My Dad Relies on This “Powerful” Meal-Prep Gadget So Much, He Even Travels with It (It’s on Sale!)

Micki Wagner
Micki WagnerCommerce Writer
I cover everything kitchen-related, from cookware and countertop appliances to pantry staples and cleaning and organizing must-haves. I’m based in New York, NY.
published Jan 24, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Businessman in office drinking a smoothie
Credit: Westend61 / Getty Images

There are some kitchen appliances I just couldn’t imagine going without, like my toaster oven. For a long time, I thought a blender, while useful, wasn’t one of them. Lately, I’ve begun to realize that I was wrong. Even though I don’t use it every day, I do find it essential to have around when I want to make hummus, smoothies, or creamy soups. I’ve used a couple of blenders over the years, including my beloved Ninja Twisti, which has quickly become a key player in my kitchen.

My dad also happens to swear by the brand, using a different Ninja blender to make his own smoothies. He usually counts on the editor-approved Ninja Nutri Pro Personal Blender, but since he travels often for work, he decided to get one that he could take on the go. Knowing the brand is “reliable,” he went with the Ninja Blast Portable Blender, which you can get on Amazon right now for just $55. This budget-friendly, compact appliance allows him to drink his daily smoothies with ease every morning, no matter where he is. 

What Is the Ninja Blast Portable Blender?

The Ninja Blast Portable Blender is the answer to making a smoothie when you’re out and about, whether you’re traveling, at the office, or camping. It might not have all the presets that your standard blender does, but that lack makes the Ninja Blast really easy to operate when you’re outside of the house. It has just two buttons on its display: Start/Stop and Power. And you can choose between 20 color options, so you can find the one that best matches your aesthetic. 

Credit: Keith Wagner

Unlike full-size blenders and even most portable ones, you can drink from the Blast even when it’s fully assembled. To clarify, what I mean is that you’re meant to drink from the cup with the electric base still attached to it. I had my doubts about this, but my dad is actually big fan of this feature.

“That’s another thing that’s convenient about it for traveling: It’s all one unit, so there’s a lot less bulk. You’d think that would be weird and awkward, but it’s not,” he assured me, noting that the weight is balanced throughout the device, so it doesn’t feel uncomfortably heavy.

Credit: Keith Wagner

Why My Dad Loves the Ninja Blast Portable Blender

Of course, there are a number of other attributes that my dad loves beyond its portability. For one, the Ninja Blast blends quietly. Given that his Nutri Pro isn’t all that quiet, this was something that concerned him since he knew he’d be staying in hotels on work trips, and he didn’t want to accidentally wake up his neighbors. Thankfully, he was immediately impressed by the Blast’s low noise level. Another pro? “It also cleans pretty easily because the base unscrews from the cup and then you can just wash the blades off directly,” he told me. 

When it comes to portable blenders, my primary concern is always how well can they can handle ice. My dad confirmed that he’s had no problems with it so far, but he did note that when he adds frozen strawberries, they weigh down the blade, so he has to flip the Blast over to blend them. It really isn’t an issue, he said; it’s just a small quirk worth knowing to get the best results.

He’s now been traveling with the Ninja Blast for the last nine months, and he still stands by his sentiment that the brand is reliable. It helps that the Blast is easy to clean, simple to operate, crushes ice nicely, and keeps a low noise profile, making it a really solid choice for those looking for a way to enjoy fresh smoothies on the go. 

Buy: Ninja Blast Portable Blender, $54.99 (normally $59.99)

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