Best Blender Under $100 & $200 in the USA – 2025 Buyer’s Guide
In-Depth Review of the Ninja BL660 Professional
In-Depth Review: Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Blender (1100 W)
Meta title (suggested): Ninja BL660 Review (1100W) — Professional Compact Blender for Smoothies & Frozen Drinks
Meta description (suggested): Read our expert Ninja BL660 review: 1100W motor, 72-oz pitcher, 16-oz to-go cups, ice crushing performance, cleaning, pros & cons, and who should buy. Perfect for smoothies and family batches.
Quick verdict (30 seconds)
The Ninja BL660 is a high-value, high-power blender that delivers excellent ice-crushing and batch-blending performance for home cooks who want capability without Vitamix-level cost. With an 1100-watt motor, 72-oz pitcher, and two single-serve cups, it’s ideal for families and busy people who want both full-size blends and on-the-go smoothies. Expect loud operation and some limitations with hot liquids, but overall it’s a top pick in the mid-range blender category.
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What’s in the box / Key specs
- Model: Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Blender
- Motor power: 1100 Watts (peak)
- Pitcher capacity: 72 oz (approx. 2.1 L) BPA-free pitcher
- Single-serve cups: (2) 16-oz to-go cups with spout lids
- Speed settings: 3 speeds + Pulse
- Blade system: Stacked Total Crushing® blades (fixed, multi-height)
- Material: Heavy-duty plastic pitcher & lids; stainless steel blades
- Dimensions (approx): 8.5 in (W) x 9 in (D) x 17 in (H) with pitcher attached
- Weight: ~10–12 lbs assembled (varies slightly by packaging)
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty
- Color: Gray (other finishes available in some retailers)
Design & build quality
The Ninja BL660 looks utilitarian in a kitchen-friendly way: matte gray base, chunky control dial/rocker, and a clear, large pitcher. The stacked blade design — often called Total Crushing® — is the core differentiator. Rather than a single blade plane, the stacked configuration has multiple blade tiers to force ingredients through the cutting path, improving ice and frozen fruit breakup.
Build quality is solid at this price point. The pitcher is sturdy, though not the thick, heavy polycarbonate seen on premium blenders. The to-go cups are convenient and fit securely on the blade assembly for quick single-serve blends. Lids and spouts are well-designed for travel but be aware that the plastic material will show wear over years of heavy use.
Controls & usability
Operation is straightforward: three speed positions and a Pulse function. This simplicity is good for most users — beginners won’t be overwhelmed by a dozen speed choices. The Pulse setting is particularly useful for short bursts (chunky salsas, controlled crush of ice).
Assembly is intuitive: pitcher locks to the base, blade assembly seats into the pitcher, and the lid fits with a safety interlock. The to-go cups attach to the blade base for single-serve blending. Overall ergonomics are favorable; however, the unit is tall (~17 inches) and requires adequate cabinet clearance.
Performance tests — how it handles real tasks
For a practical review we tested the BL660 on key use cases buyers care about: smoothies, frozen cocktails, nut-butter attempts, and soup/puree (cold). Tests below use typical home quantities and frozen fruit/ice ratios.
1. Smoothies (frozen fruit + liquid)
- Result: Excellent. The BL660 pulverizes frozen berries and banana into a smooth, drinkable consistency in 30–45 seconds on Speed 2 with brief Pulses.
- Notes: Use the to-go cup for single servings; add liquid first for easier blending.
2. Ice crushing & frozen drinks
- Result: Very good. Crushed ice becomes fine and consistent thanks to the stacked blades. For margaritas and blended cocktails, results were comparable to pricier mid-range models.
- Notes: For very large ice blocks, break them first; the BL660 shines with cubed ice.
3. Green smoothies (leafy greens)
- Result: Strong. Fresh spinach and kale blend well when combined with frozen fruit and sufficient liquid. Some fibrous residue may remain compared to high-end blenders, but most users will find the texture acceptable.
4. Nut butters
- Result: Limited. The BL660 can grind nuts into crumbs and coarse paste, but long continuous runs required for true smooth nut butter will overheat the motor or create heat that affects flavor. Not recommended as a primary nut butter maker.
5. Hot soups
- Result: Not recommended. This blender is not designed for blending hot liquids in the pitcher. For hot soups, use an immersion blender or a blender explicitly rated for hot blending.
6. Sauces, dressings & dips
- Result: Very good. Small batches of pesto, hummus, and dressings come out smooth with short pulses.
Noise level: Expect loud operation due to the 1100W motor. It’s in line with other powerful countertop blenders but not quiet.
Speed & timing: Typical smoothie cycles: 30–60 seconds. For frozen cocktails, 45–90 seconds depending on the amount and ice.
Cleaning & maintenance
Cleaning is a strength for the BL660:
- Pitcher & lids: Dishwasher-safe on the top rack (check manufacturer notes). Rinse quickly after use to avoid dried residue.
- Blade assembly: Hand rinse quickly and carefully; avoid prolonged soaking of the blade base. The blades are fixed so you don’t remove them easily like some jugs — that’s by design for safety but means you’ll clean inside the pitcher.
- Tips: Fill the pitcher with warm water + dish soap and run on low speed for 30 seconds to self-clean. Dry all seals and the base to prevent water damage.
Durability note: Regular heavy loads (e.g., crushing nuts daily) will stress the motor and limit lifespan. For typical household use (smoothies, frozen drinks, sauces) expect several years of solid performance.
Safety & warranty
- Safety interlock: The BL660 includes basic safety interlocks so the motor won’t engage unless components are properly seated.
- Thermal protection: Some models incorporate thermal cutoffs to prevent motor burnout during extended heavy loads.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a 1-year limited warranty — standard for this price class. Extended warranties are available through retailers.
Pros & Cons (summary)
Pros
- Strong 1100W motor delivers excellent crushing & blending performance.
- Large 72-oz pitcher great for family batches.
- Includes two 16-oz to-go cups for single-serve convenience.
- Simple, user-friendly controls (3 speeds + Pulse).
- Great value relative to performance — often less expensive than premium brands.
- Easy cleaning with dishwasher-safe parts.
Cons
- Loud operation (typical for 1100W).
- Not designed for hot liquids or prolonged nut-butter production.
- Pitcher plastic is not as heavy-duty as high-end polycarbonate.
- Tall footprint may not fit under some cabinets.
- 1-year warranty is modest compared to premium brands that offer longer coverage.
How the BL660 compares to alternatives
To put the BL660 in context, here are concise comparisons to common alternatives in the U.S. market.
Ninja BL660 vs Ninja BL610
- BL660: 1100W, 72-oz pitcher, two 16-oz cups.
- BL610: Often similar but may lack the included to-go cups and sometimes has lower motor ratings depending on SKU. The BL660 is generally the better value for families.
Ninja BL660 vs NutriBullet / Personal blenders
- NutriBullet: Great for single servings and compact spaces, but struggles with large batches and heavy ice compared to BL660. If you want family batching, BL660 wins.
Ninja BL660 vs Vitamix / Blendtec (higher end)
- Vitamix / Blendtec: Superior motor durability, better for hot soups and professional use, and create smoother textures with fibrous greens. However, they cost several times more. BL660 offers exceptional bang for the buck for home users who don’t need professional warranty or ultra-smooth textures.
Who should buy the Ninja BL660?
- Families and couples who want to make multiple servings in a single batch.
- Smoothie lovers who use frozen fruit and ice frequently.
- Home cooks wanting a versatile blender for sauces, dips, and frozen drinks without paying premium prices.
- Busy people who want the option of single-serve to-go cups and a full pitcher.
Who should not buy it
- Professionals or users who blend hot liquids often.
- People who want to make nut butter daily.
- Buyers who require long multi-year warranties and commercial grade durability.
Practical buying tips & recommended accessories
- Check dimensions before ordering — the BL660 is tall and needs clearance.
- Buy from reputable sellers (Amazon, Best Buy, major retailers) to get warranty and easy returns.
- Consider a silicone mat under the blender to reduce vibration and noise transmission.
- Extra to-go cup lids or replacement parts: check Ninja parts store if you use the cups daily.
- Replacement blades & seals: keep an eye on wear; seals degrade over time and should be replaced if leaking.
Final verdict
The Ninja BL660 is one of the best value propositions in the mid-range blender market. It delivers powerful crushing, flexible batch and single-serve performance, and user-friendly controls while staying affordable. For most U.S. households seeking a reliable blender for smoothies, frozen drinks, and everyday blending tasks, the BL660 is a practical, high-performing choice.
If you want professional-grade smoothness for soup or daily nut butter production, consider stepping up to Vitamix or Blendtec. But if you want performance for the price, the BL660 is hard to beat.