If you're in the market for a budget-friendly, family-oriented blender for smoothies and soups, the SmartSense model is an excellent option. It includes two personal blending cups and lids, enhancing its value. However, if you're inclined towards frozen drinks or peanut butter, consider a more advanced blender.
Pros and Cons
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Budget-friendly
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Generous capacity
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User-friendly
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Perfect for everyday blends like smoothies and soups
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Includes various accessories
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Can be noisy at high speeds
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Has difficulty with dry blends
SmartSense is a recent addition to the Nutribullet family, known for its compact and efficient blenders. This model aims to cater to families, providing a fun, user-friendly experience without breaking the bank.
In my testing, I found this blender to be straightforward and enjoyable for daily tasks. However, it faced challenges with tougher recipes like hummus and peanut butter, and it became quite loud at higher speeds.
While it might not top the list of the best blenders, its ease of use, speed, and affordability compensate for its simpler features. Here's what I discovered.
Specifications
Capacity | 64 oz |
Wattage | 1400 |
Materials | BPA Free plastic |
Speed settings | 5 |
Presets | Blend, pulse, and 'Smart Sense' |
Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe |
Warranty | 1 year limited |
Who Is It For?
This blender is great for creating basic smoothies, soups, and plant-based milks. Priced at $149, it provides power without the hefty costs associated with high-end models. I've even categorized it among the best alternatives to high-end brands.
Its 64-ounce capacity is well-suited for batch cooking, though those who enjoy frozen cocktails should note that it struggles to crush ice. Additionally, it had some difficulty with hummus. More details on my testing are below.
User Experience
Upon plugging in the blender and securing the pitcher, the panel lights up to greet you with a friendly 'hello.' This personal touch adds a modern feel. With only three buttons, the manual provides clear instructions, and the recipe booklet includes a variety of ideas, from chocolate smoothies to mushroom soup.
The motor base feels sturdy, and the suction cup feet keep it stable during operation. The lid clicks securely into place, preventing any accidental messes while blending.
The 'Auto mode' is designed for hands-free blending, detecting ingredients to choose the right speed and time. However, in my trials, it often defaulted to the highest speed, leading to considerable noise. If you're in an apartment or trying to keep things quiet, you might want to consider a quieter model.
I preferred using the manual and pulse settings for better control and reduced noise. They were just as easy to operate.
Testing Smoothies
My first test involved making smoothies. I included oats, frozen bananas, berries, spinach, and almond milk to assess how well the blender could handle tough textures. On auto mode, the smoothie blended in 20 seconds, producing only a few blueberry and spinach flecks. Even with added protein powder, the result was smooth without lumps—a common issue with other blenders.
I also created a smoothie bowl with frozen mango, kale, pineapple, banana, cashews, and oat milk. This blend was even better, achieving a creamy texture effortlessly.
Testing Hummus
After the success with smoothies, I decided to test hummus. I combined garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and a splash of aquafaba using Auto Mode. Unfortunately, the SmartSense struggled and became stuck after 25 seconds. To salvage it, I had to scrape down the sides and add more aquafaba. After a few adjustments, I achieved the desired consistency. The lesson learned? More liquid helps.
Testing Soup
For my final test, I made a green soup with sautéed onions, broccoli, peas, spinach, kale, and basil blended with chicken stock. The Auto Mode handled the fibrous ingredients smoothly, creating a velvety soup in about 30 seconds. Pouring it back into the pan was easy, thanks to the pitcher's well-designed spout. The taste was delightful, smooth, and completely free of chunks.
Cleaning and Storage
Cleaning the SmartSense was straightforward. The pitcher is dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is also simple. A sponge and soap effectively cleaned the interior, and the blades are designed to minimize the risk of cuts.
However, I found the plastic ridges at the bottom of the pitcher challenging to clean after thicker mixtures like hummus, as they tended to trap ingredients.
Its compact design allows for easy storage, but the additional accessories, including cups and lids, require more space. If you prefer not to purchase the combo, a standalone model is available.
Online Ratings
This blender is quite new, having launched in October, so comprehensive reviews are limited. However, initial users seem satisfied with its performance.
Recent feedback highlights the fun features of the illuminated control panel and the ease of use. Reviewers acknowledged the noise level with tough ingredients, though it didn't deter them.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to premium models like the Vitamix A3500, which earned top ratings, the SmartSense falls short in versatility. It lacks the advanced features and powerful motors of high-end blenders. Yet, it still offers solid performance for its price and excels with simpler recipes.
If you're seeking exceptionally smooth hummus or crushed ice, you might consider the Braun TriForce Blender, which performs well with thicker blends and has a setting for achieving silky hummus quickly. Its price point is similar, at $149, but it doesn't come with the same accessories included with the Nutribullet.
Should You Get It?
If you need a budget-friendly, family-friendly blender for smoothies and soups, the SmartSense is an excellent option. With two personal blending cups and lids, it offers great value. However, for tougher tasks or quieter operation, a higher-end model might be worth the investment.
Our Testing Process
Our testing process is thorough and includes making smoothies with frozen berries and spinach to evaluate how well the blender tackles tough ingredients. We also assess its capability to create hummus, which usually requires more finesse due to lower liquid content. Lastly, we test the blender's performance with ice to see if it can produce a fine consistency suitable for frozen treats. We take note of cleaning ease, unboxing, and maintenance, comparing it to other tested blenders to determine its standing in the market.
