If you’ve ever wondered how to use a Ninja blender, you’re not alone.
Since there are new gadgets and gizmos hitting the shelf every day, it can be hard to keep up with how every single one of them works.
Ninja blenders are powerful blenders that are made out of high-quality materials, but what makes one different than any other blender on the market?
Today, we’ll talk about using a ninja blender, different ways you can put it to work, and what makes it stand out from the rest.
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What Is a Ninja Blender?
Just like most other blenders on the market, a Ninja Blender is used to make a variety of different food and beverage concoctions.
The Ninja Professional Blender became popular immediately after it was released in the 2010s.
There are several different models of these blenders; some are small enough to hold a single smoothie, while others are large enough to make a batch for sharing.
They come at a variety of different price points and are packed with power.
Depending on which model you get, the Ninja Blender will come with an assortment of different features.
One of the most convenient features crushes and pulverizes the ice to get rid of any chunks.
Ninja Blenders are most popularly used by fitness fanatics; in fact, they are the reason why the gadget is so successful.
Simply put, a Ninja Blender is a popular kitchen blender.
It is used by regular consumers, like you and me, as well as professional chefs and bakers.
Ninja Blender was founded by the Shark and Ninja company in the early 2000s in Massachusetts.
Today, it is a blender that can be found in many homes and is used for several different purposes.
Using the Three Most Popular Ninja Blenders
Because there is a variety of different Ninja Blenders on the market, we’re going to break down how to use the most popular models.
Whether you’re buying online, from the store, or second-hand, it’s important to have the instruction manual to make this process as easy as possible.
1. Ninja Blender Duo
This is a great model for people who just need to make small amounts of food or beverage.
To start, make sure the base is shut off and then plug it in.
You then want to have the Ninja Blender cup with the open end facing towards the ceiling.
Then, load in all of your ingredients, including any liquids.
There’s a max liquid line on the cup to make sure that you don’t go over and make a mess.
Once all of the ingredients are in the cup, you’ll want to get your Pro Extractor blade out.
This gets screwed onto the cup tightly.
It’s important to keep in mind that just because the blades are smaller than a regular blender, they’re not equally as sharp and dangerous.
The next step is to take turn the Ninja Blender cup and flip it upside down.
Match the tabs on the cup to the ones on the motor base and press the cup down.
While you’re pressing down, turn the cup clockwise until you hear a click that signals that the cup is locked and loaded.
Next, you’ll want to press the Power button and hope to see a solid red light if it’s ready to use.
Blend as you normally would and stop when finished.
Turn the cup counter-clockwise and lift up to retrieve the cup.
2. Nutri Ninja Blender
This blender is very similar to the Duo in that you simply take whatever size Ninja cup you’d like to work with.
These cups come in a variety of different sizes, including 16 and 24 ounces.
Just like you would with the Ninja Duo, fill the cup with all the ingredients to build your soup or smoothie.
You can even add liquid and ice if you so wish.
Next, take the Pro Extractor Blade and place it on the cup, locking it in place.
Then, you’ll want to line up the tabs of the cup with the tabs on the motor base.
This motor base is quite different from other Ninja Blender motor bases.
You won’t find a variety of different buttons or blending options.
Once the tabs are lined up, simply turn the cup clockwise to lock it to the base.
After this, push down directly on the cup in order to start the blending process.
You can do this until you see that the liquid is the consistency you prefer.
Turn counter-clockwise when you’re done, take the blade off, and enjoy what you made!
3. Ninja Prep Master Blender
This is one of the unique kitchen tools you will find on the market.
The main part of the machine is called a Master Pod, which is essentially a motor base that fits on top of several different containers.
You can use it with the blender or a prep bowl.
Whichever container you’re using, start by making sure the blade is securely in place, and then add in your ingredients.
Be mindful of the max fill line to reduce the chance of a mess, and then place the rubber cover on.
Line up the Master Pod with the keyed groove on the cover of the container.
You can begin blending by pressing down on the large silver button on the Master Pod.
To stop, simply stop pressing down on the top.
The Ninja Prep Master Blender is nice because all of the parts can easily be taken apart, which makes for quick cleaning.
Because of that feature, you won’t have to worry about fruits getting stuck in small crevices, reducing the chances of bacteria buildup and making the machine safe to use for a long time.
How to Use a Ninja Blender as a Juicer
If you’ve ever owned a juicer, you know what a pain they are to use.
Not only that, they’re not the easiest thing to clean either.
Thankfully, you can use a Ninja Blender as a juicer.
How is it possible?
Well, you’d put in all of the fruits and veggies that you want to make a juice out of, and then pulsate them in a blender like you would for a smoothie.
The main difference is you’re not adding any ice or liquid.
It can make the process much easier to add water, but your final product will be watered down.
After you’ve blended just the fruits and veggies, you’ll want to put it in a sifter.
Place the sifter over a pitcher or large bowl.
You can then use a spatula or clean hands to press down on the mix of blended fruits and veggies.
Eventually, this will squeeze the natural juices out into the container.
This is a time-consuming way to get juice, but it is possible.
Plus, the blender is easy to clean, and you can use the pulp to make fruit bars!
Using a Ninja Blender as a Food Processor
Using a Ninja Blender as a food processor is much easier than you’d think, and it’s fairly similar to how you’d use it as a juicer, as well.
For starters, it matters which Ninja Blender you’re working with.
If you’re working with the Ninja Prep Master Blender, you can skip this section altogether, as it comes with everything you need to turn the machine into a food processor.
If you have any other model, start out by putting a single ingredient in the blender.
You can make this process easier by breaking carrots in half or cutting up an onion a little before putting in, but that’s not necessary.
Be sure only to put one type of ingredient in at a time, and don’t mix fruits and vegetables.
Once you have the ingredients in, simply pulsate the blender.
You don’t want to keep in on a blending mode, as this will turn the ingredients into pulp instead of sliced chunks.
Every couple of pushes, check to see the state of the veggies and take them out if they’re to your liking.
Ninja Blender Cleaning Tips
When you think of cleaning a blender, you probably think about taking it apart and carefully scrubbing each piece.
While this is one way to do it, there are easier ways to get this job done.
These methods can be used on any Ninja Blender, as well.
In the Dishwasher
Yes, you can clean the blender in the dishwasher!
They’re all BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
To clean it using this method, make sure to start by unplugging the motor base.
Take off the lid and carefully take off the blades.
It’s important that the blade, pitcher, and lid are kept on the top rack of the dishwasher.
If you need to clean the motor base, use a sponge or washcloth.
Simply take soapy water and clean the base by hand.
Never submerge the entire motor base in water, and please wait until it’s completely dry before using it again.
Blend It Clean!
Another great way to get your Ninja Blender clean is to let it do the work for you!
To do this, remove the lid and leave everything else inside.
Fill up the pitcher ¾ of the way full with room-temperature water.
Once this is done, add a couple of drops of dishwashing soap into the blender.
Screw the lid on tightly and attach the blender to the motor base.
Press down on the Pulse button over and over again until the blender is clean.
After this, make sure the motor base is unplugged.
Remove the lid, pour out the dirty water, and rinse out the pitcher and the lid.
Wait for everything to dry before using it again.
If it’s still dirty, add in some white vinegar and water to the blender, and then pulsate again and rinse thoroughly.
By Hand
Of course, you can wash your Ninja Blender by hand.
In order to do this, make sure the motor base is unplugged.
Then, you want to take off the lid.
After that, carefully remove the blade from the pitcher.
Depending on which model you’re working with, the blade is on the lid.
Add a gentle dish soap with lukewarm water to a washcloth.
Keep the washcloth folded at least one time to help keep your hands and fingers safe from the sharp blades.
Carefully clean each piece and allow it to dry before using it again.
FAQs
1. Are Ninja Blenders expensive?
Ninja Blenders fall in the mid-range when it comes to how much they cost consumers.
While you could save money and buy the cheapest blender on the shelf, consider what you’re getting for your money.
The blades on Ninja Blenders are durable and long-lasting, and the cups and motor bases are made out of high-quality material.
With Ninja Blenders, you’re paying for quality over quantity, and most people find that that is well worth the price tag.
2. Can I use a Ninja Blender to grate cheese?
If you don’t have a cheese grater around, you can use your Ninja Blender instead.
You may not get the traditionally grated cheese similar to what you would get with a cheese grater, but it will do the trick!
3. How long do Ninja Blenders last?
It depends on how you treat the machine.
All Ninja Blenders come with a one-year warranty.
If you properly clean it after each use and take good care of it, a Ninja Blender can last several years.
Something else to consider when it comes to the longevity of a Ninja Blender is how often you use it.
Just like with your vehicle, the more wear and tear you put on it, the quicker it will need replacement parts.
Conclusion
Ninja Blenders are amazing kitchen gadgets.
They can quickly blend up a smoothie or puree food for a newborn.
Now that you know how to use a Ninja Blender as a food processor and a juicer, it’s time to figure out what you’re going to make.
With one, you’ll save money by not needing to buy extra appliances, as well.
There are several different models of Ninja Blenders on the market.
Do some research to find out which specific one will work best for you.
They’re easy to clean and even easier to use, which is why just about everyone should have one in their home!