Introduction
The Ninja BL660 Professional Blender is a household name, lauded for its powerful ice crushing capabilities and smoothie-making prowess. But did you know its versatility extends far beyond frozen drinks? The Ninja BL660 food processor attachment unlocks a whole new realm of culinary possibilities, transforming your blender into a multifaceted kitchen appliance. This attachment allows you to chop, slice, shred, and even knead dough, significantly expanding the range of dishes you can create with your existing blender base. This article will explore the nuances of the Ninja BL660 food processor attachment, covering its features, performance, alternatives, and everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right addition to your kitchen.
What is this attachment?
The Ninja BL660 food processor attachment is designed to seamlessly integrate with the BL660 blender base, leveraging its powerful motor for food processing tasks. It typically comprises a large work bowl, a lid with a feed chute, and a selection of interchangeable blades and discs. Visually, the attachment is often made of durable, clear plastic, allowing you to monitor the processing progress. The design prioritizes functionality, with clear markings for alignment and secure locking mechanisms.
The standard components usually include a chopping blade, often referred to as an S-blade, for tasks like chopping vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Depending on the specific model and configuration, you might also find shredding discs for grating cheese and vegetables, and slicing discs for creating uniform slices of cucumbers, tomatoes, and other produce. Some versions may even include a dough blade for kneading simple doughs.
The attachment process is straightforward. The work bowl securely locks onto the Ninja BL660 blender base, replacing the standard blender pitcher. The selected blade or disc then attaches inside the bowl, and the lid is secured on top. This interlock system ensures safe operation, preventing the blender from running unless all components are properly in place.
Regarding specifications, the food processor bowl typically has a capacity of around four to five cups, making it suitable for processing moderate quantities of ingredients. The materials are usually high-quality, food-grade plastics that are certified BPA-free, prioritizing the safety and health of your food.
Key Features and Their Benefits
Chopping and Slicing Prowess
The Ninja BL660 food processor attachment excels at quickly and efficiently chopping a variety of ingredients. Whether it’s creating a coarse chop for salsa or a fine dice for mirepoix, the chopping blade delivers consistent results. The ability to achieve uniform chopping saves considerable time and effort compared to manual knife work. Furthermore, if your attachment includes slicing discs, you can effortlessly create perfectly even slices of vegetables for salads, gratins, and more. The consistency achieved with the slicing disc is far superior to what most home cooks can achieve by hand.
Shredding Made Simple
Shredding cheese and vegetables can be tedious and messy, but this attachment simplifies the process. The shredding disc quickly transforms blocks of cheese into perfectly shredded piles, ready for topping pizzas, tacos, or casseroles. It also works wonders for shredding vegetables like carrots and cabbage for coleslaw or other salads. The fineness or coarseness of the shred can often be adjusted depending on the specific disc used.
Dough Kneading (Potential)
While not all Ninja BL660 food processor attachments include a dough blade, some do. If your attachment has this capability, you can use it to knead simple doughs for bread, pizza, or pastries. The powerful motor of the BL660 blender provides the necessary torque to work the dough, creating a smooth and elastic texture. Keep in mind that the capacity is limited, so you’ll likely need to knead smaller batches than you would with a stand mixer.
Easy to Use and Clean
The Ninja BL660 food processor attachment is designed for user-friendliness. Attaching and detaching the components is quick and easy, and the controls are intuitive. Many parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. This ease of use encourages frequent use, allowing you to take full advantage of its capabilities without dreading the cleanup process.
Versatile Food Preparation
The versatility of this attachment is a major selling point. From chopping vegetables for soups and stews to shredding cheese for snacks and appetizers, it handles a wide range of food preparation tasks. It can also be used to make dips, sauces, and even nut butters. The possibilities are endless, making it a valuable tool for any home cook. Consider looking up recipes specifically designed for food processor attachments to expand your culinary horizons.
Performance in Action
To truly assess the performance, consider these scenarios. Imagine needing diced onions for a recipe. Using the chopping blade, the attachment efficiently and evenly diced an onion in seconds, saving significant time compared to hand chopping. Similarly, shredding a block of cheddar cheese was a breeze, producing perfectly shredded cheese in a fraction of the time it would take with a manual grater. When making salsa, the attachment quickly combined tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro into a perfectly blended mixture.
These real-world examples highlight the attachment’s strengths: speed, efficiency, and consistent results. However, there are also limitations. For very large quantities of food, the bowl capacity may be insufficient, requiring multiple batches. The attachment is ideal for everyday food preparation needs, but it may not be suitable for large-scale cooking projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Saves time and effort compared to manual food preparation.
Provides consistent results.
Easy to use and clean.
Versatile for a variety of tasks.
BPA-free materials.
Utilizes an existing appliance base.
Cons
Limited bowl capacity.
May not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Can be noisy during operation.
Exploring Alternatives
The Ninja ecosystem has several accessories, and it’s worth comparing this food processor attachment to other options. Some Ninja blender models come with built-in food processing features or smaller chopping bowls. The dedicated food processor attachment typically offers a larger capacity and a wider range of functions compared to these integrated options.
When considering alternatives outside of the Ninja brand, stand-alone food processors are the most obvious choice. Stand-alone models offer a broader range of features and sizes, as well as powerful motors to handle tough tasks. However, they also come with a higher price tag and require additional storage space.
Choosing the right option depends on your needs and budget. If you already own a Ninja BL660 blender and want to expand its capabilities without investing in a separate appliance, the food processor attachment is a compelling choice. If you frequently process large quantities of food or need specialized features, a stand-alone food processor may be a better investment.
What Users are Saying
User reviews of the Ninja BL660 food processor attachment are generally positive. Many users praise its ease of use, speed, and ability to chop vegetables quickly and efficiently. They also appreciate its compact size and easy cleaning.
Common complaints include the limited bowl capacity and occasional issues with the blades not chopping evenly. Some users have also reported that the attachment can be noisy during operation. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive, with many users recommending it as a worthwhile addition to the Ninja BL660 blender. Average user ratings on popular retail sites are generally in the four- to five-star range.
Taking Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are essential for prolonging the life of your Ninja BL660 food processor attachment. Always unplug the blender base before attaching or detaching the attachment.
Most parts, including the work bowl, lid, and blades, are dishwasher safe. However, it’s recommended to hand-wash the blades to prevent them from dulling over time. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes, as they can damage the plastic components.
Store the attachment in a cool, dry place. When storing the blades, be sure to protect them from damage by using blade covers or storing them in a dedicated container.
Where to Find It and What It Costs
The Ninja BL660 food processor attachment is available from a variety of retailers, including online marketplaces like Amazon and major retailers like Walmart. You can also purchase it directly from the Ninja website.
The price of the attachment varies depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially during holidays and special events.
In Conclusion
The Ninja BL660 food processor attachment is a valuable addition to the Ninja BL660 blender, expanding its capabilities and simplifying food preparation tasks. Its ease of use, versatile functionality, and convenient cleaning make it a worthwhile investment for home cooks who want to save time and effort in the kitchen. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or large-scale cooking projects, it excels at everyday food preparation needs. If you already own a Ninja BL660 blender and are looking for an affordable and convenient way to expand its functionality, the food processor attachment is definitely worth considering. It transforms your blender from a smoothie machine into a truly versatile kitchen appliance.
