What To Know
- A sharp blade is the backbone of any food processor, and the Ninja is no exception.
- Insert the blade into the sharpening slot and follow the instructions on the sharpener.
- Use a honing rod to even out the edge of the blade.
A sharp blade is the backbone of any food processor, and the Ninja is no exception. With its powerful motor and versatile blades, the Ninja can make quick work of chopping, slicing, and pureeing. But even the sharpest blades will eventually dull over time, and when that happens, it’s time to sharpen them.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of sharpening Ninja food processor blades, using both manual and electric methods. We’ll also provide tips on how to maintain your blades and keep them sharp for longer.
Manual Sharpening: The Traditional Approach
Materials You’ll Need:
- Whetstone or sharpening stone
- Honing rod
- Lubricating oil (optional)
Steps:
1. Prepare the whetstone: Soak the whetstone in water for at least 15 minutes before use. This will help to create a slurry that will aid in sharpening.
2. Hold the blade: Hold the blade at a 15-20 degree angle to the whetstone.
3. Sharpen the blade: Use long, even strokes to sharpen the blade. Start at the heel of the blade and work your way to the tip. Apply gentle pressure and let the whetstone do the work.
4. Flip the blade: Once you’ve sharpened one side of the blade, flip it over and repeat the process on the other side.
5. Hone the blade: Use a honing rod to hone the blade. This will help to remove any burrs and create a smooth, sharp edge.
6. Lubricate the blade: Apply a few drops of lubricating oil to the blade to help prevent rust and corrosion.
Electric Sharpening: The Quick and Easy Way
Materials You’ll Need:
- Electric knife sharpener
- Lubricating oil (optional)
Steps:
1. Choose the correct sharpening slot: Most electric knife sharpeners have different slots for different types of blades. Choose the slot that is designed for food processor blades.
2. Insert the blade: Insert the blade into the sharpening slot and follow the instructions on the sharpener.
3. Sharpen the blade: The sharpener will automatically sharpen the blade.
4. Lubricate the blade: Apply a few drops of lubricating oil to the blade to help prevent rust and corrosion.
Tips for Maintaining Sharp Blades
- Hand-wash the blades: Dishwashers can dull blades over time. Hand-wash the blades in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
- Store the blades properly: Store the blades in a dry place where they won’t be exposed to moisture or other elements that can cause them to rust.
- Sharpen the blades regularly: Sharpen the blades every few months, or more often if you use them frequently.
- Use a cutting board: Always use a cutting board when using the food processor. This will help to prevent the blades from becoming dull.
- Avoid cutting hard foods: Hard foods, such as bones or frozen foods, can dull blades quickly. Avoid cutting these types of foods in the food processor.
Sharpening Different Types of Ninja Blades
- S-blade: The S-blade is used for chopping and pureeing. It is the most common type of blade used in Ninja food processors.
- Dough blade: The dough blade is used for making dough. It has a blunt edge that helps to knead and mix dough.
- Julienne blade: The julienne blade is used for cutting vegetables into thin, matchstick-like strips.
- Grating blade: The grating blade is used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
- Chopping blade: The chopping blade is used for chopping vegetables, fruits, and other foods into small pieces.
Troubleshooting Common Sharpening Problems
- The blade won’t sharpen: The blade may be too dull to sharpen. You may need to use a coarser whetstone or sharpening stone.
- The blade is too sharp: If the blade is too sharp, it may become brittle and break. Be careful not to over-sharpen the blade.
- The blade is unevenly sharpened: If the blade is unevenly sharpened, it may not cut properly. Use a honing rod to even out the edge of the blade.
- The blade is rusty: If the blade is rusty, it may be difficult to sharpen. Use a rust remover to remove the rust before sharpening the blade.
Sharpening Ninja Food Processor Blades: The Final Word
Sharpening Ninja food processor blades is a relatively simple task that can be done at home with the right tools and a little bit of patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your blades sharp and your food processor running smoothly for years to come.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: How often should I sharpen my Ninja food processor blades?
A: You should sharpen your blades every few months, or more often if you use them frequently.
Q: Can I use a honing rod to sharpen my Ninja food processor blades?
A: Yes, you can use a honing rod to hone the blades after sharpening them. This will help to remove any burrs and create a smooth, sharp edge.
Q: Can I sharpen Ninja food processor blades in the dishwasher?
A: No, you should not sharpen Ninja food processor blades in the dishwasher. Dishwashers can dull blades over time. Hand-wash the blades in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
