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PopBabies Portable Blender vs. BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade Personal Blender Side-by-Side Comparison




Our Verdict
- Performance (60%)2.3/10
- Design (25%)5.1/10
- Usability (15%)4.6/10
- Performance (60%)6.1/10
- Design (25%)7.4/10
- Usability (15%)7.0/10
While neither the PopBabies nor the BLACK+DECKER FusionBlade is suitable for crushing ice, our testing has shown that the BLACK+DECKER is a more efficient and reliable option for those seeking an affordable personal blender that can handle a range of simple recipes.
In our testing, this corded personal blender proved to be moderately adept at blending hard ingredients such as frozen fruits and raw nuts. While it didn't outperform all other personal blenders in our protein shake and smoothie tests, it still managed to hold its own. We found one standout feature of the BLACK+DECKER was its superior ability to process high-fiber foods. This was particularly noteworthy given that it was the best-performing blender in its price range. Despite the fact that there was always some amount of unblended food left over, the texture of everything it produced was noticeably smoother than that of the PopBabies blender.
In conclusion, if cordless operation is a must-have feature for you, the PopBabies could be an option for simpler recipes with softer ingredients. Nonetheless, we would highly recommend the BLACK+DECKER due to its affordability and adequate blending capabilities.
PopBabies Portable Blender Performance
- Protein Shake (40%)2.8/10
- Frozen Fruit Smoothie (30%)4.0/10
- Fibrous Greens (20%)0/10
- Crushed Ice (10%)0/10
- 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
Protein Shake




- 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: 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.
Frozen Fruit Smoothie




- 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 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.
Fibrous Greens



- 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: 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.
Crushed Ice
- 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: 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.
PopBabies Portable Blender Design
- Blades (20%)6.0/10
- Build Quality (60%)6.5/10
- Blending Cup (20%)0/10
- Blades (20%)6.0/10
- Build Quality (60%)7.0/10
- Blending Cup (20%)10/10
In the Box of the PopBabies Personal Blender

- Motor base
- Blending cup
- Rubber funnel
- Ice cube tray
- Charging cable
- Recipe & user manual

- Motor Base
- Extractor Blade
- Two Blending Cups
- Two Travel 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: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.
Build Quality

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.

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.
Blades

- Material:Stainless steel
- Type:Cross
- Guard Material:
- Blade Count:4 blades
- 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:Flat
- Guard Material:
- Blade Count:2 blades
- 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.
PopBabies 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: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.
Blending Cup

- 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: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.
Speed and Controls of the PopBabies Portable 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: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.
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
- Hands-Free Operation (60%)3.0/10
- Assembly (20%)7.0/10
- Cleanability (20%)7.0/10
- Hands-Free Operation (60%)5.3/10
- Assembly (20%)10/10
- Cleanability (20%)9.0/10
Hands-Free Operation
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.
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.
Assembly
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.
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.
Cleanability
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.
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.