Magic Bullet MBPB50100 vs Magic Bullet Essential Personal Blender

These are close cousins: both are 250-watt Magic Bullet personal blenders with a single speed and a cross blade. The Essential 9-piece set is the better buy for most people because it includes a tall cup, handled cups, a to-go lid and resealable lids, so it covers blending, chopping and travel in one box. The MBPB50100 is the smaller, lighter unit with a 16-oz cup and a measurement indicator, which suits tight counters and single servings. Owners of both report the same limits: it handles smoothies and soft foods well but stalls on ice and fibrous greens, and the plastic parts are not built for years of heavy use.

• Choose the Magic Bullet MBPB50100 if you want the most compact unit for one smoothie at a time and a cup with measurement marks.
• Choose the Magic Bullet Essential 9-Piece if you want the full set of cups, lids and a to-go lid for blending, chopping and carrying drinks.