Blenders and juicers have become incredibly popular kitchen appliances in recent years. With the rise of smoothie bowls, green juices, and other blended drinks, many people are looking to purchase a high-powered blending device. Two of the most popular brands on the market are Magic Bullet and NutriBullet, but it can be confusing to understand if they are actually the same product or not. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare and contrast the Magic Bullet vs. NutriBullet, examining their features, performance, accessories, and more. Read on to find out if Magic Bullet and NutriBullet are the same!
Brand Origins
First, let’s take a look at the origins and backgrounds of the Magic Bullet and NutriBullet brands:
- Magic Bullet – Launched in 2003, Magic Bullet is made by Homeland Housewares and sold by the company Capital Brands. It was one of the first compact personal blenders on the market and became an infomercial sensation.
- NutriBullet – Founded in 2011, NutriBullet is a newer brand than Magic Bullet. NutriBullet blenders are manufactured by Homeland Housewares, the same company that makes Magic Bullet, and sold by NutriLiving.
So while Magic Bullet and NutriBullet are separate brands, their products are made by the same manufacturer, Homeland Housewares. The Magic Bullet was released first, and the NutriBullet came later as a “next generation” version aimed to improve upon the original Magic Bullet blender.
Blender Models
Now let’s compare some of the most popular blender models between the two brands:
| Magic Bullet | NutriBullet |
|---|---|
| Magic Bullet Mini | NutriBullet Prime |
| Magic Bullet | NutriBullet Pro |
| Magic Bullet Pro 250W | NutriBullet Pro 900 series |
The Magic Bullet Mini and original Magic Bullet are the same counterparts as the NutriBullet Prime and Pro models. The Magic Bullet Pro 250W compares to the NutriBullet Pro 900 series.
As you can see, NutriBullet essentially replaced “Bullet” in the naming conventions with “NutriBullet” when the company launched. The appliances themselves are very similar though.
Design & Size
In terms of general design, the Magic Bullet and NutriBullet models are nearly identical. They both have a compact, cylindrical shape with short cups that are meant for individual smoothies and servings.
The cups for both brands typically hold between 18-32 ounces. The personal blenders are shaped like a bullet and activate when you twist and press down on the cup placed on the motor base.
Size-wise, NutriBullet blenders tend to be a bit taller in height but have the same diameter as the Magic Bullet models. They take up around the same amount of counter space though.
Blades
One key difference between the two brands is in the blender blade design:
- Magic Bullet – Has a cross blade design, with two sharp blades that cross in an x-shape inside the cup.
- NutriBullet – Uses a flat, extractor blade that looks like a star shape. It presses ingredients against the mesh cup.
The NutriBullet blades are touted as being more advanced for breaking down foods and seeds for nutrient extraction. But both brands offer strong blender blades that pulverize ingredients.
Motor Power
An important distinction between the two brands is the motor power:
- Magic Bullet – Ranges from 250 to 350 watts depending on model.
- NutriBullet – Up to 900 watts, with most models being 600 watts or higher.
With almost triple the wattage, NutriBullet blenders deliver more powerful performance for blending tough ingredients. The extra motor power makes the NutriBullet better at making nut butters, smoothies with frozen fruit, green juices with kale and spinach, and more.
Speed Settings
Magic Bullet blenders all have just one speed setting and function. You twist on the cup to start blending. The Magic Bullet Pro model has a pulse feature as well.
NutriBullet blenders have multiple speed settings. Depending on the exact model, they will have either 2 speeds (the Prime model) or 3 speeds plus a pulse function. This allows you to better control the texture of your blends.
Accessories
Both Magic Bullet and NutriBullet come with a range of accessories and attachments beyond the motor base and blending cup. Common accessories include:
- To-go lids
- Recipe books
- Flip top cups
- Shaker/steamer tops
- Tall cups
- Milling/chopping blades
- Spatulas
Higher-end models like the Magic Bullet Pro 250W and NutriBullet Pro 900 series include more accessories for advanced blending techniques. The NutriBullet Rx is the top-tier model and geared for making hot soups, nut butters, and more.
Price
In terms of price, here is how the blender models of each brand compare:
- Magic Bullet Mini – $35
- Magic Bullet – $50
- Magic Bullet Pro 250W – $70
- NutriBullet Prime – $50
- NutriBullet Pro – $90
- NutriBullet Pro 900 – $120
- NutriBullet Rx – $150
Across the board, the NutriBullet models tend to be more expensive than the Magic Bullet counterparts. About $20-$50 price difference for the same tier blender. The higher pricing reflects the improved technology and performance of the NutriBullet.
Blending Performance
So how do the Magic Bullet and NutriBullet actually perform when it comes to blending? Here is a comparison:
- Smoothies – Both brands work great for making individual-size smoothies with fruits and veggies. The NutriBullet extracts a bit more juice from greens and seeds.
- Frozen Drinks – NutriBullet is superior for frozen drink mixing, thanks to the higher watt motor. Magic Bullet can struggle with too many frozen ingredients.
- Nut Butters – Again, NutriBullet wins here. It can make homemade almond butter and other nut butters that Magic Bullet just can’t handle.
- Leafy Greens – For green smoothies with kale, spinach, etc. the NutriBullet performs better and blends the greens smoother.
- Seed Blending – The NutriBullet is able to fully grind seeds like flax, chia, and hemp that might stay a bit crunchy in the Magic Bullet.
Overall, while both personal blenders get the job done for making shakes and blended drinks, the NutriBullet leaves you with smoother blends thanks to its more advanced motor and blade technology.
Ease of Use
In terms of ease of use, Magic Bullet and NutriBullet both get top marks. They are designed to be incredibly simple to use with their “twist and blend” system. Just fill the cup, put on the blade and lid, twist onto the motor base, then press and blend. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
The one difference is that NutriBullet has variable speeds you can play with to achieve your ideal texture. But overall, both brands are known for their convenience and user-friendly operation.
Noise Level
Like all personal blenders, both Magic Bullet and NutriBullet are quite loud appliances. They operate at a high-speed rotation and the small motor generates significant noise.
The NutriBullet tends to be slightly louder than the Magic Bullet since it has a more powerful motor. But both blenders can be disruptive, especially early in the morning. Using your blender intermittently rather than continuously can help manage the noise level.
Cleaning
In terms of cleaning, the Magic Bullet and NutriBullet are both fairly easy to clean by hand or dishwasher. The benefit of a personal blender is there are fewer parts to clean than a large blender pitcher. All of the pieces disassemble easily for washing.
One design difference is that NutriBullet cups have a removable blade assembly that detaches from the cup itself. With the Magic Bullet, the blade stays connected to the cup. This makes the NutriBullet a bit easier to hand wash.
Durability
When it comes to durability, NutriBullet tends to have a longer lifespan than Magic Bullet based on owner reviews. The NutriBullet cups have a strong build quality and the motors hold up well over time, even with frequent use.
Magic Bullet blenders carry mixed reviews on longevity. Some owners report the motors only lasting 6 months to a year. The NutriBullet’s 5-7 year warranty also outpaces the Magic Bullet’s 1 year warranty.
Safety Features
In terms of safety, both brands offer standard features like non-slip feet, overheating protection, and shields to cover the blades when pouring. NutriBullet lids also have vents that allow heat and pressure to escape, reducing risk when blending hot soup or oats.
One difference is that NutriBullet cups sit more securely on the motor base due to their locking tabs design. The Magic Bullet relies on the threads to keep the cup in place, which can sometimes loosen.
Users should always take normal blender safety precautions, like never blending hot liquids in a sealed container. But both Magic Bullet and NutriBullet provide adequate safety for typical personal blender use when used properly.
Certifications
The Magic Bullet is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for electical and fire safety standards. NutriBullet carries UL certification as well as:
- NSF Certification for commercial use
- FDA-approved materials
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
So NutriBullet meets a few more regulatory standards, though both brands adhere to the core safety requirements.
Customer Reviews
In terms of customer satisfaction, Magic Bullet earns around 3.5 out of 5 stars while NutriBullet earns around 4 out of 5 stars based on reviews on sites like Amazon and Best Buy.
The advantages of the NutriBullet like stronger motor, better durability, and quality certainly show up in happier customer experiences versus the more basic Magic Bullet models.
Conclusion
To conclude, while the Magic Bullet and NutriBullet are related brands with similar designs, the key differences lie in the NutriBullet’s more powerful motor, blade technology, and overall improved performance for blending. Essentially, the NutriBullet takes the concept of the original Magic Bullet and enhances it in every way.
So in the battle of Magic Bullet vs NutriBullet, the NutriBullet prevails as the superior personal blender option. The price is a bit higher, but you get great value for your money with markedly better blending capabilities. While the Magic Bullet gets the job done, serious smoothie and health enthusiasts are better served by the NutriBullet line of blenders.
