Hamilton Beach Wave Action Blender for Smoothies, vs Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food

Design and Build Quality

The Hamilton Beach Wave Action Blender is priced at $58.45, while the Ninja BL660 is available for $139.99, making the Hamilton Beach about 58% cheaper. The Hamilton Beach features a sleek silver design with a 40 oz. glass jar and a 20 oz. portable travel jar, catering to both family blending and on-the-go convenience. In contrast, the Ninja BL660 boasts a larger 72 oz. pitcher designed for significant batch blending, ideal for gatherings. The durable plastic construction of the Ninja blender is lightweight but sturdy, while the glass jar of the Hamilton Beach may be more prone to breakage. Overall, the design preference will depend on whether you prioritize portability or capacity.

Blending Power

The Hamilton Beach offers 800 watts of peak blending power, which is effective for most blending tasks. However, the Ninja BL660 surpasses this significantly with its 1100 watts, which allows it to handle tougher ingredients with greater ease. This difference in power enables the Ninja to crush ice and blend frozen fruits into smoothies faster and more efficiently. The Ninja’s Total Crushing Blades are specifically designed for such tasks, making it a better choice for those frequently blending tough items like frozen fruits or ice.

Versatility and Functions

The Hamilton Beach provides 6 blending functions, including mix, milkshake, puree, smoothie, icy drink, and crush ice, along with a pulse option. This variety allows users to achieve different textures and consistencies. On the other hand, the Ninja BL660 offers 3 manual speeds and a dedicated single-serve function, which gives it versatility in making personalized blends. While both blenders cater to a range of tasks, the Hamilton Beach's additional functions may appeal more to casual users, while the Ninja’s focused options may benefit those looking for precision in their blending.

Included Accessories

With the Hamilton Beach, you receive two jars: a 40 oz. glass blender jar and a 20 oz. portable travel jar, which enhances its usability for both home and travel. In comparison, the Ninja BL660 comes with a large 72 oz. pitcher and two 16 oz. to-go cups with spout lids. This allows for direct blending in the to-go cups, making it easier to enjoy smoothies on the move. For those who prefer a portable blender experience, the Hamilton Beach is advantageous, while the Ninja’s larger pitcher and to-go option cater well to families or those who frequently entertain.

Cleanup and Maintenance

Both blenders are designed for easy cleanup, but they differ in their materials. The Hamilton Beach's glass jar and stainless steel blades are dishwasher safe, which simplifies the cleaning process. The Ninja BL660 features BPA-free plastic components that are also dishwasher safe, ensuring safety along with convenience. However, some users prefer glass for its non-porous nature, which can be more hygienic over time. Thus, if ease of cleaning is a priority, both options serve well, but the choice may boil down to material preference.

Price Comparison

The price disparity between the Hamilton Beach and Ninja BL660 is significant, with the Ninja priced at $139.99 compared to the Hamilton Beach’s $58.45. This means the Ninja is about 139% more expensive than the Hamilton Beach. While the higher price reflects the Ninja’s additional power and larger capacity, budget-conscious consumers may find the Hamilton Beach to be a compelling choice that offers solid performance for smoothies and other blending tasks without the premium cost.

Performance in Real-World Use

In real-world use, the Hamilton Beach excels in creating smoothies and shakes for individuals or small groups, thanks to its portability and adequate blending power. Conversely, the Ninja BL660 shines during larger batch preparations, making it ideal for families or gatherings. Its powerful motor handles tough ingredients quickly, producing smooth results with less effort. If you're often blending for one or two, the Hamilton Beach might be sufficient, but if you regularly entertain or require larger quantities, the Ninja could be the better fit.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Hamilton Beach Wave Action Blender and the Ninja BL660 depends largely on your specific blending needs and budget. The Hamilton Beach is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, affordable blender primarily for personal use, while the Ninja BL660 is ideal for users needing robust performance and larger capacity, particularly for family meals or entertaining. If price is a primary concern, the Hamilton Beach’s $58.45 price tag makes it a clear winner in affordability, but for those who can invest more for enhanced performance, the Ninja offers powerful capabilities that justify its $139.99 cost.