I chose to buy an Optimum blender through Froothie years ago, instead of the Vitamix or Blendtec (which are both high-end, excellent blenders). At the time I wasn’t willing to spend the money on the Vitamix or Blendtec, and Froothie offered a good alternative; as powerful as those 2 for half the price.
I haven’t regretted my decision; my blender has been used every day without a hitch, and I’ve just pre-ordered their Nutriforce Extractor as an additional smaller, bullet-style blender.
Froothie Optimum Blender Review
I wondered, if I was to buy a high-speed blender from Froothie today, which of their models I’d choose, so here’s a comparison if that’s a question you’re pondering at the moment.
Bullet-style blenders excluded, there are only 3 Optimum blenders I’d consider;
- The Optimum 9200,
- Optimum 9400
- and the Optimum G2.1 Platinum, although I’d love the G2.3 Platinum. The G2.3 is one of the few blenders that has a brushless motor; less to wear out and they generally last much longer than standard brush motors. However, at $1200, it’s way out of my budget.
Here’s the comparison.
Price of the Optimum Blenders in Australia
The Optimum 9200a (2nd Gen) is the most expensive at $791, followed by the G2.1 Platinum at $600 (this is a pre-order special, heavily discounted from its recommended retail price of $1000), and the 9400 at $479 (currently on sale, down from $691).
The prices on Optimum blenders vary a LOT so check back from time to time to see if they’re on special!
Blender Power & speed
Blenders are like cars, it’s all about power and speed. How fast can it go and how quick does it get there?
- G2.1 Platinum at 2835 watts
- 9200 at 2611 watts (3.5HP). Carbon-brush self-compensating motor (basically, the motor runs cooler so it should last longer). Noise: 80-85 decibels, reduced to 40 decibels with optional sound cover.
- 9400 at 2238 watts (3HP). Carbon-brush self-compensating motor (basically, the motor runs cooler so it should last longer). Noise: 80-85 decibels.
The better motors are brushless these days. Brushes wear out. Brushless motors are self-compensating and handle different loads better. It’s kind of a necessity for blenders, as you’re always putting different stuff in it. One day you may be chopping parsley, the next a full jug of icecubes. It runs at the same speed but works harder.
Blender Blades
- 9400 – 6 blade stainless steel
- 9200 – 6 blade stainless steel
Jug size & package contents
- Optimum 9400 – BPA-free 2l jug (beware of the description, which makes it seem like you get the 750ml jug as well… You don’t! You have to pay separately for the smaller jug, and extra $100 or so. Includes free nut milk bag, tamper tool and hard-copy recipe book. I have the recipe book and it’s actually really good; a collection of recipes from bloggers and chefs for smoothies, soups etc.
- Optimum 9200 – BPA-free jug. Includes free nut milk bag, tamper tool and hard-copy recipe book
Warranty
- 9400: 10 years (5 years standard, extra 5 years optional, extra $110.) & 30 day money back guarantee
- 9200: 10 years (5 years standard, extra 5 years optional, extra $110) & 30 day money back guarantee
What can they blend
- 9400: fruits, nuts, vegetables, ice cubes, grains, soup, ice cream, nut butter, sauce, smoothies, milk shakes. Heats foods.
- 9200: grains, ice cubes, fruit, soups, sauces, ice cream, smoothies, nut butters, ground coffee. Able to freeze ice creams and heat soups. I’ve asked Froothie whether this blender actually has a freezing option.
- G2.1 Platinum – everything above and then some as it has the most power.
Videos
Optimum 9400 Blender:
Optimum 9200 blender:
Optimum G2.1 Platinum
*Edit 2/3/19 – I have since upgraded to a Vitamix 750 and absolutely loving it! See my review here. *Edit 2 – see my review on the Nutriforce Extractor! * Edit 3 – 10/1/21 Still LOVING my Vitamix 750, it’s a BEAST!
