NutriBullet blenders have become a popular kitchen appliance for making smoothies, shakes, and other blended drinks. With their powerful motors and sharp blades, NutriBullets can pulverize fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ice into silky smooth drinks packed with nutrients.
But like all blenders, NutriBullets aren’t indestructible. The motors can burn out over time and the blades become dull with heavy use. So when should you replace your NutriBullet? Here’s a look at the lifespan of these popular blenders and signs that it may be time for an upgrade.
Expected Lifespan of a NutriBullet
With proper care and maintenance, most NutriBullet blenders will last around 5 years with regular use. However, the lifespan can vary quite a bit depending on these factors:
- Frequency of use – Using a NutriBullet once or twice a day will cause faster wear than occasional use.
- What you blend – Thick, hard ingredients like ice, frozen fruit, and nuts require more power and will wear down the blades faster than smoother items like yogurt or bananas.
- Model – Higher-end models with stronger motors and blades last longer than cheaper versions.
- Care and cleaning – Properly caring for and cleaning your NutriBullet extends its lifespan. Harsh cleaning or neglect shortens it.
On average, with daily smoothie making you can expect a NutriBullet blender to last around:
| Use Frequency | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Occasional use 1-3 times per week | 6-8 years |
| Moderate use 1-2 times per day | 4-6 years |
| Heavy use 2+ times per day | 2-4 years |
However, there are many accounts of NutriBullets lasting 10+ years with moderate use. And some burn out after just 1-2 years if used heavily. The quality of your particular model and how you care for it also impact lifespan significantly.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your NutriBullet
Watch for these signs that indicate your NutriBullet is wearing down and it’s time to replace it:
- Motor struggling or overheating – You’ll notice the blender motor working harder, sounding strained, slowing down, or the container feeling hot.
- Leaking – Leaks around the blade assembly or lid while blending indicate worn seals.
- Visible damage – Cracked or bent blades, cracked container or lid, damaged coupling that attaches the blade to the motor.
- Rust – Check the blades and coupling assembly for any rust spots which indicate moisture inside.
- Blades are dull – Blades that don’t chop and puree as efficiently are dull and need replacing.
- Constant jamming – Food gets continually stuck and won’t process smoothly due to worn blades.
- Smoke or burning smell – A definite sign the motor is wearing out and at risk of failing completely.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to stop using your NutriBullet. Continuing to use a failing blender can be unsafe and cause it to break completely.
How to Make Your NutriBullet Last
You can maximize the lifespan of your NutriBullet with proper use and care:
- Don’t overfill – Never fill past the max fill line or process overly large batches. This overworks the motor.
- Add liquid to recipes – Liquids help process thick ingredients more smoothly.
- Don’t run it empty – Always add something to the canister to cushion the blades.
- Let it rest between cycles – When making large batches, pulse and let the motor cool briefly.
- Hand wash blades – Gently hand wash blades to avoid dulling and leave to air dry.
- Replace gaskets – Check gaskets and O-rings and replace as needed to prevent leaking.
- Store properly – Keep gasket/seal side up to avoid flattening and prevent moisture issues.
Avoiding frequent overload, limiting wear, and general maintenance will help your NutriBullet last as long as possible.
Replacement Parts and Accessories
You can often prolong the life of your NutriBullet blender by replacing certain parts as they wear out. Available replacement parts include:
- Blades
- Blade assembly/coupling
- Lids
- Gaskets and seals
- Motor base
NutriBullet also offers various accessories like milling and grinding blades, pitcher and bowl sets, specialized lids, and blade remover tools that can add functionality and convenience.
Before replacing the entire blender, check if replacing just the failing part is an option. NutriBullet replacement parts and accessories can often rejuvenate an aging blender.
Is It Worth Fixing an Old NutriBullet?
If your NutriBullet needs repairs beyond routine maintenance and replacing worn parts, is it worth fixing up an old blender rather than just buying a new one?
Here are some pros and cons of repairing versus replacing an aging NutriBullet:
Pros of Repairing
- Often cheaper than replacement, especially for minor repairs
- Convenient if you rely frequently on the blender
- No research needed to find and buy a new one
- Better for the environment than throwing out
Cons of Repairing
- Costs can add up for major repairs
- No warranty on DIY or third party repairs
- May fail again and need further repairs later
- New models have improved features and performance
Pros of Replacing
- Newest features and technologies
- Full warranty protection
- Often more powerful and efficient
- No risk of inherited issues from old unit
Cons of Replacing
- Higher upfront cost
- Research required to choose best new model
- Learning curve with new machine
- Less eco-friendly than repairing
Minor repairs like replacing the blades or gasket are usually worthwhile to keep your NutriBullet running a bit longer. But for major motor issues or damage repairs, replacement is often the better option over costly fixes that come without guarantees.
How to Buy a New NutriBullet
When it comes time to purchase a new blender, here are some tips for selecting the best NutriBullet model:
- Match the motor power – Choose similar horsepower or upgrade for your blending needs.
- Decide on features – Consider attachments, preset programs, size, etc. you want.
- Read reviews – Check feedback on performance, noise, ease of use, and durability.
- Compare prices – Check various retailers for best deals.
- Consider refurbs/open box – Can find discounts on factory certified renewed models.
- Choose trusted retailers – Purchase from reputable stores for warranty protections.
Take time to find the right NutriBullet model with preferred features at the best price from trusted sellers. Be wary of unauthorized third party sellers offering deals that seem too good to be true.
Conclusion
NutriBullets can last around 5 years with moderate daily usage. But lifespan varies based on frequency of use, ingredients blended, model, and how well it’s cared for. Watch for signs of wear like overheating, leaks, damage, dull blades, and jams to know when to replace yours. With proper usage and maintenance, you can maximize the longevity of your NutriBullet blender.
