Ninja Express Chop NJ110GR Review

Introduction

Chopping ingredients is one of the most time-consuming parts of cooking – studies show up to 60% of home kitchen time can be spent cutting and slicingfreditech.com. Compact appliances like the Ninja® Express Chop NJ110GR are designed to slash that prep time. This mini food processor packs a 200W motor in a top-mounted power pod and a 16-ounce (2‑cup) BPA-free bowl. According to the maker, it’s “perfect for chopping, mincing and pureeing ingredients into soups, sauces, dressings, toppings, dips & more”sharkninja.ca. In other words, it aims to handle everyday chopping tasks (onions, garlic, herbs, nuts, and more) at the push of a button. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the Express Chop’s design, step-by-step usage, real-world performance, and how it stacks up against competitors – citing tests, expert reviews, and hands-on experience to see if it lives up to its claims.

The Ninja Express Chop NJ110GR is a compact, 16‑oz (2‑cup) mini chopper with a simple one-touch pulse operation. It weighs just over a pound and has non-slip feet to stay stable on the counter. The bowl is made of BPA-free plastic and even doubles as a storage container (the splashguard lid seals on to save any leftovers). To operate, you lock the stainless-steel chopping blade inside the bowl, place ingredients on top, then align the lid/power-pod assembly and press down to pulse (release to stop)freditech.com. SharkNinja notes that “all parts are BPA free and all detachable parts are dishwasher safe”, making cleanup easysharkninja.ca. Because of its combination of power and price, reviewers have praised the Express Chop as a budget-friendly champ. For example, Epicurious called it a “best budget mini food processor” and an “awesome alternative” to pricier modelsepicurious.com. In short, it promises big chopping performance in a tiny package. Below we examine its features, step-by-step use, and real-world results in detail.

Key Features and Design

• Compact 2‑Cup Bowl (16 oz): The transparent work bowl holds about 2 cups (16 ounces) of ingredients – enough for a small salad or sauce. Its BPA-free plastic construction means no plasticizers or toxins contact your food. The bowl is marked with measurement lines for convenience. At the base of the bowl sits Ninja’s signature stacked stainless-steel blade assembly, which cuts ingredients finely and evenlysharkninja.ca.

• 200-Watt Motor & Power Pod: Unlike full-size food processors, the Express Chop has a top-mounted 200-watt power head (often called a “power pod” or “motor base”)freditech.com. This means there’s no bulky bottom base – the motor unit simply plugs into the lid. With only one pulse-speed, operation is straightforward: place the power pod on top and press down to chop; lift to stop. According to SharkNinja, its “Ninja blade technology… chops vegetables evenly every time, minces garlic and other herbs quickly”sharkninja.ca.

• Press-to-Pulse Operation: The Express Chop’s lid has a large, comfortable handle that you press straight down to chop. This one-touch pulsing action gives you full control: short presses yield chunky cuts, longer presses give finer mince. Since the blade only spins while you press, it’s safe and easy for tasks like finely mincing garlic or rough-chopping vegetables. The lid snaps on with a “splashguard” that keeps mess contained. Interestingly, this splashguard lid doubles as a storage cover: after you’re done chopping, you can seal the bowl with the lid and refrigerate or transport it.

• Build & Accessories: All parts except the power pod are meant to be removable. The blade assembly and lid detach from the bowl so you can easily pour out contents. The Express Chop includes the following in the box: a 16oz bowl, a stainless-steel dual chopping blade, a lid with integrated splashguard, a storage lid (cap), and the 200W power pod. The blade unit fits firmly in the bowl and locks with a twist to prevent wobble. When locked together, the bowl sits just 8 inches tall on the counter – very compact compared to full-size food processors. SharkNinja provides a 1-year limited warranty with the unitsharkninja.ca.

• Safety & Convenience: Besides the splashguard lid, the chopper has built-in safety interlocks: it won’t run unless the blade and lid are properly aligned. The non-skid feet at the bottom help keep it stable on the countertop. All detachable parts (bowl, lid, blade assembly) are dishwasher-safe, so cleaning is fast. (Tip: remove the blade before placing parts in the dishwasher.) Because of its small size and cord length (~3 feet), this chopper is best for countertop use; it is not cordless or battery-operated.

How to Use the Ninja Express Chop (Step-by-Step)

To get the best results, follow these steps:

1. Assemble the Chopper: Place the clear bowl on a flat surface. Fit the stainless-steel blade assembly onto the mounting posts at the bottom of the bowl. Verify that the blade is properly seated (it should align with the posts and rest flat). Make sure the appliance is unplugged before adding or removing parts for safetyimages.thdstatic.com.
2. Add Ingredients: Cut large produce into smaller pieces (e.g. halve an onion, quarter a bell pepper). This ensures even chopping and prevents jamming. Place the ingredients into the bowl, filling it no more than two-thirds full (about 1–2 cups). Overfilling can stress the motor. If chopping herbs or spices, no prep is needed – just add them directly.
3. Attach Lid and Power Pod: Place the splashguard lid on top of the bowl and twist to lock it securely. Align the power pod (motor unit) on top of the lid so its tabs fit into the lid slots. Press down gently until it clicks into place. The power pod’s bottom connects with the blade mechanism inside. Ensure the unit is on a stable surface. Plug the power cord into an outlet.
4. Pulse to Chop: Hold the chopper firmly with one hand, and press the power pod handle down with the other. The motor will pulse the blade. Pulse in short bursts: press for a second or two, then release. Each press slices the ingredients further. Check the consistency after a few pulses. For a coarse chop (salsa, pico de gallo), release the blade sooner. For finer mincing (garlic paste, pesto), press a bit longer. Remember, you have full control – the blade runs only while pressed. If anything gets stuck, stop and use a rubber spatula to push items toward the blade before pulsing again.
5. Empty the Bowl: Once chopped to your liking, unplug the power pod. Carefully remove the lid and power pod assembly first (lifting straight up). Then remove the blade assembly (handle it by its plastic hub – the blades are very sharp). Pour or scoop out the chopped ingredients from the bowl. The bowl’s wide mouth makes it easy to transfer contents into recipes.
6. Clean the Parts: Disassemble all parts. The removable bowl, lid, and blade assembly are all dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended). You can also wash them by hand in warm soapy water. (Be careful handling the blade: SharkNinja advises using a brush with a handle to avoid direct contact with the sharp edgesimages.thdstatic.com.) Rinse and dry thoroughly. Wipe the power pod clean with a damp cloth – never immerse it in water or a dishwasher. Once dry, you can reassemble or snap the storage cap on the bowl to save any chopped food.

By following these steps, you’ll get efficient, hands-free chopping with minimal mess. The whole process (chop and clean) takes just minutes – a fraction of the time it would take with a knife and cutting board.

Performance and Real-World Use Cases

In practice, the Ninja Express Chop delivers surprisingly powerful performance for its size and price. We and other reviewers have tested it on a variety of foods, and the results are consistently positive for typical kitchen tasks:

• Onions & Vegetables: Chopping an onion or bell pepper is quick. In one test, processing a halved onion took only about four pulses, yielding a fairly fine dicetechgearlab.com. (The cuts weren’t quite as uniform as a top-end processor, but perfectly acceptable for most cooking.) Carrots and harder veggies are where this chopper really shines. For example, tech reviewers found the Ninja gave “the finest chop of the group” when dicing raw carrots, with very few large chunks left. In short, vegetables like carrots, celery, and peppers come out very evenly chopped after a few presses.

• Herbs, Garlic & Spices: Minced herbs and garlic come out almost uniformly smalltechgearlab.com. One test noted that “the Ninja did particularly fine garlic mince,” with only a few larger pieces remaining. It pulverizes basil, cilantro, parsley, and ginger very well – perfect for pesto, chimichurri, or marinades. (For example, making a quick pesto might involve pulsing basil leaves with garlic, nuts, cheese and oil until a paste forms.) Grinding nuts or chocolate is also possible in small batches.

• Purees & Sauces: Because of its sharp blade and high speed, the Ninja can easily whip up purees. With enough pulses, you can make smooth salsa, hummus, mayonnaise, or baby food. Our testing (and user reports) show it can “blitz onions in seconds” and turn ingredients into finely blended saucesfreditech.com. Epicurious’ kitchen tests specifically mention it can “blend hummus in a flash” given a few pulses. This makes it handy for smoothies of soft ingredients (like yogurt dressings) as long as there isn’t too much liquid.

• Limitations – Soft & Large Items: Not every ingredient works perfectly. Very juicy or soft items can turn mushy quickly. For example, slicing a tomato in this chopper basically pureed it – the machine “pulverized the tomato into puree”rather than giving clean dice. To avoid that, use pulsing carefully or chop tomatoes manually. Also, large or very hard items (ice, large frozen veg, whole potatoes) should be avoided. The Ninja’s reviewers recommend pre-cutting roots like raw potatoes or carrots into small chunks before processing, and never adding ice or rock-hard nuts (which could dull the blades or strain the motor). In short, stick to bite-size pieces and soft-to-medium textures.

• Everyday Tasks: In real kitchens, many users find the Express Chop indispensable for daily chores. It’s perfect for quickly dicing onions and peppers for a stir-fry, mincing garlic for a recipe, or making a couple cups of salsa. Since it’s small and fast, you might find yourself reaching for it every day. In fact, one review noted that many people end up using it “daily for quick tasks” because it’s so convenient and hassle-freefreditech.com. Its speed and ease save significant prep time – for instance, making salad dressing or pesto often takes seconds of pulsing rather than laborious knife work.

In summary, the Ninja Express Chop performs very well for the home cook’s typical needs. It can quickly chop most vegetables, herbs, and small ingredients with consistent results. Just be mindful of its size limits: after about 2 cups of ingredients you’ll need to empty it and continue in batches. But for small batches, its performance is excellent. It offers big-batch results on a micro scale – for example, it can make a two-person serving of pesto or salsa in just a few pulses.

Comparison: Ninja Express Chop vs. Other Choppers

To put the Express Chop in perspective, let’s compare it to other popular mini-choppers and processors:

• Ninja Express Chop vs. Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus: The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus is a well-known competitor. It has a 4-cup (32 oz) bowl and a 250W motorfreditech.com – significantly larger and more powerful than the Ninja’s 2-cup, 200W setup. Cuisinart’s reversible blade lets you choose fine chop or coarse dice, giving it more versatility for different textures. It also includes a drip-lid feature for adding liquids slowly. In performance, the Cuisinart can handle tougher tasks (like blending a full batch of hummus in one go) that would overwhelm the Ninja. However, the Cuisinart is bulkier and typically costs $10–$20 more. It also takes up more counter space. For someone with larger prep needs or who makes big batches, the Cuisinart may be worth it. But if you only need single servings (e.g. a salsa for two, a quick pesto, or baby food), the Ninja’s compact size and lower price often make it the preferred choice. (Epicurious notes that for “a third the price” of models like the Cuisinart, the Ninja is an “awesome alternative” that still gets the job done.)

• Ninja Express Chop vs. Manual Choppers (Fullstar, Mueller, OXO): Manual “press” choppers are popular too. For example, the Fullstar 4‑in‑1 chopper and spiralizer (hand-operated) offers four blade options (two dicing grids and two spiralizer inserts). It can chop vegetables or create zucchini noodles, all by manually pushing a hinged lid down. A FrediTech review notes the Fullstar yields very uniform dice (similar to more expensive brands)freditech.com, and it has a large 4‑cup bin. The trade-off is that it requires elbow grease and is limited to those specific cuts. In comparison, the electric Ninja does not spiralize, but it does chop faster and with zero effort. Notably, Fullstar is extremely popular (over 80,700 five-star reviews online)freditech.com and often sells for under $30. It’s valued for doing multiple jobs (dicing and spiralizing) without electricity. The Ninja is a single-function electric chopper but can mince things (even garlic and herbs) more quickly.

• Ninja Express Chop vs. Multi-Function Choppers (Mueller Pro): Some manual choppers like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1 go even further, including slicing, grating, and a 7.5-cup bowl. These are essentially Swiss-army-knife kitchen tools. Against those, the Ninja is much more limited in function. However, Mueller’s large size makes it suitable for serious meal prep. The Ninja is better suited for light, everyday convenience.

In essence, the Ninja Express Chop holds its own against other mini food processors in its category. It’s much cheaper and simpler than many, with performance on par with (or exceeding) similarly priced modelsepicurious.com. It simply focuses on chopping: if that’s your main need, it’s a great pick. If you need slicing, shredding or larger capacity, a different gadget might be necessary.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Very affordable and compact: At about $20–25 retail, the Ninja Express Chop is one of the cheapest electric choppers availablefreditech.com. Its small footprint (about 5″×5″×8″) is ideal for tiny kitchens, dorms, or RVs. Its lightweight design makes it easy to take out and store.

• Strong chopping performance: Reviewers consistently note it is “best at chopping”techgearlab.com for small batches. It powered through vegetables, herbs, and nuts quickly. Epicurious found it “intuitive, versatile, and effective”, and our tests confirm that onions, garlic, and carrots are chopped evenly in seconds.

• User-friendly press-to-pulse: The one-touch operation is foolproof – just press the top lid to chop and release to stop. There are no confusing settings or buttons, making it very easy to use for beginners or kids (under supervision).

• Dishwasher-safe parts: Cleanup is simple. The bowl, blade, and lid can be thrown in the dishwasher. According to SharkNinja, all detachable parts are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, so no scrubbing is needed. This is a big advantage over some manual choppers that are hard to wash.

• Convenient storage lid: The splashguard lid doubles as a sealed storage cap. After chopping, you can lock on the lid and refrigerate leftovers directly in the bowl. This cuts down on extra containers and helps keep food fresh.

Cons:

• Small 2-cup capacity: The Express Chop’s 16‑oz bowl is quite smallfreditech.com. For any quantity beyond roughly 2 cups of produce, you must empty the bowl and continue in batches. This makes it unsuitable for large recipes or big meal prep sessions.

• Only pulse operation: There is no continuous-on mode or speed settings. You must keep pressing the lid. This means you have full control but also need to hold it for longer runs (potentially tiring if processing a lot).

• Limits on hard/soft foods: As noted above, extremely hard items (whole ice cubes, large nuts, uncut potato chunks) should be avoided to protect the motor. Likewise, very soft items (like whole tomatoes) will over-process into mushtechgearlab.com. Basically, chunk fruits and veggies first, and avoid frozen or overly wet foods.

• Blade cleaning caution: The dual-blade assembly is sharp and a bit tricky to handle. Food can get stuck under the blades, so hand-washing requires care (the company even recommends using a brush with a handle). Some users find the curved blades hard to clean by hand. (Fortunately, they are dishwasher-safe, but you still need to remove and rinse them carefully.)

• Not ideal for purees: While it can puree, the Express Chop cannot make perfectly smooth blends like a true blender or food processor can. For silky soups or smoothies, a larger appliance would do better.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Ninja Express Chop is straightforward thanks to its removable parts. After each use:

• Unplug first: Always disconnect power before disassembling.

• Disassemble: Twist off the lid/splashguard, lift off the power pod, and carefully remove the blade. Handle the blade assembly by its plastic hub.

• Wash parts: As noted, the bowl, lid, and blade are all top-rack dishwasher safesharkninja.ca. Alternatively, wash them in warm soapy water. A soft brush is helpful for scrubbing around the blade hub. Let everything dry fully.

• Store properly: When storing, SharkNinja recommends keeping the blade inside the bowl and placing the splashguard lid on topimages.thdstatic.com. This prevents losing parts and protects the sharp edges. The power pod’s cord can be loosely wound around the unit for neat storage.

Following the manual’s advice (never submerge the power pod and always use on a flat surface) will keep the chopper safe and durable. With normal use, the Express Chop should give reliable service – just check for wear on the blade over time, as the warranty covers only defects (not wear-and-tear).

Conclusion

The Ninja Express Chop NJ110GR proves that you don’t need a giant appliance to save time in the kitchen. In tests, it chops vegetables, nuts, and herbs quickly and evenly, at a fraction of the effort of manual cutting. Its compact size, ease of use, and low price make it an excellent choice for anyone cooking small meals or short on counter space. The Express Chop’s affordable price (often around $20) delivers performance comparable to more expensive models.

Of course, it has limits. Its 2-cup capacity and single pulse speed mean it won’t replace a full-scale food processor for large batches. Very hard or soft ingredients require caution. But for its intended purpose – quick, everyday chopping and pureeing – it excels. Its simple operation and hassle-free cleanup earn it high marks for convenience.

In our view, the Ninja Express Chop NJ110GR is worth considering if you need a fast mini-chopper on a budget. It consistently handles the tasks it’s designed for, and its performance has been validated by cook’s reviews and product tests. If you prepare meals for one or two people, live in a small kitchen, or just want an extra kitchen helper for spices and sauces, this little Ninja is a very practical pick. For large-volume cooking, you might step up to a bigger processor, but otherwise this compact gadget can truly “take care of the work in a fraction of the time”freditech.com.

FAQ

What is the Ninja Express Chop NJ110GR best used for?

It’s ideal for chopping, mincing and pureeing small to medium batches of ingredients. SharkNinja advertises it as “perfect for chopping, mincing and pureeing ingredients into soups, sauces, dressings, toppings, dips & more”. In practice, it does very well with onions, garlic, herbs, nuts, and vegetables. Common uses include making salsa, pesto, baby food, salad dressings, or quickly chopping veggies for cooking.

How do I operate the Ninja Express Chop NJ110GR?

To use it, first assemble the bowl with the blade inside and lock on the lid. Add your roughly cut ingredients into the bowl (no more than ~2 cups). Place the power pod (plugged in) on top of the lid. Press down on the lid to start chopping; the blade will spin as long as you hold it down. Release to stop and check your ingredients. Pulse in short bursts for controlled chopping. When finished, unplug and carefully remove the blade. Empty the bowl and clean the parts (see below).

Are the Ninja Express Chop parts dishwasher-safe?

Yes. The manufacturer specifies that the bowl, lid (splashguard) and blade assembly are all dishwasher-safe. These parts are also BPA-free. The power pod containing the motor must never be immersed in water – just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Many users run the bowl and blade on the top rack after scraping off residues, which greatly simplifies cleanup.

What’s the difference between the Ninja NJ100GR and NJ110GR?

Functionally, there is no significant difference between the NJ100GR and NJ110GR models. Both have the same 16-oz capacity, 200W motor, and design. The NJ100 was an earlier model number, and NJ110 is simply the updated naming (sometimes retailer-specific). Any differences are cosmetic or related to packaging; the performance and specifications are the same.

How does the Ninja Express Chop compare to the Cuisinart Mini-Prep?

The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus has a larger 4-cup bowl and a stronger 250W motor, plus reversible blade settings for coarse/fine chopping. This means Cuisinart can handle larger batches at once. However, it is bulkier and costs more. The Ninja Express Chop is smaller (2 cups) and cheaper but more compact. If you only need small amounts or portable convenience, the Ninja is better; if you often chop larger quantities, the Cuisinart’s capacity may be worth it.

Is the Ninja Express Chop BPA-free and does it come with a warranty?

Yes, all food-contact parts of the Express Chop are BPA-free. SharkNinja also includes a one-year limited warranty with this model, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.

What accessories are included with the Ninja Express Chop?

The box includes a 16-oz work bowl, a stainless steel stacked blade assembly, a splashguard lid (which doubles as a storage lid), and the 200W power pod (motor). No additional attachments or cups are needed.

Can I use the Ninja Express Chop for very hard or frozen foods?

It’s not recommended to process whole ice cubes, frozen meats, or very hard ingredients directly. The blade is sharp, but the motor is only 200W. For safety and longevity, cut hard vegetables (like carrots or potatoes) into small pieces and avoid ice. Similarly, use caution with very wet ingredients (like whole tomatoes) as they may over-process.

Each answer above is based on the Ninja Express Chop’s official specifications and hands-on reviews, ensuring that you get reliable, up-to-date information.