Ninja Smart Screen Blender with 1000-Watt Base, 4-Auto-iQ Programs, Touchscreen Display, Total Crushing Pitcher, (CT650), Black

My last blender was a very nice blender-- it was a Breville that my parents commandeered and ended up keeping. It was heavy, had a glass jar and was well made. It had a removeable blade (the bottom of the jar would come out) but it was hard work and took a tool.Fast forward several weeks and I decided it was time to replace my gifted blender. This is the one I chose after a LOT of research, reading of reviews, consumer reports and more. I'm very pleased with this blender.SAFE: I was shocked at how much safety is built into this blender compared to my last one. How?1. Jar has a line to show you where to place it, and clear turn to latch. No uncertainty as no round bottom.2. Jar lid locks on, and it will only go on one way. You can't do it the wrong way.3. Machine will not "TURN ON" if the jar is not in place, and lid properly attached/locked on.4. The blade has a top track in the lid that keeps it from getting it out of balance, bending too far to one side or anotherGREAT BLENDING:It makes such buttery smooth blends of smoothies. It's almost shocking. Ice, fruit, milk, powder and you get this product that could almost be spread like butter. It's really shockingly good.EASY CLEANING:This blender is super easy to clean. The jar can go in the dishwasher and lid & blade are top rack safe. There don't seem to be any sort of cracks or crevices that absorb blended material that may spill, and clean up has been very easy. Blending with clean water after making something has been enough to totally clean it, even though I run it through the dishwasher afterward anyway. The jar, when put in the dishwasher upside down, has drains so the bottom doesn't fill up with water! So well designed!EASY USE:The touch screen is just beautiful. It is not a 3 prong power plug (just to note). You don't have to read the directions to figure it out first time-- I don't condone not reading the directions but just saying it's intuitive. It's ergonomic to handle, the handle is big and easy to use, the pour spout does "NOT" click snap seal which is GREAT because that helps you avoid unexpected pressure splashes, but it does have a seal that keeps it from leaking. The jar is plastic, so it's lightweight. I love the pre-programmed sets like smoothie and this was a big reason I chose this model.VALUE:This model is a super value, and while I almost bought the NJ600 refurbished, the extra bit more in money was worth it for the the touch screen and new vs refurbished. It's well reviewed at Consumer Reports as well, and while I thought my Breville was well made and with a glass jar, this one is light years better and safer.EXCITEMENT:It's been a long time since I bought a new product that actually made me feel more excited AFTER I started using it! That's delivering on consumer expectations, and this is my first NINJA project, so I'm really thrilled by this!WHAT'S BAD?The noise. This unit is a loud mama jama. While I remarked on the safety aspects, if you stood near this or with your head close to it on a regular basis, you should definitely wear ear plugs. One time I accidentally tried to reach to turn off my garbage disposal because of the noise while I was using the sink, just being used to that being the main sound causer in my kitchen.OTHER THOUGHTS:It's kind of "part-ish". Lots of pieces put together, molded plastic. I hope that it holds up in the long term. I know that plastics these days can be hit with hammers and put in blast ovens and not deform or break so I'm not worried about it being plastic but I would like fewer assembled pieces.The unit is bigger than I expected, though I saw the dimensions, its markedly larger than the last blenders I've had. I want something bigger than a bullet style but smaller than this jar, for the next one.CONCLUSION:I was living in the dark ages of blenders, thinking that I had a really nice one. It was time to move on. I'm glad my parents commandeered my glass jar Breville and I'm really pleased with this one, especially the ease of use, the safety and ease of cleaning. I am now a NINJA!

After years of using inexpensive bottom blade blenders I finally took advantage of Black Friday and purchased the Ninja on sale. I could not be more pleased! It makes GREAT smoothies and ice cream drinks. It easily cracks ice and frozen fruit into smooth small crystals which are a pleasure to drink. Ice cream drinks (I add crushed ice) are smooth and velvety. I also use it for vegetables. Blends them up well. The blade design ensures an even blend.Some of the reviews referenced safety issues with the blade. I found them to be unfounded. Anyone with basic common sense will be able to handle it easily. The blade pulls out easily making the entire unit easy to clean. There is only ONE way to replace it and the blender will not operate unless it is in the correct position and the lid is fastened securely. There were also complaints of contents being thrown to the top of the blender. This does happen a little when blending a carrot or an onion. Pieces can stick to the sides of the blender, however the vast majority of (dry) ingredients are blended evenly and wind up at the bottom due to gravity. If a small amount of liquid is added there are NO issues at all.I read many reviews of blenders. The Vitamix brand is probably the best, however it is also pricey. This blender is a great bargain. I have only owned it since November of 2018 so I can not yet comment on durability, however it seems very powerful, the blade shows no wear, and the jar, even though not glass, is very sturdy.

I originally had the single serve ninja that came with a few extra cups, which was fine at the time. But now that my kids love smoothies as well, I needed something bigger. I knew I wanted another ninja, so I shopped around for a while and had a few different ones in my cart. Typical of amazon, the prices kept going up and down 🙄, but I caught this one on a daily deal for $62 and I'm so glad I waited because it was originally $111.Moving on, I'm in love with everything about this blender. The base is a little on the big side and it's really loud, but I love the touch screen and the fact that you can just press the smoothie button and walk away. My kids love the fact that they can help put everything in and push the button. They love drinking the result of their work even more. It does an excellent job of blending, even frozen fruit. I haven't tried the ice cream function yet, but I cant wait to do so.It's also easy to clean without having to touch the blades. I just rinse it out, then add a little soap and water and run another smoothie cycle. I still wash the pitcher part out by hand afterwards, but I avoid having to touch the blades altogether. I've been using it like crazy and it seems durable enough. I'm so in love with this that if something were to happen to the one I have now, I wouldn't hesitate to get another one.

When I un-boxed the item everything looked brand new. It include the base of the blender, the blender pitcher and the blade. All in perfect condition.There are safety measures in place so be aware, such as the following:1. Blender will not turn on if the lid is not fastened correctly.2. There is a max liquid line for a reason, portion everything the best you can. There is a lot of smoothie recipes that offer measurements of fluid to solid ratios.3. You will need to either remove the lid then carefully remove the blade, then pour or just completely leave the lid on and pop the corner pour side open then pour. The blade is not securely locked.Otherwise super easy to clean. I have no issues with the blender and I use it about twice a day. Vitamixer’s claim to be the best, and prolly are but for this price the Ninja is a great option.