Imagine this: you're running late for work, but you just can't skip your morning smoothie. Do you risk getting to your desk even later or do you go without your first meal of the day? I’ll be the first to admit that’s what most of my morning thoughts sound like—which is why I was ecstatic to get my hands on Nutribullet's latest gadget, the new Nutribullet Flip personal blender so I don't have to choose!
When I was first shown the portable blender, I was skeptical. How powerful could something that fits in my bag really be? But after seeing it in action, I was intrigued. What really caught my attention, other than the fact that it's advertised as being more powerful than similar products on the market, is that I can make a smoothie and drink it without even needing to remove the blending lid/base.
It can satisfy smoothie cravings wherever, whenever. Whether you’re at the gym, sitting at the office, on a hike, or just don't feel like dragging out the big blender, this little powerhouse can certainly save the day. So I took one home to give it a spin (literally). Now, after blending a variety of frozen drinks myself, I’m here to say that this little gadget might just be my new best friend. Curious to see how it fared? Let's dive into my first sip experience!
nutribullet Flip Portable Blender with Insulated Cup
What is the Nutribullet Flip?
Thanks to this innovative product, smoothies and shakes on-the-go are, well, a go! The Nutribullet Flip combines a blender and an insulated tumbler so that you can blend anything at anytime, then drink it anywhere. The product features a rechargeable battery, stainless steel blades, and a flip-top lid that lets you sip your blends without mess, no disassembly required.
The battery allows for 14-plus 30-second blending cycles per full charge and with the 11.1V high-torque motor, Nutribullet promotes the product as having 50% more battery power than similar portable blenders. You can blend ice, most frozen fruits, and many fresh ingredients, then keep your creation cold for up to cold for up to 24 hours. Plus, there's a self-cleaning feature to use when you're done!
When you first open the box, you'll find the motor base, a cup to hold the motor base when not in use, an insulated cup, a "to go" top, a straw, and a cleaning brush for the straw all neatly packaged inside. Also included are instructions, a handy recipe booklet, and the USB-C charging cable.
How does the Nutribullet Flip work?
To test out the Nutribullet Flip, I consulted the included recipe booklet first. Berry smoothies, chocolate protein shakes, and even spicy margaritas—you can find detailed instructions for them all. I chose the Coffee Frappe Smoothie first. (After all, I had a long day of writing and reviewing ahead of me!) Then, I got to blending a banana, almond milk, yogurt, cooled coffee, cinnamon, maple syrup, and ice. Keep in mind when using any hot ingredients, you'll need to let them cool before adding them to the blender.
The blending process is simple: Combine all those ingredients in the cup, screw on the motor base, turn it on by pressing the button once, then turn the blender upside down before pressing the button again to start the blending cycle. I tweaked the recipe for a smaller portion, but I was pleased with the results.
I will say it took two blending cycles to reach my desired consistency. After the first blend, there were still several pieces of chunky ice. Since this tumbler isn't see-through like most big blenders, you do have to stop blending and unscrew the lid to check that things are running smoothly (pun intended). I imagine I'll get better at gauging what my ideal texture sounds like as I continue using it.
I was a little nervous about the idea of turning the tumbler upside down to blend everything (the ingredients fall down to hit the blade and blend), but I was pleasantly surprised: Not even a little leak! Once my frappe was made, the flip-top lid made it easy to start sipping straight away—and once I started, I couldn't stop. Yes, it was that good!
There's also a separate travel lid that you can screw on in place of the motor lid to make it more convenient to use when on the go. As for noise level, while it's definitely quieter than a standard blender (which is so helpful when living with roommates), it might be a bit too noisy to pull out at your desk. Though you can head to the break room and blend away!
Clean up was just as easy as advertised. I simply added water and a few drops of dish soap to the cup, then reattached the motor base to let it blend for one cycle. As to not immerse the motor base itself in water, I cleaned that piece by hand. I haven't used the metal straw yet, but it comes with a nifty cleaning brush similar to other reusable straws.
What can you make with the Nutribullet Flip?
While there are so many refreshing smoothies to try out, it's advertised that the Nutribullet Flip can also make a range of other frozen drinks. Along with the Coffee Frappe Smoothie, I also made my go-to protein shake as well as the Parfait All Day smoothie in order to test out its frozen fruit capabilities—and my results were much of the same. Translation: I loved it!
While I've only personally blended up a few drinks so far, the stainless steel blades and powerful motor on this gadget can help you make anything from smoothies and protein shakes to milkshakes. I'd also imagine you can use it to make your own hummus, sauce, and dressing—then transport it to work or any other event. No matter what you make, the insulated cup will keep it cold for up to 24 hours.
Should you buy the Nutribullet Flip?
In all honesty, the Nutribullet Flip has been a very welcome addition to my daily routine. It's extremely convenient to blend a drink that's the perfect portion size for me, then drink it right out of the same container. No more lugging out a big blender then cleaning both that and a cup! Since the portable blender is small (about the size of a typical insulated tumbler water bottle) and includes attachable pieces, it's easy to store, too.
If you're looking for a portable blender that combines both quality and convenience, I'd say this is the one for you. Though I've only been using it for a short time, it seems to be sturdy and made to last, so I'm hopeful that I'll be able to use it regularly for years to come. Given its powerful capabilities and battery life, I think the Nutribullet Flip is worth every penny of its $100 price point. Basically, it's the personal blender I never knew I needed, but now I won't be able to live without!
