Ninja Blast Review: A Compact Portable Blender Worth Considering

This portable blender stands out among personal blenders and performs decently when compared to larger blenders. It's perfect for making small servings of smoothies and other mixtures, although it occasionally has difficulty with frozen items and seeds.

Pros

• Efficient at crushing ice

• Handles leafy greens well

• Works excellently with protein powder and creatine

• Good capacity for single servings

Cons

• Struggles with larger chunks of food

• Cannot blend seeds effectively

• Convenient for backpacks but not for handbags

You can rely on our testing.

At first, I was skeptical about the need for a portable blender. Blending smoothies on the go seemed unnecessary to me. However, after testing the Ninja Blast, I discovered it to be a solid personal blender. It blended berries, leafy greens, protein, and creatine powders effectively. Surprisingly, it crushed ice remarkably well for its size, making it great for slushies. It also performed well during our commute test and includes several useful safety features.

Though not without flaws, the Blast has difficulty with larger frozen chunks like mango or papaya, and it doesn't blend seeds as effectively as traditional countertop blenders.

Specifications

Ideal Users

This blender is a fantastic option for individuals or small households. If you live with someone who doesn't enjoy smoothies, a large blender is unnecessary. This blender is perfect for prepping personal smoothies or protein shakes without taking up too much space.

Unboxing Experience

Setting up the Ninja Blast was straightforward. Inside the box, you'll find a sip lid with a handle, a blending motor, a pitcher, pitcher cap, blade cover, and a USB-C charging cord. Make sure to charge it for 2 hours before your first use.

After charging, it's user-friendly. The included instructions guide you on the order to add ingredients for the best results. There's also a minimum liquid line to ensure optimal blending.

The LED lights around the start/stop button are helpful: purple indicates readiness, red signals a low battery, and orange means the blades are blocked.

Test 1: Protein Shakes

I designed this test to evaluate the blender's performance with tough ingredients like frozen berries, spinach, protein powder, creatine, and ice. These components can be challenging, and the blender is intended for on-the-go use, making it ideal for gym and work settings.

This blender performed impressively for its size, leaving only slight traces of berry skin and spinach. The protein powder was a bit gritty, but a longer blend time may improve that. It handled ice exceptionally well.

It's relatively quiet—similar to an electric toothbrush—so using it in an office kitchen shouldn't be an issue.

Test 2: Hummus

This test assesses how well the blender handles thicker ingredients. For this, I used canned garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oil, and lemon. While it required shaking during blending and got stuck occasionally, it made a decent hummus that was grainy but still enjoyable with veggies.

Test 3: Ice Crushing

The ability to crush ice is crucial for any blender. I tested it by making a lemonade slushie, and it exceeded my expectations. Unlike other portable models, it crushed ice effectively, creating a refreshing slush ideal for hot days.

Test 4: Portability

A portable blender must be easy to carry. I created a smoothie with vibrant ingredients before securing the travel lid. Although I was concerned about the lid's stability, it performed well during my commute. It fit nicely in my backpack, though it might be too large for some handbags.

Cleaning Ease

Cleaning is simple—just add warm water and dish soap, then run a blending cycle. While it didn't completely clean some hummus residue, it did a good job on smoothie remnants. A long-handle brush is handy for clearing trapped remnants.

Safety Features

I appreciated the safety features included. If the blender pitcher isn't attached, the blades are covered by a plastic guard, keeping you safe from cuts. You can easily secure it before use.

Comparative Analysis

BlendJet is a well-known name in portable blenders, and comparing the BlendJet 2 to the Ninja Blast reveals some differences. While both are USB-C rechargeable, the Blast is more powerful and better suited for icy beverages.

While the BlendJet is lighter and quieter, making it ideal for softer ingredients and protein shakes, it may feel less durable than the Ninja. If you want a middle ground, consider the Nutribullet Portable blender, which balances portability and power.

If you like the Ninja Blast's design but want something larger, consider the Blast Max, which offers enhanced size and performance.

Should You Consider the Ninja Blast?

Absolutely, but there are some things to keep in mind. If you already own a reliable blender, you might not need this one. I'm still unsure about the necessity of blending on the go, as you can make smoothies in a bullet blender like the Nutribullet 900.

However, it's fantastic for small living spaces. With an 18oz capacity, it's perfect for two servings, making it a sensible choice without occupying excessive space.

This blender is also great for those aiming for healthier habits. I've found it helpful in increasing my fruit and fiber intake efficiently.