Blenders have become an essential kitchen appliance for making smoothies, shakes, and other blended drinks. Two of the most popular personal blender brands are Magic Bullet and NutriBullet. But what exactly is the difference between the Magic Bullet vs NutriBullet?
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will examine the key differences between these two blender lines in terms of design, performance, features, accessories, and cost. Read on to find out which blender is the best choice for your needs.
Magic Bullet Overview
The Magic Bullet is a compact personal blender that was introduced in 2003 by Homeland Housewares and became popular through infomercials. It is designed for quickly blending small batches of foods and drinks in a cup that doubles as a travel mug.
Some key features of the Magic Bullet blender include:
- Compact size – measures 13.2 x 6.9 x 10.6 inches
- 250 watt motor
- Comes with a range of accessories including blender cups and lids
- Blend, mix, chop, grind, and more
- Create single serve smoothies, dips, dressings, etc.
- Dishwasher safe parts
- 1 year limited warranty
The Magic Bullet is known for its small footprint, ease of use, and versatility. It’s a great option for making individual servings and small batches. The basic Magic Bullet model is very affordable as well.
NutriBullet Overview
The NutriBullet is a high-powered personal blender that was introduced in 2012. With its strong motor and specially designed extractor blades, it is engineered to break down fruits, vegetables, and superfoods for maximum nutrient extraction.
Here are some key NutriBullet blender features:
- More powerful motor ranging from 600-1200 watts depending on model
- Patented extractor blade technology
- Comes with cup and pitcher blending vessels
- Create nutritious smoothies, shakes, soups, and more
- Models include the NutriBullet Pro, NutriBullet Pro 900, NutriBullet Rx, NutriBullet Balance, and others
- 1 year limited warranty
The NutriBullet touts its nutrient extracting capabilities and higher power compared to other personal blenders. It comes in more expensive models with smart technology and automated programs as well.
Magic Bullet vs NutriBullet Comparison
Now let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Magic Bullet vs the NutriBullet across some key factors:
Motor Power
One of the biggest differences between these two blenders is the motor power. The NutriBullet has a much more powerful motor ranging from 600 watts to 1700 watts depending on the specific model.
| Blender | Motor Power |
|---|---|
| Magic Bullet | 250 watts |
| NutriBullet Pro | 900 watts |
| NutriBullet Rx | 1700 watts |
In contrast, the standard Magic Bullet only has 250 watts. This lower power is still sufficient for blending and mixing lighter ingredients. But the NutriBullet’s higher wattage allows it to pulverize tougher foods more easily.
Blades
The NutriBullet uses strong extractor blades made to break down stems, seeds, and skins for maximum nutrient extraction. The crossblade design provides a cyclonic action.
The Magic Bullet uses a standard 4-point stainless steel blade that chops and blends. It gets the job done for simpler blending tasks but isn’t an extractor blender.
Blending Vessels
The Magic Bullet comes with short cup attachments intended for individual use. You blend your ingredients in the cup, flip it over onto the motor base, then flip it back and drink from the cup.
With the NutriBullet, you get both cup and pitcher sized vessels. The cups work the same way as the Magic Bullet. The larger pitchers allow you to blend batches for multiple servings.
Ease of Use
Both blenders are very easy to use. Simply add ingredients to the cup or pitcher, attach to the motor base, and blend. The Magic Bullet requires flipping the cup upside down onto the base and back upright again before drinking.
The NutriBullet with automatic programs may take a bit more learning to use the presets and timed blending cycles. But using the manual settings is still simple.
Blending Performance
When it comes to performance, the NutriBullet extracts nutrients and blends more thoroughly thanks to its higher power and specialized blades. The Magic Bullet works fine for simpler blending tasks but can struggle with tougher ingredients.
The NutriBullet can pulverize seeds, stems, tough greens, and frozen ingredients into smooth, creamy drinks and sauces. The Magic Bullet won’t blend quite as smoothly.
Noise Level
Due to its higher motor power, the NutriBullet generates more noise when blending compared to the Magic Bullet. The Magic Bullet runs at a quieter volume that won’t disturb others as much.
However, the NutriBullet’s blending time is faster since it blends more efficiently. So the noise is over quicker.
Cleaning
The Magic Bullet and NutriBullet both have cups, lids, blades, and pitchers that are top rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The motor bases just need a simple wipe down.
To clean by hand, simply rinse and scrub with soap and water. The blender blades will need extra attention to remove residues.
Size
In terms of size and footprint on your countertop, the Magic Bullet wins. It has a shorter and squatter base that takes up minimal space. The NutriBullet has a slimmer and taller build that’s still compact but larger.
| Blender | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Magic Bullet | 13.2 x 6.9 x 10.6 inches |
| NutriBullet Pro | 15.9 x 7.7 x 13 inches |
Capacity
The maximum capacities vary slightly between the different Magic Bullet and NutriBullet models. Generally the Magic Bullet cups hold up to 18-24 oz, while the NutriBullet cups can hold 24-32 oz.
For pitchers, the Magic Bullet doesn’t come with any, while the NutriBullet has 32 oz or 64 oz batch pitcher options depending on the set.
Accessories
The Magic Bullet includes several BPA-free plastic cups with flipped lids, short and tall cup sizes, as well as an emulsifying blade and milling blade. The basic model comes with just what you need.
With NutriBullet, you’ll get a greater number of pieces and accessories. This includes multiple cup sizes with tight lids, pitcher, tamper, recipe book, and potentially more blades for specific functions.
Cost
Magic Bullet blenders are typically more affordable, with prices from $30 to $100 depending on accessories and bundles. NutriBullet blenders range from $80 on the low end to $180 for the higher-end models with more power and accessories.
So if you’re looking for an inexpensive personal blender, the Magic Bullet is the budget-friendly option. But the NutriBullet offers more power and performance for the increased cost.
Warranty
Both Magic Bullet and NutriBullet blenders come with a standard 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. This covers defects and malfunctions that occur during regular use.
Refurbished or renewed models purchased may have shorter warranty periods. Extended warranties can also be purchased for an additional cost.
Magic Bullet Pros and Cons
Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of the Magic Bullet blender:
Magic Bullet Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Compact, space-saving design
- Easy to use and clean
- Good for simple blending tasks
- Less noisy than other personal blenders
- Comes in a variety of bundle sets
Magic Bullet Cons
- Not as powerful or high-performing as some blenders
- Struggles with thicker ingredients and ice
- No batch pitcher included
- Not an extractor blender
- Only a 1 year warranty
NutriBullet Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of choosing a NutriBullet blender:
NutriBullet Pros
- Powerful nutrient extracting performance
- Smooth, creamy blends even with tough ingredients
- Cyclonic blending action
- Cup and pitcher size vessels
- Higher capacity options
- Some models have smart technology
NutriBullet Cons
- Higher price than some comparable blenders
- Larger base takes up more space
- Can be noisy when blending
- Not as budget friendly
- More parts to clean
Verdict: Which is Better?
So is the Magic Bullet or NutriBullet the best choice for you? Here are some key points to help you decide:
- If affordability is your top concern – Go with the Magic Bullet. It delivers good blending functionality at an unbeatable low price.
- If you want maximum nutrients and blending power – Choose the NutriBullet for its powerful performance and extraction capabilities.
- For basic blending needs – The Magic Bullet gets the job done for simple shakes, smoothies, dips, and more.
- For green smoothies and raw ingredients – NutriBullet is better equipped to handle tough greens, seeds, etc.
- If you make single servings – Either works well, but Magic Bullet gives you just cup sizes while NutriBullet also has pitcher options.
- For small spaces – Magic Bullet has a smaller base that takes up less room.
- If you want automated programs – Some NutriBullet models have pre-programmed cycles while Magic Bullet does not.
The right choice comes down to your blending needs and budget. For great performance at a reasonable price, the NutriBullet gets you the most bang for your buck. But the Magic Bullet still shines as an inexpensive blender for basic functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you crush ice in a Magic Bullet?
The Magic Bullet can handle ice cubes and crush small amounts of ice reasonably well. However, larger volumes of ice can jam the blades as its motor isn’t very powerful. It’s best for light ice usage, not heavy duty ice crushing.
What is the difference between NutriBullet 600 vs 900?
These numbers refer to the wattage on different NutriBullet models. The 600 is a newer revision of the original with 600 watt motor. The 900 Pro has a more powerful 900 watt motor with advanced nutrient extraction. The 900 performs better with frozen foods and leafy greens.
Is NutriBullet loud?
Yes, the NutriBullet produces more noticeable noise when blending compared to a Magic Bullet. This is due to its stronger motor which also blends more quickly. But the noise is only for a short time while blending.
Can you put hot liquids in a NutriBullet?
No, you should never put hot ingredients into any NutriBullet or Magic Bullet blender. Both are intended for blending at room temperature or cooler. Heating can warp components and be unsafe.
Do Magic Bullet cups have BPA?
Magic Bullet cups and lids are made from BPA-free, food safe plastic. They do not contain any BPA which can be harmful if ingested. The same goes for NutriBullet blender vessels.
Conclusion
In the battle of Magic Bullet vs NutriBullet, both brands make quality personal blenders that can whip up smoothies, shakes, and other drinks with ease. The NutriBullet offers upgraded power and performance, while the Magic Bullet delivers budget-friendly basics.
The NutriBullet Pro 900 series provides the best value for performance, but the standard Magic Bullet is the cheapest introduction to personal blenders. Take your blending needs and budget into account to decide which suits you.
With the convenience of individual servings, compact size, and fast clean up, you can’t go wrong choosing either Magic Bullet or NutriBullet for your on-the-go blending needs.
