Thursday Review: Vitamix vs. Ninja Ultima

by Ashley on December 5, 2013

Hi there! Happy Thursday! Almost another weekend! I have two things to share with you before I get into todays business… 1. Are any of you as excited as I am to watch Carrie Underwood live in the Sound of Music tonight? I have an alarm clock set for 8 pm to ensure that I don’t miss it! I love that it is live – that adds so much excitement to the the production! And for 2. My youngest sister shared this new Allstate commercial with me and it is too good not to share with you. Many of you might have already seen it, but for those of you that haven’t, check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI1bKm22Up0

Anyway, let’s get on to the question that so many of you have asked me… Vitamix vs. Ninja? IMG 3439 Many of you know that I am a Vitamix lover through and through. I received my Vitamix this past May as a gift from my parents for my birthday/Mayo graduation. Ever since that glorious day, my Vitamix hasn’t received a break. Until a few weeks ago that is. Image002

The incredibly kind folks over at Ninja sent me a Ninja Ultima Blender to try out and review for all of you. And as promised to many of you, today I am going to review the two blenders and provide my honest opinions regarding both the Vitamix and the Ninja Ultima. 

NewImage Just to be clear, for purposes of this review, I am reviewing the Vitamix CIA Professional Series and the Ninja Ultima Blender. Both companies do sell several other makes/models. Untitled Disclaimer: I received a free Ninja Ultima Blender + in order to provide this review. I was not compensated for my time. All thoughts, writing and opinions included are honest and my own. 

Comparison

  • Horsepower:
    • Vitamix CIA Professional Series: 2 Peak Horsepower
    • Ninja Ultima Blender +: 2.5 Peak Horsepower
  • Pitcher Size:  
    • Vitamix CIA Professional Series: 64 oz
    • Ninja Ultima Blender +: 72 oz
    • Both BPA Free
  • Blades: 
    • Both appliances contain stainless steel blades.
  • Warranty: 
    • Vitamix CIA Professional Series: purchased from Vitamix 7 years
    • Ninja Ultima Blender +: 2 years
  • Manufacturing:
    • Vitamix CIA Professional Series: made in the US
    • Ninja Ultima Blender +: made in China
  • Cost: 
    • Vitamix CIA Professional Series: will cost you anywhere from $475-$530, depending on where you purchase it
    • Ninja Ultima Blender +: will cost you ~ $260.
    • Both companies do offer cheaper blenders.
  • Personal Pros/Cons:
    •  Vitamix CIA Professional Series:
      • Can blend almost anything to a smooth consistency… including whole lemons!
      • Can be used as a food processor blending anything from nuts to make nut butters, nut milks, nut pie crusts, etc. to beans for hummus, soups, etc.
      • Vented lid
      • Tamper (similar to a large spoon) with a collar to prevent it from hitting the blades
      • Sturdy base
      • Adjustable speeds
      • Can be hard to get things out of the very bottom around the blades
    • Ninja Ultima Blender +: 
      • Blends smoothies to a smooth consistency
      • Comes with single making/serving cups that can be placed right on the blender
      • Large pitcher size
      • Sturdy base
      • Adjustable speeds
      • No vented lid to add anything to the blender while it is processing; must turn machine off and remove lid to add anything
      • Very loud
In summary:
  • While each blender gets the job done, the one you should purchase depends on your personal needs, goals, and financial position.
  • If you are already a Vitamix user, stick with your Vitamix – there is really no comparison to this machine.
  • If you are looking for a blender to only make delicious smoothies, go for the Ninja; however, if you will be using your blender to make other things like nut butters, nut milks, soft serve, soups, hummus, pie crusts, dog treats, protein bars, peppermint bark, etc., I found the Vitamix to be more efficient.
  • The Vitamix is more expensive but it also comes with a 7 year warranty (if purchased from Vitamix) versus only 2 years for the Ninja. If your Ninja breaks in 2.5 years and you have to purchase a second one, you will be spending more than if you were to just purchase the Vitamix the first time.
  • If you are looking for a high tech blender at a lower cost (yet still not cheap!), the Ninja might be a better option you.
  • If it is one of your goals to blend hot soups, the Vitamix is the only one with the ventable lid, allowing steam to be released.
  • Personally, the Ninja seems a little bit harder to maneuver than the Vitamix to me, because of its several step process to adjust the blender properly and seal the tight lid before turning the appliance on.
  • The Ninja does have the individual serving blender cups, which is very convenient for the grab and go days (this is one of my favorite features!).
  • Both are awesome blenders, it just depends on your goals in the kitchen!
IMG 6543

Also, here is a smoothie recipe shared with me from the folks at Ninja that I cannot wait to try out! Image001

Ninja 9 Recipe

(Serves 6-8) Ingredients:

  • 2 tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and quartered
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into thirds
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, quartered, unpeeled, seeded
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and cut in half
  • 1” x 1” piece of red onion
  • ½ jalapeño, seeded
  • ¼ beet, peeled
  • ½ cup red cabbage, cut into 1” pieces
  • 1 ½ cups ice
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Place the Top Blade in the Pitcher and add all of the ingredients in the order listed. Pulse 3 times.
  2. Select Speed 10 and blend for 45 seconds until smooth.

Have you used either of these blenders? Which do you prefer? Or do you know of an even cheaper, high quality blender that’s out there? Please share! Have a great day! Good health! Name

Katie December 5, 2013 at 11:25 am

Nice review Ashley! I think its a great way to explain the differences between the two blenders! I personally haven’t used my ninja much, but part of that is because I live at home, and don’t have my own kitchen!
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Lenny Gale December 5, 2013 at 4:28 pm

Hi Ashley,

Nice review. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked about the Ninja. Your review is consistent with my assumptions: You get what you pay for with Ninja.

Also, how are you not a Vitamix affiliate yet? You should be earning referral fees for this kind of work!

Either way, keep up the good work!

Lenny Gale
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Ashley December 8, 2013 at 2:36 pm

Hi Lenny! Thank you! I am so glad that you were able to find it beneficial! No, I am not, but that I will certainly look into it. Thanks for passing along the info! Thanks for stopping by!

Lenny February 7, 2014 at 3:43 pm

Okay, so two months later, I finally published my review of the Ninja. Lots of pictures, a couple videos, and of course, unfiltered commentary from yours truly. 🙂

Enjoy: lifeisnoyoke.com/ninja-ultima-review/
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hairspray59 December 6, 2013 at 10:47 am

The blender is a little loud for my liking. I do understand that it is an extremely capable device because the motor is so powerful, but it is still not a good thing for me personally. Another thing that I dislike about the product is that it is bulky. It takes up a lot of room in the kitchen.
With that being said, this is easily one of the best purchases that I have ever made, and wouldn’t hesitate to make it again. The price was definitely justified.
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Ashley December 8, 2013 at 2:33 pm

I found that the Ninja was even louder than the Vitamix! I guess that’s what it takes to get the job done!

Leanne December 9, 2013 at 10:48 am

My boyfriend just found me a Ninja for $75 brand new online. I jumped on it! Onesaleaday.com

Ashley December 9, 2013 at 12:40 pm

Wow! That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Johann December 19, 2013 at 6:12 am

Hello Ashley,

Great review!

I honestly like both the Vitamix and the Ninja. However, competing against a 7 year warranty is very hard, one of the most attractive perks the Vitamix has. On the other hand, Ninja Blenders have usually a 1 year warranty but are not as expensive as the Vitamix blenders. In the end, they are both great blenders, but, i personally think i would go for a vitamix since i am all about warranties.

I was browsing your site and i saw you have some recipes! I really enjoyed reading some of them!

Keep up the good work!

If you would like to read some of my blender reviews, feel free to visit my site @ http://www.blendalicious.com

Have a blessed week!

V/R

-Johann
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Chris Nelson January 12, 2014 at 9:29 am

Hi Ashley,

As a somewhat novice to these blenders your review certainly helped, along with http://www.vitamixvsninja.com and Henry PJ’s youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWb41309PuI. Both worth a look.

I very much like how you get to the point and compare the major features in bullet point form. Very easy to see the comparison.

Would you have any more suggestions, hints or tips before I purchase the Vitamix. You’ve certainly sold me on it

Chris

Ashley January 13, 2014 at 9:14 am

I love mine! If you are looking for a multipurpose blender, I would say go for it! If you plan on ordering it, here is my code for free shipping: 06-009435. Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome day!

Carol February 1, 2014 at 2:31 pm

The ninja, however, contains lead parts in its manufacture – it is stated on the box. Isn’t that enough reason not to recommend the Ninja (I don’t own or sell Vitamix); I’m not trying to sway except for health concern.

Pam September 1, 2014 at 7:53 am

The only lead in the Ninja is in the power cord. All power cords contain lead. California required that to be stated on the box.

Sarah February 18, 2014 at 9:21 pm

So if a new Ninja costs ~$260 and a refurbished Vitamix costs ~$279, how could you still say that if you want a high tech blender at lower cost, go for Ninja?

A refurbished Vitamix come with 5 year warranty vs. the Ninja’s 2 year.. seems like a no brainer for sure.

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kristal January 5, 2015 at 8:56 am

If you purchase the ninja by phone or online you get upgraded to what’s called vip lifetime warranty!!!! Never pay to ship or return either! That is why I have chosen the ninja ultima bl820.

Anna December 13, 2016 at 1:11 pm

Thanks for the comparison. I had same conclusion. Ultima works well(and I like the Single serve Nutri Ninja cups) but Vitamix quality/performance is hard to beat if you will be using a blender for a long time
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