Recently I gifted a Ninja Foodi to a family member and she agrees with me the Crisper Basket is no fun at all to clean. It was disappointing when I went searching for one for her that seemed to have disappeared from Amazon (thus never publishing this post until now) So imagine how pleased I was to find that the Farberware Mini Wok was an exact match and even a bit less expensive (how often does that happen). Almost immediately it was no longer offered on Amazon, I originally bought this version, the Outset QD78 Non-Stick Mini Grill WokMini Works as Crisper Baskets and as a steam basket for “serial cooking” and MUCH easier to clean than the included crisper basket. Reason enough to become a favorite in my small kitchen.
So it was really pleasing when I stumbled across the Farberware Mini Wok offering recently and order TWO one for a gift and one to “back up” the one I had been using for several years. After a serious “stare and compare” session – they are identical. I know it looks like it would be too wide, but the loop handles hang nicely on the reversible rack (or sit on it if you prefer).
When I first wrote this product review, we had the 6.5 qt, now we have an 8 qt. This Farberware Mini Wok fits in either the 6.5 or 8 quart Ninja Foodi. This has become one of my favorite “Foodi” accessories. It sits nicely on the Reversible Rack – holds more than enough for two generous servings of “sides” (veggies, fries, frozen snacks like hush puppies etc.) It is easy to use a silicone utensil to toss the food without having to remove the hot basket. The only possible drawback is that it may not hold enough if you are cooking for more than 2-3 adults. 99% per of the time the Farberware Mini Wok is just right for our needs.
When this blog started a few years ago, I was using the Mini Wok 3-5 times a week in my 6.5qt that is still typical. The Mini-Wok is much easier to clean than the official crisper basket, and has been thru the Dishwasher many times without incident. Great for 6.5 or 8 qt, too tall for 5qt. I have also used it to hold small roasts & hams. it can, according to the description, be used on your outdoor grill
Bottom line is that although my original Mini Wok “is still good” except for a bit of rust around the handle rivets; I still use it at least 3-5 times a week usually tossing in the dishwasher after each use (but now when serial cooking) – not only did I buy one Farberware Mini Wok for a gift, but a “back up” for me. Your experience may vary, especially if you use it on an outdoor grill, so maybe “buy two”
note: the amazon links are my affiliate link and so if followed I might make a few cents – but truthfully, they just save me having to answer the “where to buy” questions.
Revised 15-Feb-2023
Original draft prepared 26-Feb-2021.
Reminder – the Amazon Links are affiliate so if you buy something I may earn a few pennies
It is important to understand there is a difference between “oven safe” and suitable for use under pressure. And I would not use most “microwave” stuff in any PC/AF appliance.
Otherwise If it fits AND allows at least 1/4 inch (8mm) of space on all sides of the pan to allow for circulation of steam or air, then you should be able to use it.
The exception is most oven safe glass is not intended to be used under pressure (Corning specifically advises NOT to use their products, Corningware, Pyrex, etc, in any type of Pressure Cooker) I found their answer in the Product Q&A area.
It has been our experience that 8 in round offers the most volume of good and the best “thru” cooking. Although some 9in will work- it did not allow enough flow to properly cook the food thru, particularly when baking.
InMySmallKittchen one of my many “off book” uses for the Dehydrator Rack is that one of its shelves makes a very nice low profile trivet to place under pans for better air or steam flow.
The ChefMade tube pan has turned out to be quite the work horse for all sorts of baking and other uses in the 6.5 and 8qt NinjaFoodi Pressure Cooker-AirFryer-Crisper. The center tube nicely deals with the common baking in a Electric Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer issue of uncooked center
https://amzn.to/3sgCU9V
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Note this post contains affiliate/influencer links. If you make a purchase thru the use of these links, we may receive a small commission that does not effect your purchase price. ONLY products that are or have been used InMySmallKitchen are linked unless clearly marked “considering” or “Wheat Wants”
Among the things NinjaKitchen “did right” in my never humble opinion, was to make the Inner Pots to their “original” Ninja Foodi appliance – The TenderCrisp units that combine an electric pressure cooker and air fryer the same diameter in all sizes 5 quart (4.7 litre), 6.5 quart (6 litre), and 8 quart (7.5 litre). I have been assured by Ninja Kitchen that the Width/Diameter of all FOODI inner pots outer diameter is approximately 10.5 inches (manufacturing spec is for centimeters)and the Inner Diameter is roughly 9.5 inches and, within the same size quart size (8, 6.5 or 5) are interchangeable. This seems to be true since the “replacement” part number is same for all current 8qt, etc., models. The same may be true for the Pressure Lid, but have not completely checked that so caveat emptor.
The chart below is drawn from several sources including the from the Amazon listings for the OEM inner pot stainless steel replacement pots offered on Amazon thru my affiliate store link for Foodi Friendly Accessories Using OEM inner pots may void your warranty. And even occasionally a response from Ninja Kitchens (the tidbit about usable height of the inner pot)
Ninja Foodi Inner Pot Measurements These are in US Imperial Inches – so not completely exact – product produced in China are usually Metric so there may be slight variations in actual size, but these are what you will see when shopping. Notes: Abbreviations used: Apx=Approximate . D=Diameter . H=Height Useful – The convex air fry lid extends into the Inner Pot, please allow at least 1.5 inches of “head” space. The concave Pressure Lid allows a bit more space, so 1 inch is normally sufficient.
Size
Outer: D x H
Inner D x H
Useful D x H
8qt 400 series
10.5×6.9 inch
9.5×6.5 inch
8.75×5.5 inch
6.5qt 300 series
10.5×5.6 inch
9.5×5.1 inch
8.75×4.6 inch
5qt
10.5×4.4 inch
9.5×4.0 inch
8.75×3.25 inch
Abbr
Note: stainless “cooks” slightly differently, may require you to adjust time and temps for some recipes. My opinion is that it matters only when using “dry heat” (air crisp, broil, bake, etc) and seem to cook hotter so often less time is needed.
The official Ninja Foodi Inner Pot is some sort of metal with a non-stick coating. (UPDATE: July 2021: Recently came across an Amazon Q&A where Ninja Kitchens answered that the metal of Inner Pot of the PC/AF Foodi under the “ceramic” non-stick coating is Aluminum) At the time the original Foodi was introduced in the US, and for months before – users of other brands were asking for a similar finish. I almost felt sorry for Ninja Kitchens, because immediately Foodi users started asking for a Stainless Steel. It is a mystery why they choose not to offer it as an accessory – but when you leave a product vacuum, someone in China will fill it. I have all three sizes, from three different OEM S/S sellers, they all work just fine. Still, always keep in mind, may void your warranty. This might be reasonable, since an ill fitting inner pot will likely cause your appliance to fail to function correctly. (although there nonsense of only using their other accessories such as cake pans – is not. At the very least it would not be reasonable to hold Ninja Kitchen responsible for you success since Stainless “cooks” differently than coated just as they do in any other form such as bakeware to stove top pots and pans.
Ninja Foodi Inner Pots have two important measurements. First the obvious, is the outer dimensions. Unless they are correct, your Lids will not seal correctly, I have read of some who disagree – caveat lectorem. (reader beware)
The PRESSURE Lid is Convex which gives you almost an inch more head room and the AIR CRISP Lid is Concave – meaning the face of the Air Fry extends into the inner pot reducing the amount of room.
The available height is further reduced by the necessary use of a trivet so that further reduces the available height. It is my never humble opinion that the combination of the use of a trivet or rack is essential – others may disagree. I am just here to let you know what works for me
Equally critical is the Inner Diameter. Why? In my experience, unless there is at least a 1/4 inch on each side, you may not get the air/steam flow needed to properly prepare your recipe. I like a bit more room for best results with either wet or dry heat functions. . And of course as an avid “Pot In Pot” technique user, a proper height trivet is essential. As a result pretty much ALL the accessories I have KEPT InMySmallKitchen for use in Darth Vader (my 6.5qt original style foodi) have been 8 inches or less in diameter. I have been lucky to find several useful trivet devices that are only 1/2 inch in height so that allows deeper pot or pan in the Foodi PC/AC
Another important consideration are the lids. It is important to understand that while the Pressure Lid is convex, thus allowing a bit more height for your accessory, the Crisper Lid is concave and extends into the inner pot by just of an inch – so best to allow at least 1.5 inches of “head” room to be safe.
Gripe: about a 10-12 months ago I asked Ninja Kitchens what the metal was used under the ceramic coating. Since then I have periodically been repeatedly told to rest assured, an answer will be be given as soon as the escalation team has one.
Ending on a positive note: Darth Vader my 6.5qt original style Ninja Foodi is now more than two years old. Thanks to their keeping the Inner Pot the same diameter – If/When it needs to be replaced, with obvious exception of the inner pots – not only will the things I have kept for use in Darth Vader be transferrable, but will also work in an 8 quart should I decide to go bigger. And, if someone builds a better mousetrap – about 80% will also work in other brands 6 & 8 quart Pressure Cookers.
Note: upon doing some research, it seems that the purchase of a replacement base is NOT a good investment. It has a 90 day money back policy, but NO warranty so if it fails on day 91, you will have paid at least the 1/2 the cost of a new unit, but your money – your choice.
Added July2021: Although I deplore Ninja Kitchens support for anything except warranty/replacement handling – now that Darth is occasionally hiccuping (errors that usually precede the dreaded err 8) I continue to explore replacement options. Some friends in the food world who know me well have said I will not like any of the alternatives. So I am keeping my mind open, but watching closely to see ‘what develops’ ….
If the mud needs a bit of clearing – in our small FOOD discussion GAB group: Food Craft – Making and Methods
My father’s family immigrated from that corner of the Ukraine that is much influenced by many food traditions of the Ukraine, Poland and Russia.
So whether you call it (Polish) Pierogi or (Ukrainian) Varenyky or (Russia) Pelmni They all use a nearly identical dough with many variations for the traditional fillings sometimes vary.
Depending on your family traditions, they can be prepared in several ways or a combination. Here’s what I do “most of the time”
Kielbasi and Frozen Pierogi Sheet Pan Meal I prefer Fresh Kielbasi – if you use precooked , reduce broiling time Frozen Pierogi can be whatever flavor you like best – Even though I do make Pierogi from scratch – I have found freezing helps produce a better version.
Preferred Prep: 1/4th c Fresh Chives, chopped fine or 1 Tablespoon Dried Chives rehydrated in butter Set Aside
Par-Boil Pierogi Toss in a bowl of garlic and horseradish compound butter Set Aside
Slice Kielbasi into 1/2 -3.4 in button bites 1/3 lb person works for us. Broil on Hi about 10 min Flip at 5. Remove & spread melted fat over pan as you would to “butter” for cake place buttered pierogi “round side down” Broil 5 min on HI FLIP Pierogi so rounded side is up Brush with remaining compound butter PLACE Kielbasi into the pan Broil until tops of Pierogi are browned. Arrange Kielbasi & Pierogi on plate, sprinkle with Chives Eat & Enjoy
VARIATION Suggestions: For Savory (meat & cheese) we like to steam and then either pan-fry with brown butter & onion I have been “practicing” with the not half bad stupid market product: “Mrs T’s” & third place ALDI – Bremer Pierogi.
And yes, they can sub ravoli & Italian sausage if you wish. A good addition to Sunday Snacks.
What can I say, two of my father’s sisters married into Italian families. so not unusual for me to use Italian sausage if Kielbasi is not handy.
What is YOUR Favorite “Eastern European” dumpling and how do you like it prepared?
Sometimes I have to wonder – is it a case of all great minds think alike OR beyond looking at products I have looked at on line, are they tapping into my brain. A few weeks ago I took a Corned Beef Flat out of the freezer, but was “horrified” to find we were not only out of dill pickles, but SOMEONE who shall remain nameless that thought it was a good idea to pour out the remaining juice – a form of greenish gold used by me for corned beef AND pastrami prep – We will not talk about my first attempt to (a) prepare the brisket with improvised pickle juice or (b) the result which can only be classified as edible but not up to par. Not even Darth Vader my 6.5 Ninja Foodi could make up for the loss that pickling liquid provides.
Today, this article was linked in the Epicuious “Cook this Now” Email With that in mind, I was surprised to find how many of these suggestions I already use, but some may find them useful.
P.S. if anyone has a favorite recipe for Refrigerator Dill Pickles, please share a link I will be “in your debt” and so will the guy in the other room. P.S. jr : Claussen is our preferred brand since we no longer live where pickles are in a wooden barrel in the corner of the deli.
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