The Ninja Storm Is More Than Just a Blender — Here's How It Stacked Up in My Testing

Tested by Taylor Murray

In the world of kitchen appliances, I am skeptical of a "does-it-all" claim. In most cases, you need a specific tool for a specific job, like a blender for blending or a mixer for mixing. Too often, a machine that promises to do everything ends up doing nothing particularly well.

Enter the Ninja Storm Blender and Drink Maker. This compact appliance claims to be able to chop, blend, dice and mix dough, all for around $40. It sounds like the kind of tool that could make life easier for anyone who doesn't want, or doesn't have the space for, a fleet of single-use appliances. At this price point, can it really replace the work of several big-ticket gadgets?

To find out, I put the Ninja Storm through a week of everyday cooking tests, from making smoothies to crushing ice. I wanted to see how well it could blend and if it could step up as a true multitasker. Here's what I found after using it in my kitchen.

What Is the Ninja Storm Blender and Drink Maker?

The Ninja Storm Blender and Drink Maker is a compact countertop appliance with a 40-ounce pitcher, single-button operation and a lightweight design that clocks in at just 3.6 pounds. It operates as a cross between a blender and a food processor, able to make everything from fresh juices to soups to muffin batter. It's designed to handle smaller, everyday kitchen tasks quickly and affordably.

It has a double-level blade intended to chop or blend on multiple levels, streamlining the process and limiting the need to constantly stop and scrape down the sides. The result is a machine that's simple to use, compact enough to easily stash away and versatile enough to earn a spot on your counter for daily use.

How I Tested the Ninja Storm

I started by unboxing the Ninja Storm, flipping through the manual and taking a look at the included recipes. I gave it a quick rinse, assembled it and then put it through a series of tests.

Smoothie Test: I added a banana, frozen strawberries and milk to the blender, then gave it short pulses until the mixture was smooth. I poured it into a cup to see if the design made a mess or handled drips well.

Protein Powder Test: Next, I added two scoops of protein powder and some milk and attempted to discover how quickly it could combine the two to a lump-free drink.

Pesto Test: For more of a challenge, I used the blender to make a fresh basil pesto. During this test, I looked for spots that blended unevenly or signs that the basil was becoming bruised.

Pie Dough Test: I used the Storm to make a simple pie dough, first pulsing in cold butter until it was the size of peas, then adding in cold water until a ball of dough formed. For this test, I noted how well the blender broke down the butter and how well the ball of dough stayed together after I turned it out onto the surface.

Onion Test: I quartered a large white onion (a whole onion would not fit) and placed it in the blender, pulsing it until chopped. Again, I looked for spots that were unevenly chopped and if the blender over-blended any spots.

Ice Test: I used the Storm to pulse the ice until it was crushed. I noted how long this process took and how evenly it blended.

After each test, I cleaned the entire blender. For most recipes, a hot rinse was enough to wash free any residue. Stickier substances, like the pie dough, were harder to remove, particularly from the sharp blade. Luckily, most parts are dishwasher-safe and were not damaged after being run through a few cycles.

My Review of the Ninja Storm Based on Testing

Performance: The Storm gets major points for ease of use. A single power button starts the blade with a simple push, staying on only as long as pressure is applied. It has a powerful motor that can handle most blending tasks, and it handled smoothies, protein shakes and pesto beautifully. Some trickier jobs, like pie dough and chopped onions, were less consistent. The onions ended up pureed on the bottom with dime-sized pieces up top, while the pie dough had some very wet areas where the water did not fully incorporate into the dough.

The bowl has a limited capacity and larger volumes struggled to cycle from bottom to top, resulting in unevenly blended ingredients, and the motor can only run for 15 seconds at a time before it needs a rest. Still, it's workable for casual use and did well on smaller tasks.

Features and Appearance: The Storm is lightweight and compact, making it easy to stash in a cabinet or squeeze into a large drawer. It comes in an array of fun colors to suit any aesthetic. The crystal-clear, 40-ounce blender bowl lets you view your recipe as it blends, so you can be sure that things are processing to your liking. A handy lid is included, so you can stash away your creation without having to dig around in the Tupperware drawer.

Care and Maintenance: All the parts of this blender, save for the electric motor head, are dishwasher-safe. When hand-washing, most parts only require a quick rinse with hot, soapy water. Note: Be careful of the extra-sharp blade if hand-washing.

Price and Value: At around $40, the Ninja Storm a steal that delivers a lot of utility. It won't rival a Vitamix, but it can easily handle smoothies, dips and light chopping. Overall, it's a smart buy that won't break the bank.

Bottom Line: Is the Ninja Storm Worth Buying?

Yes, if you're looking for a compact, affordable blender that doubles as a food processor, then the Ninja Storm is a great choice. While the five-cup capacity is roomy enough for many tasks, some larger recipes might require a larger appliance. Still, for the price, it's hard to beat. Its compact size and light weight mean that you can easily grab it for smaller prep projects. You'll love having this handy sidekick that's reliable, versatile and fun to use.

Why You Should Trust Our Tester

Taylor Murray is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Nutrition. She worked as a professional chef for over 10 years before moving into recipe and product testing and development. She has tested several hundred products for Food Network and other brands over the last six years, covering everything from carbon steel pans to food dehydrators.

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