Buying Guide for the Best Ninja Blenders
How should you select a ninja blender
Buying a good ninja blender can be a life-altering experience: it is bound to make your life a lot easier and healthier. The ninja blender is a common kitchen appliance loved by homemakers and chefs alike, to create blended beverages, healthy soups, and nutrient-rich smoothies. After going through thousands of ninja blender reviews all over the Internet, we have put together this handy guide to help you choose the right one.
Types
What is the difference between a blender and a food processor?
A blender is a kitchen appliance for mixing, crushing, puréeing, and emulsifying food. Once it is blended, the end result is something you can drink, drizzle, or dip. It also typically has a blade at the bottom that cannot be removed.Whereas, a food processor can slice, grate, shred and dice food. Usually, the results are something that can be eaten with a fork or spoon. It comes with multiple blades and discs and some have whisk accessory so you can whisk, whip, or stir as you process.
What are the different types of blender?
Blenders come in different types based on their designs and functionalities, such as the following:
- Hand Blenders/ Mixers: Compared to other blenders, these are smaller in size and come with a handle. The blades can be swapped out for different purposes, such as mixing or beating eggs. Additionally, the blender is portable and easy to carry around.
- Countertop Blenders: Often placed on top of the counter or table, countertop blenders make use of jars and are connected to power supplies. Since they are large and can contain about 2 liters of liquid, they are suitable for blending and producing larger quantities of food. With these machines, ice can be crushed and ground effortlessly, and fruits can be blended into juice with ease.
- Immersion Blenders: An interesting design of this type features blades connected to a stick-like handle. They build up less pressure, work much better with hot liquids, and are much safer for use when blending soups compared to countertop blenders. Immersion blenders are also very easy to clean, since they lack jars and can be used directly in a bowl or pot.
- Commercial Blenders: The design and build are similar to countertop blenders, but they have a stronger construction. The powerful motor and sharp blades can grind and blend almost anything. It is the strongest type of blender and can hold a lot more volume than countertop blenders, making it ideal for food counters and restaurants.
- Bottle Blenders: A blender ball is used instead of a blade on these portable blenders. Blender balls are metal wire spheres used to mix contents when thoroughly shaken. Easy to carry as they easily fit in your hands or in a bag. Fitness enthusiasts often use bottle blenders to make protein shakes.
What Reviewers Have to Say
Customers who purchased Ninja blenders said that these were the deciding factors behind their purchase:
- Type: There are different types of blenders based on their design and functionality. There are certain types such as bottle blenders and hand blenders that are intended for preparing smoothies or dips that you can make at home, while countertop and commercial blenders are capable of preparing large quantities of food for restaurants and cafes. It is recommended to choose the blender type that best suits your needs.
- Size: The capacity of the blender determines how many ingredients can be processed in the jar. Blenders are typically 3-14 cups in size. It might be a good idea to choose a compact, single-serve blender if space is an issue, but if you cook for a large group, you might want to consider upgrading to a larger blender.
- Blades: The blades of some brands are flat and have angled edges; others may have four blades which are almost spiral-shaped. While some blades are better at pulverizing dry ingredients into powder, others are more suitable for masticating food to create a silky smooth texture. Each of these designs has its own purpose. The best blades to choose are stainless steel blades, which are known for their non-corrosive material and offer better performance than the rest.
- Power: Listed below are some power range suggestions:
- 300 watts: This power rating is found on most basic countertop blenders. It can chop everything but the toughest ingredients, so blending shouldn't be difficult.
- 500-700 watts: This will offer a versatile and powerful blender capable of making soups and even food with a finer consistency.
- 700 watts and above: It enables you to work with dry ingredients, like making your own peanut butter. It is also capable of making large quantities of food products. Thanks to its extra power, its capabilities aren't limited.
- Settings/ Control Panel: Look at the settings and control panel of the blender. Some have buttons and switches, while others have dials or even touchpads. Modern blenders come with digital displays, which make them more convenient to use. Take into consideration also whether you would prefer precise speed control or manual control.
Important Features
What should you consider when buying a ninja blender
A ninja blender is sure to make blending fascinating--so it's important to make an informed decision before buying one. Consider the following factors:
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Decide if you want a countertop or an immersion model: Opt for a countertop blender model if you wish to use the blender on your countertop. If you're limited in kitchen space, a countertop model is perfect. They are ideal for making smoothies or crushing ice. On the other hand, immersion blenders, with a rotating blade attached to the end, are more suited for preparing delicate sauces or purees with ease.
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Choose a blender according to your needs: Choose the blender based on what kind of foodie you are! If you fancy chopped veggies and fruits, buy an appliance suited for chopping. If you crave smoothies, opt for an appliance that is meant to liquefy food.
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Check the capacity: Decide on the capacity based on the size of your family. The bigger the size, the larger the blender's capacity. This is a crucial feature to look for—this way, you won't have to prepare many batches of food.
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Check the type of blade: Look for a detachable blade if you are keen on being able to clean the blender easily.
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Check the wattage of the appliance: Consider the kind of blending that you will do, and choose the wattage of the blender accordingly. For example, less power is required to chop vegetables, medium power is adequate for smoothies, and high power is desirable to chop solids into minuscule particles.
How to maintain your blender?
Here are some tips to ensure your blender runs smoothly:
- Use a mild liquid detergent and warm water to wash the blender right after use. Run the blender at low speed for a few seconds and then rinse thoroughly. Avoid soaking it in water or rinsing it with running water.
- Overloading the blender should be avoided at all costs, since it can permanently damage the blades.
- Running your blender empty can cause damage to the machine. Be sure the blender is filled enough and the lid is properly closed before using it.
- Water or liquids should never come into contact with the plug, cord, or motor base to prevent electric shock.
- Fix any leaks found- Check the jar, base, and sealing ring for chips and cracks, and replace any damaged parts.
- Store the blender in a dry place and make sure it contains no moisture.