The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro is changing the way I use my blender. Unlike previous models which have gone unused in my kitchen, I'm using it for just about everything.
It has a full-size pitcher, of course, but it also comes with two personal-size containers and a small blade. I'd made a smoothie to go with my lunch within ten minutes of pulling this blender out of the box. This blender could actually earn its keep on my countertop — or at least a cabinet within arm's reach.
The BlendSense feature means that it can detect the type of recipe you're making, how to blend, and how long it needs to be blended, making it one of the best blenders in my opinion. Watching the neon lights on the dial countdown is a new type of satisfaction.
Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro Review
I love that the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro keeps it simple. While there are both processing and manual options, I really only have to worry about turning it on, then turning on the BlendSense. If I want to go with the processing modes or one of 10 manual speeds, it's easy to select the right one on the dial.
If I had one main complaint, it's that this machine is huge. It's tall. It's heavy. And those suction cups work. Moving this around is a workout.
Prices in this article were correct at the time of publication.
Price: Was $179.99, Now $159.99
Setting up the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro
Unboxing the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro is super easy. It came safely packed in between corrugated cardboard, and each piece was wrapped in plastic, but it didn't feel excessive.
Included in the box is the base, pitcher and lid, two single serve containers, two sipping tops for the containers, and a blade for the single serve containers.
There's no assembly involved. Just take each piece out, then pop the blender on the base, and you're ready to go. The blade was even already in the pitcher, ready for action. I cleaned the blender by giving each piece a quick rinse before using.
Using the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro
I like to think most blenders are intuitive, especially when they boast BlendSense technology, but I did give the guide a quick read. They included an extra sheet with a Pineapple Mango Margarita recipe, which I will 100% try this weekend.
The guide is incredibly easy to follow, with lots of images and 10 quick and easy recipes at the back. I loved that the recipes focused primarily on smoothies, since that's what I'm most often making, but also included a dip, salsa, and meatballs (I haven't made the meatballs yet, but that idea of doing so in a blender was totally new to me).
Obviously my first foray into using the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro had to include leveraging the BlendSense technology. I threw in ice, peaches, and pineapple for a refreshing midday smoothie. The top locked right into place. Then I pressed the Power button, followed by the BlendSense button.
BlendSense can go into several different modes: Blending, Crush, Max Crush, and Thick Mode.
It blended my first smoothie within seconds, crushing right through the ice and frozen fruit. To be honest, it shocked me a little bit with just how loud the motor was, but, hey, it got the job done! I added a bit more water to get the consistency I wanted. It never had to go into Crush or Max Crush mode, but I still got a smooth consistency from Blending mode.
When I first tried out the single serve container, I made another smoothie. This one had frozen cherries in it, and that seemed to make the motor work even harder. This is what sent it into Crush mode, but, let me tell you, the velvety smooth consistency of this smoothie was unmatched.
I hate a chunky smoothie, and Ninja delivers here. There was not a speck of fruit that wasn't pulverized — and I mean that in the most positive way.
Plus, I couldn't get over the convenience of the single serve option. It attaches just as easily as the full-size pitcher, and the blade is just as powerful. This is truly a game changer.
So far, in addition to near daily smoothies, I've also tried chopping bell peppers and making an açai bowl. The processing mode allows for large and small chops, as well as mince.
Then the manual blending has 10 speed modes. These are all simple to use, though I'm still going to primarily use it for smoothies. Next on my list to try is nut butters (though the idea of the clean up there has stopped me so far) so I will update this article once I have done so.
Cleaning the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro
The beautiful thing about cleaning this blender is that the parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, so you can just run the pitcher, single-serve containers, and the blades all through the dishwasher. Of course, you may need to soak them if you don't plan on running a load right away, but you can't beat the convenience.
You can also just run soapy water through the blender quickly if it's an easy clean-up job.
Is the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro Right for You?
If you're looking for an easy-to-use blender, you have counter or cabinet space, and you're okay splurging $179.99, then the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro is the way to go. With the ability to blend both full-size 72 oz. pitchers and single serve containers, this eliminates the need for a separate smoothie blender. It also chops and minces, so you might be able to go without a food processor, too.
The BlendSense technology makes it easy to multitask while you make a quick smoothie or prep the rest of your meal, and, as they say, time is money. That alone could make the price worth it.
Good to Know
Instructions
The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro comes with an easy-to-follow guide that includes ten recipes.
Warranty
A one-year warranty from the date of purchase is included with the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro.
Where to buy the Ninja Blast Portable Blender
The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro is available to buy from the Ninja website, Amazon, Target, and other major retailers.
About this review and the reviewer
We have a set process for our reviews at Real Homes. As is the case with all products we review, we match the reviewer with the blender.
The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro was sent to me by Ninja, and I tested it out several weeks before writing this review. I tried frozen fruit smoothies, protein smoothies, açai bowls, and even a salsa. I made sure I tested each mode (though I loved the BlendSense mode for its ease!). I tested how it performed against ice, various frozen fruit, and adding almond butter to my smoothies. I tested it for speed, efficiency, and how smoothly it blends (very!).
How we test small kitchen appliances
When testing small kitchen appliances for Real Homes, our experienced reviewers either test then in our professional kitchen, or like I did with this blender, test it in our homes to be able to deliver the authentic review of how an item like the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro can fit into your day-to-day life.
During our testing, we'll also assess:Size: Can they fit into a small kitchen space (like a studio apartment or tiny kitchen)?
- Features: Are they effective, how many are there, and how easy is it to use the appliance?
- Size: Can the appliance fit into a small kitchen space (such as a studio apartment, or tiny kitchen with limited counter space?
- Energy usage: We'll calculate the wattage and cost per use
- Purpose: Does it deserve space on the counter or in kitchen cabinets compared to a a similarly-functioning appliance
- Cost: Is it worth the price tag, or will another similar item that costs less do the job on a smaller budget.
If you like the look of this blender, but do not have the counter space to dedicate to it, consider the Nutribullet Pro 900, rated our best personal blender in the Real Homes Best Small Kitchen Appliances guide and given five stars by our test team.