The Dreo BaristaMaker is a milk frother designed to create thick microfoam for coffee drinks, without the need to wield a steam wand. It's a good option if your coffee maker lacks a steamer, you'd prefer not to use it, or you have limited mobility – although the resulting froth isn't quite as silky.
Unlike some milk frothers, the BaristaMaker has two interchangeable heads: a typical whisk, and a two-part head designed to bring liquid into the center of the jug and break up large bubbles. This creates the type of fine foam necessary for latte art – and it works pretty well, although I found that the bubbles were still larger than those made by preparing milk the old-fashioned way.
The BaristaMaker takes longer to foam your milk, too, requiring three and a half minutes to complete its multi-stage frothing process. You can use this time to weigh out your coffee beans, grind them, and pull your espresso shot. A countdown on the front of the machine means you can be ready to top your drink the minute it's done its thing.
The BaristaMaker has separate modes for different types of milk, including four non-dairy options, which takes the trial and error out of handling liquids with different fat and protein contents. In general, I found the default settings good for preparing plant milks for cappuccinos, but a bit too thick for latte art.
The Dreo BaristaMaker offers presets for different dairy and plant-based milks (Image credit: Future)
The Dreo BaristaMaker isn't the cheapest milk frother around, but its added modes for preparing cold drinks mean it isn't a single-purpose machine; this make it easier to justify the cost. During testing, it whipped up a particularly thick and creamy protein shake with minimum effort.
The key advantage of the BaristaMaker is its convenience. While it offers some options for customization (two speeds and various temperature settings, for example), the process is largely automated. It can't perfectly replicate the results of stretching milk with a steam wand, but it requires none of the skill and practice that traditional frothing demands. Just set your milk type and foam preference, pour in the milk, and press start.
Dreo BaristaMaker: price and availability
List price: $99 / £119.99 (about AU$150)
Shipping date: October 2024
Availability: US, Singapore and Malaysia via Kickstarter; global thereafter
At the time of writing, the Dreo BaristaMaker is coming to the end of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, where backers can pledge $80 (about £60 / AU$120) to receive a milk frother, with delivery estimated by October 2024.
This Kickstarter offer is only available in the US, Singapore, and Malaysia; but Dreo does sell its products internationally, so the BaristaMaker will soon go on general sale for $99 / £119.99 (about AU$150) in many more territories.
That's a mid-range price for a milk frother, sitting in between the premium Smeg MFF11 at $290 / £179.95 / AU$299, and the budget-friendly Instant Milk Frother Station at $59.99 / £69.99 / AU$129, both of which offer similar features but lack foaming programs specifically for plant-based milks.
Value score: 4.5/5
Dreo BaristaMaker: specs
Dreo Baristamaker: design
Smart design resembling an oversized milk pitcher
Two tips for milk frothing
Well-designed jug with fine spout for latte art
The Dreo BaristaMaker is made up of three key parts: the base, which contains the heating element and motor; the jug that sits on top; and the tips, which do the actual frothing. The jug and the base are stainless steel, and when fully assembled, the BaristaMaker resembles a smart-looking oversized milk pitcher.
It measures 4.93in/12.5cm diameter and 9.21in/23.4cm tall with the jug on top, weighing 2.56lb/1.16kg. Without the jug, it stands 6.38in/16.2cm tall and weighs 1.88lb/855g. That's about the same as the premium Smeg MFF11 milk frother, although the Smeg machine has a larger capacity for stirring.
The base of the BaristaMaker includes the heater and motor (Image credit: Future)
The BaristaMaker has a small, bright LED display on the front, with four buttons for selecting your preferred milk and foam options at the sides, and a start/stop button underneath.
The machine comes with two tips that fit onto a prong in the center of the jug. The disc tip resembles the end of a typical battery-operated milk frother, and is used for preparing cold drinks. The impeller tip has two components: a plastic blade that's designed to draw milk towards the center of the jug; and a fine screen designed to break up large bubbles, turning them into fine foam.
The BaristaMaker comes with two tips: the disc tip on the left, and the impeller tip on the right. The blades on the impeller pull milk into the center of the jug (Image credit: Future)
The jug itself has no moving parts; instead, the tips are spun by magnets that rotate in the base of the machine. If you've selected one of the hot options, the milk is warmed by a heating element directly underneath the jug.
The jug has a fine spout for pouring latte art, and markings inside to show the appropriate amount of milk for different types of foam. I'd have preferred to see the actual volume marked inside as well, but that's quite a minor quibble. It's dishwasher-safe, but I found it easy to clean by hand due to the lack of moving parts inside.
Design score: 4/5
Dreo Baristamaker: performance
Simple to use
Frothing takes three and a half minutes
Foam not as fine as created by steaming
Plant-based milk creates particularly thick foam
The Dreo BaristaMaker makes foaming dairy and non-dairy milk simple, if not fast. First, you use the simple controls on the front to select the type of drink you want to prepare, and the milk you're using. The BaristaMaker has settings for foaming dairy milk, half-and-half, soya, oat, almond, and coconut milk, and beverage options for flat white, cappuccino, latte, hot thick foam, cold thick foam, and stirring. You can also tweak the speed and temperature if you like, with two options available for each; but the default settings should serve you well.
Once you've picked your milk and froth settings, tap the start/stop button and the device will show you whether to insert the impeller or frother tip, With that done, pour in your milk to the appropriate level marked inside the jug. You'll need to pour at least 5.1oz/150ml for foaming, and the milk and jug should both be cold when you start, as they would be if you were using a steam wand.
Markings inside the BaristaMaker's jug show the correct level for different types of foam, and for stirring (Image credit: Future)
When that's done, just press the start button and the BaristaMaker will begin foaming or stirring accordingly – a process that takes three and a half minutes. You can stop it sooner if you like, but the foam settings have several stages, and halting the process early means you won't get the best results. It takes a lot longer than preparing milk with a steam wand, but you have plenty of time to grind your beans and prepare your espresso while it's working.
I tested the BaristaMaker with every milk type except half-and-half, which isn't available in the UK. I found that full-fat dairy milk generally foamed best, producing the smoothest microfoam that was best suited to latte art.
However, the foam texture was noticeably more open and less smooth than when steamed using a wand. The image below shows the difference in texture between steamed milk (using the wand on a Gaggia Classic) and milk frothed using the Dreo BaristaMaker. The milk prepared with the Dreo machine had a less silky texture and larger bubbles, despite tapping the jug to break the biggest ones and swirling to distribute the foam.
Full-fat milk prepared using a conventional steamed wand (left) has smaller bubbles than when foamed with the Dreo BaristaMaker (Image credit: Future)
Despite the broad presets, the BaristaMaker can't fully account for the many compositions of different types and brands of plant-based milks, so oat won't necessarily turn out with the same texture as almond, for example; but the results were usually workable and the machine's hot settings never overheated the milk.
Dreo suggests that you can try adding a scoop of protein powder if your non-dairy milk isn't foaming properly, but this wasn't a problem I experienced. In fact, soya and almond milk foamed a little too well on the latte setting, with almond turning out too stiff to pour art.
Almond milk prepared using the BaristaMaker's latte setting was too thick for pouring art (this foam was scooped from the top of the drink) (Image credit: Future)
One of the BaristaMaker's big advantages over a steam wand is its ability to froth cold milk, which makes it great for preparing shakes and other powder-based drinks. I used the cold foam setting to prepare a strawberry protein shake with soya milk, and the resulting drink was thick, creamy, and very good.
The frothing process still took three and a half minutes, and a personal blender such as the Nutribullet Flip could do the same thing in 30 seconds, but the extra functionality makes the BaristaMaker easier to recommend than a device that only fills one niche.
The BaristaMaker is much quieter than a steam wand, reaching a maximum of 39dB during frothing (about the same as a calm library), which could be helpful if you're an early riser or need to avoid disturbing young children.
The Dreo BaristaMaker's cold foam setting is ideal for powder-based drinks such as protein shakes (Image credit: Future)
Performance score: 3/5
Dreo BaristaMaker: should you buy it
Buy it if
You can't use a steam wand
Not all espresso machines have a wand, and not all coffee lovers can use one easily. The Dreo BaristaMaker means you can prepare milk simply, without the need to handle high-pressure steam.
You want to prepare different types of milk
Plant and dairy milks have different fat and protein contents, and the Dreo BaristaMaker's presets mean you don't have to adapt your frothing technique to suit them. Just set your preferences, pour in your milk, and press start.
Don't buy it if
You've mastered the steamer
Most of the best espresso machines have a steam wand; you'll get better results if you can use that to prepare your milk once you've got the knack.
You lack counter space
The Dreo BaristaMaker is relatively large for a milk frother. If space is at a premium in your kitchen, Instant makes several smaller devices, including the Instant Milk Frother and larger-capacity Instant Milk Frother Station, which can prepare enough milk for two beverages.
Dreo BaristaMaker: also consider
If you're not sure about the Dreo BaristaMaker, here are a couple of other options to think about
Smeg MFF11 Milk Frother
This premium milk frother is approximately the same size as the Dreo BaristaMaker, but has a retro look and a slightly larger capacity for stirring drinks. It can foam any type of milk, but doesn't have dedicated presets for plant-based beverages, so it may take some experimentation to learn what works best.
Instant Milk Frother Station
This frother isn't as stylish as the BaristaMaker, but has a larger maximum capacity that means it can prepare enough milk for two cappuccinos at once (ideal for couples at breakfast time). Like the Smeg MFF11, it can prepare hot or cold milk, but doesn't have separate options for non-dairy beverages.
How I tested the Dreo BaristaMaker
I tested the Dreo BaristaMaker using full-fat and semi-skimmed dairy milk, as well as soya, almond, oat, and coconut milks. I frothed each type using the BaristaMaker's flat white, latte, cappuccino, and hot and cold frothing settings, with the appropriate milk option selected. The only type of milk I didn't froth was half-and-half, which isn't available in the UK where I tested the machine.
I used the different frothed milks to pour latte art onto a double-shot espresso, and compared the results to milk foamed using the steam wand on a Gaggia Classic espresso machine. I used the BaristaMaker's cold foam and stir settings to prepare a protein shake using whey protein powder, with soya and almond milk, and compared this to the same drink prepared using a shaker cup.
My review unit was supplied with a US plug, so I used a step-down transformer to power it.
The AiDot Welov P200 Pro Smart Air Purifier is available for $159.99 from the AiDot website and Amazon. While reviewing, there was a flash sale on the AiDot website where the price was reduced to $59.99, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for future sales.
The $159.99 price isn’t bad for an air purifier that comes with Matter 1.2 connectivity and useful in-app features. However, value for money is impacted by the fact that the P200 Pro only reports on PM2.5 – particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter, such as dust or pollen – so the data provided is nowhere near as detailed as some other air purifiers in this price bracket.
At present, AiDot only supplies the Welov P200 Pro within the US, and it's only available via Amazon US.
Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review specs
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: design
Cheap-feeling, flimsy design
Easy-to-use controls
Underlighting
The AiDot Welov P200 Pro looks pretty utilitarian – although its dark grey cuboid shape has been jazzed up to a degree by spacing out the ventilation holes into a geometric pattern. It has a square footprint with rounded corners and dimensions of 9.5 x 9.4 x 20 inches. Its dark grey color sees it stand out in the crowd of other air purifiers we’ve tested, which are often white. It's only a shame then, with its decision to opt for a dark color, that AiDot doesn't appear to have used any recycled plastic in the design, since darker plastics are less likely to show any discoloration or impurities that may be present.
Overall build quality feels cheap and flimsy. The unit sounded particularly hollow when handled, and the surrounding panels feel thin and flexed easily. This flimsiness was even more apparent when removing the HEPA filter through the screw-in hatch in the base, which also felt low quality.
(Image credit: Future)
The screen on the top of the air purifier uses a mixture of printed-on symbols and LEDs. This is a little different from many of the purifiers I’ve tested, which often rely only on LEDs for the controls. Having permanently visible control symbols is useful, allowing you to find them easily even if the LEDs are off for Sleep mode. Speaking of the touch controls, they’re very responsive and easy to use.
Note that the unit displays a warm white underlight around the base. This could prove useful if the purifier is placed somewhere that it could pose a trip hazard in the dark, for example, but it can be switched off if desired.
(Image credit: Future)
Design score: 3 out of 5
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: features
Useful app
Limited IAQ data
Matter 1.2 connectivity
The AiDot Welov P200 Pro has some useful features for the price, but it’s somewhat limited in areas that we'd expect more when it comes to air purifiers. One of its more nifty features is the Matter 1.2 functionality, enabling it to connect to Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit and others. The Matter QR code for pairing is located on the back panel, and my iPhone 12 Pro had no issues scanning it before subsequently linking it to my Alexa app.
The P200 Pro only detects and reports on PM2.5 – fine particles, such as dust and bacteria – so I was only able to gain part of the story about my indoor air quality (IAQ). There are no readings for microfine particles, such as soot, smoke and some bacteria, nor coarse particles such as pollen, mold and dander. There’s also no measure of the relative humidity, temperature, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or carbon dioxide, figures that many other air purifiers provide.
(Image credit: Future)
The PM2.5 readings themselves didn’t tell me much, but the air quality level was communicated via the indicator light on the top of the purifier’s front panel, and the color of the line in the graph in the AiDot app. I found that the graph wasn't particularly responsive, failing to show the P200 Pro detecting that the IAQ reduced to moderate levels when I conducted a test with dry shampoo. The PM2.5 levels didn’t align during the dust test, either; however, after a while, the graph indicated a brief spike in airborne particulates, although this only reports a level of 25 PM2.5, when the reading direct on the P200 Pro stated 50 PM2.5.
Aside from the less-than-informative graph, I found the app useful for controlling the P200 Pro remotely. I could easily change the fan speed and enable Sleep mode, turn off the night light or display, and enable the child lock. I could also set a timer so that the unit would automatically turn off after a set amount of time, and create automations so The Welov would turn itself on and off without me needing to do anything.
(Image credit: AiDot)
There is an Outdoor Environment section in the app that provides ratings of environmental factors based on your geographical location, rather than monitoring the air via the P200 Pro. Once your mobile device's location has been shared, this section shows the risk of wildfire, the humidity and pollen levels in your area. According to this feature, in Bath, where our head office is based, there's a high level of mold, but low levels of grass, ragweed and tree pollen. Since this feature used my phone's location, I could update this at home, or while out and about. It was interesting to learn which pollen types were the most prolific wherever I was.
Features score: 3 out of 5
AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: performance
Lowest fan speed is whisper-quiet
Purified contaminated air in under 2 minutes
Readings on app don’t often align with display
While the lackf of labs means I can't present any scientific data on the impact of the AiDot Welov P200 Pro on air quality, what I can tell you is the results from day-to-day use and the odd curve-balls that I threw its way – such as bombarding it with dust and dry shampoo.
I found that the Welov P200 Pro wasn’t very sensitive to ambient dust levels; the readings remained low in both the TechRadar reviews office and my home, despite dust being visible in both locations. It was more sensitive than the Shark NeverChange purifier, however, which regularly stated that there were zero levels of PM2.5 in the air. In contrast, the P200 Pro detected small levels at all times. These levels never rose above 5 PM2.5, however, and continuously bounced randomly between readings of 1–5 every two seconds, so I can’t vouch for the reliability of this reading.
(Image credit: Future)
I sprayed dry shampoo around the air purifier. This change in IAQ was quickly detected and the reading on the app and the LED screen rose above 350 PM2.5; this caused the indicator light on the purifier to turn red, indicating that the IAQ rating was poor. While the app reading aligned on this occasion, the color reference and classification on the graph didn’t change from "Good", which suggests that the app needs some improvements in order to be considered trustworthy. Since the Welov was in Auto mode, the purifier’s fan sped up to its top speed in response to the presence of dry shampoo, and the reading lowered to 7 PM2.5, within two minutes.
However, our benchmarking air quality monitor was still showing air quality as poor. This was because the P200 Pro can't detect VOCs in the air, only particles of 2.5 microns or larger, meaning that the fan speed reduced as a result of the positive reading, when it ideally should have continued on the higher speed. After manually setting the fan back to max speed, the P200 Pro was able to clear the strong fragrance of the dry shampoo from my bedroom in 10 minutes.
To determine whether the Welov P200 Pro could detect higher levels of dust, I repeatedly kicked up the corner of the rug in our music testing room. This stirred up a fair amount of dust and the purifier detected this increase in about 30 seconds. With the P200 Pro in Auto mode, the fan sped up automatically once the particle levels raised above 50 PM2.5 on the LED screen, and it took the purifier about a minute to bring levels back down to 1 PM2.5.
(Image credit: Future)
I tried out the Sleep mode feature overnight and found it sufficiently quiet to not impact my ability to fall asleep. Welov advertises that the P200 Pro can be as quiet as 23dB; on measuring noise levels using an app on my iPhone 12 Pro, I saw a reading of 27dB, which wasn’t as quiet as AiDot suggested; but it wasn’t miles off. Although the Welov was quiet enough, the purifier's sound was a little high-pitched, reminding me of the high-pitched noise of crickets you hear in remote-location horrors, when everything goes quiet right before a jump scare. This wasn't a thought I needed popping into my head at 1am.
On awaking, I didn’t notice that the air felt different to any other morning, which is in contrast to my tests of the Shark NeverChange, where the air felt noticeably fresher upon waking. Personally, I feel this could be due to the very low fan speed in Sleep mode, meaning the rate of air being pulled through is fairly low.
I tested the air purifiers sound levels from the lowest to the highest manual fan speeds. The lowest speed gave a reading of 35dB, which is equivalent to a whisper. Meanwhile, the middle speed registered at 62dB, which is similar to the noise of a normal conversation, and the highest fan speed was 71dB, which is close to the sound emitted by a washing machine.
Performance score: 2.5 out of 5
Should I buy the AiDot Welov P200 Pro?
Buy it if...
Easy to use app While the app may not provide the most detailed data on air quality, it’s useful for controlling the purifier remotely, enabling you to easily switch between fan modes, enable a child lock, and set up automations.
You want Matter connectivity Thanks to the QR code on the back of the purifier, it’s really easy to connect the unit to Google Home and the like. There are also options in the device settings in the app to create Siri shortcuts or connect to Alexa.
You want to know about outdoor air quality Share your location with the AiDot app and it shows a really helpful breakdown of the Outdoor Environment readings, including the humidity, wildfire status and various types of pollen levels.
Don't buy it if...
You want detailed insights into the IAQ The only data available on the display screen and on the app is the PM2.5 reading, which covers particles such as dust or pollen. There appears to be a lack of communication between the display screen on the purifier and the data in the app, as the graph didn't depict the change in air quality that occurred during testing.
You want high-end design The P200 Pro looks pretty utilitarian, and even when it comes to build quality, the cheap-looking, thin plastic doesn't make it appealing. However, if the simple design is in a bid to keep the price down, I can't complain.
You want a compact purifier Standing at just over 20 inches, this air purifier is better suited to being placed on the floor rather than on a table top. Due to the nature of air purifiers, it can't be put in a corner out of the way, so be prepared for it to become part of the furniture.
Welov P200 Pro review: Also consider
Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier Slightly cheaper but with a lot more going for it, we rated the Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier an impressive four and a half stars, and for good reason. We were really pleased with its performance and smart features, and the useful companion app was informative and easy to use.
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier If you want more coverage, but don’t want to sacrifice more space for the privilege, take a look at the Shark NeverChange. It's capable of purifying up to 650sq ft in an hour, and is slightly smaller than the P200 Pro. The downside? It hasn’t got a companion app to keep tabs on your air quality.
How I tested the Welov P200 Pro
I used the Welov P200 Pro for one week
I tested it in multiple environments
I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols
I tested the Welov P200 Proin the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom at home.
I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled the strong fragrance left over from the latter.
I left it running in my bedroom overnight to determine whether it disturbed my sleep. I tested the sound levels using a sound level meter on my phone and assessed the controls and how easy it was to change the filter.
The Nutribullet Flip is designed to make the process of blitzing smoothies and shakes as mess-free as possible – and it works. Simply add all your ingredients to the cup, put on the blending lid, before flipping the cup upside down and pressing the power button; then simply flip it back the right way and drink straight from the cup. There's no need to pour out the drink into another vessel, nor remove the cap – and during several weeks of testing, the blender didn't leak at all, even when inverted.
The Flip's blades are positioned at the widest point, which means ingredients don’t become stuck, and the motor is more powerful than that of most personal blenders, which means it tackles ice with ease. During tests, we found that large pieces of fruit (such as frozen strawberries) sometimes required a second 30-second cycle to be completely blended; but the results were usually impressive.
The insulated cup keeps your finished creations cold for hours and you can swap to a lid without the integrated blender if you want to travel light. The Flip comes with a cover to protect the blades, if you decide to switch the cap, which is a nice touch.
Cleanup is extremely straightforward – just add a drop of dish soap and some water, run it for 30 seconds, and then rinse. There's no scrubbing necessary, and food doesn't accumulate around the seal or blades.
During tests, I was able to run it for 13 30-second cycles on a full charge (blending a banana milkshake) before it ran out of juice, so you should be able to use it for several days before having to reach for the USB-C charging cable. Note that thirty seconds after a blending cycle has finished, the Flip will go into sleep mode to conserve power.
The Nutribullet Flip isn't made for solids, and it isn't the cheapest portable blender around. However, if you’re looking for something that will fit in your cup holder in the car and is powerful enough to make an iced coffee in 30 seconds, this is the one for you.
Markings inside the cup help you measure the correct amount of liquid, and make sure it's between the maximum and minimum levels (Image credit: Future)
Nutribullet Flip: price and availability
List price: $99.99 (about £80 / AU$150)
The Nutribullet Flip launched in July 2024, with a list price of $99.99 (about £80 / AU$150). That puts it in between the Ninja Blast at $59.99 / £49.99 / AU$79.99 and the Smeg Personal Blender at $169.95 / £109.95/ AU$199. It's worth bearing in mind that Ninja's blender is considerably less powerful and struggles to blend frozen ingredients, so if you want a portable blender for icy drinks then the Nutribullet Flip may be worth the extra expense.
At the time of writing, the Nutribullet Flip is only available in the US, but you can find it for import via Amazon UK (built to US and Canadian electrical standards).
Value score: 5/5
Nutribullet Flip: specs
Nutribullet Flip: design
The Flip is a new type of personal blender that aims to make the whole experience of making smoothies, shakes and the like as mess-free as possible by positioning the blades and motor in the top of the cup. Once your beverage is blended, you just turn the whole blender upside down, open the sip cap, and start drinking. There’s no need to remove the lid (unless you want to) and no risk of spillage. It’s a similar concept to the Ninja Blast, but while the Blast’s blades are in the bottom, the Flip has them in the lid.
Drinking through the part of the blender that contains the blade might seem strange, but the moving parts are well away from your mouth, so you won't come into contact with them. The blender won’t run with the sip lid open either, so there’s no chance it will activate while you’re enjoying your smoothie.
The blender's blades are in the sip-through lid, but nowhere near the part from which you drink (Image credit: Future)
The box contains the main cup, the blending lid (with the blades and motor), a to-go lid that you can use to minimize weight if you don’t need to blend on the move, a stainless steel drinking straw with a cleaning brush (the lid has a hole to insert the straw), and an instruction booklet. The blender itself is available in black, stainless steel, or white (shown here).
To make your drink, load your ingredients into the cup (making sure that the liquid sits between the "minimum" and "maximum" markings inside), screw the lid into place, flip it upside down, and press the single button to start a 30-second cycle. Unlike some personal blenders, the Flip isn’t made for hot ingredients. It also requires a minimum amount of liquid, so you won’t be using it to make dukkah or crush nuts.
The Nutribullet Flip comes with the blending cap and a light to-go lid for travel, the insulated cup, and a stainless steel straw and cleaning brush (Image credit: Future)
Design score: 5/5
Nutribullet Flip: performance
The Nutribullet Flip isn’t intended for solid food, so I couldn’t run TechRadar's usual full battery of tests; for example, mayonnaise was out of the question, because you can’t pour in oil mid-blend. However, I did whip up several batches of our control smoothie recipe, which consists of almond milk, kale, blueberries and banana.
There were no leaks whatsoever during testing and after one 30-second cycle the smoothie was mostly blended. However, as you can see in the photo below, a chunk of unblended banana remained. Running a second cycle resulted in much better, smoother results.
It was a similar story when making a shake using milk, protein powder, and frozen berries. Nutribullet’s documentation says that the Flip can handle “most frozen fruit”, but the largest strawberries required two cycles to blend completely. Running the blender twice isn’t a big deal, but it might have been nice if there were two settings, one for 30 seconds and one for a minute for tackling tougher tasks; or, the blender defaulted to 45 seconds as a compromise.
There was still a chunk of banana left in the control smoothie after a single blending cycle (left). After two cycles, the drink was fully blended (right) (Image credit: Future)
The Flip performed best when making iced coffee, delivering perfect results. Considering my experience of making a smoothie with frozen berries, I had expected the Flip to require two attempts to crush ice cubes with milk and a shot of espresso; but it took only a single cycle to produce a perfect cold beverage. It proved much more effective than the Ninja Blast, partly thanks to the Flip’s more powerful motor (11.4V compared to 7.4V) and partly due to the design of the blender iteself.
Having the blades at the widest part of the cup means it didn’t suffer the Blast’s issue of ice cubes becoming stuck in the middle. As such, there was no need to shake the Flip mid-blend to loosen things up; it would make a mean espresso martini. Do ensure you heed Nutribullet's warning that never fill more than 25% of the cup's total volume with ice.
Although the Flip is decidedly top-heavy when used with the blending lid attached, it didn't at all feel awkward when being used as a drinking vessel. There’s no risk of any accidents with the mechanics when you're drinking from the blending lid; in fact, you’re so far away from the blade in the lid that you’ll have to hold the Flip at an angle for a few seconds before the liquid runs out if you’ve made a particularly thick drink.
The Nutribullet Flip handles ice well, and made a very good iced coffee on a single 30-second cycle (Image credit: Future)
One of the biggest advantages of the Nutribullet Flip is just how easy it is to clean. Simply squirt in a little dish soap, add some water, and run the blender for a 30-second cycle. Once complete, rinse out the suds and it’s ready to use again - no scrubbing required, with even bits of fruit skin and kale fully removed. The cup and to-go lid are dishwasher-safe, but both proved so quick and easy to clean by hand, I didn't find it necessary to add them to the appliance. Nutribullet warns that you should never try to clean the motor base, blade, and lid unit by immersing it in water or detergent, or putting it in the dishwasher.
I actually found myself using the Flip far more often than I might if it required more intense cleaning. Sure, I could use my usual shaker to prepare my post-run protein drink, but the flip did a better job of mixing the ingredients, and I could even throw in some fruit for good measure.
The Nutribullet Flip is charged via a USB-C cable, and the color of the light indicates the current charge level (Image credit: Future)
The Flip is charges using the USB-C cable supplied in the packaging. The color of the light around the button once you’ve screwed on the lid indicates the current charge level: green is high, orange is medium, and red is low; the color changes during charging, with solid green (not blinking) indicating a full charge. Before using it for the first time, you should charge the Flip for at least two hours.
During blending with ice, the Nutribullet Flip's noise levels reached a maximum of 79dB, which is similar to the Smeg Personal Blender (80dB) and around 10dB quieter than most countertop blenders we’ve tested.
The blades are at the widest point of the blender, meaning ice and ingredients aren't likely to become stuck higher up (Image credit: Future)
According to Nutribullet, the Flip can run up to 15 cycles on a single charge. After fully charging the blender, I added a banana, oat milk and cocoa to the cup, and was able to run 13 complete cycles before it ran out of power. That's pretty close, and means you'll be able to go several days between charges in regular use.
Performance score: 4/5
Nutribullet Flip: should I buy it?
Nutribullet Flip: also consider
Ninja Blast
The Ninja Blast it just as portable as the Nutribullet Flip, but its less powerful motor and cup shape mean it's less capable of blending ice and frozen fruit. It's considerably cheaper, though, so a good budget option, particularly if you'll mostly be blending protein shakes.
Unlike the other two, this blender isn't intended to be carried around; instead, you blend your drink at home inside the bottle, then screw on a lid to take it with you. It's pricier than the other options here, with similar blending performance, but will look more stylish in your kitchen if you keep it there.
I spent two weeks testing the Nutribullet Flip using a variety of different ingredients, both fresh and frozen, and different liquids including water, plant and dairy milks, and juice. For easy comparison with other devices, I used Nutribullet's own Banana Kale Blueberry Freeze recipe, which we use to test all blenders.
I weighed the blender with both of its lids to be certain of its weight, and measured the noise produced by the blender using a decibel meter.
I fully charged the Nutribullet Flip using the supplied USB-C charging cable, then added a banana, cocoa powder, and oat milk, and counted how many full cycles it was able to complete before the battery ran down.
The Ninja Luxe Café is a three-in-one bean-to-cup coffee machine that makes espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew. With its grind size suggestions based on the type of drink, a weight-based dosage system, and an automatic milk frother, much of the guesswork when it comes to perfecting your brew is taken out of the equation It’s perfect for novices who are just beginning to dip their toes in the espresso world. But the real question is, does the Ninja Luxe Café actually deliver on its claim? And I’m happy to report that, for the most part, it does.
Ninja has been in the small kitchen gadget game for a while now, with a range of pod and drip coffee machines including the Ninja DualBrew Pro, but the Luxe Café is its first foray into bean-to-cup espresso machines - a field that's currently dominated by brands like Breville and De’Longhi. In fact, the Luxe Café goes head to head with one of Breville’s most popular semi-automatic espresso machines, the Breville the Barista Express - and in my opinion, it comes out ahead thanks to the lower price tag, foolproof espresso system, and ability to also brew drip coffee.
The Ninja Luxe Café looks and feels much more expensive than its is (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
As soon as I took the Ninja Luxe Café out of its packaging, it looked and felt like a far more expensive machine. Though bulky, its sleek stainless steel body with black accents fit right into my kitchen. Given all that’s happening on this coffee maker, with its wealth of features and massive display, it’s a little intimidating at first but surprisingly easy to master.
The range of tools (like a funnel that does a decent job at keeping grinds in the filter and Luxe basket for quad shots and coffee brews) are nice inclusions, and Ninja has added a space to store these tools and more when not in use. Talk about convenience. However, it’s missing a hot water line for americanos, tea, and other beverages, I wish one could’ve been incorporated in some way.
The machine has storage for accessories like the funnel and extra basket for quad shots (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
The Ninja Luxe Café looks the part of a quality bean-to-cup machine, and luckily, it performs just as great. The grind size suggestions and weight-based dosage system were a huge boon, ensuring I had the perfect espresso pull every time with a lovely golden crema and strong, smooth taste. On the coffee side, the hot coffee and cold brew turned out great with minimal effort, as I never needed to measure out the proper amount of ground coffee or determine the proper grind size. However, the four different coffee settings were a bit gimmicky and unnecessary. A cold brew and classic coffee would’ve been fine.
When I wanted to make a latte, cappuccino, or flat white, the automatic milk frother settings almost always worked with my 2% milk, creating a lovely microfoam with no skill needed. Unfortunately, the frother didn’t perform as well with oat milk, not a major surprise, as this is the case with many plant-based milks. A cold foam setting is also available but didn’t work with either of my milks. I missed the manual option for steaming milk with a steam wand, as I love extra hot drinks and practicing my steaming technique.
The automatic milk frother produced creamy microfoam with no skill needed, but worked better with dairy than plant-based substitutes (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Overall, if you’re a beginner who wants a quality, great value espresso machine that makes it easy to pull the perfect shot, the Ninja Luxe Café is for you. Even experienced at-home baristas will appreciate the excellent results this machine delivers. And it’s hard to beat the bonus of brewing tasty classic coffee and cold brew too.
Ninja Luxe Café review: price and availability
List price: $499.99 (about £400 / AU$750)
Launch date: June 2024
Availability: US
The Ninja Luxe Café’s launch price was $499.99 (about £400 / AU$750), and at the time of writing it is only available in the US. It can be purchased directly from the manufacturer's website, or from third-party retailers including Best Buy and Amazon. This bean-to-cup machine was only recently released, don’t expect to find any major discounts for at least a few months.
Sitting right at a mid-range price point in the wider market, the Ninja Luxe Café’s versatility, solid performance, ease of use, and stunning build quality punch far above its weight. I would’ve expected this machine to cost far more, and it’s sure to give the ever-popular Breville The Barista Express a run for its money, especially since Breville’s offering costs $200 more and does less.
Value for money score: 5 out of 5
Ninja Luxe Café review: specs
Ninja Luxe Café review: design
Stunning, sturdy build
Massive display
Helpful storage features
Lacks hot water line
Besides one glaring omission, I have almost no notes on the design of the Ninja Luxe Café. Like any bean-to-cup machine, it’s definitely not compact and takes up a good chunk of counter space and just fits under my kitchen cabinets, measuring 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57in / 330 x 340 x 370mm (L x W x H). That’s just a little bit bigger than the most recent semi-automatic espresso machine I’ve been using, the Casabrews 5700Pro. At least Ninja’s offering is extremely versatile, making the most of that extra space it takes up. Weighing 25.73lb / 11.67kg, it’s also quite heavy, so I tried to move it around as little as possible.
The Ninja Luxe Café calibrates itself. so you don't need to spend time experimenting to get the perfect espresso pull (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
As soon as I removed the Ninja Luxe Café from the box, I was struck by its sleekness, offering a stainless steel finish with black accents. Even the packaging for the tools oozed elegance. It was far nicer than I expected considering the reasonable price tag. It truly looks and feels like something that should be twice that price. Each component was sturdy and built to last.
Setting up this bean-to-cup machine was on par with others I tested, taking me just over 20 minutes to have my first shot of espresso ready to go. However, the Luxe Café is unique, as it calibrates itself, so you don’t need to experiment with different grind sizes for a great espresso pull. The hardness of your water is even taken into account, helping to perfect the extraction. If you’ve never used an at home espresso machine before, it’s a little overwhelming initially. A few instructional videos and an instruction book were helpful in navigating the Luxe Café.
The machine comes with a tamper and funnel (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
After it was put together, I played around with the design features. Ninja thought of almost everything. The accessory storage was probably my favorite, as it’s a rarity on espresso machines. It drives me crazy to have components lying around waiting to be lost. A handy little door on the side of the machine opens up, letting you store a few cleaning tools, along with the double and Luxe baskets for the portafilter. The opposite side of the machine houses the tamper and funnel – which helps prevent grinds from getting everywhere while grinding – for ultra-easy access.
On top of the machine sits the removable bean hopper/grinder with a UV-protective lid to keep the beans fresher longer with an easy-to-use dial for adjusting grind size on the side, while around the back is a removable 70oz water reservoir. The water reservoir doesn’t appear to have any major filter, or the option to add one – a slight disappointment – and isn’t the easiest to reach given the location at the back of the machine under my cabinets. That’s not dissimilar to other coffee makers. Still, it holds a good amount of water. I refilled it only a couple of times per week after making about three beverages a day.
All the action happens at the front of the machine, and its most striking feature is the massive display running almost its entire width. The display lacks touch control, but a wealth of buttons and a couple of knobs made navigating relatively simple after familiarizing myself with the system.
Above the grinder, the display informs you of the current and recommended grind sizes based on the type of brew. Red warnings will even light up if the funnel, hopper, or portafiler aren’t installed or the coffee beans are out. It’s honestly pretty foolproof.
The machine will warn you if there are no beans, or the portafilter isn't inserted (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
The center of the display right above the group head, which securely holds the portafilter during brewing, is where the type of brew is selected. On the espresso side, double, quad, and cold-press options are available, and the coffee side features a classic, rich, over-ice, and cold brew setting, along with various size options. Also at the center is the progress bar – a handy little tool that informs how far along in grinding, brewing, or milk frothing you are. Similar to the red warnings on the grinding side of the display, a rinse notification will display when the group head needs a quick clean.
Finally, above the frother are the milk frothing settings. Unlike many semi-automatic brewers, this one lets you select foam levels and milk type: dairy or plant-based. I only had to add the milk to the jug with an integrated whisk and place it in its designated location with the steam wand inserted. The jug even has size markings inside and outside, so you get the proper milk levels. The steam wand automatically purges after frothing, though a 'purge' button is available. This side of the display also indicates when the water reservoir needs to be filled.
A progress bar on the front of the machine shows how far along it is with grinding, brewing, or milk frothing (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
At the base of the Ninja Luxe Café is the main drip tray and a separate center drip tray. It felt unnecessarily complicated being two components. However, having a separate center drip tray makes it possible to use larger travel mugs. On the side of the main drip tray is a tiny indicator, letting you know when it’s full and needs emptying. I had to empty it every few days of use. Beyond the removable center drip tray, another sturdy adjustable cup tray can be set at different levels, depending on the vessel – a handy addition that prevents splashing.
It truly seems that Ninja thought of everything when crafting the Luxe Café, except for a water line. I love having a hot water option to make an americano, tea, or other warm beverage. Integrating one into the steam wand or elsewhere would’ve brought the machine near perfection level in terms of design. Instead, I relied on a kettle, something I never had to do with my usual espresso machine.
The machine comes with two baskets: double and Luxe, the latter of which is for quad shots (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
As for the accessories, the portafilter also doubles as a brewer for the coffee settings on the machine. It comes with two baskets: double and Luxe. When using the coffee settings or brewing a quad shot, the Luxe basket must be installed. Like most portafilters, it’s a bit of a struggle to swap baskets, but that ensures they remain securely in place when dumping grinds. Unfortunately, it costs extra for the knock box to remove the grinds. Luckily, the grinds come out relatively easy with just a few whacks against the garbage can.
Beyond the portafilter, many of the other accessories deal with maintenance. A descaling powder, a cleaning disc, a cleaning brush, and a couple of cleaning tablets ensure the machine remains in tip-top shape.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Ninja Luxe Café review: performance
Handy grind size suggestions and automatic weight-based dosage
Consistently great espresso pulls and coffee brews
Quick and easy to use
The Ninja Luxe Café is far easier to master than other semi-automatic espresso machines; even novices should figure it out quickly. That’s, in large part, thanks to the machine’s ability to automatically suggest grind sizes based on the type of drink brewed, the weight-based dosage system for the perfect amount of grinds depending on the drink, and the hands-free frother to dial in the ideal amount of microfoam.
Admittedly, the whole system is a little overwhelming initially, especially the large display and various controls. But, after a couple of brews, I had it down to a science and had to do far less experimenting with grind size than usual to pull the perfect espresso shot, wasting less pricey coffee beans and time. Regular coffee always requires less effort for a solid brew, and this machine delivered a great classic cup of joe on the first try.
Seven different types of brews are available with Ninja Luxe Café. On the espresso side is a double, quad, and cold-pressed extraction, while coffee can be brewed classic, rich, over-ice, and cold brew. I tested out every setting to see how each stacked up.
Each pull yielded consistent results (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
I started with the double espresso shot, my most used setting over the testing period. Installing the double basket on the portafilter required a little muscle while the funnel easily latches on top. Inserting the portafilter into the grinder will automatically adjust the brew setting options based on the installed basket. With the double basket, only a double or cold-pressed extraction was available. Turning the large main knob lets you select the setting. If the funnel isn’t on when the portafilter is inserted into the grinder, a warning will pop up – I forgot to use it many times.
The machine then tells you the ideal grind size for the espresso pull, and you can adjust to the suggested grind size using a knob on the side of the machine. I adjusted accordingly and started the grind. The progress bar at the center of the display let me know how far along in the process I was.
After grinding, it was time to brew. I used the tamper with the funnel still attached to level the freshly ground coffee. It did a successful job of keeping the grinds in the basket most of the time, but on several occasions, a good deal of grinds managed to escape. This usually happened when the basket was extremely full, or I inserted the tamper too fast.
Besides rinsing the portafilter, emptying the drip tray, and wiping down the machine, there isn’t much hands-on cleaning required (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Placing the portafilter securely into the group head takes some effort, and I usually had to hold the body of the coffee maker to prevent the whole setup from moving. From there, I moved the handy little adjustable cup tray to fit my mug and pressed the large center knob to begin the brew, watching the progress bar begin to flash. Less than a minute later, a beep indicated that my double-shot espresso was ready. The whole process is quiet too, averaging about 60dB, so you don’t need to worry about waking others in the household for an early morning caffeine fix.
The espresso shot had a thick golden crema that could briefly hold a small sprinkling of granulated sugar before falling through. The crema then reformed after; a tell-tale sign of great pull. Its taste was equally wonderful, rich, and smooth with a slight acidity.
Without fail, each espresso pull after my initial yielded similar results, including the quad shot and cold-pressed extraction. However, the cold-pressed extraction only reached about 80°F compared to the 120°F for the other two espresso shot settings. It also took slightly longer to brew at 2.5 minutes but was perfect for my iced lattes and prevented ice melt. Of course, results will also vary based on the type of coffee beans used. I stuck with quality beans from Stumptown and Groundwork during my testing.
The automatic milk frother works very well, but there's no way to steam your milk manually if you prefer (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Brewing coffee follows a similar process, although the larger Luxe basket will always be installed and there’s no need to use the tamper. The grind sizes for all the coffee brews were significantly larger than the espresso, and there are various brew size options from six oz to 18 oz. The Ninja Luxe Café automatically adjusts the amount of beans it grinds based on the brew size and weight. It’s honestly hard to beat the convenience of not needing to measure out anything ever.
The coffee brews took longer than the espresso pulls, at around three to six minutes, depending on the setting and size. The results were consistently flavorful with just a slight bitterness, never watered down which was one of my fears. However, if you asked me to differentiate between the 'rich' and 'classic' settings, I wouldn’t be able to. Each tasted great and had a temperature of around 160°F. The same goes for the 'over-ice' and 'cold brew'. Both settings brewed the coffee at a lower temperature around 100°F, but I couldn’t tell you the difference between the two. The Ninja DualBrew Pro I reviewed in 2023 had similar setting options and results. It all just seems sort of gimmicky on an otherwise awesome machine.
The versatile Ninja Luxe Café is a little larger than the semi-automatic Casabrews 5700Pro, but much more affordable (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Beyond brewing espresso and coffee, the Ninja Luxe Café offers a hands-free milk frother for those coffeehouse-style drinks at home. It’s sometimes a struggle to get the perfect microfoam from a steam wand, and this takes all the guesswork away. The milk jug has an integrated whisk, and when combined with a steam wand on the machine, frothing was easier than ever. I could even choose between four presets: steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, and cold foam.
I tested all the froth presets with both 2% milk and oat milk. With 2% milk, the frothing settings worked just as expected (for the most part). The steamed milk yielded little foam just warming the milk, the thin froth had a nice bit of microfoam ideal for latte art and flat whites, while the thick froth had a nice fluffy foam on top that lasted the entire time I drank my cappuccino. Unfortunately, the oat milk struggled to form much of a microfoam, even on the thick froth setting. But these results aren’t uncommon for plant-based milks, so I don’t fully fault the machine. I also failed to create a cold foam, as heavy cream is required for that setting.
My biggest issue with the milk frother is you can’t control the steam wand yourself. I’m a big fan of extra hot beverages during the colder months, and with the Ninja Luxe Café, it isn’t possible to heat the milk a little longer for extra warmth or even test the waters of frothing milk with a steam wand unassisted. Sure, it’s nice to have everything pretty automatic, but sometimes, especially for the more experienced, the option for a little more freedom would’ve been a welcome addition.
You'll occasionally need to fill the water reservoir with a decaling solution, or insert the cleaning disc and tablet into the portafilter (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
When it comes to maintenance, the Luxe Café attempts to keep things as simple as possible. Besides rinsing the portafilter, emptying the drip tray, and wiping down the machine, there isn’t much hands-on cleaning that needs to be done. Even after several weeks of use, the machine looked is good as new besides a few splashes of coffee on the front panel and grinds in the drip tray.
Occasionally, the coffee maker's internals will need a thorough cleaning, but the most you will have to do is either fill the water reservoir with a descaling solution or insert the cleaning disc and tablet into the portafilter, and press a few buttons after. It’s all very manageable.
Overall, the Ninja Luxe Café delivered on its promises of uncomplicating espresso. It consistently created quality espresso and made things simpler by intuitively dosing and providing the correct grind level for the perfect pull, something you’d be hard-pressed to find on other semi-automatic espresso machines at this price point. The milk frother made it possible to create some near-coffeehouse-level lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites at home, which in the long run could end up saving you a ton of money. Plus, it's a nice bonus to get delicious regular and iced coffee brews from the same machine — a feature you don’t see in most mid-range bean-to-cup offerings.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Ninja Luxe Café?
Buy it if
You love a variety of coffee-based beverages This bean-to-cup machine not only pulls double and quad espresso shots but offers classic, rich, over-ice, and cold brew coffee brews. It also comes with four presets for hands-free frothing, letting you create coffeehouse-style beverages at home.
You want an intuitive, easy-to-use machine The Ninja Luxe Café takes the guesswork out of pulling espresso shots, brewing coffee, and frothing milk. Even novices will get the hang of it quickly, as the machine tells you the ideal grind size and weighs the proper dosage for your selected drink. The frother is also hands-free for the perfect microfoam and steamed milk to add to drinks
You want tasty, fresh espresso and coffee Given this is a bean-to-cup machine, the built-in grinder ensures the freshest cup of joe, while the intuitive dosage and grinding system, make perfecting your drink simple. You’ll consistently enjoy rich espresso with a lovely golden crema and strong coffee.
Don't buy it if
You want to brew large quantities of coffee
You’re limited to 18oz coffee brews, so don’t expect to make carafes for offices or larger households. It’s best for individual cups.
You want a hot water line The Ninja Luxe Café lacks a dedicated hot water line. That means, you’ll have to look elsewhere when making tea, americanos, and other hot drinks. It would’ve been nice to have the option included on the steam wand like other espresso machines.
You’re looking for a compact coffee maker Like many bean-to-cup machines, this is big, bulky, and heavy. If you’re tight on counter space, finding a smaller, more portable option may better suit your needs.
Ninja Luxe Café: also consider
If you're not sure about the Ninja Luxe Café, here are a couple of other options to think about
Casabrews 5700Pro
Another all-in-one machine that does everything from grinding beans to steaming milk, with the useful addition of a hot water line for brewing tea - something the Ninja Luxe Café lacks - and a mighty 20 bars of pressure. The downside is that it's twice the price.
This machine (branded as Sage in the UK) makes manual controls easy enough for beginners to master, and you'll get perfect results every time once you've spent some time getting to grips with its settings. It also offers 15 bars of pressure compared to nine for the Ninja Luxe Café.
I used the Ninja Luxe Café for several weeks at home, making two to three coffee drinks per day using high quality Stumtown and Groundwork coffee beans. During testing, I noted flavors, consistency, temperature, time to brew, and noise levels. Beyond drinking the espresso and coffee black, I tried the different milk frother presets with both dairy and plant-based milk, observing the foam levels and differences between settings. In the end, I tested almost every setting on the bean-to-cup machine and observed how it held up to usage.
For this review, I tested the UK version. Please note, there may be minor differences between different countries' models.
The Shark NeverChange (or if you're in the UK, the NeverChange5) is an air purifier with a difference, thanks to the washable outer filters, which, in theory, will extend the life of the HEPA filter to five years. As well as this, it has the novelty of scented purifying thanks its Odor Neutralizing Technology, which is in essence a fragranced cartridge that fits into the top of the purifier.
I tested one out to see how it compares the rest of the best air purifiers on the market. It's quiet and easy to use, but while there were noticeable improvements to the air quality, its lack of air quality tracking and inability to detect smaller particles or volatile organic compounds meant that it wasn't efficient in clearing the air or reducing odors when left to its own devices. Read on for my full review of the Shark NeverChange below.
Shark NeverChange review: price & availability
List price: $249.99 / £249.99
Available now in the US and UK; not available in Australia
At $249.99 / £249.99, the Shark NeverChange isn’t a budget air purifier. It’s available for purchase in the US and the UK via the Shark website and Amazon; but it's not currently sold in Australia. It’s sold under two different product names – the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152 in the US, and Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK in the UK.
The Shark NeverChange air purifier doesn’t have a companion app, which is often offered by cheaper alternatives. The potential $300 / £200 saving from longer-lasting filters and the innovative odor-control cartridges could explain the higher price; but unfortunately, these don’t make up for the Shark NeverChange's somewhat lackluster performance overall.
Value for money score: 3 out of 5
Shark NeverChange review specs
Shark NeverChange review: design
Anti-Odor technology
HEPA filters last up to 5 years
No handles
There were several comments made around the office regarding the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier's looks. Some likened it to a futuristic plant pot, others a waste paper bin, and one of my teammates thought it looked more like an explosive device from a sci-fi game. The NeverChange isn’t the most unattractive appliance in the world, but Shark doesn’t appear to have been concerned about the NeverChange blending in. It has a space-age aesthetic about it, with two round LED screens – one on the top, and the other on the front – and an angular shape thanks to the extra filters that live on the sides of the purifier's body.
For this review, I tested the UK version, which is available in white. The US version is available in charcoal gray. The shoulders of the air purifier body are a bit of a dust-magnet, and the gloss-black LED screen on the top panel also attracts dust and fibers, as does the black plastic grate on which it sits.
On a positive note, the setup process was quick and simple. Before powering the air purifier on, the HEPA filter first needed to be removed from its plastic bag. The NeverChange was easy to turn over as it is lightweight, and the locking mechanism felt sturdy but was easy to undo. Once the filter had been replaced, it was just a case of plug-and-play.
The size of the Shark NeverChange is neither oversized nor subtle. It’s about the size of a large plant pot, measuring 9 x 10 x 15 inches / 237 x 266 x 385mm, and it weighs around 7lbs / 3.4kg.
(Image credit: Future)
Sitting on the top of the air purifier is the circular control panel, which was responsive and simple to use. From here, I could adjust the fan speed, or engage Auto mode, which is supposed to adjust the fan speed based on real-time air quality. For peace of mind, there's a child lock and a shut-off timer. The status of air purity and the life remaining on the dust filters are available via the information button.
The Anti-Odor dial and cartridge came packaged inside a cardboard box and a ring-pull tin can, which is a good solution for sealing in the fragrance while remaining recyclable. The cartridge and dial housing were easy to unpack and install. To set the intensity of the fragrance, I just needed to twist the dial counterclockwise until it was at the desired setting.
Due to its size and shape, the lack of handles on this air purifier proved frustrating. At first glance, there appear to be some on either side; but these are in fact the DebrisDefence filters. These pull out easily for cleaning, so I wouldn’t recommend using them as handles. There are holes near the base that are also tempting to use to pick the purifier up, but these are only made of thin plastic and aren’t comfortable to hold.
(Image credit: Future)
The LED display's brightness could be altered using a button on the control panel, which I could cycle between three different intensities. The brightest setting was easy to see in both daylight and indoor lighting, but when using the NeverChange at bedtime, I found the dimmest light setting wasn’t ideal. While it worked well to dim the display, the bright blue ring indicating the air quality was over 85% wasn’t good for sleep hygiene purposes. The only other option was to have the LED displays off completely, which I doubt will be an issue for most, but isn’t ideal if you want to keep an eye on air purity readings overnight.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Shark NeverChange review: features
Long-lasting filters
Dust filter monitor incorrect
No app support
The standout feature of the Shark NeverChange is undoubtedly the potential longevity of the HEPA filter. This is achievable thanks to the additional mesh DebrisDefence filters located on either side of the HEPA filter; these are washable, so they’re essentially reusable barriers that take some of the strain off of the HEPA filter. Thanks to this feature, Shark claims it’s possible to save up to $300 / £200 in replacement filter costs over five years.
Another unique feature is the 'Odor Neutralizer Technology'. This one of this brand's USPs, and also appears in today's best Shark vacuums. Technically, it's designed to remove bad odors rather than create a fragrance per se, and it takes the form of a lightly scented puck, which is inserted into the top of the air purifier. The intensity of the fragrance / neutralization can be easily adjusted by twisting the canister using the integrated handle.
The fragrance of the odor-neutralizer canister is pleasant enough; it reminds me of a subtle masculine aftershave. It helps keep things fresh, but I think I'd prefer if Shark embraced the scent side of things a bit more, and offered some different options, such as a linen or floral scent.
The Shark NeverChange can purify up to 650sq ft / 60sq m in one hour.
(Image credit: Future)
The ambient air is monitored by the air purifier’s Clean Sense IQ, which is supposed to automatically react to changes in the environment – an increase or decrease in dust, pollen, and smoke levels, for example. However, it cannot detect or relay humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like some air purifiers can. The NeverChange filter does contain activated carbon, though, which by nature is supposed to absorb VOCs, so these should still be filtered out.
The Dust Filter Life button didn’t seem to do much. Having used the Shark NeverChange for only a short time, it would just say “check dust filters” when pressed; but the dust filters were clean. I tried pulling them out and replacing them a couple of times, but it made no difference.
It’s disappointing that there’s no app support with the Shark NeverChange. You have to be physically close enough to the unit to view the reading or change the settings, which can be inconvenient. Plus, this is unhelpful for tracking the air quality throughout the day and night. This lack of app and Bluetooth connectivity is surprising, since cheaper air purifiers such as the Levoit 300S offer near-live air quality data and remote control of the settings.
Features score: 3.5 out of 5
Shark NeverChange review: performance
Unreliable IAQ readings
Did not tackle odors
Filtered dust and aerosol during testing
It’s hard to say for certain how well an air purifier works without some scientific testing, but I tested the Shark NeverChange in different environments and considered its reactions when presented with dust and dry shampoo.
I’ll start by saying that I had a major niggle with this purifier. That niggle was that the NeverChange seemed to be overly optimistic with its readings. The air-quality readings were 100% most of the time, and when this figure did drop slightly on occasion, the different particle readings still read as 0. I struggle to believe that there are no dust particles in our busy office or in my home – and, since I live in the countryside, there will most certainly be pollen in the air, so I wasn’t impressed by this lack of particle detection.
I performed a direct comparison with the Welov P200 Pro in the TechRadar reviews office. The NeverChange maintained that all particle readings were at 0; however, the Welov P200 Pro gave a reading of 10 PM2.5 – particles such as dust or pollen, which the NeverChange is supposed to detect and respond to.
We wanted to be sure that the purifier was actually capable of detecting contaminants, to ensure that it wasn’t a faulty unit. To do this, we took it outside and placed it directly behind my car's exhaust pipe. I can confirm that it had no problem detecting the drop in air quality here, as one would hope it would! At least now I knew that it wasn’t stuck on 100%, which I’d noticed some consumers claiming in their reviews.
The main issue with the reading sitting at 100% is that when the purifier is in Auto mode, with a reading of 100% for more than five minutes, the Eco feature puts into standby. While I welcome this energy-saving feature, when the purifier seemed convinced the air quality was always 100%, it rarely did anything without manual intervention.
(Image credit: Future)
When we introduced dust into the atmosphere around the Shark NeverChange, by repeatedly kicking up the corner of a rug in one of our testing rooms, it took the unit around 40 seconds to register it. The unit dropped the reading to 92%, leading the fan to increase to speed 2. Since the fan was running at a low speed, volume levels didn’t rise too much; however, it took several minutes for the air quality to return to the 96% it started on. This was slower than the Welov P200 Pro, which – although far noisier – purified the air to pre-dust levels in around a minute.
I also sprayed dry shampoo near the sensor on the back of the NeverChange to test it. This rise in airborne particulate matter was detected within seconds, dropping the air quality on the LED screen to 81% and showing the red indicator ring to communicate that the air quality was poor. The purifier automatically upped the fan speed to level 3, returning a reading of 100% within two minutes.
Experimenting further to see how the NeverChange would deal with cooking smells, I microwaved a BBQ calzone (don’t judge me) with the air purifier set to Auto mode; it made no difference to the level of odor. I then left the purifier on the highest fan setting for a few hours – again, the odor in the room remained unchanged. Apart from the strange overlapping scent of the fragrance canister from the NeverChange, which actually just made the smell more unpleasant.
(Image credit: Future)
I tried leaving the NeverChange on Auto when I went to bed. When the reading occasionally dropped under 100%, the unit would kick up to fan speed level 2, the noise from which made it more difficult to fall asleep. So I manually set it to fan speed 1 instead; this wasn’t the end of the world, as at least this would guarantee that the purifier wouldn’t go into Eco mode overnight. Thankfully, on the lowest fan speed, the NeverChange was pleasingly quiet and din't disturb my sleep. On waking, the air in my bedroom felt fresh, and I noticed that I had been less snuffly than usual, which made a nice change.
Using a decibel meter on my iPhone 12 Pro, I recorded the quietest fan speed at 38dB, which is comparable to light rain. Fan speed 3 was 55dB, a sound level similar to a dishwasher; the highest fan speed was 68dB, the same as the noise of traveling in a car at 60mph.
Performance score: 2.5 out of 5
Should I buy the Shark NeverChange?
Buy it if...
You don’t want to regularly change filters The key selling point of the NeverChange is the long life of the HEPA filter, thanks to the DebrisDefence feature. So if you’re the type of person who never quite gets around to ordering a replacement, this would be a good option for you.
You want some subtle fragrance The NeverChange has an integrated cartridge that can be easily turned to adjust the level of scent that it releases.
You want quiet purification With the lowest fan speed being no louder than the sound of light rain, the NeverChange shouldn’t disturb your sleep. At top fan speed, it’s only about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
Don't buy it if...
You don’t want extra parts to clean While the dust filters help prolong the life of the HEPA filter, for the air purifier to work efficiently, they'll need to be regularly checked and cleaned.
You want to be kept informed There are cheaper air purifiers on the market that offer app support, so it’s a shame that Shark doesn't do the same –especially considering the NeverChange's high price.
You’re on a budget If you were hoping for a lower-cost solution, or the NeverChange is missing some of the features you’re looking for, take a look at our list of the best air purifiers for alternatives that may be better suit your needs.
Shark NeverChange review: Also consider
Levoit Core 300S Competitors such as the lower-priced Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier come with a companion app that will inform you of a drop in air quality remotely, allowing you to change the settings or perform other functions even when you’re away from home. It’s worth noting that it only purifies about half the area of the NeverChange unit; but with a four-and-a-half-star rating, it’s a great option.
Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact It’s more expensive, but if you have the money to spend then the four-star-rated Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact could be a satisfying alternative. With control solely via remote control, it offers an impressive 10 fan speeds, and the integrated sensors analyze the air every second using an algorithm. This higher-end aesthetic purifier doubles as a cooling fan and offers up additional info such as ambient temperature and humidity level, too.
How I tested the Shark NeverChange
I used the Shark NeverChange for one week
I tested it in multiple environments
I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols
I tested the Shark NeverChange in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom and kitchen at home.
I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled food odors when using the microwave.
I left the NeverChange running in my bedroom overnight to assess its noise levels, using a decibel meter on my phone to gauge levels, and evaluated its controls and how easy it was to change the filter.
For this review, I tested the UK version. Please note, there may be minor differences between different countries' models.
The Shark NeverChange (or if you're in the UK, the NeverChange5) is an air purifier with a difference, thanks to the washable outer filters, which, in theory, will extend the life of the HEPA filter to five years. As well as this, it has the novelty of scented purifying thanks its Odor Neutralizing Technology, which is in essence a fragranced cartridge that fits into the top of the purifier.
I tested one out to see how it compares the rest of the best air purifiers on the market. It's quiet and easy to use, but while there were noticeable improvements to the air quality, its lack of air quality tracking and inability to detect smaller particles or volatile organic compounds meant that it wasn't efficient in clearing the air or reducing odors when left to its own devices. Read on for my full review of the Shark NeverChange below.
Shark NeverChange review: price & availability
List price: $249.99 / £249.99
Available now in the US and UK; not available in Australia
At $249.99 / £249.99, the Shark NeverChange isn’t a budget air purifier. It’s available for purchase in the US and the UK via the Shark website and Amazon; but it's not currently sold in Australia. It’s sold under two different product names – the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152 in the US, and Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK in the UK.
The Shark NeverChange air purifier doesn’t have a companion app, which is often offered by cheaper alternatives. The potential $300 / £200 saving from longer-lasting filters and the innovative odor-control cartridges could explain the higher price; but unfortunately, these don’t make up for the Shark NeverChange's somewhat lackluster performance overall.
Value for money score: 3 out of 5
Shark NeverChange review specs
Shark NeverChange review: design
Anti-Odor technology
HEPA filters last up to 5 years
No handles
There were several comments made around the office regarding the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier's looks. Some likened it to a futuristic plant pot, others a waste paper bin, and one of my teammates thought it looked more like an explosive device from a sci-fi game. The NeverChange isn’t the most unattractive appliance in the world, but Shark doesn’t appear to have been concerned about the NeverChange blending in. It has a space-age aesthetic about it, with two round LED screens – one on the top, and the other on the front – and an angular shape thanks to the extra filters that live on the sides of the purifier's body.
For this review, I tested the UK version, which is available in white. The US version is available in charcoal gray. The shoulders of the air purifier body are a bit of a dust-magnet, and the gloss-black LED screen on the top panel also attracts dust and fibers, as does the black plastic grate on which it sits.
On a positive note, the setup process was quick and simple. Before powering the air purifier on, the HEPA filter first needed to be removed from its plastic bag. The NeverChange was easy to turn over as it is lightweight, and the locking mechanism felt sturdy but was easy to undo. Once the filter had been replaced, it was just a case of plug-and-play.
The size of the Shark NeverChange is neither oversized nor subtle. It’s about the size of a large plant pot, measuring 9 x 10 x 15 inches / 237 x 266 x 385mm, and it weighs around 7lbs / 3.4kg.
(Image credit: Future)
Sitting on the top of the air purifier is the circular control panel, which was responsive and simple to use. From here, I could adjust the fan speed, or engage Auto mode, which is supposed to adjust the fan speed based on real-time air quality. For peace of mind, there's a child lock and a shut-off timer. The status of air purity and the life remaining on the dust filters are available via the information button.
The Anti-Odor dial and cartridge came packaged inside a cardboard box and a ring-pull tin can, which is a good solution for sealing in the fragrance while remaining recyclable. The cartridge and dial housing were easy to unpack and install. To set the intensity of the fragrance, I just needed to twist the dial counterclockwise until it was at the desired setting.
Due to its size and shape, the lack of handles on this air purifier proved frustrating. At first glance, there appear to be some on either side; but these are in fact the DebrisDefence filters. These pull out easily for cleaning, so I wouldn’t recommend using them as handles. There are holes near the base that are also tempting to use to pick the purifier up, but these are only made of thin plastic and aren’t comfortable to hold.
(Image credit: Future)
The LED display's brightness could be altered using a button on the control panel, which I could cycle between three different intensities. The brightest setting was easy to see in both daylight and indoor lighting, but when using the NeverChange at bedtime, I found the dimmest light setting wasn’t ideal. While it worked well to dim the display, the bright blue ring indicating the air quality was over 85% wasn’t good for sleep hygiene purposes. The only other option was to have the LED displays off completely, which I doubt will be an issue for most, but isn’t ideal if you want to keep an eye on air purity readings overnight.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Shark NeverChange review: features
Long-lasting filters
Dust filter monitor incorrect
No app support
The standout feature of the Shark NeverChange is undoubtedly the potential longevity of the HEPA filter. This is achievable thanks to the additional mesh DebrisDefence filters located on either side of the HEPA filter; these are washable, so they’re essentially reusable barriers that take some of the strain off of the HEPA filter. Thanks to this feature, Shark claims it’s possible to save up to $300 / £200 in replacement filter costs over five years.
Another unique feature is the 'Odor Neutralizer Technology'. This one of this brand's USPs, and also appears in today's best Shark vacuums. Technically, it's designed to remove bad odors rather than create a fragrance per se, and it takes the form of a lightly scented puck, which is inserted into the top of the air purifier. The intensity of the fragrance / neutralization can be easily adjusted by twisting the canister using the integrated handle.
The fragrance of the odor-neutralizer canister is pleasant enough; it reminds me of a subtle masculine aftershave. It helps keep things fresh, but I think I'd prefer if Shark embraced the scent side of things a bit more, and offered some different options, such as a linen or floral scent.
The Shark NeverChange can purify up to 650sq ft / 60sq m in one hour.
(Image credit: Future)
The ambient air is monitored by the air purifier’s Clean Sense IQ, which is supposed to automatically react to changes in the environment – an increase or decrease in dust, pollen, and smoke levels, for example. However, it cannot detect or relay humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like some air purifiers can. The NeverChange filter does contain activated carbon, though, which by nature is supposed to absorb VOCs, so these should still be filtered out.
The Dust Filter Life button didn’t seem to do much. Having used the Shark NeverChange for only a short time, it would just say “check dust filters” when pressed; but the dust filters were clean. I tried pulling them out and replacing them a couple of times, but it made no difference.
It’s disappointing that there’s no app support with the Shark NeverChange. You have to be physically close enough to the unit to view the reading or change the settings, which can be inconvenient. Plus, this is unhelpful for tracking the air quality throughout the day and night. This lack of app and Bluetooth connectivity is surprising, since cheaper air purifiers such as the Levoit 300S offer near-live air quality data and remote control of the settings.
Features score: 3.5 out of 5
Shark NeverChange review: performance
Unreliable IAQ readings
Did not tackle odors
Filtered dust and aerosol during testing
It’s hard to say for certain how well an air purifier works without some scientific testing, but I tested the Shark NeverChange in different environments and considered its reactions when presented with dust and dry shampoo.
I’ll start by saying that I had a major niggle with this purifier. That niggle was that the NeverChange seemed to be overly optimistic with its readings. The air-quality readings were 100% most of the time, and when this figure did drop slightly on occasion, the different particle readings still read as 0. I struggle to believe that there are no dust particles in our busy office or in my home – and, since I live in the countryside, there will most certainly be pollen in the air, so I wasn’t impressed by this lack of particle detection.
I performed a direct comparison with the Welov P200 Pro in the TechRadar reviews office. The NeverChange maintained that all particle readings were at 0; however, the Welov P200 Pro gave a reading of 10 PM2.5 – particles such as dust or pollen, which the NeverChange is supposed to detect and respond to.
We wanted to be sure that the purifier was actually capable of detecting contaminants, to ensure that it wasn’t a faulty unit. To do this, we took it outside and placed it directly behind my car's exhaust pipe. I can confirm that it had no problem detecting the drop in air quality here, as one would hope it would! At least now I knew that it wasn’t stuck on 100%, which I’d noticed some consumers claiming in their reviews.
The main issue with the reading sitting at 100% is that when the purifier is in Auto mode, with a reading of 100% for more than five minutes, the Eco feature puts into standby. While I welcome this energy-saving feature, when the purifier seemed convinced the air quality was always 100%, it rarely did anything without manual intervention.
(Image credit: Future)
When we introduced dust into the atmosphere around the Shark NeverChange, by repeatedly kicking up the corner of a rug in one of our testing rooms, it took the unit around 40 seconds to register it. The unit dropped the reading to 92%, leading the fan to increase to speed 2. Since the fan was running at a low speed, volume levels didn’t rise too much; however, it took several minutes for the air quality to return to the 96% it started on. This was slower than the Welov P200 Pro, which – although far noisier – purified the air to pre-dust levels in around a minute.
I also sprayed dry shampoo near the sensor on the back of the NeverChange to test it. This rise in airborne particulate matter was detected within seconds, dropping the air quality on the LED screen to 81% and showing the red indicator ring to communicate that the air quality was poor. The purifier automatically upped the fan speed to level 3, returning a reading of 100% within two minutes.
Experimenting further to see how the NeverChange would deal with cooking smells, I microwaved a BBQ calzone (don’t judge me) with the air purifier set to Auto mode; it made no difference to the level of odor. I then left the purifier on the highest fan setting for a few hours – again, the odor in the room remained unchanged. Apart from the strange overlapping scent of the fragrance canister from the NeverChange, which actually just made the smell more unpleasant.
(Image credit: Future)
I tried leaving the NeverChange on Auto when I went to bed. When the reading occasionally dropped under 100%, the unit would kick up to fan speed level 2, the noise from which made it more difficult to fall asleep. So I manually set it to fan speed 1 instead; this wasn’t the end of the world, as at least this would guarantee that the purifier wouldn’t go into Eco mode overnight. Thankfully, on the lowest fan speed, the NeverChange was pleasingly quiet and din't disturb my sleep. On waking, the air in my bedroom felt fresh, and I noticed that I had been less snuffly than usual, which made a nice change.
Using a decibel meter on my iPhone 12 Pro, I recorded the quietest fan speed at 38dB, which is comparable to light rain. Fan speed 3 was 55dB, a sound level similar to a dishwasher; the highest fan speed was 68dB, the same as the noise of traveling in a car at 60mph.
Performance score: 2.5 out of 5
Should I buy the Shark NeverChange?
Buy it if...
You don’t want to regularly change filters The key selling point of the NeverChange is the long life of the HEPA filter, thanks to the DebrisDefence feature. So if you’re the type of person who never quite gets around to ordering a replacement, this would be a good option for you.
You want some subtle fragrance The NeverChange has an integrated cartridge that can be easily turned to adjust the level of scent that it releases.
You want quiet purification With the lowest fan speed being no louder than the sound of light rain, the NeverChange shouldn’t disturb your sleep. At top fan speed, it’s only about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
Don't buy it if...
You don’t want extra parts to clean While the dust filters help prolong the life of the HEPA filter, for the air purifier to work efficiently, they'll need to be regularly checked and cleaned.
You want to be kept informed There are cheaper air purifiers on the market that offer app support, so it’s a shame that Shark doesn't do the same –especially considering the NeverChange's high price.
You’re on a budget If you were hoping for a lower-cost solution, or the NeverChange is missing some of the features you’re looking for, take a look at our list of the best air purifiers for alternatives that may be better suit your needs.
Shark NeverChange review: Also consider
Levoit Core 300S Competitors such as the lower-priced Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier come with a companion app that will inform you of a drop in air quality remotely, allowing you to change the settings or perform other functions even when you’re away from home. It’s worth noting that it only purifies about half the area of the NeverChange unit; but with a four-and-a-half-star rating, it’s a great option.
Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact It’s more expensive, but if you have the money to spend then the four-star-rated Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact could be a satisfying alternative. With control solely via remote control, it offers an impressive 10 fan speeds, and the integrated sensors analyze the air every second using an algorithm. This higher-end aesthetic purifier doubles as a cooling fan and offers up additional info such as ambient temperature and humidity level, too.
How I tested the Shark NeverChange
I used the Shark NeverChange for one week
I tested it in multiple environments
I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols
I tested the Shark NeverChange in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom and kitchen at home.
I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled food odors when using the microwave.
I left the NeverChange running in my bedroom overnight to assess its noise levels, using a decibel meter on my phone to gauge levels, and evaluated its controls and how easy it was to change the filter.
The RevAir hair dryer is designed around the knowledge that curly folks — particularly those with especially curly type four hair like mine — spend more time and energy blow-drying and straightening their hair.
In response, RevAir developed a first-of-its-kind reverse-air dryer that’s extremely easy to use. Instead of the pistol-shaped body or wand form factors we’re used to seeing in some of the best hair dryers and best Dyson Airwrap dupes, the RevAir hair dryer opts for a unique design that looks far more like one of the best vacuum cleaners.
Somewhat similar to the Dyson Airwrap, the RevAir draws air into its wand, using reverse-air suction to gently tug on the hair to dry, stretch and reduce shrinkage. It offers seven tension settings to accommodate a variety of hair types, and uses internal sensors to maintain an even temperature and reduce heat damage.
(Image credit: RevAir)
It’s far from perfect, with its bulky design and loud components, but this vacuum-style dryer is worth the space it takes up, especially when dealing with children’s hair.
Those with braids or who simply want more manageability built into their styling routine may also like how this hair dryer—especially when used briefly—can save you from a literal headache.
With an MSRP of $399 the RevAir appears costly at face value, but if you consider how few and far between devices with such versatility are, and that everyone in the family can use it, then the cost is somewhat justified.
Unfortunately, it’s not sold in the UK or Australia, but it can be imported from the US. It needs a hefty transformer setup to get it working though, and it’s not recommended.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
RevAir hair dryer specs
RevAir hair dryer review: design
Bulky and heavy
Long hose
Seven power settings
The RevAir looks not unlike an old-school vacuum cleaner with a long hose attached to a box (the base). You may have stumbled upon something like it in your grandmother's attic.
Just like those old vacuums, and with all the extra parts, this blow dryer is heavier than average. It weighs 8lbs / 3.6kg, but luckily, you’re not necessarily holding all that weight since the 5.5ft / 1.68m hose is long and lightweight. Probably 80% of the weight is in the base which would sit on a surface like your counter or bed, depending where you’re using it. Altogether, the product is pretty bulky at 7.94 x 7.25 x 7.68in / 20.17 x 18.44 x 19.51cm.
(Image credit: Future)
The wand, which is also larger than most, feels like holding a regular blow dryer. There are seven tension settings, which control the intensity of the suction via a dial on the side of the device. The RevAir also has three heat settings that can be controlled using a switch on the handle: 158F / 70C for low, 220F / 104C for high, and then a cool shot. Two other convenient features are the rack attachment for storing the wand, and the mesh filter basket, which is included in the accessory-laden “total package” bundle from RevAir.
Design score: 3 out of 5
RevAir hair dryer review: performance
Easy to use
Sucks instead of blowing
Dries fast and reduces heat damage
What stood out to me most when testing the RevAir was the ease of use and the time I saved. I still had to detangle my hair by hand after washing, but I felt like the RevAir helped with relaxing the coils so that each section became more manageable. That’s probably the reverse-air technology keeping my hair from getting overly frizzy.
The RevAir works using the opposite technique of a typical blow dryer. It actually sucks the excess water from your hair and that, in turn, helps to seal your cuticle since it’s pulling the hair in its natural direction.
Before using, you may be a little anxious about your hair getting stuck. My 4c hair tends to tangle very easily, but after a few passes, I had no concerns about it getting stuck anywhere in the RevAir. There is nothing in the blow dryer for your hair to get caught on but if you were concerned, you could just turn off the suction.
(Image credit: Future)
I initially didn’t think about using the RevAir for drying braids. I don’t wear braids often, as I’m a swimmer—triathlete, to be exact— and excessive water can weigh down locks, braids, and twists and leave your shirt soaked for hours. However, inserting a braid or plait into the wand is just as easy as it would be to grab a small section. Thus, the RevAir can give you more freedom with hairstyles without sacrificing washes (chlorine is damaging after all).
One downside is that, unlike other modern dryers, the RevAir won’t work for a blowout at home. You can’t “bump” with a brush or the wand like a standard dryer or Dyson Airwrap. Nonetheless, and much like those other tools, you’d have to follow up with a flatiron or a different styling tool anyway for curlier hair types, so that doesn’t take much from the product.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should you buy the RevAir hair dryer?
Buy it if...
Your family has coily hair and you’re seeking manageability
This dryer is perfectly suited for tackling coily hair, so if there’s a lot of that in your home, the RevAir will be your best friend.
You're trying to cut down on drying time and heat damage
The RevAir offers impressively quick drying times and its reverse-air technology serves to protect your locks from heat damage.
You have ample storage space
If space isn’t an issue, the RevAir is among the best products you can use for curly or coily hair.
Don’t buy it if...
You are looking for a portable dryer
With its hefty base, long hose and general form factor, the RevAir is sadly not suited to travel.
You want the look of a blowout
While it comes as close as many of us could hope to salon-styled results, there’s nothing like the real thing.
You won’t use it often
For its price and hefty design, the RevAir is not something to be trifled with; it’s an all-or-nothing kind of hair dryer.
How I tested the RevAir hair dryer
I used the RevAir for about 30 minutes once a month for about six months
I started on freshly cleaned and detangled hair after removing excess water
I sprayed heat protectant spray on each section, which I separated with hair clips
I’ve been testing the RevAir for several months on my thin, medium-length 4c hair, comparing it against my go-to dryer and using my normal daily haircare routine for a fair comparison.
That involves cleaning and detangling my hair, using a cotton t-shirt to soak up excess water and then spraying my sectioned hair with heat protectant.
I’ve been writing about health, wellness and beauty for years, and over that time I’ve identified the most important aspects of value, design and performance that make great products great. This, and my personal hands-on testing, have informed my opinions.
The Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Hair Multi-styler is a Dyson Airwrap dupe that’s easy to use and doesn’t weigh heavy on your arm. This will be welcome news to those whose hair features kinks or coils; when your hair is dense, the quicker the blow-dry, the better.
The styler has a sleek look and a thin wand – a popular form factor right now among the best hair dryers – but at a fraction of the price of some of its competitors (the Sharper Image costs $269 vs the Dyson Airwrap’s $499). It has six attachments, including brushes and a detangler for drying, smoothing, and adding body. While barrel brushes aren’t ideal for blowing out coarser hair, the paddle-style brush is perfect for blow-drying and smoothing textured hair. For anyone who’s broken a comb, the detangler is quite sturdy and ready to go on a journey with you. As for the curling attachments, someone with Type 4 hair can volumize fine locks or even give yourself a “bump,” no matter the length - and that’s no easy feat for a more affordable Dyson Airwrap dupe.
Using a vortex or “Coanda technology” to wrap and circulate the air through your hair, the Sharper Image Revel dries hair at a pretty quiet 73.8dB. My husband could not hear me using it from downstairs.
All of the attachments are easy to use, and you simply twist the top of the detangler to extend the comb. Note that those with curly hair may still need a separate blow dryer for diffusing, since this styler doesn’t come with one. However, on a low heat setting, you may be able to stretch out your curls somewhat.
In fact, if you’re looking to stretch hair or do a silk press at home with less heat damage, the 6-in-1 styler is a solid choice without the hefty price tag.
The Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 can be purchased at Sharper Image stores, and on sites such as Amazon, Walmart, and QVC at an MSRP $269.99.
Value-wise, the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 comes in at almost half the price of the Dyson Airwrap – the gold standard for multi-stylers – while still offering great performance across a variety of hair types. Also if you shop around you may well be able to get it even cheaper; at the time of writing it's available for just $198 at Amazon and also at Walmart.
Overall, the Sharper Image Revel styler looks like a curling iron in receipt of a makeover to bring it up to date. An all-rubberized cylinder means you can hold it wherever it’s most comfortable for you. It offers three adjustable heat and power settings, as well as a cold shot. Much like the original Dyson Airwrap, the airflow curlers have a left and right-side option; you have to switch the barrel to change the direction of your curls.
The Revel arrives with six attachments: an airflow curler, hair dryer and detangler, volumizing brush, smoothing brush, and styling brush. Overall, even with the largest attachment, the styler weighs only 1.6lbs – which is wonderfully lightweight and less than the blow dryer that I typically use to diffuse and stretch my hair every so often.
(Image credit: Sharper Image)
At 17.9 inches, the Sharper Image Revel is quite long, but this also makes it well suited to longer hair. Adding the attachments is simple: twist in place, and remove by pushing the button on the back. At the top, you’ll find the on/off and cold shot buttons. At the end of the handle you’ll find an easy-to-read heat symbol and fan symbol to control speed and temperature.
The power cord is extremely long, which is pretty convenient for styling but awkward for storing the tool away.
I tested the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler on my medium-length, fine Type 4c hair. Before I got started, I divided my hair into four sections and applied a heat protectant. Once I completed styling, I applied a finishing spray. I wasn’t trying to achieve a silk press look, but if I were, I’d need a hair spray that would provide shine and frizziness. Also, it would likely take some practice with the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 to achieve hair that looks like you’ve just stepped out of a blow-dry bar.
I was able to dry my entire head in about 25 minutes, which may seem quite lengthy; but when you consider that it usually takes over an hour to dry and flat-iron my hair, the Sharper Image Revel made good time. Note, though, that my 4c hair is fine, which means it could take someone with more dense, thicker hair longer. Also, my hair did become poofy the second I walked out into the humidity, but on a positive note, the next time I washed and dried my hair, I didn’t notice any heat damage.
The benefit of using a blow dryer and styling system together is that your hair doesn’t have to be 100% dry for you to start to style it. Blow dry it enough to smooth it, then you can allow your hair to dry into a cute spiral or wave. However, I’d advise being gentle with hair to avoid causing damage to your natural curls. I say that as someone who tried to drag the detangler tool through hair without starting with a wide-tooth comb.
Inevitably, I had to take a step back and take my time working my way from the end up to the roots to prepare it for drying. Ultimately I used the detangler attachment as my last step, instead of my first step for detangling, and I will note that it was refreshing that the teeth of the detangler didn’t break like the teeth of many blow dryers and combs I’ve tried in the past.
(Image credit: Sharper Image)
The success you have with the Sharper Image Revel’s two curling barrels will depend on how straight you’ve managed to get your hair; otherwise, you risk getting them becoming stuck in your hair!
Overall, the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 is a quality product that can save you much time. Styling Type 4 hair of any length can take hours, so any tools that can at least cut down drying time will help. As far as achieving a “straight” look with the Sharper Image Revel, depending on your hair type, one may have to slightly lower their expectations in terms of owning just a single tool that can do it all.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler?
Buy it if...
You’re looking for flexible styling options without a time commitment
With the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1, stretching hair or giving yourself a blowout doesn’t need to take hours.
You’re just looking to stretch your hair
The Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 is a great stretching tool, offering a lightweight form factor and effective results.
You want a cost-effective multi-styler
At almost half the price of Dyson’s Airwrap, the Revel 6-in-1 offers great value for money.
Don’t buy it if...
You strictly diffuse hair or only blowout hair yearly
The Revel 6-in-1 doesn’t come with a diffuser, so if you regularly or exclusively diffuse hair, it isn’t for you.
You strictly wear braids
If you only ever have braids or other protective styles, you won’t get much use out of this. Similarly, don’t buy if you strictly get silk presses or blowouts at the salon.
How I tested the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler
I used the Revel for several months on medium-length, fine Type 4c hair
I started on freshly washed, detangled hair and removed excess water
I separated hair into sections and used a heat protectant spray
I tested the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 on my medium-length, fine Type 4c hair for several months, stretching and blow drying hair as I normally would
Having washed and detangled hair, I used a cotton t-shirt to remove excess moisture before sectioning hair and spraying it with heat protectant spray before drying and styling. I used my old faithful blow dryer as a reference point for comparing drying speed and performance.
I’ve been writing about health, wellness and beauty for years, and during that time I’ve tried a variety of products that help to inform my assessment of the performance, design and value of different devices.
Based on the concept of the old fashioned push-and-pull carpet sweeper – you know, like the one your grandma used to have – the Gtech AirRam 3 adopts the same upright design principles of its predecessors but adds a lot more suction power and a revolutionary pair of spinning side brushes that collect every last speck of dust along skirting boards and in the tightest of corners. To my knowledge, there's nothing else like this on the market. While it won't be for everyone, to me it's pretty much the best cordless vacuum around.
I've always been a fan of Gtech's AirRam concept, and for several reasons. First and foremost, all the weight is at ground level and this low center of gravity makes it easy to use for much longer periods than your average stick vac, which has all the weight in the handle area. Secondly, it stands up on its own on a charging plinth, so it's a breeze to just grab and use when the need arises. And thirdly, it has one of the best bin-emptying systems in the business.
It's a pared-back option. There's only one suction mode, although that setting proved very effective, performing well on both hard floors and carpet, and acing all the cleaning tasks I put to it. There's no option to add detail cleaning tools, and you can't turn it into a handheld, either. That doesn't bother me, but might be a downside for someone looking for a vacuum with more versatility. The Gtech AirRam 3 is designed to do one thing – clean your floor – and do it well.
If you're fed up with grappling with an ungainly stick vac, are perhaps not quite as strong and spritely as you used to be, or have had enough of picking clumps of hair out of a stick vac bin, this svelte and very aesthetically pleasing upright vacuum may revolutionize your carpet and hard floor sweeping days and put a big smile on your face. Read on for my full Gtech AirRam 3 review.
(Image credit: Future)
Gtech AirRam 3 review: price & availability
List price: $449.99 / £399.99
Launched: July 2024
Available: US and UK
If you're shopping in the UK, you can buy the AirRam 3 direct from Gtech, priced at £399.99. It's also now becoming available at third-party retailers like Amazon, Argos and Lakeland. Gtech products aren't widely available in the US but this model is on sale at Amazon, priced $449.99.
At that price, the AirRam 3 sits at the top of TechRadar's mid-range price bracket, moving towards premium. There are plenty of cheap vacuums around for less, and it's pricier than your average Shark or lower-specced Tineco. However, the Gtech AirRAM 3’s build quality and use of high-end materials justify its price to some degree. And although it doesn’t come with any tool attachments, the practicality and convenience of having an upright vac that can be grabbed and used at a moment's notice should not be underestimated.
Shopping events like the Black Friday sales can often be a good time to shop for deals on vacuum cleaners, as well as other home appliances.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Gtech AirRam 3 specs
Gtech AirRam 3 review: design
Height-adjustable handle
Practical upright design with weight low to the ground
Spinning edge brushes
It's always a pleasure when you come across a product that trounces much of the opposition by dint of some simple but clever tech and a smorgasbord of sensational design flourishes. That's the Gtech AirRam 3 in a nutshell.
I'm personally a fan of Gtech products in general and have been impressed by all the UK company's previous AirRams, as well as its nifty ProLite handheld vac. Clearly modeled to some degree on the old fashioned mechanical push-and-pull floor sweeper that, believe it or not, some manufacturers still produce, the new Gtech AirRam 3 is a one-of-a-kind cordless vacuum cleaner that stands alone amidst a sea of stick vacs. And yet, when it comes to the nitty gritty of sweeping a floor – whether it's hard or carpeted – it's more than a match for the majority of the competition.
Most of this vacuum's weight is concentrated close to the ground (Image credit: Future)
One of the very best things about this vac is that its motor housing, battery and bagless dustbin are all located at floor level. Since pretty much all stick vacs, bar the Miele Triflex HX2 Pro, have all their operational bits stacked around the handle, adding a whopping amount of weight and awkward discomfort, it's a wonderful thing to be able to perform the unenviable task of vacuuming without one's arm falling off after 10 minutes on the pile. Moreover, because this model's tangle-free brush bar is set close to the floor, its rotating action actually helps pull the unit in a forward direction.
The AirRam 3's push handle is stupendously comfy and, in a nod to the automotive industry, stitched in faux leather, just like a steering wheel. A similar faux leather-covered carrying handle can be found several inches below. The main shaft, too, is well thought out and perfect for all heights of user, because it can be extended from an eminently storable 85cm right up to 113cm.
The first part of the extension takes the handle to 104cm, but then it can be extended by just under a centimeter at a time until it reaches its fullest height. If you were looking to get your kids doing some household chores, this is the model for you.
The handle extends from 85cm up to 113cm (Image credit: Future)
Admittedly, one of the not so great things about previous AirRam incarnations was their relative inability to steer around tight corners. While the new model can't beat the Dyson V15 Detect for dragonfly-like maneuverability, it's loads better than before and no worse than the majority of stick vacs I've reviewed.
Moreover, the shaft can be lowered to the floor to reach under any furniture that's more than 10cm above the ground. (Those looking for ultimate comfort in getting under furniture though, should consider a Shark – many of the best Shark vacuums have a wand that can bend forwards to 90-degrees, so you can reach the back of the sofa with the floorhead while standing basically upright.)
The Gtech AirRam 3 doesn't have any suction power controls or fancy dirt-detecting sensors (as per like the likes of the Dyson V15 Detect or Samsung Bespoke Jet AI). Instead, you get one full-blown level of suction, which is just the right level of power so as not to cause the floorhead to feel too resistant when used on deeper carpet. I like this simplicity, but others may prefer to have a little more control. It can be useful, sometimes, to have the option to go for a lower-powered mode that won't sap battery for light cleaning, or a boost mode to dislodge ground-in dirt.
Rotating brushes help tackle the edges of rooms (Image credit: Future)
Before looking at the business end of this model, I should add that you don't get any detail tools whatsoever with this vac and no means to fit any. Again, that's something I consider a bonus because I personally hardly ever use hand tools and, besides, I've never been a fan of products that come with a whole bunch of bolt-on accessories that I know I'll lose or never use.
If you want to do any detail cleaning, like shelves and down the side of the sofa, most of today's best vacuum cleanerscome with some kind tools included, or at least compatible to buy, so you have plenty of other options. Alternatively, you could tackle those tasks with a handheld vacuum, like the Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum (called the UltraCyclone Pet Pro Cordless in the US).
The foot-operated on-off switch (above left wheel) and black battery in the centre (Image credit: Future)
Let’s look at the base of the unit, which contains the brush head, motor, bagless dustbin, battery housing and foot-operated on/off switch. Gtech doesn't advertise any power stats on its website but take it from me that the AirRAM 3's motor is plenty powerful enough for all household cleaning scenarios. And since there are no fancy cyclonic systems between the suction intake and the 0.8-litre bagless dustbin, all dust and debris is sucked directly into the bin, bypassing any elongated routes and extra filters.
The dust bin sits in the top of the floorhead (Image credit: Future)
I admit that 0.8 liters doesn't sound like a lot of bin space but, on the plus side, the AirRam 3's suction force does an amazing job of compressing all dust, hair and debris into a tight bundle. Which leads me to one of the best things about the entire AirRam range – their simple but effective bin-emptying systems.
Many stick vacs occasionally require some finger work to extricate trapped clumps of hair from the bin, but the AirRam 3's dust container is equipped with a sliding latch that automatically opens the end of the unit. To empty, simply grab the leatherette handle on the dust container and pull it off the unit, then slide the latch from one side to the other and everything is ejected in one go. The filter system, too, is a stroke of genius because it is kept clean with regular blasts of air. And anyone who has ever owned a normal bagless stick vac will know how often their filters need to be cleaned and rinsed.
A slider on the dustbin sweeps all the debris out in one swift motion (Image credit: Future)
Heading beneath the floor head you'll find a 23cm bristle brush bar with Anti Hair-wrap comb for tangle-free use. This brush does a sterling job of sweeping hard floors and digging down into even the deepest of pile without bogging down. For those darker recesses of the home, this model is equipped with a row of very bright LED headlights.
Headlights help illuminate dirt in dingy areas (Image credit: Future)
That's not all – Gtech's R&D department has almost certainly looked at robot vacs and particularly their spinning side brushes that normally do a great job of collecting dust along skirting boards and in corners. As a consequence, this vac comes with two spinning side brushes – one on either side of the front corners – and they work wonders at removing every last speck from the edges and corners of a room. Why no-one thought of adding spinning side brushes before is frankly dumbfounding but you can be sure other manufacturers will gradually follow suit.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Gtech AirRam 3 review: performance
Excellent cleaning performance
Lightweight to use
Extremely practical
I've been extremely impressed by this vacuum cleaner's performance on both hard floors and carpet. But then that's been the case with pretty much every iteration in Gtech's AirRam range.
Before I get down to the results of the AirRam 3's sweeping performance, I must reiterate some of the main reasons why many users might prefer this type of model over a conventional stick vac. Because it stands up on its own, there's no need to hunt around for somewhere to rest it while you move pieces of furniture around. In a race from storage area to vacuuming a space, I guarantee that this model would win hands-down.
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Before the flour / biscuit crumb test on carpet (Image credit: Future)
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After the flour / biscuit crumb test on carpet (Image credit: Future)
There's no wrestling with suction tubes and ungainly motor housings; instead, you just grab it using the handle or wheel it to its place of work. And the fact the weight is concentrated at floor level makes a huge difference to how easy it is to push about.
Granted, while the nature of the spinning floor head helps draw the AirRam 3 across hard floors under its own power (Gtech calls it 'Forward Inertia Drive'), it does add some resistance to reverse passes when used on medium to deep pile carpet. But not to the extent that it requires any more energy than your standard stick vac.
Using TechRadar's usual method of assessment, I performed a series of separate tests using flour, crushed digestive biscuits and raw porridge oats. I also added my own cornflake test because, well, some vacs simply don't like them.
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The flour / biscuit crumb test on hard floors (Image credit: Future)
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During the flour / crumbs test on hard floor (Image credit: Future)
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The oat test on hard floors (Image credit: Future)
Tests one and two involved flour/crumbs and oats on both hard floor and carpet and I'm pleased to say there was absolutely no snow ploughing of ingredients on either flooring – the AirRam 3 dutifully collected everything in a couple of passes, including flour caught between the floorboard's cracks. However, as expected, the spinning side brushes did scatter some pieces to the left and right and this added a little bit of extra work.
Nevertheless, I don't consider this a strike against it because, in my skirting board test, the side brushes collected up every last crumb (albeit after a couple of sweeps), and they really proved themselves when cleaning the edge of my inherited beige hall carpet, which was looking grubby with dust and pet hair before the AirRam 3 came to the rescue.
The AirRam 3 sucked up this notoriously hard-to-vacuum cereal with ease (Image credit: Future)
I then brought the average stick vacs' arch nemesis into the hard floor arena – Crunchy Nut cornflakes (a kind of frosted breakfast cereal, for those not in the know) – and this proved quite amusing because, as I was fiddling with my camera, I accidentally nudged the vac forward a few inches and everything simply disappeared. This flummoxed me because there's a soft rubber flap at the very front of the suction area and I was pretty sure it would cause the vac to snowplough such large, obstreperous ingredients. Of all the vacuum cleaners I've tested, I can't ever remember having had such a successful cornflake test on hard flooring. So I'm giving Gtech a free tag line – ‘Gtech AirRam 3: the best Crunchy Nut sucker in the business!'.
The side brushes seem clearly inspired by robot vacuums (Image credit: Future)
Although this vac's sound levels average out at an acceptable 71.3dB at ear level, the higher frequency of its motor makes it sound very shrill. However, I did get used to the noise fairly quickly.
Final thoughts? Aside from some flinging of detritus by the spinning side brushes, I am struggling to find anything truly negative to say about this vac. It collects pet hair like a maestro, doesn't snag on the edges of rugs or bog down in deep pile carpet, and I love the bin-emptying method and filter system that requires no maintenance. I also don't mind the fact that this vac doesn't feature any hand tools because I'm lucky enough to own a Dyson Gen5 Detect and Halo Capsule X. However, I can see how the lack of hand tools may sway some prospective owners towards a standard stick vac.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Gtech AirRam 3 review: battery
Maximum runtime of 30 minutes
Charging takes 3 hours
Batteries can be swapped
Unlike its predecessors, which required removing their batteries for recharging, this model comes with a slim, unobtrusive docking strip that charges the battery on the unit. It works splendidly well.
Depending on the power setting, most cordless stick vacs have an operating time of between 15 and 60 minutes. This one carries on cleaning for a shade under 30 minutes which equates to a very decent amount of floorspace. Half an hour is actually about average for a vacuum's 'middle' setting, but competitor models have the benefit of a lower-suction mode that lasts longer.
The battery, which can be removed, takes about three hours to fully charge. When available, expect to pay around £70 for an extra battery.
Battery life score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Gtech AirRam 3?
Buy it if…
You want a vac that doesn't make your arm ache The AirRam 3's low center of gravity makes it less fatiguing to use than most top-heavy stick vacuums, and the cleaning motion helps propel the floorhead forwards, too.
You want deep cleaning of carpets and rugs This vac performs superbly well, even on deep pile carpet, even with its one-speed option.
You want genuine to-the-edge cleaning Spinning side brushes, borrowed from robovacs, ensure proper, thorough edge cleaning. This is the only cordless manual vacuum we've seen to employ this feature.
Don't buy it if…
You need to vacuum shelves and sofas You get no detail tools with this model, nor is there any you could add if you wanted to, plus it can't convert into a handheld vacuum. So if you need something for getting into furniture or cleaning the car, look elsewhere.
You want maximum maneuverability While its steering is flexible, it's still no match for a Dyson's 360-degree pivoting floorheads. And while it can get pretty low to the ground, it can't compete with Shark's forward-bending vacuum wands for cleaning beneath furniture, either.
You only need something for light cleaning Because there's only one suction mode, if you have hard floors and aren't dealing with ingrained dirt, the lack of a lower-power, battery-extending mode might be a disadvantage.
How I tested the Gtech AirRam 3
As per usual, I first examined the design of the Gtech AirRam 3, highlighting any USPs and also any concerns. I then noted down the experience of using it – how heavy it felt, how easy it was to use and how practical it was for day-to-day cleaning. I then put it through its paces on different flooring – hardwood, medium pile rug and deep pile bedroom carpet – and made notes on its effectiveness at collecting crumbs, flakes, dust and hair.
Frozen drink connoisseurs rejoice - the Ninja Slushi is here. Even the best blenders, tend to create watered-down beverages full of ice chunks, but this machine aims to deliver your favorite frozen drinks, from milkshakes to spiked slushies, at the perfect temperature, with an ideal texture, in under 60 minutes. That’s thanks to RapidChill Technology, which uses an evaporator, auger, and motor to continuously rotate the liquid while chilling. But does this kitchen gadget deliver on these promises? For the most part, yes.
Ninja has been in the small appliance game for a while and is known for creating quality, mid-range products from coffee makers to air fryers. However, the Slushi is a completely new and unique product from the brand, paving its own path. In fact, there’s really nothing like it on the market. Sure, there are a few at-home slushie machines, but none come close to the Slushi’s versatility, making this device worth the higher price tag.
It’s even poised for the same viral popularity as the Ninja Creami; at the time of writing, the Slushi is sold out. But Is the Ninja Slushi worth the hype? Yes, as long as you love a frozen drink and set your expectations accordingly.
You can prepare a frozen juice drink in just 15 minutes with the Ninja Slushi (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
This slushie machine is a bit heavy and tall, but surprisingly easy to use with a straightforward control panel featuring presets that automatically set the optimal temperature. The five presets are slush, spiked slush, frappe, milkshake, and frozen juice. Some recipes are as simple as pouring a juice or soda into the vessel and watching the machine turn your drink into slush in as little as 15 minutes, all while staying whisper quiet.
I managed to test out most of the Ninja Slushi’s presets to varying results. The machine produced the best consistency using tropical juice in the frozen juice setting, and Coke in slush mode, with both beverages ready to drink in under 20 minutes. Making those drinks thicker using the temperature controls on the panel was also simple.
However, when testing the frappe mode, my drink came out extremely frothy, and the strawberry daiquiri on the spiked slush mode was too liquid, even after adjusting the temperature to the coolest setting.
Texture can sometimes be an issue, but you can adjust the temperature of your drink using simple touch controls (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Though there were some slight texture issues, the drinks were delicious and never watered down like the ones made in blenders tend to be. Clean-up afterward is less hassle than you'd expect, too. A rinse cycle does a great job of removing stuck-on residue, and most components are easily removable and dishwasher-safe.
The Ninja Slushi is a solid machine that’s especially well-suited for those who love to entertain, as it’s capable of making up to 64oz of frozen drinks that will remain frozen for up to 12 hours, and has an easy-pour handle for guests to serve themselves. However, given the high $299.99 (about £240 / AU$470) price tag, it’s only worth the investment for those who adore a variety of frozen drinks and plan to use this kitchen gadget regularly.
Ninja Slushi review: price and availability
List price: $299.99 (about £240 / AU$470)
Launch date: July 2024
Availability: US only
The Ninja Slushi retails for $299.99 (about £240 / AU$470) and is only available in the US. However, it’s currently sold out. It’s possible to join a waitlist on the Ninja website to be notified when the machine is back in stock. Given this product is brand new and extremely popular, don’t expect to see any major discounts on the Ninja Slushi for a few months to a year.
Slushie machines are few and far between. When comparing the Ninja Slushi to others on the market, nothing beats its versatility and ease of use. The Slushi is in a category all its own, and the high price tag reflects the uniqueness of this kitchen gadget. Since the build quality is solid and the machine delivers on the promise of producing less watered-down frozen drinks quickly, it’s good value for money. However, I would only invest in this machine if you love frozen beverages and plan to use it regularly.
Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5
Ninja Slushi review: specs
Ninja Slushi review: design
Heavy and tall build
Sleek, simple design that highlights drinks
Straightforward control panel
The Ninja Slushi resembles a smaller version of the slushie machines you see at the movie theater or convenience store. It’s still a hulking device that takes up a good amount of space, weighing 24.25lb / 11kg and measuring 16.28 x 6.52 x 16.92in / 414 x 166 x 430mm (L x W x H).
The narrow design allows it to squeeze between other appliances. My biggest issue was height, as the Slushi failed to fit under my kitchen cabinets. That led to lots of rearranging of kitchen gadgets. Given its size and weight, the Slushi isn’t something you’ll want to move often. At least the power cord reached a long way, which was necessary for my final placement.
The Ninja Slushi comes almost fully assembled (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Assembling the Ninja Slushi was an absolute breeze. Out of the box, it came almost fully assembled. The two-part drip tray was the only component not attached. There's a handy notch on the side panel to slot the drip tray when you store the machine, ensuring it doesn’t get lost.
Before the first use, I washed the vessel and auger. The evaporator needs to be wiped down, as it’s not removable. That process was fairly simple, and the machine comes covered in stickers and has multiple instruction booklets to help you along while removing different components.
Once it's set up, the Ninja Slushi looks awesome, and is definitely a conversation piece when you have friends over. The arctic blue and gray coloring is simple and stylish, while the clear vessel for frozen beverages looks especially flashy with colorful, fruity drinks inside. It’s mesmerizing watching the evaporator and auger do their thing, creating and spinning the slush.
The machine is narrow but tall, which may make it challenging to fit in your kitchen (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Most of the machine’s components are plastic, but feel sturdy. However, the vessel, which can hold up to 64oz / 1.9L of slush, seems a little flimsy and could crack if accidentally dropped during cleaning. I also would have loved a metal handle for pouring, but the one included feels solid enough to last several years.
The Ninja Slushi’s control panel is straightforward. There are five presets to choose from when making a drink: slush, spiked slush, frappe, milkshake, and frozen juice. After selecting a preset, the machine will begin the cooling process with a small LED illuminating the selection. A beep indicates that the beverage has reached the desired temperature (each option sets the optimal temperature for your drink of choice).
On the opposite side of the presets is the temperature control with easy-to-press up and down arrow buttons to adjust the preset temperature. The LEDs indicate the current set temperature, and will blink as the beverage cools to the set temperature. Blinking will stop and the LEDs will remain lit when that temperature is achieved. It’s
super simple and took me less than a minute to figure out how the control panel worked.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Ninja Slushi review: performance
Easy to create frozen drinks quickly
Not always the best drink consistency
Quiet operation
The Ninja Slushi may be one of the easiest kitchen appliances to master, as it mainly involves pressing a couple of buttons and letting the machine do its thing. Sure, I had to mix up a few beverages before pouring them into the vessel, and occasionally tap the temperature control for the proper slush consistency, but that’s it. Never needing to deal with ice makes life so much easier.
Out of the five different drink presets available, I tested four. My first drink was a tropical juice slush. It just involved pouring juice straight from the carton into the vessel. There’s a 16oz / 473ml minimum for liquids, and it’s well-marked on the vessel. The inability to make smaller portions is a slight annoyance, but you can leave the machine on for up to 12 hours – plenty of time to finish the frozen beverage.
The machine's control panel is extremely easy to use; just select a drink type, then dial the temperature up or down if you like (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Since I was drinking the tropical juice slush alone, I only filled the drink to the minimum mark. After turning on the machine and pressing the Frozen Juice preset, the Ninja Slushi’s auger attached to the motor immediately began to spin. Thanks to the Whisperchill compressor, the machine only hit about 55dB while in use. The noise level is consistent and around the same level as an electric fan. I found it quickly became a barely noticeable background sound.
After about seven minutes, I noticed the drink getting thicker, and after 15 minutes it beeped and the temperature control LED stopped flashing, indicating the drink was finished. Ninja was right on the money, stating you could have a frozen drink in under 15 minutes.
The easy-to-pull handle makes it straightforward for guests to serve themselves at parties and BBQs (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Immediately after finishing, I poured myself a glass of frozen juice. As I pulled the handle towards me, the beverage started to come out, but it didn’t dispense smoothly, coming out in clumps. Still, the drink itself had a lovely consistency but melted rather quickly. With the RapidChill technology that allows the machine to forgo ice, my tropical frozen juice wasn’t watered down in the slightest, maintaining a rich, tangy flavor.
I tested the machine further using the temperature control panel to make the beverage thicker. It worked like a charm, with the consistency getting chunkier in under 10 minutes. I also let the drink just spin for about four hours. Even after all that time, it tasted the same with a similar texture. Just be prepared for the machine itself to get a little warm
The finished frappe was almost entirely foam (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Beyond the frozen juice setting, I was hyped to try the frappe mode, as I love these blended coffee beverages. To make it, I followed a recipe in the instruction manual. Around 25 minutes after pressing the frappe preset, the drink was finished. Unfortunately, when I poured it out, it was excessively frothy. Still delicious, but almost my entire glass was filled with foam. That’s not the ideal situation when trying to get your caffeine fix, but not having it become a watery, tasteless drink after melting was a huge boon.
Using the spiked slush preset also had its own issues, as the drink would come out too liquid, even on the coolest setting. It was also ready surprisingly fast, at under 25 minutes, when the drink was estimated to take closer to 45 minutes. That could be due to the alcohol content, as the recipe for the strawberry daiquiri I created called for a tiny amount of rum (a third of a cup to served between four and six people), so I added more. However, the machine alerts you when too much alcohol is in the vessel, and that didn’t happen. Maybe pre-mixed alcoholic beverages or wine slushies would’ve worked a little better. The drink still tasted great and had some slushiness to enjoy.
The machine will warn you if you've not used enough sugar, or if your ingredients contain too much alcohol (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Similar to alcohol, a low sugar warning goes off when the minimum sugar levels aren’t met. It’s an easy fix, as you can add sugar, syrups, and honey to meet the requirements. Just don’t expect to be drinking low-calorie beverages, as artificial sweeteners and sugar-free substitutes will not meet the recommended sugar minimum.
Another slight qualm with the machine was the martini glass for the daiquiri didn’t fit under the spout when the drip tray was installed, leading to drips on the tabletop when I was pouring. Also, at one point, I didn’t have the removable shroud attached to the spout, and the slush splashed everywhere, so don’t make that mistake.
For my final frozen beverage, I made a Coke slush using the slush preset. After about 20 minutes, this soda slush yielded the best results of the bunch with a great consistency that took me straight back to my childhood of getting slushies from the machine at the movie theater.
Even if the finished texture isn't always perfect, the Ninja Slushi delivers on its promise, making tasty frozen beverages in minutes, with just a few button presses (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
Even if the results weren’t always perfect when making my different beverages, the Ninja Slushi achieved what it promised, creating a less watered-down frozen drink quickly. Sure, the texture wasn’t always ideal, but I was never left with the random ice chunks you’d get from a blender. Some of the machine’s problems could have been human error; more experimenting could’ve yielded better results.
Cleaning the Ninja Slushi was easier than it looked. The machine runs a rinse cycle after finishing the frozen drink, which does a solid initial clean, helping to remove any sticky residue from the components. After that, a bail handle lets you remove the vessel, auger, and drip tray for a more thorough cleaning. I had some issues with dripping upon removal, but tipping the vessel upwards helped alleviate the problem. The condensation catch also needs to be dumped and rinsed.
a bail handle lets you remove the vessel, auger, and drip tray for thorough cleaning (Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
If you’re hand washing the vessel, it’s a bit of a pain to get in all the nooks and crannies, but it didn’t take me more than two minutes to clean. The auger and drip tray took less time. Most components are dishwasher safe, but note that the motor base and evaporator need to be wiped down by hand. Other than cleaning, no regular maintenance is required on the Ninja Slushi.
Performance score: 3.5 out of 5
Should you buy the Ninja Slushi?
Buy it if...
You love a frozen beverage If you enjoy drinking slushies, frappes, and frozen juice, this machine makes these drinks quickly with minimal effort. The results never taste watered down like many frozen beverages that require ice.
You like to entertain The Ninja Slushi makes up to 64oz of slushies, has an easy-pour handle, and can run for up to 12 hours. It’s perfect for pool parties or BBQs.
You want an easy-to-use machine It takes just a couple of button presses and a little time to enjoy a refreshing frozen drink. Clean-up is a little more involved, but most components are dishwasher safe.
Don't buy it if...
You have limited space The Ninja Slushi is a large, tall machine that takes up a good amount of room on the counter and won’t fit under some cabinets. It’s also heavy, weighing almost 25lb, making it a pain to move around.
You want to make low-calorie drinks Every slushie has to contain at least four per cent sugar. Sugar-free or artificial sweeteners won’t work with the Ninja Slushi.
You’re on a tight budget
Retailing for almost $300, the Ninja Slushi doesn’t come cheap. It also only serves a single purpose (making frozen beverages), making it a luxury appliance rather than a necessity.
How I tested the Ninja Slushi
I tested the Ninja Slushi for a couple of weeks, making various frozen beverages in the machine for myself and a few friends. I used four out of the five presets available: slush, spiked slush, frappe, and frozen juice. Beyond observing the texture and taste of the different slushies, I used a decibel reader on my phone to measure the noise levels.
