Ninja, known for its extensive lineup of kitchen appliances from ice cream makers to double-decker toaster ovens, has finally ventured into the microwave market. The company's first microwave, the Ninja Crispi Microwave, is not just a standard microwave but also doubles as an air fryer. This combination aims to solve a common kitchen dilemma: reheating food that emerges soggy rather than crispy. By allowing users to first heat food with microwaves and then finish with superheated air, the Crispi Microwave promises to deliver results that are both thoroughly heated and delightfully crispy.

This hybrid approach addresses a fundamental issue with traditional microwaves. Microwave radiation heats food by exciting water molecules, which steam the food from the inside. While effective for even heating, this moisture often ruins the texture of foods like pizza, fried chicken, or roasted vegetables. Air frying, on the other hand, circulates hot air at high speeds, creating a crispy exterior without oil. By combining both, the Crispi Microwave gives users the best of both worlds: fast reheating followed by a crispy finish.

The appliance is powered by 1,000 watts and features a flatbed design without a turntable. According to Ninja, this provides 40 percent more usable cooking surface compared to traditional microwaves. The lack of a turntable also makes cleaning easier and allows for larger or multiple items, such as two bags of popcorn or four bowls of food at once. The flatbed uses a rotating antenna to distribute microwaves evenly.

Key Features and Presets

The Crispi Microwave comes with a variety of standard microwave presets including popcorn, defrost, frozen dinner, and a butter-softening setting. For air frying, it offers presets like air bake, max crisp, and air broil. The air fry mode can reach temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a thorough crispy finish. To facilitate proper air circulation, the unit includes a 5.5-quart glass container with an insert that lifts food off the bottom, allowing hot air to circulate underneath. This container is large enough to hold an 8-pound chicken, according to Ninja. Two lids are included: one for storage and one with a vent for steaming vegetables.

The transition from microwave to air fryer mode is seamless. Once the food is heated, users can switch to air frying with the push of a button. The appliance automatically adjusts cooking times and temperatures based on the selected presets, though manual adjustments are also possible. This dual functionality could potentially replace two separate countertop appliances, saving space in small kitchens.

How It Compares to Other Solutions

While combination microwave-air fryer units are not entirely new, Ninja's entry adds credibility to the category. Previous attempts often suffered from limited air frying capacity or poor integration. The Crispi Microwave addresses this with a dedicated glass container that mimics a standalone air fryer basket. Competitors like the Breville Combi Wave or the Toshiba Air Fryer Microwave offer similar features, but Ninja's focus on user-friendly presets and a flatbed design may give it an edge.

Traditional methods for reheating pizza often involve a skillet, oven, or dedicated pizza reheat gadget. Each has drawbacks: ovens take time, skillets can burn the crust, and dedicated gadgets are one-trick ponies. The Crispi Microwave promises to reheat pizza quickly via microwaves and then crisp the crust with air, potentially delivering oven-like results in a fraction of the time.

Ninja's reputation for durable, efficient appliances could also sway buyers. The company has a strong track record with its air fryers, blenders, and coffee makers. The Crispi Microwave is available starting today exclusively through SharkNinja's online store for $449. This price positions it at the higher end of the microwave market, but the added air fryer functionality may justify the cost for those looking to consolidate appliances.

Background and Market Context

Ninja's parent company, SharkNinja, has been expanding its product portfolio aggressively in recent years. The company launched its first air fryer in 2018 and quickly became a market leader. The Crispi Microwave marks its first foray into microwave ovens, a category that has seen slow innovation. Most microwaves today are essentially the same as decades ago, with only minor improvements in sensor technology and presets. By adding air frying, Ninja is betting that consumers want multitasking appliances that save counter space and time.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work have fueled demand for home cooking appliances that improve convenience and quality. Air fryers, in particular, have seen explosive growth. Combining a microwave with an air fryer is a natural evolution, as both are among the most frequently used kitchen gadgets. However, until now, few manufacturers have successfully integrated the two without compromising performance.

In early reviews, the Crispi Microwave has been praised for its ease of use and the quality of its air-fried results. Some testers noted that the microwave function is quieter than many competing models, and the flatbed design makes it easy to clean. Potential drawbacks include the size and weight of the glass container, as well as the lack of a built-in turntable for certain items that require rotation. However, for most reheating and air frying tasks, the flatbed design works well.

Beyond reheating, the Crispi Microwave can be used for cooking raw foods. The air fry mode can handle items like chicken wings, french fries, or roasted vegetables from start to finish. The microwave function is capable of cooking frozen dinners, popcorn, and softening butter. It also includes a defrost setting for meats. The glass container is dishwasher safe, and the interior of the microwave can be wiped clean easily.

For those who frequently reheat leftovers like pizza, fried chicken, or pasta dishes, the Crispi Microwave could be a game-changer. It eliminates the need for a separate air fryer or oven, saving both counter space and time. It also reduces the temptation to resort to soggy microwave reheating, which often leads to disappointment. The $449 price may be steep, but it is comparable to buying a high-end microwave and a mid-range air fryer separately.

Ninja has also incorporated smart features: the microwave has a digital display, intuitive buttons, and a keep-warm setting. While it does not have Wi-Fi or app connectivity—a feature some competitors offer—the simplicity may appeal to users who prefer straightforward controls. The unit measures approximately 20.5 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep, and 14 inches high, making it suitable for most countertops. It is available in two colors: stainless steel and black.

As the kitchen appliance market continues to evolve, products like the Crispi Microwave blur the lines between categories. Consumers are increasingly looking for devices that perform multiple functions without sacrificing performance. Ninja's entry could set a new standard for combination microwaves, forcing other manufacturers to innovate. Whether this device becomes a staple or a niche product remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a compelling solution for anyone tired of soggy leftovers.

The Crispi Microwave is currently available exclusively on SharkNinja's website. The company plans to expand retail availability in the coming months, though no specific dates have been announced. Given Ninja's popularity, the appliance is likely to face high demand. Shipping is free for orders over $49, and a standard warranty is included.

For the pizza lover, the Crispi Microwave could mean never settling for limp, soggy slices again. With its combination of speed and crispiness, it might just become the go-to appliance for leftover revival. And for the kitchen minimalist, it eliminates the need for two separate gadgets, freeing up valuable counter space for other culinary adventures.

Source: The Verge News