If you are on the hunt for a personal blender, then you must have already come across these two popular brands: Magic Bullet and Nutribullet.
Which is better?
They both look very similar. In fact, they are made by the same company.
But each line of blender does come with its own distinctive features and materials.
The Magic Bullet is the pioneer of the bullet-style blenders. It is is also the more affordable product line.
The Nutribullet builds on the fundamental design of the Magic Bullet and takes its functionality to the next level.
There are a couple of models under the Nutribullet brand and they continue to introduce new upgraded models.
The Nutribullet Original, Nutribullet Pro and Nutribullet Pro 1000 are bullet-style blenders that are slim and similar to Magic Bullet in terms of aesthetics. Nutribullet has also ventured into full-sized countertop blender space with the launch of the NutriBullet Blender Combo.
To compare apples with apples, in this article we’ll only be pitting the Magic Bullet against the NutriBullet Original, NutriBullet Pro and NutriBullet Pro 1000.
So, let’s take a look at the key differences between the Magic Bullet vs Nutribullet that you need to know.
Similarities: Magic Bullet vs NutriBullet
Both blenders work by the same mechanism. Simply press down-and-twist to start the blending. There are no buttons to press and no varying speed controls.
Both brands offer 1 year limited warranty.
The cups and accessories are top rack dishwasher-safe, but it is recommended that you hand wash the blades and wipe the base clean.
Cups from Magic Bullet and Nutribullet are made from BPA-free plastics.
Magic Bullet, NutriBullet Original, NutriBullet Pro and NutriBullet Pro 1000 cannot be used to blend hot liquids/foods.
Differences: Magic Bullet vs NutriBullet
Power
NutriBullets are more powerful than Magic Bullet.
The Magic Bullet has a 250 watts motor compared to the original Nutribullet’s 600 watts motor. Nuritbullet Pro and Nutribullet Pro 1000 are much higher powered at 900 watts and 1000 watts respectively.
Capacity
Magic Bullet has the smallest capacity of up to 18 oz.
Nutribullet Original can blend up to 24 oz while the Nutribullet Pro and Nutribullet Pro 1000 share the same blending capacity of up to 32 oz.
Blades
Both Magic Bullet and Nutribullet makes use of sharp stainless-steel blades. But the ones in Nutribullet are improved Extractor Blades.
The Magic Bullet Blender
Until today, the Magic Bullet blender is the most-loved personal single-serve blenders as it is the smallest and most affordable countertop blender that you can get.
Weighing just 4.7 Ibs, it is lightweight and highly portable.
It is super compact, but sufficiently effective to get most jobs done quickly. Offering 250 watts and a decent range of accessories at this price point makes Magic Bullet a good bargain.
However, don’t expect it to be powerful enough to crush ice or seeds completely. It may be higher powered compared to other similar priced blenders but it is ultimately still a low wattage blender.
Key Specifications of The Magic Bullet Blender
- Capacity: Up to 18 oz
- Speeds: 1 Speed; No Pulse
- Power: 250 watts
- Comes with 3 cup sizes and lids: 12 and 16 oz cups with resealable lids and 22 oz mug with to-go lids
- Comes with a cross-blade stainless steel blades. The flat milling blade can be purchased separately.
- Other accessories: Lip rings, recipe book
- Cups and accessories are top rack dishwasher-safe
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Dimension:
- Weight: 4.7 Ibs
How Well Does the Magic Bullet Blends?
While it is possible to use the Magic Bullet blender to grind oats, coffee and nuts, it may not be as fine as what you’ll get from a more powerful blender. You could still get some chunks of nuts.
And it is definitively not meant for crushing ice.
TIP: Use frozen soft fruits such as frozen bananas and cherries instead of ice can help to chill your smoothie without overworking the motor.
The Magic Bullet blends decent smoothies. It has no issue with soft fruits and vegetables, but may have difficulties with more fibrous ingredients.
TIP: Due to the low wattage, you’ll need to ensure that you add sufficient liquid to your recipes.
You can also use it to easily make sauces, marinades and dips, such as hummus and salsa.
According to Magic Bullet, the blender can be used for quick food preps such as chopping garlic and onions. However, we didn’t find the results to be satisfactory with onions. The onions are pushed to the sides of the wall so you end up with an un-uniformly chopped mixture of large pieces and mushy bits.
• Easy to use and clean
• Single speed
• 250 watts motor - Powerful enough for blending smoothies and sauces/dips/salsa, but too weak to grind ice and nuts completely. Fibrous and stringy ingredients can be a challenge.
• Comes with 11 pieces - 250W motor base, 1 cross-blade, 1 tall cup, 1 short cup, 1 party mug, 2 lip rings, 2Stay-Fresh resealable lids, 1 to-go lid and 1 recipe guide. Note: the milling blade needs to be purchased separately
• Cups and accessories are dishwasher safe
Who Is It For?
The Magic Bullet blender is perfect for people who are tight on a budget and looking to blend single servings. It is great as an entry-level personal blender, or if you just looking to make simple protein shakes, as it is easy to use.
This is also a very compact blender that will not take up that much space on your kitchen counter. It is perfect if plan to pack it in the luggage for travel or if you are staying in a small apartment or dorm room.
Even though it is very affordable, the Magic Bullet has been shown to be a real workhorse. It is surprisingly durable, if you use it well (i.e. don’t overwork the low wattage motor).
Who Is it Not For?
Do bear in mind that Magic Bullet’s 250 watts motor is not powerful enough to completely blend tough ingredients such as celery, kale and ice.
If you are looking to blend the above or to make nut butters, then the Magic Bullet is not for you.
The maximum blending capacity is 18 oz, so it’s not meant for blending large quantities.
Nutribullet Original Blender/Mixer System
Simply put, the Nutribullet Original is a no-frills blender that gives you a larger capacity and more power compared to the Magic Bullet.
It has a slightly larger capacity of 24 ounce and a more powerful 600 watts motor. Along with the stronger power, the nutribullet blenders also come with suction feet to keep the unit stable and firm.
The slim design, similar to Magic Bullet, means that it’s not too bulky even with the increased capacity.
It works on the same push down-and-twist blending mechanism as the Magic Bullet. But the higher power motor and improved Extractor Blades mean that the blended smoothies are smoother and more consistently.
The Nutribullet Original Blender unfortunately much fewer accessories. It only comes with 1 cup, 1 extractor blade, 1 to-go-lid, 1 lip ring and a recipe book.
If you want to maximize the utility of the Nutribullet Original, I would recommend the Mixer System (12 piece set) as it comes with more accessories.
Key Specifications of Nutribullet Original Mixer System (12 piece set)
- Capacity: Up to 24 oz
- Speeds: 1 Speed, No Pulse
- Power: 600 watts
- Mixer System comes with 3 cups: 18 oz cup, 24 oz cups and 1 handled cup, along with 2 re-sealable lids
- Mixer System comes with 2 sets of blades – 1 extractor blade and 1 milling blade
- Other accessories: 1 regular lip ring, 1 handled lip ring, 1 recipe book and 1 pocket nutritionist
- Cups and accessories are top rack dishwasher-safe
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Dimension: 12.01″ x 7.72″ x 15.94″
- Weight: 5.5 Ibs
- The Nutribullet is the fastest, easiest solution for making nutrient- packed smoothies. Load it up with your favorite whole foods like nuts, berries and spinach, then push, twist and blend your way to a healthier lifestyle.
- Powerful 600-watt motor and refined nutrient-extraction blades blend whole foods into liquid fuel for your body - in seconds.
- Included: (1) 600W motor base, (1) Extractor blade, (1) milling blade, (1) Handled cup, (1) 24 oz cup, (1) 18 oz cup, (1) cup ring, (1) cup ring with handle, (2) Stay-Fresh re-sealable lids and recipe book o Powerful stainless steel Extractor blades use Cyclonic action to break down tough ingredients. High-performance, BPA-free plastic cups are long lasting and Durable
- Hassle-free cleaning - simply twist off the blade, rinse with soap and water, and put the cups in the top rack of the dishwasher. This item comes with a 1 year Limited warranty.
- Note: Refer to user manual before use
Who Is It For?
The Nutribullet Original is suitable for someone looking for a blender with higher power and blending capacity compared to the Magic Bullet.
At 600 watts, it is more powerful than Magic Bullet. Hence it can better handle fibrous vegetable, seeds and nuts.
Just like the Magic Bullet, its small footprint is suitable if you have limited countertop space. It can also be stored easily in cabinets.
Who Is It Not For?
The 600 watts Nutribullet Original is still not be strong enough for you if you are looking for a blender to crush ice to make frozen desserts.
Nutribullet Pro
The Nutibullet Pro is basically a more powerful version of the Original Nutribullet. Featuring a 900 watts motor base, it is also sometimes referred to as Nutribullet 900 or Nutribullet Pro 900.
It also features a larger capacity of up to 32 ounces.
The Nutribullet 900 is the only model that comes with a whopping 12 colors to choose from. But prices may vary depending on the color
With a more powerful motor compared to the Magic Bullet and Nutribullet Orginal, this 900 watts Nutribullet certainly more capable at handing any blending tasks. It also does a better job at chopping garlics, onions and salsa instead of turning it into puree texture. There are also suction cups at the feet to keep the unit stable while it blends.
The problem with this blender is that the higher power comes with louder noise.
Key Specifications of Nutribullet Pro (13 piece set)
- Capacity: Up to 32 oz
- Speeds: 1 Speed, No Pulse
- Power: 900 watts
- Comes with 3 cups: 18 oz cup, 24 oz cups and 1 handled cup, along with 2 re-sealable lids
- Comes with 2 sets of blades – 1 extractor blade and 1 milling blade
- Other accessories: 1 regular lip ring, 1 handled lip ring, 1 recipe book and 1 pocket nutritionist
- Cups and accessories are top rack dishwasher-safe
- Warranty: 1 Year
- With 900 watts of power, the Pro is faster and stronger than the original, but just as simple to use. Load it up with dense whole foods like nuts, seeds, hard fruits, and kale, then push, twist and blend your way to a healthier lifestyle.
- Optimized 900-watt motor and refined nutrient extraction blades blend The toughest whole foods into nutritious shakes, smoothies, and nut butters.
- Included: (1) 900W motor base, (1) Extractor blade, (2) 32 oz. Cup, (2) to-go lid, (2) lip ring, (2) lip ring with handle and recipe book
- Powerful stainless steel Extractor blades use Cyclonic action to break down tough ingredients. High-performance, BPA-free plastic cups are long lasting and Durable.
- Hassle-free cleaning - simply twist off the blade, rinse with soap and water, and put the cups in the top rack of the dishwasher. This item comes with a 1 year Limited.
Who Is It For?
The Nutribullet Pro 900 is the one for you if you are looking for a compact bullet-style personal blender in a stylish color, other than the usual black or grey. With a 900 watts motor, the Nutribullet Pro is able to handle most blending tasks, including ice. But if color is not a priority, we recommend that you take a look at the Nutribullet Pro 1000 before deciding.
Who Is It Not For?
There are no additional bells and whistles, such as different blending speeds. If you are looking for more buttons/features and a larger blending capacity with similar motor power, a mid-tier full-sized countertop blender such as Ninja could be a more suitable option.
Nutribullet Pro 1000
The Nutribullet Pro 1000 is the latest upgrade from the Nutribullet Pro series.
It has the same blending capacity as the Nutribullet Pro, up to 32 ounce.
But it features a slightly more powerful 1000 watts motor, as the name suggests.
While the Nutribullet Pro 1000 still share the same slim design, there has been some aesthetic changes to give it a sleeker look. The finishing also appears to be more premium.
Looks aside, Nutribullet has made some design enhancements in the Pro 1000 model. And this will be part of the next generation products by the brand.
What Enhancements Have Been Made?
It has a lot of great functions that you can be sure will give you everything that you need for a solid and consistent blend. It has no problem with crushing ice, which will certainly be useful for anyone who wants to make those ice-cold summer smoothies.
Key Specifications of Nutribullet Pro 1000
- Capacity: Up to 32 oz
- Speeds: 1 Speed, No Pulse
- Power: 1000 watts
- Comes with 2 cup sizes: 24 and 32 oz
- Comes with the new Easy-Twist Extractor Blade, made of stainless steel
- Other accessories: 1 recipe book and 1 user guide
- Cups and accessories are top rack dishwasher-safe
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Dimension:
- Weight: 6.9 Ibs
- Sleek design. Premium finishes, compact size
- 32 ounce BPA-free cup perfect size for 1 to 2 servings of your favorite recipes
- Easy twist extractor blade. New easy grip handles ensures proper seal with no leaks
- 1000-watt motor. Slim blender punches way above its weight
Who Is It For?
If you are looking for a high-powered, highly compact personal blender that can crush ice, then the Nutribullet Pro 1000 is the one for you.
The Nutribullet Pro 1000 is also the latest model in this series so you don’t have to worry about any replacement parts being phased out anytime soon.
Who Is It Not For?
The Nutribullet Pro 1000 is highly powered but the blending capacity is only 32 oz, If you are looking to blend larger quantities for the family, then you might want to consider other countertop blenders.
FAQs
How often do you need to replace the blades?
Recommended to replace the blades every 6 months, though that would also depend on the usage. When the blades get blunt, you’ll realize that the blending gets louder. More heat could also be generated and you may smell something burning.
Nutribullet exploding?
Nutribullet is a popular blender used in millions of homes. However, there have also been reports of consumers suffering from injuries such as scalds and lacerations. There were some lawsuits in 2017 but as of 2021, there has yet to be a conclusion.
While the company claim that it is “physically impossible”, it is important that users are aware of the risks and take caution to read and follow the warnings and instructions in the user manuel.
The sealed design of the bullet jar means that pressure can build up when overheating happens. The design of the bullet blenders are different compared to the standard countertop blenders where the blending jars are vented.
What are the safety precautions to take note of when using the Magic Bullet or Nutribullet?
Due to the similarities in blending mechanism, the following will apply to both blenders:
- Do not blend for more than 1 minute.
- Do not blend hot liquids/foods.
Magic Bullet vs NutriBullet: Which Is Right Blender for You?
Instead of asking which is a better blender, a better question is probably which blender is more suitable for you – the magic bullet or nutribullet?
Both brands have very small footprint. But if you are looking for something to travel with, then the Magic Bullet could be a more lightweight and portable option.
Otherwise, choosing between nutribullet vs magic bullet will depend what you are planning to blend. This will determine how powerful the motor should be and the blending capacity you need.
If you are looking for a blender to make protein shakes or blend softer/easier ingredients, then the Magic Bullet is a great entry-level blender that is inexpensive and easy-to-use.
However, if you want to blend tougher ingredients, such as ice, seeds or fibrous vegetables, then you need a Nutribullet as it is more powerful. Or if you need to blend larger quantities than what the Magic Bullet can offer.
Among the 3 Nutribullet models that we’ve reviewed in this article, the Nutribullet Pro Mixer System provides the best balance between motor power, accessories and price. The Nutribullet Pro 1000 does not come with as many accessories, but it’s new design represents the next generation of Nutribullet Pro products.