We reviewed Nutribullet’s portable blender – here's our take

We all know that browsing products online isn’t the same as taking them for a test spin, so we’re here to help. In our series of in-depth reviews, our editors pick out products you may be curious about. This time, we’re reviewing Nutribullet’s portable blender. Read our review to learn more about it, then head to Cathay Shop and check it out for yourself.      

A little bit of background    

This compact yet capable blender is perfect for mixing smoothies, shakes and flavoured water on the go. With a 475ml canister, it fits easily into your gym bag or backpack – great for when you want to whizz up a clump-free protein shake after a workout or blitz a banana-and-milk brekkie at the office. Its portability makes it ideal for those looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle, allowing you to stay hydrated, get in some extra fruits and veggies and avoid sugary shop drinks even while you’re out and about. Even if your bag is full, you can comfortably carry the bottle by its leak-proof handle. Plus, the flip-open sip spout takes the place of a screw-on cup, saving you from washing extra attachments.   

Using the USB-C charging cable included, a full charge gives you enough blending power for a minimum of 15 cycles – so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice for your juice. A handy LED light indicator also conveys important information during use, such as battery levels, charging status, which mode the blender is in and potential errors like overheating.  

First impressions  

You won’t need a manual to get started; all the basics are explained on a helpful sticker. Press the power button once to turn on the device; twice to start blending. The side of the cup is conveniently marked with measurement lines, as well as a "MAX" fill line to help you avoid jamming the device. The blender is also preset with a 20-second blending cycle to prevent overheating, and the whole device goes into sleep mode after two minutes of inactivity so that you don’t accidentally drain the battery.  

My favourite feature of the blender, though, was its cordless design. It meant that even while at home, I could blend ice-cold drinks from any spot – while watching TV, working at my desk or reading on the patio – without needing to be anchored to the kitchen counter. I could easily imagine mixing up drinks by the pool, in the office or on road trips. I also loved how easy the blender was to clean – unlike other blenders I’ve used before, nothing ever gets stuck in the blades. All you have to do is add dishwashing liquid and water, then blend for one cycle. 

Any cons?       

Because the blending cup is smaller than a traditional plug-in blender, I had to resist the temptation to overfill it. On my first trial, I stuffed in too much kale and had to remove some while adding more liquid. I also found that one automated cycle wasn’t always enough to achieve a smooth consistency, but I got my desired results by gradually adding small amounts of ingredients over several cycles.  

For even greater portability, I’d love it if you could unscrew the blade, attach a travel lid and carry just the cup, as you can with some of Nutribullet’s other models. 

Final thoughts 

Overall, I found this blender to be a solid choice for convenient daily use, especially if you lack outlets or countertop space in your kitchen. It’s small yet powerful, able to effectively blend frozen ingredients and crushed ice to deliver fresh drinks whenever, wherever.