After spending several weeks testing the Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium 13-Piece Cookware Set and consulting with other home cooks who’ve used it long-term, I’ve found that while it offers impressive features, it might not be the perfect solution for everyone. At $300 + price, it’s a significant investment that deserves careful consideration.
My Verdict
The Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium cookware set delivers on many of its promises, especially regarding heat resistance and build quality. However, some concerning issues with induction compatibility and coating longevity make it a qualified recommendation rather than a universal one.
Features:
- Exceptional heat resistance (oven-safe up to 500°F)
- Premium construction with hard-anodized exterior
- Thoughtful design with ergonomic handles
- Comprehensive 13-piece set configuration
- Solid non-stick performance when properly preheated
Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium 13-Piece Cookware Set combines professional-grade durability with innovative cooking technology. Featuring unique plasma-fused coating that’s guaranteed to never stick, chip, or flake, paired with a heavy-gauge aluminum base for perfect heat distribution. Each piece includes ergonomic stainless steel handles and tempered glass lids for maximum visibility and durability
Key Takeaways
After extensive testing and gathering feedback from long-term users, the strengths of this set clearly lie in its exceptional heat resistance (oven-safe up to 500°F) and premium construction. The hard-anodized exterior has proven remarkably durable, and the ergonomic handles make handling comfortable. However, the extended preheat times and questionable induction performance might be dealbreakers for some cooks.
Design and Build Quality
When I first unboxed the Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium set, the professional appearance and solid construction immediately stood out. The hard-anodized exterior has a premium feel, and the double-riveted stainless steel handles provide confidence when moving even the heaviest filled pans.
During my testing, the heavy-gauge 4.5mm aluminum base proved its worth in heat distribution, though it does make the pans substantially heavier than budget alternatives. The tempered glass lids with their 13mm stainless steel rims seal well, though I found the handles can get uncomfortably hot during extended cooking sessions.
The NeverStick Technology
Ninja’s signature feature is their NeverStick coating, and it’s where the company makes its boldest claims. The surface is created by superheating plasma ceramic particles to 30,000°F and fusing them to the pan’s surface. In my testing, this created an impressively stick-resistant surface, though it requires proper preheating to achieve optimal results.
One of my cooking friends who’s had the set for over a year reports that while the non-stick properties have diminished somewhat, they remain better than traditional coatings she’s used. However, another user in my network experienced significant coating degradation after six months, suggesting some inconsistency in long-term durability.
Performance Analysis
My testing revealed both strengths and weaknesses in daily use. The heat distribution proved excellent, though the pans require longer than average to preheat properly. Once hot, they retain heat exceptionally well – sometimes too well, as I learned when a few dishes continued cooking longer than intended after removing them from heat.
The most significant issues emerged during induction testing. When compared to other cookware on my induction cooktop, these pans took nearly twice as long to boil water. The small induction disk size proved problematic, particularly with the larger pans, which sometimes failed to register on larger elements.
Real-World Usage
Daily cooking revealed some important practical considerations. The non-stick performance is excellent when properly preheated, but rushing this step leads to disappointing results. I found cleanup generally easy, though the handle design can trap water when dishwashing.
Several of my fellow cooking enthusiasts praised the set’s versatility, particularly its ability to go from stovetop to oven at high temperatures. However, the substantial weight of the pieces was noted as a potential issue for some users, particularly those with arthritis or limited strength.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy It?
Buy if you’re a serious home cook using gas or electric stovetops who values durability and high-temperature cooking capability. The set’s premium construction and comprehensive piece selection make it a solid choice despite its limitations.
Skip if you rely primarily on induction cooking or if you’re unwilling to properly preheat your pans. Additionally, if you prefer lightweight cookware or are working with a tight budget, you might want to explore other options.
Throughout my testing period, the Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium set proved itself a capable performer with some notable caveats. While not perfect, it offers good value for those willing to follow proper care instructions and work within its limitations.
