How to Work a Ninja Blender

Ninja blenders are incredible machines that can be used for whipping up smoothies and other blends in minutes. The first step to blending up amazing foods and drinks is to learn how to use your Ninja blender to its full potential.

This guide will run over the basic step-by-step for how to work a Ninja blender, some additional tips to maximize the longevity and versatility of your Ninja blender, as well as some troubleshooting.

Whether you’ve got a brand new Ninja blender, or are a seasoned blending pro looking to troubleshoot your Ninja blender, this post is here to help!

Let’s get into it…

Quick Summary of Ninja Blenders

Before getting into how to operate and use a Ninja blender, the first thing to note is that Ninja makes several different types of blenders. Not every blender has the same style, operation, features, etc. However, the general steps of operation are still largely the same, which we’ll get into in a moment.

Most Ninja blenders are categorized as Traditional Blenders or Single Serve Blenders. Traditional blenders have a standard design with the upright pitcher, whereas the single serve are more of a bullet-style container.

The blade assemblies can also be different – most traditional Ninja blenders have a detachable blade assembly positioned up through the centre of the pitcher. Others, such as the single serve Ninja blenders, have the blades attached at the bottom.

Other differences can be found with the controls and settings of different Ninja blenders, as well as the overall design and user-experience – some have presets, some have touchscreens, some have digital displays, some have buttons and dials, etc.

When following the steps below, consider the specific features of your Ninja blender, and when in doubt, consult your blender’s user manual.

How to Work a Ninja Blender, Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Assemble the blender

Assemble the pitcher/blending container (with the blades) onto the motor base – this can look different between different Ninja blender models, but they all follow the general requirement of connecting the blades and blending container to the motor base.
Some may also require you to first attach the blade assembly or at least position them, especially for the first time using it.
There are sometimes different containers or blades for different blending tasks, so make sure you pick the right ones and make sure the selected blades and container are compatible with each other.

Step 2 – Add ingredients to the blending container

(this can be done before or after assembling the container on the motor base, but the blades should already be assembled at this point)

Ingredients should be added to the container in a particular order (more on this later).
Be careful not to overfill the container (more on this later).
Seal on the lid (if that’s the style of the blender).

Step 3 – Turn on the blender

(again, first make sure that the container, blades, and lid are properly and securely in place)

Plug the cord of the blender into an outlet
Locate the power button or on/off switch (if there is one). Again, this differs among the models, but usually for standard-style blenders, the power button is on the front or bottom of the base.

Step 4 – Blend

Once turned on, let blend until desired texture/consistency is reached (see tips below for proper blending approach).
Can use and adjust speed dial, pulse, presets, and any other special features/settings on your blender, if desired.
If lid has a plug, you can add ingredients as needed, and use tamper as needed.

Step 5 – Turn off the blender

Speed down to lowest speed (if applicable)
Turn off power button and/or switch
Unplug blender cord from outlet

Step 6 – Disassemble (partially)

Remove container from base (and perhaps blades from container too – depending on the blender model).
Pour contents into glass/bowl (or take entire container to go – depending on the model).

Step 7 – Clean the blender

Rinse out the container and blades as soon as possible
See this post for more info on how to clean a blender
See this post for more info on if Ninja blenders are dishwasher safe

Pro Tips on How to Use a Ninja Blender

-First of all, select the best Ninja blender for your intended uses – Ninja has so many amazing blender options for different things – personal blenders, hot and cold blenders, etc. So pick one that is as specialized or versatile as you want! Some are cheaper but less powerful/versatile, others have special pre-programmed settings to help maximize efficiency for special blends, etc.

-Similarly, know your blender’s capabilities, and don’t overwhelm it. Overfilling is a common way to make your blender stop working, either temporarily or permanently.

-To help avoid the above, add ingredients in a particular order: liquids, then soft ingredients, then hard ingredients. This is particularly important when the blades are located at the base of the blender, as it will help the blades get blending smoothly. For single serve blenders, do the reverse of that order (basically, you want the blades hitting the softer ingredients before the harder ingredients). For blenders with the upright 6-blade assembly, this isn’t as critical, but do make sure you are including plenty of liquids and enough ingredients to fill most the pitcher and make contact with the blades.

-When blending, gradually speed up (i.e. don’t jump straight to the highest settings). Again, this helps the blades and the blending motion get established smoothly, without harming the blender or resulting in an inconsistent blend.

–Let it blend! Sometimes getting smooth results is just a matter of letting your blender blend for long enough. Ninja blenders are so powerful that it usually doesn’t take more than a minute or two anyways.

-Also, use special features and presets if you have them! These can be extremely convenient and allow for a hands-off operation. They also can be used to deliver satisfyingly consistent results.

-Similarly, use the pulse feature and/or a tamper (if you have them) to help with tricky blends. Sometimes it just needs a nudge.

Why is my Ninja Blender Not Working?

If your Ninja blender is not working, it could be that it is broken or you could just not be using it properly.

First things to check would be:

Is it assembled properly? (blades in container, container on base properly, etc.)
Is it plugged in? Is there a power switch that needs to be on before you start the blender?
Are you using the right attachments/parts for the task at hand and for that particular blender?

Other reasons could include:

Container is too full, ingredients are too much for the blades and motor to handle
Associated problems like jammed blades, overheated motor, etc.

If your Ninja blender is smoking, be sure to read this post for help.

Conclusion

To work a Ninja blender, follow these general operating steps: assemble, add ingredients, turn on, blend, turn off, disassemble, clean.

Keep in mind that the specifics, especially in terms of assembly and blending, depends on your particular model of Ninja blender.

That wraps up this guide on how to work a Ninja Blender. I hope it helps you understand how to best use your Ninja blender, as well as some things to look out for and some tips to keep in mind.

If you liked this post or have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below!