How to Buy a Nutribullet?

GordonR on 18/12/2014 - 12:45
Last edited 18/12/2014 - 12:47

For anyone who doesn't know, a Nutribullet is a powerful "bullet-style" blender, heavily advertised on TV for making a wide range of souped-up smoothies. It's selling point is that it is powerful (600W) enough to completely blend up leafy vegetables and because the blade attachment just screws into the cup from which the smoothie will be drunk, cleaning it is a breeze.

I like smoothies and would like to have myself (and especially my kids) consuming more spinach/kale etc, but only have an old "standard-style" blender with a heavy glass jug with difficult-to-clean blades at the bottom.

BUT, actually buying one of them seems complex. The "official" retail channel is basically direct through TV selling, and their website doesn't even list a price. But it seems that it is very expensive (around $300?) for the same item that sells for around $100 in the US (though with 240V motor and Aus plug).

SO, not wanting to feed Australia-tax gougers, I looked on eBay only to discover a MASSIVE range of different prices for the same item, ranging from $149 (this morning, it was $139 last night) to $369.

BUT, the more expensive sellers on eBay basically say "if you find one cheaper than mine, it's a fake", and almost all of the sellers have got at least one or two negative feedback saying "I think it's a fake".

(In fact, the guy selling for $149 has a blurb that says "If you find one for less than $200 it's fake", which I guess means that you don't have a leg to stand on if you buy from him and find that it IS a fake, because he already told you it is.)

Meanwhile, there are numerous other bullet style blenders, much cheaper but way less powerful.

Does anyone know how I can tell the fakes from the non-fakes? Are there really that many fakes on eBay?

Are they overhyped and a cheaper Kambrook Blitz2Go sold from a bricks-n-mortart store (to which I could return it) would do just as well?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • djones145 on 18/12/2014 - 13:04
    +1

    I got the George Forman pro
    its 79 at most stores (like myer), got it when they had a sale
    it says it has a 800w motor!

    but the blades aint sharp, meaning while it does a good job is breaking it down, its not as smooth as I would like

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/whitegoods-appliances/kitchen-appl…

    also I find that the bottle is quite small, unlike the nutri bullet, it does mean its harder to wash, and also sometimes things get stuck at the top

    however after 3 weeks use of it, I quite like it, been trying different types of smoothies and juices

  • maybeamacy on 18/12/2014 - 13:41
    +2

    Unless you buy it from TV shop direct it's fake because supply channels are tightly controlled. Have a read of what people have been paying here: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2156377

  • pyjamas on 18/12/2014 - 13:49

    I've heard of 'Nutribullets' selling for around $150 in those random gadget popup stores informing customers that they're real. Although, I was told they were fake after visual comparison of the real and the 'cheaper' ones (Don't know about the details though). I assume those are the same type of stock they are selling online - so I'd rather not trust those ebay ones.

    When I bought the Nutribullet for a present through the official seller, I managed to get mine priced down to $240. This was a few months back though, they may have became more strict on giving out discounted prices.

    In terms of the Kambrook Blitz2go, I don't have first hand experience with this product but I know for sure it is not anywhere close to powerful as the Nutri Bullet when it comes to blending up more fibrous fruits and veggies like kale, spinach, apples with skin etc. As the Nutribullet would normally turn these foods into a smooth 'soupy' texture, whereas anything less powerful you'd be left with chunks floating around and it isn't so nice to consume and not as efficient for your body to absorb. If you're more into blending softer kind of fruits like bananas, strawberries etc. the Kambrook is fine for you.

    Another alternative to the Nutribullet, which I have now is the Nutri Ninja® With Auto-iQ™ (http://www.ninjakitchen.com/nutri-ninja-auto-iq/autoIQ-compa…), this was a present to us. It retails at $250 from Goodguys. It suppose to be more powerful at 1000 watts. So far it is a good investment, it really breaks down those leafy veggies and unpeeled fruits into a easy to drink/absorb smoothie.

  • xeion on 18/12/2014 - 14:09

    I had purchased one on pre-order for $235 off ebay months ago. The 900W Pro version.
    They were caught up in customs for months and then found out to be fakes, but had been made in the same factory as the originals. Customs then destroyed them all.

    I feel for the seller who had to refund them all and was probably out thousands.

    I'm also looking for a way to buy one.

  • iSamurai on 18/12/2014 - 14:10

    I bought one on aliexpress for less than $100 (when the exchange rates were quite favourable). I think they are the legit ones on that site. It came with the Australian plug. That site is known to sell some fake stuff (but even if they're fake, at those sorts of prices, you get what you paid for)… Anyway — I decided to take a gamble and bought one. It came with a small crack on the body which was cosmetic (not sure if damaged during shipping or cracked when it left the factory). It made me think that they're seconds hence they're cheap. I've also read some people discussing about this real/fake nutribullet on whirlpool, but I compared mine to a mate's who paid something like $300 from the tv. I absolutely cannot tell the difference. I use it a few days a week, and have been for the last few months. At the end of the day, it works great whether it's real or fake. It's clearly worth the $100.

  • adamren on 18/12/2014 - 15:14
    -2

    They're good but very noisy. Use earmuffs or noise cancelling headphones.

    Buy on official website.

    There is a way to get it slightly cheaper. PM me and I will reveal because if everyone starts doing it they'll stop it.

    • PVA on 14/01/2015 - 22:27
      +1

      just tell people. tired of people posting PM me and I will tell you .
      going by whirlpool you call up and then when you get the price say its too expensive and you dont want one, they then offer a cheaper price (or variations on that theme). Is this what you are thinking?

  • jzx100 on 18/12/2014 - 16:27
    +3

    Buy one and then call them before the 30 days trial period ends to say that you wish to return it. They will offer you to keep it for half the price. This has happened to a few of my friends.

    • adamren on 18/12/2014 - 16:38
      -1

      ;-p shh!

      Damn. I think they offer the initial payment back. Is that how much?

    • GordonR on 18/12/2014 - 20:59

      Yes, I read the long whirlpool thread about this tactic. But basically I just want to buy the genuine article at a price consistent with the US price, allowing for currency, voltage and small-market differences, say $150ish. I don't want to play mind-games with Tele-sales people to get it.

      For example, the Nutri-ninja ithingummy is USD199 on Amazon and AUD250 here and I can just go to Big W and pick it up tomorrow, which all sounds reasonable.

      In fact, I've convinced myself that I should do exactly that!

      • MITM on 03/01/2015 - 08:33
        +1

        Mr Ramsey sir,
        what was the outcome and how has it been ?

  • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2014 - 01:08

    I bought (actually preordered) a couple of the new 900 watt nutribullets a few months back during the ebay 15% off sale, picked a local seller with high rating and good feedback scores. Cost after discount was still about $200 each (without discount $235 odd), which in either case is a lot cheaper than ordering through the infomercials.

    New NutriBullet has a more powerful motor and a bigger cup, the latter is great so the gf and I can make a single batch to share. I think they still sell the old 600W version through the TV.

    On the plus side, it really pulverises everything and cleaning is so easy (except for power base rubber seal) you can use it everyday without fuss.

    On the negative side, the rubber seal attached to the power base traps some liquids and starts to smell if you don't remove it and clean occasionally; I don't think it was designed to be removed so it's hard to get to. Plus I look at it and think there's no way this plasticky thing really cost me $200.

    If I had more money to throw at the exercise, I'd probably invest in a high end conventional blender, they can't all be as bad as the ones used for comparison in the NutriBullet ads and would probably last a lot longer. And that's all the NutriBullet is - a blender. Just a really powerful one in a really small capacity.

    That said I've used the little nutribullet daily for a couple months and haven't had so many fresh fruits daily like this for ages, so no regrets buying it either (just hoping it will be more durable than it looks).

    • maybeamacy on 19/12/2014 - 01:30

      What colour was your 900w?

      • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2014 - 20:35

        Grey

        • maybeamacy on 19/12/2014 - 20:46

          Does it have this typo on the back of it: http://i.imgur.com/6kb7Pj1.jpg?1

        • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2014 - 22:49

          @maybeamacy:

          Damn it does have the typo, looks like mine is a fake. It's on the side that faces away from you so I never thought to look.

          I bought from ebay seller goldcartwholesale so don't buy from there, but you're probably best off avoiding ebay altogether for these.

          At least the thing works ok but I won't expect it to last so long, will buy a froothie when it claps out

        • maybeamacy on 19/12/2014 - 23:41

          @jay29043:

          The fakes have got good reviews on whirlpool though - wouldn't expect too much to go wrong with it, they're fairly simple to make.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2014 - 01:01

          @maybeamacy:

          Good to hear even the fakes seem ok so far… it's worked so well over the past couple months the thought it could be a fake never crossed my mind. The other one is with my mum and hers is still going strong too so I'll stop stressing over this one :-)

    • GordonR on 19/12/2014 - 11:44
      +1

      These 900w pro models have been listed as a safety risk, so I didn't have them on my list

      http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/07/nutribullet-…

      (Though I wouldn't stop using it if I had one already , I'd just keep a careful eye on it)

      • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2014 - 20:38

        Yep read the reports so I don't put ice into my nutribullet, I use frozen berries from Aldi which are a lot softer and work great on my smoothies

    • PVA on 14/01/2015 - 22:30

      the 900w are faulty. they dont sell them any more and if you have to get it fixed they give you a 600w in return. Some safety design issue.

  • mosquito on 19/12/2014 - 08:12
    +2

    If you want a more powerful blender, and also significantly more expensive/heavier, try http://www.froothie.com.au/store/froothie-blenders/optimum-9…

    It's an equivalent of the Vitamix (the Vitamix is around $300 US but $700-900 here for the equivalent model). The price always seems to be $479 with the 5 year warranty, that is not really a special.

    • Archi on 01/01/2015 - 23:39

      Bought one of these optimum 9400 units… And it's great alot better than a nutri bullet and comes with 7 year warranty.

    • PVA on 14/01/2015 - 22:33

      but thats a blender not a nutrician extractor! :)

  • jzx100 on 19/12/2014 - 12:44

    Pffft 900 Watts, this is what the big boys use:

    http://www.jlhufford.com/Blendtec-Smoother-Q-20-amp-Commerci…

    2400W of blending power, it will even drink the juice for you.

  • roadsign on 19/12/2014 - 12:49

    Why not just buy a blender?

    I could be wrong, but the Nutribullet just seems like a blender with a ridiculous amount of advertising behind it. I'm not convinced it's special. If anything, it seems to be a small and impractical device.

    • GordonR on 20/12/2014 - 00:40
      +1

      I have a blender, but rarely use it because it is bulky, and has a heavy awkward jug that is difficult to clean (because the blades are at the bottom of the jug) and it won't blend very fine because the leafy bits just "float" on the rest of the liquid and somehow don't get sucked down and smushed.

      The idea of just having a small blade assembly that can be rinsed immediately seems sensible, and having extra power seems potentially useful.

      But it is insanely hyped and I guess much of the Australia-tax premium goes to cover the advertising!

  • Olgirl on 19/12/2014 - 13:44

    I purchased a Nutribullet over a year ago and definitely recommend! It's just so quick and easy and pulverises anything. Assembling and cleaning is a breeze as well. I was a little sceptical cos of all the hype but I researched a lot and viewed lots of similar appliances on YouTube. Do not regret the money I paid for it one bit, worth every cent.

  • Noblejoker on 19/12/2014 - 13:48

    I looked right into these devices around 2 yrs ago
    Ended up getting version 1 then version 2 of the mini-blender from HomeArt store
    V1 was a bit flimsy but v2 much improved (taller thinner not mug cups)
    Full size cups that go in the dishwasher, 2 blades, covers, etc
    Don't know motor size but does a good job on my morning protein shake with banana, also iced coffees, whipped cream, chopped herbs
    It may not be 'the best' but it is awesome for the money
    Highly recommended
    Just searched and you can buy online for $30 pp or pick up in store
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Homeart-Cookwell-Sleek-Silver-Sup…
    I honestly don't think there is any way nutri-bullet is ten times better

  • lukeloop on 30/12/2014 - 18:27
    +1

    The kogan 1400w blender is awesome, it was $69 ( optional 5 year free pick up warranty for $15 ) very impressed so far.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/175979

    Price is now $99 or cheaper on their ebay store

  • sickllama on 14/01/2015 - 22:18
    +1

    $25 from the reject shop. Not the same but absolutely can make delicious smoothies.

    I bought one from aldi for the same price about five years ago and it is still going great. I use it to make iced chocolates, creamy pasta sauce, banana smoothies, whip cream and then because I've made all those things to make diet shakes thick shakes.

  • PVA on 14/01/2015 - 22:35
    +1

    we bought a cheapy for $15 at Kmart. works fine for the fruit smoothies my son makes.

  • jjimbo on 25/02/2015 - 23:07

    I bought 2 Nutribullets by calling the number on the official licenced website: http://www.buythebullet.com.au/Nutribullet. I don't recall the exact price, but they were going to charge us full price until I asked them if I would get a discount for buying more than one. They immediately offered a pretty decent discount - again I don't recall the exact discount amount but I think it was about 15% off so I would recommend asking. I have tried cheaper "juicers" before buying the Nutribullet "exactractor" and cannot recommend it more. I think it is worth the extra money.

  • karmics on 03/03/2015 - 16:16

    Another alternative is the Nutri Ninja Slim (700W) from Coles/Woolies for ~$80. I have never used a Nutri Bullet but I'm pretty happy with it for the price compared to the Nutri Bullet.

  • Twisty on 29/04/2015 - 09:39

    I am chasing one for these Nutri Ninja for my mum

    After the 1000W version but not the IQ. Is it the same thing but without the IQ feature or are they totally different ?

  • BargainShopaholic on 09/05/2015 - 00:32

    Tv shop is offering buy one get one free!!

    I just ordered :)

    I asked for some freebies and they threw in a set of Swiss knives (worth about $20 I think)

    • atlinus on 08/06/2015 - 23:05

      how much you pay for buy 1 get 1 free ? does it include shipping?
      Friend of mine told me that they got additional 2 cups and extra rotor blade as freebies

      • BargainShopaholic on 09/06/2015 - 10:05

        $350 plus postage. My friend and I split the cost so ended being about $185 including postage. Very happy :)

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