I've been thinking of buying a new blender and was wondering what anyone thought of Ninja blenders. I'd really like to buy a Vitamix, but they are way outside of my price range.
Ninja Blenders
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scvacuumguy
Well-known member
Ninjas are awesome- I have one and it has lasted through many parties.
suckolux
Well-known member
I had the $120 Ninja from Sams. gave it away, too hard for me to clean, or get the top off of, and could not add stuff to it running. The guy who got it loves it for ice drinks, it has power.
ER Waiting to Happen
The carousel blade set up does a great job of moving the contents but in reality its more like a food processor and less of a blender in function. I have reconciled with the lid, switch and top assembly but in the end after it blends in 2 seconds it never really purees fully like a blender would do. We have a Vita Mix which is superior but we recently needed to replace the decanter which was cracking and the cost is outrageous. Vita Mix made us sign a waiver of responsibility and mail it in before accepting an order for just the jar with me transferring the blade assembly from the old one. There was fright mongering trying to make me believe if I assembled it incorrectly it could cause damage to the machine and possibly cause harm to me hinting at blindness. The experience was a huge turn off. Our daily driver is a newer incarnation of Kitchenaid which does a great job. The only advantage of the Vita Mix is it's larger decanter. The Kitchenaid was a refurb for $59.00.
The carousel blade set up does a great job of moving the contents but in reality its more like a food processor and less of a blender in function. I have reconciled with the lid, switch and top assembly but in the end after it blends in 2 seconds it never really purees fully like a blender would do. We have a Vita Mix which is superior but we recently needed to replace the decanter which was cracking and the cost is outrageous. Vita Mix made us sign a waiver of responsibility and mail it in before accepting an order for just the jar with me transferring the blade assembly from the old one. There was fright mongering trying to make me believe if I assembled it incorrectly it could cause damage to the machine and possibly cause harm to me hinting at blindness. The experience was a huge turn off. Our daily driver is a newer incarnation of Kitchenaid which does a great job. The only advantage of the Vita Mix is it's larger decanter. The Kitchenaid was a refurb for $59.00.
Ninja blenders
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Are kissing cousins of Shark vacuums -- they're both made by Euro-Pro. And to be honest, Joe, I used to think that VitaMix blenders were "out of my league" costwise as well -- but I visited the VitaMix factory in suburban Cleveland a couple of years ago and found out that they have payment plans available as well as different models available at different price points.</span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Plus, the model that I ultimately wound up buying (a SUPER two-speed model that you see pictured below) was made right here in the good 'ol USA -- something that NO Ninja model will ever be able to say! (BTW I found mine BNIB on eBay.)
</span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Long story short -- save up your money for a few months (like I did) or use one of the interest-free payment plans and get the VItaMix -- you really won't be disappointed!</span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">-- Bill W.
</span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Are kissing cousins of Shark vacuums -- they're both made by Euro-Pro. And to be honest, Joe, I used to think that VitaMix blenders were "out of my league" costwise as well -- but I visited the VitaMix factory in suburban Cleveland a couple of years ago and found out that they have payment plans available as well as different models available at different price points.</span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Plus, the model that I ultimately wound up buying (a SUPER two-speed model that you see pictured below) was made right here in the good 'ol USA -- something that NO Ninja model will ever be able to say! (BTW I found mine BNIB on eBay.)
</span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Long story short -- save up your money for a few months (like I did) or use one of the interest-free payment plans and get the VItaMix -- you really won't be disappointed!</span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">-- Bill W.
</span>
portable
Well-known member
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Joe,</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">I bought the Ninja last fall, thinking that I would use it for Christmas cookie dough, and, of course, for blending and some food processing functions. It failed miserably at both the food processing and the cookie dough functions. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">First, the processing: The blades are arranged such that they just miss some of the food at the bottom, and the shape of the bowl defeats the food circulating properly. I noticed after I bought mine that Shark redesigned the bowl so that it is rounder. The one I had was square. Perhaps that would make a difference. Anyway, it could not completely chop onions, carrots or zucchini. I was constantly having to open the top and clear the food from around the blades, which is not entirely possible given the shape of the bowl and the arrangement of the blades. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Dough processing: Even worse. Even in very small batches, dough becomes lodged under and around the blades. The machine constantly overheated because it could not move the dough, even though there was not much of it. Also, be aware that Shark only makes the bowl and attachments for dough processing using the SMALL bowl. The larger 72 oz. bowl cannot be used for dough mixing. Good thing, too. I would hate to have to keep removing that large honkin' blade assembly out of that large bowl every time it got clogged.</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Blending: it did much better. I made several nice smoothies and similar concoctions, but this was not enough to redeem the machine. I took it back and got my $165 back. I was very disappointed. I bought a Hamilton Beach blender that I use for smoothies and other blender chores. Before next Christmas, I plan to buy a real food processor for some of those sorts of processing chores. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Though I think Shark is getting better in the vacuum cleaner arena, this machine was a big zero. I would have to say it was because of poor design and engineering. It just was not up to most of the tasks they brag that it can do.</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">I bought the Ninja last fall, thinking that I would use it for Christmas cookie dough, and, of course, for blending and some food processing functions. It failed miserably at both the food processing and the cookie dough functions. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">First, the processing: The blades are arranged such that they just miss some of the food at the bottom, and the shape of the bowl defeats the food circulating properly. I noticed after I bought mine that Shark redesigned the bowl so that it is rounder. The one I had was square. Perhaps that would make a difference. Anyway, it could not completely chop onions, carrots or zucchini. I was constantly having to open the top and clear the food from around the blades, which is not entirely possible given the shape of the bowl and the arrangement of the blades. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Dough processing: Even worse. Even in very small batches, dough becomes lodged under and around the blades. The machine constantly overheated because it could not move the dough, even though there was not much of it. Also, be aware that Shark only makes the bowl and attachments for dough processing using the SMALL bowl. The larger 72 oz. bowl cannot be used for dough mixing. Good thing, too. I would hate to have to keep removing that large honkin' blade assembly out of that large bowl every time it got clogged.</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Blending: it did much better. I made several nice smoothies and similar concoctions, but this was not enough to redeem the machine. I took it back and got my $165 back. I was very disappointed. I bought a Hamilton Beach blender that I use for smoothies and other blender chores. Before next Christmas, I plan to buy a real food processor for some of those sorts of processing chores. </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Though I think Shark is getting better in the vacuum cleaner arena, this machine was a big zero. I would have to say it was because of poor design and engineering. It just was not up to most of the tasks they brag that it can do.</span>
williamr1248
Well-known member
Ninja Blenders
I have owned the SAME Vita-Mix for 41 years. It was one of the first things I got when I got out of college. It was expensive back then and they are expensive now but you will ONLY need to buy ONE in a lifetime. We just used it last week to puree a whole container of fruit. Really not even a close comparison to the Ninja product.
I have owned the SAME Vita-Mix for 41 years. It was one of the first things I got when I got out of college. It was expensive back then and they are expensive now but you will ONLY need to buy ONE in a lifetime. We just used it last week to puree a whole container of fruit. Really not even a close comparison to the Ninja product.
luxlife
Well-known member
Vitamix is affordable if you plan for it........
I put away a little here and there each month and managed to scrape up enough to pay for a refurbished Model 5200. I have no regrets yet. They do sell refurbs on their website. Just be sure not to be mislead by their newest model advertising a quieter motor. It's not that quiet. Blenders aren't supposed to be quiet. Hey, it's a Vitamix, not a Miele.
I would suggest that you hold out for a Vitamix that has the rotary variable speed knob. You'll come to appreciate the added value of having more than just 'LOW' or 'HIGH'.
I should warn you: the Vitamix has a learning curve when it comes to cold recipes. However, the neat thing about these machines is that you can compensate for their potential for power and friction by thinking ahead. For example: Have you ever noticed when in a Starbucks or smoothie shop that they just put the machine on and leave it? Have you ever notied that a drink from one of these machines is always picture perfect? That's because they pack it full of ice and allow the friction from the machine to do the work. The bottom nut that holds the blade assembly is HUGE! It's almost as wide as the bottom of the jar and it acts like a heat conductor to gradually melt the ice. This comes in handy for people who want to make raw food smoothies. They can pack it with ice, juice and raw material and there's no worry that the liquid will ever get too warm to kill the good stuf in the contents.
I only wish that Vitamix found a way to keep the older all metal models up to date. The company is more interested in phasing them out and having you purchase a newer one. The all chrome machines are still out there and they're beautiful to look at. I had a VitaMixer 4000 that I bought for $75 in 2008. I sold it for $300 in 2010. Who knew there'd be such a return? Not that I cared about the return, but there's still a strong cult following of die-hard who must those beautiful old chrome models.
I put away a little here and there each month and managed to scrape up enough to pay for a refurbished Model 5200. I have no regrets yet. They do sell refurbs on their website. Just be sure not to be mislead by their newest model advertising a quieter motor. It's not that quiet. Blenders aren't supposed to be quiet. Hey, it's a Vitamix, not a Miele.
I would suggest that you hold out for a Vitamix that has the rotary variable speed knob. You'll come to appreciate the added value of having more than just 'LOW' or 'HIGH'.
I should warn you: the Vitamix has a learning curve when it comes to cold recipes. However, the neat thing about these machines is that you can compensate for their potential for power and friction by thinking ahead. For example: Have you ever noticed when in a Starbucks or smoothie shop that they just put the machine on and leave it? Have you ever notied that a drink from one of these machines is always picture perfect? That's because they pack it full of ice and allow the friction from the machine to do the work. The bottom nut that holds the blade assembly is HUGE! It's almost as wide as the bottom of the jar and it acts like a heat conductor to gradually melt the ice. This comes in handy for people who want to make raw food smoothies. They can pack it with ice, juice and raw material and there's no worry that the liquid will ever get too warm to kill the good stuf in the contents.
I only wish that Vitamix found a way to keep the older all metal models up to date. The company is more interested in phasing them out and having you purchase a newer one. The all chrome machines are still out there and they're beautiful to look at. I had a VitaMixer 4000 that I bought for $75 in 2008. I sold it for $300 in 2010. Who knew there'd be such a return? Not that I cared about the return, but there's still a strong cult following of die-hard who must those beautiful old chrome models.
Ninja Vs VitaMix
I own a Ninja-NO COMPARISON to the VM.Same with Blendtec-both are great machines.If you are an avid blender user-these are for you-or either one.The Ninja just can't blend to the creamy-smooth texture the way VM or Blendtec can-few reasons-the Ninja blades turn too slowly.Next-the tips of the Ninja blades aren't actually sharp.The edges of the Ninja blades are sharp-but just like a lawn mower blade-the tip is what does most of the work.A dull tip won't cut grass or food.I also adore the "metal Monolith" SS VitaMix machines with the "forward-Reverse" action switch.Used properly these machines are VERY effective.To make the most of them-you must Forward-reverse the action-otherwise ingredients just "hide" in the corners of the jar-the forward-reverse action keeps the food moving into the blades.The new machines don't need the forward-reverse actions.Blendtecs work by shear power and speed of their "gullwing" blades-like a miniature mulching blade in a lawnmower.I don't need to run my VM or Blendtec machines long enough to "cook" ingredients-do that with a heating appliance like the range or microwave.If you "cook" with the VM-the food is ground to textureless -Nothing.
I own a Ninja-NO COMPARISON to the VM.Same with Blendtec-both are great machines.If you are an avid blender user-these are for you-or either one.The Ninja just can't blend to the creamy-smooth texture the way VM or Blendtec can-few reasons-the Ninja blades turn too slowly.Next-the tips of the Ninja blades aren't actually sharp.The edges of the Ninja blades are sharp-but just like a lawn mower blade-the tip is what does most of the work.A dull tip won't cut grass or food.I also adore the "metal Monolith" SS VitaMix machines with the "forward-Reverse" action switch.Used properly these machines are VERY effective.To make the most of them-you must Forward-reverse the action-otherwise ingredients just "hide" in the corners of the jar-the forward-reverse action keeps the food moving into the blades.The new machines don't need the forward-reverse actions.Blendtecs work by shear power and speed of their "gullwing" blades-like a miniature mulching blade in a lawnmower.I don't need to run my VM or Blendtec machines long enough to "cook" ingredients-do that with a heating appliance like the range or microwave.If you "cook" with the VM-the food is ground to textureless -Nothing.
luxlife
Well-known member
Tolivac, I agree about VM's ability to make anything creamy. I haven't made a bad recipe yet. True, the VM isn't the best appliance for cooking anything, but the option is there without risk to the machine or the blade bearings since they're well designed and protected. I have, however made the most awesome Hollandaise in the VM and I used to struggle with it on the stove-top with a double boiler! I know the heat conductivity helped. I added my ingredients at room temp and managed to control the temperature very well during blending.
suckolux
Well-known member
I had purchased the Kitchenaide blender, not my first, last one had coupling issues, tossed it. This time around the nice polycarb beaker was easy to pour good sized, no drive issue, but leaked in a month, second one in a day. Done.
suckolux
Well-known member
any input on the Blendtec Mixnblend guys??
Leaking
With two pair of pliers you can tighten the blade assembly so it doesn't leak. Some use a few drops of Locktite to insure it stays put. The old rubber coupler unscrews and the replacement is less than $5.00. Both blenders have years left in them if you still have them
With two pair of pliers you can tighten the blade assembly so it doesn't leak. Some use a few drops of Locktite to insure it stays put. The old rubber coupler unscrews and the replacement is less than $5.00. Both blenders have years left in them if you still have them
suckolux
Well-known member
Did tighten, both.No use.Gave away the old one ten years ago? No parts to be had then.New model was returned, twice.
Thanks everyone
I think I'm gonna hold out and get the Vitamix. Thanks again. You're all the best.
Joe
I think I'm gonna hold out and get the Vitamix. Thanks again. You're all the best.
Joe
Blendtecs-EXCELLENT-but noisey machines.Fortunately you don't have to run it long.For most use-the Blendtec will work just as good as a VM.A bad thing on Blendtec-the blade assemblies aren't replaceable.You have to buy the whole jar-with VM you can replace a worn out blade assembly.If you don't like blender noise-you can buy commercial versions of both Blendtec and VM with sound hoods over the jar-they are quieter.You will have to remove the upper hood on the VM or leave the hood open if you are making peanut butter or other things where you have to add items or help the machine.Often the sound hood machines appear on EBay from restuarants that bought new ones-plenty of life left in the old machine.The drive parts of the Blentec are more rugged than the VM-but the drive socket on the VM is replaceable-takes about 10 min to do.Extra sockets can be ordered from VM-often an extra comes with the machine-least with commercial models.
sunbeamfan65
Member
How about a BigBoss Torpedo Blender/Jucier
Hey Joe,I was wondering if you were still considering buying a New Blender?I own this BigBoss Torpedo Blender/Juicer which I am very Pleased with
I purchased mine at Walmart in Canada last year & I am pleased to say for a much lower priced blender ($98.00 Cdn) I imagine in the US it would costs much less,it works very well,does everything I want it to do from smoothies to crushing ice plus it is an Excellent Juicer! This Blender might be made in China but it is surprisingly well made,simple to operate all automatic operation only on,auto cycle & pulse feature touch buttons,A very Powerful 600 watt motor ( 16000 Rpm's the blades spin at ) with overload motor protection button underneath the base,unique 6 blade design keeps everything moving & processes foods very quickly without scraping the sides or tamping down the foods.Full 2 year warranty,A little on the noisy side but What blender really runs quietly lol! The spout dispenser side tap is Great when juicing or to dispense very thick milkshakes right into your glass,clean up is a breeze too.I found out this blender is made by Ladyship Korea for Emson because it is stamp on the hopper,the lid and blender cannister.I will try to post a youtube link video of this blender in action at a trade show in Texas.I am surprised that this blender is not more widely known about,through LadyShip Australia it is know as the Ladyship Essence Extractor.
Hey Joe,I was wondering if you were still considering buying a New Blender?I own this BigBoss Torpedo Blender/Juicer which I am very Pleased with
I purchased mine at Walmart in Canada last year & I am pleased to say for a much lower priced blender ($98.00 Cdn) I imagine in the US it would costs much less,it works very well,does everything I want it to do from smoothies to crushing ice plus it is an Excellent Juicer! This Blender might be made in China but it is surprisingly well made,simple to operate all automatic operation only on,auto cycle & pulse feature touch buttons,A very Powerful 600 watt motor ( 16000 Rpm's the blades spin at ) with overload motor protection button underneath the base,unique 6 blade design keeps everything moving & processes foods very quickly without scraping the sides or tamping down the foods.Full 2 year warranty,A little on the noisy side but What blender really runs quietly lol! The spout dispenser side tap is Great when juicing or to dispense very thick milkshakes right into your glass,clean up is a breeze too.I found out this blender is made by Ladyship Korea for Emson because it is stamp on the hopper,the lid and blender cannister.I will try to post a youtube link video of this blender in action at a trade show in Texas.I am surprised that this blender is not more widely known about,through LadyShip Australia it is know as the Ladyship Essence Extractor.sunbeamfan65
Member
Torpedo Blender video link
Hope the link works
Hope the link works
I bit the bullet
And bought a VitaMix 5000 on eBay last night. Seller already shipped it so it should arrive on Monday. I'm really excited and can't wait to get it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171078950253?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
And bought a VitaMix 5000 on eBay last night. Seller already shipped it so it should arrive on Monday. I'm really excited and can't wait to get it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171078950253?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
VM 5000 excellent choice-you will like it!
mark40511
Well-known member
I almost bought a Ninja
I have a Kitchenaid and the pitcher leaked.......It was slightly over a year old and the blade assembly went bad. I called CSR......First attempt. Nothing.......Second attempt, they sent me the polycarb pitcher which is AWESOME! I think the previous ones leaked but they have addressed this issue it does not leak and it's SOO easy to clean. I LOVE IT. My favorite blender!
I have a Kitchenaid and the pitcher leaked.......It was slightly over a year old and the blade assembly went bad. I called CSR......First attempt. Nothing.......Second attempt, they sent me the polycarb pitcher which is AWESOME! I think the previous ones leaked but they have addressed this issue it does not leak and it's SOO easy to clean. I LOVE IT. My favorite blender!
reactor
New member
ninja/ge
I have the cheap Ninja (I think it was about $39) where the motor sits on top of the plastc pitcher and drives the blades from above. It works fairly well, but if you freeze your fruit, like I do, to make smoothies it will allow chucks of the frozen fruit to fling around in there for a long time before it is able to liquify them.
And as Kelly said, unless you let it run for a LONG time, it does not puree as well like a regular blender.
But for the price, it is good, if you just make an occasional smoothie or want to do some chopping, its a nice little blending device. Easy to take apart and stick in the dishwasher
IF you don't do a lot of heavy duty blending, where you need a monster like a Vita-Mix, then I would recommend finding a vintage GE blender, one of the models which are belt driven with the motor in the back. General Electric made them from 1961 through 1971.
I have several in my collection, and they beat any other blender I have ever had, hands down. It purees very smoothly, things rarely jam up above the blades, like many foods do in the Osterizer and require you to cautiously assist with a spoon. Low speed is low enough to whip cream without turning it to butter. It also aerates drinks better than most blenders I've used. Shakes come out more like a milk shake mixer. Second runner up are the Hamilton Beach blenders from the late 70's. I place them performance wise in between the GE and the Oster.
For a smoothie snack, many nights I take two bananas frozen solid. Stick them in the GE with some (whole) milk and Nestle's Quick. It's almost like drinking a real banana-chocolate shake made with ice cream. Only there is much less fat. Sometimes I use Almond Milk instead of whole milk, even less calories and fat, and its almost (but not quite) as good. If you use half and half or mix a little heavy whipping cream in with your whole milk, then it does taste very much like a reak milkshake.
If you use less milk, then it comes out like Dairy Queen Soft Serve ice cream. Just scoop it out and put it in a bowl and eat it like ice cream.
I tried to do this in my mom's Osterizer and it was awful. Always stopping it and trying to break the bananas up with a spoon and push them down toward the blades.
Depending on how solidly the banans are frozen, the GE blends them up with little or no assistance. VERY quickly.
(For something really good, use freshly frozen strawberries or blueberries and blend with half and half. mmmmm)
I have the cheap Ninja (I think it was about $39) where the motor sits on top of the plastc pitcher and drives the blades from above. It works fairly well, but if you freeze your fruit, like I do, to make smoothies it will allow chucks of the frozen fruit to fling around in there for a long time before it is able to liquify them.
And as Kelly said, unless you let it run for a LONG time, it does not puree as well like a regular blender.
But for the price, it is good, if you just make an occasional smoothie or want to do some chopping, its a nice little blending device. Easy to take apart and stick in the dishwasher
IF you don't do a lot of heavy duty blending, where you need a monster like a Vita-Mix, then I would recommend finding a vintage GE blender, one of the models which are belt driven with the motor in the back. General Electric made them from 1961 through 1971.
I have several in my collection, and they beat any other blender I have ever had, hands down. It purees very smoothly, things rarely jam up above the blades, like many foods do in the Osterizer and require you to cautiously assist with a spoon. Low speed is low enough to whip cream without turning it to butter. It also aerates drinks better than most blenders I've used. Shakes come out more like a milk shake mixer. Second runner up are the Hamilton Beach blenders from the late 70's. I place them performance wise in between the GE and the Oster.
For a smoothie snack, many nights I take two bananas frozen solid. Stick them in the GE with some (whole) milk and Nestle's Quick. It's almost like drinking a real banana-chocolate shake made with ice cream. Only there is much less fat. Sometimes I use Almond Milk instead of whole milk, even less calories and fat, and its almost (but not quite) as good. If you use half and half or mix a little heavy whipping cream in with your whole milk, then it does taste very much like a reak milkshake.
If you use less milk, then it comes out like Dairy Queen Soft Serve ice cream. Just scoop it out and put it in a bowl and eat it like ice cream.
I tried to do this in my mom's Osterizer and it was awful. Always stopping it and trying to break the bananas up with a spoon and push them down toward the blades.
Depending on how solidly the banans are frozen, the GE blends them up with little or no assistance. VERY quickly.
(For something really good, use freshly frozen strawberries or blueberries and blend with half and half. mmmmm)
