Ninja® 12
Elite Gourmet MST
Choosing the right kitchen appliance can feel like a culinary puzzle. With so many options promising to simplify your cooking, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Today, we’re diving into the world of multi-cookers and slow cookers to compare two popular contenders: the feature-rich Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS, which we’ll refer to as the Ninja® 12, and the straightforward Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker, or Elite Gourmet MST. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner seeking an easy way to whip up delicious meals, understanding the nuances between these two appliances is key to making the best choice for your kitchen.
This comparison isn’t just about pitting two products against each other; it’s about helping you understand what each one brings to the table. We’ll explore their unique features, delve into their capabilities, and weigh their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear picture of which appliance aligns best with your cooking style, your time constraints, and your culinary ambitions. Let’s get cooking!
In-Depth Look: Ninja® 12
The Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS, or Ninja® 12 for short, is a powerhouse of culinary versatility. It’s designed to be the ultimate kitchen multi-tasker, aiming to replace a significant number of your existing appliances. If you’re someone who loves to cook but is also tight on counter space or looking to streamline your kitchen setup, the Ninja® 12 could be your new best friend. Its ambitious design promises to handle everything from searing meats to baking bread, all within a single, sleek unit.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Ninja® 12 is its sheer range of functions. It boasts 6 distinct cooking functions: Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, and Proof. This means you’re not just limited to the traditional slow and low cooking; you can sear your ingredients directly in the pot for deeper flavor before slow cooking, achieve precise temperatures for sous vide dishes, or even proof dough for homemade bread. The “Triple Fusion Heat Technology” is also a notable feature, combining bottom, side, and steam heat to cook food up to 30% faster than conventional ovens in some tests. This isn’t your grandmother’s slow cooker; it’s a modern marvel of culinary engineering.
The 8.5-quart capacity is generous, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Imagine preparing chili for up to 20 people, a large batch of spaghetti and meatballs, or a generous amount of pulled pork for sliders. This size makes it perfect for entertaining or for families who enjoy leftovers. The inclusion of a multi-functional utensil that doubles as a ladle and pasta fork, complete with its own storage rest in the lid, is a thoughtful touch that adds to the convenience.
Cleaning up after cooking is often the least favorite part, but the Ninja® 12 aims to make it easier. The nonstick cooking pot is designed for quick wipes, and the glass lid and utensil are dishwasher-safe. While the pot itself is recommended for hand-washing to prolong its life, the overall cleaning experience is far less daunting than with many other multi-cookers.
However, with great versatility comes a learning curve. While the functions are impressive, mastering all of them might take some practice. The advanced features, while beneficial, can also mean a higher price point compared to simpler appliances. Also, while it replaces many tools, it doesn’t necessarily replace all of them; for example, if you need to bake a cake with intricate frosting, a dedicated oven would still be superior.
Pros of the Ninja® 12:
- Exceptional Versatility: Replaces 12 different kitchen appliances, offering a vast range of cooking methods.
- Direct Sear/Sauté: Saves time and dishes by allowing searing and sautéing directly in the cooking pot.
- Large Capacity: Perfect for families, meal prepping, and entertaining large groups.
- Advanced Cooking Technology: Triple Fusion Heat Technology speeds up cooking.
- Sous Vide Functionality: Opens up a world of precise cooking techniques.
- Oven-Safe Pot: Allows for finishing dishes in the oven for crispy textures.
- Convenient Accessories: Included multi-functional utensil with storage.
- Easy Cleanup: Nonstick pot and dishwasher-safe components.
Cons of the Ninja® 12:
- Higher Price Point: The advanced features come at a cost.
- Learning Curve: Mastering all 12 functions might take time and experimentation.
- Bulkier Design: While it replaces multiple appliances, it’s still a substantial unit.
Customer Reviews for 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 saute 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:
The Ninja® 12 is best for home cooks who are looking for a single appliance that can do it all. It’s ideal for larger households, those who entertain frequently, or individuals who enjoy experimenting with different cooking techniques like sous vide or braising. If you value versatility and are willing to invest in a high-performance kitchen tool, the Ninja® 12 is an excellent choice. For a deeper dive into this impressive appliance, you can check out our [Ninja 12 in Review](https://cookprocess.com/ninja-12-in-review/).
In-Depth Look: Elite Gourmet MST
The Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker, or Elite Gourmet MST, is a straightforward, no-frills appliance designed for one primary purpose: slow cooking. If your culinary needs are simpler, and you’re primarily looking for a reliable way to prepare classic comfort foods like stews, roasts, and sauces with minimal fuss, the Elite Gourmet MST is worth considering. It’s designed to be user-friendly and efficient for everyday meals.
At its core, the Elite Gourmet MST offers three essential settings: Low, High, and Keep Warm. This simplicity is its greatest strength. You don’t need to worry about complex programming or dozens of functions. Just select your desired heat level, add your ingredients, and let the appliance do the work. The “set it and forget it” nature of slow cooking is perfectly embodied here, allowing you to go about your day while a delicious meal slowly cooks to perfection. This aligns with the classic appeal of slow cookers, where convenience and hearty results are paramount.
The 3-quart capacity is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families. If you often find yourself making too much food with larger appliances, this smaller size can be a game-changer, reducing waste and providing appropriately portioned meals. It’s also a great option for those with limited counter space or who only cook for one or two people regularly. As one reviewer mentioned, it’s perfect for getting about four meals from a full pot, highlighting its efficiency for single servings.
Cleaning the Elite Gourmet MST is designed to be hassle-free. The clear tempered glass lid and the removable oval stoneware pot are both dishwasher-safe. The exterior heating base can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth, keeping maintenance to a minimum. This ease of cleaning is a significant advantage for anyone who dreads post-meal chores.
While the Elite Gourmet MST excels in simplicity, its limitations are apparent when compared to more advanced multi-cookers. It lacks the ability to sear ingredients directly, meaning you’ll need a separate pan on the stovetop if you want to brown your meats or sauté your vegetables before slow cooking. It also doesn’t offer advanced functions like sous vide or pressure cooking, limiting its culinary scope. The 170 Watts of power, while sufficient for slow cooking, is modest compared to multi-cookers with searing capabilities.
Pros of the Elite Gourmet MST:
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: Three straightforward settings make it incredibly user-friendly.
- Compact Size: Perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or individuals and couples.
- Affordability: Generally much more budget-friendly than multi-cookers.
- Efficient Slow Cooking: Delivers tender results for classic slow-cooked dishes.
- Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and lid.
- Safety Features: Intertek listed and cool-touch handles.
Cons of the Elite Gourmet MST:
- Limited Functionality: Primarily a slow cooker; no searing, sautéing, or other advanced cooking methods.
- Small Capacity: Not suitable for large families or entertaining large groups.
- Requires Separate Searing: If browning is desired, it must be done on the stovetop.
Customer Reviews for Elite Gourmet MST:
“Only had this for a couple months but love it so far! It’s the perfect size for a meal for 1-2. I had a bigger one and always made too much food. This has a low and high setting instead of just on or off (which I like) and it has a warm setting. Easy to clean! I just throw it in my dishwasher!”
“I replaced my old 4 quart crockpot with this item. The older Crockpot did not have a Warm setting, just high and low. I have used the new Elite Slow Cooker and found that putting it on the warm setting did just that, not too hot where it continued to cook the food. Very happy with this slow cooker! Highly recommend it. The 3 quart size is perfect for me. My other slow cooker is a 8 quart, so this is a nice size when you don’t need a bigger one.”
“The small size fits my counter space perfectly. I am single and I will get four-(4)-meals from a full pot. Easy to use, easy to clean, I should have bought one sooner. I purchased this one just before the colder weather settled in and not very many things bet the smell of a soul warming soup/stew filling the kitchen.”
Best for:
The Elite Gourmet MST is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families who want a dedicated slow cooker for preparing simple, hearty meals. It’s perfect for those with limited kitchen space, a tighter budget, or who prioritize ease of use and straightforward functionality over advanced features. If you’re looking for a reliable appliance to consistently make delicious stews, soups, and pot roasts without a lot of fuss, this is a great option. For more details, you can refer to our [Elite Gourmet MST Review](https://cookprocess.com/elite-gourmet-mst-review/).
Head-to-Head Comparison
Performance and Versatility
When it comes to sheer versatility, the Ninja® 12 is in a league of its own compared to the Elite Gourmet MST. The Ninja® 12’s ability to sear and sauté directly in the pot before slow cooking, its sous vide capabilities, and its proofing function mean it can handle a much wider array of recipes and techniques. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool for adventurous cooks. The Elite Gourmet MST, on the other hand, is a dedicated slow cooker. It performs its single function exceptionally well, delivering tender and flavorful results for classic slow-cooked dishes. However, it lacks the ability to perform the preliminary searing or sautéing, which are often crucial steps for building flavor in many recipes. For those who only need a slow cooker, the Elite Gourmet MST’s focused performance is more than adequate. For anyone seeking to expand their culinary horizons, the Ninja® 12 is the clear winner.
Capacity and Portability
Capacity is a significant differentiator. The Ninja® 12 offers a substantial 8.5-quart capacity, making it suitable for large families, batch cooking, and entertaining. Its size means you can prepare generous portions of your favorite dishes. The Elite Gourmet MST, with its 3-quart capacity, is best suited for individuals, couples, or small families. It’s much more compact and easier to store. If portability is a concern, the smaller Elite Gourmet MST is lighter and takes up less space, making it easier to move around or store. However, if you frequently cook for a crowd, the Ninja® 12 is the only viable option between the two.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
The Elite Gourmet MST shines in its simplicity. With just three basic settings (Low, High, Keep Warm), it’s incredibly easy to operate right out of the box. There’s virtually no learning curve. The Ninja® 12, while also designed with user-friendliness in mind, has a more complex control panel with multiple functions and settings. While its intuitive design makes it manageable, achieving optimal results with its advanced features like sous vide or proofing might require some experimentation and reading the manual. If your priority is immediate, no-fuss operation, the Elite Gourmet MST takes the lead. If you’re willing to invest a little time to unlock advanced cooking capabilities, the Ninja® 12 offers a richer, albeit steeper, learning experience.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both appliances aim for easy cleanup, but with slightly different approaches. The Elite Gourmet MST features a dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and lid, making post-meal cleanup incredibly simple. The Ninja® 12 has a nonstick pot that is recommended for hand-washing to preserve its coating, though the lid and utensil are dishwasher-safe. While the nonstick surface of the Ninja® 12 generally wipes clean easily, the recommendation for hand-washing the pot is a minor inconvenience compared to the fully dishwasher-safe components of the Elite Gourmet MST. For those who dread washing dishes, the Elite Gourmet MST offers a slight edge here, assuming you’re not using the searing function, which would necessitate stovetop cleaning first.
Features and Innovation
This is where the Ninja® 12 truly stands out. Its “Triple Fusion Heat Technology,” searing capabilities, sous vide function, and bread-proofing feature represent significant innovation in the home cooking appliance space. It’s designed to be a multi-functional workhorse. The Elite Gourmet MST, while functional, is a more traditional appliance. Its innovation lies in its efficiency and reliability as a basic slow cooker, with the inclusion of a useful keep-warm setting. For those seeking cutting-edge technology and a wide range of cooking methods, the Ninja® 12 is the clear innovator. The Elite Gourmet MST focuses on perfecting a single, time-tested cooking method.
Value for Money
The “value” depends heavily on your needs. The Elite Gourmet MST is significantly more affordable, making it an excellent value for its core function as a reliable slow cooker, especially for individuals or couples. You get a lot of slow-cooking performance for a modest price. The Ninja® 12 is a substantial investment. However, when you consider that it replaces up to 12 appliances, its price can be justified for those who would otherwise need to purchase multiple devices. Its value lies in its extreme versatility and the potential to simplify your kitchen setup and cooking process. If you’re on a tight budget and only need a slow cooker, the Elite Gourmet MST is unbeatable. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution and have the budget, the Ninja® 12 offers immense value through its comprehensive functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which appliance is better for someone who is new to cooking?
A: For someone completely new to cooking, the Elite Gourmet MST is generally the better choice. Its simple, three-setting operation (Low, High, Keep Warm) makes it incredibly easy to use without overwhelming beginners. The Ninja® 12, with its 6 functions and advanced features, might have a steeper learning curve. However, if the beginner is eager to learn various cooking techniques and wants an appliance that can grow with their skills, the Ninja® 12, with its extensive capabilities and available online resources, could also be a good option, albeit with more initial effort.
Q: Can I cook entire meals in both appliances?
A: Yes, both appliances are designed for cooking entire meals. The Elite Gourmet MST is perfect for classic one-pot slow cooker meals like stews, chili, and pot roasts. The Ninja® 12 can also cook these meals and much more. Its searing function allows you to build deeper flavors before slow cooking, and its larger capacity means you can cook more substantial meals. You can also explore more complex recipes like braised meats or even use it for sous vide preparations, opening up a wider variety of whole-meal possibilities.
Q: Which is better for meal prepping?
A: For meal prepping, the Ninja® 12 has an advantage due to its larger 8.5-quart capacity. This allows you to cook larger batches of food at once, which is ideal for preparing meals for the entire week. Its versatility also means you can prepare different types of meals using its various functions. While the Elite Gourmet MST can be used for meal prepping, its 3-quart capacity is better suited for preparing 1-2 servings at a time, requiring more frequent cooking cycles for larger meal prep needs.
Q: Do I need to do anything special to clean the Ninja® 12?
A: The Ninja® 12 features a nonstick cooking pot. While the glass lid and multi-functional utensil are dishwasher-safe, the nonstick pot is recommended for hand-washing to maintain its coating and extend its lifespan. This involves simply washing it with warm, soapy water after use. This is a minor difference from the Elite Gourmet MST, where the entire pot is typically dishwasher-safe.
Q: Which appliance is more energy-efficient?
A: This is difficult to determine without specific wattage comparisons for each function. However, generally speaking, the Elite Gourmet MST, with its simpler design and lower wattage for basic slow cooking, might be slightly more energy-efficient for its specific task. The Ninja® 12, with its powerful heating elements for searing and its advanced Triple Fusion Heat Technology, likely consumes more energy overall, especially when using its more intensive functions. However, the Ninja® 12’s ability to cook faster might offset some of its energy consumption compared to traditional cooking methods.
Q: Can the Ninja® 12 replace my traditional slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! The Ninja® 12 includes a dedicated “Slow Cook” function that performs the same task as a traditional slow cooker. In fact, many users find that the Ninja® 12’s slow cooking performance is excellent, often providing more even heating and better results due to its advanced heating technology. So, if you’re looking to consolidate appliances, the Ninja® 12 can certainly take the place of your existing slow cooker, while also offering many more capabilities.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Ninja® 12 and the Elite Gourmet MST ultimately boils down to your individual cooking habits, kitchen space, budget, and culinary aspirations. They are designed for distinctly different user needs.
If you are a home cook who loves to experiment, entertain frequently, has a large family, or simply wants to consolidate as many kitchen appliances as possible into one high-performing unit, the Ninja® 12 is the clear winner. Its 12-in-1 functionality, including searing, sautéing, sous vide, and proofing, offers unparalleled versatility. While it comes with a higher price tag and a slight learning curve, the sheer range of possibilities it unlocks makes it an exceptional investment for the ambitious home chef. It’s a true multi-cooker that can elevate your cooking game.
On the other hand, if your primary goal is to enjoy the simplicity and convenience of classic slow-cooked meals, you have limited kitchen space, or you’re on a tighter budget, the Elite Gourmet MST is an excellent choice. Its straightforward operation, compact size, and dedicated focus on slow cooking make it an incredibly user-friendly and efficient appliance for individuals, couples, or small families. It reliably delivers delicious, tender results without any fuss, and its dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze.
Ultimately, the Ninja® 12 is a sophisticated, multi-talented culinary workstation, while the Elite Gourmet MST is a reliable, focused kitchen workhorse. Both have their merits, and the “better” appliance is the one that best fits your lifestyle and cooking preferences.
Ready to make your decision? Explore both options further and find the perfect fit for your kitchen:
