NutriBullet Combo Blender Review
Searching for a blender that meets all your needs? The NutriBullet Combo Blender could be just what you need. It’s known for its strong performance and user-friendly design, making it a favorite among home cooks. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what the NutriBullet Blender has to offer. Plus, we’ll compare it with six other popular models to see how it holds up. We hope this guide will help you decide if the particular machine is the right choice for your kitchen.
Overall size and Weight
The NutriBullet Combo Blender is a bit more compact compared to other full-sized blenders. It stands at 16.6 inches tall (42.1 cm), with a width of 8.1 inches (20.6 cm) and a depth of 8.2 inches (20.9 cm). This makes it smaller than models like the NutriBullet Triple Prep System NBKS50100 or the Ninja TB301 blender, which are typically bulkier.
Weighing in at just 7.0 lbs (3.2 kg), this blender is lighter than many others in its category. Even though it’s not too heavy, you might find it more convenient to leave it on your countertop rather than tucking it away in a cupboard, especially if you’re planning to use it frequently.
Since this is a standard blender, it doesn’t come with an immersion blender attachment, so the shaft length isn’t applicable here. The design focuses more on blending efficiency in a relatively compact form. Its size and weight make it a practical choice if you’re short on kitchen space or prefer a blender that’s easier to handle.
Jar Material and Capacity
The NutriBullet Combo Blender comes with a main jar that has a generous capacity of 64 ounces (about 1.9 liters). This is pretty standard for full-sized blenders, making it great for making large batches of smoothies, soups, or other blended recipes. In addition to the main jar, there are also two personal-sized jars included—a 24-ounce jar and a 32-ounce jar. These smaller jars are perfect for single servings or when you’re on the go.
Given the versatility and capacity of these jars, I rated it 92 out of 100. The jars are made from BPA-free plastic, which is a safer option for food use. You don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food or drinks. Plus, the jars and their lids are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup easy and convenient. You can just toss them in the dishwasher without any hassle.
This combination of large and small jars gives you a lot of flexibility, whether you’re making something just for yourself or for a group. And the fact that they’re easy to clean just adds to the convenience.
LID Design
The NutriBullet Blender Combo features a lid with a unique two-part design. This design includes a main lid and a removable center piece, which makes it more versatile than standard one-piece lids. The main lid uses friction to stay securely closed, which means it doesn’t rely on clips or locks but instead fits snugly onto the jar.
One of the great features of this two-part lid is the removable center piece. This part serves a dual purpose. First, it allows you to use a tamper to push down ingredients while blending, which is especially helpful when working with thicker mixtures. Second, it doubles as a two-ounce measuring cup, so you can easily measure and add ingredients while blending. This feature makes it convenient to adjust your recipes on the fly without having to stop the blender completely.
However, there’s a downside to this friction-based design. If there’s any moisture around the seal of the lid—like if the jar is wet or if you spill a bit of liquid—it can become tricky to close the lid properly. The friction might not hold as well, causing the lid to pop off unexpectedly. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of blending and need to stop to fix the lid. So, while the two-part design offers great functionality, it’s important to ensure the seal is dry to avoid any issues.
Motor Built Quality
The NutriBullet Blender Combo offers a motor with decent build quality. It feels sturdy enough to handle everyday blending tasks. On the front of the blender, you’ll find buttons that are both clicky and easy to use. This makes it simple to switch between different modes without any hassle.
When it comes to materials, the transmission gear, pitcher, and additional jars are all made from high-quality plastic. This plastic feels durable and capable of withstanding regular use. The gears for both the pitcher and the extractor blade are made from silicone, adding a bit of flexibility and durability where it’s needed most.
However, not everything about the build is perfect. The to-go lids, for instance, don’t feel as sturdy as the other parts. They have a slightly brittle feel, which makes them seem more prone to breaking if they’re not handled with care. This might be a concern if you plan to use the to-go cups frequently.
Another area where the build quality falls short is the pitcher’s handle. It’s a bit loose, which can be annoying, especially when you’re trying to pour something out. It doesn’t feel as secure as you’d want it to, which can be a minor inconvenience during use. Considering these factors, I rated the blender 73 out of 100. While the motor and some components are well-made, the less durable lids and the loose handle do bring the overall experience down a notch.
Blades Shape and Speed
The NutriBullet Blender Combo comes with a main blade assembly that features six dull blades. These blades have tapered tips, which help in blending ingredients smoothly, even though they’re not sharp like those in some other blenders. While the blades are effective for most blending tasks, they are not removable from the main pitcher. This means that you’ll need to clean the pitcher with the blades still attached, but the good news is that both the pitcher and the blades are dishwasher-safe. This makes cleanup a bit easier, even though you can’t take the blades out.
However, when it comes to the separate blade assembly used for the single-serve jars, it’s a different story. This blade assembly isn’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to wash it by hand. This can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you’re used to just throwing everything in the dishwasher.
As for the blender’s performance, it operates with a minimum speed of 14,100 RPM and a maximum speed of 20,300 RPM, powered by a 1,200-watt motor. While the power is impressive, the range of speed settings is somewhat narrow. The lowest speed is still quite fast compared to other blenders, which can make it tricky when you want to avoid over-processing a recipe. Unfortunately, the blender doesn’t automatically adjust its speed based on the type of jar you’re using, so you’ll need to keep an eye on things to make sure you don’t blend too much.
The blade sharpness on the NutriBullet Blender Combo is not adjustable. The blades are designed to be dull with tapered tips, which means they don’t rely on sharpness to blend ingredients. Instead, the blender uses its powerful motor and the shape of the blades to create a vortex that pulls ingredients down for efficient blending. This design is common in many blenders that are meant to handle tough ingredients without the risk of dulling over time. So, you can’t change or adjust the sharpness of the blades—they come as they are.
Performance
Making Soup or Sauce
I’ve been using the NutriBullet Combo Blender to make soups, and I can confidently say it’s fantastic. One of the standout features is the 64-ounce main jar, which is a great size for processing large batches of hot ingredients directly from the pan. This means I can pour in my freshly cooked vegetables, broth, and spices without waiting for them to cool down. It really saves time, especially when I’m in a rush or when I want to serve a warm, comforting soup right away.
The blending performance is impressive, particularly when it comes to fibrous ingredients. I’ve used it to blend tough vegetables like kale, carrots, and celery, and the result is always a silky smooth texture. It completely breaks down the ingredients, so there are no chunks or gritty bits left behind. This smoothness is crucial for me, as I love making creamy vegetable soups or sauces that feel luxurious when you eat them. The NutriBullet Combo Blender consistently delivers a high-quality blend that rivals those from more expensive, high-end blenders.
I was so impressed with its performance that I rated it 96.5 out of 100. It’s not just the blending capability that stands out; it’s the entire experience of using the blender. After I finish making soup, cleanup is also incredibly easy. I can choose to wash the jar and lid by hand if I’m short on time. However, if I’ve made a bigger mess or just want to relax after cooking, I can toss both the jar and the lid in the dishwasher. They are designed to be dishwasher-safe, which makes the post-cooking cleanup much more convenient.
Additionally, I appreciate how versatile the blender is. While I primarily use it for soups, I’ve also experimented with making sauces, smoothies, and even dips. The NutriBullet Combo Blender handles a variety of tasks with ease, making it a versatile addition to my kitchen. Its design is user-friendly, and the controls are intuitive, so I never feel overwhelmed when I’m in the kitchen.
Fibrous Ingredients
The NutriBullet Blender Combo is truly impressive when it comes to processing fibrous ingredients. I’ve had great success using the additional 24-ounce personal jars, especially for smaller batches. When I use the ‘Extract’ automatic blending program, I find that it creates a nearly perfect smooth blend. For instance, when I blend ingredients like kale, the result is exceptionally smooth, and I couldn’t be happier with the texture. I rated it 99.99 for both processing and texture for fibrous ingredients.
Even when I use the same amount of ingredients in the larger 64-ounce main jar or the 32-ounce personal jar, I get fantastic results. However, I did notice that the 32-ounce jar tends to produce a slightly grainier blend compared to the other jars. But for most recipes, the difference is minimal and still very satisfying.
Now, when I’m working with the 64-ounce main jar, the performance is equally outstanding, if not better. I rated its fibrous ingredients processing at 96, which is still impressive. When I fill the 64-ounce jar to its full capacity, I can make an extremely smooth puree, especially with tough ingredients like kale.
One thing to keep in mind is that making a large batch requires a bit more effort compared to using the smaller jars. After I use the ‘Extract’ program, I need to run the blender manually on ‘High’ for about half a minute. This extra step helps achieve that silky texture I love. However, the process is still quite easy and straightforward.
Ice Crushing
According to the manual for the NutriBullet Combo Blender, it’s important to know that this blender isn’t designed to crush ice on its own. If you want to blend ice, you must add some liquid to the jar first. Without liquid, the blender may struggle and not perform effectively.
If you’re specifically looking for a blender that can handle ice crushing without needing to add liquid, you might want to consider the Ninja tb201 blender. This model has similar features but is better suited for ice crushing tasks. It’s designed to tackle tougher ingredients like ice more effectively. So, if crushing ice is a priority for you, the Ninja tb201 could be a great option to explore.
Making Nut Butter
When it comes to making nut butter, the NutriBullet Combo Blender doesn’t perform as well as I hoped. I gave it a preparation score of 23 and a texture score of 72. While it can create a decent, spreadable nut butter, the process requires quite a bit of time and effort.
One of the main challenges I faced was the need to stop the blender frequently. I found that I had to scrape the sides of the jar often. This is important because the ingredients can get stuck, making it hard for them to blend smoothly. Additionally, stirring the mixture around the blades is necessary to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make nut butter, you might want to consider other options including Blendtec Classic 575 Blender or any Vitamix blender. While the NutriBullet Combo Blender can get the job done, it isn’t the most efficient choice for this task.
How to use NutriBullet Combo Blender
The NutriBullet Blender Combo is designed with several features that make it user-friendly and versatile. It has a simple on/off switch, which is easy to operate. There are buttons for three different speed settings. This allows you to choose the best speed for your ingredients.
One of the standout features is the ‘Extract’ program. I found this program really helpful for pureeing ingredients, especially when making smoothies. It ensures a smooth consistency, which is essential for a great blend. Additionally, there’s a ‘Pulse’ button. You can hold it down to pulse continuously, which is useful for achieving the right texture for certain recipes.
The blender also supports hot blending, which means you can blend hot ingredients directly in the jar. This feature is perfect for making soups or sauces without needing to cool the ingredients first. However, it doesn’t have a speed dial, which some blenders offer for more precise control.
Unfortunately, the NutriBullet Blender Combo lacks a blending time indicator and a programmable timer. This means you have to keep an eye on your blending time manually, which can be a bit inconvenient.
Overall, I gave it a score of 93 out of 100 for these features. If you’re looking for a blender with automatic blending programs that stop on their own, you might want to check out the NutriBullet Triple Prep System. It offers more advanced features if that’s what you need.
Easy to Clean NutriBullet Combo Blender
The NutriBullet NBF50500 is incredibly easy to clean by hand. This is one of the reasons I gave it a score of 91.5 points. After using it, cleaning is a breeze. You can simply add soap and water to the jar, then run the blender for a quick cycle. This simple step does most of the work for you, even if you’ve been blending sticky ingredients like nut butter or smoothies.
Once you’ve run the blender with soapy water, you’ll want to quickly wipe down the jar, lid, and blades. This step helps remove any leftover residue. It’s a quick process, and you’ll have a clean blender in no time.
However, one thing to note is that the blades on this 1200 watt NutriBullet blender are not removable. This is different from some other blenders, like the Ninja blenders or the Hamilton Beach Wave Crusher Multi-Function, where you can easily take the blades out for cleaning. Because the blades are fixed, you might need a brush with a handle to clean them properly. A brush will help you reach the areas around the blades that are harder to get to.
Noise Level
The NutriBullet 1200 watt blender has a noise level of 94.8 dB at max speed. While it’s not exceptionally loud, it does make enough noise to be noticeable. Like most blenders, it can be somewhat irritating if you use it for more than a few minutes.
When blending ingredients, the sound can become a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to have a conversation in the kitchen. If noise is a concern for you, there are quieter options available. For example, the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is known to operate more quietly.
Choosing a blender can depend on your tolerance for noise. If you plan to blend for extended periods, you might want to consider a model that offers a quieter performance. However, if you’re looking for a blender that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the NutriBullet NBF50500 is still a solid choice, despite its noise level.
Comparison with Other Blenders
Final Verdict
The NutriBullet Combo Blender is a strong contender in the blender market. Its combination of power, versatility, and ease of use makes it a great choice for many home cooks. While it excels in blending smoothies and handling smaller tasks, it may not be the best option for tougher jobs like making nut butter or crushing ice compared to some higher-end models.
After comparing it with seven other popular blenders, it’s clear that each has its strengths. If you prioritize convenience and enjoy single-serve options, the NutriBullet Combo is a fantastic pick. However, if you need a blender for more demanding tasks, you might want to consider some alternatives. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and blending habits.