You have heard great reviews on the Ninja blender and the Vitamix, and both seem quite good. But now you cannot decide which to choose and which would be better for preparing your smoothies, acai bowls, soups, frozen desserts, and sauces just the way you like ’em. How do you decide between the two? Here we will give you some important facts as we look at Ninja vs Vitamix. Both brands come with a number of models to choose from based on what you may be looking for from your blender. We will take a look at both brands individually so you can have a proper non-confusing comparison.
ABOUT THE NINJA BLENDERS
A Ninja blender does more than just blending as we know it. It is a multifunction appliance that acts as a blender, juicer, food processor, grater, spiralizer, and stand mixer. It is a high-powered tool with blades designed to slice through food in a matter of minutes or even seconds depending on which Ninja blender you have chosen. Yet they are ideal for making smoothies, milkshakes, frozen cocktails, soups, sauces, or prepping ingredients. They are designed to easily crush ice and frozen foods in seconds.
BENEFITS OF A NINJA BLENDER
There are so many different brands of blenders on the market that it can be hard to decide which to choose and which works well. Ninja more than likely is a brand you may have heard of since it is among the more popular on the market today. Here are some of the benefits of why persons have chosen and continue to choose Ninja.
- Ninja blender is multifunctional and can be used as a blender, food processor, juicer, grater, spiralizer, and mixer.
- A Ninja blender comes with high power that allows the blades to slice through food in minutes or even seconds depending on what is being blended, making it much faster than most other brands.
- Ninja blenders are made with BPA-free plastic containers that are dishwasher safe.
- Ninja blenders feature four-blade and six-blade patented technologies
- Cleaning the jar is easy.
- Ninja blenders come with a variety of cups in different sizes that you can choose from when you are ready to share out your blend.
- Most of the parts are dishwasher safe.
MAIN LINEUP OF NINJA BLENDERS
There are many different models of the Ninja blender to choose from. The one you choose will be dependent on your taste in style, what you expect to do with your blender, and the budget you may want to work with. One thing is for sure, you cannot go wrong with a Ninja blender.
Basic blenders
As the name suggests the basic Ninja blender is like any other traditional blender and will blend your fruits and vegetable for your smoothies, do your personal milkshake, margarita, and any frozen drink of your choice. However, the Ninja blender stands out from the rest in that it is designed to have the job done quicker than other traditional blenders no matter what you put in.
Nutri Ninja
The Nutri Ninjas are designed with the health-conscious in mind. They are designed to squeeze all the nutrients out of your food of choice. These blenders are quite popular for consumers as they come with a high-powered motor geared to managing whole fruits and vegetables with the same precision it would with slices. Nutri Ninja comes with a Pro line of four models (BL450 / BL451 / BL455 / BL456) which are very similar in function but has different accessories. The Nutri Ninja also comes with an Auto IQ personal blender line (BL480 / BL481 / BL482). The Auto-IQ feature allows you to prepare recipes with just the touch of a button based on its programmed intelligence.
Ninja Chef
As you can imagine based upon the name, the Ninja Chef was designed for persons who blends on a very regular basis. The Ninja Chef is powered by a 1500-watt advanced motor system that can handle any food you put in, It comes with a next-generation high-speed blade design to cut through whole foods, veggies, whole grains, and nuts. Its cyclonic action pulls ingredients down to the blades allowing all ingredients put in to be chopped, diced, and blends with precision to produce your perfect blend of smoothies, shakes, sauces, ice cream, frozen drinks, and soups to chef-like perfection.
Ninja Chef blenders are pre-programmed to create a variety of other dishes like nut butter, flours, dips, salsas, and other dishes so that you do not have to wonder how to do it.
Intelli-Sense Kitchen Systems Blender
With the Ninja Intelli-Sense Kitchen Systems blender, you get a combination of a number of kitchen appliances to give you a traditional blender, high-power blender, food processor, and spiralizer all in one. Once you switch out the blending container to the one provided for that specific task you are good to go. Once you have changed the container, the system automatically recognizes which attachment is in place and adjusts accordingly.
The Intelli-Sense Kitchen Systems are modernly designed with a touchscreen and 12 smart programs that are calibrated to change speed based on the specific recipe you’re creating. It is also programmed to pulse and pause between functions. Thus creating the intended results every time.
FEATURES OF THE NINJA BLENDER
Power
The power wattage of a blender will determine the speed and effectiveness of the appliance. The Ninja brand is powered from wattage between 900 – 1500 when compared to many other brands that range between 500 – 900.
If you are planning on using your blending to pulverize fruit and vegetables, puree other ingredients for your soups, etc, you may want a blender with a higher wattage of at least 1100 watts. However, if you want to do regular everyday activities such as frozen drinks, smoothies, crush ice, and even nut butter the 900 power watt is ideal.
Capacity
The capacity of your blending jar is important based on how many persons the blender will serve at a time. Ninja jar capacity ranges from single-serve of 18 to 24 ounces to family size of up to 72 ounces, ideal for just about anything you wish to blend. One of the featured attractions of the Ninja blender is that some come with multiple containers in different sizes, so you can choose the right option for each blending session and also travel cups so you can pour and go.
The size of the blender chosen should be based on the number of persons you intend to blend for, the intended use, and how often you will be using it. If you are into more than just smoothies and shakes and want to whip up your favorite ice cream or soups, you may want to go with a larger blending jar.
Functions
Having a blender where you can choose between speeds is usually better as it gives you more options and versatility. The basic Ninjas are usually equipped with two or more speeds — low and high, along with pulse function, while others have three. The more advanced Ninja blenders come with a dial that gives a number of other options and speed control. The number of speeds chosen should be based on what you plan on doing with your blender. But a two-speed is usually good for regular blendings of your fruits and vegetables. If you plan on making more elaborated dishes as well as sauces, you may want to go with something with more speed.
Pre -Programs
A number of blenders come with pre-program settings that allow you to make specific recipes and will adjust to this by the turn of a knob or the pressing of a button. Usually, if your Ninja blender comes with few speed options it usually has pre-program settings. They can be programmed with up to 12 different recipes to choose from. So all you have to do is put your foods in and press, or turn the knob to what you want to make, for example, dough, frozen drink, sauces, salsa, etc. Ninja blenders with preset programs may cost a little more but they are much easier to use and takes the guessing out of the task.
Accessories
Some Ninja blenders are packaged with additional accessories that give you the chance to get even more from them. Some come with an Auto-Spiralizer that allows you to easily cut your vegetables into long spirals for salads or veggie noodles. Some come with a tamper that presses down on your fruit and vegetables to ensure you get all the nutrients from them. Others come with additional travel cups for on-the-go drinkers or Nutri extractors. Some Ninja blenders even come with fettuccine and spaghetti blades if you are into making pasta dough in the blender. You can then cut the dough into noodles right there in the blender.
Cleaning
Most parts of the Ninja bender are dishwasher friendly. When pulling the blender apart for washing grab the blade shaft from the top to prevent it from cutting you. Read the manual on how to pull it apart and to confirm what parts are machine safe. It is best to wash your Ninja blender immediately after each use to prevent food particles from hiding in the crevices and rotting away until your next blend as this can cause illness.
A Vitamix blender is a very powerful blender operating at extremely high speed. It comes with a motor of between 2 to 2.2-horsepower, which is equivalent to approximately 1,400 – 1470 watts of power. Thus giving it the capability to blend just about anything you put in that most traditional blenders cannot. It is built to blend without putting any strain or pressure on the motor or causing it to burn out. These blenders are sturdy and can hold large quantities of your favorite foods for blending in one go. They are equipped to make your hot soups, acai bowls, nut milk, creams, shakes, ice creams, heavy cake batter, bread and pizza dough, sauces, and smoothies — whatever your heart desires, your Vitamix will do!
BENEFITS OF VITAMIX
The Vitamix brand has been on the market for over 83 years and is a brand of Vitamix Corporation based in Cleveland Ohio, USA. Vitamix is produced for both residential and commercial purposes with companies like Starbucks and Baskin Robins being among those who have been using the Vitamix brand for years.
The family-owned corporation certainly believes in reliability, sturdiness, and safety as their blenders are among the high-end on the market with just these qualities as part of their claim.
The Vitamix can be used many times during the same day since the motor is built to withstand pressure. You also do not need to pause between blends as with many blenders on the market. The Vitamix is one of the most homely, yet industrial top-of-the-line multipurpose blenders on the market. They are great for in-home activities but have been found in many fast food stores worldwide.
The blender is built to maintain a cool temperature at all times so it does not overheat even when hard whole foods are put in, and no matter how many times of the day it is used. The expertly designed and very precise stainless steel blades allow the blenders to get the job done professionally. Vitamix is great at turning nuts into creamy nut butter without having to add oil, pulse its way through hard ingredients, and turning cold and raw ingredients into hot soups just from the temperature generated by the motor. This is indeed a blender that
Vitamix offers 7 to 10-year warranties on its blenders.
MAIN LINEUP OF VITAMIX BLENDERS
The Vitamix blenders are divided into three distinct series — The C-Series, the G-Series, and the S-Series. Under these three main lines are 34 models to choose from based on your personal taste and requirements.
C-SERIES
The C-Series has the widest range of models to choose from and is the first series to have hit the market. It carries four basic models — A two-speed model, a variable-speed model, a variable-speed model with preprogrammed settings, and a variable speed model with a 2.2- horsepower (hp) motor. These blenders come with 3-inch stainless steel blades and are taller than the S and G-Series blenders.
The basic models in this series come simply with a high/low switch and are best for persons who will be doing the regular basic blending without anything extravagant.
Popular choices under the C-Series are…
1. TurboBlend Two Speed with a 64-oz. container, a cookbook, a classic tamper, and a five-year warranty
These benders are good for just about anything you want to do with a blender and have been the popular choice for many over the years. Different models come with different speeds but technically functions in a similar manner. The main differences are usually the accessories and their appearances.
One of the more popular among the variable speed models is the 5200 models. Under this you will find the Standard – Getting Started blender. The 5200 With Compact Container and the 5200 Super – Healthy Lifestyle.
3. Variable Speed and Preprogrammed Settings.
The three models under this category are quite similar as each is designed with a pulse function, 10-speed variable blending, and preprogrammed to include smoothies, soups, and frozen desserts. Under this category, you will find the Professional Series 500 and 6300.
4. Turbos, Creations, and Deluxe Blenders. Other models under the C-Series are The Creations Turbo, The CIA Creations blender, The Creations II, TheCreations GC, the Creations GC with Compact Container, the 5200 Deluxe – Complete Kitchen, the TurboBlend VS, the Professional Series 200, the Professional Series 200 with Compact Container, theCIA Professional Series, and theCIA Professional Series – With Compact Container. Each has its own unique features and produces excellent results in blending.
G-SERIES
The G-series is an updated version of some of the blenders in the C-series. The base is redesigned with an improved airflow that allows them to run cooler and quieter than the S-Series models. The G-Series base is shorter and wider than the C-Series and they all have 4-inch stainless steel blades and 2.2-hp motors. The containers are wider and shorter making them easier to store and to fit under a counter. The G-Series is made up of variable-speed and variable-speed with preprogrammed mode blenders.
Under this line, the Professional Series 300 and the 7500 both have a low-profile, 64-oz. container, a DVD, a Getting Started guide, a cookbook, and a low-profile tamper. While the Professional Series 780 is unique from its counterparts in that it has a LED hardened-glass touchscreen control panel instead of traditional controls which is quite attractive and effective. This too comes with a low-profile, 64-oz. container, a cookbook, and a low-profile tamper.
S-SERIES
The S-Series is where you would find your Vitamix single-serve or personal blenders. This means they are smaller than the regular blenders and are made for individuals rather than family. They are ideal if you work out a lot and blends your smoothies and shakes in a quantity that is enough for you. Each S-Series blender comes with two containers — A standard 40-oz. container, and a smaller 20-oz. container that is ideal for on-the-go travel if you switch to the flip-top lid. The blades on these personal blenders are compatible with both containers.
As one would imagine the smaller size of the S-series means that they come with a smaller motor, however, they are ideal for preparing whatever you desire and can even travel with you wherever you go. Thus they were designed as travel blenders. They are an ideal addition to your kitchen if you live alone or if you already have a family-size blender but want something for yourself that you can monopolize.
1. The S-series has three models, the S30 which comes with a 40-oz. container, a 20-oz. travel container, a cookbook, a low-profile tamper, and an S-Series blade base which can be swapped between the two containers. It has variable speeds and a pulse setting so you can do many things with this small unit.
2. The S50 comes with a personal blending guide instead f a cookbook and all the accessories that go with the S30. Along with the variable speed dial, it comes preset for smoothes and power blend.
3.The third model is the S55. This comes with similar accessories as the S30 and all the functions of the S50, but has four preset modes — smoothies, power blend, dips and spreads, and frozen drinks.
FEATURES OF THE VITAMIX
Power
Vitamix advertises the power behind its units as ‘gentle strength’. Noting that their blenders are designed in such a way that they can grind lobster shells and raw ginger while pulverizing peanuts. They boast that the power within their commercial machines will achieve your most creative menus whatever you put in them because power isn’t just about brute force, but rather about the control you have over your machine because sometimes the most powerful thing you can be, is gentle. And with a motor with horsepower ranging from between 2 to 2.4-hp, which is equivalent to approximately 1,400 – 1460 watts of power they may very well be correct. This is enough power to blend just about anything you put in that most traditional blenders cannot.
The personal-size blenders aren’t quite as powerful. They usually have a power watt of 750, just enough for you to make your smoothies, salsas, soups, frozen drinks, and other of your favorite all-in-one meals in smaller quantities.
Capacity
Most Vitamix blenders come with a 64-ounce container that can serve large families, small parties, or big enough for commercial use. If you are looking for something for your own personal use, then something from the S-series is ideal.
The blenders in the Personal Series are designed to prepare single and double servings, so they feature 20 and 40-ounce containers. They work best if you’re blending for one or two or have a small family. If your family has grown since you purchased your blender, you also have the option of purchasing a larger container that is compatible with your base.
Functions
Vitamix blenders’ speeds range from two to variable speeds of up to 10. While the Vitamix blenders with more variable speeds are more expensive it also affords you the benefit of having more options and more control over what you blend and how your blends turn out. It gives you the benefit of getting the exact texture that you want from your food with less effort on your end.
Pre-Programs
Many Vitamix blenders are preset to do a variety of things based on the model chosen. Some are preset for hot soups that do not require the stove, smoothies, batter, frozen desserts, etc. All that it requires is you putting your ingredients of choice in and pressing the required button. You do not need to choose speed or time as this is already preset for you. Within no time your complete meal is ready! Some Vitamix even comes with self-cleaning mode — how awesome and effortless is that?!
Accessories
All Vitamix blenders come with accessories that will vary somewhat based on the model chosen. Most come with a tamper to press ingredients down toward the blades, a cookbook with recipes, DVD, different size cups, starter kit, and a seven to 10 years warranty.
Cleaning
Many Vitamix are self-cleaning and only require the press of a button. For those that may not be, the parts are dishwasher friendly. Once you have taken them apart you can place them on the top rack of your dishwasher. However, ensure you check your manual to see what parts can go into your dishwasher. Remember never to dunk the base in water as this can destroy the motor. Instead, wipe it down with a damp soapy towel.
NINJA VS VITAMIX: DURABILITY
One of the most obvious and major differences between the Ninja and Vitamix is the material from which they were made. The Vitamix is made of metal-to-metal links for the cup and power base thus making it quite durable, firm, and solid. On the other hand, the jug connections on the Ninja blenders are made of rubber and plastic, which causes them to wear quicker than the Vitamix and less durable.
The Vitamix comes with a double-walled insulated container while the Ninja’s clear plastic jar does not come in double-walled insulation.
NINJA VS VITAMIX: POWER
Both Vitamix and Ninja blenders have been built with enough motor power that enables them to effectively blend just about anything you put in them. But while the Ninja’s blade speed can go up to 24,000 RPM, the Vitamix comes out ahead with its blade ability to go up to 37,000 RPM.
Another winning feature of the Vitamix is that the blade does not only cut through what is fed into it but is designed with hammermill blades to shred or crush foods into smaller pieces with repeated hammering technique. Thus making the end result smoother. The Ninja does not have this function.
NINJA VS VITAMIX: ACCESSORIES
The Vitamix and Ninja are both winners in this category as they both come with a number of accessories like various containers, extractor blades, recipe books, DVDs, etc to make the blending experience more enjoyable.
NINJA VS VITAMIX: BLENDING PERFORMANCE
The most important thing when choosing a blender is its actual blending capabilities, how your food turns out — if your smoothies are lumpy or smooth; if your soup is hot; if your juice gives you all the nutrients it possesses; if your ice cream is creamy, or simply icy… and the ‘ifs’ continue. Because of a fact, the blending performance is what matters most in the end.
Because of the Vitamix metal-to-metal link for the cup and power base, this affects the performance of the blender as it delivers high performance. The Ninja is less so due to its rubber and plastic link.
Making Smoothies
After both blenders were put to the test, it was discovered that the consistency of smoothies from the Ninja was not as smooth as that of the Vitamix. The smoothie from the Vitamix was extremely smooth and well blended, this could be due to the hammermill blades that it is built with.
Making Ice-Cream
Making soups
After the soup test which ran for the same duration of time, it was discovered that soup made with the Ninja though tasty and well blended — was cold. This had to be added to the stove for heating afterward. The soup by the Vitamix was not only tasty, well blended, and rich but it was hot! No stove heating was necessary. Not only that but the soup stayed hot in the Vitamix container up to half an hour later before getting cold. The soup was made hot simply from the friction generated by the Vitamix blending action since it does not have a heating feature. Once you adjust the setting to soup, it automatically does the rest for you. The metal rather than a plastic connection at the link may be a contributing factor here.
NINJA VS VITAMIX: WHICH TO CHOOSE?
It has already been established that both Ninja and Vitamix are great choices when it comes to blending. For the most part, Vitamix is the more expensive of the two and if you are watching your budget then you may lean more towards the Ninja. Based on the power of both blenders they are able to blend whatever you put in them. However, the consistency and performance of the Vitamix have proven to be above that of the Ninja brand when it comes to more technical preparations. But before you make that final decision, let us take a look at some things to consider.
The Vitamix is great if —
- You are planning to use it for more advanced dishes like soups, ice cream, nut butter, etc
- If you are looking for something to last a lifetime, especially since they come with a 7-10 years warranty.
- Your budget can handle it
- You want to use it as a blender, juicer, food processor, grater, spiralizer, and stand mixer
- If you want the smoothest of blends
- You are using it on a regular basis
- You want it for commercial use
- If you are grinding grains
The Ninja is great if —
- You will be using it but not heavily and not on a regular basis
- You want to extract all the nutrients as possible from your fruits and vegetables
- You want something to use on the go
- You want to use it as a blender, juicer, food processor, grater, spiralizer, and stand mixer
- Your main goal is to use it for smoothies
- If you are not grinding grains
- If you are not a soup lover and won’t need it for your regular soups
NINJA VS VITAMIX: CONCLUSION
Fo me… it’s hard to choose one over the other! Both the Vitamix and the Ninja are wonderful products to have in your home and are two of the best brands on the market. The ultimate decision should be based on how often you plan to use your blender, what you will b preparing with your blender, and how many persons will that preparation be for.
When buying, also take into consideration that Vitamix has a warranty of seven to 10 years, while the Ninja warranty is 0ne to two years. If you plan on using your blender on a regular basis this is something you may wish to consider.
The test conducted on both brands saw that even though both were able to produce great smoothies, the Ninja still had some fruit chunks remaining. This is not necessarily a bad thing depending on how you like your smoothies.
Budget is something that you should also consider when buying as the Vitamix are pricier than the Ninjas. So if you are looking for a basic blender, for example, that will extract all the nutrients from your fruits and veggies after your morning run you may want to consider something from the Nutri Ninja lineup.
Also, the Ninja container and blades are dishwasher safe but require pulling down, which can be time-consuming. One of the main selling points of the Vitamix is that a number of them are able to clean themselves, which is pretty awesome.
What we found based on the information and test conducted is that the Ninja can do most of the basic things required from a blender — like making fruit smoothies and fruit drinks. While Ninja is able to do the other tasks intended, it is not as consistent with the end results. The Vitamix on the other hand is capable of doing just about everything with great consistency.
So ultimately whether the Ninja or Vitamix will work for you will depend on your blending needs and your budget. We hope this article was able to help you in your decision. Happy shopping!