Nutri Ninja Auto iQ (BL481)

This gadget is very useful and well worth the money! I've only had it a few days and have only made a few protein shakes/smoothies, but it does a marvelous job and oh so quick and easy. I plan to put it through its paces this weekend and I fully expect it to do a bang-up job.Initially I was afraid it would be just another gadget that I wouldn't use that much and would be relegated to the back or top storage of the pantry. Not so, I made a place for it, in the most practical space for quick, frequent use.I was ready to be shocked at the noise, but found it no worse than my Oster blender (which won't get much use now and will be moved the top or back shelf).The Nutri Ninja Auto IQ appears to be sturdily made and fine quality. Suction cups on the bottom keep it from traveling across the counter. Fill the cup, screw on the blade, invert, pop it in the base, turn it and blend. It's really well done.I noticed at ninjakitchen.com that you can purchase replacement parts (blade, cups, lids) for a very reasonable price, and that the cups, lids and blades are interchangeable with some of the other similar Nutra Ninja models. So if your Nutra Ninja Pro or 1000 didn't come with a 32 oz cup you can purchase one for $17. If I remember correctly a replacement blade is $20. That was important to me to be able to replace the blade or cups if necessary. You'll enjoy the 32 oz to get all of the fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds in there.There was no stopping to scrape the sides, shake or try to position the contents to get into the game.Loved that I drank my protein shake right out of the same container, rinsed the cup & blade and was on my way.I'd recommend it to anyone. Have fun, be healthy, but make some fun treats with it too!

Works as advertised, no doubt. But it is THE LOUDEST APPLIANCE I HAVE. I use it once a day after my work outs. I toss in half a banana, some mixed frozen fruit, two heavy scoops of protein powder, creatine powder, and top off with milk and water. I set it in place, push the IQ button and then run like hell to avoid the noise, which neighbors in the next county over surely can hear if their windows are open... Maybe even closed...I couldn't find much info if this would work well with powders and am happy to report that it does very well. I have only had a couple times where there was a bit of powder residue left over and stuck on the small "ribs" on the inside of the big cup. No big amount, but those times I couldn't just rinse it out but had to scrub quickly with a sponge. But most times it mixes so thoroughly that there is no powder left and the cup rinses well and I set it back in the rack. I also just easily rinse the chopper cover out each day. I run thru the dishwasher once a week or two only. It crushes and blends everything very thoroughly with no chunks of anything left over once done. I don't use ice however due to thickness with protein powders, so I can't review ice but assume it wouldn't be a challenge.The noise, once again, is loud. The first time I used this I called the police and filed a noise complain on myself. They arrested the Ninja on domestic disturbance, but I liked the quality of the machine enough that I had it out on bail and back in use for my next shake. I have a Hamilton Beach 2 speed hand mixer that I thought was loud, but if I am mixing my creatine separately with my Hamilton while the Ninja is operating, I cannot even hear the Hamilton going. You can't have a conversation while the ninja is on without shouting. If I hadn't read reviews saying it was loud, I'd have thought mine was defective. But, alas, it mixes great so it will stay, who needs proper hearing anyway? (And for reference, I have worked around military jets running on a ramp for years, and am now in construction, I am used to noise, so not like I am a desk clerk in a library who's simply noise sensitive...) And yes, I docked one star just for noise.

Love this blender!!! It really works just like they say. I got it to make green smoothies for me and milk shakes for my mom. It is easy to fill and I like the way the power doesn't come on until the bottle is locked in place. I got a Magic Bullet for the same task of blending healthy protein drinks with veggies, but it wasn't up to the job. Even though I was being careful, the gears burned out in the first week of use. The Ninja auto iQ is foolproof due to the timer system. You just lock the bottle in place, push one of the buttons and walk away! Actually, I run out and shut the door!!! This thing is LOUD! It scares my cats! I thought about sending it back for a while but it is so good at pulverizing bits of broccoli, chopped carrots, celery and leafy greens mixed with frozen fruit, protein powder and yogurt that I decided it was worth the possible hearing loss! All that stuff comes out smooth and creamy on high speed. It also makes a mean milk shake in only 1 min.on the lower setting. The protein drinks sometimes take a little longer, so I just give it a couple of pulses after the one min. timer stops.Easy!! The whole thing seems to be sturdy and well made, with 3 different size glasses. I only wish they had handles.

Once I decided to get on the protein smoothie bandwagon which is so popular, I first made them in my regular cuisinart heavy duty blender. Worked well enough but not easy to clean up. I wanted to make it in the morning and take it to work. Had to pour into a travel cup then disassemble the blender and clean. So once I decided I liked the protein drinks, I looked into buying a bullet type blender. Did lots of research and read lots of reviews on Amazon. One made reference to Consumer Reports so I read the actual CR article online. Based on all that, I went with this blender. I just love it. The multiple preprogrammed button options are great. Blender is sturdy and no louder than any other blender. Very easy cleanup. Just pop off the cup, place a lid on it and quickly wash the blade portion and I'm done! I've only had it one month and use it every single day. Give it a try! You will love it.