The Ninja Professional Blender 1200 and Vitamix are two of the most renowned names in the world of blenders, each with its own set of unique features and capabilities. So, which one should you choose for your culinary adventures? Let's delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly explore what sets these two blenders apart. The Ninja Professional Blender 1200 is known for its powerful performance and large capacity, making it an excellent choice for families or those who like to prepare large batches of smoothies, soups, or dips. On the other hand, Vitamix blenders are renowned for their durability, versatility, and professional-grade performance. They are often the preferred choice of professional chefs and serious home cooks.
Power and Performance
The power and performance of a blender are critical aspects to consider, especially if you plan to use it frequently for various tasks. Both the Ninja 1200 and Vitamix offer impressive power, but they differ in their approach.
The Ninja Professional Blender 1200 comes with a 1000-watt motor, which is more than sufficient for most home uses. It also features Ninja's patented Total Crushing blades that can pulverize ice and frozen fruits in seconds. However, it might struggle with heavier tasks like making hot soups or nut butters due to its lower wattage.
Vitamix's horsepower advantage
Vitamix blenders, such as the A3500 or Explorian E310, come with motors ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 horsepower. This is significantly more powerful than the Ninja 1200 and allows Vitamix blenders to handle a wider range of tasks effortlessly. They can create hot soups, whip up nut butters, and even mill grains with ease.
Moreover, Vitamix's blade design and variable speed control ensure that the ingredients are pulled down into the blades, preventing air pockets and ensuring consistent results. This makes Vitamix blenders highly versatile and well-suited for both home and professional use.
Ninja's Pro Extractor Blades system
In response to Vitamix's power, Ninja introduced the Pro Extractor Blades system in its newer models. This system features two different blade sets – one for frozen blend cycles and one for regular cycles. This allows the Ninja 1200 to handle a broader range of tasks, narrowing the gap between it and Vitamix.
However, while the Pro Extractor Blades system is a significant improvement, Vitamix's powerful motors and blade design still give it an edge in terms of pure power and versatility.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of a blender can significantly impact its usability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. Both the Ninja Professional Blender 1200 and Vitamix blenders have their unique advantages in this regard.
The Ninja 1200 has a sleek, modern design and comes with a large 72-ounce total crushing pitcher that is perfect for preparing large quantities of food. The pitcher is made of Eastman Triton copolyester, which is durable and BPA-free. However, some users have reported that the pitcher can be a bit too large and heavy, which may be a consideration if you have limited counter space or prefer smaller batches.
Vitamix'sDurability and Professional Design
Vitamix blenders, such as the Vitamix A3500 or Explorian E310, are built to last with high-quality materials like Eastman Tritan copolyester or stainless steel. The Vitamix A3500, for instance, comes with a 64-ounce low-profile container that is ideal for countertop height and easy storage. Vitamix blenders also have a more professional aesthetic, which may appeal to those who want their blender to look at home on a commercial kitchen counter.
Moreover, Vitamix blenders come with a 10-year full warranty, reflecting their confidence in the durability of their products. While the Ninja Professional Blender 1200 also offers a 10-year warranty, it's worth noting that Vitamix's warranty is fully transferable, offering further peace of mind.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
While both blenders offer a range of helpful features, they differ in their ease of use and cleanup.
The Ninja Professional Blender 1200 comes with pre-programmed settings for Smoothies, Frozen Drinks, Ice Cream, Chutney, and Milkshakes. This can be a great time-saver and makes it highly user-friendly. It also features a single-serve nutrient extractor with a separate manual blade assembly for easy smoothie-to-go preparation. Additionally, the 1200 is NSF-certified, making it easy to clean and suitable for commercial use.
Vitamix blenders, on the other hand, rely on variable speed control and pulse features for custom blending. While this may take a bit of practice to master, it allows for a high degree of control and customization. Vitamix blenders also come with a self-cleaning feature that requires you to merely fill the container with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, and blend on high speed for about a minute.
In the end, the choice between the Ninja Professional Blender 1200 and Vitamix boils down to your specific needs, budget, and preferences. If you're looking for a powerful, versatile blender that can handle a wide range of tasks and are willing to invest in the higher-end model, Vitamix is a clear choice. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option that still offers impressive power and performance, the Ninja Professional Blender 1200 is an excellent alternative. Happy blending!