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BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade vs Ninja QB3001SS Fit Side-by-Side Comparison

Tina Pham
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 21, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 21, 2023
The Black+Decker Fusionblade Personal Blender standing on a white table with its accessories, including a to-go lid, an extra blending cup with lid, a user’s manual, and a paper carton box, by its sides.
The Ninja Fit personal blender 700-Watt personal blender standing on a gray table with its additional accessories by its side, including an extra blending cup, two to-go lids, a user’s manual, and a paper carton box.
Blenders type
personal
personal

Our Verdict

6.6
Overall Score
  • Performance (60%)
    6.1/10
  • Design (25%)
    7.4/10
  • Usability (15%)
    7.0/10
9.4
Overall Score
  • Performance (60%)
    9.6/10
  • Design (25%)
    9.5/10
  • Usability (15%)
    8.5/10

The Ninja QB3001SS Fit performed far better than the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade in all of our four tests. Its outputs were exceptionally smooth with almost no large chunks left behind. It also has a more attractive design and  solidly-built parts.

Meanwhile, the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade is powerful enough to liquify frozen fruits and raw nuts, but is too weak for a quick fibrous greens extraction or fluffy crushed ice. We suspect that most buyers in this price-range would be acceptable of this weak point, but by choosing the mid-range Ninja QB3001SS Fit you can enjoy a better overall design and consistent heavy-duty performance.

Just Fine for Simple Blends

Black+Decker Fusionblade Personal Blender Performance

Ninja Fit Personal Blender Performance: A Big Dog in the Segment
6.1
Performance Scores
  • Protein Shake (40%)7.2/10
  • Frozen Fruit Smoothie (30%)6.0/10
  • Fibrous Greens (20%)7.0/10
  • Crushed Ice Cubes (10%)0/10
9.6
Performance Scores
  • Protein Shake (40%)9.6/10
  • Frozen Fruit Smoothie (30%)10/10
  • Fibrous Greens (20%)9.5/10
  • Crushed Ice Cubes (10%)9.0/10
7.2

Protein Shake

9.6
  • Blending Time: 2 mins
  • Result: Smooth

In this protein shake test, the FusionBlade came out as one of the best personal blenders. Its sturdy 2-prong blade, together with the 275-watt motor, breaks down tough foods, including almonds and dried berries, without much problem. However, for some reason, it had a hard time with oatmeal, requiring up to 2 minutes — longer than the average blending time — to completely pulverize the oats. If you’re willing to spend a few extra seconds on prep, this may not matter much. Overall, the smoothness of its product was more than acceptable, with just a very tiny flake of almond remaining solid.

  • Blending Time: 50 seconds
  • Result: Silky Smooth

No matter what ingredients you have on hand for your protein shakes, the Ninja QB3001SS Fit will quickly turn them into a chunk-free mix. Its impeccable performance in this test is evidence of that. Consisting of the toughest-to-blend ingredients, our recipe presents a high level of difficulty, but it still didn’t give this blender any trouble. 

Our Ninja took only 50 seconds to churn out the desired result. The oatmeal was completely broken down while almonds and berries were blended to their finest state. After straining the drink through a strainer, we found a smattering of partially blended chunks, but we don’t think it's enough to turn off many folks. Given such a result, this machine is a worthy competitor to the NutriBullet Pro — our best personal blender at the time of writing.

6.0

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

10
  • Blending Time: 1 min 40 seconds
  • Result: Silky Smooth
  • Suction:

If you've ever wondered how efficient a low-powered personal blender is in preparing frozen-fruit smoothies, the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade can give you an answer. Although this machine isn’t so powerful, it liquified the ingredients with little effort, though a few shakes were required to ensure the blending process went smoothly. 

The smoothie was churned into a smooth, chilly, and slushy consistency, though it lacked the perfect ice-cream-like texture we got from faster blenders, such as the Ninja Fit. This was because frozen fruits thaw quickly at room temperature, diluting the overall consistency if you don’t blend fast enough. Simply put, the longer processing time of the FusionBlade means its smoothie came out thinner and less desirable than it should. 

Nevertheless, this machine is an adequate personal blender for making frozen-fruit smoothies. We found it’s better at this job than many other models within the same range, and the great smoothness of its product in this test reminds us of pricier blenders, namely the Nutri Ninja Pro.

  • Blending Time: 1 minute
  • Result: Silky Smooth
  • Suction:

When it comes to preparing smoothies, this blender’s efficiency is something that we’ve all dreamed about, but never thought possible on a budget. In our test, it allowed for a quick preparation of frozen foods with very little effort thanks to its heavy-duty motor and sturdy blades. The compromise was that we had to pause now and then to shake chunks free from the blades.  

The smoothie was ready to drink within 1 minute of blending, which was far faster than average. In fact, it was fully twice as fast as some other models like the Magic Bullet, the Hamilton Beach, and the Oster. You may think it doesn’t matter much to wait a bit longer, but actually, the difference in blending time between blenders did create a substantial discrepancy in the drink’s texture and temperature.

As a general rule of thumb, frozen foods thaw quickly at room temperature, especially when you start grinding them up. The faster your blender does its job, the thicker and less diluted your smoothie will be. 

Simply put, not only did the Ninja Fit blend smoothly, but its rapid operation also provided us with the thick, ice-cream-like consistency that we prefer in frozen fruit smoothies. If you’re craving icy-cold drinks on hot days, this blender definitely has the chops for it.

7.0

Fibrous Greens

9.5
  • Blending Time: 20 seconds
  • Result: Coarse

The FusionBlade didn’t struggle during the 20-second runtime (our time limit for this test). More impressively, of all the blenders we tested from this market segment, the BLACK+DECKER stood out with the best extraction of high-fiber foods. However, that doesn’t mean it did a complete job; there was still a considerable amount of coarse pulp left behind after we drained the mixture through a mesh strainer. It probably could have been better if we allowed our machine to blend longer. For sure, a quality green juice is worth a little extra waiting time.

  • Blending Time: 20 seconds
  • Result: Very fine

The Ninja Fit is quite capable of incorporating leafy vegetables and other fiber-filled foods into your drink. Of all the blenders we tested, this was one of the few that could break down almost all of kale, spinach, and celery in only 20 seconds. The greens were blended finely and had consistent-sized grounds. Not only that, but it left us with only a little pulp that was too big to pass through a strainer — better results than even the pricier Nutri Ninja Auto-IQ.

0.0

Crushed Ice Cubes

9.0
  • Ice Fineness: Chunky
  • Unblended Ice: 79% of 6 oz

It’s safe to say the BLACK+DECKER was not up to the heavy-duty task of crushing ice cubes. As Scotty might say, it just doesn’t have the power. That’s not a major hit to its value — we’ve learned that not many personal blenders are capable of producing fluffy, snow-like crushed ice (For instance, the Oster, the Hamilton Beach, or the KOIOS). If you insist on that sort of blend, you’ll need a more powerful motor. Most of this FusionBlade’s ice remained very chunky. 

Overall, the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade’s performance was not all bad, and we really like this blender, but there are still a few good ice-crusher alternatives to choose from.

  • Ice Fineness: Very Fine
  • Unblended Ice: 20% of 6 oz

In this task, this blender struggled quite a bit, and couldn’t quite power through all the ice cubes. A small amount of ice remained solid — accounting for 20% of the total — when it was all said and done. And again, we had to stop and shake the blending jar to promote the contact between the ice and blades. 

Of all the blenders with small blending cups, however, the Ninja Fit was the only one that actually could perform that well. It even crushed ice as fluffily as its larger counterpart, the NutriBullet Pro. With the Ninja Fit, you may no longer have to deal with whole ice cubes in your drink.

Everything Comes Standard

Black and Decker Fusionblade Personal Blender Design

Ninja QB3001SS Mini Personal Blender Design: Sporty with A Premium Feel
7.4
design Scores
  • Blades (20%)6.0/10
  • Build Quality (60%)7.0/10
  • Blending Cup (20%)10/10
9.5
design Scores
  • Blades (20%)9.0/10
  • Build Quality (60%)9.5/10
  • Blending Cup (20%)10/10

In the Box of the Black+Decker Fusionblade Digital Blender

In the Box
  • Motor Base 
  • Extractor Blade
  • Two Blending Cups
  • Two Travel Lids
  • Recipe Book & User Guide
  • Motor base 
  • Extractor blade
  • Two blending cups 
  • Two to-go lids
  • Recipe book & User guide

Dimensions

Ninja QB3001SS Small Blender Dimensions
  • Height:
    14.5" (36.8 cm)
  • Width:
    5.5" (14.0 cm)
  • Weight:
    2.3 oz (65 g)
  • Shaft Length:

As we learned from our research, the ideal weight of a personal blender is between 2 and 4 pounds, and at 2.3 lbs, the FusionBlade fits this metric. While it appears in pictures to be the roughly same size as others, it’s actually taller than average. Nonetheless, it’s still compact enough to easily find in your cabinet when not in use.

  • Height:
    13.0" (33.0 cm)
  • Width:
    4.5" (11.4 cm)
  • Weight:
    3.1 oz (88 g)
  • Shaft Length:

This blender isn’t as solid as the NutriBullet or the Nutri Ninja, but we appreciate its lighter weight and more compact dimensions. It is roughly the same size as a champagne bottle, so it should fit well into your cabinet. It also won’t occupy too much counter space and you can easily carry it around when you’re on the move.

7.0

Build Quality

9.5

This FusionBlade is powered by a motor encased in a simple plastic base. The overall quality and materials of the casing are inferior to premium models, but we haven’t experienced any durability issues so far. The same thing can be said about the blade assembly and plastic cup. Cheaply designed but otherwise sturdy, these pieces feel like they’ll be with you for years to come.

Our Ninja Fit looks fancier than we’d expect for the price. The part quality resembles that of much more expensive units. The main body’s exterior is eye-pleasing with a glossy finish capable of holding up against dings or scratches. The interior is mostly made of plastic, but it looks robust, reflecting the blender’s high-tech design. Much the same can be said for the blending cup and extractor blade, too. These parts aren’t new ideas, but they should be the benchmark for durability and refinement in this price range.

6.0

Blades

9.0
  • Material:
    Stainless Steel
  • Type:
    Dull Blade
  • Guard Material:
  • Blade Count:
    2
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The blade features two dull prongs rather than the more common sharp blades. This typically means the blender should be used for processing dry ingredients rather than wet mixtures, but the FusionBlade’s testing performance somehow suggests otherwise. And as mentioned above, the lack of extra prongs means this machine doesn’t blend as quickly as its counterparts that come with four or even six prongs.

  • Material:
    Stainless Steel
  • Type:
    Sharp Blade
  • Guard Material:
  • Blade Count:
    4
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The blade is constructed of hardened stainless steel. It features four prongs so you will get faster blending times and finer results compared than those that have only two. 

The base and blade assembly screws tightly onto the blending cup to prevent leaks while in use. It is designed for processing liquids, including juice, frozen mixtures, sauces, and hummus. It cannot be used to blend hot liquids or for grinding operations.

Black+Decker Fusionblade Personal Blender Motor Base

Ninja Fit 700 Watts Personal Blender Motor Base
  • Rated Voltage:
    120V
  • Rated Power:
    275 Watt
  • Working Time:
    N/A
  • Protection:
    No
  • Weight:
    1.9 lbs (0.9 kg)
  • Cord Length:
    2.3" (5.8 cm)
  • Extra Feature:
    rubber feets

Despite the exterior being entirely plastic, the 275-watt motor base is on the robust side. It is wider at the bottom than the top to keep it steady, so the blender won’t walk around your counter while blending. There are also four rubber feet underneath to further help in this regard. They also help the blender avoid overheating by allowing some airflow to the motor. 

In general, personal blenders tend to have an operational time limit on their motors — usually between 1 and 4 minutes at a stretch. Beyond the limit, they may overheat and damage the motor. That said, there is no clear information about the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade in that regard. We recommend that you don’t run your device longer than 1 minute per interval to ensure the best long-term use. 

  • Rated Voltage:
    110 - 120 V
  • Rated Power:
    700 Watts
  • Working Time:
    ≤ 1 minute
  • Protection:
    Yes
  • Weight:
    2.5 lbs (1.2 kg)
  • Cord Length:
    2.8 ft (0.9 m)
  • Extra Feature:
    Rubber grips on the bottom, cooling fan.

The Ninja Fit is powered by a 700-watt motor which is more than enough to blend most simple ingredients. That motor is even strong enough to turn your blender into a standalone ice crusher, though we don’t recommend doing so too often since it might limit the blender’s lifespan. 

The elegant yet sturdy exterior is a key selling point over its rivals, but the carefully constructed interior is what truly grabs our attention. In particular, despite being made of ABS plastic, the black actuator tabs are unlikely to break even when you press the cup down into them vigorously. The rubber and plastic liners inside the power base feel pretty durable too. 

There are also rubber grips on the bottom that keep things steady while in use and a cooling fan in the back to limit overheating. Still, though, it’s best not to run it for more than a minute at a stretch.

10

Blending Cup

10
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Capacity:
    20 oz
  • Weight:
    0.3 lb
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Measurement:
    Yes
  • Suitable For:
    Small batches
  • Accessories:
    Travel lids

The set we bought includes two blending cups, but you can purchase more at BlackAndDeckerAppliances.com. All the cups provided by the manufacturer can be used interchangeably with the extractor blade. They also fit tightly with the included flip-top lids so you can enjoy your drinks on the go without mess. Another convenience is that the lids are easy to screw on and remove from the cups.

  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Capacity:
    16.0 fl oz (473.2 ml)
  • Weight:
    0.6 oz (17 g)
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Measurement:
    No
  • Suitable For:
    Small batches
  • Accessories:
    2 to-go lids

This set includes two blending cups with lids. Each has a 16-oz capacity and can be fitted to the blade assembly. The lids seal tightly to the cups, locking all the ingredients inside even when you turn them upside down. As a nice bonus, each lid has a flip-top spout.

Speed and Controls

Speed and Controls of the nNinja QB3001SS Personal Blender
  • Control Type:
    Button
  • Min Speed:
    N/A
  • Max Speed:
    N/A
  • Presets:
    No
  • Noise Level:
    88 dB
  • Digital Display:
    No
  • Pulse Mode:
    No

There is one button in the front, which you’ll use to switch the motor on. It has only one speed, and you simply hold the button down to keep it running. We found the button to be very responsive so you don’t need much force. The FusionBlade isn’t equipped with a pulse function, but you can still approximate it and get a chunky texture by pressing and releasing its button in short intervals.

  • Control Type:
    Push
  • Min Speed:
  • Max Speed:
  • Presets:
    No
  • Noise Level:
    98 dB
  • Digital Display:
    No
  • Pulse Mode:
    No

Because the Ninja Fit doesn’t have any switches or buttons, you only get a single speed. The motor is activated by simply pressing the cup down into the base. Your blender will then run until you take your hand off it. You can also simulate pulse mode by pressing and releasing the cup in short intervals.

Black and Decker Fusionblade Personal Blender Usability Review

Ninja Fit Personal Blender Usability Review: Satisfying Blending Experience
7.0
usability Scores
  • Hands-Free Operation (60%)5.3/10
  • Assembly (20%)10/10
  • Cleanability (20%)9.0/10
8.5
usability Scores
  • Hands-Free Operation (60%)7.8/10
  • Assembly (20%)10/10
  • Cleanability (20%)9.0/10
5.3

Hands-Free Operation

7.8

Although the design couldn't be simpler, the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade isn’t very comfortable to use. It requires that you press and hold the power button throughout the whole operation. Not only that, but you also cannot take your eyes off the blending cup in any sort of blend. This is because food often gets lodged under the blade and stops it from operating, which demands your timely intervention to resolve.

This blender doesn’t allow for hands-free operation; you’ll need to hold the cup in place throughout the operation to activate the motor, but this is true with most personal blenders. On the upside, it doesn’t demand too much extra shaking or stirring to dislodge chunks trapped on or around the blades. For the most part, each batch only needs a little shake to achieve a smooth consistency.

10

Assembly

10

Attaching the cup, the blade, and the motor base together is effortless. You’ll need to screw the extractor blade onto the top of the blending cup first, then turn the whole thing upside down and place it on the blender base. A quick, simple turn to the right will lock the cup into place and you can start blending securely. 

Disassembly is even easier. Simply take the cup out from the base and unscrew the extractor blade. You can then replace the blade assembly with the spill-proof travel lid if you want to sip your drink on the go.

This blender is a cinch to set up. To blend, you’ll need to seal the blade tightly to the cup, then turn the cup upside down and place it on the motor base by aligning its tabs with the motor’s slots. Once your cup is correctly positioned, push it all the way down so it can begin blending. Removing the cup is even easier, simply lift it up from the motor base. You won’t need much practice to operate the machine smoothly — we figured it all out before even opening the user manual.

9.0

Cleanability

9.0

All the removable pieces, including the blending cup, blade assembly, and travel lids, are top-rack dishwasher safe. We recommend washing them by hand with warm, soapy water, though, so they don’t wear down as quickly. We didn’t have any trouble scrubbing the blade’s undersides like we usually did with its competitors. Our only challenge was the blending cup, which was too narrow for even a small hand to get inside, so make sure you always have a bottle-cleaning brush available.

All the parts are dishwasher safe except for the motor base, but note that they must be separated from each other before being placed in the dishwasher.

To clean them manually, simply pour warm water into the cup, add a bit of soap, and run the blender for 30 to 60 seconds. After dumping out the cleaning solution and rinsing the pitcher thoroughly, your blender will be ready for a new batch of smoothies. 

If you  don’t want to do it that way, we recommend using a dishwashing utensil dampened with soapy water to scrub out any stains. Getting under the blades can be tricky; be careful not to slice your fingers!