Here at EcoKarma, we are always excited to share new products with you, especially when we get to personally test them out and give you some raw feedback. We have a couple of smoothie fanatics on our team, and when Froothie, the exclusive distributers of Optimum Blenders, reached out to us for a review on one of their models, we jumped at the chance.
Our content manager, Ray, uses a blender almost everyday, and so she was the one to receive the blender and try things out. Check out her review, pros and cons list, as well as one of her favorite meal substitute smoothie recipes.
Ray’s OptimumG2.1 Platinum Series Vortex Blender Review
As an avid blender user, I’m generally pretty picky about what kind of blender I use. Most recently, I have owned a couple of different Ninja models that I scored great deals on, and have been mostly happy with their performance. That was- until I received the Optimum G2.1 Platinum Series Vortex Blender- and my eyes were unveiled to the power of a commercial quality blender.
Recipe for this Smoothie is Below
Before I get into the nitty gritty of the review, here’s a little bit about my habits surrounding blenders:
- I use them almost daily, I would say about 4-5 times a week, or more.
- Frequently I am making meal replacement smoothies, post workout shakes, and the occasional coffee frappe.
- I also make them for my husband, so the amount produced at one time is usually between 30-64 oz.
- I’m not crazy about cooking/preparing unless it’s simple, and I am especially not crazy about cleaning (you’ll see why this is important down below).
The Specs
The Optimum G2.1 Platinum Series Vortex Blender is a Domestic and Commercial grade blender that features 6 stainless steel blades, a 67.6 oz BPA free jug, digital programming, and an international warranty. The use and assembly is straightforward. It doesn’t contain any locking mechanisms that are prone to breaking, or require the removal of blades for separate cleaning.
The First Use
My first impression of it before even opening the box was it’s weight. The product weighs 12.3 pounds, and almost all of it is in the base. I would highly recommend finding a nice place on the counter to store it, where it can also be plugged in and used. The second thing I noticed was the jug. Blender jugs have a tendency to crack easily, especially if you’re consistently using it to break down ice and other frozen foods.
The other thing I noticed- it is not the worst looking appliance in my kitchen. My home is a bit dated, but on a modern granite countertop it would look quite stylish.
The first time I used it to make a smoothie, I did read through the instructions (which might be a first for me). The guide instructed to put softer foods and liquids in the bottom, and ice last. Now because it was commercial grade, the noise should have been a no brainer. It is loud, but it is effective. Just don’t let it surprise you the first time around.
The Programming
I typically use frozen fruit when I make smoothies, so initially I used the programmed feature “Sorbet” to make my smoothies. I have since also used the “Fruit” feature, and the “Grind” for other recipes. All of them are efficient, and have left no chunks, and smoothed things out perfectly. Jamba Juice and Smoothie King don’t stand a chance against me now. Especially because I hardly after to move in order to clean up.
Half of a jug of warm water+one pump of soap+medium speed=clean.
To sum up the rest of my experience thus far with the Optimum G2.1 Platinum Series Vortex Blender (besides that I wish it had a shorter name), I’ve written out some Pros and Cons on this top notch smoothie maker.
Blender Pros
- Speed
This is one of the quickest blenders I’ve used. With that speed comes efficiency, as in not needing to stop midway through and push down the frozen fruit that’s sitting on the top, or scrape the peanut butter off the sides.
- Pre Programmable
The digital screen and pre-programmed options takes the guess work out of blending. Set your options, and let it do its work.
- Smooth Results
I have yet to have a personal blender that is able to blend ice and frozen fruit/veggies down as much as it can.
- Extras
It comes with a bag for making nut milk- the one feature that I can’t wait to finally try! And it also comes with a tamper tool designer for juicing and being able to mix without taking the lid off.
- Use
The versatility of this blender to work great for the blender enthusiast, or for small cafes or restaurants is superb.
- Self Cleaning
Self explanatory.
- Warranty
The Optimum G2.1 Platinum Series Vortex Blender is backed by a 10 Year Warranty on the motor, 5 Years on all of the parts or a 12 Month Commercial Warranty. You’ll have access to their support team 24×7. It’s also backed by a 30 Day Money back guarantee.
Blender Cons
- Smell
Initially the 2,835 watt motor does have a harsh smell to it. This went away after the second time I used it, and they have extra safety measures to protect the user, including motor overheating protection.
- Weight
As mentioned before, it us a heavy unit, so you won’t want to be moving it around. Even the jug is heavier than other smoothie makers.
- Price
If you’re only purchasing this blender for personal use, the price tag can seem a bit wary. However it’s important to keep in mind a couple of things. The first is the warranty, in that it is extensive and will insure that you get a long life out of your blender. The second is that other lower price blenders are made with cheaper parts, and will not last as long. This especially rings true if you are using your blender on a regular basis. Anyone who does meal replacement smoothies, blended protein shakes, or juices regularly, should consider investing a bit more in a higher quality blender such as this Optimum G2.1.
Bonus Smoothie Recipe for the Optimum G2.1
My Favorite Meal Replacement Recipe
This is a great way to get lots of protein and your daily intake of fruit whilst simultaneously crushing your sweets cravings in a healthy way!
It makes approximately one 32 oz smoothie, around 420 calories, 4 Smart Points on Weight Watchers.
Ingredients
-Vanilla Protein Powder
-1 Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt Strawberry Cheescake Flavored (vanilla, banana, strawberry, or blackberry also work)
-1 Banana
-8 Frozen Strawberries (approx. 2 cups)
-1 Cup of Mixed Berries (Frozen or Fresh)
-1 Cup Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk
Directions
Use the Optimum G2.1 on Sorbet setting for an extra smooth result. Enjoy! If you’re making it for two, only double the Protein Powder, Berries, and Almond Milk. The Protein powder will make it expand a decent amount, you can add a few more strawberries if needed.
