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Best Bread Makers Review 2018 (Top Choice by Consumers!)

August 29, 2018 By Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Best Bread Makers ReviewFor this review, we have selected the best bread makers out there on the market to discuss product quality (including taste & quality of bread), features/specs, versatility, while showing consumer ratings, warranty, and many more details.

No doubt, that these advanced multi-tasking bread makers are some of the best things since sliced bread!

Out of these three top brands, Zojirushi has a specific program to make vegan bread though you can easily make vegan bread or veganize baking with other two brands as well. After all, bread is supposed to be vegan in its original form. If you’re also looking for gluten-free settings, Zojirushi and Breville can give you that option.

Besides baking bread, these machines can also make pizza & pasta dough, jam, cakes, and much more!   

These bread makers being the best rated & high end, they’re on the expensive side where you get what you pay for. One thing is for sure, these multi-purpose bread baking machines are stable & durable and you may save money in the long run other than getting healthy, tasty & better quality bread at home which far exceeds your average store-bought bread.

1) Zojirushi Bread Maker Review (Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20BA)


 

Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker Review

Since 1918, Zojirushi has been manufacturing products for a century to enhance the quality of life providing convenience, comfort, and value to people around the world.   

Whether you’re a novice or a professional baker, Zojirushi has been the top brand of choice and it has stood the test of time. With a rating of 4.5/5 from 1745 consumers speaks volumes!

Technologically advanced and loaded with many menu settings to provide you great versatility, Zojirushi comes with two blades (for thorough dough kneading), a removable nonstick bread pan, a vegan & gluten-free program and produces a loaf with a size & shape similar to a store loaf.

Get to know the quality of bread and everything you need to know about the machine from the details we’ve listed below.

Avg. Rating

4.5 out of 5 (from 1745 consumer ratings)

Bread Quality & Taste Test

When your kitchen is permeated with the aroma of fresh bread you know what to expect. That was a moment to cherish and our anticipation was sky high!   

As expected the freshly looking bread had a firm crispy crust with golden brown color, and the browning of the bread was consistent on all sides.

This even baking was understood due to its unique two-way heating mechanism (added heating element under the lid).

Inside the texture was consistent, soft, moist, and the air bubbles were spread evenly. It was firm enough making it much easier to cut.

We were able to cut really thin slices without a lot of crumbs or any damage to the texture. There were no awkward holes at the center as well which can create wastage. With any bread maker, you will have to wait for 20-30 minutes before slicing, since it’s not easy to cut bread when it’s freshly baked.

The taste was heavenly & excellent. It had a lovely crunch and not overly chewy. Great aroma, perfect looking standard sized loaf, and fantastic taste, what more you can expect? Words cannot describe the feeling when you see fresh healthy bread made at home in your own kitchen. Kudos to Zojirushi!

We also tried a loaf with added raisins. The raisins were well mixed evenly throughout the bread. Another delicious loaf with added sweetness of raisins!

Bread Sizes & Shapes

Available loaf sizes are: 1, 1-1/2, & 2 lbs (2 lb good for 4 people).

Zojirushi makes rectangular shaped loaves which are similar in shape & size to your store-bought loaves. Thus the slices should easily fit your bread slicer and toaster.

Custom Program Settings

Number of Courses: 15

Types of Custom Settings

  1. White
  2. Whole wheat
  3. Multigrain
  4. European
  5. Gluten-free
  6. Salt-free
  7. Sugar-free
  8. Vegan
  9. Rapid white
  10. Rapid whole wheat
  11. Dough
  12. Sourdough starter
  13. Cake
  14. Jam
  15. Homemade (3 homemade memory settings to customize)
  • The knead
  • Rise
  • Bake times

Custom Settings for Different Diets

  1. Vegan
  2. Gluten-free baking
  3. Salt-free
  4. Sugar-free

Average Baking Time

Standard bread = 3 hours and 20 minutes (depending on the settings you select)

Rapid bread      = 2 hours and 25 minutes

Delay Timer

This feature allows you to set the time you want the baking to begin. For an example, if you want the bread by the time you wake up at 7 a.m. you can put the ingredients before you go to sleep and set the delay timer to start baking at 3.30 a.m. Same feature can be used to keep the bread ready when you come home from work.  

Zojirushi has a 13-hour delay timer.

Crust Settings

Crust control gives you three crust colors: light, medium, or dark

Automatic Dispensers (for fruits, nuts, and yeast)

Zojirushi doesn’t have automatic dispensers for fruit/nut and yeast, but it indicates with a beep to make the additions and you can add nuts, fruits, raisins, chocolate chips or any other ingredient.

Bread Pan Quality & Maintenance

Baking pan is nonstick coated for easy cleaning and removal of bread.

Pan Dimension

5 x 8 3/4 x 5 inches

Kneading Blades

Comes with double kneading blades to knead dough thoroughly. Kneading blades are removable and have a nonstick coat making it easier to remove the bread and clean.

Other Features

  • Dual heaters on the bottom and under the lid for even baking and browning
  • Automatic pause to stop the kneading blades when the lid is opened and restarts when closed
  • Keep-warm setting can be used to keep the bread warm for 60 minutes
  • Large viewing window on top allows you to view the kneading, rising and baking of your bread

LCD Display

Easy-to-read LCD display shows the remaining time in which the bread will be completed and you can see the program setting codes on lid to select the type of baking.  

Noise and Stability

This is one of the quietest bread makers and no pounding or wobbling on the counter

Housing Material

Stainless Steel

Country of origin

Japan

Warranty

I year

Electrical Ratings

120 volts

Motor & Heater Power

Heater: 600W Motor:100W

Machine Dimensions

10.5 x 18 x 12.88 inches

Weight

24 lbs

What Comes with the Package

Bread maker, liquid measuring cup, nested measuring cups, measuring spoon, instruction manual, recipe book and DVD

2) Panasonic Bread Maker Review (Home Bakery SD-BMT1000-T)


Panasonic Home Bakery SD-BMT1000-T Bread Maker Review

With 34 pre-programmed settings, we really doubt there could be any other bread machine that can provide more variety than this bread maker. It’s a baker’s dream come true and its compact size doesn’t require much space which can fit even a small kitchen!

The freedom you have with this machine to choose a wide range of baking, types of dough and other options such as to make compote and chocolate is remarkable!

You can also make pasta, brioches, and scones or you can even surprise your guests with a marble bread by adding instant coffee, green tea or chocolate.

It is one of the fastest bread makers as well which can bake a bread in an hour!

The only minor issue is that the control panel and original user manual is in the Japanese language. So you will have to use the  Google Translate App available on smartphones (available on Android and iPhone). This app uses the camera on your phone to translate a language which appears on your screen.

You can find the closest English manual (PDF) which is available to download here (manual of the product made for the Hong Kong market)   

Once you paste the English labels on the control panel as described in the English manual it will be much easier to operate.

In spite of that minor inconvenience, there are many customers who are really satisfied with the versatility and performance of this machine!

Avg. Rating

4.6 out of 5 (from 39 consumer ratings)

Bread Quality & Taste Test

Again it was wonderful to see a perfectly baked bread and get ourselves filled with its aroma. So appetizing and the baking was consistent, covered with its light golden color.  

The bread had all the good characteristics you would expect from a quality well-proofed bread. A crispy crust, firm texture on the outside and a nice soft texture inside. It was very easy to cut into slices after keeping it for 30 minutes, and we didn’t find any weird holes.    

Tasty and obviously way better than the bread you would find in supermarkets.

Bread Shape & Size

Produces a 1 pound (good for 2 people) vertical loaf

Custom Program Settings

Number of Pre-Programmed Settings: 34

Types of Custom Settings

  1. Pain de mie
  2. Yudane pain de mie
  3. Chiffon pain de mie
  4. Bread
  5. Soft bread
  6. Rapid bread
  7. 60 minutes bread
  8. Rice bread
  9. French rice bread
  10. French Bread
  11. Rye bread
  12. Whole wheat bread
  13. Brioche
  14. Marble bread
  15. Pineapple bread
  16. Red bean bread
  17. Half bread
  18. Rice Flour Bread
  19. Bread dough
  20. Pizza dough
  21. Dumpling skin dough
  22. 8 minutes dough
  23. Natural yeast bread
  24. Natural yeast bread dough
  25. Natural yeast fermentation
  26. Scone
  27. Cake
  28. Vegetable Cake
  29. Chocolate
  30. Jam
  31. Compote
  32. Red bean
  33. Mochi
  34. Udon/Pasta dough

Bread Pan

Removable non-stick pan

Kneading Blades

The Panasonic comes with two types of removable blades. One for the bread and the other for noodles/mochi.

Average Baking Time

Standard bread = 4 hours

Rapid bread = 1 hours and 55 minutes

60 minutes bread = 1 hour

Crust Settings

You can set the crust color as light, standard or dark

Automatic Dispensers (fruits, nuts, yeast)

There are two dispensers, one for fruits & nuts and the other for yeast. These dispensers automatically release fruits, nuts, raisins, and yeast at the right time.

Delay Timer

13-hour delay timer

Other Features

  • Large LCD display
  • There is no window on top, but you can open the cover anytime during the baking process

Noise and Stability

It’s relatively quiet and stable on the countertop

Country of Origin

Japan

Warranty

1 Year

Housing Material

PP Resin

Dimensions

13 x 10.3 x 14.4 inches

Weight

14.95 lbs

Electrical Rating

100V

Motor & Heater Power

430W

What Comes with the Package

Bread maker, instruction manual, recipe book, removable bake pan with two kneading blades, measuring cup and measuring spoon

3) Breville Bread Maker Review (Custom Loaf BBM800XL)  


Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker Review

We’re all fond of our smartphones but if you’re looking for a smart bread maker then Breville BBM800XL is the one you’re looking for. It is also one of the sleekest & elegant looking bread makers that looks hi-tech with aesthetic appeal.

Once you make the selection via the interface the machine computes temperature and baking time while a simple ‘turn & confirm dial’ lets you get a recipe done.

Breville also comes with a larger bright & clear LCD display showing custom settings, cycles and other selections.

Avg. Rating

4.3 out of 5 (from 221 consumer ratings)

Bread Quality & Taste

The loaf looked quite big & plump with a nice even golden crust. It had a beautiful color and both the inner & outer texture looked great and enticing.

We sliced the bread after letting it cool for about 20 minutes. Though Zojirushi is still our top pick when it comes to best looking & tasteful bread we have no complaints against Breville. The bread was fresh, appetizing and tasty.  

Bread Sizes & Shapes

4 loaf sizes: 1.0-pound, 1-1/2-pound, 2.0-pound (family size) and 2-1/2-pound

Breville produces horizontal bread which is quite similar to the loaves at the store.

Custom Program Settings

Number of Automatic Settings (Courses): 13

Types of Custom Settings

  1. Basic
  2. Basic rapid
  3. Whole wheat
  4. Whole wheat rapid
  5. Gluten free
  6. Crusty loaf
  7. Sweet
  8. Yeast free
  9. Dough – bread
  10. Dough – pizza
  11. Dough – pasta
  12. Bake only
  13. Jam

Bread Pan

Non-stick bread pan with handle

Pan Dimensions

5.5 inches deep, 5.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches long

Kneading Paddle

Removable single collapsible paddle with non-stick coating (automatically collapses before the ‘bake’ phase to minimize the hole at the bottom of the baked loaf)

Average Baking Time

Standard = 3 – 3 ½   hours (depending on the settings you select)

Rapid = 2 ½ hours

Delay Timer

13 hours

Crust Settings

3 crust colors: light, medium or dark

Automatic Dispensers (fruits, nuts and yeast)

Automatic fruit & nut dispenser releases ingredients at the right moment during the kneading phase to evenly incorporate within the dough. No automatic yeast dispenser.

LCD Display

Breville comes with a larger smart intuitive LCD screen with progress indicator, custom settings, remaining time, etc.

Other Features

  • Unique collapsible kneading paddle blends ingredients and then before the baking phase starts the paddle collapses to reduce the hole at the base of the loaf
  • If there is a power outage for 60 minutes or less, the ‘power failure protection’ will automatically resume the cycle when the power is back
  • Keep-warm setting: can keep bread warm after baking for 60 minutes
  • There is a window on top & interior light to check the loaf without opening the lid. You can also pause it and open the lid if required.

Noise and Stability

Fairly quiet and stable, but can have a slight shake while it kneads. Not as heavy or quite as the Zojirushi. Make sure to keep it on a dry, level and clean surface and don’t keep it near the edges.

Country of Origin

China (made according to Breville’s specifications & standards)

Warranty

1 year

Housing Material

Stainless Steel

Dimensions

9.6 x 16.4 x 13.3 inches

Weight

16.85 lbs

Electrical Rating

110V

Motor & Heater Power

830 Watts

What Comes with the Package

Bread maker, instruction booklet, collapsible paddle for bread & dough, and fixed paddle for jam

Conclusion


No matter which brand you select out of the above bread makers, it’s highly unlikely you will be disappointed since these have already proven to be the favorites among the consumers.

If you don’t want to trade bread quality, taste, loaf size and shape for anything besides having vegan & gluten-free options then no doubt, Zojirushi is the brand we would highly recommend (well it’s the Vitamix of bread makers).

If you’re willing to pay for a machine that gives you the liberty of baking with variety and make a few more recipes while having the convenience of dispensers and express baking, yet compromise on loaf size and shape then go for the Panasonic.

Fine design, modern interface, custom settings with pleasing bread quality & taste are your requirements, then you may opt for Breville.

Pinterest Pin: Best Bread Makers Review 2018 (Top Choice by Consumers!)

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: bread makers, kitchen appliances, reviews

Best & Healthiest Vegan Bread Brands Review 2018

August 2, 2018 By Dishan Mendis 2 Comments

Best & Healthiest Vegan Bread Brands Review

Well, it’s time to have your real bread & butter (vegan butter of course)!

Since bread is a staple and such a convenient food for vegans, you might as well buy the healthiest you can, so that your body gets all the nourishment it deserves on a regular basis.

In this review, we show the best vegan bread brands and discuss bread quality, nutrition, taste, texture, and other related details.

If you ask a few tips to choose the best & healthiest vegan bread, that would be,

  1. No ingredients from animals
  2. 100% whole grain
  3. Good source of protein & iron
  4. Minimum of 2 grams of fiber per slice
  5. No artificial preservatives & ingredients
  6. Ideally 70 calories per standard slice
  7. No more than 4 grams of sugar per slice
  8. Minimum sodium (less than 200 milligrams per serving)
  9. Zero trans fat

But we feel below vegan bread brands have gone even further. Let’s see what they have to offer!

1) Ezekiel 4:9 Organic Sprouted Vegan Whole Grain Bread


Ezekiel 4:9 Organic Sprouted Vegan Whole Grain Bread

Ezekiel 4:9 Organic Sprouted Vegan Whole Grain Bread

Store locator

This seems like a whole grain bread dedicated to vegans with no compromise on nourishment! So vegans rejoice!

Not only it has grains such as wheat, millet, barley, and spelt, but legumes such as soybeans and lentils too.

The beauty about this combination of sprouted grains and legumes is the complete protein it creates. Besides having all the 9 essential amino acids, you get 18 amino acids coming from all the plant sources in this bread.

Being a rich source of protein, iron, and calcium, you’re assured of vital nutrients as a vegan.

They also use a unique slow-bake process, which helps in preserving the natural fiber and bran benefits of grains.

Benefits of Sprouted Whole Grain Bread vs. Regular Whole Grain/Whole Wheat Bread

1) Phytic acid or phytates found in grains are known to be a mineral blocker or enzyme inhibitor. Sprouting breaks down enzyme inhibitors and minimizes the presence of phytic acid. This helps in bread digestion and increased absorption of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc [1]

2) Sprouting converts starches in grains into simple sugars aiding in digestion and nutrients such as proteins which take more energy to digest can become more digestible.

3) Sprouted grains are typically higher in soluble dietary fiber, total protein, vitamin C, vitamin B2, B5 & B6, total phenolic contents and their antioxidant capacities [2]

Product Details

  • They use certified freshly sprouted organically grown grains which are verified by USDA authorized certifying agencies
  • It is free of flour, hence you avoid all the cons of enriched, or refined flour such as increased risk of diabetes,  constipation (lack of fiber), and a tendency to eat more (due to a lack of protein and fiber)
  • Free of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) and anything artificial (no preservatives or shortenings)
  • Source of complete protein, zinc, vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus
  • Excellent source of fiber which would keep you filled giving a great start to your day. According to The American Heart Association dietary fiber when combined with an overall healthy diet, may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and type 2 diabetes [3].
  • No cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat

Nutrition

1 slice (34g):

  • 80 calories
  • 4g of protein (macronutrient)
  • 15g of carbs (macronutrient)
  • 3g of fiber
  • 4% of iron
  • 4% of vitamin B6

Taste Test

We tried it toasted. It had a very pleasing aroma while toasting. We liked the texture and straight away noticed that it’s quite solid compared to some flimsy whole wheat bread.

No falling apart after toasting and much easier to apply almond butter. It was crunchy, had a nice nutty flavor to it, and delicious keeping us fuller. Though the bread was refrigerated it still tasted fresh!  

Do note that since it’s free of preservatives you may find Ezekiel loaves in the frozen food section. Make sure you thaw it before trying to separate the slices as the slices can be a bit brittle being frozen.

Product Life:    Frozen (0°F) 12 months
Refrigerated (45°F) 2 weeks
Fresh (75°F) 5 days

Ingredients

Ezekiel 4:9 Whole Grain Bread Ingredients

2) Dave’s Killer Bread Organic 21 Whole Grains and Seeds (Thin-Sliced & Vegan)


Dave’s Killer Bread Organic 21 Whole Grains and Seeds (Thin-Sliced & Vegan)Dave’s Killer Bread Organic 21 Whole Grains and Seeds (Thin-Sliced & Vegan)

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Store locator

Another best-selling bread brand for vegans with loads of healthy goodness and it really is a killer and ready to rock your world! Loaded with 21 grains & seeds and packed with protein, carbs, fiber, iron, and omega 3.

All of the nutrients, quality & hearty flavor of this bread come without adding extra weight gaining calories to you where each light & thin slice has only 60 calories.

Dave’s Killer Bread is USDA certified and Non-GMO Project Verified which mean all ingredients are free of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ionizing radiation, and food additives.  

Product Details

  • USDA organic & Non-GMO Project Verified
  • Simple ingredients with no artificial or chemical preservatives and ingredients
  • Great nourishment with 21 whole grains & seeds
  • No high fructose corn syrup
  • No cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fat

Nutrition

1 slice (28g):

  • 60 calories
  • 3g of protein (macronutrient)
  • 12g of carbs (macronutrient)
  • 3g of fiber
  • 12g of whole grains
  • 130mg of omega 3
  • 4% of iron
  • 2% of vitamin B6   

Taste Test

There was no issue for us to eat it plain, but we made toasts. We had it with peanut butter and it was crispy, rich in flavor and delicious. The dense consistency, grainy texture, the fiber & protein made us feel fuller which lasted for a long time compared to other common commercial bread.

What’s special is that all the hearty filling and boost come with minimum calories which help maintain weight. What a perfect bread to start your morning!     

Storing

Dave’s Killer Bread can be stored at room temperature but can be kept up to 3 months longer if you store it in a freezer wrapped in a second bag. Prevent exposure to direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.

Ingredients

Dave’s Killer Bread Ingredients

Best Gluten-Free Vegan Bread Brand


3) Bfree Gluten-Free, Vegan, Wheat-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sandwich Bread

Store locator

BFree soft white sandwich loaf is a product of Ireland and it’s free from gluten, wheat, soy, nuts, dairy, and eggs, making it suitable for vegans, celiacs or anyone with sensitivities to wheat, soy or nuts.

While being free from all major allergens, there is no compromise on taste, texture or nutrition being a good source of proteins, carbs, fiber, calcium and iron with no cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fat.

It is also a great choice for weight watchers since each slice comes with only 70 calories making it gluten free & guilt free!

Product Details

  • Certified gluten-free (GFCO) which means wheat free, spelt-free, rye-free, and barley-free.
  • It’s dairy-free, lactose-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free making it free of major allergens
  • All the ingredients are non-GMO
  • Loaded with high fiber, protein, and high in antioxidant vitamin E
  • It’s low fat, no added sugar and only 70 calories per slice!
  • No cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fat
  • Shelf life: 12 months

Nutrition

1 slice (30g):

  • 70 calories
  • 3g of protein (macronutrient)
  • 13g of carbs (macronutrient)
  • 3g of fiber
  • 2% of calcium
  • 2% of iron

Taste Test

Since our taste with regard to gluten-free bread was usually bland and tasteless, our expectations were pretty low on taste. But this brand was no disappointment. The texture was moist, soft and the taste was so real, quite delicious, and there was no cracking and crumbling.

No doubt, one of the best tasting vegan gluten-free bread brands!

Ingredients

Bfree Gluten-Free, Vegan Sandwich Bread Ingredients

 

Pinterest Pin: Best & Healthiest Vegan Bread Brands Review

 

References

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325021/

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4573163/

3 http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/HealthyDietGoals/Whole-Grains-and-Fiber_UCM_303249_Article.jsp

Filed Under: Diet, Reviews, Vegan Bread Tagged With: reviews, vegan bread, vegan diet

Best Coconut Oil Brands for Cooking Review 2018

July 19, 2018 By Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Best Coconut Oil Brands For Cooking Review 2018For this review, we’ve selected the two best-selling coconut oil brands, where one is organic unrefined (virgin) and the other is organic refined.

We discuss all the product details, how coconuts are sourced, quality & production process, our cooking test, a few tips to use it, and a few details about the producer.

While unrefined pure coconut oil is extracted with the lowest amount of heat to preserve its nutrition profile, refined oil is extracted slightly at a higher temperature still keeping its all-important medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) intact.

Unrefined coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 F (177 C) and comes with its fresh coconut taste & aroma whereas refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point of 400 F (204 Celsius) and comes with a neutral taste & aroma. If you need a more thorough comparison between unrefined & refined coconut oil, you can read our guide here.

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil Review

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil ReviewViva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil Review

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Product Details


  • Product ratings: 4.7 out of 5 (from 16788 online consumer reviews)
  • Ingredients: organic extra-virgin cold-pressed coconut oil  
  • Sourced from fresh hand-picked coconuts
  • Country of origin: Philippines (2nd largest coconut producer)
  • USDA certified organic & non-GMO project verified
  • Free of pesticides, bleach, hexane, cholesterol, trans fat and it’s non-hydrogenated

  • Smoke point: 350 F (177 C)

  • Melting point at 76 F (24C)
  • Comes with healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and antioxidants
  • Jars are made of BPA-free plastic
  • Shelf life: 2 years
  • 90 days money back guarantee!

How Coconuts are Sourced


According to Viva Naturals, they harvest their organic top-grade coconuts at its peak for optimum freshness and nutritional value from the best regions with rich fertile soils in the Philippines (2nd largest coconut producer) handpicked by skilled native farmers.

This adds human intuition & experience into the coconut harvesting process as opposed to large-scale farms where thousands of coconuts are harvested by machines daily which could compromise on quality.

In order to preserve the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), antioxidants, freshness, flavor & aroma these coconuts are cold-pressed with their own proprietary extraction technique within hours of collecting the coconuts.

Again this is way better than storing coconuts in warehouses for weeks or months which could weaken its nutrition.

Why We Recommend Viva Naturals Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil


If you ask three features to make a commercial coconut oil pure & healthy those would be,

  1. Sourcing from fresh coconuts
  2. Certified organic
  3. Cold-pressed

And this product has all those features ticked.   

Though refined coconut oils are sourced with dried copra and may not come with desirable antioxidants due to the processing with high temperatures, Viva Naturals unrefined coconut oil is sourced from fresh organic coconuts and comes with the goodness of antioxidants!     

It is unrefined, organic, and cold-pressed, a pure coconut oil which has a pleasant tropical aroma and a natural coconut oil taste to take advantage of if you fancy a bit of coconut taste into your recipes.

Being USDA certified organic, non-GMO project verified, non-hexane, non-hydrogenated and free of harmful chemicals mean the oil has 3rd party verified quality & purity that you can trust.

The quality is further backed by its great track record so far with a good positive rating coming from an impressive 16788 consumer reviews and a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied to show that the producer stands by their product 100%!

How You Can Use it


  1. Cooking (sautéing, tempering curries)
  2. Baking (cookies, brownies, etc.)
  3. Salad dressings
  4. Make popcorn, coconut butter, and egg-free vegan mayonnaise.
  5. Substitute for butter (a great option for vegans)
  6. As a spread for your morning toasts and a dip for breadsticks, etc.
  7. Use it with oatmeal, soups, smoothies, or as a coffee creamer
  8. Dietary supplement
  9. Carrier oil for essential oils
  10. Hair conditioner
  11. Hair detangler
  12. Face & body moisturizer
  13. Massage oil
  14. Natural lip balm
  15. For dry hands
  16. Shaving cream   

As far as the coconut oil health benefits are concerned, Viva Naturals coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which may help experience moderate weight loss, improve metabolism and provide nourishment for a healthy gut & digestive tract.  

The lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid of the oil provide protection against viral, fungal, microbial, and bacterial elements which could boost your immune.

Unlike olive oil which gets oxidised with high heat, this coconut oil is quite stable due to its saturated fats as long as you don’t need it for cooking with a temperature more than 350 F / 177 C (smoke point) which is good enough for most stovetop cooking except for high heat stir-frying & deep frying.

It has a shelf-life of 2 years and requires to be stored in a cool, dry place and does not require refrigeration. Viva Naturals containers are made of safe, BPA-free, food-grade plastic

Do note that it has a melting point of 76 F and may come in solid or liquid form though either form will not alter any of the nutrients or the quality of the oil. If you always need it in a solid form you can refrigerate it or store it at a place with a temperature less than 76 F.

Cooking Test


What we’ve noticed by using this oil was that heating was pretty fast. We stir-fried some vegetables for like 2 minutes, just to test how it would do under high heat. Boy, it was scrumptious! There was no strong and burning coconut smell even at high heat and the stir-fried vegetables turned out really great!

We also used it as a spread on our toasts and had a nice hint of coconut flavor.

One of the best tasting coconut oils we’ve used, hands down!

Details & Core Values of Viva Naturals


  • USA based company
  • Their focus is on ethical sourcing, sustainability, and being environmentally friendly
  • Quality control in every step of the production
  • Making products affordable
  • Take care of workforce, suppliers & growers
  • Making donations for charitable causes that make a profound impact

Nutiva Organic Neutral Tasting Steam Refined Coconut Oil Review

Nutiva Organic Neutral Tasting Steam Refined Coconut Oil ReviewNutiva Organic Neutral Tasting Steam Refined Coconut Oil Review

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Product Details


  • Product ratings: 4.5 out of 5 (from 2266 online consumer reviews)
  • Ingredients: organic refined expeller-pressed coconut oil (read our guide about the difference between refined & unrefined)
  • Sourced from organic dried coconuts
  • Country of origin: Philippines (2nd largest coconut producer)
  • Neutral flavor & smell
  • USDA certified organic & non-GMO project verified
  • Free of pesticides, bleach, hexane, cholesterol, trans fat and it’s non-hydrogenated

  • Smoke point is 400 F (204 Celsius)

  • Melting point 76 F (24C)
  • 23 oz. coconut oil comes in a glass jar and other quantities come in BPA, BPS, and phthalate free FDA approved food grade plastic containers
  • Shelf life: 2 years

Why We Recommend Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil


Nutiva sources sustainably farmed organic dried coconuts from Philippines (2nd largest coconut producer).

It is expeller-pressed and steam refined for a neutral flavor and odor (compared to unrefined coconut oil which has the coconut flavor & aroma) with a higher smoke point of 400 F (204 C). This makes it ideal for stir-frying & deep-frying adding more versatility in high heat cooking.

The quality is assured, as its whole process is USDA certified organic, non-hydrogenated, free of hexane & other dangerous chemicals while having no cholesterol or trans fat!

It is also a coconut oil product that shows a good track record with consumers which is evident by its positive rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 2266 consumer reviews.     

An ideal product when your recipes require a cooking oil without any coconut oil flavor or odor making it one of the most versatile culinary oils.

How You Can Use it


  1. Deep frying (stable & extremely low oxidation due to high smoke point of 400 F)
  2. Cooking (stir-frying, sautéing, tempering curries)
  3. Great substitute for all types of cooking with canola oil, olive oil, vegetable oil or butter
  4. Baking
  5. To make popcorn and sauces without coconut flavor
  6. For skin & hair when you need odorless coconut oil

Nutiva organic coconut oil contains 62% of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) along with lauric acid and caprylic acid making it a good source of nourishment.

As we discussed before, MCTs are good for weight loss, better metabolism, healthy digestion and its fatty acids have antibacterial benefits. However compared to Viva Naturals unrefined coconut oil, it may not have the antioxidant properties such as phytonutrients.

All in all, Nutiva organic coconut oil can be used as an all-purpose oil for cooking & baking without coconut flavor & aroma, and also can be used as an odorless hair & skin care oil.  

There is no need to refrigerate it and you can store it at room temperature without any exposure to direct sunlight.

Cooking Test


Since the oil was solid, it was much easier to spoon it into the frying pan. This time we tested the oil with deep frying french fries. At high heat we couldn’t detect any smoke.

As expected there was no imparted coconut flavor or smell, and the french fries looked & tasted as it supposed to be. The fries were golden, crispy, and delicious!

Details & Core Values of Nutiva


  • USA based company founded in 1999
  • Many products are vegan certified
  • 1% of all sales go to sustainable agriculture which amounts to more than $3 million
  • Their focus is on innovation, quality, well-being, community, social & environmental responsibility
  • Support the Fair Trade Movement
  • California Green Business certified
  • Warehouse and headquarters in California are certified zero waste by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council
  • B Lab certified company (required standards: social sustainability, environmental performance, accountability, and transparency to the public)

Conclusion


Both Viva Naturals organic extra virgin unrefined coconut oil and Nutiva organic neutral tasting steam refined coconut oil are with no doubt top selling & healthiest coconut oil brands compared to other commercial coconut oil brands sourced from low-grade non-organic coconuts and extracted with harmful chemicals.

To put it in a nutshell, the basic similarities & differences between these two brands would be,

Similarities

  1. Sourced and processed according to organic standards
  2. No chemicals used
  3. Higher in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)
  4. Enough smoke point for most stovetop cooking
  5. 2-year shelf life
  6. Melt at approx. 76 F (24C)

Differences

Viva Naturals Organic Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil
1. Natural coconut flavor & aroma 1. Neutral in taste & odor
2. Smoke point is 350 F (177 C) 2. Smoke point is 400 F (204 C)
3. Made with organic fresh coconuts 3. Made with organic dried coconuts
4. High in antioxidants 4. Antioxidants low to none
5. Relatively expensive 5. Relatively cheap

 

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: coconut oil, reviews

Best Vegan Cookie Brands (Real Cookies NOT Biscuits!)

July 4, 2018 By Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Best Vegan Cookie Brands Review

Sometimes it can be confusing when we’re talking about cookies due to the fact that cookies being put under the same umbrella of biscuits. Even some biscuit manufacturers call their products as cookies on the wrapper possibly due to the non-specific definition of a cookie i.e. ‘a sweet biscuit’.

Search cookies on Google images and you will see what a typical cookie should look like…

So let cookies be cookies and biscuits be biscuits so that we get to enjoy both worlds and this post is dedicated for all those pure cookie lovers (with a lot of variety of course) where we show the best vegan cookie brands and discuss about flavors, taste test, quality, and nutrition.

All these cookies are dairy-free (lactose-free), egg-free and some cookies are gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free as well.

1) Uncle Eddies Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts


Uncle Eddies Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies With Walnuts Review

Official website: www.uncleeddiesvegancookies.com

A lovely vegan cookie brought to you by a family-owned bakery in Los Angeles, California. It was a story about how a cookie recipe maker went from being vegetarian to vegan overnight paving the way for a great vegan cookie brand.

They always look for organic and fairly traded ingredients from suppliers who are involved in sustainable agriculture. They’re also committed to environmentally friendly packaging and products.

Take a look at our taste test!

Uncle Eddies Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Taste Test

Ahmmmm these cookies smelled really good to start with! They were neither too hard nor too soft and had a nice, soft texture. Not crunchy but the texture was moist and felt really good chewing it. Two thumbs up from us for these scrumptious cookies! These cookies have to be one of the best vegan cookies out there hands down!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie

  • Calories 130
  • Total Fat 6g (trans fat 0g / saturated fat 3.0g)
  • Sodium 110mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 18g
  • Sugars 10g
  • Protein 2g

2) Emmy’s Organic Macaroon Vegan Cookies


Emmy's Organic Macaroon Vegan Cookies Review

Official website: emmysorganics.com

The kind of brand that was built upon a sweet story where a young couple’s romance turning into a great family business. Contributing to the community, being environmentally conscious and taking care of everyone involved are some of the values their business is grounded on.

It is certified vegan, organic, gluten-free, non-GMO verified and made in a dedicated gluten-free & dairy-free facility.

If you’re a fan of macaroons then these cookies are a great option!

Emmy’s Organic Macaroon Dark Cacao Cookies Taste Test

Emmy's Organic Macaroon Dark Cacao Cookies Taste Test

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These cookies are quite small in size but are thick. We really liked the texture. Very soft, tender and not your typical crunchy cookie. After all these are macaroon cookies! Though it doesn’t feel exactly like your standard macaroon, the coconut flavor was there. The coconut was possibly well shredded. No bitter taste as well. A good choice if you’re after something different!

Emmy’s Organic Macaroon Chocolate Chip Cookies Taste Test

Emmy's Organic Macaroon Chocolate Chip Cookies Taste Test

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These chocolate chip cookies were awesome! It was like having a macaroon version of a chocolate chip cookie. No hesitation in recommending!

Emmy’s Organic Macaroon Lemon Ginger Cookies Taste Test

Emmy's Organic Macaroon Lemon Ginger Cookies Taste Test

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These had a well-balanced taste of lemon & ginger. Nothing too intense and you get to enjoy both flavors! If you love the tastes of lemon & ginger then here’s a cookie to try!

3) Maxine’s Heavenly Vegan & Gluten-Free Cookie Review


Official website: maxinesheavenly.com

Maxine’s Heavenly had its humble beginnings when Tim Miller’s mom, Maxine made those amazing cookies with her artistry of knowing how to combine ingredients & flavors that produce the kind of taste loved by everyone around her.

Though at the beginning it was all about those scrumptious cookies, with more knowledge over time about healthy eating and ingredients paved the way to replace ingredients one by one that also fitted a vegan & healthy lifestyle while holding true to the original cookies made by Maxine. 

Instead of using ingredients with gluten, processed flours & sugar, animal products and empty calories they chose much healthier alternatives that are nutritious and guilt-free!

Maxine’s Heavenly cookies are certified vegan, certified gluten-free, non-GMO project verified, soy-free and preservatives free

Note: 

One small piece of advice, since these cookies are soft-baked they can easily crumble if not delivered properly. So unless you’re buying directly from the stores, make sure to get them delivered with the right packaging (snack packs in boxes recommended instead of bags) keeping all the cookies intact. 

Maxine’s Heavenly Cookies Taste Test

Chocolate Chocolate Chunk

Well, we all know that special taste and the great combination chocolates and cookie dough can create. These cookies looked really appetizing and you can already see those huge chocolate chunks staying true to its name, ya ‘Chocolate Chocolate Chunk’!

Besides being a healthy snack these cookies got richness & decadence written all over it and it was love at first bite! They were so chocolaty and unlike your typical dry cookies these were so moist and soothing when chewed. Nothing granular or rough about them…so soft and chunky!

And one more thing, Maxine’s Heavenly cookies have some special characteristics of its own…they are soft baked and feels like you’re having cookies and brownies together getting a taste of both worlds.  

So after eating the whole pack, we asked ourselves, why do we feel like these are homemade? Oh yes, we get it, when you’ve got a vegan cookie serving your sweet tooth with quality ingredients you can trust developed from a beloved original recipe (a ‘mom knows best’ recipe if you will) this is how you feel! 

Some of you may also like them chilled, so feel free to refrigerate and give it a try!  

Ingredients: 

Gluten-free oat blend (oats, oat flour, oat fiber), palm fruit oil*, semi-sweet chocolate chunks (cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter), organic coconut sugar, white rice flour, organic coconut nectar, dates, arrowroot flour, water, cocoa, flaxseed, organic gum acacia, sunflower lecithin, pure chocolate extract (alcohol, vanilla extract, chocolate concentrate, water), sea salt, baking soda

*roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO) certified

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk

If peanut butter is your thing here’s a tempting peanut butter cookie to try! Maxine’s Heavenly uses their own peanut butter made from scratch so you can make sure it has a lot of authenticity to it.

As expected these cookies were generously packed with chocolate chunks and were delicious! We noted that the texture is bit on the dry side and crumbly, unlike the chocolate chocolate chunk which was moist and chewy. 

Eating them reminded us of peanut butter cup cookies and with in-house peanut butter & added chocolate chunks gave these cookies the richness and extra bit of indulgence we were yearning for.

With oat flour, peanut butter, chocolate chunks and roasted peanuts it’s quite difficult to get it wrong! 

Ingredients: 

Gluten free oat blend (oats, oat flour), palm fruit oil*, peanut butter (dry roasted peanuts), semi-sweet chocolate chunks (cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter), organic coconut sugar, organic coconut nectar, white rice flour, dates, arrowroot flour, water, dry roasted peanuts, flaxseed, organic gum acacia, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, baking soda

*roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO) certified

Almond Chocolate Chunk

These cookies had whole almonds and natural almond extract so if you’re a big fan of almonds these are for you! They were slightly dry and gritty with a soft bite and a crumbly texture. 

We strongly felt the almond flavor with almond pieces and almond extract put together but it was nicely counterbalanced by the sweetness of coconut sugar and chocolate chunks

Again another lovely flavor from Maxine’s Heavenly with the nourishment of almonds!  

Ingredients: 

Gluten free oat blend (oats, oat flour, oat fiber), palm fruit oil*, semi-sweet chocolate chunks (cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter), organic coconut sugar, white rice flour, organic coconut nectar, dates, almonds, arrowroot flour, water, flaxseed, organic gum acacia, sunflower lecithin, organic pure almond extract, sea salt, baking soda

*roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO) certified

Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin

The moment you hear oatmeal you know what comes to mind…’breakfast’, and yes these cookies can be a nice addition to your breakfast! With every bite, we noticed oats and the powerful & spicy cinnamon punch, while feeling the sweetness of juicy raisins!

You can also use the crumbles to top vegan vanilla ice cream or vegan yogurt adding more nourishment & flavor to your desserts. Not only these cookies can be a great breakfast addition but can pleasingly complement your evening tea or coffee!

So, in the end, it was all about deliciousness with wholesome goodness of oats!

Ingredients: 

Gluten Free Oat Blends (oats, oat flour, oat fiber), Palm Fruit Oil*, Raisins, Organic Coconut Sugar, White Rice Flour, Organic Coconut Nectar, Dates, Arrowroot Flour, Water, Flaxseed, Organic Gum Acacia, Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt, Sunflower Oil, Baking Soda

*roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO) certified

4) Lucy’s Chocolate Chip Vegan Cookies


Lucy's Chocolate Chip Vegan Cookies Review

Lucy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are founded by a physician & mother Dr. Lucy.  It is an award-winning chocolate chip cookie (per manufacturer) and all cookies are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, with no peanuts, tree nuts, milk, or eggs.

These cookies have many organic ingredients and they have no trans fat and cholesterol.

If you have allergies and looking for a quality cookie brand, these cookies are a great option to consider!

Lucy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Taste Test

These cookies looked so appetizing and were really delicious! They were so crisp & crunchy (oh that crunch felt so good), buttery and flavorful. If Enjoy Life cookies were the melting moist type these are the dry crunchy type which will absorb well if you dip it into any plant milk. Being a gluten-free cookie, it didn’t disappoint at all and a sweet alternative!  

Nutrition Facts

Lucy's Chocolate Chip Cookies Nutrition facts

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5) Enjoy Life Vegan Cookies


Enjoy Life Vegan Cookies Review

Official website: enjoylifefoods.com/cookies

Enjoy Life has been providing tasty, allergy-friendly snacks since 2001. According to Enjoy Life Foods, it is the first gluten-free company to be given non-GMO status for all of its products.

The cookie flavors we’ve mentioned below are verified non-GMO, allergy-friendly, certified gluten-free, and vegan.

Enjoy Life products are free from wheat, peanuts, dairy, tree nuts, soy, casein, sulfites, eggs, lupin, and sesame.

Made in a dedicated nut and gluten-free facility.

Vegan Flavors/Variety: Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies Chocolate Chip, Enjoy Life Crunchy Mini Cookie Double Chocolate,  Enjoy Life Crunchy Mini Cookie Chocolate Chip, Enjoy Life Crunchy Mini Cookie Sugar Crisp, Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies Sugar Crisp, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies Chocolate Chip, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies Double Chocolate Brownie, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies Gingerbread Spice, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Mini Cookie Chocolate Chip, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Mini Cookie Double Chocolate Brownie, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Mini Cookie Snickerdoodle, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies Snickerdoodle.

Enjoy Life Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Taste Test

Enjoy Life Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Nutrition FactsEnjoy Life Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Taste Test

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These vegan non-dairy cookies definitely smelled like a chocolate chip cookie. They felt really good while chewing. The texture was soft, gooey and melted really well. Not dry at all. A thumbs up from us and a great addition to your sweet tooth!

Enjoy Life Soft Baked Double Chocolate Brownie Cookie Taste Test

Enjoy Life Soft Baked Double Chocolate Brownie Cookie Nutrition FactsEnjoy Life Soft Baked Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies Taste Test

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These were delicious! The texture was soft, moist and we thoroughly enjoyed! It does say Double Chocolate Brownie. So it was like a hybrid of cookies & brownies. Something different but in a good way! Recommended!

6) Lenny & Larry’s The Complete Vegan Cookie


Lenny & Larry's The Complete Vegan Cookie Review

Official website: www.lennylarry.com

Since 1993 Lenny & Larry’s has been providing quality baked goods. Not only they’re experimenting with new flavors and new ingredients to provide you great taste but with the goodness of protein and fiber as well.

A great option if you’re an avid traveler and when you’re on the go, you have the convenience of having these cookies to get your protein & fiber to keep you nourished & filled!

These cookies are quite big and you know what we mean when the serving size is half a cookie 😉 Actually, your typical cookie might be 1/2 the size, so two persons can have one cookie together!

Nutrition:

  • Protein: 16g per cookie
  • Fiber: 8g per cookie

Not only these cookies are non-dairy & vegan but they are non-GMO, no high fructose corn syrup, no cholesterol, no preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, no trans fat and soy-free (great choice if you have soy allergies).

Note:

The product page on Amazon may say soy protein but their new protein blend is made out of pea protein isolate, brown rice protein, and wheat gluten with no soy.

Flavors/Variety: Peanut Butter, Birthday Cake, Choc-O-Mint, Chocolate Chip, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Spice, White Chocolate Macadamia

White Chocolate Macadamia Taste Test

White Chocolate Macadamia Taste Test

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This cookie looked very much like the cookie on the wrapper with lots of white chocolate chips. It tasted great and slightly similar to the birthday cake cookie below but with white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts! Though loaded with protein,  there was no protein aftertaste.

What is unique about this cookie is the fact that it has white chocolate chips while being vegan. This is a combination which is a rarity since finding vegan white chocolates is quite difficult though there are few vegan white chocolate brands.

It’s very crumbly and got a very good texture for a cookie. It was thick and filling! Personally, we enjoyed the taste but you just have to try it for yourself to find out since it comes with white chocolate chips.

Oatmeal Raisin Taste Test

Oatmeal Raisin Taste Test

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As expected these cookies smelled like oatmeal with raisins with a pungent cinnamon smell (adding spiciness). We saw the raisins and a bit of cinnamon! Not bad at all. It did taste like oatmeal with raisins with that spicy taste of cinnamon. This was a cookie that lived up to its flavor it was supposed to deliver. No weird tastes at all. What you see is what you get. An authentic cookie!!

Birthday Cake Taste Test

Birthday Cake Taste Test

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The first thing we checked when we opened the wrapper was to see whether the cookie had sprinkles on it. No disappointment, the cookie did have sprinkles on it. After all this cookie is a birthday cake right? The texture was soft and it tasted like a cookie & cake combo! Nice cookie to serve on your birthdays or any other party! 

Peanut Butter Taste Test

Peanut Butter Taste Test

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These cookies were not that crunchy and were soft without any overpowering peanut butter taste. It also didn’t have much of a protein aftertaste which is good. So overall these were quite good and you should give it a try.

 

Best Vegan Cookie Brands Review!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: reviews, vegan cookies, vegan snacks

Best Multi-Purpose Specialty Blenders Review 2018

March 23, 2018 By Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Best Multi-Purpose Specialty Blenders Review

In this apple to apple comparison and review, we compared only top-of-the-range blenders with multi-tasking capacity and the review contains a comparison table, consumer ratings, blender features/specs, functionality & versatility,  general price, quality/durability (warranty), pros & cons, and many more details with a few tips on do’s & don’ts when using a blender. 

We did all the hard work spending countless hours to bring the details for you to make a solid purchasing decision depending on your needs & budget!

Blenders have come a long way with continuous improvements and here we are in the 21st century having the luxury of many options and features to play with.

This is great news if you’re a vegan since a blender can do wonders making your vegan recipes/diets convenient and healthy!

If your only requirement is smoothies or juices then we presume these multi-purpose blenders can be excessive, and a personal blender would just do the job.

But the multi-purpose specialty blenders can be extremely convenient when you have a variety of tasks such as,

  • Smoothies
  • Crushing ice
  • Purees
  • Hot soups
  • Baby food
  • Vegan ice cream
  • Nut butter
  • Grind seeds & grains 
  • Mixing batters
  • Making doughs 

These blenders can make a big difference be it for optimum health, saving time & money or serving a specific need.

Fundamentally, a blender consists of three main components:

  • Container
  • Blade assembly
  • Motor

The blenders which have perfected these three core components have gone on to become the market leaders today.

Besides the basics, other elements to consider are:

  • The display & controls
  • Size
  • Electrical ratings (120 V / 230 V)
  • Plug type
  • Design (ease of maintenance & aesthetic value)
  • Colors (for aesthetic value)

Why Invest in a Quality Multi-Purpose Blender Than a Cheap One


  • Blending may help better digestion of nutrients thus quality blenders give you the best blend of vegetables, greens, fruits, nuts, seeds, etc. There is so much power in these machines, they can pulverize everything (the seeds, the nuts, the fibers)! 
  • Higher quality means higher durability which in turn may save your time and money for having to replace the whole blender or parts in the long run
  • Gives you extended warranties
  • Provides more versatility with multi-tasking:  smoothies, crushing ice, making purees, hot soups, baby food, churning vegan ice cream, nut butter, grinding seeds & grains, mixing batters or even making doughs
  • More features mean more control over your blending and more convenience
  • Top quality specialty blenders with established brand names are expected to be well tested 
  • Can also be used for restaurants, cafes or if you’re a professional recipe maker these top-tier blenders can give the best texture & consistency

Vitamix 750 vs. Vitamix 5200 vs. Blendtec 625 vs. Oster Versa vs. Ninja Professional BL660


 

Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender Vitamix 5200 Blendtec Designer Series Blender Oster Versa Pro BLSTVB-RV0-000 Ninja Professional Blender (BL660)
Consumer Rating 4.5 / 5 (from 239 reviews) 4.5 / 5 (from 795 reviews) 4.3 / 5 (from 419 reviews) 3.8 / 5 (from 651 reviews) 4.4 / 5 (from 3301 reviews)
Price Range* $500-600 $350-450 $300-400 $150-200 $100-150
Warranty 7 years 7 years 7 years 7 years 1 year
Made in Country USA USA USA China China
Since 1937 (approx.) 1937 (approx.) 1975 1946 (approx.) 1995
Horsepower /  Watts 2.2 peak / 1440 watts 2 peak / 1380 Watts 3 peak  / 1,560 watts 1400 Watts 1100 Watts
Maximum Motor RPM 37,000 (approx.) 37,000 (approx.) 29,000 (approx.) 28,000 (approx.) 24,000 (approx.)
Motor Heat Prevention Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system for auto shut-off when overheated Radial cooling fan and thermal protection system for auto shut-off when overheated Air intake and output design that keeps the motor cool with temperature icon on display to indicate overheat A fuse is there for auto shut-off when overheated Activation of auto shut-off when overheated
Plug Type & Electrical Ratings†: 120 V /  230 V  Three prong plug, 120 V †, 50/60 Hz, 12 amps  Three prong plug, 120 V †, 50/60 Hz, 11.5 amps US standard wall plug, 120 V † Three prong plug, 120 V † Two prong plug, 120 V †
Blades Stainless-steel Stainless-steel Stainless-steel Stainless-steel Stainless-steel
Blades Type Four-pronged blades measuring 4 in. diameter Four-pronged blades measuring 3-in diameter Two-pronged ultra-hard stainless steel cold-forged wingtip blade Six-point blade (four horizontal & two vertical) with Duralast™ All-Metal Drive tested to blend up to 10,000 smoothies and is backed by a 10-year warranty

Ninja Blade technology with shaft through the center of the jar with six multiple blades

Container Volume 64 ounce/ 1.9 litres 64 ounce / 1.9 litres 64 ounce / 1.9 litres 64 ounce / 1.9 litres 72 oz
Container Material BPA-free, impact-resistant Eastman Tritan™ copolyester high-quality food grade plastic BPA-free, impact-resistant Eastman Tritan™ copolyester high-quality food grade plastic BPA-free, impact-resistant Tritan™ copolyester  food grade plastic BPA-free, impact-resistant Tritan™ food grade plastic BPA-free plastic
Spout Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Lid 2-piece spill proof lid for adding ingredients and to use the tamper while blending 2-piece spill proof lid for adding ingredients and to use the tamper while blending 2-piece lid for adding ingredients while blending which is spill proof, secure-fitting and vented Spill-proof 2-piece lid for adding ingredients / use the tamper while blending. The filler cap is 2 oz / 60 ml which can be used as a measuring cup. The lid has a pour spout and a handle
Control Panel Manual control knob that gives you more control over the blender’s speed and comes with 5 preset functions and pulse switch Manual control knob that gives you more control over the blender’s speed with high/variable switch Illuminated capacitive touch control surface/touch slider sensor that gives you manual control over the blender’s speed / easy to read, universal icons Variable speed dial to instantly adjust speed and comes with preset functions and pulse option Speed settings, single serve, and pulse option
Preset Functions 5 functions: smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, purees and self-cleaning No 6 functions: batter, crushed ice, smoothie, ice cream, whole juice, soup 3 programmed settings (smoothies, dips/spreads, and soup) Single serve
No of Speed Settings 10 10 8 8 3
Maintenance / Cleaning Self-cleaning: drop in some dish soap and a splash of warm water, and select self-cleaning function to let the machine clean itself in 30-60 seconds. Drop in dish soap and warm water, and select variable speed one turn machine on and slowly increase speed to variable speed 10, then to high to let the machine clean itself in 30-60 seconds. Add dish soap and hot water to the blender jar and press the pulse button for 5 seconds Fill the container half full with warm water and add 2 drops of liquid soap.

Close the jar with the lid and filler cap. Turn speed dial to a “low” speed and then increase to “high”. Run for 30-60 seconds.

Hand washing or with dishwasher
Dishwasher Safe? N/A N/A Yes No Yes
Cord Storage Under the base Under the base At the back of the motor base cover Bottom of

the base

Cord stuff box located in the back of the base
Cord Length 6 feet 6 feet 3.5 feet (approx.) 16 inches 3.25 feet
Dimensions ‡ 17.5 x 7.7 x 9.4 20.5 x 8.7 x 7.2 15 x 9.2 x 7 17.6 x 10.3 x 9.3 16.38 x 12 x 9.25
Weight Pounds / Kg 12.5 lbs / 5.7 Kg 10.56 lbs / 4.8 Kg 8 lbs /  3.6 Kg 11.8 lbs / 5.3 Kg 9.96 lbs / 4.5 Kg
Colors Black, Heritage Black, White Black, Red Black Gray
What’s included in the packaging § Motor base, low-profile 64-ounce container, getting started guide, user manual, DVD, cookbook, low-profile tamper. Motor base, classic 64-ounce container, getting started guide, user manual, DVD, classic tamper. Blender motor base, blender jar, recipe book, owner’s manual Blender motor base, blender jar, owner’s manual, tamper and 2 color cookbooks 72 oz pitcher with lid, motor base, 6 blade assembly, two 16oz. single serve cups with to-go lids, Nutri Ninja blade assembly, owner’s manual and a recipe booklet.   
Crushed ice Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Smoothies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Baby food Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Puree Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hot soup (due to friction) Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Sauce Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ice cream Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Nut butter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mill grains / powder Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Mix batter Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Knead dough Yes Yes Yes Yes No

* as of 15th March 2018 / subject to change

† plug type & electrical ratings are for USA

‡ size in inches

§ per user manual. Subject to change at the discretion of the manufacturer

Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender Review (Classic G Series)


Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender Review

Since William Barnard demonstrated how the Vitamix blender can make everyone to eat healthy with his first infomercials in 1949, Vitamix from USA has never looked back.

It is one of the most renowned and top-notch brands available today and most sought after by fine dining restaurants to biggest restaurant chains.

The heavy-duty Vitamix you see today is a result from years of research & trials and made to last with quality which could make a great impact in your daily routine.

It comes with one of the most powerful motors with 2.2 peak horsepower/1440 watts giving a 37,000 RPM (approx.). The other noticeable factors are the wide base with a tip to tip blade length of 4 inches!

The blades can rotate so fast when it’s on hot soup mode, where it creates friction heat giving you those sizzling & steaming hot soups to your delight!  

Another major difference of this model when compared to the Vitamix 5200 is the shorter pitcher with no compromise in volume. The shortened height takes less space and gives you more convenience to store under a cabinet on the countertop.

The manufacturer claims the solid stainless steel blades to be of aircraft-grade and a lot of attention to detail has gone into it in designing to give you that refreshing & invigorating smoothie to brighten your morning.

When it comes to controls & functions, it has variable speed control, preset modes, and the pulse switch.

The preset modes are:

  1. Smoothies
  2. Hot soups
  3. Frozen desserts
  4. Purees
  5. Self-cleaning.

The variable speed control has speed settings of 1-10 giving you a lot of flexibility to adjust speed and achieve a variety of textures & consistencies.The knob can also be rotated at any point during the blend, so you have complete control.

The beauty about the preset functions is that you can just set it and forget while attending to another kitchen task saving your time & electricity (with no excessive blending).

Vitamix 750 jar is made with BPA-free, impact-resistant, Eastman Tritan™ copolyester high-quality food grade plastic [1].

If there is any quibble about the product, that would be the high price tag. But then you get what you pay for and this being a standard setter and an industry leader the price is something you pay for superior performance, quality, and durability.

The blender comes with a getting started guide, user manual, DVD, cookbook, and a low-profile tamper. The tamper can be used even while the blender is running to make sure everything hits the blades. The cookbook is specific to this model which takes into account the preset programs.

As far as the noise is concerned it is relatively low considering the high motor power if you measure it in decibels, but have moderate expectations in this regard.

The 7-year full warranty shows a brand that backs durability & quality of the product. It covers all parts, performance, labor, and obligingly two-way shipping.*

Pros and Cons–Vitamix Professional Series 750

Pros

  • A preferred brand by popular restaurant chains and for commercial purposes (we’re talking about the brand in general, and this particular model is for household use only)
  • Positive consumer reviews
  • The 7-year full warranty which shows the durability & quality. It includes two-way shipping as well*
  • Powerful commercial grade motor with 2.2 horsepower/1440 watts (commercial grade means in terms of power, but not meant for commercial blending since the robust cooling elements of commercial purpose blenders are absent)
  • Ease of use with straight-forward controls
  • 5 pre-programmed settings for convenience, consistent results, saving time and electricity. Machine decides the speed & time for optimal blending.
  • The versatility: smoothies, crushed ice, hot soups, sauces, baby food, purees, vegan ice cream, nut butter, grinding, mixing batters, or even make doughs.   
  • 1-10 speed setting for total flexibility of blending speed to achieve different consistencies & textures
  • Ability to process large batches
  • Pulse function for better pulverization
  • Self-cleaning function
  • BPA-free, impact-resistant, high-quality food grade Tritan™ plastic container [1]
  • Includes a free tamper whenever you require to make sure everything hits the blades
  • 2-piece spill proof lid for adding ingredients and to use the tamper while blending
  • Easy fixation of the jar to the base with no twisting or locking
  • Stainless steel wide blade assembly
  • Low-profile container taking less space
  • Thermal protection system for auto shut-off when overheated
  • Lengthy plug cord with 6 feet
  • Free cookbook

Cons

  • High price
  • Relatively expensive accessories (high quality)
  • Control panel can be slightly difficult to clean as opposed to a flat control panel
  • Limited color options
  • No digital display for showing blending time, etc.

*Refer warranty terms & conditions

Accessories

Convert your full-size Vitamix® machine into a personal blender with this personal cup adapter

Vitamix machine into a personal blenderVitamix personal blender cup

Legacy Series Tamper Holder

Vitamix Legacy Series Tamper Holder

32-ounce Dry Grains Container

Vitamix 32-ounce Dry Grains Container

Vitamix 5200 Blender Review


Vitamix 5200 Blender Review

There is a substantial price difference between the 750 and the 5200 which is due to non-availability of the preset modes, pulse, and lesser motor power.  

Compared to the 750 model this has a taller jar with slightly a smaller base with the same volume. The 5200 blending pattern seems to have a shade of difference with its clear blending vortex compared to the 750. This is probably due to the tall & narrow jar though the 750 seems to have an edge when it comes to pulverizing and ripping everything apart.   

Irrespective of the blending patterns any difference in the final result is hardly noticeable and if anything, that could be a faint difference in the color & texture.  

The 5200 comes with a powerful motor with 2 peak horsepower which is marginally lower than the 750 power output and it has a base with a blade assembly of 3 inches wide, tip to tip length.

The jar is made with BPA-free, impact-resistant Eastman Tritan™ copolyester high-quality food grade plastic [1]. There is no pulse function in this model though you can set it to 10 high and turn on & off to create the pulse effect.

Just like the 750, the tamper can be used while the blender is running to make sure everything hits the blades. Unlike the 750 this model doesn’t have a self-cleaning function though you can still clean the jar easily with some warm water and a dash of liquid dishwashing detergent using variable speed in about 30-60 seconds.  

Vitamix gives a 7-year warranty for the 5200 which shows the durability & quality of the product. Just as the 750 it covers all parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping.*

Pros and Cons–Vitamix Professional Series 5200

Pros

  • Low price compared to Vitamix 750
  • A preferred brand by popular restaurant chains and for commercial purposes (we’re talking about the general brand, and this particular model is for household use only)
  • 7-year full warranty* which shows the durability & quality
  • Positive consumer reviews
  • Powerful commercial grade motor with 2 peak horsepower / 1380 watts (commercial grade means in terms of power, but not meant for commercial blending since the robust cooling elements of commercial purpose blenders are absent)
  • The versatility: smoothies, crushed ice, hot soups, sauces, baby food, purees, vegan ice cream, nut butter, grinding, mixing batters, or even make doughs.
  • Ease of use with simple controls
  • 1-10 speed setting for total flexibility of blending speed to achieve different consistencies & texture
  • Ability to process large batches
  • BPA-free, impact-resistant, high-quality food grade Tritan™ plastic container [1]
  • Includes a free tamper whenever you require to make sure everything hits the blades
  • 2-piece spill proof lid for adding ingredients and to use the tamper while blending
  • Easy fixation of the jar to the base with no twisting or locking
  • Thermal protection system for auto shut-off when overheated
  • Lengthy plug cord with 6 feet

Cons

  • Pricey compared to low priced competing blenders in the same class
  • No preset programs
  • No pulse function
  • Can take up more space (tall jar)
  • Relatively expensive accessories (high quality)
  • Control panel can be slightly difficult to clean as opposed to a flat control panel
  • Limited color options
  • No digital display for showing blending time, etc.

*Refer warranty terms & conditions

Blendtec Designer Series Blender (625) with WildSide Jar Review


Blendtec Designer Series Blender (625) with WildSide Jar Review

If you’re one of those tech junkies or design & aesthetics are top priorities who loves uniqueness a machine can provide besides its core task, then this USA made blender may be the one you’re looking for.

It seems like Blendtec is doing everything different to what other blenders do taking blending either into a whole new paradigm or making a mockery of competing blenders.

Blendtec uses dull blades as opposed to sharp blades, it has five sides jar instead of standard 4 sides jars, blades apparently rotate clockwise instead of counter-clockwise, it uses a two-pronged wingtip blade assembly instead of the standard 4 pronged version, doesn’t believe in using a tamper, and if they literally attempt to blend other blenders, we wouldn’t be surprised.

At the end of the day, the million dollar question is, does Blendtec get the core task done which is blending and blending a variety of foods effectively & efficiently. The answer is a resounding yes, backed by many positive consumer reviews. Blendtec has been in business since 1975 and with such a long history it is only fair to expect a perfected machine.         

Blendtec has the most powerful motor compared to its competing blenders in this review which comes with a 3 peak horsepower  / 1,560 watts motor which gives a 29,000 RPM (approx.).

The Blendtec comes with an illuminated capacitive touch control surface which includes preset programming such as batter, crushed ice, smoothie, ice cream, whole juice, hot soup, pulse and manual speed control as well. Besides these functions, it can do nut butter, grinding, and knead dough as well.

Not only it tells you just how long to wait until your blend is done but it also keeps a track of your usage telling you how many blend cycles you’ve done (1,9, 99…999…9999, etc.) which shows how well it has lasted.

There is also a cavitation warning which indicates on any air pockets formed around the blades which prevent optimum blending. Below you can find out the details on display icons.

Hover over the image to zoom

Blendtec Designer Series Blender (625) Details on Display Icons

The blade assembly is made with stainless steel, which is wide, thick & blunt doing a great job of blending and there is no worry of sharpening the blades or having the risk of cutting yourself. These blades can also have higher durability if you’re planning to do a lot of grinding.

The patented Wildside jar design is also one of the most unique jar designs you will find due to its 5 sides instead of regular 4 sides which enable tamper-free blending.

The caveat is though, you must learn & get a feel as to how the machine blends different types of food and different volumes since you’re not using a tamper. This though may have a learning curve and you may get better with experience. If you follow their recipe book that would help a lot. Once you learn how to blend without a tamper that will add a lot of convenience!

Jar is made with BPA-free, impact-resistant Tritan™ [1] copolyester food grade plastic. Inside it has extra ridges as well to give it a good mix and blend better. All types of Blendtec consumer jars work perfectly with all Blendtec motor bases, thus you can mix & match according to your needs!

The lid has two parts where the middle lid is vented (to release the steam when making hot soup, etc.) and can be popped out easily to add more stuff to blend.  

Though Blendtec has no prest self-cleaning mode, cleaning is a breeze where you just have to add dish soap and hot water to the jar and press the pulse button for 5 seconds. The jar is dishwasher safe as well.

Another plus with Blendtec is that it will fit under most cabinets on the countertop taking less space when you consider the size.

Just like Vitamix, Blendtec comes with a 7-year warranty which is proof of quality and durability of the product.

Besides the blender, you can expect a recipe book with more than 230 great tasting recipes!

Pros and Cons–Blendtec Designer Series (625)

Pros

  • Aesthetic appeal & simple to use thanks to the flat control panel which comes with digital display (including vivid icons) & touch control.
  • Lower price compared to Vitamix.
  • One of the most powerful commercial grade motors compared to its counterparts with 3 peak horsepower / 1,560 watts to blend virtually anything. (commercial grade means in terms of power, but not meant for commercial blending since the robust cooling elements of commercial purpose blenders are absent)
  • A preferred brand by popular restaurant chains and for commercial purposes (we’re talking about the general brand, and this particular model is for household use only)
  • 7-year warranty which is proof of quality and durability.
  • Positive consumer reviews
  • 6 pre-programmed settings for convenience, consistent results, saving time and electricity. Machine decides the speed & time for optimal blending
  • The versatility: smoothies, crushed ice, hot soups, sauces, baby food, purees, vegan ice cream, nut butter, grinding, mixing batters, or even make doughs.  
  • Choose between 8 speeds to have complete control, flexibility and achieve different consistencies & textures.
  • BPA-free, impact-resistant, high-quality food grade Tritan™ plastic container [1]
  • Easy fixation of the jar to the base with no twisting or locking
  • Two-pronged ultra-hard stainless steel cold-forged wingtip blades. The manufacturer claims the blades to be 80% thicker and 10x stronger than other blades
  • 2-piece lid for ease of adding ingredients and the middle lid is vented (to release steam for hot soups, etc.)
  • Pulse function for better pulverization
  • Ability to process large batches
  • No requirement to use a tamper (if you learn how the machine blends different types of food & quantities)
  • Taking less space compared to other blenders considering the dimensions
  • Easy to clean the base due to flat control panel
  • Blunt blades mean no worries of sharpening the blades or replacing due to dullness. It also has a low risk of injury and much easier to clean if hand washing it.
  • Dishwasher safe and can have self-cleaning with pulse option.
  • There is temperature icon on display to indicate overheat and has auto shut-off for damage prevention due to heat.
  • Free recipe book with more than 230 recipes

Cons

  • Since no tamper, it may take some time to learn to get the best blending results with different food types & volumes.
  • Expensive than the low priced competing blenders
  • Fairly expensive accessories (high quality)
  • Noise can be relatively higher due to higher motor power.
  • Capacitive touch control panel means there can be sensory/responsive issues which may hinder the operation of the blender
  • Limited color options

Accessories

Blendtec GO™ travel bottle to convert your Blendtec into personal blending

Blendtec GO™ travel bottle for personal blending

Blendtec Twister Jar

Blendtec Twister Jar

Blendtec Fourside Jar

Blendtec Fourside Jar

Oster Versa Pro Series Blender with Low Profile Jar (BLSTVB-RV0-000) Review


Oster Versa Pro Series Blender with Low Profile Jar (BLSTVB-RV0-000)

Oster which was known as Osterizer in 1946 is one of the pioneering brands to supply blenders commercially. Supplying blenders for nearly 71 years Oster is a prominent brand which has stood the test of time.

It is made in China and comes with a 7-year warranty which assures quality and durability of the product!

The blade assembly comes with a great blade drive system known as the Duralast™ All-Metal Drive which is tested to blend up to 10,000 smoothies backed by a 10-year warranty!

It also boasts a powerful 1400 watt motor and a stainless-steel blade that has a 28,000 RPM (approx.) to blend effortlessly and efficiently.

The control panel comes with variable speed dial to instantly adjust speed, has preset functions such as smoothies, soups, dips/spreads and a pulse mode.

Though you see only three preset functions on the control panel, this is a multi-functional blender. It can make crushed ice, smoothies, hot soups, churn vegan ice cream, grind grains (make powder) and even knead dough.

The lid has two parts where the middle part can be opened separately for adding anything extra or to use the tamper which comes as a standard with the blender.

The 6 point star blade is sharp therefore be cautious when you’re handling it.

The blender comes with owner’s manual, tamper and 2 colored cookbooks with over 130 recipes to inspire!

Considering the brand, relatively low price, warranty period and the variety of tasks this blender can handle, it’s only fair to say, that it gives a great bang for your buck!

Pros and Cons–Oster Versa Pro Series

Pros

  • Moderate price
  • 7-year warranty
  • Powerful commercial grade motor with 1400 watts to blend virtually anything (commercial grade means in terms of power, but not meant for commercial blending since the robust cooling elements of commercial purpose blenders are absent)
  • Stainless steel blades with all metal drive
  • The versatility: smoothies, crushed ice, hot soups, sauces, baby food, purees, vegan ice cream, nut butter, grinding, mixing batters, or even make doughs
  • Ease of use with straight-forward control panels
  • Preset functions: smoothies, dips/spreads, and hot soup
  • Pulse function for better pulverization
  • Ability to process large batches
  • Includes a free tamper whenever you require to make sure everything hits the blades.
  • BPA-free, impact-resistant Tritan™ food grade plastic container [1]
  • Easy fixation of the jar to the base with no twisting or locking
  • Auto shut-off when overheated
  • Self-cleaning is possible with the speed dial
  • Low profile jar is good enough to fit under most cabinets
  • 2 colored cookbooks with over 130 recipes

Cons

  • Relatively lower consumer ratings compared to other competing blenders
  • No digital display
  • Variable speed is relatively limited which has only three settings compared to other blenders with more speed settings, thus reducing flexibility and ability to achieve various consistencies and textures
  • Not many accessories which are compatible
  • Low length plug cord: 1.3 feet
  • Limited color options
  • Noise can be relatively higher due to higher motor power

Ninja Professional Blender with Nutri Ninja Cups (BL660) Review


Ninja Professional Blender with Nutri Ninja Cups (BL660)

The first impression we get when we see the Ninja is like a two in one machine which mostly has traits of a blender yet due to the way its blades are designed it tends to look like a food processor as well and even capable of a few tasks like chopping & mincing a food processor does.

The downside to this is that it may not do certain blending tasks efficiently & effectively. For instance, it’s unable to create friction heat to produce steaming hot soups as do other blenders in this review.

Also if you’re using the same standard jar for nut butter, vegan ice cream, sauce, and grinding you may not get optimum texture & consistency. Kneading dough is impossible considering the blade design as well.

Having said that, blending a little longer (without overheating the motor!) or by using the single serve cups may get you better results for certain food types. If you need to make batter or dough you can consider purchasing a Ninja dough blade.   

Ninja Professional Blender is made in China and comes with a one-year limited warranty. The company SharkNinja Operating LLC started in 1995 in Canada and now operates in USA.

Price is the lowest compared to other blenders and if you can be content with the number of tasks it does and master its blending patterns it can give you satisfactory results for the price you pay! It seems there are many satisfied consumers considering the substantial amount of positive reviews this blender has.  

The motor is powered with 1100 watts and the control panel comes with 3-speed settings, single serve mode, and a pulse button. The pitcher contains 72 ounces and the blender is about 17 inches tall which can fit under most cabinets

Another advantage for the price you pay is that it comes with two 16 oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with lids which add more convenience for personal blending of smoothies and fruit juices.

Blade assembly is made with Ninja® Blade Technology with a shaft through the center of the jar consists of six multiple stainless steel blades.

The lid has a pour spout and the motor will not turn on until the lid is secured properly as a safety feature. To fix the container to the base you need to place it on the base and twist until you hear a click sound. The base comes with rubber suction cups which create a firm grip on the counter.

The blades in the Ninja are quite sharp, so be cautious if you were to clean those by hand. The container and the blades are dishwasher safe.

The box comes with the 72oz pitcher with lid, motor base, 6 blades assembly, two 16oz. single serve cups with to-go lids, Nutri Ninja blade assembly for the single serving, owner’s manual and a recipe booklet.

Pros and Cons–Ninja Professional (BL660)

Pros

  • Lowest price compared to other blenders in this review
  • Positive consumer rating with a high number of reviews
  • Powerful motor with 1100 watts
  • Ease of use with straight-forward controls
  • Pulse function for better pulverization
  • Stainless steel blades
  • The jar is made of BPA free plastic
  • Two 16 oz. BPA free Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids & blade assembly which convert to a personal blender
  • Many low priced compatible accessories  
  • The lid has a safety feature where the motor will not turn on until the lid is secured properly
  • Auto shut-off when overheated
  • Considering the height should fit under most cabinets
  • Dishwasher safe jar and blade assembly
  • Easy-to-Clean base with flat control panel

Cons

  • One year warranty compared to longer warranty periods of other blenders in this review
  • No pre-programmed settings except for single serve option
  • Lacking versatility in tasks like making hot soup, churning vegan ice cream, grinding, mix batters, and kneading dough
  • Lack of speed settings compared to other blenders, reducing blending speed flexibility to achieve a variety of consistencies and textures. Ninja has only a three-speed setting
  • Lacks optimum texture & consistency produced by other pricey blenders
  • Inability to process large batches due to the shaft positioned through the center of the jar with six multiple blades
  • No digital display
  • No self-cleaning function
  • No tamper
  • Removing the lid can be irritating as you need to press a release button and lift the handle to release it
  • Limited color options
  • Fixation of the jar to the base requires an effort for twisting and locking
  • Need more accessories to add versatility

General Do’s & Don’ts When Using a Blender


General Do’s & Don’ts When Using a Blender

 

 

 

 

Do’s

  • Always make sure to read the owner’s manual provided by the manufacturer and follow the instructions for safety and long-term use
  • Register your blender with the manufacturer
  • Clean your machine before the first use. It’s always good to run a cup of water through your new machine before you use it to dislodge any stuff that might have settled in during the manufacturing process
  • Blender blades can be quite sharp which can cause injury if you were to use your hands for cleaning. Handle with care!
  • Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning
  • Always operate blender with the lid firmly in place. The lid plug should be removed only when adding ingredients or when using the tamper
  • When blending hot fluids, be cautious, since escaping steam may cause burns. Keep your hands and face away from the opening to prevent injury
  • Make sure to keep children under supervision when they use or are nearby the blender

Don’ts

  • Though modern blenders can do many tasks performed by food processors it would not be advisable to consider it as a complete replacement as certain tasks like slicing vegetables or shredding vegan cheese or other vegetables uniformly cannot be done by a blender
  • If the blender has an electrical rating of 110 V then never use it on a 230 V outlet vice versa, which can damage the motor. You may use transformers & adopters at your own risk, but that may not cover the warranty. The Amazon buy links in this review take you to your local Amazon site (e.g. www.amazon.co.uk) which may have products manufactured with a relevant electrical rating for your region
  • Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug
  • When making nut butter, oil-based foods or anything similar, try to limit blending for less than one minute. Blending for extended periods may cause dangerous overheating
  • Do not use extension cords
  • Leaving the appliance unattended while it is running is not recommended
  • Do not blend for more than the specified time limits by the manufacturer and if you smell any burns switch off the machine, take the food out, remove the jar and inform the manufacturer
  • Do not put more food than the given jar measurements (unless the jar measurements indicate half the capacity) leaving enough space to blend

Conclusion


We hope this review helped you to understand all the aspects of using a blender and its usefulness in your daily routine preparing vegan meals. No doubt, Vitamix & Blendtec brands are held in high regard among the experts and these are the most sought-after brands by commercial & household quality conscious consumers.

Still, if you look closely and analyze the details we provided, you may realize there are other blenders that can provide great value for money as well.

It boils down to your personal needs, priorities, budget, and any other recipe requirements. We hope you now have everything you need to know to realize what you’re paying for and make an excellent buying decision!

Best Multi-Purpose Specialty Blenders Review

Related Posts:

Best Bread Makers Review 2018 (Top Choice by Consumers)

 

References

[1] http://www.eastman.com/Markets/Tritan_Safe/Pages/Attributes.aspx

Filed Under: Blenders, Reviews Tagged With: blenders, kitchen appliances, multi-purpose specialty blenders review, reviews

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