – Low, High, and Warm – are standard for the category and perform reliably for stews, roasts, and chilis. However, it lacks the ability to sear or sauté, meaning you’ll need separate pans for browning ingredients, which adds an extra step and more cleanup compared to the Ninja® 12.
Capacity and Size
In terms of capacity, the Ninja® 12 offers a slightly larger cooking volume at 8.5 quarts compared to the BLACK+DECKER 7’s 7 quarts. While both are substantial sizes suitable for families and entertaining, the Ninja® 12 has a slight edge for those who frequently cook for very large gatherings or prepare bulk meals for the week. The larger capacity of the Ninja® 12 is better suited for recipes that require significant volume, such as a large pot of chili or a whole roast. The BLACK+DECKER 7’s 7-quart capacity is still generous and perfectly adequate for most family meals and smaller parties.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
Both appliances are designed with user-friendliness in mind, but the Ninja® 12 offers a more streamlined experience for multi-step cooking. The integrated sear-and-sauté function in the Ninja® 12 means fewer dishes and less transfer of food, simplifying the overall cooking process. Cleanup for the Ninja® 12 is generally straightforward, with a nonstick pot that wipes clean easily. However, hand-washing the pot is recommended to preserve its nonstick coating, which might be a slight drawback for those who rely heavily on their dishwasher. The BLACK+DECKER 7 is exceptionally easy to operate with its simple three-setting dial. Cleanup is also straightforward thanks to the removable stoneware crock, which is dishwasher safe. The main point of contention for cleanup, as noted by some users, is the difficulty in reattaching the rubber gasket for the locking lid after washing, which can be a minor annoyance.
Unique Features and Design
The most striking difference lies in their unique features. The BLACK+DECKER 7 stands out with its chalkboard exterior, offering a personalized and interactive element that is both fun and functional. The built-in lid holder and locking lid are practical design choices that enhance user experience and convenience. The Ninja® 12, conversely, emphasizes technological innovation and functional integration. Its multi-functionality, sous vide capabilities, and oven-safe pot are its defining features, catering to a more advanced and diverse culinary approach. The included multi-functional utensil is a small but thoughtful addition that adds to its convenience.
Value and Price
The value proposition for each appliance depends heavily on your needs. The BLACK+DECKER 7 is typically a more budget-friendly option. It delivers excellent value as a dedicated slow cooker with some clever design enhancements. If your primary need is reliable slow cooking and you appreciate unique design touches, it offers a great return on investment. The Ninja® 12, being a high-end multi-cooker, comes with a higher price tag. However, the value it offers is in its ability to replace multiple appliances, its advanced cooking capabilities, and its efficiency. For those who will utilize its many functions, the Ninja® 12 can be a significant long-term investment that saves both space and potentially money by eliminating the need to purchase separate gadgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which cooker is better for beginners?
A: For absolute beginners who want to start with simple, traditional slow cooking, the BLACK+DECKER 7 might be more approachable due to its straightforward three-heat-setting interface. The Ninja® 12, with its 12 functions, offers more options but could feel overwhelming initially if you’re not accustomed to multi-cookers. However, many users find the Ninja® 12’s intuitive design makes it easy to learn, especially if you start with its basic slow cook function.
Q: Can I sear meat in the BLACK+DECKER 7?
A: No, the BLACK+DECKER 7 does not have a sear or sauté function. You would need to sear your meat in a separate pan on the stovetop before transferring it to the slow cooker. The Ninja® 12, however, excels at searing directly in its cooking pot, saving you time and extra dishes.
Q: Which cooker is better for meal prepping?
A: Both cookers are excellent for meal prepping. The BLACK+DECKER 7‘s 7-quart capacity is generous for preparing large batches of chili, stews, or pulled meats. The Ninja® 12, with its larger 8.5-quart capacity and multi-functional capabilities, might offer even more flexibility for diverse meal prep needs, allowing you to cook, sear, and even proof dough for baked goods, all in one appliance. You can learn more about different kitchen appliances for meal prep on our site, including comparisons like the Hamilton Beach Vs Black Decker 8 Cup Fp which highlights appliance versatility.
Q: Is the Ninja® 12 worth the higher price?
A: The value of the Ninja® 12 depends entirely on your cooking habits and needs. If you are someone who enjoys exploring different cooking methods, wants to consolidate multiple appliances, or frequently entertains and cooks for a crowd, the investment is likely well worth it for its versatility and performance. If you primarily need a reliable slow cooker and are on a tighter budget, the BLACK+DECKER 7 offers fantastic value. For further context on the Ninja brand’s offerings, you might find our Ninja 12 In Review helpful.
Q: Which cooker is better for small kitchens or limited counter space?
A: The Ninja® 12 is designed to replace up to 12 appliances, making it a fantastic space-saver for smaller kitchens or those looking to declutter. While the BLACK+DECKER 7 is a dedicated slow cooker, its footprint is still considerable. If space is your absolute top priority and you want to maximize functionality, the Ninja® 12 is the more efficient choice for consolidating kitchen tools.
Q: Can I make yogurt or proof dough in either of these?
A: Yes, the Ninja® 12 has a dedicated “Proof” function, making it suitable for proofing bread dough and potentially for making yogurt with the sous vide function. The BLACK+DECKER 7 does not have these specific functions; it is designed solely for low, high, and warm slow cooking.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Ninja® 12 and the BLACK+DECKER 7 ultimately comes down to your culinary priorities, kitchen space, and budget.
If you are a passionate cook looking to elevate your kitchen game with maximum versatility, the Ninja® 12 is the clear frontrunner. Its ability to perform 12 different cooking functions, including searing, sautéing, sous vide, and proofing, makes it an incredibly powerful tool that can truly streamline your cooking process and expand your recipe repertoire. The large capacity is perfect for families and entertaining, and the integrated cooking functions mean less mess and faster meal preparation. While it represents a significant investment, its ability to replace multiple appliances offers substantial value for those who will utilize its full range of capabilities.
On the other hand, if your primary goal is to master the art of slow cooking with a touch of personal flair, the BLACK+DECKER 7 is an excellent choice. It excels at its core function, delivering perfectly slow-cooked meals with ease. The charming chalkboard exterior, convenient lid holder, and secure locking lid add unique practical benefits that enhance the user experience. It’s an ideal option for those who appreciate simplicity, are budget-conscious, or want a dedicated slow cooker with a bit of personality. It’s a reliable companion for comfort food classics and makes a great addition to any kitchen that values straightforward functionality and a touch of fun.
For those seeking an all-in-one solution that can handle almost any cooking task you throw at it, the Ninja® 12 is the ultimate choice. For those who cherish the simplicity and tradition of slow cooking with a delightful, personalized twist, the BLACK+DECKER 7 will undoubtedly bring joy to your kitchen.
