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PopBabies Portable Blender vs Bella Rocket Blender 12-Piece Set Side-by-Side Comparison

Tina Pham
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 22, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 22, 2023
The PopBabies personal blender standing on a white table with a user’s manual, charging cable, funnel, ice cube tray, and paper carton box by its sides.
The BELLA personal blender standing on a table with its additional accessories, including two blending cups with lids, user’s manual, and paper carton box, by its sides.
Blenders type
personal
personal

Our Verdict

3.3
Overall Score
  • Performance (60%)
    2.3/10
  • Design (25%)
    5.1/10
  • Usability (15%)
    4.6/10
6.7
Overall Score
  • Performance (60%)
    5.7/10
  • Design (25%)
    7.8/10
  • Usability (15%)
    8.7/10

Our testing has revealed several drawbacks of the PopBabies, specifically in its practicality, despite its cordless convenience. Blends produced by this blender were chunky and inconsistent, failing to achieve the desired smoothness for protein shakes, frozen fruit smoothies, and fibrous mixtures.

Nonetheless, the PopBabies can still be useful for simpler blends, such as purees, as long as the ingredients are chopped and the blender is charged.

In comparison, the BELLA is corded and well capable of preparing protein shakes and frozen fruit smoothies but comes up short in liquifying leafy greens and pulverizing ice cues. For those that can manage with such compromises, this blender is the easy choice considering its price and long list of extra accessories. 

Additionally, the corded design of the BELLA ensures consistent power supply throughout the blending process, eliminating the risk of the battery running dry mid-blend, as with the PopBabies.

PopBabies Portable Blender Performance

Bella Rocket Blender 12-Piece Set Performance
2.3
Performance Scores
  • Protein Shake (40%)2.8/10
  • Frozen Fruit Smoothie (30%)4.0/10
  • Fibrous Greens (20%)0/10
  • Crushed Ice (10%)0/10
5.7
Performance Scores
  • Protein Shake (40%)7.5/10
  • Frozen Fruit Smoothie (30%)9.0/10
  • Fibrous Greens (20%)0/10
  • Crushed Ice (10%)0/10
2.8

Protein Shake

7.5
  • Blending Time: 3 mins 20 seconds
  • Result: Very Coarse

The testing of the PopBabies blender resulted in a disappointing outcome. Despite the blending session lasting for three minutes and twenty seconds, the oatmeal and almonds were blended well but the almonds remained largely intact, resulting in a chunky and texturally inconsistent shake.

One potential reason for this subpar testing performance is the blender's 175-watt motor, which appears to lack sufficient power to churn through such a tough ingredient. An inadequate blade design and jar shape can be factors that hinder the blender's efficiency as well. 

However, it is important to note that the PopBabies blender had a notable advantage compared to other blenders. During the test, it did not become clogged with food, allowing the blades to turn smoothly and continuously, with minimal disruptions, except for the required idle blending time. Considering this, the PopBabies seems to be not a bad choice for those seeking a quick and convenient solution to make fruity work-out treats. To ensure the best possible results, just make sure to use only soft ingredients.

  • Blending Time: 1 mins 30 seconds
  • Result: Smooth

In this test, the BELLA blender produced a nearly perfect protein shake in one minute and thirty seconds. There was a small smattering of partially intact berries and almonds found after straining, but the oatmeal was mostly blended well so this didn’t detract much from the overall quality of the drink. With a little bit of tweaking by letting it blend longer or soak the nuts prior to use, we would even get a chunk-free consistency. You’ll find lots of personal blenders in this class, but rarely of them might provide as smooth and quick results. Some took up to four minutes to liquify oatmeal entirely, while others' blades were too weak to churn through such solid fruits (for example, the Magic Bullet, the La Reveuse, and the Icucina).

4.0

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

9.0
  • Blending Time: 2 mins
  • Result: Smooth
  • Suction:

The smoothie-making capability of the PopBabies was put to the test using four varieties of berries. Eventually, we found that this blender could achieve a smooth mixture within the allotted time of 2 minutes. That said, the final product did not meet our desired outcome of a thick, icy consistency due to the dilution caused by the fast-thawing nature of frozen fruits. Some other blenders we tested completed the task in only 1 minute so the smoothies they produced were perfectly ice-cream-like (for instance, the Ninja Fit, the NutriBullet, and the Ninja BN401)

Even worse, the blender itself couldn’t run smoothly, as opposed to the prior test with protein shakes. The fruits were so solid that the blades couldn’t power through so we had to intervene multiple times by shaking the cup vigorously. Nonetheless, we believe this blender still makes sense for all of us when it comes to preparing small batches of smoothies as long as our ideas of drinks involve fresh fruits instead of frozen ones.

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

The BELLA is a classic example of why a cheaper blender isn't always worse because its smoothie-making capability proved to be even on par with those of higher-powered models, namely the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ. This can be attributed to several factors, including blade design, motor strength, and blending speed.

The sturdy blade spined relatively fast. Working with a 240-watt motor, it took only one minute and ten seconds to blend and mix all the ingredients together. A very quick blending time for this class of blender, this speed is crucial when it comes to blending frozen ingredients as it helps to preserve the ice-cream-like texture that people look for in frozen fruit smoothies. 

For the smoothie’s consistency, while there were still small bits of raspberry skin and strawberry seeds present, this is to be expected when blending ingredients of this nature. Overall, these small bits didn’t impair the smoothie’s quality at all.

0.0

Fibrous Greens

0.0
  • Blending Time: 20 seconds
  • Result: Very Coarse

It is unclear why the PopBabies blade failed to spin at the outset of our test, but it is possible due to the small size of the blending cup and the large amount of greens we used. To get the food to circulate properly, we had to shake the cup vigorously, which was time consuming and left us underwhelmed, though, after several attempts, we finally got the blender to run for the required 20 seconds. Following this, we strained the mixture through a mesh strainer and were dismayed to find a significant amount of pulp still remained. This indicated that the blender didn’t extract the full range of nutrients and flavors from the greens. Apparently enough, if your aim is to maximize the nutritional value of your vegetables, this blender may not be an ideal choice.

  • Blending Time: 20 seconds
  • Result: Failed

Upon conducting a 20-second blending cycle, we found the BELLA couldn’t perform up to its usual standards being somewhat suboptimal in processing high-fiber foods, including kale, celery, and spinach. Strain analysis of the mixture revealed a substantial volume of greens remaining partially unblended which led to a grainy texture and an inadequate extraction of the green’s nutrients, in the end. 

On the contrary, some other blenders, like the Ninja Fit and the Ninja BN401, produced a smoother outcome with a significantly smaller volume of visible flakes. As such, our conclusion is that your BELLA is not well equipped to handle high-fiber foods and may fall short of the desired performance criteria for such applications.

0.0

Crushed Ice

0.0
  • Ice Fineness: Failed
  • Unblended Ice: 100% of 6 oz

Given our experience with the blender in previous performances, it would have been reasonable to have low expectations for its capability in this test. However, we still gave it a fair shot. 

And again, this blender became obstructed by the ingredients even when we had tried hard to shake the cup repeatedly. To be fair, though, personal blenders like this one are not designed for heavy-duty tasks like crushing ice due to their lack of power. Pushing your device beyond its limits can cause wear and tear that will inevitably impact its overall performance, even in more standard blending tasks. If you want fluffy, snow-like crushed ice or desire to incorporate ice into your smoothies, it may be worth investing in a high-performance blender, such as the Ninja Nutri Auto-IQ.

  • Ice Fineness: Coarse
  • Unblended Ice: 79% of 6 oz

The BELLA appeared to lack the necessary strength for such a tough application. As a result, all the ice cubes remained virtually intact despite its significant effort. To be fair, though, this is a common limitation among personal blenders. Should you desire crushed ice with a fluffy, snow-like consistency or intend to incorporate more ice into your smoothies, consider the NutriBullet or anything with at least a 700-watt motor.

PopBabies Portable Blender Design

Bella 14-oz Rocket Blender Design
5.1
design Scores
  • Blade (20%)6.0/10
  • Build Quality (60%)6.5/10
  • Blending Cup (20%)0/10
7.8
design Scores
  • Blade (20%)6.5/10
  • Build Quality (60%)7.5/10
  • Blending Cup (20%)10/10

In the Box of the PopBabies Personal Blender

In the Box of the Bella Rocket Blender 12-Piece Set
  • Motor base 
  • Blending cup 
  • Rubber funnel 
  • Ice cube tray
  • Charging cable
  • Recipe & user manual
  • Motor base 
  • Two blade assemblies
  • Three blending cups
  • Two storage lids 
  • Two lip rings
  • Two shaker lids 
  • Recipe book & user guide

Dimensions

  • Height:
    10.2" (25.9 cm)
  • Width:
    3.3" (8.4 cm)
  • Weight:
    1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
  • Shaft Length:

  • Height:
    11.8" (30.0 cm)
  • Width:
    4.5" (11.4 cm)
  • Weight:
    2.3 oz (65 g)
  • Shaft Length:

6.5

Build Quality

7.5

The PopBabies blender comes across as inexpensive, with the use of cut-rate materials. There are a lot of plastic parts that look cheap and are prone to scratching. Even after taking care to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, we found multiple little scratches appeared on both the inner and outer surfaces. We were also disappointed to find that the cup did not hold up well over time as it somehow became cloudy with use, detracting from the overall appearance of the blender. The blade is adequate for the blender's price range, but it still lacks the sturdiness necessary for consistent performance found on higher-priced models.

The motor’s build quality is on par with its price point, with a predominantly plastic housing reinforced by a thin metal layer on the outside. It doesn’t have any glaring flaws in finish, but we'd like things to be a bit sleeker, especially the outside. The same goes for the two blade assemblies. We're just less pleased with the blending cups since they both look less as quality, and feel more susceptible to damage.

6.0

Blade

6.5
  • Material:
    Stainless steel.
  • Type:
    Sharp and Dull Blade.
  • Guard Material:
  • Blade Count:
    4
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The PopBabies features a stainless steel blade assembly that is noticeably short and not very sharp compared to other personal blenders. While it may offer some benefits, we questioned whether this design could provide sufficient contact between the blades and ingredients for quick and even blending, and our experience with the blender confirmed that it was not as impressive as it may have appeared on paper. Furthermore, the blade assembly is permanently attached to the motor base, unlike most personal blenders. This makes it more challenging to clean the blades thoroughly, especially on the undersides.

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

The set includes two blade assemblies: a cross blade and a flat blade. Both pieces have average quality and lack a refined appearance. The cross blade features four prongs, potentially resulting in faster and smoother blending of wet ingredients compared to two-pronged blades. The flat blade, also known as a dry blade, is specifically designed for grinding harder ingredients such as rice, coffee beans, and whole grains.

PopBabies Blender Motor Base

Bella Rocket Blender Motor Base
  • Rated Voltage:
    N/A
  • Rated Power:
    175 Watt
  • Working Time:
    N/A
  • Protection:
    Yes
  • Weight:
    0.8 lb
  • Cord Length:
    NaN" (NaN cm)
  • Extra Feature:
    No

The motor has a peak power output of 175 watts. It has a 20-second idle blending time and shouldn’t run continuously for a long time per interval. In case it goes beyond the idle time frame, the blender will automatically stop and you will have to press the switch again should you want to continue blending. The safety mode is critical in preventing overloading and subsequent damage to the blender's components. Other blenders may rely on silicone feet for stability, but this model defies convention. Despite lacking this feature, we found it remained remarkably stable on the counter during all of its testing performance, with no significant movement to report. It's a small detail, but one that speaks to the blender's usability.

  • Rated Voltage:
    120V
  • Rated Power:
    240 Watt
  • Working Time:
    ≤ 1 minute
  • Protection:
    No
  • Weight:
  • Cord Length:
    2.3 ft (0.7 m)
  • Extra Feature:
    Silicone feet

The motor is relatively resistant to overheating compared to similar models, but only in case you avoid operating it continuously for more than one minute at a time. If additional blending time is required, you should allow the motor to cool for up to three minutes before starting the next 1-minute interval. Otherwise, a cooling fan alone won't be sufficient to prevent your blender from getting hot. 

Four rubber feet are placed underneath the motor to further enhance stability and reduce movement during operation. It also assists in providing proper ventilation for the motor.

0.0

Blending Cup

10
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Capacity:
    16.0 fl oz (473.2 ml)
  • Weight:
    0.5 oz (14 g)
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Measurement:
    Yes
  • Suitable For:
    Small batches
  • Accessories:
    A funnel

The blender comes with a 16-ounce capacity cup made of AS material. After rigorous testing, we found some areas being scratched, but it didn't affect the blender's performance in any way. The cup's lid provides a tight seal that prevents leaks, even during vigorous shaking or when the cup is turned upside down. To ensure optimal safety, it's essential to keep the lid securely closed and avoid adding ingredients while the blender is in operation. Additionally, the cup's small opening can make adding ingredients a bit challenging, but the included rubber funnel helps to prevent mess and spills.

  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Capacity:
    13.5 oz, 13.5 oz, and 6 oz
  • Weight:
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes
  • Measurement:
    No
  • Suitable For:
    Small batches
  • Accessories:
    Two storage lid, two lip rings, two shaker Lid

This set includes three blending cups, two of which are 13.6 oz and one that is 6 oz. The two blending assemblies work interchangeably with all cups, making it very convenient to switch between different blending needs. The smaller cup is recommended for dry blends, as it comes with sieve lids that allow it to function as a shaker for ground spices and seasonings. There are also two storage lids and two removable lip rings included so you’ll find it easier to sip your drink straight from the tall cup.

Speed and Controls of the PopBabies Portable Blender

Speed and Controls of the Bella 12-Piece Rocket Blender
  • Control Type:
    Button
  • Min Speed:
    N/A
  • Max Speed:
    N/A
  • Presets:
    No
  • Noise Level:
    86 dB
  • Digital Display:
    No
  • Pulse Mode:
    No

The blender features a single-speed function that can be easily activated through a touch button. While it doesn't have a dedicated pulse function, you can still achieve a similar effect by rhythmically tapping the button in short bursts. Since the button requires only slight pressure to operate, you can get control over the blending process with ease.

  • Control Type:
    Twist
  • Min Speed:
    N/A
  • Max Speed:
    N/A
  • Presets:
    No
  • Noise Level:
    96 (db)
  • Digital Display:
    No
  • Pulse Mode:
    No

The BELLA is a single speed design and doesn’t have a pulse function. This may make it difficult to control the consistency of blends, but is convenient for those who prefer a straightforward blending experience.

Battery

  • Status Indicator:
    Yes
  • Full Charging Time:
    3-4 hours
  • Quick Charging Time:
    N/A
  • Charger Adapter:
    N/A
  • Charger Adapter Pin:
    USB-C, 5 V output
  • Charger Length:

The PopBabies is equipped with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery, which requires a 3-4 hours charging time to reach its full capacity. The package doesn't include a charger, but you can charge the blender through any USB-C port using the supplied charging cable. This provides flexibility, allowing you to charge the blender using a variety of devices, including power banks and smartphone chargers.

PopBabies Portable Blender Usability Review

Bella Rocket Blender 12-Piece Set Usability Review
4.6
usability Scores
  • Hands-Free Operation (60%)3.0/10
  • Assembly (20%)7.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)7.0/10
8.7
usability Scores
  • Hands-Free Operation (60%)8.6/10
  • Assembly (20%)9.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)8.5/10
3.0

Hands-Free Operation

8.6

The PopBabies personal blender simplifies the blending process by allowing users to hit the power button instead of continuously holding it, as required by most traditional personal blenders. However, the device's cross blade is prone to clogs, which may impede the blending process when using solid ingredients such as hard nuts and root vegetables. Therefore, close monitoring of the blending process is necessary to detect obstructions early and prevent damage to the device. 

In addition, the blender's automatic shut-off feature after 20 seconds of operation may inconvenience users as they have to press multiple times to resume blending, leading to a potentially impaired end-product quality. All things considered, hands-free operation alone cannot guarantee optimal convenience, and users must remain vigilant throughout the blending process.

The BELLA personal blender boasts a convenient hands-free feature, which enables blending once the cup is locked in place, eliminating the need to continuously hold the cup and activate the motor. However, it may struggle with heavy-duty tasks as it can't draw ingredients towards the blade on its own. During the smoothie test, there were brief pauses every 20 seconds to shake the cup as the frozen fruits got stuck under the blade and caused jamming. This is a common issue among personal blenders and wouldn't pose a significant problem if one is willing to spend an extra minute or two in the kitchen. In fact, some other models tested required multiple shakes to achieve a smooth blend.

7.0

Assembly

9.0

Assembling the lid, cup, and motor is a simple task. Our recommendation is to attach the lid to the blending cup first, then secure the cup to the motor. However, keep in mind that the force required for tightening may pose a challenge for individuals with oily or wet hands. Furthermore, there is no audible "click" or visual cue to indicate whether the assembly was successful. The only way to know for sure is to press the power button. It's also important to note that simply tightening the cup to the motor for operation can be a safety risk, as it can easily be done by a child.

Disassembling the blender is equally effortless, just reverse the assembly process.

The BELLA is designed for easy assembly, with clear and concise instructions included. To put all the components together, just screw the blade assembly to the blending cup, insert it into the motor, and then make a quick clockwise turn to lock it in place for blending starting. Some people might find it’s a little bit frustrating to secure the blade assembly to the cup, but most of them would get the hang of it after a few tries.

7.0

Cleanability

8.5

The lid, funnel, and blending cup can be safely placed on the top rack, but it's recommended to wash them by hand with warm, soapy water to prevent rapid degradation. However, it can be a bit challenging, especially when it comes to cleaning the blade's undersides. The blade is permanently attached to the cup, making it difficult to clean its nooks and crannies. Not to mention, the small opening of the cup makes it hard to reach the blade. In this case, a bottle-cleaning brush is essential to ensure that the blade assembly is entirely free of any food debris.

We've also tried a water-only cleaning method, where we fill the blending cup half full with water and let it blend itself to remove food residues from the blade. However, we found that this method wasn't as effective as manually cleaning the blade under running tap water with a brush. This is especially true if you're dealing with tougher residues that the self-blending action alone can't remove.

Except for the motor body, all the pieces are safe to put in the dishwasher, though we decided to clean them by hand and noticed that part of the cleaning process was performed with ease, as any remaining residues of the cups and lids are removed simply by wiping the surface with a damp soapy cloth. 

The blades, on the other hand, required more attention due to their intricate design and close proximity to the assembly’s surface. As such, we had to use a straw-cleaning brush so that all remnants of food or other substances can be removed entirely.