“How did you become this blender person?” 2Chili asked inquisitively when I showed up with yet anotherblending device around the holidays.
Truth be told, I don’t really know how it happened, it just did. Last year, when I broke our traditional blender, I replaced it with a Ninja Professional Blender, wrote a little review, and BAM, it seemed like I had created a repository of blender recipes almost overnight. And, I started getting a ton of people stopping by the blog to ask questions about their Ninja Blenders.
Fast forward to today, and, I felt compelled to pick up a Ninja Pulse to try it out. The Ninja Professional Blender is great, but, it is pretty big. I don’t always want to blend 72 ounces of things, and, I don’t always want to clean a 72 ounce jar!
The Pulse appealed to me with its individual cup blending, as well as a blender jar option for larger jobs. I already have a similar blender to the Pulse, however, the Pulse does have some significant differences over the Cuisinart SmartPower that I have, which I’ll get into later in the review. As an aside, I looked into the Magic Bullet for quite some time before deciding not to buy it based on many people’s reviews that they burn up quickly.
That said, let’s get into the review, shall we?
What it is: A multi-container blending system. The Pulse is a likely competitor to the Magic Bullet, yet it doesn’t have quite the variety of blending cups for which the Bullet is known.
Out of the box, you get:
- Blending jar, with a blending blade, a dough blade, cookie paddle and storage cover, should you wish to store something in the blender jar. In traditional Ninja fashion, the blending blade goes through the middle of the jar and has four blades, instead of traditional bottom-of-the-blender blades.
- Three to-go cups with lids
- A to-go cup blending base, which is somewhat traditional, with a slight twist, which I’ll get to shortly
- A recipe manual, user’s guide, and warranty card (not pictured)
I will admit to being slightly confused when I pulled the Pulse’s blending jar out of the box, as the lid doesn’t lock down. Loyal Ninja Professional Blender users know that the lid must lock down to blend.
Ah, but this is where the Pulse is different. There are no blending speed options with the Pulse – it…well…it pulses. Don’t get me wrong, you can perform steady state blending, but the unit is a little different from most blenders.
- With the blending jar attachment, you lock the jar into the base by twisting it to the left, and then, you use the “loose” part of the lid to activate the blender. Tap it lightly, and the unit will just pulse. Hold it down, and the unit will blend steadily
- For the individual cups, you drop the cup with the blending base attached into the base of the blender, and by pressing on the top (really, the bottom) of the cup, the Pulse becomes engaged. Press and release for pulsing, press and hold for blending.
Getting the right “touch” for pulsing can be a little bit of a learning curve, but once you’ve blended a few things, you’ll have it down pat.
General Observations
Aside from there not being any buttons to press to blend, the other striking difference from the Ninja Professional Blender is the size of the Ninja Pulse. It is much more “normal” in size, and fits easily under my upper cabinets, whereas it’s a very tight squeeze with the Ninja Professional Blender.
I make a lot of smoothies, which is why I originally bought the Cuisinart SmartPower system, and which makes the Ninja Pulse highly appealing. Multiple cups and a blender jar means I can blend on an “as-needed” basis a couple times a day without having to wash the container each time.
When I bought the Cuisinart, the Ninja Pulse wasn’t on the market yet, which is too bad – because it is quite a lot better than the Cuisinart.
| Ninja Professional Barely clears the cabinet (the white at the top of the photo). |
Ninja Pulse Easily clears the top of the cabinet, with about six inches to spare. |
When considering the Ninja Pulse, I couldn’t quite figure out how the blender jar really works – and the photos from Ninja didn’t really help!
There is a bit of an optical illusion that happens because the jar locks into place with the handle facing to the front, it looks as if the jar is divided, but it isn’t.
In reality, the suggestion presented in this photo from Ninja is not physically possible. You wouldn’t mix cookie dough and salsa at the same time (or if you did, you’d get salsa cookies).
Comparing the Ninja Pulse to the Ninja Professional Blender
When deciding which of these blenders is right for you, I really think it depends on the type of blending you do, so here is a little comparison of the two.
Volume. The Ninja Professional Blender has a ton of volume in the jar (72 ounces), which is great if you perhaps make a lot of blended soups or smoothies for more than one person. On the other hand, the Ninja Pulse is great for smaller jobs and individual sized smoothies. Blending in the to-go cups is so convenient, and, the tops for these cups are great because you can open and close the lids, making them good to take in the car.
Power. The Ninja Professional Blender has 1000 watts of power – quite a lot for a blender. I haven’t found anything it won’t blend yet, including rock hard frozen winter squash. The Ninja Pulse has 700 watts of power – quite ample for the size of the blender jar and blending cups. In fact, it far exceeds the Cuisinart SmartPower system I have. There are no variable speeds for the Ninja Pulse, but the one available speed seems to be more than sufficient.
Ease of Cleaning. This is one area where they are pretty much exactly the same. It is so easy to clean both of these blenders. They both have removable blades for the blender jar, and all the pieces are dishwasher safe. Ninja has figured out “cleanability.”
Number of Blades. The Ninja Professional Blender has six blades that run through the middle of the blender jar, which shred just about anything. The Ninja Pulse has four blades, also running through the middle of the blender jar, and also which shred just about anything. The individual cups rely on a more traditional blender blade design, with some enhancements.
Comparing the Ninja Pulse and Ninja Professional Blender with the Cuisinart Smart Power
|
Retail Price |
Power (Watts) |
Multiple Blending Speeds? |
Easy-to-Clean? |
Blends without “burning” or jamming? |
Accessories Included? |
Replacement Parts Available? |
|
| Ninja Professional Blender |
$99 |
1000 |
YES |
YES |
YES |
NO Unless you buy the more expensive Ninja Kitchen System) |
YES But fairly expensive compared to cost of unit. |
| Ninja Pulse |
MSRP $109 Have found as cheap as $79 |
700 |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES 3 To-Go Cups/Lids Dough Paddle Cookie Dough Paddle Blender Jar/Blades |
YES But fairly expensive compared to cost of unit. |
| Cuisinart Smart Power |
MSRP $130 Have found as cheap as $53 |
350 |
YES |
YES |
NO This blender can really get bogged down, especially when blending in the to-go cups |
YES Blender Jar (uses same blades as To-Go Cups) Nut Chopping Blade and Cup |
YES But fairly expensive compared to cost of unit. |
Single Serve Blending
One thing that makes the Ninja Pulse single serve in-cup blending so good — in addition to its sheer power — is the unique take on the blending blades. At first glance, they are just normal blender blades. But, compare them side-by-side to the blades from the Cuisinart SmartPower, and you can see a slight difference with the addition of an extra set of blades in the center. I really believe these extra blades prevent that gumming up that can happen with traditional blender blades, because they keep everything moving.
Another great feature is the locking lid for the to-go cups. The Cuisinart cups have lids that are always open, but, the Pulse has lids that can be closed, making them ideal for taking your morning smoothie to go.
Note: A reader correctly informed me that the Ninja Pulse lids do not completely seal when closed. There is a small gap, where if the cup tips over, liquid could spill out. Worth noting!
Ninja Pulse Pros
- Variety of blending options, from the blender jar for large jobs to the single serve cups for small jobs
- Ninja’s unique multi-blade blending in the jar results in fast, consistent blending every time
- Smaller in form factor than its big brother, the Ninja Professional Blender, but able to produce similar results
- Blender jar has a pour spout for easy pouring of contents without removing the blades
- Super easy to clean
Ninja Pulse Cons
- No variable speeds – you can either pulse or blend at one steady state rate
- Takes a bit of time to get used to the “touch” required to make the unit pulse or blend
- A tad on the expensive side, unless you find it on sale
The Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
There has been a lot of discussion in the comments section on several pages on this blog with folks trying to decide which blender to buy – the Ninja Pulse or some variant of the Ninja Professional Blender.
While I can’t tell you which one is best for you, I’ll tell you that I have put the Ninja Pulse through the paces over the past coupe of weeks, and haven’t found a scenario where it doesn’t perform to my satisfaction. In fact, I have been really very pleased with it! It blends everything I throw at it with ease – frozen fruit, big batches of butternut squash soup, smoothies galore, even dog biscuits (we chop up large dog biscuits into smaller ones so our dog doesn’t get too much at once). I have determined that the Ninja Pulse can do pretty much anything its big brother can do.
The only area where I think you might not be satisfied with the Ninja Pulse is if you regularly need multiple blending speeds, like making nut butters, where variable speeds are valuable. So, it really comes down to your individual needs and if you prefer the single serve blending option available with the Ninja Pulse.
############################################################################
If you enjoyed this review and decide to purchase this blender, purchasing from Amazon via this link – Ninja Pulse – helps support Test Kitchen Tuesday by providing a small referral fee from Amazon. Thanks for stopping by!
View Comments (167)
The Ninja 1000 Blender you have has 1000 watts, not 1100 watts (the Ninja Kitchen System 1100 has the 1100 watts).
Great review of the Ninja Pulse though!
Hi Marisa,
Great, catch, you are right – here is the info on Ninja’s site. I am fixing this now!
The Ninja pulse is a great little blender BUT… the to go cups really leak badly. Even when properly closed there is a big gap that allows your smoothies to gush out.
#stillcleaningmycar’supholstery
I just got one today and totally agree! I’m thinking about returning it. Did you ever find a fix for this problem?
I agree wholeheartedly Kristin! However I had to wait two weeks to return mine since I took it on vacation after only using it once.
Furthermore, not only did it leak the individual cups from the Ninja 1100 W stem do NOT FIT the 550W base. So I had to pour the contents of one container into another in order to prepare 2 shakes. I couldn’t wait to get back so I could return the BL201!
Ninja intentionally made the bases NOT interchangeable. Four prongs versus Three. what a ripoff!!
Wow, you make me want to buy one of the pulses! LOL. I think I’d like the single serving cups! I’ll have to think about this. So tempting!
Thanks for your thorough review!
Deb, I just bought the Ninja Professional 660 with 1100watts. It also comes with two individual sized travel containers with lids. It was getting both for only $99.00. This is in Canadian Tire stores too so no Shipping costs.
Oh and I forgot, making ice cream would be so awesome too!!!!
I have really been happy with it so far – super handy! If you decide to get one, keep an eye out for a 20% Bed, Bath and Beyond coupon – you can really save $$.
That’s what I am thinking of doing. I’m in no hurry, I’ll keep checking on it!
Thanks so much for the review. After many, MANY years of service my magic bullet is finally showing it’s age. I’ve been trying to decide between the Ninja Pulse and another Magic Bullet. Based on your review I think I will go ahead and give the Ninja a try.
Hi Kim,
Glad you found it helpful! I just love the Ninja Pulse – I have been really happy with it so far!
Angela
Glad I found your site. Thanks to your review and responses of others I purchased the Ninja Pulse this weekend. I got a great deal at BJ’s. They have a $14 coupon off their usual $69 price that includes 4 individual cups and the Pulse It Up recipe book.
Made my first ever mixed fruit smoothie and I am hooked. I’ll be putting this to a lot of use this summer! Thanks again for being here.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your note! Sounds like you are well on your way to a summer of delciousness!
Angela
Thanks for your enthusiasm…I had wanted a Vitamix for several years, and bought one this Christmas, then suddenly QVC had this system on yesterday, and I ordered it, and am returning my Vitamix. The one they sold also has another jar , where discs fit in to slice veggies and grate cheese…The Vitamix I only gotto use once, but amazing power…I just felt that the Ninja System with all these features would probably get more use…I wanted smoothies, and wanted to make pie dough. Listening to all of you, seems like we’ll enjoy it….maybe one day I’ll feel I really want that Vitamix, but right now I can’t wait to enjoy this syste m that seems more my size…the 7500 Vitamix fit under my cupboards, but just, like the Ninja pro…Thanks for the review and comments…enjoy your Ninjas!
Did you get the Ninja Pulse from QVC and has work out for you,Do you think it was a good deal,really thinking about getting one.
Hi Jordan,
I bought mine at Bed Bath & Beyond, and it has been great. Still going strong after years of use. For those that don’t have a lot of storage space and just want a simple high-powered blender, it is great.
Angela
Ninja Pulse – So how did it turn out? Was it worth the purchase?
Ninja Pulse – So after a year of having the mixer, do you still love it?
Hi Carrie,
Sorry for the delay – I just saw your question!
Yes, after several years of having it, the Ninja Pulse is still going strong and I use it plenty. For those that want a small, powerful blender, it really does the trick!
Angela
Is it still working well?
Hi Angela,
Have you used the Ninja Pulse for making vegetable drinks with whole fresh veggies like carrots, spinach and Kale? How does it work? I was thinking about the Health Master (promoted by Montel Williams) but the reviews out there aren’t great.
Thanks.
Hi Pat,
In fact I have! I continue to be impressed by the Ninja Pulse. It is more compact than its big brother, the Ninja Professional Blender, but it performs just as well. I recommend reading my post on juicing with the Ninja, but here’s the skinny for veggie drinks:
-You’ll need to add water, as it is not a juicer — some people are turned off by this
-For greens like kale and spinach, it can’t completely obliterate them – you will be left with some small bits, which if you are making more of a juice, you can just strain out
-For whole veggies like carrots, you’ll still have the pulp to contend with, which again, you can strain out
I guess it depends on your tolerance for straining and if you do or don’t want any pulp! Everyone is different on this perspective. Personally, I love it because it cleans up in a snap and is just so powerful.
I hope that helps!
Angela
I just bought a Ninja 700 Professional series yesterday. I purchased it at BJs Wholesale Club in Connecticut. Like most clubs they throw you bone on a bonus pack plus offer their members a great price. I paida great price of $69 plus mine came with an extra “To Go” blender cup (4 in total as opposed to the typical 3) plus a deluxe recipe book with 500+ recipes in full color! I was really thinking of buying a Magic Bullet but after hearing about the Ninja on the radio (Howard Stern Show) I was interested to learn more. The first thing I did was take everything out of the box and put it in my dishwasher for a quick 1-hour wash. After everything was clean, I fired up 2 pitchers of frozen Margaritas for the family (Saturday night)! They came out perfect with the second batch better than the first as I added more ice the second time (Learning curve) to get it right. Plus as the reviewer mentioned you learn the proper pulse touch. The longer you press the less frozen your drinks will be as it tends to liquify. This morning I am enjoying a smoothie for breakfast using Whey Powder and Flax Seed along with a bannana, peanut butter, milk, yogurt with a number cubes of ice. I am very happy with this purchase! I love the small travel cups to make the smoothies for one person. There is so much that you can make with this machine. Later today I am going to the grocery store to buy more ingrediants to try other things including mangos to make a salsa!!
Great review of the product! You were dead spot on with everything that you stated!! I laughed at your comments on how the picture made it look like you can mix cookie dough along with salsa. I thought the same darn thing when I saw this picture. I thought I was missing a part at first…LOL . Bottom line is the Ninja Pulse Professional 700 Watt is that one dream machine that can literally make a positive change in your life. I am looking forward to making healthy smoothies each day to improve my health for years to come. It looks like a very solid machine that is easy to clean and store. My recommendation is to buy this machine as you won’t be disappointed!!
Hi Johnny – you got a great deal! I absolutely love the to-go cups because they are powerful but you don’t have to make a huge smoothie. I am honestly getting to the point where I prefer the Pulse over its larger Ninja Professional blender sibling because it is just so handy.
Thanks for dropping by!
Are you saying you have a ninja blender that has single serve cups that fit it to blend with? I have been trying to find out if this is an option and was beginning to think the answer was no. Please update me
Hi CSL,
The Ninja Pulse comes with single serve cups!
Angela
I think you can buy the smaller cups separately on their web site too.
mt interest in the Ninja is juicing, I realize it’s not a typical juicer. The infomercial running lately is
On the 1100. I’m single so I don’t need something that large, but I like the way it blends the veggies and fruit to make a drink. I would like some assurance this smaller model will do that. Thanks for the tip on straining. please let me know your opinion on this type of blending/juicing
And if you think I will be happy with the pulse. Thank you,
Terry Spata
Hi Terry,
Based on what you have said, if I were you I would buy the Pulse over the 1100. I really use the Pulse more than the Ninja Professional Blender nowdays, because my husband is not into “blended” things, so I am usually just making items for me only. (The Pulse didn’t exist when I bought my Ninja Pro.)
The jar of the Pulse is more than ample for one person, and the to-go cups allow for great versatality. The to-go cups also make the smoothest smoothies because they are more of a traditional blender design with the blade at the bottom, but they don’t get gummed up like other single cup blenders due to the uniqueness of the blade. The Pulse jar/blade design is very similar to the Ninja Professional, just on a smaller scale. And because it is very powerful for it’s size, you won’t miss the variable speed blending. I even use it to make peanut butter with no issues. So, you really get the best of both worlds.
I say go with the Pulse – you will love it!
Angela
Angela,
I am very interested in making nut butters (peanut and almond) in the Ninja Pulse. Do you “pulse” it the entire time? Any other hints on making nut butters?
Hi JT,
What you’ll want to do is pulse a bit to combine and then hold down the lid and do a constant blend instead of a pulse. For the Pulse, I would be sure to add a bit of oil to what you’re blending to help the blender work. So, for peanut butter, I’d do two cups of peanuts and 1-2 tablespoons of your choice of oil. Try out this coconut peanut butter (I made it in the Pulse):
https://testkitchentuesday.com/2012/03/12/homemade-coconut-peanut-butter/
Hope that helps!
When you juice, you can get the nutrients of 10 fruits or vegetables into one drink because you are leaving behind the woody parts of the fruit or vegetable. With this, you are turning the entire thing into the drink, so you will be getting only the nutrients from like 3 fruits or vegetable.
I saw the Pulse at our local BJ’s last night, and thought of you, Angela. Darn, I keep wanting to buy one of these, but I’m trying to hold off.
I moved my convection counter oven to a new place, so my old black & decker blender is moved from the cupboard onto the counter now. I’m hoping that I will start using it more, and maybe I won’t need the Ninja! LOL Or I’ll find that I need the ninja’s different design instead. We’ll see!
Hahah!
I am working on a post in a couple of days that you will definitely want to read. I’m about to celebrate a big milestone on this blog and will have a giveaway that will probably interest you! Hint: I am going to give away a Pulse. ?
debbie T,
I am not trying to entice you…but I just purchased a pulse at BJ’s today for $55 (with 4 cups/mugs). Reg. price was $69.99 but they have a $14 off coupon in their June coupon book. It think that the cut off date is 6/15/12.
Hey thanks TJ! I’ll have to find a copy of their June book! That’s a great deal!
oopps, that should be JT! Sorry about that!
ooh nice! I’ll look for that post!!!! yay!
I love my Ninja Pulse. Use it everyday!
It crushes ice like snow. It crushes flax seeds into powder.
Purees fruits and vegtables.
It’s simply my favorite kitchen tool.
Bought mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond using my 20% off coupon. Great deal!