When shopping for a blender, you will most likely come across Vitamix and Ninja models. Both companies offer various blenders with different specifications and price points. However, Vitamix blenders are considerably pricier than Ninja. (also see The Ultimate Best Vitamix Blender List – Which Vitamix to Buy Now?)
So, you may wonder whether the higher Vitamix price is worth it. Does it guarantee quality and durability, and will the blenders deliver exceptional performance? (also see Ultimate Best Vitamix Blender List)
To help you decide, we compare Ninja Blender vs. Vitamix Face-Off in the critical areas of consideration when buying. They face each other on factors such as their history and reputation, range of products, price, quality, performance, durability, and warranty period, among others.
Let’s dive right in!
Ninja Blender vs. Vitamix Comparison
Company History
Vitamix is one of the pioneers in manufacturing blenders. The family-owned company was founded in the late 1930s and is known for superior quality, durability, and high performance.
Vitamix blenders are a top choice among celebrity chefs and culinary experts worldwide. They are used in professional, commercial, and home food processing tasks. Vitamix is headquartered in Ohio.
Comparatively, Ninja blenders is a newer entrant in the market. It is one of the Shark Ninja brands, offering many small household appliances and cleaning solutions. It was started in 1993 by Euro-Pro Operating LLC. It is headquartered in Massachusetts.
Range of Products
Vitamix specializes in manufacturing mid-to-high volume blenders for household and commercial use. The Vitamix blenders fall under the following categories:
- Classic Series. These are analog blenders with no frills, bells, or whistles. They have a simple classic control and variable speed control. Most are fitted with a 2HP motor and have a tall base and narrow bottom. Their containers are tall. Blenders in the classic series include Vitamix one, 5200, and 7500.
- G-Series. It is an upgrade to the Classic Series. They are fitted with a 2.2Hp motor. Their containers have a low-profile design, and the base has a wide bottom. Examples include the Professional 750 and 780.
- S Series. This range of personal blenders with low capacitor motors and containers has since been fixed the width of the market.
- Explorian Series. It offers a range of entry-level blenders to give the customer the Vitamix experience at an affordable price. The most popular blender in this category is the Vitamix E310 Explorian.
- Ascent Series. Ascent Series blenders are the newest range and feature cutting-edge features such as intelligent controls, touchscreen, programmable timer, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with a Vitamix Perfect Blend App. The Vitamix A3500 is the most sophisticated and expensive blender in this series. However, you can go for the equally efficient but cheaper Vitamix A2300.
- Commercial Series. The commercial series comprises a range of blenders especially designed for commercial use. These have a robust and mighty construction with up to 4.2 horsepower. The famous commercial Vitamix blenders include The Quiet One, Touch and Go Advance, Vita-Prep 3, XL, and Mix’n’Machine. A 7-10 years warranty covers them to guarantee durability and reliability.
On the other hand, Ninja offers a diverse range of kitchen appliances. Its range of blenders falls into the following categories:
- Personal Blenders. These are low-capacity blenders generally suited for processing small quantities of ingredients. Their to-go cup design lets you take your smoothies or soup.
- Countertop Blenders. They are medium-capacity blenders suited for small and medium-sized families. They are versatile and can be used for most household food-making tasks.
- Smart Blenders. These are more sophisticated with intelligent features such as FreshVac Technology and Auto-IQ.
- Kitchen Systems. The blenders come with accessories and attachments such as containers and bowls, food processor attachments, and chopping blades to enable you to perform complex tasks.
Price
As highlighted in the introduction, a Vitamix countertop blender is much more expensive than a Ninja blender. A Vitamix countertop blender starts at around $300 for an entry-level model. Most are priced at $500-$700 and $1000 and above for commercial models.
Personal blenders usually cost less than $100, while kitchen systems cost $200 and above. In comparison, Ninja blender prices start at less than $100, with the most expensive retailing at around $300. Countertop Ninja blenders range between $100-$300.
Unique Features
Each manufacturer has developed a unique technology that they incorporate in some of their blender models. Ninja has the FreshVac, brilliant torque, and Auto-IQ.
- FreshVac Technology is a special pump that is attached to the container. It pulls all the oxygen out of the container before you start blending. This ensures no air bubbles in the food, causing it to stay fresh longer. It is found in models such as CT672V.
- SmartTORQUE technology optimizes power output to ensure that the blender breakdown even the toughest ingredients without breaking a sweat. It is found in models such as the Ninja SS101 Foodi Power.
- Auto-IQ is preset, enabling the blender to run various functions with a simple touch of a button.
On the other hand, Vitamix has the SelfDetect technology and Vitamin Vortex.
- SelfDetect is mainly found in Ascent Series blenders. It enables the blender to change its settings to suit the size or type of container-fitted cyst to optimize performance.
- Vitamix Vortex technology refers to the interior design of the containers, which creates a vortex-like movement of the ingredients toward the blade for fast and effective processing without getting stuck or needing a tamper.
Performance
Vitamix blender models are hands down the most powerful of the two brands. Vitamix blenders outdo themselves because they have higher horsepower than most other blenders, and the horsepower is highly optimized. The manufacturer categorically notes that its primary goal is not to provide the blenders with the highest horsepower but to ensure that power is reliable and well-trained.
Most have at least 2HP motors, with 3HP motors and above, with commercial models, making for a powerful blender. The CT810 Ninja Chef is the most potent, yet its 2HP is comparable to entry-level Vitamix blender models.
The Vitamix machine motor system has a self-cooling design that ensures it does not overheat. Although there have been complaints about some models being noisy, most operate relatively quietly.
Nevertheless, Vitamix blenders are the ultimate workhorses. You can use them continuously without overheating or getting noisy. You can rely on them to cut even the toughest ingredients in a few seconds without leaving chunks or grit.
Ease of Use
When it comes to blender control, the Ninja models win. Most have one-touch buttons that are easy and convenient to use. Conversely, most Vitamix blenders (except the intelligent models) have old-school analog controls that can be confusing. Many mid-range Ninja blenders have smart controls compared to Vitamix, where the high-tech features are a reserve of the high-end models.
Quality
Vitamix blenders have a superior quality to Ninja blenders.
Overall Build
Vitamix blenders have a premium quality construction. They are designed and made in the USA. Their exterior has rubber trims and minimal plastic parts. The entire build is sturdy, so you can disassemble the appliance without breaking parts. When blending, the base sits sturdily on your countertop and does not move around or shake when operating at peak speed.
Ninja blenders have more plastic parts, and the rubber parts wear out quickly. The cheap plastic parts tend to break apart when disassembling the unit. In some models, the container does not fit snugly on the base and may get shaky when blending.
Blade
Vitamix has the most sophisticated blade design in the industry. The blades are laser-cut, aircraft-quality stainless steel, which handles even the toughest ingredients. They are pronged to optimize tongue and cutting efficiency. Since the steel is machine hardened during manufacturing, the blades have excellent edge retention, and you never have to sharpen them.
Ninja blender blades are not as sophisticated as Vitamix blades. However, they do a decent job with most recipes. But they are not as durable. Notably, Ninja blades are sharp to cut through the ingredients. The sharp blades pose the risk of injury when cleaning. While Vitamix blades are blunt, the motor produces enough power to blend all the ingredients.
An important thing to note about some Ninja blenders is that they have a stacked blade assembly, whereby the blades rise in cycles from top to bottom. This blade design offers much more efficiency in ensuring the ingredients are mixed or cut uniformly.
Containers
Although most models from both brands come with BPA-free Tritan containers, some Ninja blenders come with glass containers, which are more susceptible to damage.
Vitamix offers specialty wet and dry containers to prepare different types of ingredients. Most containers can be used with scorching foods without getting damaged.
Ease of Cleaning
Generally, Ninja blender models are easy to clean as they are dishwasher-safe. However, although Vitamix blenders are not dishwasher safe, some have a self-cleaning preset that makes them easy to clean.
Even those that do not have the self-cleaning preset can be easily cleaned by filling the container halfway with warm water and adding a drop of liquid dishwashing soap, then running a blending cycle for 30-60 seconds. It will dislodge any stuck food, remove dirt and oil, and you can then rinse, and air dries your container.
Durability and Warranty
The warranty period of an appliance or equipment is a crucial indicator of its durability. More extended warranty periods indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of their products and are willing to back them up for several years.
Vitamix makes an audacious claim about their blenders, stating that their machines are built to last and can outlive their competitors up to 3 times longer. They back up their claim with an unbeatable warranty. The warranty periods range between 5 to 10 years on all parts, labor, and performance.
Furthermore, the Vitamix warranty also covers return costs and shipping replacement parts or repair labor. Comparatively, most Ninja blenders have a 1-year warranty.
Moreover, numerous Ninja customer review complaints indicate that their blenders broke down within the first few months or years. Conversely, numerous Vitamix reviews indicate that some customers have had their blenders for over a decade, continuing to perform correctly.
No 🐮 cows needed, DIY almond milk yogurt at home! #NationalAlmondMilkDay
— Vitamix (@Vitamix) February 16, 2023
Homemade Almond Milk Yogurt recipe here: https://t.co/rxaPPcg7SO#vitamix #myvitamix #recipe pic.twitter.com/yzno2dKOnY
Pro and Cons
Vitamix
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Unbeatable performance
- It can be used with even the toughest ingredients
- Easy to clean – particularly those that have a self-cleaning mechanism
- Wide range of blenders to choose from at different price points and specifications
- It can be used to make hot soup or hot food
- Extended warranty periods (5-10 years)
- Cool-running motor design to prevent the blender from overheating
- Durable and reliable
- Best suited for medium to high-capacity food processing needs
Cons
- Pricier than most blender models on the market
- They are not dishwasher safe
- Most models are bulky
- No personal blender models are available
Ninja
Pros
- Wide range of blending appliances, including bullet style and traditional style blenders
- Compact design suitable for small spaces
- Sleeker design and construction
- More affordable pricing
- Parts are dishwasher safe
Cons
- Most models are not suitable for high-capacity food processing
- Less durable
- Not suitable for use with harsh ingredients
- Less refined, processed food texture
- Lower motor power – 1000 watts, 2Hp or less
Top Models Vitamix vs. Ninja
Best Vitamix Blenders
- Best for Commercial Use: Vitamix 520XL Variable Speed Blender
- Best Heavy Duty (Home Use): Vitamix 7500
- Best for Small Spaces: Vitamix One
- Best Value for Money: Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
- Best High-Tech: Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series
- Best Overall: Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender
Best Ninja Blenders
- Best Overall: Ninja Professional Blender & Nutri Ninja Cups
- Best Heavy Duty (Home Use): Ninja Kitchen Mega System
- Best for Small Spaces: Ninja Compact Kitchen System
- Best Value for Money: Ninja Master Prep Professional Blender
- Best Hi-Tech: Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-IQ
- Best Personal: Ninja Nutri Blender with Auto-IQ
So, Which Is Better?
Both brands have their place in the market. The best question is which one is better suited for your needs. When choosing between the two brands, consider your budget, available space, food processing needs, and capacity.
If you want to spend much more on high performance, quality, and durability, go for a Vitamix blender. If your budget is tight, choose from the range of Ninja blenders or one of the entry-level Vitamix blenders.
If you are keen on a high-tech blender, Vitamix and Ninja have various models. However, the Vitamix innovative models are more expensive than Ninja, which offers a handy innovative feature across their range of blenders.
Either choose the personal or countertop blenders. Vitamix blenders are more suitable for medium to extensive food processing, while Ninja blenders are best suited for small and medium-capacity food processing. Therefore, go for a Ninja blender if you live alone in a small apartment or a house with limited kitchen storage. For large families and commercial use, go for a Vitamix blender.
