Ninja Blast Review: A Compact Powerhouse for On-the-Go Blending

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The Ninja Blast portable blender is designed for busy individuals who need a lightweight and portable solution for blending smoothies, protein shakes, and even frozen drinks. With its sleek design and USB-C rechargeable battery, this blender aims to deliver convenience without compromising performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details. Our Ninja Blast Review will show you if this is the right compact blender for you.

Key Takeaways

Portability: Compact and lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
Blending Power: Performs well with soft ingredients, but struggles with frozen fruits and ice.
Battery Life: Lasts for about two full smoothies per charge, which may require frequent recharging for heavy users.

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Design and Features

The Ninja Blast is built for portability, weighing just 1.09kg (2.4lbs) and standing at 27cm tall. It features an 18oz (532ml) blending cup with a sippy-cup-style lid, designed for easy carrying. The built-in handle and flip-open cap make it convenient to take on commutes or to the gym.

The blender comes with measurement markers up to 16oz, helping users add the right amount of ingredients. Its six non-removable blades provide decent blending power for soft ingredients, though users may struggle when attempting to crush larger chunks of frozen fruit or ice without adding additional liquid.

Blending Performance

The Ninja Blast excels in light blending tasks like protein shakes, smoothies with soft fruits, and other low-fiber ingredients. It handles ingredients like bananas, spinach, and yogurt smoothly in just one or two 30-second cycles. However, it struggles a bit with harder or frozen ingredients. For example, while it can blend frozen berries, the result may be slightly grainy, and you may need to shake the blender mid-cycle to avoid jams.

When it comes to crushing ice, the Ninja Blast can create slushies, but only if you fill it with small ice cubes and liquids up to the minimum fill line. Larger cubes or dense frozen items tend to get stuck, requiring multiple cycles.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the key features of the Ninja Blast is its portability, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery via USB-C. A full charge takes around 2 hours and allows for approximately 15 cycles of 30 seconds each—enough to blend about two full smoothies per charge.

While convenient, the limited battery life may be a drawback for frequent users who need more than two cycles per session. Heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge frequently.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Highly Portable: Lightweight and designed for easy transport, perfect for taking to work or the gym.
USB-C Charging: Convenient charging on the go, compatible with most modern devices.
Decent Blending Power: Handles most soft ingredients with ease, producing smooth results.
Stylish Design: Compact, attractive, and easy to carry.

Cons:

Limited Power: Struggles with harder or frozen ingredients, requiring extra cycles and shaking.
Battery Life: Only lasts for about two full smoothie cycles, which may not be enough for heavy users.
Small Capacity: 18oz capacity may be limiting for users who need larger portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Ninja Blast Portable Blender

Here are the top 10 questions asked about the Ninja Blast Portable Blender, along with comprehensive answers to help you get the most out of your blender.

1. Can the Ninja Blast crush ice and blend frozen fruit?
Yes, the Ninja Blast can crush ice and blend frozen fruit, but it’s recommended to add liquid first. This helps the blades work more efficiently and prevents jams. Without enough liquid, larger chunks of ice or frozen fruit might not fully blend. If you’re aiming for a smoother result, you might need to run multiple blending cycles.

2. How long does the battery last, and how do I charge it?
The Ninja Blast runs on a rechargeable battery, and a full charge typically takes around 2 hours via USB-C. Once fully charged, it can handle up to 15 blending cycles of 30 seconds each. While it’s a portable option, heavy users who blend multiple times a day might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.

3. Is the Ninja Blast dishwasher-safe?
Yes, the Ninja Blast‘s blending vessel and sip lid are top-rack dishwasher-safe, making cleaning easy. However, the motor base is not dishwasher-safe and should be cleaned carefully by hand, avoiding immersion in water.

4. Can I blend hot liquids or carbonated drinks in the Ninja Blast?
No, it is not safe to blend hot or carbonated liquids in the Ninja Blast. Blending hot liquids can cause pressure buildup, which may damage the blender or cause potential injuries due to sudden pressure release. Stick to cold or room-temperature ingredients for the best results.

5. What is the capacity of the Ninja Blast, and how many servings can it make?
The Ninja Blast has an 18-ounce capacity, which is suitable for one serving of a smoothie, protein shake, or frozen drink. It’s a convenient size for personal use, particularly for users looking to blend single servings.

6. What do the different LED lights on the Ninja Blast mean?
The Ninja Blast has a smart LED light system to communicate different statuses:

Purple: Ready to blend.
Red: Needs charging.
Orange: The blades are blocked.
Flashing White: The blending vessel and base are not aligned properly. These lights help ensure safe and efficient operation.

7. Can I use the Ninja Blast while it’s charging?
Yes, you can blend while the Ninja Blast is plugged in, but it will not actively charge during the blending cycle. Charging will resume once the blending cycle is complete.

8. What are some common issues with the Ninja Blast, and how can I fix them?
Common issues include:

Blades getting stuck: This usually happens with large or frozen ingredients. To fix this, shake the blender while it’s running or add more liquid to help the ingredients move.
Motor overheating: If the motor overheats, the orange LEDs will flash. Let the blender cool down for 15 minutes before using it again.

9. Can I travel with the Ninja Blast, and does it fit in a car cup holder?
Yes, the Ninja Blast is designed for portability and is compact enough to fit in most standard car cup holders. Its sip lid with a carry handle makes it easy to take with you, whether to the gym or on your commute.

10. What kind of accessories come with the Ninja Blast?
The Ninja Blast comes with several accessories, including:

A blending vessel.
A sip lid with a carry handle.
A USB-C charging cable.
A motor base with attached blades

Recent Developments in Portable Blending

As of 2024, portable blenders like the Ninja Blast are becoming more efficient and easier to use, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing battery life and power. The rise of USB-C charging has made devices like the Ninja Blast more convenient for on-the-go users, allowing for faster and more versatile recharging. New models in the market are starting to include smart features, such as blending timers and advanced safety mechanisms to prevent overheating.

Top Experts and Entities in the Field

Ninja Kitchen: Known for its high-quality kitchen appliances, Ninja is a leader in the blending space. Check out their other innovative products at Ninja Kitchen.
HappyFoodGeek: Experts in reviewing kitchen gadgets, including blenders. For more comparisons, see their articles like Instant Pot Pro vs Rio: Which is Best For You? and Top 5 Best Green Smoothies Blender.

Ease of Use

The Ninja Blast is designed for simplicity, making it a great choice for users looking for a portable, no-fuss blender. It features a single-button control system, which makes operation easy for beginners and advanced users alike. Pressing the button initiates a 30-second blending cycle, which is generally sufficient for softer ingredients like bananas, spinach, and yogurt. The intuitive LED light system around the button offers feedback on the blender’s status—whether it’s blending, needs charging, or encounters a jam.

The portable design also makes it easy to assemble: simply screw the blending vessel to the motor base, add ingredients, and press the button to blend. However, since the Ninja Blast only has one blending speed, users looking for more versatility might find it limiting.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Ninja Blast is fairly straightforward, though it has a few quirks. The blending vessel and sip lid are dishwasher-safe, which makes maintenance simple for users with dishwashers. However, the blades are non-removable and attached to the motor base, which makes cleaning the blades a bit trickier. The motor base isn’t waterproof, so users must clean it carefully by hand to avoid water damage.

For a quick clean, users can add water and a small amount of dish soap into the vessel and run a 30-second cycle to rinse the blades. However, this method may require a follow-up rinse to remove soap residue.

Noise Levels

While the Ninja Blast is relatively quiet compared to larger blenders, it’s not entirely silent. Users have compared its noise levels to that of an electric toothbrush, making it suitable for most environments, though still audible. It’s quiet enough to use in shared spaces like office kitchens, but it may still be disruptive if used at a desk in a very quiet setting.

Alternatives

If the Ninja Blast doesn’t quite meet your needs, there are a few alternative options worth considering. The NutriBullet Pro 1000 offers a more powerful motor, better suited for tougher ingredients like frozen fruit or nuts. It’s slightly bulkier but still portable and easy to use. Another option is the Smeg Personal Blender, which offers a stylish retro design and comes with two bottles for easy transportation of your smoothies. These alternatives provide different features depending on your priorities, whether it’s power, portability, or design.

Conclusion

The Ninja Blast is a great option for those who need a portable, easy-to-use blender for light blending tasks. Its stylish design and portability make it a convenient choice for people on the go, but its limited power and battery life may not meet the needs of heavy users or those who frequently blend tough ingredients. Overall, it’s a solid choice for casual users looking to make smoothies or protein shakes on the move.

Author

This article was written by HappyFoodGeek, your trusted source for detailed reviews and comparisons of kitchen gadgets and appliances.