The Ninja Blendboss Tumbler Blender Is My New Morning Essential – It’s Speedy, Reliable, and Chic

I have always been a fan of homemade smoothies, and as a dedicated gym-goer, having a tumbler I can take on the go is a must. That’s why, after testing the Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender for the last few weeks, I’ve decided to keep it as part of my morning routine.

Finding the best personal blender can be tricky. Some models simply aren’t powerful enough to break down fibrous greens, while others lack the chic design you’d want to carry with you on the go. Fortunately, the Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender tackles both of these issues head-on.

Here’s how it performed while I tested it across a range of smoothies and protein shakes – along with the minor snags that led me to dock half a star from an otherwise fun countertop addition.

Product Specifications: The Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender

Design and First Impressions

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I personally think that the Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender is one of the best blenders for design in recent years. It's fun, opting for what I can call a 'pop-art' style rather than being sleek and modernist. With the bubble-esque base, Stanley style tumbler, and cute color options, it looks almost futuristic on my counter. There is something for everyone, from the more refined 'Stone Mint' that I tested (and is pictured above), to my personal favorite 'Lavender Lemonade', a sweet lilac and butter yellow combination that simply makes me smile.

The packaging was just as bright, filled with tips for using the appliance. I was pleased to see several recyclable components, such as the box and protective shell; however, the fabric bags protecting the components and the several stickers did bring the recyclability score down. This is minor, as the bags I can repurpose elsewhere at home, leaving only the stickers to waste. All in all, not terrible, but not the best.

The blender comes with three 'pamphlets': The regulatory and safety sheet, and two quick start guides, and an info sticker on the tumbler, which offers more information about the three blending modes. The quick start guides covered everything I needed to get the papliance running, and even included a basic starting smoothie recipe, and instructions on the order in which to add the ingredients for a perfect blend. This, I would later find out, would be very important, but more on that in the smoothie test break down below.

Putting the blender together was just as simple. After rinsing it all out to remove any lingering factory dust, the blade base screws on neatly to the top of the large tumbler and locks into place, offering peace of mind and preventing leaks. Then, it is as simple as locking it onto the motor base, and choosing your desired setting.

It is worth noting that the tumbler, despite its large, ergonomic Stanley-style handle, is on the heavier side, weighing 1.3lbs (600g) when empty and with the drinking lid and straw. It is large, with thick walls to withstand ice-crushing, but this could detract from the portability slightly if you have a compromised grip. This wasn't a problem for me, but it is worth considering.

One thing that does not detract from this potability, however, is the straw. I was worried that with it, the lid would not close. However, Ninja's foresight has given the straw a silicone flex base, meaning it compresses into the tumbler when the flip-hinge lid is down. It then conveniently pops back up when you open the cup. It's simple but effective.

Blending Performance

The Smoothie Test

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We test all of our blenders (from the best blender food processor combos to the best quiet blenders) the same way: Using a simple breakfast smoothie mixture of milk, yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, banana, frozen berries, and fresh spinach. This tests everything you need in a blender, from the ability to break down seeds and ice to shredding fibrous veggies and dealing with the clumping and grittiness of powders.

I filled the tumbler up with the ingredients in the order recommended by Ninja on the quick start guide (see above slide four). However, I realised I forgot to add my protein powder scoop at the same time as my chia seeds, so I threw it in just before adding the frozen berries. This, I would learn, was a mistake – but more on that later.

I screwed the blades into place, inverted the tumbler and saw no leaks, and placed it on the base. I selected the preset 'Smoothie IQ' setting and let it run. The first thing I noticed is that this blender is loud, maxing out on the smoothie setting at 97.7 decibels when recorded with the Decibel X app. The Smoothie IQ program runs for 55 seconds (matching Ninja's claim perfectly, proving great accuracy), and this noise was horrid. The Smoothie setting is designed to stop and start periodically at the beginning of the blend to allow ingredients to settle, meaning no more guesswork, stuck items, and chunks.

With the programme over (counted down with the five LED lights on the base), I removed the tumbler, flipped it, and unscrewed the blades. A small vacuum forms during blending, but it wasn't difficult to remove despite this. The smoothie was almost perfectly smooth, with the only texture being a few tiny seeds. This is negligible to me, as the fibrous spinach, gritty protein powder, and chunks of berry had been obliterated into the perfect consistency.

This is, however, when I realised just how important it was to add all the ingredients in the perfect order. As shown in slide two, adding the protein powder late meant that upon blending, some of the powder stuck to the sides of the container and was not fully incorporated. When I repeated this same test with the same measurements the next morning, this time adding the powder when I should have, the powder mixed in perfectly, with no clumps left behind.

All in all, it was a smooth experience, if you'll pardon my pun, and I think it will become my new favourite summertime breakfast morning routine, just not too early, or the noise might wake the neighbours.

(Below, you can see the Smoothie IQ setting stopping and starting as it progresses through the programme to ensure an even blend.)

The Ice Test

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The ice crushing test is what makes or breaks a good blender score, and as the Ninja BlendBoss comes with a dedicated 'Ice Crush IQ' mode, I had to test it to its limits.

For the first ice test, I added cold water up to the minimum liquid line, and then filled the tumbler with large store-bought ice chunks to the max fill line. I set it off on the Ice Crush IQ mode and cringed at the noise. This time, it totalled 100 decibels, and I needed my noise-cancelling headphones to push through the 55 second programme.

This test crushed most of the ice, but a few of the large chunks in the top of the tumbler were missed. Otherwise, the ice that had made it to the blades was a slushy snow consistency, holding somewhat true to Ninja's claim of 'snow' like textures, mush like their smaller Ninja Blast Max, reviewed for us by Lydia Hayman.

I repeated the test immediately after with the same-sized ice cubes but only half filling the tumbler and had greater success (albeit with no less noise). This time, all of the chunks were blitzed.

It is worth noting that, as the tumbler is designed for consumption from the vessel, and not pouring or decanting, there is no spout, which made trying to pour the slush out a bit awkward, especially into a narrower rimmed glass. I settled for spooning it out or tipping it into a larger rimmed pitcher.

All in all, the ice test was a success, a noisy one with some trial and error, but a success.

The Milkshake Test

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Milkshakes are not a standard part of our blender tests, but as the weather is gradually warming up and I had just gotten my hands on some blueberry white chocolate powder, who was I not to test out a sweet treat? Milkshakes are, after all, one of the best things you can make in a blender.

I added milk, a few scoops of vanilla ice cream, and some of the chocolate powder to the tumbler, screwed on the blades, and blended on the 'Blend IQ' setting, a 60-second programme Ninja says is best for protein drinks. As I was primarily using a flavour powder here, I thought this would be a great test.

After the 60 (loud) seconds, the drink was perfectly smooth, with no grittiness or chunks of ice cream. It's going to be perfect for summer, I know it.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning a blender is usually one of the worst parts of making smoothies. However, the Ninja BlendBoss makes it simple.

The tumbler, lid, and straw are dishwasher safe, but they are simple enough to rinse and wipe out by hand (especially as the large rim makes it easy to reach inside). You can also half-fill the tumbler with warm water (not hot) and a few drops of dish soap, and pulse a few times. This was my favorite way to tackle the tumbler, as it rendered it spotless after just three pulses and a quick rinse. You can also remove the silicone sleeve base to check for stuck residue in the bottom corners.

Ninja recommends cleaning the blades with a long-handled soft brush to prevent injury, but it does not include one. As you will also need one for cleaning out the straw properly when washing by hand, I see this as an essential added investment. Luckily, I already had a straw brush, from Amazon, to hand.

The base then just needs wiping with a dry microfiber cloth.

What Shoppers Say

The overall shopper reviews of the Ninja BlendBoss are positive, with an average star rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon, and the Ninja US website.

One five star Amazon review, witten by Jill Anderson, shared a lot of my own findings. They wrote, 'Great for smoothies too. It is actually leak-proof, no, it's not a myth, it really doesn't leak! The lid is easy on and easy off, and attaches to the base very easily as well.' They noted, however, that they wished it came with two tumblers as standard. You can buy additional tumblers for the blender, but at $40 per travel tumbler (complete with lid, and straw) on the Ninja site, it is not the cheapest accessory.

Shoppers also commented on the great size, both in terms of portion and storage. Fellow Amazon shopper D. S. added in their five-star review, 'The 26oz tumbler is genuinely leakproof, lid screws on tight, and it’s easy to clean.' They also loved how they can 'Hit the button and 30-40 seconds later it’s a perfectly smooth smoothie – no chunks, no half-frozen boulders, no need to babysit it.'

Of the one-star reviews on the Ninja site, the users mention leaking lids around the lid release button; however, this is not a problem I have encountered with my own. I will continue to monitor, however, to see if this is an issue that develops with longer use, and update my review as needed.

Other early one-star reviews also referenced a frustration in only having one tumbler. This was when Ninja had yet to release the optional add-on cups. These, however, are now widely available both from Ninja directly and from Amazon.

Should You Buy The Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender?

All in all, I would recommend the Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender to anyone who is looking for a fun personal blender, loves the Stanley style, and wants a large capacity power house for making great smoothies and milkshakes. It is super simple to use, easy to clean, and easy to drink from, with a large 'gulp' hole and thick straw that makes slurping even thick mixes simple, no jaw workout required.

That being said, the loud noise means it might not be the best pick for people who are up very early and want to whip up a drink before others in the house are awake, say for breakfast smoothies on the go, or protein shakes for the gym. Similarly, the tumbler, while perfect for fitting in car cup holders and is leakproof, is not insulated like a Stanley, so it will not keep drinks cool, and it is on the heavier side, so it may be cumbersome to those with lessened grip or a lot to carry.

It is also not suited to blending hot ingredients, as stated on the instructions, so it cannot be used to make small, single-portioned soups. This is not what the blender is designed or marketed for, however, and thus I will not hold it against them.

However, it is a great personal blender that adds a touch of personality to the kitchen.

How We Test Blenders

Over the years, we've refined our process for how we test blenders.

The first step is market research. We keep in touch with the industry to make sure that we're always first to hear about a new launch, and will almost always call it in to test to try and be among the first to assess how well it performs. Every blender must be tested for a prolonged period (two weeks or more) to check for any issues and assess the product's longevity, and where possible, we aim to keep blenders in-house to test them on a long-term basis, updating our reviews as the months and years pass to see if our favorite is still ahead of the crowd.

Smoothies are the most basic thing a blender can do. They're pretty much why blenders were invented, so if we've got a model that can't handle these you won't find it anywhere near our rankings of the best.

We then see if a blender can crush ice. Ice is useful for two reasons. One is as a straightforward test of sheer power. Weak blenders won't be able to crush it, or will do half a job. A powerful, premium blender should be able to mist ice cubes into fine white powder. If a blender can't manage this, then it can't earn a perfect score.

A blender will score extra points in our tests if it operates quietly. We monitor the decibel levels on every test. We also clean every blender by hand to see how easy this is, and if it feels safe.

You can find out more details on our How We Test Blenders page.

What Else to Shop

Having used the Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender for a few weeks, I think there are a few accessories that would make it even better. These are my picks for a smoother experience, and a Ninja alternative that you might like if you're looking for something smaller.

I certainly think that this is one of the best Ninja products for your kitchen, but we have curated a full list for you to kit out your cookspace.

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