Ninja Blast Portable Blender Review: Is This On-The-Go Smoothie Maker Worth It?
I’ve gone through more blenders than I care to admit. Most portable ones just don’t have the power to properly crush ice or frozen fruit, leaving you with a sad, chunky mess instead of the smooth drink you were hoping for. So when I got my hands on the Ninja Blast Portable Blender, I was skeptical but hopeful. After using it for a couple weeks now, I think I’ve found a portable option that actually delivers on its promises… mostly.
The Ninja brand has a solid reputation for kitchen appliances, and this little portable blender seems to be their answer to our on-the-go smoothie needs. Let me walk you through my experience with it so far.
Sleek Design, Solid Build
First impressions matter, and the Ninja Blast definitely makes a good one. It’s surprisingly sturdy for a portable device – not flimsy like some of the cheaper options I’ve tried before. The blender has this modern, sleek design with a nice matte black finish that doesn’t show fingerprints too badly (a small blessing for something you’re handling frequently).
What I particularly appreciate is how they’ve balanced portability with functionality. The cup portion is generously sized at 18 oz but still fits in my car’s cup holder, which wasn’t always true with other portable blenders I’ve owned. The silicone grip around the middle makes it comfortable to hold, especially when you’re walking around with it.
- NINJA BLENDING ANYWHERE: Blast through frozen ingredients with Ninja’s best portable blending power. Make perfectly smooth drinks anywhere you go.
- LARGE CAPACITY: Makes up to 18 oz. of your favorite blends.
- PREMIUM COLORS: Choose a color that best fits your style.
- EASY TO CARRY: Take your drink on the go with a comfortable, hinged carry handle.
- SIP LID: Easy-open sip lid lets you blend and drink in the same vessel.
Power That Surprises
I wasn’t expecting much from a rechargeable blender, to be honest. Most portable blenders I’ve tried before couldn’t handle anything tougher than a banana and some yogurt. The Ninja Blast, however, has genuinely impressive blending power for its size.
The 4000 RPM motor makes quick work of most ingredients. I’ve successfully blended frozen berries, ice cubes, and even tougher ingredients like kale without it struggling too much. The 18 oz capacity is perfect for a single serving smoothie or protein shake, and I like that I can see through the container to make sure everything is blending properly.
Battery life has been decent in my testing – I typically get about 8-9 full blends before needing to recharge, which aligns with Ninja’s claim of up to 10 blends per charge. Charging is simple with the included USB-C cable, though it does take about 3 hours to fully charge, so I’ve gotten in the habit of plugging it in overnight.
One quirk I’ve noticed is that it sometimes takes two blending cycles to get everything perfectly smooth if you’re using harder frozen ingredients. The automatic 30-second blend cycle is convenient, but occasionally not quite enough for a perfectly smooth result.
Numbers That Matter
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 18 oz |
| Motor Speed | 4000 RPM |
| Battery | Rechargeable via USB-C |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 blends per charge |
| Charge Time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Blade Type | Stainless steel with Ninja power-paddle technology |
| Weight | 1.73 pounds |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 9.7 inches |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes (cup only) |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
The Good and Not-So-Good
Pros:
- Impressive blending power for a portable device
- Sturdy construction that feels built to last
- Convenient USB-C charging
- Easy one-button operation
- Fits in most car cup holders
- Dishwasher-safe cup makes cleaning simple
- Safety features prevent operation while charging
Cons:
- Sometimes requires two blending cycles for perfectly smooth results
- 3-hour charge time is longer than some competitors
- Price point is higher than many other portable blenders
- Can be loud compared to other portable options
- Maximum capacity of 18 oz might be limiting for some users
What Others Are Saying
After scrolling through dozens of customer reviews, the overall sentiment seems largely positive. The Ninja Blast currently holds a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, with most users praising its blending power and convenience.
One reviewer mentioned: “This little blender packs a punch! I was skeptical about a portable blender being able to handle frozen fruit, but this one proves me wrong every time. Perfect for my post-workout protein shakes at the gym.”
Another customer noted: “Love the portability, but wish the battery lasted longer. Still, it’s the best portable blender I’ve tried after going through three different brands.”
There were some critical reviews focused on the price point and occasional issues with very hard ingredients, but these were in the minority.
Who Should Buy The Ninja Blast?
For beginners: If you’re new to the smoothie world and want something simple yet effective, the Ninja Blast is actually perfect. The one-button operation couldn’t be easier, and the blending power is forgiving even if you’re not yet savvy about ingredient combinations.
For intermediate users: Those who regularly make smoothies and want the convenience of portability will appreciate the Ninja Blast’s balance of power and size. It’s ideal for people with active lifestyles who don’t want to compromise on smoothie quality.
For advanced users: If you’re a smoothie aficionado who experiments with tough ingredients and makes multiple smoothies daily, you might find the Ninja Blast limiting. While powerful for its size, it doesn’t replace a full-sized, high-powered blender for intensive daily use. However, it makes an excellent supplementary device for on-the-go blending.
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Ready For Better On-The-Go Smoothies?
The Ninja Blast Portable Blender has genuinely impressed me with its blend of power and portability. If you’re tired of chunky, disappointing smoothies while traveling or at the gym, this might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
- NINJA BLENDING ANYWHERE: Blast through frozen ingredients with Ninja’s best portable blending power. Make perfectly smooth drinks anywhere you go.
- LARGE CAPACITY: Makes up to 18 oz. of your favorite blends.
- PREMIUM COLORS: Choose a color that best fits your style.
- EASY TO CARRY: Take your drink on the go with a comfortable, hinged carry handle.
- SIP LID: Easy-open sip lid lets you blend and drink in the same vessel.