Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender vs Ninja BlendBoss

The Ascent X4 is the serious kitchen machine: 1,500 watts, a 48-ounce Tritan jar, ten variable speeds, five automatic programs and a 10-year full warranty. The BlendBoss is a personal blender: a 26-ounce travel tumbler, three Auto-iQ presets and a leakproof lid, light enough to carry. Owners of the Vitamix praise power, smooth textures and the long warranty; Ninja owners praise quick ice crushing and easy cleanup but report mold and residue under the blade gasket. Buy the Vitamix if you blend for a family and want it to last a decade; buy the Ninja if you want one smoothie to take with you.

• Choose the Vitamix Ascent X4 if you blend soups, frozen desserts and full batches for several people and want a machine backed for ten years.
• Choose the Ninja BlendBoss if you make single-serve smoothies and frozen drinks and want to blend and drink from the same cup.