Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP Review: The 15-Minute Meal Miracle or Just Hype?

Let’s be honest. The daily grind often leaves little energy for culinary creativity. The familiar 5 PM question, “What’s for dinner?” can feel less like an invitation and more like a challenge. For years, my kitchen routine was a frustrating cycle of sacrificing either time, health, or flavour. Quick meals often meant processed foods, while healthy, home-cooked dinners seemed to demand an hour or more of chopping, stirring, and monitoring multiple pots and pans. The promise of a single appliance that could deliver a complete, delicious, and healthy meal for my family in under 30 minutes felt like a distant dream. This daily struggle is precisely the problem the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP aims to solve, promising to revolutionise the weeknight dinner with its innovative technology. But does it live up to its ambitious claims?

What to Consider Before Buying a Multi-Cooker Air Fryer

A multi-cooker air fryer is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for consolidating your kitchen, saving precious counter space, and reducing your energy consumption compared to a conventional oven. These appliances are designed to be the ultimate culinary workhorses, combining the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, air fryer, grill, and more into a single, compact unit. The primary benefit is unparalleled convenience—the ability to sear, sauté, steam, and crisp all in one pot, dramatically cutting down on both cooking and washing-up time. This approach to cooking not only simplifies meal preparation but also opens up a world of healthier options by making techniques like air frying and steaming incredibly accessible.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily time crunch: busy professionals, parents juggling work and family life, or anyone looking to streamline their meal prep. It’s for the home cook who loves the idea of a roast dinner but doesn’t have two hours to spare on a Tuesday. However, it might not be the best fit for those who cook for very large families (typically over 5-6 people), as the capacity, while generous, has its limits. Similarly, if your sole interest is making chips or reheating pizza, a simpler, dedicated air fryer might be a more cost-effective choice. For those needing to cook two completely separate dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, a dual-drawer model might be a better alternative to the Speedi’s one-pot, layered approach. To explore its full range of functions is to understand its potential to transform your kitchen routine.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP has a squarer footprint than many round multi-cookers, measuring 35D x 33W x 31H centimetres. While this shape is efficient, it’s a substantial appliance. It’s crucial to measure your countertop and consider clearance, especially for the top-hinged lid which requires vertical space to open fully.
• Capacity/Performance: With a stated 5.7-litre capacity, it’s designed for up to four portions. It’s important to note, as some users have, that this refers to the total volume of the pot; the practical cooking capacity is slightly less, especially when layering ingredients for Speedi Meals. Performance is where it shines, with a powerful 1760-watt element that heats up rapidly, and its unique Rapid Cooking System is the star of the show.
• Materials & Durability: The main body is constructed from durable plastic with an attractive metallic finish, while the internal cooking pot is made of non-stick coated aluminium. Ninja has a strong reputation for build quality, and this unit feels solid and well-made. The non-stick surfaces are robust, but as with any such coating, using non-scratch utensils (like the included silicone tongs) is key to longevity.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The controls are incredibly intuitive, with a main switch on the lid to toggle between the Rapid Cooker functions (bottom element/steam) and the Air Fry/Hob functions (top element). The digital display is clear and easy to navigate. For maintenance, the removable cooking pot and Cook & Crisp tray are both dishwasher-safe, which we found makes post-dinner cleanup an absolute breeze.

While the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP is an excellent choice for one-pot convenience, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, particularly those with separate cooking zones, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Ninja Speedi: A First Look at the Copper Black Powerhouse

Upon opening the box, the first impression of the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP is one of robust quality. The Copper Black finish is sleek and modern, adding a touch of premium style to the kitchen counter that cheap plastic appliances simply can’t match. At 7.29 kg, it has a reassuring heft without being unmanageably heavy; we noted it’s noticeably lighter than some older, larger Ninja multi-cookers, a point several users have also appreciated. Everything is packed securely, and setup is virtually non-existent—it’s ready to go straight out of the box after a quick wash of the components. Included are the main unit, the 5.7L non-stick cooking pot, the clever Cook & Crisp Tray with its adjustable legs, a pair of silicone tongs, and a recipe guide to get you started. The control panel is immediately intuitive. A large, satisfying lever on the lid, the “SmartSwitch,” toggles between the two main cooking worlds: Rapid Cooker and Air Fry/Hob. This physical switch is a fantastic design choice, simplifying what could have been a confusing menu system and making it instantly clear which heating element will be active. It feels like a thoughtfully designed machine built for real-world, everyday use, and you can see the full list of included accessories and specifications online.

Putting the Ninja Speedi Through Its Paces: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis

A product can have a thousand features on paper, but the true test is how it performs in a real kitchen, under the pressure of a hungry family. We spent weeks putting the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP through its paces, moving beyond the marketing claims to see if it truly is the all-in-one kitchen solution it purports to be. We tested everything from its signature 15-minute meals to slow-cooked stews and simple air-fried chips, and the results were, for the most part, deeply impressive.

The “Speedi Meals” Function: A 15-Minute Revolution?

The headline feature of the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP is its ability to cook a complete, three-part meal in a single pot in as little as 15 minutes. This is achieved through its innovative Rapid Cooking System, which uses steam from the bottom to cook grains and vegetables while simultaneously air frying from the top to crisp up proteins. It’s a clever concept, and we were eager to see it in action. Our first test was a classic: quinoa at the base, topped with tenderstem broccoli, and salmon fillets on the Cook & Crisp Tray.

First, a point of clarification that other users have also noted: the “15-minute” cook time doesn’t include pre-heating. In our tests, the unit took between 8-10 minutes to build up enough steam to begin the cooking countdown. So, in reality, you’re looking at a 25-30 minute total time from start to finish. However, let’s put that in perspective. This is 25 minutes of almost entirely hands-off cooking. There’s no watching a pot of quinoa boil over, no separate steamer for the veg, and no pan to sear the salmon. You simply layer the ingredients, set the timer, and walk away. For us, that is still a revolutionary improvement for a weeknight. The results were spectacular. The quinoa was perfectly fluffy, the broccoli was vibrant and tender-crisp (not mushy), and the salmon was moist inside with a beautifully browned top. It delivered a perfectly balanced and textured meal with minimal effort and, crucially, minimal washing up. This one-pot magic is a feature that really sets it apart.

Beyond Speedi Meals: Mastering the 10 Individual Functions

While the Speedi Meals function is the star, the appliance’s true value lies in its versatility as a 10-in-1 multi-cooker. By flipping the SmartSwitch up, you unlock the Air Fry/Hob modes. We found the Air Fry function to be exceptional. It produced chips from raw potatoes that were fluffy on the inside and wonderfully crisp on the outside, far superior to what we can achieve in our conventional fan oven and using up to 75% less fat. Chicken wings, as one user celebrated, were cooked to perfection in just 20 minutes, emerging juicy with skin like crackling. The Sear/Sauté function is also powerful, heating up quickly and providing a great sear on everything from steak to chicken thighs before switching to another mode like Slow Cook, keeping all the flavour locked in one pot.

Flipping the switch down unlocks the steam-based functions, and this is where we confirmed the user reviews raving about pork crackling. We tested a 1kg pork shoulder joint using the Steam Air Fry function. This mode infuses the meat with steam to keep it incredibly moist and tender, while the convection heat from above works on the rind. After just 40 minutes, we were presented with what can only be described as perfect crackling—bubbly, golden, and shatteringly crisp all over—while the meat beneath was succulent and fell apart. It’s a result that, as one user passionately stated, they had been chasing for years with an oven, and the Ninja Speedi achieved it effortlessly. This function alone could justify the purchase for roast dinner aficionados. The standard Steam function is also excellent for vegetables or fish, and the Slow Cook mode performs just as well as a dedicated appliance, making it a true kitchen consolidator.

Design, Usability, and Cleaning: The Everyday Experience

Living with the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP day-to-day is a pleasure. The user interface is foolproof; selecting a function, temperature, and time is done with simple push buttons and is incredibly straightforward. The hinged lid is a great feature, as you don’t need to find counter space for a hot, wet lid as you do with many other multi-cookers. The square shape of the 5.7L pot is also a smart design, as it’s more space-efficient for cooking items like a small chicken or a joint of meat compared to a round pot of similar capacity.

Cleaning is, without exaggeration, a dream. The non-stick coating on the pot and tray is highly effective, and most messes simply wipe away. For anything more stubborn, both components can go straight into the dishwasher. This drastically reduces the post-meal cleanup dread. During our extensive testing, we did pay close attention to the issue raised by one user regarding the Cook & Crisp Tray rising during cooking. We did not experience this flaw ourselves; the tray remained securely in place in both its lower and upper positions throughout all cooking cycles. This suggests it might be a rare quality control issue rather than a widespread design flaw, but it’s something to be mindful of. Ultimately, the overall experience is one of thoughtful design that simplifies the entire cooking process, making it a joy to use. The ease of use and cleaning make it a top contender in our book.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback for the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP is overwhelmingly positive. Many echo our own findings, calling it a “game-changer” and the “best investment” for their kitchen. One user perfectly captured the sentiment, saying, “Well what can I say, apart from why I haven’t purchased before… the Ninja Speedi has certainly lived up to its name.” The success with pork crackling is a recurring theme, with multiple users thrilled that they have “eventually cracked it” after years of trying in a conventional oven. The speed, convenience, and energy-saving benefits are consistently praised.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provide a balanced view. The most common constructive criticism, which we confirmed, is that the “15-minute meal” claim is slightly misleading due to the necessary pre-heat time. A more significant concern comes from a user who experienced a “frustrating design flaw” with the internal rack rising during cooking, potentially bringing food too close to the heating element. While we couldn’t replicate this, it’s an important data point. Lastly, while very rare, one alarming report mentioned the device becoming a fire hazard after 10 months. While this appears to be an isolated incident, it serves as a crucial reminder to always register products for warranty and follow all safety guidelines with any high-wattage appliance.

How Does the Ninja Speedi Compare to Dual-Drawer Air Fryers?

The Ninja Speedi carves its own niche with one-pot layered cooking, but for many, the key consideration is whether to choose it over a popular dual-drawer air fryer. These models offer a different kind of flexibility, allowing you to cook two entirely different foods at different temperatures and times, finishing simultaneously.

1. Tower T17100 Vortx Vizion 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer

The Tower T17100 is all about capacity and separation. With a massive 9-litre capacity split across two baskets, it’s an excellent choice for larger families or those who frequently cook two distinct components, like chicken in one drawer and roast potatoes in the other. Its viewing windows are a major advantage, allowing you to monitor cooking progress without opening the baskets and losing heat. You would choose the Tower over the Ninja Speedi if your priority is cooking larger quantities of two different foods simultaneously and you don’t need the advanced steam, sear, or slow-cook functions that the Speedi offers.

2. Chefman 5.6L Dual Air Fryer Oven

The Chefman offers a similar dual-basket concept but in a much more compact footprint, with a total capacity of 5.6L that’s nearly identical to the Speedi’s. Like the Tower, it features viewing windows and a Sync Finish function. This is a direct competitor for those trying to decide between the Speedi’s one-pot layering and the Chefman’s two-pot separation in the same size class. If your typical meal involves components that require very different cooking methods (e.g., baking a dessert while air frying a main), the Chefman’s total separation would be more beneficial than the Speedi’s integrated cooking system.

3. Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.3L

Tefal brings its strong brand reputation and Extra Crisp technology to the dual-drawer market. With an 8.3-litre capacity, it sits between the Chefman and the Tower in size, offering great flexibility for family cooking. It excels at standard air frying, roasting, and grilling, and its Sync mode is reliable. Someone might opt for the Tefal if they are a fan of the brand, need a large dual-zone capacity, and primarily want a high-performance air fryer for cooking two things at once. It’s a fantastic machine for what it does, but it lacks the unique steam-and-crisp functionality that makes the Ninja Speedi a true multi-cooker.

The Final Verdict: Is the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP Right for You?

After rigorous testing, we can confidently say that the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP is a truly innovative and transformative kitchen appliance. It’s not just another air fryer; its unique Rapid Cooking System genuinely delivers on the promise of fast, delicious, and complete one-pot meals. Its versatility is its greatest strength, capably replacing a host of other gadgets and excelling at everything from air frying to steam baking. While the 15-minute claim requires the asterisk of pre-heating time, the ability to produce a perfectly cooked meal with layered textures in under 30 minutes with minimal effort is nothing short of remarkable.

We would wholeheartedly recommend the Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker ON400UKCP to busy individuals, couples, and small families (up to four) who crave the convenience of one-pot cooking without sacrificing quality. If your goal is to simplify weeknight dinners, save energy, and reduce washing up, this machine is an absolute winner. For those who prioritize cooking two completely separate dishes at once, a dual-drawer model might be a better fit. But for everyone else, the Speedi offers a unique and powerful solution that will change the way you cook. If you’re ready to reclaim your evenings and enjoy incredible meals with minimal fuss, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the Ninja Speedi today.

Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API