Oh NO! I need a new blender, and I am picky.

[Jo]

It soared through the ice crush and smoothie test with flying colors. Chopped through tons of ice in less than 5 seconds, made a thick smoothie with no chunks. For effectiveness it gets an A.

The blade is a unique multi level thing, and it's all one piece. No gaskets or unscrewing the base or anything. In addition to the balde, there is a carafe, and a one-piece lid, so a total of three separate pieces that go in the dishwasher. Easy Peasy. A for cleanup.

It is slightly harder to use than other blenders I have owned. The jar has to be placed on the base at an angle and twisted on. The lid has to be lined up correctly (there are arrows to show you the two corners that need to be matched). The blade assembly locks into the lid, and that needs to be lined up correctly to get the lid latched. The lid also has a handle release button. You need to press that to release the handle, then give a FIRM tug to get the lid off. Ease of use gets a C.

For looks I'll give it a B.

All told I give it an A- so far. We'll see how it holds up.

This would NOT be a good blender if you are planning on getting hammered on frozen Margaritas. There is no way you could line up all the notches and doohickeys if you had a few drinks under your belt. So if you get one of these and are planning to party hard, mix all of your drinks AHEAD of time.

Here is another review
http://testkitchentuesday.com/2010/1...ional-blender/

And here is a youtube video showing how to assemble/work it. Skip to about 2:30 into the video. The guy likes to talk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxuBuDS15Yw

[Radosti]

Thanks Jo! Mine's a bit different, so we'll see how it does when unpacked. The good news for me is it's from Costco, so if the carafe cracks, back it will go.

[MontrealMum]

Thanks for the detailed review!

I have an old Osterizer that still works like a charm, but is smaller than I'd like, and has developed cracks in the carafe. I don't *need* to replace it, but I know it will be a must at some point so I'm keeping my eyes peeled regarding deals and new technology. No way I can justify an almost $400 small appliance right now.

I will keep the Ninja in mind, and the Waring as well, though I'm not sure the power will be enough for us. It certainly is pretty though.

[newnana]

Originally Posted by Jo

This would NOT be a good blender if you are planning on getting hammered on frozen Margaritas. There is no way you could line up all the notches and doohickeys if you had a few drinks under your belt. So if you get one of these and are planning to party hard, mix all of your drinks AHEAD of time.

Hands down the most insightful review, ever. Love that!

[Mommy_Mea]

Originally Posted by Jo

This would NOT be a good blender if you are planning on getting hammered on frozen Margaritas. There is no way you could line up all the notches and doohickeys if you had a few drinks under your belt. So if you get one of these and are planning to party hard, mix all of your drinks AHEAD of time.

I love that you thought of this!

[diamond]

Jo and Radosti I am planning on getting the ninja blender as well, do you think it can make baby food, applesauce, soaked rice and soaked moong dal into paste, paste of peanuts, almonds etc.. ty for ur input

[Melaine]

Originally Posted by diamond

Jo and Radosti I am planning on getting the ninja blender as well, do you think it can make baby food, applesauce, soaked rice and soaked moong dal into paste, paste of peanuts, almonds etc.. ty for ur input

I want to know this too, especially about baby food. Thinking about getting the Ninja on sale at Costco.

[diamond]

melaine I got the basic nj600 ninja from bbb with 20% coupon for 84$ I should say I am impressed with it so far. Used it to make peanut paste and rice flour and moong dal pate. I am sure it will be fine for baby food. I made baby for my dd all the time in a cheapo cuisinart we had and that was ok we never bought a single baby food jar ever and we both. Worked then. but this thing rocks sp for the price. Go for it

[Radosti]

Sorry, did not see this. I am past the baby food stage and I've never made a paste, but I do make thick smoothies and it works great for that.

[AnnieW625]

I used my Waring Bar Blender for baby food. It has a glass jar and the blade is in the glass like the one Jo had to replace. We got ours as a gift in 2005 and it has gotten 1-2 a week use. I'd buy another one. I think it was $130 then (my mom would not have paid $190 for it), if you want retro green, it is $99 on Amazon rift now. Stainless is $128.00.