Have you been thinking about upgrading your countertop blender without breaking the bank?
First Impressions
I unboxed the Nutribullet RNBF50500 Blender Combo 1200W Blender – Certified Refurbished with some curiosity and a bit of optimism. The unit looked solid out of the box, and I immediately appreciated the compact footprint given the power it promises.
Nutribullet RNBF50500 Blender Combo 1200W Blender - Certified Refurbished
What’s Included and Initial Setup
I found everything I needed in the box: (1) 1200 Watt Motor Base, (1) 64 oz (1.8L) Blender Pitcher with Lid and Vented Lid Cap, (1) Tamper, (1) 32 oz (900ml) Cup, (1) 24 oz (700ml) Handled Cup, (2) To-Go Lids, (1) Easy-Twist Extractor Blade. Setting it up took only a few minutes because the pieces fit intuitively and the extractor blade is designed to twist on without tools. I also liked that the product details specify that the Easy-Twist Extractor Blade is stainless steel and designed with cyclonic action, which made me hopeful about performance.
Design and Build Quality
The Nutribullet RNBF50500 feels like a thoughtfully designed appliance that balances durability and aesthetics. The materials feel sturdy, and the BPA-free plastic used for the pitcher and cups appears to be high-performance plastic that should resist clouding and staining over time.
Motor Housing and Controls
The motor housing is compact and finished with a matte texture that resists fingerprints. The control panel is straightforward with clearly labeled speed settings, a pulse button, and a dedicated Extract program, which made it easy for me to get started without consulting the manual repeatedly.
Blade and Extraction System
The Easy-Twist Extractor Blade is powerful stainless steel and optimized for cyclonic action, which helps pull ingredients toward the blades. I appreciated that Nutribullet emphasizes easy maintenance for the blade—rinse with soap and water—because some high-performance blades intimidate people with complicated cleaning routines.
Specifications Table
I created a table to break down the most important specs so I could compare them at a glance. This made it easier for me to confirm dimensions, included accessories, and power rating without going back to the packaging.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Nutribullet RNBF50500 Blender Combo 1200W Blender – Certified Refurbished |
| Power | 1200 Watts |
| Speeds | Three precision speeds, Pulse, Extract program |
| Includes | 1200W Motor Base; 64 oz (1.8L) Pitcher w/ lid & vented cap; Tamper; 32 oz (900ml) Cup; 24 oz (700ml) Handled Cup; 2 To-Go Lids; Easy-Twist Extractor Blade |
| Materials | Stainless steel blade; high-performance BPA-free plastic pitcher and cups |
| Dimensions | 7.75 L x 8.07 W x 16.97 H (inches) |
| Cleaning | Pitcher and cups dishwasher-safe; blades rinse with soap and water |
| Condition | Certified Refurbished |
Controls and Programs
I like how the controls give me both precision and convenience. The three precision speeds, a pulse function, and the Extract program let me tailor texture and power to whatever I’m making, from silky soups to chunkier salsas.
Extract Program
The Extract program is specifically tuned for smooth blending with an optimized cycle that imitates manual pulsing combined with sustained power. I used it for green smoothies and nut milk, and it consistently produced smoother results than I’d get using speed-only approaches.
Manual Speeds and Pulse
The three speeds plus pulse offer a simple yet flexible control scheme that works well in typical home kitchens. When I needed a quick chop or a chunky texture for a dip, the pulse button gave me the immediate control I wanted without over-processing.
Performance: Smoothies and Frozen Fruit
I tested the blender with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including frozen berries and chunks of frozen banana, and it handled them quickly. The 1200 Watts of power makes a noticeable difference compared with lower-wattage models; ice and frozen fruit were pulverized to a smooth consistency in under a minute on Extract or high speed.
Greens and Fibrous Vegetables
Greens like kale and spinach were no problem when I used the tamper to push them toward the blades while running the Extract program. I found that the cyclonic action mentioned in the product details helps pull fibrous items into the blade path, so I rarely had to stop and scrape.
Performance: Soups and Hot Liquids
I used this blender for hot soups after heating ingredients on the stove and for blending raw ingredients then heating in the microwave. The vented lid cap on the 64 oz pitcher is helpful for reducing pressure when blending warm liquids. I still recommend caution—blend warm liquids in short bursts and keep hands clear of the vent—but the vented cap provides a needed safety feature.
Emulsions and Sauces
I made pesto, mayonnaise-style dressings, and tahini-based sauces, and the Nutribullet produced creamy emulsions with minimal effort. The motor’s torque allowed me to emulsify oil into liquids smoothly without separation, which is impressive for a countertop blender at this price point.
Performance: Nut Butters and Tough Tasks
I made almond butter and peanut butter with this blender and was pleasantly surprised by how effective it was. The 1200W motor sustained enough power to first grind nuts into crumbs and then turn them into creamy butter when I used moderate heat and took breaks to avoid overheating.
Handling Tough Ingredients
Whole spices, coffee beans, and harder seeds were crushed effectively when I applied short pulses followed by sustained runs. I noticed that using the tamper and a bit of oil for nut butters helped the process and reduced blending time.
Noise and Vibration
I won’t sugarcoat it—powerful blenders make noise, and this one is no exception. The noise is comparable to other high-powered household blenders, but I found that sound dampening pads under the base and placing it on a stable counter reduced vibration and the perception of loudness.
Practical Tips for Reducing Noise Impact
I usually set the blender on a silicone mat and run it at lower speeds to start, which helps keep ingredients from banging and reduces spikes in noise. Running the Extract program tends to be smoother and less abrupt than repeated high-speed pulses, which helps my kitchen feel less chaotic when I’m preparing early morning smoothies.
Usability and Daily Routine
Using the Nutribullet RNBF50500 became part of my daily routine quickly because it’s intuitive and predictable. The cups and pitcher are easy to switch between tasks, and the tamper is helpful for keeping ingredients moving without stopping the motor repeatedly.
Ergonomics: Cups and Pitcher
The 64 oz pitcher is comfortable to pour from and the handled 24 oz cup is handy for single-serve hot or cold drinks. I appreciated the to-go lids when I wanted a smoothie on the run, and the cups fit well in my car cup holder.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is straightforward: the pitcher and cups are dishwasher safe, and the blades only need to be rinsed with soap and water. I liked that the gearbox and motor base require only surface wiping, which keeps routine maintenance quick.
Blade Safety and Care
The Easy-Twist Extractor Blade is sharp, so I always handle it carefully and rinse it immediately after use to prevent buildup. Nutribullet suggests rinsing the blade with soap and water rather than placing it in the dishwasher, which I followed for longevity.
Certified Refurbished Considerations
Buying certified refurbished means I got a unit that was inspected, tested, and restored to like-new condition with a warranty, which gave me peace of mind. I recommend checking the refurbisher’s warranty details and return policy before purchase to be confident in coverage.
What “Certified Refurbished” Means for Me
For me, certified refurbished meant I received the same performance and accessories as a new unit but at a lower price. The motor, controls, and accessories worked flawlessly out of the box, and the cosmetic finish was excellent—no obvious signs of previous use.
Size, Storage, and Countertop Presence
With unit dimensions of 7.75 L x 8.07 W x 16.97 H inches, this blender is tall but not overly wide, so it fits on most counters or in a cabinet. I stored the pitcher upside down in a lower cabinet and kept the motor base on the counter when I anticipated daily use.
Storing Accessories
The smaller cups nest nicely in a drawer, and the tamper stores easily in the pitcher when not in use. Because the cups are dishwasher safe, I didn’t worry about special storage needs, which streamlined my cleanup and storage routine.
Safety Features
The vented lid cap helps when blending hot liquids, and the extractor blade’s easy-twist design reduces the risk of improper assembly. I always ensure the lid is secured and never exceed the fill lines when working with hot ingredients to keep things safe.
Overheating and Motor Protection
I observed that after intensive use—like making nut butter—the motor housing did warm up, so I follow recommended rest times between long runs. Letting the motor cool for a few minutes after extended heavy blending helped maintain peak performance and prevented thermal protection from engaging.
Comparisons with Other Nutribullet and Competitor Models
Compared with smaller Nutribullet personal blenders, the RNBF50500 offers far more power and a full-size pitcher, which gives more versatility for families or meal prep. Competing high-powered blenders at higher price points provide thicker, professional-grade construction but often at the expense of size or simplicity.
Why Choose This Model Over a Personal Blender
I chose this model when I wanted both a pitcher-capable blender and to-go cup convenience in one package. If you need something primarily for single-serve smoothies, a personal Nutribullet might be smaller and faster to clean, but it won’t handle soups, nut butter, or large batches as easily as this 1200W combo.
Pros and Cons Table
I find it helps to see strengths and weaknesses side by side, so I made a quick table that summarizes my observations. This made it easier to decide if the trade-offs fit my kitchen habits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 1200W motor handles tough tasks | Louder than low-power personal blenders |
| Includes large 64 oz pitcher and to-go cups | Unit is tall and may not fit under low cabinets |
| Extract program yields smooth textures | Blades must be hand-rinsed per manufacturer guidance |
| Certified refurbished offers savings | Motor can heat during extended use; rest required |
| Cyclonic action and tamper improve processing | Not as heavy-duty as some commercial-grade blenders |
Who Should Buy the Nutribullet RNBF50500
I recommend this blender to anyone who wants a versatile unit that can make smoothies, soups, sauces, and nut butters without needing a commercial-grade appliance. It’s particularly well suited to households that want batch capacity but still value the convenience of personal cups and to-go lids.
Not Ideal For
I would not recommend this model if you need a blender for heavy daily commercial use or if you require an ultra-compact unit for single-serve only. For industrial or café-level throughput, a commercial blender would be a better fit.
Recipes I Tried and Their Settings
I tested a range of recipes to evaluate real-world performance and share practical settings that worked for me. Below I list a few favorites and the settings I used so you can replicate results.
Morning Green Smoothie
- Ingredients: spinach, frozen banana, frozen mango, chia seeds, almond milk.
- Setting: Extract program followed by 10 seconds of pulse for texture.
- Result: Smooth, well-blended greens without chunks. The Extract program prevented air pockets and gave a silky finish.
Creamy Tomato Soup
- Ingredients: roasted tomatoes, sautéed onion, vegetable broth, basil, heavy cream.
- Setting: Low speed to start, then medium for 45 seconds; vented lid cap used.
- Result: Hot soup came out velvety and emulsified nicely. The vented lid eased blending of warm liquid safely.
Almond Butter
- Ingredients: roasted almonds, pinch of salt, 1 tsp oil (optional).
- Setting: Short pulses, then sustained runs, letting motor rest between 30–45 second cycles.
- Result: Took several minutes but yielded smooth butter. Tamper helped get the last bits mixed without overheating.
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
I ran into a few minor issues early on and found straightforward fixes that I want to share so you don’t waste time. Many questions boil down to assembly, wet/dry blending order, and handling warming.
Unit Won’t Start
If the motor won’t start, I usually check that the extractor blade is properly twisted on and the pitcher or cup is seated correctly on the base. The unit has safety interlocks, so proper assembly is essential.
Overheating
If the motor gets too warm, I stop, let it cool for several minutes, and avoid continuous long cycles. Shorter runs with breaks are better for heavy tasks like nut butter, and adding small amounts of oil can reduce friction.
Warranty, Support, and Purchase Tips
Because this specific listing is certified refurbished, I recommend checking the warranty length and return policy with the seller. I appreciated having a warranty because it meant I could test the blender confidently and return it if anything felt off.
Where to Look for Deals
I found refurbished models often show up at discounts compared to new units, but verify the certification source and included accessories. Buying from authorized refurbishers or the manufacturer’s certified program gave me confidence in the product’s condition.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
I’ve accumulated a few honest tips from regular use that save time and extend the life of the blender. These small habits made blending easier and reduced wear on the motor and blades.
Load Order and Liquid Ratios
I typically put liquids in first, softer ingredients next, then frozen or harder items on top to create a vortex towards the blades. This approach helps reduce motor strain and improves blending speed.
Cleaning Routine
I rinse blades immediately and run warm soapy water in the pitcher on a short cycle to clean interior surfaces; this prevents dried-on residue. The cups and pitcher go in the dishwasher, and I wipe down the motor base with a damp cloth.
Final Verdict
I found the Nutribullet RNBF50500 Blender Combo 1200W Blender – Certified Refurbished to be a powerful, versatile kitchen tool that balances a compact footprint with serious blending capability. The included accessories, Extract program, and 1200W motor make it a great value for anyone who wants both a full-size pitcher and personal cups.
My Recommendation
If you want a single appliance that can handle smoothies, soups, nut butters, and everyday blending tasks while offering to-go convenience, I’d recommend this model—especially at a refurbished price. Just be mindful of noise, occasional motor warm-up, and the need to handle the blade with care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I listed a few FAQs I encountered to help you make a quick decision based on common concerns. These reflect my hands-on experience and common advice from the product documentation.
Is the pitcher dishwasher-safe?
Yes, the pitcher and cups are dishwasher-safe; the manufacturer recommends rinsing the easy-twist extractor blades with soap and water rather than placing them in the dishwasher. I followed that guidance and had no issues.
How loud is the blender?
It’s comparable to other high-powered household blenders—noticeably loud but manageable with mats and stable placement. I recommend using it during times that won’t disturb others if noise is a concern.
Is it good for nut butters?
Yes, the 1200W motor can make nut butters, though it takes a few minutes and requires intermittent rest to prevent overheating. I used a tamper and a small amount of oil for a smoother, quicker result.
What does “certified refurbished” mean?
For me, certified refurbished meant the unit was inspected, repaired if necessary, and tested to meet functional standards, often with a warranty. I recommend checking the refurbisher’s return policy and warranty length to ensure comfort with your purchase.
If you want, I can summarize my test recipes into printable cards or help compare this model directly with a specific competitor you’re considering.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
