Can the Ninja Creami Really Replace a Blender? — Help me Decide
Second week into Summer with my Ninja Creami, and only 52+ weeks of it taking up counter space that I don’t really have.
While I often get asked if it’s worth the hype, I’ve also been asked if it can be used in replacement of a blender. Over the last year, I’ve put both questions to the test, and much like the Ninja blade, itself, I’m about to break it all down, starting with the initial unboxing…
This beautiful little ice-cream machine (pictured to the right) was gifted to me for my birthday in 2024 from my wonderful husband, and I’ve used it through every season so far. Needless to say, it’s worth every bit of counter space it takes up, which honestly isn’t all THAT much. I’m just dramatic and don’t have a ton of space to begin with. Now, as much as I’d love to get into everything it can do (besides make exceptional quality ice-cream), I’m going to take this time to focus on the question of “Will it blend?”
The short answer is yes, it can blend. The long answer is, I had to find out the hard way. Don’t worry, the machine is fine. However, I don’t think it has the ability to fully replace an actual blender (at least without a headache). As much as I love my Ninja Creami, my matching Ninja Blender takes precedence over it in terms of everyday use and smoothie making. That was until I broke the pitcher for it (a story for another time). Anyway, after spending more time than money trying to find a replacement pitcher for this specific model and having no such luck, I’ve resorted to using my Ninja Creami as a makeshift blender. How I do this? To put it simply, I just toss some frozen fruit and liquid into the pint, freeze for a few hours, spin on the “Smoothie Bowl” setting, then add liquid and re-spin until desired consistency and optimal ear ringing is achieved. Honestly, I’m not mad about it, but the amount of time and energy it takes to do this solely for a smoothie is A LOT. Aside of that, I’ve had my actual Ninja Blender for nearly 10 years and while it also lives up to it’s hype, I’ve been craving an upgrade for a while.
Now, as you can see, I didn’t actually need help with deciding whether or not the Ninja Creami can replace an actual blender. However, I do need help deciding on a new blender model… If you’ve read up to this point, you’re probably thinking I should just shut up, bite the bullet and buy a Vitamix. And believe me, it’s crossed my mind many times, but I’m not ready to shut up just yet. Also, as stunning and powerful as Vitamix blenders are, I find them slightly intimidating. I’m not looking to spend an extra $800 to grind my spirulina into the oblivion, or make soup somewhere other than the stove top. I also can’t quite stomach the thought of having a Vitamix next to my Ninja Creami when I could have a matching, more aesthetically pleasing, space savvy blender that STILL boasts exceptional quality, and for a fraction of the cost. No hate towards VM. I just prefer to stick with what I already know and love. I’m a Ninja girly through and through, and if you truly know me as a person, you know how annoyingly particular and matchy matchy I am, right down to my kitchen appliances (which brings me to my next blab)…
In search for a new blender, some key factors for me (in no particular order) are as follows:
. Good quality
. Good grip
. Powerful (1200+ watts preferred)
. Not TOO noisy
. Doesn’t take up an obscene amount of space
. Minimal buttons / settings
. Blender cup compatible
. BPA free material(s)
. Aesthetically pleasing (obviously)
. Ninja or GTFO
After doing A LOT of research and taking allllllllll the above into much consideration, I’ve narrowed my choice down to two models — the Ninja Twisti and the Ninja Detect. However, I am still undecided on which one to choose. Let’s take a better look at both, starting with the pros and cons of each (based on customer reviews).
Based on the info above, I’m currently leaning more towards the Detect. However (space-wise), I do like that the Twisti has a slightly smaller motor and is more simple overall, without compromising its quality / ability. I also LOVE that it comes with a tamper lid. And while the Twisti does have more cons over the Detect, they’re not so awful that I can’t look past them (yet).
Okay, I get it, this post is dragging on now and I’m starting to sound more like a broken record than a broken blender. Regardless of how many people actually read this though, typing all the little details has helped in my decision making process, which has been nice, healing even. As I continue spend the rest of my evening in contemplation, I am curious to know which blender model you think is the more promising option and why. Let me know in the comments below (or vote on my IG polls) @haveyour.c.a.k.e Any info is greatly appreciated, and in turn, I will be sure to provide a blender update, as well as an actual Ninja Creami recipe in the coming weeks.
Xoxo
— Erika without a blender