nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-11
Summary
The nutribullet Blender Combo (NBF50500) is a 1200 W full-size blender with a 64 oz pitcher plus 32 oz and 24 oz to-go cups. The recurring limits are three-speed controls, a low speed that is still aggressive, and blades that sit too high to emulsify small batches, but there are no proprietary pods or filters to keep buying. It is strong value below $100, fair around $129.99 direct, and weak above $145.
Common problems and fixes
- Small batches do not emulsify — the blades sit high in the pitcher, so a two-egg-yolk mayo recipe failed in testing until it was doubled; the fix is to blend larger quantities. This is a design limit, not a defect, and the 1-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. [3][1]
- Low speed is still too aggressive — TechRadar measured 84 dB on low versus 83 dB on high, so there is no gentle setting for delicate recipes and no variable dial for fine control. [3]
- Only three speeds plus pulse — there is no variable-speed dial, and the single Extract cycle is one fixed smoothie program rather than a full control panel. [1][3]
- Pitcher plastic can warp in a dishwasher — the pitcher is dishwasher-safe but must never run on the sanitize cycle, because high sanitize heat can warp the plastic. [2]
- Dry ingredients and empty runs damage the motor and blade — the manual says never grind grains, cereal or coffee and never run the blender empty; always add liquid. [2]
- Heat and pressure build during long blends — if a blend runs longer than one minute, friction heats the ingredients; if the vessel becomes warm, turn it off and let it cool completely before opening. If the motor stops, unplug it and let it cool at least 15 minutes. [2]
- Cracked or crazed pitcher threads — inspect the pitcher and twisting threads regularly and replace immediately if damaged; never use a pitcher that does not align with the blade. [2]
- Cups are not for hot or carbonated ingredients — hot blending is pitcher-only, and the manual warns never to use the cup attachment for hot, warm or carbonated ingredients. [1]
Parts and consumables
- 64 oz replacement pitcher — $44.99 at nutribullet in October 2026; bought only if the pitcher cracks or warps. [1]
- 56 oz replacement pitcher — $39.99 at nutribullet in October 2026, for owners who want a smaller jar. [1]
- Replacement cups and lids — pitchers and cups are sold individually by nutribullet; buy only when one is lost or damaged. [1]
- Blades — an optional blade subscription delivers new blades every six months at a 10% discount. [5]
Yearly running cost
There are no filters, pods or other proprietary consumables, so the yearly cost is close to zero unless a part breaks. Replacement pitchers and cups are one-off purchases (64 oz pitcher $44.99, 56 oz pitcher $39.99 at nutribullet in October 2026), and the blade subscription is optional. Electricity use is not documented in the sources, so a typical yearly figure cannot be stated.
When it is a good buy
nutribullet sells the Combo direct for $129.99 with free shipping and a 1-year warranty, with a 3-year extended warranty available. Below $100 it is strong value for a 1200 W blender with dishwasher-safe parts and to-go cups; $101-125 is good value; $126-145 is fair; above $145 it is weak unless the cup accessories and compact footprint are specifically wanted. TechRadar’s 2021 checks listed $111.99 at Wayfair, $125.99 at Newegg and $129.99 at Macy’s. The KitchenAid Pure Power at about $110 is the better choice if you want a variable-speed dial and a 68 oz pitcher and do not need to-go cups, and the pitcher-only nutribullet Blender at $69.99 in 2026 is the better choice if you only need the pitcher.