Ninja has a new countertop gadget heading into home kitchens: the Ninja PREPi, a compact prep system that chops, purées, slices, shreds and makes crinkle cuts, then lets you serve and store the food in the same bowl. The PN301 model costs $179.99 on SharkNinja’s US store, and a PN351 version that adds a dicing kit costs $229.99. It went on sale in early October and is now also listed on Amazon in the US.
Why people are talking about it
The PREPi is one of the most visible kitchen launches of the month. Ninja tied its debut to October 3, a date fans of the film Mean Girls like to celebrate, and brought in actor Jonathan Bennett, who played Aaron Samuels in the movie, to show it off, according to Technobezz. T3 also covered the launch and noted that, for now, the PREPi is sold only in the US.
The pitch is simple: fewer dishes. Instead of chopping on a board, moving the food to a bowl and then to a storage tub, you do everything in one container and snap a lid on it. “Even a simple meal can feel like a project once you factor in the prep and the cleanup,” Ninja marketing VP DJ Hageman said, as quoted by Technobezz.
What is in the box
According to Ninja, the PN301 includes:
- A 500-watt motor base
- A 5-cup bowl and a 7-cup bowl, each with a storage lid
- A Chop/Purée Blade
- A Reversible Slice & Shred Disc
- A Crinkle Cut Disc
A 3-part feed chute takes ingredients of different sizes, from thin carrots to whole potatoes, for more even cuts. The PREPi Dicing Kit is sold separately for $59.99 on Ninja’s store, or comes bundled with the PN351. Technobezz reported PN301 colours including Midnight Blue & Mango, Pink Peppercorn, Stone & Moss and Onyx & Apricot. Ninja lists a one year limited warranty and a 120 volt rating.
Who it suits, and who should skip it
The PREPi makes the most sense for people who prep meals for the week, pack lunches, or make a lot of salads, slaw and salsa. With two bowl sizes, you can prep in one while the other sits in the fridge with leftovers. If your family loves crinkle cut fries or chips, the dedicated disc is a fun extra.
Skip it if you already own a full size food processor and do not mind washing a separate container. The bowls top out at 7 cups, so this is built for everyday portions rather than big batch cooking for a crowd.
How it compares
The obvious alternative is a classic food processor such as Ninja’s own Professional Plus Food Processor (BN601), which has a larger 9-cup bowl and can also handle dough, but does not double as a lidded storage container. If you mostly cook small portions and hate washing up, the PREPi is the more focused choice. If you cook in big batches, a traditional processor still gives you more room.
Where to buy
The PREPi is sold on SharkNinja’s US site and listed on Amazon in the US. Ninja has not announced prices or dates for other markets, and T3 said it would report on a UK and European launch once one is confirmed. Prices at retailers can change at any time, so check the model number (PN301 or PN351) and whether the dicing kit is included before you order.
