Nutribullet vs Ninja: The Best Blender To Buy [in 2023]
The blender has been a common household appliance for decades at this point, but like all technology, the modern blender of today is far beyond what our parents used.
Not only can you make nutritionally-rich smoothies but various sauces, condiments and even baby food.
Without a doubt, a blender is an appliance every kitchen would benefit from having, but there are many different options on the market today. Two of the biggest brands on the market are the Nutribullet and the Ninja.
Here, we will take a look at which we think is the better choice of the two, and the reasons why.
According to Statistica, in 2010, 17.9 million blenders were sold in the US. This number rose to 25.5 million in 2018. Seems like the word is out when it comes to the versatility and value of having a blender in your kitchen, judging by these numbers. But of course, many people don’t just want any old blender, they want one of high quality and durability that meets their needs. We want you to get your money’s worth, too.
You may have noticed already that with these two popular blender brands, there is a wide range of models on offer, with different sizes, colors and attachments. If you’re suffering from option paralysis, we’re here to help you out and get you blending like there’s no tomorrow!
Nutribullet: Everything You Need To Know
Nutribullet offers a plethora of options in motor power, capacity and size - but the thing they all have in common is their sleek design and easy-to-use functionality. They look like they belong in any modern kitchen and the build quality and materials used are excellent.
Compact, Attractive Design
The Nutribullet is famous for its bullet shape design, perfect for making personal-size smoothies. The compact and simplistic design makes it lightweight and storable.
It requires you to screw the base which contains the blades onto the smoothie cup, and press down and twist to start blending. To stop, simply twist back to the neutral position. Simple and totally safe for anyone to use.
In terms of looks, the Nutribullet is hard to beat. With its bullet design that extends down to the metallic base, it has a futuristic feel to it.
The Nutribullet range also comes in a wide range of fun colors and a choice of a metallic or matt base, perfect for those who want to strictly color-coordinate their kitchens.
With colors such as pink, rose gold and coral, you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your taste and matches your countertop aesthetic.
Versatility: How It Compares
While the Nutribullet range isn’t hugely versatile compared to competitor brands, something designed specifically with smoothies in mind. The Nutribullet Pro 900, for example, comes with two 32 oz to-go smoothie cups with lids and a screw-on handle for easy drinking on the go.
All Nutribullet appliances also come with a booklet of delicious smoothie recipes, so you can get started making your own healthy smoothies right out of the box (providing you have the ingredients!)
In addition, there is a vibrant online community of Nutribullet users, who share their wealth of knowledge about all things smoothie.
For those who want to eat healthily and manage their diet effectively, this is a tremendous resource. The online community will provide you with the support and guidance you need on your health journey.
Nutribullet Blending Performance
The Nutribullet really shines with blending delicious fruit smoothies. According to Nutribullet, they manufacture “the world’s first nutrient extractor”; meaning they aim to retain as much of the nutrients as possible during the blending process.
This blender reliably mixes up and unifies food into a smooth and appealing texture, almost every time.
Struggles With Bulkier Ingredients
We say “almost”, as some reviews claim that their Nutribullet can struggle when it comes to bulkier ingredients, and require a quick shake to dislodge any pesky morsels of food from the blades. This is a common issue with blenders generally though, and should be expected now and then.
Some other reviews we’ve seen claim that the Nutribullet can struggle to smash up large ice cubes. This might be a deal-breaker for you if you require your smoothies ice cold, or want to crush up some ice for a cocktail party. If so, you might want to search out a more powerful appliance.
Additional Accessories To Use
Nutribullet also offers milling blades to use with your blender. These are ideal for grinding coffee or pulverizing oats and grains. Great for those who are on a keto diet.
The Nutribullet also comes with flip-top lids to attach to your smoothie cups. This is incredibly useful if you need to take your smoothie on the go. Perfect for those of us with a busy work schedule.
So overall, for a relatively low cost, you get a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing appliance with more-than-adequate blending ability, but if you need something with a little extra power, maybe you should look elsewhere.
Machine Quality and Lifespan
All Nutribullet devices use BPA-free plastic, which is a must, although a downside is these plastic parts are non-microwavable. This might not be a big deal if you’re only looking to make smoothies and such things. Otherwise, the build is very durable and it feels like a high-quality appliance.
Potential Issues To Bear In Mind
One important thing to note is that some users of the Nutribullet report that when they use their blender continuously for a long time, they start to smell a burning smell. It is also important to note, however, that most blenders should not be used continuously past 40 seconds.
Unfortunately, unlike some competitor brands, the Nutribullet doesn’t feature a pulse function that would help to be able to blend for long periods of time.
Another point that has been raised in reviews of the Nutribullet is that on occasion the contents of the cup can leak out as they’re blending into the bottom part of the unit, which makes it difficult to clean.
It’s vital to ensure that the lid/blade section of the blender is screwed on tight before using the blender. It’s a good idea to stop blending and check from time to time that your device is not leaking. Better safe than sorry!
Safe For Children To Use
It’s worth mentioning that the Nutribullet is a child-safe appliance. By design, it isn’t possible to accidentally touch the moving part of the blades when the blender is in operation.
The blades are also blunt, which means even if it is less effective at slicing up ingredients, they are safer and easier to clean compared to the blades of the Ninja blender, for instance.
How Long Will It Last?
Nutribullet guarantees that their devices will last at least a year. The company recommends replacing the blades of the device every six months to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
According to some reviews, the device can last up to and beyond 5 years, even with daily use, depending on the care you provide your unit, of course.
Warranties and Guarantees
All Nutribullet’s appliances have a one-year warranty that covers any defects present in workmanship or materials. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the product for whatever reason.
Pros
Cons
Nutribullet Models
Replacement Cups
If you're tired of washing your Nutribullet cups after your smoothies, buy some more for your convenience. There's even larger sized cups (32 oz) that are so versatile for making larger smoothies.
Ninja: Everything You Need To Know
Ninja offers a range of sizes to match your needs, from bullet-sized blenders similar to the Nutribullet to their larger full-sized blenders. The larger blenders in the range feature a pitcher rather than a smoothie cup, perfect for making large batches of smoothies or soups; enough for the whole family.
Sleek, Modern Design
Although far bulker in their design when compared to the Nutribullet, their design is nonetheless sleek, modern, and minimalistic. Far more masculine in their appearance when compared to the Nutribullet range, yet they wouldn’t look out of place in a modern kitchen.
Ninja blenders have a preset mode called Auto-IQ. This allows you to simply twist the smoothie cup onto the base and press from one of the multiple modes. With the Ninja Nutri 1000 model, these preset mode options include Blend, Pulse, and Ultra Blend.
Easy To Use Features
These modes are all pre-timed, so you can just press the button and let your smoothie blend, and it’ll shut off automatically once it’s done. This eliminates the concern of leaving your blender on for too long, letting it heat up too much, and getting that nasty burning smell.
The pulse mode is great for making smoothies with both fresh and frozen ingredients. No need to stop blending, remove the smoothie cup and shake, unlike with the Nutribullet.
Along with your purchase of a Ninja blender, you also receive a booklet featuring 75 recipe guides to get you started on making delicious smoothies, soups, and even nut milks.
The Ninja blender’s sharp blades are sharp enough and the 900-watt motor is powerful enough to completely pulverize nuts, making it perfect for making nutritious nut milk for a vegan breakfast or to add to your coffee.
Ninja Blending Performance
It’s safe to say that the Ninja range of blenders really packs a powerful punch. Their sharp, durable blades allow their appliances to go above and beyond their customers’ expectations. They slice and obliterate even tough, bulky foods and ice with ease.
Consistent Results For Perfection Every Time
Whether it’s the bullet or a full-sized model, the results are consistent. Perfect for blending leafy greens, fibrous vegetables such as celery, nuts, and seeds to a perfect, smooth consistency. That means no awkward lumps and bits, only perfectly smooth smoothies and soups every time.
Both the Ninja bullet and the larger model are perfect for making green smoothies. You’re really able to pack in a whole bunch of veggies, nuts, seeds without having to worry about any grittiness or unpleasant lumps.
The Ninja range even has the power to crush ice with no problem, unlike its competitor, the Nutribullet. Perfect for icy beverages on hot summer days - you can easily whip up a cocktail with crushed ice or an icy smoothie in seconds. Now that’s convenient!
Louder Blending Could Be An Issue For Families
Because of the high power of this appliance, one drawback from this is the loudness of the motor when the blender is on. This could be a drawback if you’re living with other people and wish to use the blender early in the morning, for instance.
Saying that, it isn’t excessively loud, even compared to the less powerful Nutribullet, which is also quite loud. Something to note is that the countertop surface upon which the blender is standing will affect the noise level when blending.
If either the Nutribullet or the Ninja is on a hard countertop surface when in operation, the vibrations created cause a loud noise. A quick fix for this problem is to place a soft towel on the countertop and place your blender on the towel.
Sharper Blades
With the Ninja’s sharp blades, it is important to mention this appliance is not child-safe compared to the Nutribullet. These sharp blades can also become a hazard when cleaning, so take good care when disassembling and cleaning this part of the blender.
Luckily, the parts of the Ninja range are dishwasher safe. If you don’t have a dishwasher, you could always fill your blender with warm, soapy water and turn it on for a good, deep clean.
Machine Quality and Lifespan
Like the Nutribullet, the Ninja also features BPA-free plastic parts. Although some people don’t want a plastic blender as plastic can scratch easily and generally does not last as long when compared to glass, Ninja uses high-quality and durable plastic, guaranteed to last the lifetime of the appliance. This is evident from the reviews we’ve seen, the quality of the materials used for these blenders is worthy of praise.
Potential Issues To Bear in Mind
One thing to note, as we’ve observed from reviews, is that there are reports that the suction ring on the lid of the Ninja range tends to have a sort of gummy residue. Not a huge deal to most, we’re sure, but worth noting nonetheless.
Another minor complaint we’ve seen is that the rubber bottom on some of the appliances can wear away pretty quickly, but this also shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, as Ninja is known to replace parts such as this, that is, if you still have your warranty and your receipt.
Similar to the Nutribullet, the Ninja range doesn't feature a chute to allow you to add ingredients as you blend, which some recipes call for.
Although, having said this, the Ninja range are high-powered appliances, so adding ingredients mid-blend may not be safe to do. Having to stop blending in order to add ingredients may not be a big deal to most consumers anyway.
A Powerful Blender
What we lose by this inconvenience, we gain in power - a small compromise. Ninja blenders are designed to last a year at a minimum. According to some reviews we’ve seen, the average lifespan of these appliances is a few years. For the relatively low price, this exceeds our expectations.
Some reviews, however, claim that their unit stopped working after a few months. Fortunately, Ninja offers a warranty to cover any defects or issues with workmanship.
Warranties and Guarantees
Ninja offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on any of their appliances. Along with this, their newer models come with a limited one-year warranty automatically. This covers any defects that may be present or issues with workmanship or materials.
Below is a list of the newest models, according to their website.
- Ninja Ultra Prep
- Nutri Ninja with FreshVac
- Ninja Smart Screen
- Ninja Smart Screen with FreshVac
Pros
Cons
Ninja Models
Replacement Cups
If you're tired of washing your Nutribullet cups after your smoothies, buy some more for your convenience. There's even larger sized cups (32 oz) that are so versatile for making larger smoothies.
So… Which is better?
Taking everything we’ve mentioned above into consideration, we conclude that the Ninja takes the cake. Now, that’s not to say that the Nutribullet is a bad product by any means. They are both quality appliances, and in the end it comes down to personal preference.
Having said this, we have come to our conclusion based on the fact that Ninja offers higher power, and a wider range of appliances suited for a variety of culinary needs. Both brands have their own unique selling points. You may prefer the aesthetics of the Nutribullet over the more bulky, masculine design of the Ninja, or vice versa.
Why The Ninja Comes Out On Top
The Original Nutribullet has 600 watts of power, whereas the Ninja Pro has 900 watts. In addition to this, the Ninja has 4 sharp blades while the Nutribullet has 6 dull blades. This makes all the difference when it comes to the Ninja Pro’s effectiveness at blending rough, fibrous ingredients such as celery and kale.
Although the Ninja’s sharp blades make it more of a challenge to clean by hand, it’s clearly the better appliance for the more heavy-duty blending such as crushing ice and frozen fruits.
Variety Of Preset Modes And Functions
The other big advantage of the Ninja range is the Auto-IQ preset modes. Where with the Nutribullet, you have to make sure to twist the smoothie cup in order to stop the blender, the Ninja blenders stop automatically. This means there’s no chance of overusing the Ninja and causing the motor to overheat.
Ninja blenders also have the Pulse feature, which is a big advantage when blending frozen ingredients. Though the Nutribullet will indeed handle frozen fruits, nuts and seeds without much trouble, the Ninja’s sharp blades are far more capable of pulverizing these ingredients more effectively and quickly.
Ninja Blenders | Nutribullet Blenders |
Pulse function for easier blending | No pulse function |
More power than Nutrilbullet blenders | Less power than Ninja blenders |
Automatic stop function | Manual stop required |
Sharper blades | Not as sharp blades |
More affordable than Nutribullet blenders | More expensive than Ninja blenders |
Highly versatile | Designed with just smoothies in mind |
Ninja: Disadvantages That Could Sway You To The Nutribullet
Both the Nutri Ninja Pro and the Nutribullet Pro 900 only operate at a single speed and do not have variations of settings for specific ingredients, as some other high-end blenders do. If this is something you value and a function you require your blender to perform, then perhaps you should look elsewhere for more top-of-the-line appliances.
Despite the advantages of the Ninja range, they are more costly compared to the Nutribullet range. If you don’t mind paying a little extra, then you will be able to reap the benefits of what we have mentioned above. Although there is a difference in cost between the two, the warranties are comparable.
The Nutribullet offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, whereas the Ninja offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if for some reason you aren’t happy with your smooth, delicious, nutritious smoothies!
Nutribullet Blenders | Ninja Blenders |
Child safe blades | Sharper blades not safe for children |
Single Speed Setting | |
Slimmer, more compact design | Bulkier design |
30 day money back guarantee | 90 day money back guarantee |
Smoothie recipe book included | Louder blending |
Additional accessories included | No feeding chute |
Why The Ninja is Better For Everyday Use
If you’re looking for a blender for daily use or even multiple uses per day, the Ninja is the clear option. Its rugged design, high-quality materials, and consistent performance make it the go-to for people who often make smoothies, nut butters, soups, and the like.
Although in both the smaller and larger models the pitcher or smoothie cup is made of plastic, it is nonetheless durable and scratch-resistant.
But for something more compact and storable, the Nutribullet range is definitely worth considering. Far lighter than the Ninja range, if you’re a person who moves around a lot, or if you don’t have a lot of countertop space, a Nutribullet might be the right choice.
A More Versatile Manufacturer
Nutri Ninja doesn’t just manufacture blenders, but a wide range of kitchen appliances, from coffee makers to food processors; whereas Nutribullet specializes in small personal-size blenders perfect for smoothies on the go.
Additionally, Ninja products feature FreshVac technology at a little extra cost. This is a pump that removes oxygen at the press of a button. This is to preserve the flavors, vitamins, nutrients, and colors before you start blending your ingredients. This technology is exclusive to Ninja, so you won’t find it with any other manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Better Functionality And Performance
While the Ninja range may be deemed more basic in its appearance when compared to the Nutribullets, and it only offers one 16 oz canister, it’s the functionality and overall performance that make it our selection.
Despite its minor pitfalls, such as its bulkier construction, smallish cup size, and relative loudness, the benefits and consistency make these flaws easy to overlook.
All things considered, there’s no doubt that both the Nutribullet and the Ninja are fantastic pieces of kitchen equipment, and both are valid options for you to add to your countertop. In the end, it’s down to you and your needs and preferences.
Depending on your living situation, the amount of space you have available, and the amount of money you’re willing to spend on a brand new blender, we hope that we have been able to help guide you to making your decision.
Additional Factors For You To Consider
All that said, here are some additional factors we think you should consider before making a purchase.
- Cup/pitcher capacity
- Motor power
- Blade quality and functionality
- Size, weight, and portability
- Method and ease of use
- Pulse functions and presets, etc
- Attachments and add-ons
- Previous customer reviews and common complaints
- FreshVac capabilities
- Appliance lifespan
- Reliability
- Aesthetics, color, and style
- Specific features and exclusive functions
- What you want to make (smoothies, soups, frozen drinks, milkshakes)
- Ease of cleaning
- Reliability
- Manufacturer assistance and part replacement
- Price and warranty
In Summary
Taking into account everything we have laid out above, and bearing in mind the pros and cons of each appliance, you should be able to make an informed decision about which of these two blenders is the one for you.
Whether you need one to whip up your morning smoothie on a daily basis or you value the aesthetic qualities of the appliance and how it might match your style and your kitchen, there is a blender that will be a worthy addition to your countertop and bring you more convenience into your daily routine.
Choosing the right appliance to match your lifestyle and your needs is essential, especially if you’re buying it with the goal of starting a persisting healthy lifestyle. As we have said, we have our preference between the Nutribullet and the Ninja, but what we prefer may not be what works best for you.
Either way, both the Nutribullet and the Ninja are great options for anyone looking to purchase a new, sleek, modern blender.
