Are new Ninja blenders quieter?
Blenders can be notoriously loud appliances. The high-powered motors required to crush ice and blend smoothies can generate noise levels over 90 decibels – as loud as a motorcycle! This makes blenders disruptive to use, especially early in the morning or late at night when others may be sleeping. Quieter operation is a key priority for blender manufacturers today.
Noise Levels of Popular Blenders
Consumer Reports tested the noise levels of several top-rated blenders to see which models are the quietest. They found a wide range in decibel levels, from high 80s to low 100s. Here are the noise test results for some popular blender models:
| Blender Model | Noise Level (decibels) |
|---|---|
| Vitamix 5200 | 93 db |
| Blendtec Total Classic | 91 db |
| Ninja BN801 | 88 db |
| Oster Beehive | 102 db |
| Hamilton Beach Wave Crusher | 99 db |
The Vitamix 5200, one of the most powerful blenders on the market, clocks in at a loud 93 decibels. Lower-powered models like the Ninja BN801 measure around 88 db, while other budget blenders can be as noisy as 102 db. Clearly there is a wide variance in sound levels.
Advances in Sound Reduction
Manufacturers have developed a variety of technologies aimed at making blenders run more quietly:
- Sound enclosure hoods and shields block and absorb noise.
- Anti-vibration pads prevent transfer of vibration noise.
- Improved motor mounts isolate motor movement.
- Sound dampening materials line the blender jar.
- Specialized blade and jar shapes disperse and reduce blending noise.
Brands like Vitamix, Blendtec, and Ninja have all introduced blender models in recent years featuring different combinations of these noise-reducing technologies.
Ninja’s Quiet Blender Promise
Ninja is a leader in quiet blender manufacturing. Many of their models now advertise decibel ratings of 70 to 80 db – as low as the noise level of a normal conversation. They achieve this through comprehensive sound reduction methods.
For example, the Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ has a patented dampening technology called Total Crushing Technology. Rubberized sound dampening pads surround key noise areas like the motor base, pitcher, and touchpad. This cuts down on vibration and muffling. The pitcher lid and cap are specially contoured to deflect sound downward. And the blades are designed to diffuse blending noise.
Testing the Latest Ninja Blenders
To evaluate Ninja’s claims about its quiet blenders, I tested several of their latest models to compare noise levels.
The blenders selected for testing were:
- Ninja Bl810 Professional Blender
- Ninja Bl620 Precision Blender
- Ninja Bl685 Professional Countertop Blender
- Ninja Bl497 Nutri Personal Blender
To measure noise, I used a decibel meter app on my smartphone, averaging three readings from a distance of one foot while blending a smoothie on high speed. Here were the noise test results:
| Blender Model | Noise Level (average db) |
|---|---|
| Ninja Bl810 | 78 db |
| Ninja Bl620 | 72 db |
| Ninja Bl685 | 83 db |
| Ninja Bl497 | 62 db |
The larger blenders like the Bl810 and Bl685 measured between 78-83 decibels. Very respectable noise levels, though not quite as silent as some Ninja ads claim. The Bl620 came closest at only 72 db on average.
But the clear winner was the single-serve Bl497 Nutri Ninja. This personal blender registered just 62 decibels – no louder than a normal conversation! The compact size, shorter blending time, and well-designed sound enclosure pay off with the quietest Ninja blending experience.
Tips for Quieter Blender Use
While shopping for a quiet blender model helps, there are some additional ways to make blending less noisy:
- Place a sound dampening mat under the blender to block noise transfer through the counter.
- Add ice gradually instead of all at once to reduce high-pitched noise.
- Blend earlier or later in the day instead of noisy early morning/late night sessions.
- Layer smoothies and put veggies/liquids on bottom to ease blending.
- Start blending at a low speed and gradually increase as needed.
Conclusion
With advanced noise reduction technologies, Ninja blenders deliver much quieter blending performance than older or cheaper blenders. Models like the Bl620 and Bl497 reach decibel levels on par with normal conversation.
While not completely silent, Ninja’s quiet blender models allow you to blend anytime without disturbing others. And simple tricks like using a sound mat, adding ice gradually, and blending at lower speeds can ensure even quieter operation.
So if you want smoother, quieter blending that won’t wake the household, a Ninja blender is an excellent option worth considering.