A NutriBullet is more than just a blender – it’s a nutrient extractor designed to break down fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to unlock their full nutritional potential. With its powerful motor and specially designed blades, a NutriBullet pulverizes ingredients into a smooth, nutritious beverage packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In this comprehensive NutriBullet blender review, we will explore the key features, benefits, drawbacks, and models of NutriBullet blenders to help you determine if a NutriBullet is the right choice for creating delicious, nutritious smoothies and more in your kitchen.
Overview of NutriBullet Blenders
NutriBullet blenders are compact, high-powered blenders that use cyclonic action to break down and “extract” nutrients from ingredients. This differs from traditional blenders that primarily use blender blades to chop and mix ingredients. By pulverizing foods into tiny particles, NutriBullet blenders release more nutrients and maximize absorption.
NutriBullet touts its cyclonic technology as “nutrient extraction”, a proprietary blending method that breaks down stems, seeds, skins, and pulp into smooth liquids. Other key features of NutriBullet blenders include:
- Powerful motor (600-1200 watts)
- High-speed cyclonic blades
- BPA-free plastic cups with twist-on lids
- Blender cups double as portable cups
- Compact size; easy to store
NutriBullet blenders are optimized for making individual smoothies, shakes, and other blended drinks. Their small blender cups (usually 24-32 oz.) and high-performance motors make NutriBullet ideal for quickly pulverizing small batches of fruits, veggies, and superfoods into smooth, drinkable consistency.
While not designed for heavy blending tasks like crushing ice or making large batches of frozen drinks, NutriBullet models perform exceptionally well for daily smoothies and shakes. Their simplicity and convenience have made them a popular choice for smoothie enthusiasts.
Benefits of Owning a NutriBullet Blender
NutriBullet blenders offer a range of benefits that make them a smart choice for smoothie lovers:
Powerful Nutrient Extraction
NutriBullet cyclonic blades rotate at up to 25,000 RPM to thoroughly pulverize stems, seeds, skins and pulp where many nutrients are concentrated. This unlocks more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to standard blenders.
Smooth Texture
NutriBullet blenders break ingredients down into tiny particles for silky smooth consistency without grittiness or pulp. Their powerful motors ensure smooth results without chunks.
Easy to Use
NutriBullet blenders have a simple twist design to lock blender cups in place. Just add ingredients, twist on the blade, twist on the cup, and blend. This makes assembly easy and intuitive.
Fast Preparation
Strong motors allow NutriBullet blenders to blend most smoothie recipes under one minute for quick nutrient extraction and smooth results. No chopping or prep needed.
Compact Size
NutriBullet’s small footprint takes up minimal counter space. When not in use, the blender cups neatly stack together for convenient storage.
Portion Control
The individual serving sizes of NutriBullet blender cups make it easy to blend single servings. No worrying about making a huge pitcher of smoothie that sits in the fridge.
On-the-Go Drinking
Since the blender cups double as portable cups, you can take your smoothie or shake anywhere. The flip-top lids provide spill-proof transport.
Easy Cleaning
NutriBullet blender cups are top-rack dishwasher safe. For quick cleanup, simply give the cups a rinse or put them in the dishwasher after use.
Durable Construction
NutriBullet blenders feature sturdy plastic cups that withstand daily use. The aircraft-grade stainless steel blades retain sharpness for top performance.
Budget Friendly Cost
With most models under $100, NutriBullet delivers exceptional smoothie-making power at an affordable price point for most budgets.
Drawbacks of NutriBullet Blenders
While NutriBullet blenders excel at making individual smoothies and shakes, there are some limitations to consider:
Small Capacity
The personal blender cup sizes max out at 32 oz., so NutriBullet blenders are not ideal for making large batches of smoothies or other drinks. You can only make one serving at a time.
Not for Ice Crushing
NutriBullet blades may struggle and jam when crushing ice cubes. You’ll get better results freezing ingredients into cubes rather than adding ice.
Overheating Issues
Running a NutriBullet continuously for more than one minute can cause overheating and damage the motor. Not suitable for recipes requiring longer blending.
Leaks/Spills
Improper assembly can result in leaking, especially around the blade piece. Overfilling the cup can also cause lid leaks when blending hot liquids.
Noise
NutriBullet blenders run at high RPMs and generate significant noise. The sound can be startling, especially when making early morning smoothies.
Limited Controls
With only an on/off function, NutriBullet blenders lack manual speeds and pulse control that more advanced blenders offer.
Not for Chopping
Since ingredients drop down onto the whirling blades, the NutriBullet jar is not effective for chopping. For recipes needing a food chopper, use a food processor instead.
While the NutriBullet handles most daily smoothie prep with ease, its personal blending focus also comes with functionality tradeoffs versus full-sized blenders. Consider your blending needs to decide if the NutriBullet fits your lifestyle.
NutriBullet Blender Models Comparison
NutriBullet offers a range of models featuring different motor watts, capacities, and accessories. We’ll compare the key specs of the major NutriBullet blenders:
| Model | Motor | Capacity | Blades | Controls | Price |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| NutriBullet Pro | 900W | 32 oz. | Extractor blade | 1 speed | $99 |
| NutriBullet Pro 900 | 900W | 32 oz. | Extractor blade | 1 speed | $129 |
| NutriBullet Rx | 1700W | 45 oz. | Extractor blade, milling blade | 1 speed, hands-free | $179 |
| NutriBullet Balance | 1200W | 32 oz. | Extractor blade, milling blade | 1 speed, pulse, hands-free | $149 |
| NutriBullet Select | 1000W | 32 oz. | Extractor blade | 1 speed | $99 |
| NutriBullet Sport | 600W | 32 oz. | Extractor blade | 1 speed | $58 |
NutriBullet Pro: The original NutriBullet Pro features a 900-watt motor, 32-oz cup, and basic one-speed operation. Durable and affordable, it handles most daily smoothies well. Lacks advanced controls.
NutriBullet Pro 900: A slight upgrade, the Pro 900 has the same 32-oz capacity but a more powerful 900-watt motor. It extracts nutrients even more efficiently for smoother smoothies. Includes handy pocket nutritionist guide.
NutriBullet Rx: The heavyweight NutriBullet Rx has a 1700-watt motor for the most thorough nutrient extraction. It has a large 45-oz pitcher, hands-free operation, and milling blade. Best for hardcore smoothie enthusiasts.
NutriBullet Balance: With Smart Technology, the NutriBullet Balance pairs with an app to provide nutrition analysis and precision blending. Offers pulse function and 1200 watts of power. Ideal for health and fitness users.
NutriBullet Select: The budget-friendly NutriBullet Select uses a 1000-watt motor and basic one-speed function. At only $99, it offers solid performance for lighter smoothie use. More affordable NutriBullet option.
NutriBullet Sport: As NutriBullet’s most compact model, the 600-watt Sport easily travels for post-workout nutrition. It efficiently powers through smoothies but cannot crush ice as well as other models. Best for portability.
Consider which features suit your blending needs and budget to find your ideal NutriBullet match. Higher watt blenders like the Rx and Balance models perform best but come at a higher price. The Select and original Pro also reliably produce NutriBullet’s signature smooth blends.
NutriBullet Accessories
NutriBullet blenders ship with multiple cups and blade assemblies to equip your smoothing making. Common NutriBullet accessories include:
- Extractor blade: The signature NutriBullet blade has 6 prongs to pulverize ingredients into liquid nutrition. Included with all models.
- Milling blade: Available on Rx and Balance models, this flat blade handles dry ingredients like grains and seeds to make flours and butters.
- Blender cups: Typically 32 oz. capacity. All models include at least one BPA-free plastic cup with handle and twist-on blade.
- Flip-top lids: Lets you take your smoothie to-go and drink from the cup with leakproof seal.
- Lip rings: Optional plastic extensions to make sipping from blender cups easier. Help prevent spills.
- Pocket nutritionist: Guide with recipes and nutritional information. Simplifies smoothie making for health and weight loss.
- Recipe book: Get creative inspiration for smoothies, dips, soups, and more. Shows how to maximize NutriBullet’s uses.
- Cleaning brush: For properly cleaning the extractor blade, which can be challenging due to its sharp ridges.
Take advantage of included accessories, and you can purchase extras individually to expand your NutriBullet’s functionality. This includes additional cups, lids, blades, lip rings, and recipe guides tailored to different diets and health goals.
How to Use a NutriBullet Blender
Thanks to their straightforward design, NutriBullet blenders are simple to operate for fast smoothie making:
- Add ingredients to the NutriBullet cup, filling to the “Max” line to allow space for blending. Add any liquid first then fruits, veggies, greens, nuts, seeds, etc.
- Twist on the extractor blade until tightly sealed. Improper assembly can cause leaking.
- Turn cup upside down and lower it onto motor base, twisting to lock into place.
- Press down and hold the pulse button to blend ingredients into a smooth liquid, usually 30 sec to 1 min.
- Pour out smoothie and enjoy. Be sure motor fully stops before opening to avoid splashing.
- Clean the cup by rinsing and soaking to fully remove residue. Cups are top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Wipe down the base to keep the motor operating smoothly.
Once familiar with the NutriBullet assembly, you can whip up a simple smoothie recipe in under 5 minutes for a quick, healthy breakfast or snack.
When tackling more challenging ingredients like nuts, seeds, or ice, pulse in short intervals, allowing the NutriBullet to rest 15-30 seconds between blending to avoid overheating.
Maintenance Tips for NutriBullet
To keep your NutriBullet performing at its best:
- Avoid overfilling: Never exceed the “Max” line on cups to prevent leakage and motor strain.
- Don’t run it dry: Always add some liquid to recipes to allow the blades to properly grind ingredients.
- Pulse larger loads: For tough items like ice or frozen fruit, pulse 2-5 seconds max at a time.
- Let it rest: Give the motor a 1-2 minute break between blending cycles to prevent overheating.
- Clean thoroughly: Remove pulp and residue from blades and cup to prevent mold.
- Inspect gasket: Make sure the black gasket on the underside of blades stays intact to prevent leaking.
- Lubricate blade: Apply food-safe oil to the threads monthly to keep the blade piece turning smoothly.
- Check warranty: NutriBullet blenders have 1-year limited warranties. Contact customer service for repair issues.
With proper care, your NutriBullet can deliver daily smoothie-making performance for years. Avoid pushing it past its limits for maximum motor life.
Troubleshooting Common NutriBullet Problems
NutriBullet blenders are relatively problem-free when used properly, but issues can arise. Here are solutions to common NutriBullet problems:
Leaking: Tighten the blade by hand before twisting onto the motor until finger-tip tight. Check that seal tabs inside the cup and blade edges are aligned. Replace leaking lids/cups.
Won’t Turn On: Ensure the cup is fully twisted into place on the motor base. Try unplugging, then plugging the power cord back into the outlet.
Loud Grinding Noise: The blade may be overly tightened or dull. Loosen the blade assemble by hand, then re-tighten just until finger-tip tight. Consider replacing old blades.
Not Blending Smoothly: Use short pulses for frozen items or seeds. Allow the motor to rest between long blending cycles to prevent overheating. Use recipe guidelines.
Overheating/Turns Off While Blending: Avoid blending for more than 1 minute continuously. Allow the motor to cool for 1-2 minutes between cycles to prevent automatic shutoff.
Leaking from Bottom: The black gasket may be damaged. Replace the gasket to re-seal the connection from the blade to the cup bottom.
Follow NutriBullet’s usage and care instructions closely to minimize problems. Contact customer support if any defects arise. Many issues can be fixed with replacement parts.
NutriBullet Recipes
One of the joys of owning a NutriBullet is trying fun new smoothie recipes. Here are 6 tasty, nourishing recipes to get you started:
Green Detox Smoothie
- 1 cup kale
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 banana
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp spirulina
- 1 cup coconut water
Berry Protein Shake
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 cup almond milk
Tropical Orange Julius
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla
PB&J Smoothie
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup milk
Carrot Cake Smoothie
- 1 carrot, peeled
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup almond milk
Mint Chocolate Shake
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 tsp mint extract
- 1 cup milk
- 5 ice cubes
Let your imagination run wild creating your own flavorful blended beverages! The NutriBullet makes it easy to customize smoothies.
Is the NutriBullet Worth It?
With its impressive blending power and convenience, the NutriBullet has a lot to offer smoothie lovers. However, its limited capacities and lack of controls do not make it the ideal choice for more advanced blending needs.
Best for:
- Making individual smoothies
- Quick nutrient extraction
- Portability with grab-and-go drinking cups
Not ideal for:
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- Food prep like chopping and pureeing
- Making large batches
- Crushing ice
For whipping up daily smoothies, shakes, and blended beverages, a NutriBullet delivers exceptional performance and value. Thanks to fast, thorough blending, it makes drinking your fruits and veggies each day wonderfully easy.
If seeking more versatile, full-sized blending abilities, a traditional countertop blender may better suit your needs. But for personal smoothie making, NutriBullet blenders pack impressive nutrient extracting power in a compact package.
Top 5 NutriBullet Blender Picks
Based on this NutriBullet blender review, here are our top recommendations:
Overall Best NutriBullet:
NutriBullet Pro 900
With 900 watts of power, the Pro 900 handles most ingredients with ease for smooth, delicious drinks. An improved motor over the original, it expertly unlocks nutrients for the price.
Best Value NutriBullet:
NutriBullet Select
The reasonably priced Select delivers quality NutriBullet extraction at just $99. A great budget-friendly option for lighter smoothie needs.
Best Power NutriBullet:
NutriBullet Rx
The Rx dominates tough ingredients like seeds, ice, and frozen fruit with its 1700-watt motor. Serious smoothie drinkers will love its power.
Best “Smart” NutriBullet:
NutriBullet Balance
Bluetooth connectivity unlocks the Balance’s advanced features like guided recipes and nutritional analysis for tech-loving users.
Best Portable NutriBullet:
NutriBullet Sport
Compact and lightweight, the Sport travels anywhere for nutrition on the go. Convenient for commuting, work, and weekends away.
Choose the model that best matches your budget, usage needs, and smoothie habits to enjoy all the benefits a NutriBullet blender offers. Satisfy your smoothie cravings with quick, healthy drinks that unlock the full potential of your ingredients.
