Ninja Professional Countertop Blender

The Ninja Professional Blender series is a cheaper alternative to the company’s more powerful Ultima blender line. There are actually four different models with the same name so I’ll be covering the NJ600, BL610, BL660, and BL740 specifically. They’re all very similar but they do have some slight differences. Some might come with different accessories while others use a slightly more powerful motor. This information is important when trying to choose which model is right for you.

These blenders have continued to gain popularity in America ever since they were first introduced. Some people see them as a more affordable option to owning a Blendtec or Vitamix, which is probably the reason why so many consumers are buying them. There are pros and cons to everything though so let’s go over the details.

Power

The models labeled NJ600 and BL610 both have a 1,000-watt motor inside, while the BL660 and BL740 come equipped with a 1,100-watt motor. It’s not a huge increase, but it does give you a little extra power when preparing recipes. This might be important to you if you plan on blending thick ingredients often. The extra power may handle those heavy recipes just a bit better.

Unlike both the Vitamix and Blendtec brands. You’re unable to prepare hot soups solely with this Ninja blender. You’ll be required to heat up the liquid on the stove separately. That’s a bit more of a hassle I suppose, but it might not matter to some people. The other brands have a motor connected directly to the blades. This is what allows the machines to make steaming hot soups. At least you won’t have to worry about smoothies heating up though. The other brands tend to heat things up when left on for too long so you have to be careful.

Functionality

Obviously, the standout feature is the unique 6-blade design. In theory, this is to allow a more thorough blending. I’d say it definitely helps and does a better job than if the blender only had a standard 3-blade design. Especially when preparing large batches of things. I should mention that the blades spin independently at different speeds as well. It’s nice to see the company tried to come up with something new and I’m sure there was some sort of R&D testing that led to this design decision.

The BL660 and BL740 both come with two single serve blending cups. The lower models lack these accessories completely. These cups are great during parties when you’re preparing cocktails or single smoothies. The motor seems to handle them quite well. Once you’re done you’re able to easily twist a lid on and drink directly from the cup. It’s one of the most convenient things about this brand. It’s also important to point out that all of the containers are BPA free.

All of the models offer 3 different speed settings to choose from. There’s also a dedicated pulse button on each one which is great for delicate recipes such as salsa. However, the BL660 and BL740 both include a “single serve” button. This is for when you’re using the 16-oz cups. The blender takes over and runs a blend cycle tailored for them.

Summary

NJ600, BL610 – 1,000 watt
BL660, BL740 – 1,100 watt
3 Manual speed settings
Dedicated pulse button
Single serve button (Only on BL660, BL740)
(2) 16-oz single serve containers (Only on BL660, BL740)
72-oz Main container
All containers BPA free
Six-blade design
Can’t directly prepare hot soups
1-year warranty

Conclusion

The Ninja Professional blender series performs really well overall, especially at its price point. Most of them can be purchased somewhere around $100. If you’re seriously considering one of these I’d recommend getting one that includes the 16-oz single serve containers though. They’re great to have on hand to prepare small batches of things and really improves the functionality of the appliance.

I wouldn’t say they blend as well as other high-end brands, but they cost a fraction of what those do. You just have to weigh the performance/price ratio and choose what’s best for you. If you want the absolute best you might want to look into something else. My sister has a Ninja blender and has loved using it the past year or so. It definitely performs well enough to suit a large group of consumers.

I guess the biggest drawback is that there’s only a 1 year warranty that comes standard. You are able to extend this a bit for a little extra money and that’s probably a good idea. It will give you more peace of mind that you’ll be covered in case anything unfortunate happens. If you’ve only ever owned mass-market, cheap, blenders. You’ll probably be happy with the performance and price of this blender series. It’s very capable and can handle a good range of tasks. Visit the direct Amazon links below to view any deals and current prices. If you want something from Ninja with more power and features check out the Ninja Ultima.