At IFBC 2014, I sat through an interesting hosted lunch by Ninja Kitchen. As you may know, I’ve been a Vita-Mix torch carrier for years. So when asked if I’d like to try one of the new Ninja Blender with Auto-iQ set-ups I actually paused. I wasn’t sure. I mean, I have a super blender, right? But I try to be open to new things.
Arriving was the Ninja Blender with Auto-iQ 2 in 1 Duo, with 1300 Watts crushing and blending power. The set-up I received has the standard 72 ounce blender container but also two cups, for on-the-go blending and drinking. One is 24 ounces, the other is 32 ounces. They share a blade set-up that unscrew off, and then you attach a to-go lid with sipping portal. Those cups are fantastic for travel! No spill as well.
Now then, my test for blenders has always been frozen frappes. Nothing shows a lousy blender off like a container full of ice 😉 Most blenders will not blend a drink right – usually you have to keep adding in more liquids to get the ice crushed, or like with the Vitamix, you get a free morning arm workout with the “beating wand”, as you keep crushing down the ingredients onto the tiny blades at the bottom.
The Ninja paired this one well – you have the tower of blades that reduce ice to tasty crush quickly but more so, once you turn the blender on, it is hands off. Attach blender container, put on lid, plug-in and hit the “frozen drinks/smoothie” button and the machine pulses off and on and then runs it at high for you. In 1 minute 30 seconds your drink is ready. Add in that the pour spout on top actually pours true, you are not wasting time cleaning your counter.
There is of course a price to pay – the Ninja is loud. Yes, there is something even louder than the Vitamix. The first time I turned it on with Alistaire next to me, he jumped, clapped his hand over his ears and ran away. It was way too cute. Now, he watches from a distance as the digital timer winds down 😉
So the consensus in the house is Ninja has produced a blender that makes amazing frozen drinks – the Vitamix is currently in storage, used for other things (like grain grinding). It cannot compete – the Ninja is quicker, hands-off and doesn’t make a mess when I pour – and gives a smoother drink as well.
Mocha Frappes
Dry Base Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup Dry Milk Powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 4 tsp Instant Espresso Coffee
Directions:
Stir the dry ingredients together. Pour into a , over a bowl and shake/press through (this ensures a smooth dry base with no clumps). Divided dry mix into two portions, store tightly sealed.
Makes dry mix for two drinks.
Prepping Drink:
- 1 portion dry mix
- ½ cup milk (full-fat for best texture)
- 1½ cups ice
Directions:
Add milk and dry mix, then ice, to blender. Process until smooth (if using a Ninja Blender with Auto-iQ, use the smoothie button). Serve immediately.
FTC Disclosure: We were provided with a Ninja Blender with Auto-iQ for potential use and review.