Sign In

Our recommendations are made independently. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender vs Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender (AMZ493BRN) Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender

$349.99 from Amazon

Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender (AMZ493BRN)

$139.99 from Amazon
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender vs Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender (AMZ493BRN)

Overall Verdict

The Ninja AMZ493BRN comes with various containers and features for smoothie preparation, dough kneading, and food processing. This versatility appeals to those seeking a multi-purpose blender. However, our evaluation showed its performance to be lacking in even basic tasks like liquifying fibrous greens or blending frozen fruits smoothies.  

Meanwhile, the Vitamix  E310 Explorian proves to be a more reliable and efficient choice, especially for those who value consistent, high-quality blending results. Sporting a 2.0 HP motor, it excels in a broad range of blending tasks, from simple purees to complex frozen ingredients. We also prefer this blender over the Ninja AMZ493BRN due to its ease of operation, with a design that simplifies cleaning and minimizes manual intervention during blending.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • High-quality components ensure longevity and reliable performance.
  • The meticulously designed container coupled with sturdy stainless steel blades promises smooth and consistent blending outcomes.
  • The inclusion of a generous 7-year warranty, which surpasses the standard warranty length for blenders.
  • Designed to safely blend hot ingredients directly in the container
  • Rapid and potent acceleration for efficient blending every time.
  • The blender's robust build promises a stable and reliable performance.
  • It excels at crushing ice, making it an ideal choice for preparing chilled beverages.
  • The provided set of accessories enhances the blender's versatility, allowing it to accommodate a wider range of tasks.
  • The user-friendly control panel makes operation simple and straightforward.
  • The container's lack of a locking mechanism onto the base impairs stability during use.
  • It struggles with even simple tasks like making green smoothies, frozen fruit smoothies, and nut butter.
  • The containers are prone to scratches

Key Specs

Dimensions
H17.4 x L7.7 x W8.9 inches
H17.25 x L6.9 x W7.9 inches
Weight
9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Capacity
48 oz
72 oz
Motor Power
1500 wattages
1200 wattages
Various Speed Settings
Yes
No
Pulse Mode
Yes
Yes

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$322.58
$143.93
$349.99 at Amazon
$139.99 at Amazon

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
9.8
6.3

Smoothie

10
3.9
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Green Smoothie Video
The Vitamix E310 motor base and its container stand on a table, accompanied by a glass filled with a green smoothie. Next to it are two distinct smoothie samples spread on white paper while a smartphone showcases the blending time of 1 minute.
A white paper displays two smoothie samples, showcasing the consistency of a Vitamix smoothie blended for 30 seconds and another blended for a full minute.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Smoothie Video
The AMZ493BRN blender’s motor base and its container stand on a table, accompanied by a glass filled with a green smoothie. Next to it, a white paper features three distinct smoothie samples while a smartphone showcases the blending time of 4 minutes.
A white paper displays three smoothie samples, showcasing the consistency of the Ninja AMZ493BRN smoothies blended for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and 4 minutes.
Blending Time
1 min
3 mins
Result
Silky Smooth
Chunky

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

9.8
6.3
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Frozen Smoothie Video
The Vitamix E310 motor base stands beside the container, which holds a portion of the smoothie it produced. Next to it, a glass bowl contains the remaining smoothie while a smartphone displays a blending time of 1 minute and 20 seconds.
A sample of frozen fruit smoothie created with a Vitamix E310 blender spread on a white paper.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Frozen Smoothie Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN motor base stands beside a glass bowl containing a portion of blended smoothie. Next to it, a smartphone displays a blending time of 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
A sample of frozen fruit smoothie created with the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender, spread on white paper.
Blending Time
1 min 20 seconds
4 mins 10 seconds
Result
Silky Smooth
Smooth
Suction

Protein Shake

9.9
7.8
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Protein shake Video
The Vitamix E310 motor base stands beside the container. Next to it, a metal mesh strainer filtered its protein shake while a smartphone displayed a blending time of 1 minute 20 seconds.
A mesh strainer filters a protein shake made by the Vitamix E310, retaining the unblended solids that fail to pass through.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Protein Shakes Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN blender motor base stands beside the container. Next to it, a protein shake has been strained through a metal mesh strainer while a smartphone displays a blending time of 3 minutes 40 seconds.
A mesh strainer filters a protein shake made by the Ninja AMZ493BRN, retaining the unblended solids that fail to pass through.
Blending Time
1 min 20 seconds
3 mins 40 seconds
Result
Silky Smooth
Smooth

Almond Butter

9.5
7.3
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Almond Butter Video
The Vitamix E310 is beside a white plate containing almond butter and a spatula, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 1 minute and a haft.
A sample of almond butter created with a Vitamix E310 blender spread on a white paper.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Almond Butter Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN is beside a white plate containing almond butter with a spatula, blend assembly, and a smartphone revealing a blending time of 6 minutes.
A sample of almond butter created with the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender, spread on white paper.
Blending Time
1 mins 30 seconds
6 mins
Result
Silky Smooth
Smooth

Crushed Ice

10
10
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Crushed Ice Video
The Vitamix E310 is beside a black tray containing its crushed ice.
Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender Crushed Ice Video
The Ninja AMZ493BRN blender is beside a black tray containing ice it crushed.
Ice Fineness
Very Fine
Very Fine
Unblended Ice
0% of 12 oz
0% of 12 oz

Design

Overall Design Scoring
10
8.3

In the Box

A display of the Vitamix E310 blender and its accessories, including the tamper, carton box, recipe booklet, and user manual, on a table.
Unboxing the Vitamix E310
A display of the Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender and its accessories, including the 40-ounce processor bowl, dough blade assembly, pro extractor blades assembly, 18-ounce single serve cup, user manual, and carton box, on a table.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Unboxing

Dimensions

Illustrated dimensions of the Vitamix E310 blender showing the height, length, and width in inches
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender showing the height, length, and width in inches
Height
17.4" (44.2 cm)
17.3" (43.8 cm)
Width
8.9" (22.6 cm)
7.9" (20.1 cm)
Weight
9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Length
7.7" (19.6 cm)
6.9" (17.5 cm)
Shaft Length

Build Quality

10
9.0
A close up of the Vitamix E310 motor base and container
The Vitamix E310 Motor Base and Container
A close up of the Vitamix E310 motor base and container
A close up of Vitamix E310 container’s bottom
A closeup of the NinjaAMZ493BRN blender motor base and container
The Ninja AMZ493BRN Motor Base and Container

Blades

10
6.0
A close up of the Vitamix E310 blades
The Vitamix E310 Blades
A close up of the Vitamix E310 blades
A close up of the Vitamix E310 blades
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s blade assemblies
The Ninja AMZ493BRN’s Stackable Blade Assemblies
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s blade assemblies
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s blade assembly.
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Type
Cross
Cross and Stacked
Guard Material
Blade Count
4 sharp blades
(1) 6 sharp stacked blades, (2) 4 sharp stacked blades, (3) 3 dull stacked blades, (4) 4 sharp cross blade
Removable
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Motor Base

A close up of the Vitamix E310 Motor Base
The Vitamix E310 Motor Base
A close up of the Vitamix E310 Motor Base
A close up of the centering pad of the Vitamix E310 motor base
A close up of the concealed power cord under the Vitamix E310’s motor base
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender’s motor
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender’s motor
A close-up of the underside of the Ninja AMZ493BRN blender’s motor base
Rated Voltage
120 Volts
120 Volts
Rated Power
1500 Wattages
1200 Wattages
Working Time
N/A
N/A
Protection
Yes
Yes
Weight
7 pounds
5.5 pounds
Cord Length
4,1 feet
3.0 ft (0.9 m)
Extra Feature

Blending Container

Illustrated dimensions of the Vitamix E310 blender container showing the height and diameter in inches.
The Vitamix E310 Blender’s Container
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN containers showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN containers showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN 72-ounce containers showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN 40-ounce processor bowl showing the height and diameter in inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja AMZ493BRN 18-ounce single-serve cup showing the height and diameter in inches.
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Capacity
48.0 fl oz (1.4 L)
72 oz, 40 oz, and 18 oz
Weight
2.1 pound
2.5 lbs, 1.9 lbs, 0.6 lb
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes
Measurement
Yes
Yes
Suitable For
Small to medium batches
Small to large batches

Lid

The Vitamix E310 two-part lid stands on a table
The Vitamix E310 Two-Part Lid
The Vitamix E310 two-part lid stands on a table
The Vitamix E310 two-part lid stands on a table
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s lid
The 72-Ounce Container’s Lid
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s lid
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s lid
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Closing Type
Lock Mechanism/ Friction
Lock Mechanism
Features
Lid-plug
Pouring Spout with Cap

Control Panel

10
9.5
A close up of the Vitamix E310 control panel
The Vitamix E310 Control Panel
A close up of the Vitamix E310 control panel
TheVitamix E310 blender motor base on table, hand pressing digital tachometer attached to tripod, different blenders in background.
TheVitamix E310 blender motor base on table, hand pressing digital tachometer attached to tripod, different blenders in background.
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s control panel
The Ninja AMZ493BRN’s Control Panel
A close-up of the Ninja AMZ493BRN’s control panel
The Ninja AMZ493BRN motor base on a table with a hand pressing a digital tachometer on a tripod. Different blenders are in the background.
The Ninja AMZ493BRN motor base on a table with a hand pressing a digital tachometer on a tripod. Different blenders are in the background.
Activation
Speed dial and Switch
Press-button
Min Speed
1,411 RPM
15,157 RPM
Max Speed
22,514 RPM
19,230 RPM
Presets
No
Yes
Digital Display
No
Yes
Built-in Timer
No
Yes
Pulse Mode
Yes
Yes

Extra Accessory

The Vitamix E310 tamper is on a table
The Vitamix E310 Tamper
The Vitamix E310 tamper is on a table
Displayed on a table is the Vitamix E310 blender, complete with its accompanying tamper.
Material
Plastic
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.7
6.6

Ease of Blend

9.0
6.0

Noise Level

7.0
7.3
The Vitamix E310 blender is on a table, accompanied by a sound level meter displaying its noise level. In the background, other blenders that we tested sit on a nearby shelf.
The Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender is on a table, accompanied by a sound level meter displaying its recorded noise level. In the background, other blenders that we tested sit on a nearby shelf.
Max Level
100.2 dB
98.6 dB

Assembly

9.0
7.5

Cleanability

9.5
6.5