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Vitamix 5200 Blender vs Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender (AMZ493BRN) Side-by-Side Comparison

The Ninja Compact Kitchen System (AMZ493BRN)'s promise of multifunctionality is compromised by its inconsistent blending, a stark contrast to the Vitamix 5200's smooth and efficient operation.

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Vitamix 5200 Blender

Vitamix 5200 Blender vs Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender (AMZ493BRN)

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance60% Design20% Usability20% ScoreOverall 60%Performance 20%Design 20%Usability Vitamix 5200 BlenderNinja Compact Kitch...9.69.710.08.76.86.38.36.6
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The Ninja AMZ493BRN, with its focus on versatility, offers a range of containers and functions like smoothie making, dough kneading, and food processing. This makes it become more appealing to those seeking a multifunctional blender at a moderate price. However, our tests revealed that it often struggles with even basic tasks like making fibrous green smoothies. This shortcoming is likely linked to its blade design; stacked blades might chop ingredients effectively, but they can disrupt the smooth circular motion needed to pull ingredients down towards the blades. 

In contrast, the Vitamix 5200 consistently excels across a wide range of tasks, from simple purees to challenging frozen blends. Its ease of use, with less need for manual intervention and straightforward cleaning, also contrasts sharply with the operational inconveniences of the Ninja AMZ493BRN.

Pros & Cons

  • Many user-friendly features, including the removable blade assembly
  • Versatile speed settings for a diverse range of textures
  • Capable of blending non-stop for up to six minutes
  • Rapid and potent acceleration for efficient blending
  • Excellent for both hot and icy blending applications
  • The 64-ounce container is ideal for preparing family-sized batches
  • The 7-year warranty is notably longer than other blenders
  • 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.
  • The container does not lock onto the base 
  • Average ice-crushing capability
  • 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
H19.7 x L8.8 x W8.8 inches
H17.25 x L6.9 x W7.9 inches
Weight
9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Capacity
64 oz
72 oz
Motor Power
1500 watts
1200 wattages
Various Speed Settings
Yes
No
Pulse Mode
No
Yes

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$474.97
$143.93

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
9.7
6.3

Smoothie

10
3.9
The Vitamix 5200 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 Vitamix 5200 Smoothie Test
The Vitamix 5200 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 Vitamix smoothie blended for 30 seconds and another blended for a full minute.
Vitamix 5200 blender Green 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

9.8
6.3
The Vitamix 5200 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 9 seconds.
The Vitamix 5200 Frozen Fruits Smoothie Test
The Vitamix 5200 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 9 seconds.
A sample of frozen fruit smoothie created with a Vitamix 5200 blender, spread on a white paper.
Vitamix 5200 frozen smoothies 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 10 seconds
4 mins 10 seconds
Result
Silky Smooth
Smooth

Protein Shake

9.9
7.8
The Vitamix 5200 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.
The Vitamix 5200 Protein Shake Test
The Vitamix 5200 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.
A mesh strainer filters a protein shake made by the Vitamix 5200, retaining the unblended solids that fail to pass through.
Vitamix 5200 blender Protein sharkes 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
3 mins 40 seconds
Result
Silky Smooth
Smooth

Almond Butter

10
7.3
The Vitamix 5200 is beside a white plate containing almond butter with a spatula nestled inside, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 1 minute.
The Vitamix 5200 Almond Butter Test
The Vitamix 5200 is beside a white plate containing almond butter with a spatula nestled inside, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 1 minute.
A sample of almond butter created with a Vitamix 5200 blender, spread on a white paper.
Vitamix 5200 blender 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
1 min
6 mins
Result
Silky Smooth
Smooth

Crushed Ice

8.0
10
The Vitamix 5200 is beside a black tray containing its crushed ice.
The Vitamix 5200 Ice Crushing Test
The Vitamix 5200 is beside a black tray containing its crushed ice.
The scale's screen shows  2.28 oz of unblended ice cubes remaining from the Vitamix 5200.
Vitamix 5200 blender 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
Fine
Very Fine
Unblended Ice
19% of 12 oz
0% of 12 oz

Design

Overall Design Scoring
10
8.3

In the Box

A display of the Vitamix 5200 blender and its accessories, including the tamper, carton box, recipe booklet, and user manual, on a table.
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

llustrated dimensions of the Vitamix 5200 Blender showing the height, depth, and width across in inches
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender showing the height, length, and width in inches
Height
19.7" (50.0 cm)
17.3" (43.8 cm)
Width
8.8" (22.4 cm)
7.9" (20.1 cm)
Weight
9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Length
7.8" (19.7 cm)
6.9" (17.5 cm)

Build Quality

10
9.0
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 motor base and container
The Vitamix 5200 Motor Base and Container
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 motor base and container
A close up of  Vitamix 5200 container’s bottom
Someone is holding the centering pad of the Vitamix 5200’s 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 Vitamix 5200 blades
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 blades
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 blades
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 blades
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
4 sharp blades
(1) 6 sharp stacked blades, (2) 4 sharp stacked blades, (3) 3 dull stacked blades, (4) 4 sharp cross blade
Removable
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Motor Base

A close up of the Vitamix 5200 Motor Base
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 Motor Base
A close up of the centering pad of the Vitamix 5200 motor base
A close up of the concealed power cord underneath the 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
1500 Wattages
1200 Wattages
Working Time
≤ 6 minute
N/A
Protection
Yes
Yes
Weight
7.2 pounds
5.5 pounds
Cord Length
5.9 ft (1.8 m)
3.0 ft (0.9 m)

Blending Container

Illustrated dimensions of Vitamix 5200 Blender Blending Container showing the height, depth, 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
BPA-free Eastman Tritan Copolyester
Plastic
Capacity
64 ounces
72 oz, 40 oz, and 18 oz
Weight
2.5 oz (71 g)
2.5 lbs, 1.9 lbs, 0.6 lb
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes
Measurement
Yes
Yes
Suitable For
Medium to Large batches
Small to large batches

Lid

The Vitamix 5200’s Two-Part Lid stands on a table
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

10
9.5
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 control panel
A close up of the Vitamix 5200 control panel
The Vitamix 5200 Blender Min Speed
The Vitamix 5200 Blender 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
Speed dial and Switch
Press-button
Min Speed
1,419 RPM
15,157 RPM
Max Speed
23,122 RPM
19,230 RPM
Presets
No
Yes
Digital Display
No
Yes
Built-in Timer
No
Yes
Pulse Mode
No
Yes

Extra Accessory

The Vitamix 5200’s tamper is on a table
Material
Plastic
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
No
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.7
6.6

Ease of Blend

9.0
6.0

Noise Level

7.0
7.3
The Vitamix 5200 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.
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
99.8 dB
98.6 dB

Assembly

9.0
7.5

Cleanability

9.5
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.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
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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