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NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt (ZNBF30500Z) vs Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender (AMZ493BRN) Side-by-Side Comparison

While the Ninja AMZ493BRN holds its ground in ice crushing, the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z takes affordable blending to new heights with unmatched efficiency.

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NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt (ZNBF30500Z) vs Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender (AMZ493BRN)

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance60% Design20% Usability20% ScoreOverall 60%Performance 20%Design 20%Usability NutriBullet Blender...Ninja Compact Kitch...8.68.69.38.06.86.38.36.6
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The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z  is a powerhouse for those who prioritize efficiency in a more compact form. Its 1200W motor is perfectly aligned with its design, ensuring a seamless blending experience for an extensive range of blending tasks, from the simplest to the most challenging. 

The Ninja AMZ493BRN, on the other hand, does not provide the same level of satisfaction or versatility. While it excels in crushing ice, a feature that could appeal to those who frequently prepare chilled beverages, it struggles with more intricate blends, particularly those that involve fibrous greens and frozen fruits. 

In summary, while the Ninja AMZ493BRN has its strengths, the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z offers greater value for its price, thus standing out as the more versatile and reliable option.

Pros & Cons

  • Exceptional performance in creating smoothies from fresh or frozen fruits, protein shakes, and crushed ice
  • User-friendly, thanks to its minimalist design
  • Strikes a pleasing balance between price, functionality, and build quality
  • Comes with a generous amount of additional accessories
  • The blender's robust build promises a stable and reliable performance.
  • It excels at crushing ice, making it an ideal choice for preparing chilled beverages.
  • The provided set of accessories enhances the blender's versatility, allowing it to accommodate a wider range of tasks.
  • The user-friendly control panel makes operation simple and straightforward.
  • Falls short in its performance when making butter
  • The blending container tends to detach from the motor during use, causing interruptions
  • The cleaning can be frustrating
  • It struggles with even simple tasks like making green smoothies, frozen fruit smoothies, and nut butter.
  • The containers are prone to scratches

Key Specs

Dimensions
H16.9 x L6.8 x W6.8 inches
H17.25 x L6.9 x W7.9 inches
Weight
7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Capacity
64 oz
72 oz
Motor Power
1200 wattages
1200 wattages
Various Speed Settings
Yes
No
Pulse Mode
Yes
Yes

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$124.28
$143.93

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.6
6.3

Smoothie

9.7
3.9
The NutriBullet motor base and its container stand on a table, accompanied by a glass filled with a green smoothie. Next to it, a white paper features two distinct smoothies spread while a smartphone showcases the blending time of 59 seconds.
The NutriBullet Smoothie Test
The NutriBullet motor base and its container stand on a table, accompanied by a glass filled with a green smoothie. Next to it, a white paper features two distinct smoothies spread while a smartphone showcases the blending time of 59 seconds.
A white paper displays two smoothie samples, showcasing the consistency of a NutriBullet smoothie blended for 30 seconds and another blended for a full minute.
NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt Smoothie Video
The AMZ493BRN blender’s motor base and its container stand on a table, accompanied by a glass filled with a green smoothie. Next to it, a white paper features three distinct smoothie samples while a smartphone showcases the blending time of 4 minutes.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Blender Smoothie Test
The AMZ493BRN blender’s motor base and its container stand on a table, accompanied by a glass filled with a green smoothie. Next to it, a white paper features three distinct smoothie samples while a smartphone showcases the blending time of 4 minutes.
A white paper displays three smoothie samples, showcasing the consistency of the Ninja AMZ493BRN smoothies blended for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and 4 minutes.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Smoothie Video
Blending Time
1 min
3 mins
Result
Silky Smooth
Chunky

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

8.8
6.3
The NutriBullet motor base stands beside the container, which holds a portion of the smoothie it produced. Next to it, a glass bowl contains the remaining smoothie, while a smartphone displays a blending time of 1 minute and 49 seconds.
The NutriBullet Frozen Fruits Smoothie Test
The NutriBullet motor base stands beside the container, which holds a portion of the smoothie it produced. Next to it, a glass bowl contains the remaining smoothie, while a smartphone displays a blending time of 1 minute and 49 seconds.
A sample of frozen fruit smoothie created with a NutriBullet blender, spread on a white paper.
NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt Frozen Smoothie Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN motor base stands beside a glass bowl containing a portion of blended smoothie. Next to it, a smartphone displays a blending time of 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Frozen Fruit Smoothie
The Ninja AMZ493BRN motor base stands beside a glass bowl containing a portion of blended smoothie. Next to it, a smartphone displays a blending time of 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
A sample of frozen fruit smoothie created with the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender, spread on white paper.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Frozen Smoothie Video
Blending Time
1 min 50 seconds
4 mins 10 seconds
Result
Silky Smooth
Smooth

Protein Shake

9.1
7.8
The NutriBullet motor base stands beside the container. Next to it, a metal mesh strainer filtered its protein shake while a smartphone displayed a blending time of 1 minute 30 second.
The NutriBullet Protein Shake Test
The NutriBullet motor base stands beside the container. Next to it, a metal mesh strainer filtered its protein shake while a smartphone displayed a blending time of 1 minute 30 second.
A mesh strainer filters a protein shake made by the NutriBullet, retaining the unblended solids that fail to pass through.
NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt Protein Shake Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN blender motor base stands beside the container. Next to it, a protein shake has been strained through a metal mesh strainer while a smartphone displays a blending time of 3 minutes 40 seconds.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Blender Shake Test
The Ninja AMZ493BRN blender motor base stands beside the container. Next to it, a protein shake has been strained through a metal mesh strainer while a smartphone displays a blending time of 3 minutes 40 seconds.
A mesh strainer filters a protein shake made by the Ninja AMZ493BRN, retaining the unblended solids that fail to pass through.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Protein Shakes Video
Blending Time
1 min 30 seconds
3 mins 40 seconds
Result
Smooth
Smooth

Almond Butter

5.5
7.3
The NutriBullet is beside a white plate containing almond butter with a spatula nestled inside, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 6 minutes.
The NutriBullet Almond Butter Test
The NutriBullet is beside a white plate containing almond butter with a spatula nestled inside, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 6 minutes.
A sample of almond butter created with a NutriBullet blender, spread on a white paper.
NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt Almond Butter Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN is beside a white plate containing almond butter with a spatula, blend assembly, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 6 minutes.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Almond Butter Test
The Ninja AMZ493BRN is beside a white plate containing almond butter with a spatula, blend assembly, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 6 minutes.
A sample of almond butter created with the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender, spread on white paper.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Almond Butter Video
Blending Time
6 mins
6 mins
Result
Coarse
Smooth

Crushed Ice

10
10
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender is beside a black tray containing its crushed ice.
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Ice Crushing Test
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender is beside a black tray containing its crushed ice.
NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt Crushed Ice Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN blender is beside a black tray containing ice it crushed.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Ice Crushing Test
The Ninja AMZ493BRN blender is beside a black tray containing ice it crushed.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Crushed Ice Video
Ice Fineness
Very Fine
Very Fine
Unblended Ice
0% of 12 oz
0% of 12 oz

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.3
8.3

In the Box

A display of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender and its accessories, including the tamper, carton box, recipe booklet, user manual, extra blending pitcher, and handled cup, on a table.
Unboxing the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z
A display of the Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender and its accessories, including the 40-ounce processor bowl, dough blade assembly, pro extractor blades assembly, 18-ounce single serve cup, user manual, and carton box, on a table.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Unboxing

Dimensions

Illustrated dimensions of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z showing the height, length, and width in inches
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender showing the height, length, and width in inches
Height
16.9" (42.9 cm)
17.3" (43.8 cm)
Width
6.8" (17.3 cm)
7.9" (20.1 cm)
Weight
7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Length
6.8" (17.1 cm)
6.9" (17.5 cm)

Build Quality

9.0
9.0
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z motor base and container
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Motor Base and Container
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z motor base and container
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Motor Base
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Motor Base
A closeup of the NinjaAMZ493BRN blender motor base and container
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Motor Base and Container

Blades

10
6.0
A close up of the  NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender blades
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Blades
A close up of the  NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender blades
A close up of the  NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender blades
A close up of the  NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender easy-twist extractor blade assembly
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s blade assemblies
The Ninja AMZ493BRN’s Stackable Blade Assemblies
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s blade assemblies
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s blade assembly.
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Type
Cross
Cross and Stacked
Blade Count
(1) 6 sharp blades, (2) 4 sharp blades
(1) 6 sharp stacked blades, (2) 4 sharp stacked blades, (3) 3 dull stacked blades, (4) 4 sharp cross blade
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Motor Base

A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Motor Base
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Motor Base
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Motor Base
A close up of the underside of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z’s motor base
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender’s motor
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender’s motor
A close-up of the underside of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender’s motor base
Rated Voltage
120 Volts
120 Volts
Rated Power
1200 Wattages
1200 Wattages
Working Time
≤ 1 minute
N/A
Protection
Yes
Yes
Weight
5.1 oz (145 g)
5.5 pounds
Cord Length
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
3.0 ft (0.9 m)

Blending Container

Illustrated dimensions of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blending cups showing their heights and diameters in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blending cups showing their heights and diameters in inches.
llustrated dimensions of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z 64-oz container showing the height, length, and width across in inches.
llustrated dimensions of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z 32-oz container showing the height, length, and width across in inches.
llustrated dimensions of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z 24-oz container showing the height, length, and width across in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN containers showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN containers showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN 72-ounce containers showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN 40-ounce processor bowl showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN 18-ounce single-serve cup showing the height and diameter in inches.
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Capacity
64 oz, 32 oz, and 24 oz
72 oz, 40 oz, and 18 oz
Weight
(1) 2 lbs, (2) 0.6 lbs, and (3) 0.56 lbs
2.5 lbs, 1.9 lbs, 0.6 lb
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes
Measurement
Yes
Yes
Suitable For
Small, Medium, and Large batches
Small to large batches

Lid

A close-up of the Two-Part Lid of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z
The Two-Part Lid of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z
A close-up of the Two-Part Lid of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z
A close up of the main lid and vented lip cap of the  NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s lid
The 72-Ounce Container’s Lid
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s lid
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s lid
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Closing Type
Friction
Lock Mechanism
Features
Lid-plug
Pouring Spout with Cap

Control Panel

9.5
9.5
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender control panel
A close up of the NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender control panel
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Min Speed
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Max Speed
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s control panel
The Ninja AMZ493BRN’s Control Panel
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s control panel
The Ninja AMZ493BRN motor base on a table with a hand pressing a digital tachometer on a tripod. Different blenders are in the background.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN motor base on a table with a hand pressing a digital tachometer on a tripod. Different blenders are in the background.
Activation
Press-button
Press-button
Min Speed
14,479 RPM
15,157 RPM
Max Speed
21,169 RPM
19,230 RPM
Presets
No
Yes
Digital Display
No
Yes
Built-in Timer
No
Yes
Pulse Mode
Yes
Yes

Extra Accessory

The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z’s tamper is on a table
Material
Plastic
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.0
6.6

Ease of Blend

8.5
6.0

Noise Level

7.0
7.3
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z blender is on a table, accompanied by a sound level meter displaying its noise level nearby. In the background, other blenders that we tested sit on a nearby shelf.
NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200w Noise Level Test
The Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender is on a table, accompanied by a sound level meter displaying its recorded noise level. In the background, other blenders that we tested sit on a nearby shelf.
Max Level
100.2 dB
98.6 dB

Assembly

8.0
7.5

Cleanability

8.0
6.5

Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Tina Pham
Tina PhamReviewer

Tina Pham is a staff writer and reviewer, with five years of experience in the industry. As a passionate amateur home cook, she loves to discover practical cooking solutions, and has made it her mission to bring her findings to every kitchen. Her ultimate goal is making cooking more of a pleasure for all.

Headshot of Lap Vo
Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.

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Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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