The Magic Bullet Review
It appears that our quest to be Mrs. Gadget is fed by infomercials. At any rate, we've only had the Magic Bullet for a day, and already we're ridiculously enamored of this gadget.
The Magic Bullet, of course, is a small blender (its base is about the width of a largish mug). But in place of the large, heavy pitcher that sits atop most blenders, the Magic Bullet has a collection of inverted oval-ish plastic dome cups and mugs. (And a pitcher. And a juicer attachment. And two blades. And plastic covers for refrigeration and storage.) Simply fill the container, screw the blade to the bottom, pop it onto the base and press. Seconds later, you're done.
My guess is that, like us, you'd end up using the little cup for most quick jobs. You laugh. What can be done with the Magic Bullet's small cup? Surprisingly, quite a lot — particularly for jobs for which you'd probably bypass using a blender at all.
For instance: grinding coffee to espresso fineness in ten seconds. Or: we feed our venerable cat the same organic chicken and turkey (don't ask!) that we enjoy. He preferred the ground turkey, but a trip to the store twice a week wasn't exactly thrilling. Now we pop a big chunk of cooked chicken breast into the smallest cup (no chopping it into smaller chunks for us!) and the Magic Bullet ground it into delicious fineness — literally in two seconds. No driving. Happy cat.
What we most appreciate about the Magic Bullet is that it's been so well thought out. Extremely convenient. Easy to use. Small. No having to "find room" for it. No heavy parts. Cleanup is a snap: no more knocking your knuckles against large glass blender pitchers. Just unscrew the blade, wash the cup and blade, and you're done. Hey, even we can wash a cup!
And the current offer is two entire packages for the price of one. Very nice.
—————-
ADDED: Unfortunately, after less than a week, our Magic Bullet blender just stopped working; the motor no longer runs. More reviews echoing same at Epinions. Too bad; we did like it.
ADDED: we got the two Magic Bullets for the price of one; as of February 2008, the second one is still going strong.
SOLUTIONS:
Where to get new gaskets? See MariaV's comment #54
A fix for the base unit? See Curtis Williams' Comment #117
A fix for an earlier version? See John Jr.'s Comment # 135
Gaskets Comment #160
286 Comments for "The Magic Bullet Review"
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Joyce Herston says:
I own a magic bullet also. There is a defective part on the base, its the plastic gear. First it cracks and then breaks. Mine broke 30 days after the one year limited warranty. They offered a replacement base for $30 plus $15 shipping. This problem is more widespread than I thought. Amazon.com has the reviews to back this up, also expotv.com, hsn.com, & pricegrabber.com.
Please follow up review, this problem needs exposure.
Consumers are being ripped off, and the customer service for homeland housewares is terrible. I wish something could be done. The part that breaks costs around 50 cents wholesale, consumers should not have to buy a whole base for $45, just for the plastic gear to break again! I do love my magic bullet and wish the company would make the gear out of a sturdier material, then give their customers a free gear!
Editor says:
I do know what you mean, Joyce … and I agree that providing a sturdy — and free — replacement gear would an excellent next move on Homeland Housewares' part in response to its having provided a product that breaks itself.
Assuming that that kind of forward thinking occurred to anyone in the company, you would think that such a move would cost them little enough in return for good customer service, good will, and for the sake of the company's reputation and long-term viability.
Bill Nickerson says:
Our Magic Bullet Blender is 4 months old and has stopped working. The contacks must be worn, if one pushes hard enough and keeps trying, sometimes it will make contack and operate.
Anyone know where the Home Page is for the Company that makes them?
I would not pay $45 for a new base, that is $11/month asuming the new one would last 4 monts
Editor says:
There's a link to HomelandHousewares.com in the article (above), but I don't know whether they're the actual manufacturer.
I know what you mean about the cost; I think that, if and when our second Magic Bullet wears out, I'll just get a food processor. Which is a shame, because the Magic Bullet is incredibly convenient for small jobs, and doesn't require the rather amazing cleanup procedure that a regular food processor has. (I haven't had one in years, though, so perhaps the cleanup is easier nowadays.)
Anyway, hi. <grin>
T Bradley says:
Hi,
Been there, Done that twice! I own 2 and like the convenience, but the reliability is inadequate. All I need is replacement gears! I will not replace the unnecessary and very expensive parts and the shipping charges are a joke!
Editor says:
Well, that's three comments (plus ours), and all are having problems with the mechanism. Doesn't sound good.
MWheeler says:
I gave one as a gift, only later to be informed that it stopped working after 2 months of use. Very disappointing since the concept is great, and that it was not a cheap purchase. Would have expected a much longer longevity period of this product.
Editor says:
MWheeler, I can certainly understand the disappointment. I think many of us liked the concept and how easy it is to use, but the fact that it can simply break down after a short amount of use is extremely disappointing. (My second one hasn't broken down yet, but we haven't used it so much.)
One would think that they would rework the breakable mechanism(s) so that this would stop happening. This can't be good for business.
John Walker says:
After 2 weeks the high torque power base gear broke into pieces while grating cheese. Heartland claims that if you didn't buy it direct from them, than it's probably a bootleg and they won't sell you a replacement part. They also told me they had enough customers and didn't care who I told about their product. I didn't want a free part, just some one to sell it to me, good luck.
Editor says:
Sorry to hear about it. How utterly strange — and how non-caring about their customers. Did they not ascertain whether yours was truly a "bootleg", as they put it?
Well, as I said, if and when the second one (we got two in one package) breaks down, I'll be opting for a "real" (regular) food processor.
anthony says:
This is a piece of junk. Like several of other people have mentioned, the gear breaks and they want to charge you $45.00 to replace the entire base. Don't waste your money. Buy a food precessor.
Mark says:
I have had my Magic Bullet for less than one month, and I make a lot of smoothies with it. I was crushing ice cubes for a smoothie when it just stopped working! As far as I can tell, the visible plastic gear on the base is fine, but when you push down on it to turn it on, nothing happens. No movement, no buzzing, not a sign of life. Maybe the motor fried itself, or an internal gear broke and jammed up the mechanism. Not worth the money, and it's a shame that this is so common.
Greg says:
There are gears being sold on EBAY at last! Just use the keywords "Magic Bullet gears" and it should take you there. I actually bought a set of gears and I got my MB to work once again!
Greg
allusnixons says:
add us to the list of MB shut downs! i was using to make a simple peach smoothie – a couple ice cubes caused the machine to internally fry or something. i called MB from the buythebullet.com website and was told it has an internal thermal device that causes MB to shut down if it gets too hot. 30 seconds of yogurt, peaches and 3 cubes caused the final meltdown. we had no recovery. loved the 10 uses i got out of it. it worked great for making homemade baby food. bummer…
Dana says:
My husband and I got one and now it is dead. I wish I would of saw this website first. He is going to take it apart and see if he can fix it. I really did love it and it was so easy to use.
Dan says:
Yeah, Same problem here with my gears a degrading after use…Is it difficult to replace the gears if i purchase them on EBAY? Any special instruction to do so?
Thanks.
-Dan
Roxanne McKinnon says:
I have been using my magic bullet for several months. I am a pretty heavy user for making smoothies with my Medifast products. The gear is finally wearing down on the blade and I am looking for reasonable replacement of same. I really love the convenience as I have travelled with it in my suitcase and car (using an inverter). It's been a real trooper, but I too need new gears.
Editor says:
We've gotten a number of comments, which we've not published, from an individual using different names and/or claiming to have "discovered" where to get them (it's his own site). At any rate, this seems to indicate that gears may be available.
Lorretta says:
I just got a magic bullet as a gift. I didn't ever get the first smoothie made and it quit. One zip and nothing. How reliable is that. I will not send it in for repair because of the cost. Its not worth it.
mike from miami says:
Another sad story. Halfway through a banana strawberry smoothie, the bullet stopped working. It makes an awful buzz but the blades stopped spinning. Oh well. My fiancé is heartbroken but well be returning it from where we bought it 2 weeks ago.
Karen says:
When I got the Magic Bullet I loved it. It did what it was supposed to do, until the gear broke. I was still o.k. with it thinking they must sell replacement parts. Amazing how hard it was to find any information about even the potential of purchasing a new gear. I found all the emails from other people with the same problem instead and can't help but believe the company is corrupt. They really do expect people to buy a whole new base to replace a simple gear part. I'm with the folks switching back to a food processor. I think I'll want to find a way to make this a more visible problem so it's not so easy for the company to blow off it's unhappy customers.
joe muldoon says:
We bought ours in March, 2006. Loved it until the motor fried and it stopped working in September. Called Housewares customer service and they pawned my converns off to some company named Enson "who handles retail returns" becasue we bought it from Walgreens Retail. You call there and you get no answer or way to leave a messgae for Customer service.
This stinks. A piece of junk and the comapny does not stand behind it. Buyer Beware !! Buy something more expensive and better built. This is a China made piece of junk. Too bad, as it is soooo convenient foir the couple of months it actually worked.
Christine says:
Wow, I'm glad I decided to read up on reviews before purchasing this product. I remember the infomercials and being excited to make my own peanut butter. I wanted it to make my coffee even smoother, but I don't want to deal with the hassle. Thanks for all the helpful reviews.
Edward says:
Was planning on buying one for convenience but not anymore. Maybe when their patent runs out and someone else makes one that is more reliable.
Mint says:
I loved the bullet until one of the prongs on one of the cups flew off and hit me in the eye. Out of four cups three have had prongs break off. The rubber on the large blade is worn down and no longer works. No replacement parts to speak of. EBay has some but are spendy. thought about buying another until i read all the negative comments. i have been looking at other travel, or compact blenders. I cannot find the motor capability of the bullet either.
Robert says:
It appears that the motor quits working due to a faulty component on the system board. I believe this to be an SCR of some type but the original in my Bullet was so badly heated, it is impossible to make out a part number. I have replaced this component twice with 'best guess' parts and the unit works again for a while. If a brave sole with a dead bullet would like to take thiers apart and get the part number to me I would be more than happy to post the repair (and possibly upgrade) sollution. The part is a black square with 3 legs coming from the bottom approx 3/8 x 3/8″ square. There is a small tab on top with a hole to mount to the board. Any takers? My email:ballcapbobcenturytelnet.
Greg says:
I loved my Amazing Bullet dearly, and I guess I should be happy it has lasted me well over a year of almost daily use. (mainly shakes and fruit smoothies) Thankfully the only problem that occurred for me was my Bullet tends to eat those rubber rings, causing the blade section to stick to the pitcher and the pitcher shattered as I tried to remove it. So, thats when I went online to find replacement parts for the Bullet, but shocked to read all the testimonials about the defective product and poor customer service. (non-existant customer service may be a better term)
Guess I should be happy mine lasted alot longer than many of those in the reviews.
…..Greg…..
Editor says:
I'm thinking that Robert's idea above is a good one;
as I assume that the company does not make its own parts entirely, it's quite likely that one can buy replacements elsewhere without having to go through (what seem to me) to be the high costs of buying them at E-Bay.
Gina says:
Thank you everyone for placing reviews. I was about to order one because like everyone who has bought one, it just seems so convenient. I liked the idea of being a able to chop onions without all the really hard work (and runny eyes and smelly hands!)
Oh, well…
Danita says:
I also loved my MB. It was so convenient that I practically used it every day. I bought mine directly off their website back in January 2004. It lasted until someime this year (2006). I blame it on my 14 year old son. He began using the blender for several days before my MB's base gear shattered. Of course, he never admitted to the deed.
Anyway I finally chunked the base into the trash a few days ago after holding on to it for months hoping I could find parts, or the company would start selling replacement parts(they were prepared to sell me a base for $40 s/h included).
I had to dig it out because I found someone selling the gears–one base gear and two blade gears–for $18.
<snip>
I'm debating on whether to take the chance on buying a product from what appears to be a "non-company".
I love that blender but my Oster has lasted me 20 years! If Oster has an individual size blender cup, I would say adios to my MB!
Elisabeth says:
Thank you so much for these reviews. My husband sat and watched this infomercial at the store like a kid with a cartoon. He thought the MB looked great, but I'm really glad I read this website and saw all the problems you are having. Sorry you had them, but thanks for sharing! I won't waste my money.
Editor says:
Elisabeth, you're quite welcome.
Danita, my apologies for deleting the URL of the company offering the gears; unfortunately, he/she/they have tried to post their URL and email address here a number of times under different names and email addresses. That doesn't necessarily mean anything, but we err on the side of caution.
That said, I totally agree with you — other machines have lasted a very long time, so that what I've come to expect. And the convenience of the smaller cup is, well, convenient.
Danita says:
Update to my previous post.
I immediately went looking on the web for an individual size cup for my Oster–and yes they do exist! Apparently there are 4oz and 16 oz sizes made by Oster and also some 6 oz sizes made by others. I bought the 16 oz at Walmart which is a travel cup with closable top. I made my smoothie and it worked like a charm! Of course my Oster is a kitchen center unit and so takes up more room on my kitchen counter than the Magic Bullet. But after the Bullet cracked, I had already gotten used to having it out instead of in the cabinet.
Now I have to decide what to do with all the Bullet acessories. I had bought the large box with the big blender and juicer attachments which I never used (and apparently never will).
All this being said, I'm still not adverse to getting another Magic Bullet if the price is right and/or parts are available from the manufacturer.
MARY says:
I BEEN READING ALL THE BAD AND WRITE THE GOOD I WATCHED THEY 1ST INFOMOCIAL ON THE MAGIC BULLET AND ORDERED IT 3 YRS AGO ,USED IT EVERY DAY AND LOVED IT..IT FINALLY BURNED OUT AND JUST RECIEVED ANOTHER FOR XMAS TODAY I ASKED FOR JUST USED ITA AGAIN :o)..LETS SEE IF THIS ONES IS JUST AS GOOD AND LAST AS LONG..,,
Tom says:
Whew! Thanks for the warnings! My wife received one for Christmas. We were debating whether to keep it or not as we already have a blender and the KitchenAid Mini food processor (smaller than the bullet and more powerfull).
Back to the store it goes!
Editor says:
Thanks for the tip, Tom. the KitchenAid looks promising.
And to everyone — welcome to DesignerJones.com.
Jimson says:
Here's a link to their Better Business Bureau company report. Conveniently located on the right side of the page is the "File complaint" link, FYI you can file complaints for product quality.
http://www.labbb.org/BBBWeb/…CompanyID=13203957
scott says:
wow!received magic bullet for christmas,hope mine will last for a little while used it a couple of times and really love it.
Bill says:
Add us to the "dead base" society. Purchased at Walmart, thinking what a great idea, it lasted two uses before the base simply died (while making sugar-free chocolate, not a high-load task). Called and got the same runaround the folks above did with Enson (leave a message, have left two (one week apart), two weeks and still no call back. Please folks, don't buy this product, the quality is simply horrible, companies like this should go out of business.
Editor says:
Thanks.
It's "funny", because we started DesignerJones.com to share good stuff — great restaurants, great stuff, experiences, beautiful whatever.
But, once our Magic Bullet died, having already posted about how great it was, we could not in fairness just delete the post as if it had never existed.
Roxanne McKinnon says:
In response to Bill 01/14/07:
The Magic Bullet does have an internal thermostat which, when overheated, will shut it down until it cools. This is to prevent burning out the motor. Have you tried your Bullet since to see if it will work? I found out (the hard way) that if I wasn't careful about not blocking the vent holes on the bullet, it would shut down real quick and I would have to wait what seemed like hours for it to cool down enough to use again. also, sometimes if you don't get it pushed into the right spot it can't make contact and turn on. Just a couple of suggestions.
My gears which I thought needed replacement (08/16/06) really didn't, however, I am still hoping to find a reliable source for new parts (I cracked one of my mugs in a travel accident with my luggage).
Dave Norton says:
No complaints here! Frequent use for over two years, no problems other than losing the cross blade base. I find I can get an accessory package deal with cross blade and a bunch more cups and stuff for $29 plus $6 shipping. I'm happy!
Gazza says:
OK, here is where I'm at!
I am just about to click "Bid Now" on eBay for an "Amazing Bullet" (the generic or competition brand to MB) and thought, maybe a few reviews would be good.
Stumbled across tis page and had a few hundred "second thoughts" :P
BUT, after further investigation I've found that the AB has alot more second hand parts floating around and more readily available. Hmmm, its going to set me back around AUS$45 (incl postage)- not bad for here.
I might just go it and see what happens!
Thanks for the reviews though. I wont say you didn't warn me!
Thomas B. Jacob says:
The first time I used my Magic Bullet, I knew it would not last. You cannot engage and disengage moving parts and not get wear and eventual failure. I am a design engineer. I know. This is faulty design. It lasted almost a year. I thought the parts might be easy and cheap to replace. Think again. And the customer service is unbelievable. Now they want me to send them multiple photos of my Magic Bullet and multiple copies of my of the material that came with it. It will be in a future garage sale. My next stop is Consumer Reports.
Editor says:
Thanks. Hadn't thought of the issue regarding engaging/disengaging moving parts (but then I'm not an engineer). That makes sense; thanks for that data.
Dave Norton says:
Regarding Tom Jacob's comments: Don't engage / disengage the drive while it's running! We see no abnormal wear on ours after 2+ years. Regarding customer service: yes, they wanted photos of our unit IF WE COULDN'T PROVE WE BOUGHT FROM THEM. All it took was our name and approx. date of purchase, they verified our purchase, and are replacing our lost (not worn or broken!) cross blade base for less than $10. It's a fine unit, well designed and made, and adequately supported.
Editor says:
Thanks for your comments, Dave.
I have to say that, although our first Magic Bullet stopped working after a week, the second one has been working since I wrote this article — which I'm surprised to see is now over two years ago.
I guess the fact that the first one stopped working so quickly just kind of sticks in the mind.
Teresa says:
I received my MB as a gift about three years ago, and it just died on me this past Fall. I WAS very pleased with it, and was prepared to go the distance to replace whatever part needed to be replaced, but have since run into a series of unfortunate events. It started when I learned that the company Homeland Housewares doesn't sell replacement parts. Unable to locate a reasonable way to discern what I did need to replace, this sad tale ends when I believed a non-company website when they said they would replace my gear base and blades for what seemed like a VERY reasonable price. The person's name from that website is Greg Kisinger, his email address is grevicci @ cox.net.
I write this as a warning in case anyone else is looking to replace a gear base or blades from this individual — I wouldn't recommend it. I haven't received anything from him as promised, and his "website" appears to have mysteriously been discontinued. I know that it was naive of me to venture into this deal, especially in today's age of phishing and other financial fraud, but what can I say, I trusted this person and just wanted to get my bullet working again. Proves the saying caveat emptor!
I'm thinking about reporting this to the BBB or Consumer Fraud, I just want to see if this person will make things right first. Hope all is well with everyone else and their bulleting!
mary says:
when my blender top wore out and i needed a new i was able to buy a new one and also when the motor burned out i called they replaced it after 3 yrs for a small charge less then the blender it self a very satisfied customer will always own one now my 2nd in 5 yrs
Harkant says:
Thanks………………
I almost bought one!!!!!
Ray Reardon says:
I just got off the phone with customer service for the "Magic Bullet" Don't bother trying to get parts unless you send them proof it is an authentic item not even something as simple as the gasket that goes in the cup. They were rude and the only excuse was they didn't want to provide parts for something that was not theirs. I like the product but not the service!!!
Bob Tolefson says:
Sure was disappointed to read all the negative comments. I've had 2 MB's, the first I bought in Holland after seeing Mick and Mimi and Hazel and all the rest of them on the same infomercial we have over here. I liked the thing so much I bought another one (actually 2 for 1 price) when I moved back to the US. I've used it for well over a year and just today my little plastic gear broke. Looking to replace it I instead find this site. I guess I'll just have to break out the 2nd machine and hope for the best with it's longevity. I really like the machine. Unfortunate that the company doesn't care enough to stand behind it's products.
Here's an idea! What if I were to remove the gear from my 2nd MB and find someone who could manufacture it? If I sold them for a reasonable price I bet there would be a fairly substantial customer base. Seems most of us really liked the machine and were sad to have to let it go.
Editor says:
That may be, Bob.
We're still on our second Magic Bullet; we haven't used it in some time, but we didn't *stop* using it because it broke.
Maria V says:
I read all the blogs on this website and felt compassion for all of you, like me, who love the Magic Bullet's ease and convenience, yet are frustrated with its lack of reliability and the company's attitude of "let the buyer beware". I have seriously considered emailing GE and asking them in their hugeness to buy the company and improve on this product, whose idea is excellent, but whose reliability is poo-poo.
My personal experience with it is that it has chewed up all the gaskets and now it leaks, and of course, when it leaks the liquid gets into the gears and blocks all the holes which mades it overheat and could possibly be a contributing factor in some of your gears breaking or motors overheating. I also got no help from the manufacturer who ignored my very polite emails asking to purchase new gaskets from them. (BTW…GE Corp has always sent me new replacement parts, most of them free of charge for any GE product I have ever owned. They are the rock of Gibralter. Go buy their stock. Great company!….and no, I don't work for GE).
Anyhow….for those of you seeking replacement gaskets, don't waste your time or money trying to purchase them on ebay. They're up to $11.00 now plus shipping. (Shipping???? Stick them in an envelope!)
Any auto parts store should be able to sell you replacement gaskets of the same exact size in silicone rubber which has the greatest temperature range, is FDA approved and does not break down when washed in the dishwasher and they sell for under $5.00 a pack of 4. Give it a try. I bought some at my local auto parts store and was in and out of the store in 15 minutes with my new gaskets. Just bring in a sample or bring in the blade and they'll fit it for you.
That's my 2 cents. I hope it helps at least somebody out there!
Editor says:
Where to get new gaskets
For anyone needing new gaskets, take a look at Maria's comment above.
Thank you Maria. That's a terrific solution which should help many people. Thanks for helping out.
Danita says:
After reading Dave Norton's comment, I decided to email the MB company again and ask for a replacement plastic gear. They offered me a new base for $14.99 plus $5 s/h.
A lot better deal than the one they offered me back in December (see December post) which was the base for $40 s/h included. I'm wondering if all the negative responses from their customers are finally loosening them up. I can tolerate the $20, and I will keep my old base just in case the motor on the new base burns out. I'll just pull off the plastic gear and put it on the old base. Of course if the plastic gear breaks again, I'll just have to say adios to the MB. :)
Bob T says:
I like Maria V's idea about contacting GE and asking them to buy the company, improve the product, and re-market it. But why just GE? If we got a campaign going we should contact all the major appliance manufacturers to increase the chance one of them would do it. Hamilton Beach, Westbend, etc … all good companies. Anyone want to get this campaign rolling?
Tonya says:
I bought the magic bullet loved it- I even told my husband it was the bomb! The [bleep] broke after only 3 uses when I was very excited to make my daughter a smoothie. I am angry and would like to know how to get my money back.
[We're trying to keep it family-friendly here. ~Editor]
Editor says:
Tonya, I don't know whether anyone's had any luck in getting a refund. You can read the comments above, and perhaps contact the company.
Susan says:
I reluctantly ordered this machine, as I have many other blenders at home. When it arrived, I used it for a couple of months, sporadically, and then the little pieces in the base broke off, therefor unusable.
I have tried to find a replacement and can't. No more for me. I live on Soc Sec.
Glenda says:
I have had my Magic Bullet about 2 years, but I didn't use it that much. In fact, I never even got around to taking the tie off the cord! My husband just had dental surgery so I was making a puree out of potato salad (soft stuff) and it just burned up the motor. There was no reason for that. I find it is overpriced and limited. The smoothies I made were lumpy and the stuff at the top of the cup was never pulled to the bottom. I finally bought a smoothie machine for 1/4 the price and it works great. Then try and find a replacement part for these things, especially the power base unit. I found ONE on E-Bay and they wanted almost $30.00 for it. Not worth it. Magic Bullet my you know what!
Tom Ellis says:
MY MAGIC BULLET HAD PACKED IT IN!!
LOOKING FOR GEARS, ANYONE FOUND A WAY TO PURCHASE THIS PART??
IF SO WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE INFO ON WHERE OT GET THEM.
Andrew says:
My girlfriend and I were looking into getting the Magic Bullet- After reading bad review after bad review- We're having second thoughts-
hmmm Are there any GOOD reviews out there?
I don't think we'll spend $60 for a few uses- or even a few months…. We'll spend $100 and get a decent processor or something-
Great reviews everyone-
It helps people like us who do our research from getting 'jipped'!! :)
Crystal says:
THANK YOU MARIA V!!! We have a Bullet Blender, and we like it, but the same thing happened to us that happened to everyone else…our gaskets got chewed. I've been looking online and I discovered that the price of replacement gaskets was ridiculous, plus the shipping on these itty bitty silicone rings was $5!! So, when I read Maria's comment, I was thrilled! FInally, a solution…we've been using the silly thing without the gaskets and we've found that leaks are bad juju…
Angelina says:
I went to 3 auto part stores and no luck!!!
No one could match the gasket.
Help!!!
Maria, can you give more info about what they gave you.
Chip says:
My MB has been worthwhile for well over a year – I use it every day, all the time. The plastic teeth in the gear, however, have worn away the rubber teeth on the underside of the blades, so now the blades don't turn! Also, some of the plastic tabs on the cups broke off, so they don't work either! At least the motor still works…I found this website looking for replacements – any ideas?
Kari Robinson says:
HI all, sorry to hear about all of the problems. I do not have a MB, was looking at getting one, not so sure about that now.
For thoses of you that need new gears try Radio Controlled hobby store. My Hubby has RC cars and is alwas replacing plastic gears of all sizes. Thry even sell metal gears for some of the sizes, the metal gears run about $20, but the plastic ones are only about $5. Don't know if there is one that will fit or not, I would take the gear (what is left of it any way)
Good Luck all.
Jerrold Buck says:
I have heard all of these complaints since having bought our MB in March of 2005. Even Consumers Reports saidfthe unit overhetaed and burned out. You think the company would make changes to improve the product, but they are probably too busy spending the money they made selling so many.
I am probably jinxing myself by saying this, but so far we have lost only one seal to wear and tear, no motor burn out yet. We use the little sucker two to three times daily, sometimes more than that.
Thanks for the suggestions on where to get seals and gears. I would never have thought of a hobby shop for spare parts.
lisa says:
Sad to see so many bad reviews of the company! My Mom gave me her 2nd Magic Bullet and the 2nd time I used it the plastic gear on the bottom of the large chopper ripped off while making smoothies for my family. Today I was looking for the companies website for a replacement part. I didn't have much luck finding the website, however, I'm thankful to have found this website and not wasted my time, patience, or money on the company. I hope for their sake that they realize that they are only hurting their company and that someone else out there will come up with a simular item that works much better!
Chris says:
Thanks for all your reviews! My wife and I were planning on buying one, and looking for the best price when we stumbled onto this site. Now we've decided not to purchase one thanks to all of your reviews. Thanks again, Chris and Amanda
Elizabeth says:
I've had my Magic Bullet for only about a half a year (sence Christmas) and everything with the moter and the gears is still working fine. I only use it maybe 3 times a week to make smoothies or milkshakes. But recently when I was making a smooothie, I put it in the refrigerator with the cap. A few hours later, I took it out and there was a crack.
Does anyone know where I can buy replacement cups?
thank you!
Jim says:
Target sells the Magic Bullet. If yours breaks, Buy a new one there & return the old base to them a couple days later & say it stopped working. Target will get full credit from the manufacturer & maybe eventually will get the message & build it a little better.
Maverick says:
I am also one of the people who looking for "a working MB base but broken plastic gear."
The plastic gear is a small round plastic than make the blender spinning. However, I could not find one a replacement for it. Four of mine friends having identical problem. It is just a purely design defect.
Should be use smart material, like metal/copper to make that piece.
I would suggest anyone who want to buy the MB, who will sure encounter this problem.
If anyone have luck to find the replacement (I could not find it on ebay), beside sent back to for a joke shipping price for replacement.
Let me know:
—
Maverick, I removed your email address, as posting a live email address on any website will cause it to get spammed from here on out. ~Editor
Shannon says:
I have had my magic bullet for about 1 1/2 yrs.. When I first got it the motor smoked and quit working. I called them and they shipped me a new one. I have also experienced the gasket problem and the gear problem ( I have 2 ). My problem is the blade attachments teeth. I've gone through 3 of them now. I am currently waiting on a reply from the company on about replacing these. My kids use the bullet alot also, and we will miss the convience. I am like everyone else, I wished it was made better. I was considering buying another for gifts, but after happening upon this site, I am glad I didn't. Thanks!
PAngel says:
I was considering buying the Magic Bullet but will probably not do so now. Thanks.
Editor says:
I know what you mean. Although our second Magic Bullet has lasted since I wrote the original article in October 2005, I haven't been too impressed with what the above comments indicate about the lack of support.
Mike Parker says:
I purchased the Magic bullet, this was the biggest mistake that I've made in several years. During the first month it quite working.
So far we have written to 24 different links on the internet including this one and no-one will answer our emails about the warentee.
This gadget is underpowered and will not preform as the ads say, this I know by personal experience.
Model #MB1001,
Mike
Editor says:
Mike, if you're saying that you wrote to DesignerJones.com, I don't recall seeing an email from you.
However, I should point out that DesignerJones.com is a kind of online magazine/blog that is totally unaffiliated with the Magic Bullet people; all we did was write about our experience with the machine. We don't sell or support the Magic Bullet and in fact don't know anything about the warranty. I guess I could dig up the paperwork that came with it, but I'm guessing that you have that too.
Lori B says:
Same problem here – we were happy with ours, bought another for my mother-in-law. Used mine to give her a demonstration how great it was – and it made a screaming noise. We discovered the gear had sheared in two. Three weeks later, and three sets of photos later, the company is still determining if we deserve the honor of purchasing a replacement part. Very frustrating. I used the link posted earlier for the Better Business Bureau, and filed a complaint – we'll see what happens. But, surprisingly, their rating is AA – and not many complaints. Everyone who has this problem should file a complaint! Maybe I'm naive, but I still think there's power in numbers! At the very least, maybe it will catch someone's attention.
Editor says:
That's a surprising story, Lori — surprising that they're hesitating in providing replacement parts.
mike says:
Buy the Power Chopper, I have had mine for 3 years and I use it at least 3 times a day to make my boy frozen drinks. The only thing wrong is the blade attachment broke after three years. The only reason I’m buying a MB is because I can not find a replacement blade. I’m going to try the MB and if I don’t like it I'll just return it to Target and order online the Power Chopper for $29.99.
mike says:
Editor, what is taken so long to respond?
dottty howell says:
I bought the MB several yeaars ago and really loved it for smoothies. However, they will not allow me to buy new gaskets which really amazed me as I thought all companies sold repacement parts.
I will try Anita's solution and if that does not work I will throw it away and vow to new buy another product from their company. I have already stared telling everyone that I know not to buy their products as their company obviously has poor customer service policies.
Editor says:
Mike (comment #82), I'm not sure what you mean about taking so long to respond. I didn't see that your comment needed a response. Could you explain?
mike says:
Sorry! I had placed a question to you but did not post!?
Editor says:
Alright. What is your question? If you'd like to send it privately, use our email form.
MBuser says:
I found a link describing how to remove the drive gear, just in case anybody is having any trouble with this. http://www.99watts.com/mbdrivegear.html.
Bob T says:
Hey MBuser!! Thanks for the great tip! Or better said, thank your wife. But now comes part B of this problem. Where in the world do you get a replacement gear?
Editor says:
A couple of people had mentioned that replacement gears can be purchased on Ebay. I haven't tried it.
Bob T says:
I just searched eBay for them and could only come up with either the whole system or just the base. These bases range from $5 to $20 with shipping charges adding another $9 to $15. If someone would only reproduce that little gear, I'll bet they would make a small fortune. I use my MB almost everyday and knowing that it will eventually give out, I've been searching around for something similar with no luck.
Editor says:
Has anyone visited a local hardware store or the like? I'm thinking that these parts can't be so unusual.
Linda S says:
I bought the 2 for 1 deal off the TV about 3 years ago and have never been disappointed – other than the fact I realized later that what I paid was the price for two anyway. No matter, I gave one to my brother as a gift.
We use ours nearly every day – especially my son, who is into protein drinks and fruit smoothies. The base gear did break one time. After three phone calls (customer service department could use some help)and miscommunication about my new address, I finally got a new base – for which they only charged me shipping. I think the mix-up with the address saved me the $20 for the base. I am now considering the cordless unit they have out as I love the machine!
Dawne says:
I am not sure that I could write anything different than the rest of these 91 comments. But, for the 93rd comment: "Ditto". Motor fried after about 15 uses. Too bad, seemed like such a good thing.
Mike says:
I bought my MB about three months ago. My last gasket broke after the last use so I called a seller of these products and was told that unless I bought from them, they would not sell me parts. buythebullet.com
Never seen a company like this that sells a product but has no customer service or availability of parts.
Greg says:
Has anyone confirmed finding the gears anywhere , mine finally went out , the plastic gear inside the base broke into pieces. I read some reviews saying check ebay , but they dont have the gears on there right now. Any other ideas ?
Theresa says:
I am very disappointed in the very expensive Magic Bullet. I agree, too much plastic in the housing. Also, the cross-blade and flat blade froze up within a short time of purchase and the plastic that houses the blades split in a near perfect 360 degree line. I plan to go back to a food processor. I had my original food processor for 32 years and gave it away when I purchased the Magic Bullet. Am sorry now!
Editor says:
I'm sorry to hear that, Theresa. They do have much smaller food processors nowadays, but the Magic Bullet have a convenience factor that's hard to beat.
HPenny says:
I maybe bragged tooo long, I have had mine for just short of a year.. two weeks ago while I made the granddaughter a smoothie, up inside where the rubber gear connects to the plastic cap that holds the blades the Bullet profusely started to leak, all over the counter top.. I cannot see the crack or break.. but leaking that much, it 'is' broke :(
Tisha says:
I had my MB for a while in the box, and when I finally started using it, it only lasted several months before the plastic gear in the base cracked. Very disappointing when you gave away your regular blender, thinking the MAGIC BULLET is all you need. If you want to feel better, I bought mine when they sold a single one for $99.99 and didn't start using it until right befor they appeared in stores for $69.99. Then my gear broke! I saw some in Costco for $39.99 but the gears are a clear plastic. My old broken one is black. Does anyone have one of those clear ones that broke? Or are they not making them better?
Darla says:
I have my bullet for over a year and it's generally worked well (though in more than 10 seconds most of the time) but the crossblade had broken 2 times, it like the plastic underneath has worn down and isn't catching. My Mom gave me her extra one last time but now I had to Homeland Housewares, they were rude and incredibly unhelpful. Although I have an authentic Magic Bullet they won't sell me a replacement blade. I am more than willing to pay for it but they refuse to sell it to me because they can't find the original order (it was a gift). How frustrating! I love this product but will buy a knock off now by a company with decent customer service.
mark says:
garbage dont get it ,its made in china and they are now bein sold for 39.99 thats how cheap it is spend the xtra money and get a good product.
Annette Powell says:
YIKES!! I just purchased two MBs for gifts and one for myself. After reading these comments, I wish I had not bought any of them!
Expensive for the lack of durability!!
Editor says:
Okay. All I can say is that yours may last, or it may not. Our first lasted less than a week, but our second is still working.
tish says:
i had my magic bullet for about 3 weeks now and its been great but after reading the reviews im kind of scared because i sure don't want mines to break down
foggyidea says:
I used my bullet on and off for about a year. I liked it and my wife hated it until I tried to make peanut butter and the motor burnt out… Now I am not such a fan… and i cannot find the maker to mail it back!!!
Dave Maslako says:
I have broken the plastic base gear in 2 different machines. The part is a cheap piece of garbage. Where can I get just the plastic base blade. One drop of glue and a blade will fix it.
Laurie says:
I bought my MB from Danoz Direct here in Aus. It's worked fairly well until recently when the cross blade stopped turning, even though the motor was still running. The rubber/plastic gear that the blade is attached to is loose. When tightening it, it goes so far then slips again, so I'll need a new cross blade. I'm just about to embark on the "spare parts journey" like so many of you. I agree with the other posts re getting a "real" company to make these so they last.
Rachel says:
Love love love this product…I am on my second one.
I make sure that the gaskets are firmly smushed into place before blending and that the blade is firmly, but not too firmly (or the cup will crack) screwed on.
Also I do not let anything drip out of the cup and do not leave it running for too long. My husband does not use the care I do and he has made several smoothies flavored with plastic gasket.
So far this one is lasting about a year.
Great product, but touchy!!!
My kids get liquified veggies in most of their meals thanks to magic bullet!
I would love to see glass mugs…so you can put hot liquids etc in them with out fear of offing phalates.
I have tried to get replacement parts…I NEED BLADES HELP!!!!
Editor says:
Thanks for the information, Rachel — it'll help all of us who are using the Magic Bullet.
I looked up phthalates:
Also see: Legal Toxins in Toys May Disrupt Male Sexual Development.
That said, for those of us who are not babies or men, they're still not good for us.
Elaine says:
I find this review website interesting b/c ALL the reviews are negative about the magic bullet. My parents gave each of my siblings (8 of us) one for Christmas several years ago when they were first becoming popular. To date only one of us has had any problems with it (see below) and several of us use it every single day, more than once a day. My family mostly uses it for protein shakes but I use it daily for baby food too. I've made guacamole, salsa, hummus, grated cheese, pesto etc…I've done A LOT. READ THE DIRECTIONS WHEN YOU USE IT. My sister was using it over and over again one day and it quit but you are not supposed to use it like that without giving it a break. It started working again and works fine if you use it for what it's intended. It's for short jobs. I just wanted to put a POSITIVE RESPONSE in b/c I absolutely love the Magic Bullet.
Editor says:
Hi Elaine. Actually, I think what's happening here is that everybody loves the Magic Bullet — and they say so, don't they?
The problem arises when the Magic Bullet breaks or burns out; then we hear complaints and requests for replacement parts (which, strangely enough, Homeland Housewares apparently does not provide or sell).
Our first MB burned out after I had written the original review. Since I'd already recommended it, rather than delete the article entirely, I thought it would be best to record my experience. Then other people showed up to share theirs.
Re using it properly, while it's important to follow the instructions, I do find it more than a little disconcerting that it's so easy to burn it out or break it. I'd have to say that that isn't even hinted at in the infomercial.
That said, our second Magic Bullet is still going strong, and I wrote this in October of 2005. I suppose I should note that above.
Glynn says:
To Elaine,
What a condescending post. Because others did not share your experience does not mean they need to be told to read the directions (ALL IN CAPS FOR ADDED EMPHASIS REGARDING OUR STUPIDITY). The fact is, I used mine about once a week and it did not last even close to a year. I did not get the great price they are now or the 2 for 1 either, so I was out $100.00 on a piece of junk. Reading the directions is not going to correct defective merchandise. Personally, I appreciate knowing the problems people have with the Magic Bullet and wish I had read this site before I bought one.
Michael from Van Nuys, CA says:
I wouldn't buy one of these, simply because of Hazel, who hates to chop "stinky, nasty garlic" or Berman who hates broccoli. All the comments here, regardless of the informercial, would prevent me from buying one anyway. For those of you who ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE this, buy it at Costco. If anything breaks…EVER…they will give you your money back as long as you have your receipt. No time limit. As far as a mini food processor, KitchenAid is the best. I've had one for years, it's great, powerful, not difficult to clean, and I can still chop "stinky, nasty garlic" without a problem.
saagar says:
I asked about the new added items, the juicer and another, in their website. they never bothered to reply.
Dave. says:
Does anyone know if there have been any Class Action Suits started anywhere against Magic Bullet. I have 2 on the shelf still waiting for new plastic base gears. I will be the first to sign if there is.
carolyn somerville says:
i have wanted one of these for years, and was just about to order one when i thought i'd better google it. the number of complaints about how easy it breaks is scary, i don't know if i should buy? there could be just as many happy customers as unhappy. its the unhappy ones we generally hear from…
not sure
Curtis W Williams says:
I have a solution to the problem that some of you are having with the gear in the bottom of the unit. I have had my Magic Bullet for 3 years or more and just encountered the gear problem a few days ago. After reading some of the comments negative responses from the company, I decided that it would be fruitless for me go the same route.
Solution…When I purchased my unit i received three blades (1 Flat Blade & 2 Cross Blades). Some of you will have to make a decision as to which blade is used the most. I feel that the Flat Blade is used the less therefore this is the one that you will have to sacrifice in the procedure.
Finish breaking the plastic from around the broken base unit until the brass nut is exposed. Hold this nut with a pair of plies or vice grip pliers. Then turn the unit on its side. On the bottom is a hole in the middle. Place a small width screw driver in the hole and turn … counter clockwise … because this is a reverse nut.
Next use the pliers to hold the Blade on one side and turn the other end with another pair of pliers…remembering to turn … clockwise in order to loosen the gear. Take this Gear and screw it on … the base unit … counter clockwise. Your unit is complete and ready for use.
I hope that this information will be beneficial to some of you. I am with all of you that are frustrated with companies the build products and not sell individual parts to fix a minor problem. Leavin us with only one option … buy a new base unit or forget it.
Curtis W Williams says:
I would like to receive feedback on my #118 response.
Mav says:
Curtis
Would you put your solution on youtube (www.youtube.com), I think you have the best solution so far. But see in picture/video would help a lot.
Thanks,
Mav
Mav says:
Thanks, Curtis W William. I follow your instruction everything seems working fine. So I would like to thank your for solution, and put more detail for others.
My unit was working fine(except the broken plastic surrounding by the bass nut)I was thinking to throw it away, however I decide to give it try.
Here is what tools:
screw driver
vice grip plier
needle nose plier
First, I also pick the flat blade; I use the vice grip plier to cramp the flat blade and then use a towel to grip around the black plastic and turn. I got the black plastic from the base. That black plastic from the flat blade will be use it for later.
Second, turn the base up side down, and there is 4-5(I don't remember exactly) round rubber legs, pull each of them out using the needle nose plier. I am able to pull out them using my finger, once they are out, you would see the screws, unscrew them all. Then the cover of the base would pop out, then is a screw right in the middle of the motor; before I do anything, I use a vice grip plier to cramp on the bass nut, one hand holding the grip, the other hand making turn on that screw, the bass unit comes out after few turn. Now we are putting the black plastic that we got from the first step by simply screw the black plastic using hand. Put the base cover back and screw back. Then put the rubber legs back on. That's it. you are all done.
Right after I done, I enjoy a nice strawberry milkshake from my magic bullet which was broken for 4
months. Work perfectly.
It is very simple, I would highly recommend anyone give it a try.
Thanks,
Mav
Frank H. says:
Thank you for the repair instructions in post #118.
Worked like a charm!
Curtis W Williamsm says:
I was thinking about having a company to make the gear and I would sell it, however, this idea is not cost effective. Therefore, this is my final suggestion. If you do not want to sacrifice one of your blades you can go on EBay and purchase a flat blade, cheap. You can then use it for the replacement gear. This is far cheaper than ordering an expensive base unit.
I appreciate your feedback from my original suggestion. It gives me joy in circumventing a Company's hard ball tactics.
Editor says:
Well done, Curtis. Thanks for finding a solution and providing the information.
Dave says:
Thanks Curtis. I used both comments #118 and #123. Cost $8.00 for a new Flat Blade shipped to my door. Everything back in working order. This still does not clean the slate with the makers of Magic Bullet. Time for them to pay the piper for a poor gear design.
Glynn says:
I long ago threw mine out. I sure wish I had known about this. However, I have found that there is life without Magic Bullet. I won't be buying another one.
Al says:
This product (MB) is garbage in terms of quality. It stopped working after 6 months of light use. I only used the MB for banana and strawberry shakes about 20 times over the last 6 months and just tonight it went bust (3/28/08) It did gtreat banana/strawberry shakes with ice cubes and milk filled up to about half way and sugar, it worked for 6 months. We have an OSTER blender for 26 years of heavy use and only had to replace the top glass and blades once (easy to obtain) The top glass my wife broke and the blades were replaced due to heavy use. This OSTER blender is still going strong after 26 years, but the MB failed miserably tonight. We wasted our $60.00; each shake came out to about $3.00 for each blending ($60.00 cost of MB divided into 20 shakes = $3.00 per shake) plus the cost of bananas, strawberries and a little milk. I just calculated the cost of the OSTER blender over 26 years at approx. use of 3 times a week or 150 annually times 26 years = 3,900 times. We paid about $40.00 for the OSTER blender. $40.00 cost of OSTER divided into 3900 times of use = approx. $0.01 per blending and its still going strong like the Energizer bunny; we'll probably replace this blender just to get another coordinated color, but at this rate it will probably last over 50 years which will give us a lot more service at $0.005 ~1/2 penny~ per blending.
paula says:
i've owned the same magic bullet blender for…4 years as of the past jan. 15th. i bought it when i had gastric bypass surgery to get me through the 3-6 month soft food stage.
it's still working beautifully. i use it constantly, even though i've been back on solid food for 3+ years.
it stopped working last week when i kept it running too lone (tipically i run it in bursts as to not burn the motor out) while grinding coffee for expresso. i immediately went to ebay to find a replacement base…and found several…but, before bidding on one i tried the machine again, after the motor had had time to cool…and VOILA…it worked finely.
i love that it takes up practically none of my limited counter/cabinet space, and there's really nothing it wont do that i need. i love that i dont have to use the big blender for tiny jobs. and that i can store coffee (or whatever) in the same container i ground it in.
i got a blender when i got married (9 years ago)…never used it. i use the bullet practically on a daily basis.
paula says:
oh…and i've found replacement parts on ebay for cheap. but it's good to know, if i need to take the less used things apart to fix the base, i can. but just the base, extra blades, just the cups with or without the lids can all be found easily and cheaply.
Editor says:
Thanks, Paula. It's clear that everyone likes the Magic Bullet; they just don't like it when it breaks. Thanks for the tips.
Marion says:
I bought my MB to make smoothies but it doesn't hold enough and they were clumpy. I like my blender way better and it sure more heavy duty when using ice. I used my MB for 4 months, very sporadically, maybe 8 times and one day, when whipping up some eggs, a puff of smoke arose from the MAGIC bullet and that was all she wrote. I actually paid $99.00 for mine, I guess that was before they came back. I won't be buying another one. My blender has been with me for 14 years and has never let me down. I'll stick with it.
Editor says:
Good point there, Marion. It's a little alarming when electrical appliances break on you — nothing like a little puff of smoke to start your day off right!
Good point about the blender, too. While the Magic Bullet is convenient, it does have issues. We do have a heavy-duty blender, and a coffee grinder I picked up at Costco 15-20 years ago, both of which are still working.
AmyW says:
Thank you, Maria V!! My Magic Bullet chewed up a gasket & I've only had it for a month. Figures! I do love the convenience of it, though. I agree with the rest of the comments about the reliability.
Bill says:
Is there a class action suit against Homeland
Housewares for this obviously fraudulent product
called "Magis Bullet"? If so I would like to join.
John Jr says:
Had a problem with our MB this evening .. motor was turning, inside blade was not. The problem was that the black 4-pronged rubber gear in the black base & the 4-pronged clear plastic/rubber gear in the silver base had worn each other out. Each prong is supposed to be 1/4″ high but ours was worn down to 1/8″ – so they were missing each other, not engaging. There was black & silver slivers, shavings & dust in the motorized base unit.
Luckily, Curtis (#118) has a GREAT idea, i.e., use the black gear from one MB to another. However, Curtis mentions "breaking the plastic from around the broken base unit until the brass nut is exposed" .. my 6-month old MB has no brass nut, not in the silver (motorized) base nor in the black base that the cup screws into. The black gear is threaded on while the clear one is pressed on.
So, Iʻm presuming the MB went thru a design change somewhere along the way. For those who have the type MB I do, try this:
1. Use a slip-joint pliers to hold the black gear while holding the blade with a towel .. we donÊ»t want to nick the blade holding it with a pliers. Like Curtis says, turn COUNTER-CLOCKWISE; the shaft has left-hand thread meaning that it tightens itself when the motor is running. It should not take much effort to unthread – just make sure youÊ»re turning counter-clockwise.
2. Substitute the good one with the bad one .. turn clockwise .. donʻt make it too tight, itʻs self-tightening when the motor runs.
Mav (#121) mentions unscrewing the bottom from the base unit to access that blade, however, our blade is pressed-on .. you can see the brass knurling thru the clear blade. Removing the bottom plate allows the entire motor unit to move back & forth in the base but the two crimped (red & black) wires prevent the motor from detaching from the base. Plus, the blade is on the end of the motor shaft so it cannot be "unthreaded" at all. Fortunately, this movement is all thatʻs needed to access the clear blade, unfortunately, weʻre gonna need a special puller to remove it.
In the mean time, simply replacing the black gear has our MB working like gang busters. However, Iʻm at a loss understanding why the black & clear blades wore each other out by 50%?!? Might be all the frozen stuff we blend.
On a different note, when I removed the bottom/base screws to allow access to the motor, I was able to see inside the base. Wow, thereʻs a lot of kunk build up inside there. I can see where some motors may burn out earlier while others can last for years (aside from having a lemon motor). It might be helpful to remember to watch for any liquids or solids that fall into the base where the cup threads in .. try to wipe out spills while theyʻre still wet but donʻt let it drip into/under the (3) white vibration pads.
Also, because the motor needs "cooling" air, the fan draws large amounts of air in and out the bottom. CanÊ»t distinguish between liquid/solids that fall into the base versus airborne/countertop stuff that gets sucked into the bottom. Suffice to say, when the time comes, simply use a quality electrical/electronic spray cleaner (like for any other electric motor) – and you might want to perform this cleaning operation outdoors rather than in the kitchen.
Editor says:
Excellent, John Jr. Welcome, and thank you for this information.
KSgirl says:
I've had my magic bullet for years and have had no problems…
I LOVE IT!
ShirleyValentine says:
My late Father-in-Law purchased a MB for himself and I. The first problem I had was the rubber gasket getting twisted around the blade. I replaced the gasket but this continued to happen so now I don't use any. I use my MB 3-5 times a day and have done so since August 2006. The only problem without the gasket is sometimes there is leakage. My MB started acting up about 6 months ago so I started using my FIL'S that we got after he passed away last year. About a week ago the center plastic mount in the base broke into 10 pieces while blending. I dug out my old base unit and it works but stays on continuously when plugged in! So now I stand there holding the base and the plug in the wall while my Protein Shake is blending. I can tell the motor is on its last legs as it is moaning while blending…LOL So I have all the parts for TWO MB'S and NO friggen base that works properly. I am going to take the blade and cup I use all the time and go to WalMart and see if I can find a cheaper blender that the blade will fit on. I hate the thought of having to use my big blender which is such a PIA to clean–especially 4-5 times a day. I am going to go check out eBay to see if there are any cheap bases but I am even leary about buying one there.
Jane says:
I have had my MB for over 3 years and it has worked perfectly.
Unfortunately, I am glad to see I am not the only one with the same problem of the base wheel splitting and breaking!
I will try the solution that has been given and will continue to look for the "base wheel". I may have a lead and will update if it works!
Hang in there!
Luvenia says:
Brought MB also asking for gasket part to be replaced
I like my MB over one year of working.
Shannon says:
I've read through all of the comments and I have to say I'm shocked — I've used my Magic Bullet constantly for 4 years and I've never had a problem with it. I make protein smoothies every morning and it works great. I did make sure to read the directions when I first got it, and I never run the motor for more than 10 seconds because it will burn out. I know many other people who bought it on my advice and they have never had problems either.
Editor says:
Thanks, Shannon. It's good to hear from people who have not had problems with the Magic Bullet. Our second MB is still going strong after a few years.
Marion says:
I don't know a product on the market that is 100% without defect.
Misty says:
I don't know what all the fuss is about. I bought my MB about 3-4 years ago and it's still working beautifully. After that long I am looking for a replacement blade – but I would expect to replace at least 1 part in that amount of time. I love my MB!
Editor says:
Hi, Misty. The fuss is simply that many people found that their MagicBullet burned out or otherwise broke. Obviously this didn't happen to everyone — it's good to hear that that yours did not but, even so, that does not negate the fact that other people have had a different experience. And, as I've said, my second MB has lasted since I wrote the original article in October 2005.
Actually, I've had blenders that have lasted far longer than a few years (e.g., 20 years) without requiring a change of blades. Those, of course, were heavy-duty and built to last.
Thing is, I got the two-for-one price for the Magic Bullet and, after I wrote the above article, the first one burned out. I was then left with choices: (a) leave the article as-is without stating the truth (not an option), (b) delete the article after people had read it without advising as to what had happened (not a good option), or (c) amend it to state what had happened.
I chose the latter, since the article had already been published and read by many people. And, as it is now, with comments left by many MB users, the article is far better and more useful than it might have been.
Mark says:
Thanks!! I used Curtis' comment #117 to fix my Magic Bullet
Penny says:
I have had my MB for close to 3 years. It is used regularly without any issues. I do need to replace the gaskets. After reading all the complaints that are not being addressed by the company, it may be time for some of you to issue a complaint to your State's Public Service Commission. It can be done online and takes very little time. Good luck all.
bridget says:
MY MB broke after 3 years and I'll be trying out Curtis' solution this evening. Crossing my fingers that it works…I hate being with it!
Tracy says:
Thanks to the #117 comment I was able to fix my Magic Bullet. I happen to love my bullet. My kids can even use it with ease.
Thanks again
Perry says:
I had the MB for about 1.5 years. The gasket broke but it seems we did not need it. Today the gears on the chopping cup broke. I will try to switch the gears as Curtis kindly recommended.
kathy says:
I'm surprised to see all the negative comments. I've had my mb for about 5 years and both of my (adult) children have one. We use it DAILY. My kids work out alot and make protein shakes 2-3 times a day. I'm making a soup right now in my crock pot and "blended" all the fresh vegetables (that I was too lazy to cut up). It has definitely been a great asset for myself and my kids. Thanks to the person that gave the tip about going to the auto parts store for new gaskets. I'll definitely try that. Also, as cheap as the mb is, and if you have gotten several years of use out of it (like we have), for God's sake, just go buy a new one (instead of all the complaint about replacement parts)!
Kathy
Tucson, AZ
Marion says:
Thank you, Kathy. I have been properly chastised for my remarks. Goodness, I had supposed when I stumbled on this forum that it was a place for all of us to give an honest opinion without fear of being scolded. I see I was wrong. However, the fact remains, an investment in a good sturdy reputable food processor was the answer for me. The Magic Bullet failed to measure up. It also does not hold enough to make it worth my while for blending veggies, etc.
Editor says:
Hi Marion. I'm sorry that you felt chastised; actually, I think Kathy was addressing everyone who posted negative comments.
I guess that would include me, and I own this website and wrote the original article. I tend to try to write gently, though. <grin>
Your comments are very welcome here, whether good, bad or indifferent. The fact that one person's experience is different than anyone else's does not mean that all the conflicting experiences did not happen.
That said, if/when our last Magic Bullet breaks down, I'll likely look at other small food processors. Last time I looked, the pricing was comparable, more or less.
Gloria says:
I have read most of the negative comments for MB, but I would like to know if someone has tried the latest MB Platinium who can comment on this new one. The latest MB Platinium was presented in HSN.
Je-Anne says:
I received a Magic Bullet as a Christmas gift. Upon opening it, I realized that it was packaged with three French manuals/recipe books but no English version. I contacted Homeland Housewares and was told that they would not address the issue without a receipt. Obviously I didn't have a receipt, having received it as a gift. I explained the situation once again and they requested that I send a serial number and a series of 7 photos to prove the authenticity of the unit. They confirmed that it was indeed their unit and that they would send me a "replacement manual", for the price of $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. I was appalled. I do not understand how they can justify charging a client for a mistake that they made. I contacted their customer service line and was given the same run-around in a rude, dismissive and condescending manner. I was less than impressed and pitched the entire unit in the garbage. I feel the business practises of Homeland Housewares are questionable at best.
Gloria says:
If someone has tried the latest MB Platinium, please make comments. I'm considering if buying this one or not.
Editor says:
Je-Anne, that is pretty sad treatment from Homeland Housewares. I don't know if they know (or care) how they appear to customers — and potentail customers.
Gloria, I haven't tried the MB Platinum. Is it supposed to be better than the regular Magic Bullet?
Dave says:
With such a poor track record. No repair or parts department. The only Improvement may be their sales pitch on the tube.
Janice says:
I had Gastric Bypass Surgery 2/05 and bought the 2 for 1 deal on the infomercial. I use it 2 to 4 times every day and absolutely love it as I see most everyone does. sometime about the first month or so I had one gasket get chewed up but have since made sure I check it to ensure it is properly in place before using. I have had a couple of the little plastic tabs break off the cups as well. You can still use the cup just use a non-metal (for safety sake) utensil to press the safety switch down to operate the unit and it works fine. I keep my second one at work for my afternoon protein shake so it doesn't get as much use but still atleast 3 to 4 times a week and have had no problems with it either. I asked my SIL to pick me up another one at Khols when she went to the day after Thanksgiving sale like two years ago because I figured mine would be wearing out soon because of so much use. She came back with the "Rocket" instead but I have yet to open it since my "Bullet" is still going strong. It is quite sad that their customer service seems to be so uncaring. I recommend the Bullet to people all of the time and no many people in my GBS support group that use it with no problems. So if you can buy it a local store like Walmart or Target that you can also return it to if you have a problem I would still go for it, because it is awesome in my experience.
Editor says:
Thanks, Janice. That's a clever idea, to buy it from a store where you can return it. Excellent.
Marc Kalter says:
I just called the number for customer service at buythebullet.com 1-866-4HOMELAND (866-446-6352).
A sales rep sold me 4 gaskets for $7.98 including shipping. He says the gaskets have been availablle for sale for over a year. For an additional $14.97, I was able to purchase a new 4-yr warranty (from today on)for the bullet. My original purchase was in April of 2005, from the infomercial, but I have not used the bullett until recently.
I hope this info helps further posters.
Marc
Shayna Sanderson says:
Wow, I am shocked at these reviews. I don't know if I am just lucky, but I have had the same Magic Bullet for almost 3 years now and I have had NO problems. I make 2 smoothies on it EVERY SINGLE workday morning and it works great!
Editor says:
You're right, Shayna. People have had different experiences with the Magic Bullet.
Marc, that's excellent information — thanks!
Stanford says:
I have tried my Magic Bullet Express many times. Every time it has leaked to the point that whatever is in there winds up in the machine and on the counter and floor.
I know I am attaching the lid correctly and tightly. I have checked that every time after the first flood (orange juice and organic raspberries). I've even tried it with just water, shaking the heck out of the cup with the blades screwed on. It didn't leak a drop until I attached it to the base. Then, the flood.
Off to go clean up the last stick messy from the Magic Mess Maker!
John M says:
I have had the bullet now for about two years and all of a sudden the little plastic gear broke. I read other comments about finding them on ebay, but could not find any. Does anyone know where I can find one.?
Peggy M. says:
I just went online to buy yet another Magic Bullet as a gift as everyone I've purchased them for are addicted. I've had a MB for about 2 years now. Without exageration, it is used daily. I have 3 sons, 22, 21 and 19, all who use this "Magic" gadget to make protein shakes and smoothies constantly. I have used it to make egg salad, guacomole, hummus, salsa… the list goes on. Believe me when I tell you that my boys are not careful with this machine at all and it still works like a charm. I've never had to buy replacement parts or had any problem whatsoever (knock on wood). So, for those of you who were looking for a good review, here it is.
Magic Bullet I love you!
Angie B says:
Hi!
I have had my bullet for a few years, but I only recently started using it frequently (for babyfood). I have found that the bullet tends to liquify everything. My husband and I tried making milk shakes, but they'd just turn out more like melted ice cream. Also, it works OK for baby food, but it tends to require too much liquid to work efficiently (sort of defeating the purpose of the homemade baby food) and the loud noise scares my 3 year old lol. All in all, it seems like the bullet is just suited for making liquid based products. I do like the easy clean up though.
Well, I too, have had a gasket get "eaten" and I"m grateful for the auto-parts store tip, I'm gonna try that!
Editor says:
Hi Angie. If you're having trouble with foods blending to liquid, you might try blending for shorter periods — or, in particular, just tapping the Bullet's "head" rather than just turning it on and letting it run. You might have better results with that.
Can't do anything about the noise, though.
Pete - Vancouver, BC, Canada says:
I've used a Magic Bullet for over 2 yrs now, with good success.
To be honest, I think it should primarily be viewed as a blender and not a food processor. There is a technique to chopping solid foods with it that requires practice, which is likely a reason that many people tend to liquify their foods instead of chopping them up. Many people are also not reading the recipe booklet, which explains how some foods need to be handled/prepared before use. I will say that the informercials are probably a bit misleading in terms of food preparation…some of those pictures seem like the food was prepared in the normal manual fashion, then put into the cups to make it look like the bullet had done it. As a blender, it's superb, but I think they're trying to market it to a wider range of people, and although it can be used as a food processor, it's not quite as effective in that manner.
If you drink a lot of protein shakes or meal replacements, this appliance is a dream for making single-serving drinks. It will blend even the most chunky protein powder into a smooth consistency. And the cleanup is effortless.
I had a major leak the 1st or 2nd time I used it, but that was my fault. I did not screw the blade attachment on tight enough, and when the motor kicked in, it "unscrewed" it for me. :) After that, I made it a point to always be sure that the gasket/ring was inserted properly, and that I had tightly screwed the attachment on. No problems at all since.
I notice that my bullet is quite a bit louder than the ones on TV, so be aware of that. My only real complaint is that the small "comfort rings" you can put on the cups to drink from them, and the various black tops (storage, shaker, steamer) can be difficult to remove after use, if you've put them on tightly. They are all smooth with no ridges or lips to hold onto, so that can be a point of frustration. If they ever make a "Magic Bullet 2″, that is something I think they should address.
I hope this helps some people who are scared by the horror stories that you often read on the Web about any product. Unless you happen to get a defective unit, if you follow the instructions you'll probably be satisfied with the Magic Bullet. And if you use it exclusively for drinks/liquids, you will fall in love with it.
- Pete
Stanford says:
After my previous post, I gave the thing one more shot, and the problem is that the blades are unscrewing, even though they are on right and tight with the gasket properly seated. (I used to be a kitchen product tester, so I'm very good with reading manuals and figuring such things out.)
I'm sure I have a defective one, but when I returned the unit to Bed, Bath & Beyond, they told me that other customers return them all the time with a host of problems. And, indeed, when I was walking out of the store, I saw someone else coming in with her box.
So, I'm thinking there are some really bad batches and zero quality control.
I should also note that I did contact the makers of the Magic Bullet on July 31, and as of today, Aug. 17, have not received a reply. Thus, I'm gravely concerned about the company that makes it standing behind their own products.
Now, I'm going to try the Hamilton Beach Dual Wave Blender. It's kind of like two Magic Bullet units put together, but it also has a pitcher as well as the cups for even larger batches. Also, fyi, Hamilton Beach makes something like the Magic Bullet for $20 that is intended just for drinks and is button-activated and comes with travel lids for smoothies on the go. (I find the last part exciting as I know how hard it is to get the slung raspberries out of my dress shirts.)
My best advice is if you want to risk getting a bad unit, purchase it at a place with a great return policy. That way, if you do get a bad one, you can return it without problems and without waiting to hear from the non-existent customer service.
Editor says:
Thanks for the update, Stanford. The Hamilton Beach Dual Wave Blender sounds interesting. Will check it out when the time comes. Thanks again.
heron says:
-If you're having troubles mixing smoothies-
When making smoothies don't use the smoothie mugs to blend. Since the bottom of the cup is flat the centrifugal force of the blender's blades is hampered and things can get stuck at the top when blending.
I found using the regular large container works best. Since the bottom of the cup is still curved the smoothie will mix better. You still might have to shake it if you're adding a protein powder but you will see that you'll get a better flow of the mixture inside when it's blending.
Then just transfer into the smoothie mug after.
Karen says:
Same problem! Plastic gear started shredding on the very first use! I am returning it to the store I purchased it from tomorrow!
Kathy says:
I just happened upon this website looking for gaskets. I am not going to run around to find replacements. I do have a working base and all the other items that came with the MB. If anyone would like to have them I will send them to you for the price of shipping, no additional cost. I was just going to throw them away.
Rusty says:
I LOVE this thing! (when it works!!!). I think I have had 4 or 5 of them, the longest one lasting about 4 months. I used it literally everyday (mostly for protein shakes and smoothies), but my wife used it for sauces and such.
Reliability is certainly the biggest factor. I'd love to see the outtakes of the infomercial where they try to use one and it's broken.
So, I guess I'll just continue to return these every few days/weeks/months because I like it too much to NOT use it. For shame!
Tammy says:
I purchased my Magic Bullet in March and use it at least once a day. It's been great, other than blowing through all 4 gaskets already. I called Homeland Housewares at 1-866-446-6352 and ordered 4 more for less than $8 inc shipping.
Couple things in response to the comments I've read:
1. I do wash my blade in the dishwasher. I've noticed hand washing makes the gaskets last a bit longer.
2. You really do have to follow the directions in the recipe book. If you just wing it nothing seems to come out right. There seems to be a right and a wrong way to add ingredients, as well as how you actually use the machine (lock, pulse, etc.) Once I started following the instructions it worked great (go figure;)
3. I noticed a lot of people said they can't figure out how to get a refund. When you call the number there's an option for getting a "return authorization".
Hope this helps someone.
Editor says:
Thanks, Tammy; that's good information. It sounds like Homeland Housewares has started providing replacement parts and return authorizations. That's a good move on their part.
Dominique says:
I also had one of my gaskets break, so I found this website and read Comment #54 and thought I would give the auto parts store a try.
The store had several gaskets to choose from, but none of them appeared to be a perfect fit. The sales person, showed me a product that is a "gasketmaker." It's a silicone rubber product (in a tube) that is a liquid, and when it dries, it essentially makes a gasket right in the part.
Since he worried about the toxicity level of the product designed for cars, he recommended I buy 100% Silicone Rubber used to seal aquariums, which has the ability to do the same thing. The thinking…if it's safe for fish it is probably safe enough to use in this case too.
I went straight to my local, big name brand pet store and asked for "a tube of silicone rubber, the type used in aquariums." I paid $5.98 for a 3 oz (90ml) tube that says on it "100% clear silicone rubber," and "Aquarium Sealant."
I followed the instructions to the letter, so I really did not move the part for 24 hours. I also took my time doing this. I made sure I had rubbing alcohol to clean up my hands and cotton swabs nearby to help clean up the base. The gasket formed right in the base, and this morning I enjoyed a wonderful smoothie with no spillage and no problems. Even better, if this self-made gasket breaks, I now have an entire tube of the aquarium sealant to keep making more.
I hope this helps out at least a few people.
dee says:
I was planning to buy the magic bullet at Sam\'s club this weekend.
I have decided that I will not be making that purchase.
After reading all these dissatisfied reviews, no thanks.
I think I will buy the waring juicer and hopefully be satisfied.
Thanks for this website.
Vicki Leroque says:
I have had my Magic Bullet over two years. I make a smoothie every single morning with frozen strawberries and ice cubes and I have never had a problem. Really surprised by all the negative comments here. I recently broke one of the little plastic notches on my main container but it still works. I think this notch is stuck in the spot on the base so that may be why it is working. I am still happy with my MB.
Editor says:
Hi Vicki. Just to clarify, I'm not sure that the negative comments are due to people not liking the Magic Bullet, but rather because they're upset that theirs broke down.
Dave says:
Hi Vicki: Yes they break down and cannot be repaired as there is no service dept, or parts.
Janine says:
I have had the Magic Bullet for over a year and we really like it. The base/motor itself has worked great. All of my gaskets have broke but I continue to use it. My problem is with the cups. I have had the tall and short cups along with 3 of 4 party cups crack on me. I continue to use it with just the one cups making mostly alfredo and shakes. Now I just have to talk myself into buying new cups.
Marsha says:
To Kathy @7:12 pm on 9-7-08 (#173)
I have not seen any response taking you up on your offer to ship the parts of your MB that you were going to pitch.
I would like to do so.
Have been too busy with politics to surf for spare parts before now.
First, read Comment #177 by Dominique 9/29/2008 @ 8:32 am. After that, if you still want to share your bounty, post in here and I will check in every couple of days. We will have to figure out how to share contact info without posting it.
Thank you for the chance to fix mine with your spare parts, or fix yours with my extra gaskets.
Editor says:
Also, you can check the "Notify me of future comments via email" just above the Submit button. We (DesignerJones) don't do anything with email addresses beyond letting the website software email commenters in the event of further comments, or very rarely if we need to contact someone about a comment. That is, we're not spammers and don't sell email addresses to anyone for any reason.
Stanford says:
I just wanted to update everyone on my Hamilton Beach Dual Wave blender.
I LOVE it. It has so much more power, holds more, and actually works. I've had no leakage at all, not a single drop. It blends smoothly and perfectly. Also, since the nicely designed travel lid comes with it, I can take my smoothies on the road without transferring them to another cup. It also a has a pulse feature and two speeds.
It does take a tad bit more space, as it's about 1.5 times the size of the Magic Bullet. Of course, there are two cups and a pitcher. The pitcher is fantastic for larger drinks and works just as well as the single cups for drinks. All of the parts except for the base fit inside the pitcher, so it's self-contained. I'm no longer chasing down rings. Also, the color doesn't fade in the dishwasher unlike those rings.
I strongly suggest seeking out the Dual Wave and buying that instead. Hamilton Beach makes a single cup blender (not sure what it's called) for about $20 or $30. So, the smaller might be a good option as well, but I haven't tested it.
Editor says:
That's a good tip, Stanford. Much appreciated.
Karen Roth says:
The round "fan" type piece on my base unit broke apart a few months ago. I decided to try to find a part online tonight before throwing the thing away. Glad I found this website, and the instructions in #117 and #120. I was able to fix my MB, sacrificing the flat blade that I never used anyway. Thanks 117 and 120!
Norma Weiler says:
Add me to the dissatisfied Magic Bullet users. The small plastic gear that rotates the blade system broke. I have had two blenders with more durable systems. To have something this weak on the Bullet is unbelievable. I am in the process of buying a CHEAPER, comparable model from Pennys.
I called their customer service and was told she would hang up if I kept complaining.
Yet they say they want highest customer satisfaction. What a laugh.
Susan says:
Danita
I'm looking for the large blender the small plastic notch on the bottom that hooks in to blend broke off mine They new sets do not come with this piece and I found this site looking for a place where i could buy one WOuld you be interested in selling yours.
My MB has worked great for a little over a year, just the problem with the larger blender that small little plastic notch broke off bottom and I couldn't use it so I have to do everything with 16 oz cup
Johna says:
You people must beat on your cause I have had mine for 3 years and use it at the min 3 times a day ,,,,never 1 issue
Marion says:
Gosh, Johna, you must be right! That has to be the answer!
Editor says:
<grin>
Dale says:
I bought the Magic Bullet a couple years ago and it is in my 5th wheel for when we camp as it has little clean up and I loved that about it.
I have only used a total of maybe 25 times and the plastic piece in the base broke. It won't work at all now so unless I can find a replacement piece I have to buy another one.
After reading this website I WILL NOT buy another one and probably won't buy the replacement either and go back to my Cusinar.
You get what you pay for and although I liked the concept, its a piece of junk.
monts says:
Same problem here.
The plastic gear on the base wears out. Rather than providing a cheap replacement part, the company wants to sell a new unit and have us dispose of a working base. $20 for a new base is a fair price, but it is the principle of the deal and the waste of it all.
The up-side is that the container and blade unit friction fits perfectly on our Vitamix base. For those of you with a Vitamix, try it and let me know what you think.
Now we have the convenience of the small single use Magic Bullet container and the benefit of the powerful and variable Vitamix base.
monica parkin says:
I have had my magic bullet for 6 months and I use it several times a day. The key thing is never to run it for more than about 20 seconds at a time as that is what will wear out the motor nad what they are really clear on in the instructions. I will put all my ingredients in, run it then give it a break while I put stuff back in the fridge, then run it again. I only use it for short bursts and give it a moment to cool in between.
the little bits on one of the plastic cups broke early on but I can still make that cup work if I wiggle it just right. Its way better than any blender I have ever had.
I will definatly buy another one when this one dies.
monts says:
It is a decent little blender, but the point is that the cheap 20 cent plastic gears do wear out. If you could get replacement gears, even for a dollar or two, that would be fair. Having to buy a whole new unit, that\'s wastful and bad business. I won\'t support that anymore.
As far as using the Magic Bullet cups with my Vitamix motor, my excitement was premature. It will not work as the blades will spin backwards and loosen itself.
John says:
I got one for Christmas. And went out and bought some fresh fruit to make a smoothie. When I finally got everything ready, I found out that the battery had to be charged. Disappointed, I plugged in the charger and left for three hours. When I got home and started it, it gave a sick little half turn and died. I was going out of town and plugged in the charger again. After I returned 2 days later I plugged it in and it barely chopped my blueberry banana smoothie. The next day I tried again and locked it on there. The battery died after about a minute. What a piece of junk.
Laurie-Ann says:
I bought my Magic Bullet at one of those mall stores called As Seen on TV, in the east end of Toronto (I live in Ottawa, a five hour drive away). I only got to use the MB SIX times – all on protein smoothies that include nothing more than yogurt, powder, milk and 6 blackberries. This morning the silicone ring (gasket) in the blade base came undone and a piece of it ended up in the unfinished smoothie! I only ran the MB for 10 seconds…
I also didn't receive the cross blade in the box at all. My husband is going out to get a replacement gasket – at a hardware store or car part store.
Ryan says:
I have read a lot of complaints and thought I should put my experience on this site for other readers. My wife and I have a great blender and we got the Magic Bullet as a gift over a year ago. We have used it mostly for smoothies and for the past 6 months blending food for our baby. For it's ease of use this has gotten a 10 out of 10 from us. Simple clean up and we even bring it with when visiting family away from home. The one issue we have noticed is that we have been lifting the container up from the base before the motor has stopped spinning and we are seeing some wear on the rubber below the blade. It still works great but I figured I should order a replacement ahead of time in case it does break down. After reading comments about people not being able to get replacements I was a little concerned. I called the Magic Bullet support number this morning and a new blade is coming for $9 shipping included. Customer service was great and hopefully I see the new blade in the next couple weeks.
Robert Wolhar says:
#117 Brilliant. I have Magic Bullet Model MB 1001.
It stopped working when the plastic base gear and the
rubber gear on the blade unit wore out, resulting in the base unit gear spinning but not making contact with the blade unit. Thus the blade would not spin.
I took removed the 4 rubber leg plugs from the bottom of the base unit by simply pulling them out with my finger. Inside each of the 4 leg plug holes is a Phillips screw. Remove all 4 screws with a small Phillips screwdriver. The plastic bottom of the base unit can then be removed by pulling with your fingers or you may need to insert a flat screwdriver to gently pry it open. When the base bottom is removed, there is a flat screw in the center. Use a flat screwdriver to remove this screw by holding the plastic gear base at the opposite end of the unit with a pair of pliers. Turn the screw counterclockwise until the plastic gear base comes off.
My Magic Bullet Unit came with two blade units, one with a single blade and one with double blades. Take the single blade unit and use two pairs of pliers, one pair gripped on the blade itself and the other pair on the rubber gear. Turn one pair of pliers counterclockwise until the rubber gear screws off.
Place the rubber gear from the blade unit onto the base unit screw (screwing counterclockwise) where you removed the plastic gear. Reassemble the plastic bottom base cover, the 4 Phillips screws and rubber leg plugs and enjoy using your Magic Bullet again.
#117 was brilliant because I did not think that the blade on the base unit could be unscrewed from the rubber gear and also because I did not think that the rubber gear was interchangeable with the broken plastic gear.
denise dirk says:
Wow! just got off the telephone with customer service rep from magicbullet.com and am exhausted and totally frustrated. The guy actually talked over me for a good minute when I tried to explain my problem. Terrible and shame on you for hiring such a jerrrrkkkkk! to deal with customer complaints…must have had a very bad day!
Anyway, just a bit of advice for those of you trying to get replacement parts and/or replacement units. I have had this unit for about 4 months and it worked great until the thing just wouldn't go one morning. I took it to my Dad who by the way fixes electronics for a living to fix and he found that one of the switches had malfunctioned. As the switch is a sealed unit, he suggested that I contact the company website to get a new switch (estimated about 2.00 for the part). This jerk tells me – after I was honest about having the thing serviced – that I had voided the warranty and that it would now cost me 19.99 US plus shipping to have a new base unit shipped out to me. When I told him that I was being penalized for being honest, he said there was nothing he could do and commenced to become very rude and obnoxious. So folks out there. If you have problems…don't try to fix it yourself…even if it is an easy thing….or as they obviously prefer….if you have tried your hand at fixing it yourself….lie about it so that you will get a new base unit for the cost of shipping only. Crazy Crazy Crazy.
Well, that is my two cents worth….I am taking the unit back to where I purchased it tomorrow and buying something else!…not because the unit is not fab…which it is when it works…but because they hire such incredible jerrrkkkkssss to man their customer service lines. Pay more per hour and hire a human! sheessshhhhhh
Diane Vigil says:
Wow, Denise. I thought, perhaps, that once they'd started offering replacement parts, they'd sort of turned a new leaf.
Jayson says:
The plastic gear on the base unit broke on mine just before the warranty expired. As I notice everyone seems to be having problems with either the motor or the plastic gear. I like the product, just wish they would make it alot more reliable. I took mine back to where I bought it and demanded to have it replaced which they did.
Lynette says:
Wow, glad I didn't read all these before I got my MB. I would never have had one either. My mother bought 3 of them, one for her and one each for my sister and I. My mother's base went within 6 months, she called the company and paid for a new base — no idea how much — (to be fair, she probably burned it out, she's not one for reading directions), my sister's worked great until she lent it to someone who never returned it. Mine? It's been at least 2 years and I love it so much I take it to the cottage for the summer and bring it home again each fall. Use it all the time. Never a problem until this week, when the gear broke. Won't pay nearly $40. with shipping for the aluminum one on eBay, but gee, wish I'd thought of that ….. Will order the flat blade replacement and follow the directions to get the gear out. Thanks to whoever came up with that solution. Really surprised at the negative reviews, but as they say in customer service training "one happy customer may tell another one or two, but one unhappy customer will tell everyone they know."
Diane Vigil says:
I know what you mean, Lynette. We bought at the two-for-one price; after the first burned out, the second one has lasted 3 1/2 years.
ambrosia says:
hi, i have a magic bullet that has been working for years. but like anything it has finally broke. not the motor but the base that has the blades and scrues into the plastic blender. i would like to know if there is any place where i can buy that part.
on another subject i went to my grandmas house and she said that her magic bullet had stoped working and asked if i wanted that part. i said that i would take a look at it. it was an easy fix really. i hope that this might be the problem with some of yours and will make yours work.
if you look inside the motor part of the bullet, you will see 3 long white plastic things. theese turn on the motor. as she was using her machine some of her smoothie got into one of them. so the next time she tried to use it the smoothie had acted like glue and glued one of the white things so it could not go up and down. i simply took and butter knife and worked it into the top of the white plastic part, pushing it down until it could move freely up and down. after that it worked great. it takes all three of the white things to go down for the motor to turn on. so check to see if maybe yours is just stuck by putting a knife or a flat head screw driver on the top of each 3 white things and pushing down. if one is stuck then that is your problem.
i hope this helps some of you with your bullets because they are great little gadges.
Rock Searle says:
#117 and #200 described my situation and solution! Many thanks for the help and this website. We have one of the original HD (Hundred Dollar) units (just 1). Is there any future out there for a MB 1001 repairman??!! My wife thinks …again… that I can do anything! Life is good.
MT CHOW says:
My daughter bought me the Magic Bullet as a gift..oh about 2 years ago. I really got into using it and have loved it…then one morning last week I was making my morning Slim Fast Shake with ice and bam! The little gear on under side of the chopping blade housing broke in half! I am lost now with out the proper blade, because I use this one much more than the whipping blade. The bullet is now completely useless to me and I have that whole lovely set with the juicer and blender, not to mention all the mugs and tops…and they all need the chopper blade. What are we supposed to do when this happens? Since reading the reviews and NOT wanting to spend the unheard of prices to replace the one blade, it looks like it will get stuck either on a shelf or put out in the trash…such a shame that more thought and consideration to include a replacement part like they did the rubber rings on something that apparently needs replacing much more than the rings…haven't had to replace them once!!! I sure hope people don't waste their money on this product unless the manufacturer gives us a break with including that part for when it breaks! I will miss the Magic Bullet!!!
Barb says:
Hi, does anyone have eperience using their juicer unit? I am considering buying the unit that includes this but I am not sure if it is worth the additional money. Please let me know. Thanks.
Suresh says:
I had decided yesterday to buy MB and then happened to see these comments. If people in US are left without spare parts I know in India it will be more difficult to get. I have changed my mind and will stick to my old mixer. Thanks all of you.
Steve Finch says:
Adressing the issue for #209, Replacement parts are available on ebay at a reasonable price now. You can purchase one of the choppers and use the procedure recommended by #117 &amp; #120 to repair your unit and you are good to go. Thanks for that tip, you two.
On a related issue, my base unit stopped working some time ago. I found little pieces of clear plastic on my counter next to it and thought nothing about it. I tore apart the base unit and found that the motor is turned on by two of the three slots at the top of the motor unit being activated by the tabs on the tops of the cups. What a dunce I felt like because the littel clear plastic pieces were the tabs from one of my cups. The unit worked perfectly with the other cups. Guess I once again paid my tuition in the course of life with time and effort. The cup still has one tab on it, so I use that tab and the end of a narrow handle of an eating utensil to push down the other slot, and even this cup works well. Hope that helps some other person from either throwing away a good unit, or spending hours learning how this little gadget works.
What a wonderful website I found here.
Jason says:
I bought my Magic Bullet December of last year. I havent had any major problems with it yet (but I dont use it that often). I know the rubber gasket doesnt hold all the liquid in. I bought it from Wal-Mart so it didnt come with the Juicer, or Blender. I was looking for just those parts, until I came across this website. Thanks Editor. I will keep yall up to date when I have problems.
Jason
Jillian says:
I read the comment from Curtis (#117) about how to utilize a blade gear as a replacement for the base gear. I think is a brilliant idea… except that I can\'t seem to detach the gear from the blade. I\'ve tried holding the blades with a towel and using pliers to rotate the gear (which is difficult in itself because the gear is rubber). I\'m starting to get the impression that the gear and the blade are attached to a solid rod and I\'m wondering if maybe the blade that came with my MB has been updated since Curtis\'s post? Or maybe I\'m just not doing it right? I\'ve had my MB for about three years but I use it pretty infrequently. I just started to make a smoothie today and the plastic gear snapped in half. I just want to make a smoothie!
Curtis W Williams says:
In response to 214. Jillian are you turning the gear clockwise? It should come off, unless (as you stated) they have changed the shaft.
Dada says:
Hi
Having procrastinated for years over getting one of these , I seen some at a clearance type store for 3- dollars , I was going to get at least 1 this weekend until I stumbled upon this website and was appalled by the majority of dis satisfied and mistreated customers
So i did research for an alternative in this price range At Walmart I found the miracle blender for 30 dollars as well , which includes walmarts great warranty of satisfaction IMO Any experiences with this product to be shared will be appreciated Thank you so much for such an in depth site to review a product
Cheers
Nancy says:
We have used and abused our magic bullet for around 2 years. We sometimes used it multiple times in a day and was loving it. The cross blade starting leaking at the bottom. I got another cross blade from ebay. It worked great, then the gear started shreding the rubber on the bottom of the cross blade. I couldn\'t get it to sit right so it would\'nt do this. I started using my old leaky cross blade and it started shedding that one. Why would it do this now and not the first two years I had it? What am I doing wrong? Do I dare buy another cross blade? I miss my magic bullet. My old smoothie blender just isn\'t the same.
virginia franklin says:
hey there will try you idea. it makes me mad to bye something and it breaks, and then you can not get parts. thanks for you information virginia
virginia franklin says:
hey there,it makes me mad to buy some thing and then cannot use it. thanks for your information virginia
al says:
people people people .. save your money and just buy a name brand blender . or better yet get one from a garage sale for 3 bucks and you\'ll be way ahead of the game .. this magic bullet is a piece of junk .. it doesn\'t do what they advertise it to and they won\'t stand behind it when it breaks .. its cheap chinese junk .. i know the infomercial looks good but it don\'t work as good as it shows .. and thats when it actually works .. which isn\'t for all that long .. i made potato pancakes with it and the plastic gear broke into 4 pieces.. and they won\'t sell or send you a 25 cent plastic gear .. they claim you as a consumer aren\'t smart enough to slip it on the knurled shaft .. my 3 year old grandaughter could do it .. they want to sell you a whole new base for 19.99 .. plus shipping .. put it back and back away from the thing .. there\'s only heartache and misery in that box ..
Precious says:
My mother bought me one about 2 years ago, but I just left it in the box because I didn't cook much. Recently I married and started cooking for my husband and broke it out excited that I finally had something to use it on. I used it to chop an onion and within 10 seconds it got hot and started smoking. I thought I did something wrong so I re-read the instructions and I was right. I choppped the onion by hand and left it too cool off. A few days later I decided to try again – this time grinding coffee beans. This time it got hot, started smoking and stopped. And it's never come back on since. I was going to replace the base, but after reading this – why waste the money. I will be buying a food processor.
Bob Tollefson says:
I first posted to this site on April 30, 2007 after having to replace my first MB because of the broken gear. With all the horror stories I've been reading lately, I would just like to say that after a bit more than 2 years, mine is still going strong. I don't use it every day, but easily use it 3 to 4 times a week.
Since the problem with my first one was with the gear breaking apart, and no one had yet come up with a fix to that problem, it could be I would still be using the first machine. The motor worked fine, but without the gear I threw it away.
So with all the bad reviews I've been reading I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Apparently there are a lot of lemons out there. But I wanted to share my positive story. I hope I'm not pressing my luck by writing the post! :-)
Diane Vigil says:
Not at all, Bob. I wrote the article in 2005, after which our first Magic Bullet blender broke. The second one (we got the two-for-one deal) is still going strong in 2009.
al says:
well bob i saw others who had problems with the motor too.. this is just a poorly designed machine with a slick ad campaign and absolutely no customer service unless you consider buying another machine customer service .. i mean if you already paid for one why should you have to pay for another one ?? and then throw in the fact that for the most part it really doesn't do all the things it touts itself to do .. why would they give you that 25 cent plastic gear if they can sell you the whole base all over again.. which is what they do .. they have no interest in good relations between customer and manufactuer .. if they can scam you twice instead of once they like it even better.. and by a show of hands how many will actually admit they liked getting scammed twice by the same people ?? bet i won't get any yay's on that .. these people are theives under the guise of customer service ..
Syna says:
Our first MB was given to us about 3 Christmases ago. We were so happy with the results and how easy it is to use and to clean that we ordered a second MB because both my husband and I use them to prepare dinner at the same time. This eliminated having to wait for the bullet to be freed up.
I use it to make smoothies, sauces, soups, hummus, salsa, pancake batter, muffins, etc. My husband uses it to make nut butters out of peanuts, brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, filberts, pecans, you name it, he grinds it. Our 2 MBs are used everyday. We even pack one of the MBs when we travel. The only problem is of course the gaskets that wear down which is expected. I love Maria's suggestion of going to the auto store which I will do.
I think the reason why our MBs are lasting so long without problems and with constant hard use is that we do not run the motor for more than 10-15 seconds at a time. And if it starts making hard noises, we immediately turn it off because that usually means that the gasket is not seated correctly and it is being chewed up by the blades or the blade unit has come loose and needs to be tightened.
From the comments above, I hope that I will never need to contact customer service. But we will sure miss our little MB buddies when they go.
al says:
yeah but from the comments above it's pretty likely you will need customer service .. and they'll sell you another magic bullet ..so why even get yourself all worked up .. just go out and buy another magic bullet when it breaks if you like it so much.. cause thats what their customer service is all about .. sellin you more magic bullets .. not helpin you fix the one you have .. its cheap chinese throwaway junk .. and thats the way they designed it .. and their customer service is even worse .. get a waring blender if you want reliability .. and if you can find one at a garage or yard sale it might even be old enough to be made in the usa .. and will probably last longer than a dozen magic bullets .. and if you bargain right you'll probably get it for 3 bucks .. cause the person thats sellin just got a magic bullet .. if you leave your name and address you can even sell them their waring blender back in a couple of months for 18 bucks ..
Dave says:
GOOD One AL.
Diane Vigil says:
LOL! You even have me laughing.
al says:
thanks dave and diane , i'm glad i can give someone a chuckle , as i look back i try not to be so bitter but these people that make this are truly brain dead .. why not make a really good machine and get a good reputation ?? as opposed to commin off like greasy used car salesmen .. and the really funny thing is . you're gonna laugh .. for fathers day i got another mini blender .. not a magic bullet ..about the same size but none of the parts fit each other .. but while i haven't used it yet the first thing i looked at was the gear motor and its made of the same hard plastic as the bottom of the blades.. so this one might not break as easy .. time will tell .. but this one was less than half what the magic bullet cost.. way less ..
Diane Vigil says:
Oho, Al. And the brand name of the new blender was …?
al says:
hi diane , its called a turbo chopper express.. i think it was one of them qvc specials .. i'm not sure of the price . i was only told it was way less than half of what the unmagical bullet cost .. looks about the same and who knows maybe down the line this one might break too .. but it does look a bit sturdier as far as that drive gear goes .. time will tell .. i'll check in about it as i use it and if it fails i'll say so .. but it looks like a good alternative for the retarded bullet .. i don't see how it can possibly be any worse ..
Diane Vigil says:
Ah, thanks, Al. I just got a look at one at QVC — you're right; it looks pretty much the same.
One of the benefits of the Magic Bullet is that it's small and easy to clean … unlike the German-made food process I had a decade ago — you had to have muscles of steel to get the container off the base.
Well, at least you're all set up with a blender ready to go. :)
al says:
yeah i agree with you diane , one of the benefits of that retarded bullet is that its small .. but if it breaks after only a few uses ?? not much benefit there .. and no customer service other than to sell you another one ?? great infomercials tho .. they do look really good on tv .. and we'll see how long this one lasts .. funny thing is i don't use these things that much .. haven't used this one yet .. i might this week tho .. just to see .. it's gonna be potato pancake time .. thats all these things really do well .. really expensive potato pancake makers ..
Diane Vigil says:
Well, glad you'll have a use for it. And thanks for the classic comment (#225 above). :)
Jerrold Buck says:
I have been getting these comments for several years now. We have had our Magic Bullet for almost 5 years and we use it 4 times at least each day and while everything is showing the expected wear and tear of daily use, all parts continue to work perfectly. My wife has a tendency to run the unit for extended periods and the motor has shown no signs of failing.I do appreciate the resource suggestions in case we finally have a MB death.
al says:
probably been gettin these comments for several years cause its a shock that your bullet is still workin jerrold.. you're one of the lucky ones ..
Jason says:
Well I found a really good use for my magic bullet. Its a great paperweight, and if you really want to get creative, it makes a good door stopper as well lol.
Richard says:
I love it- on my second one- unfortunately it too has broken- the plastic part in the base. It is designed for you to loveit, then realize you will go through 1-2 a year- so the real price is $100 a YEAR. That is one- albeit great- very expensive blender!
al says:
wow good idea jason .. after mine broke and it was still sittin on the counter i was usin it to tenderize meat.. but a doorstop or a paperweight is an even better idea .. this way if someone comes over and they ask me what is that ?? i can tell em it\'s the most expensive paperweight in the world .. who knows maybe we can start some kinda trend .. you just ain\'t cool unless you have a magic bullet for a paperweight or a doorstop .. cause they definitely don\'t blend for much more than 15 minutes ..
Star says:
I got one from eBay. It broke after 2 day-use. I tried to contact Homeland company for warantee but they couldn't register my product since it has no 16 digit bar code. I suspected that I got a counterfeit one from eBay. I don't know how the authentic one would work.
al says:
gee thats funny star thats what they told me too .. but i didn't get mine from ebay .. it was a gift .. but it had no barcode either so of course no warranty .. i think my mom got it at walmart or winn dixie .. can't remember which .. i'm sure they don't put barcodes on em and then when they break thats their company line .. no barcode no warranty .. but i suspect if you had a barcode they'd find a way to say that particular number was out of warranty .. face it they don't warranty these pieces of shit .. they know they're gonna break .. just lookin at em and not bein an engineer you can see that .. they're designed to break so you'll buy another one .. just get a blender ..
Stephen Mitchell says:
Dave,
There is no Underwriters Lab sticker on this unit. In my opinion it is dangerous and needs to be taken off the market. If enough people complain to the CPSC, maybe they will do their job. I blended strawberries and ice chips in the bullet and the carbonized remains of the motor ended up in the base top and all over the counter in my kitchen. The smoke plume emanating from the motor smelled like burning plastic and metal.
al says:
what happened to dave's review ?? this is what he wrote .. i copy and pasted it ..
Author : dave
Comment:
This is the cheapest piece of garbage I have ever seen. The two for one sale cost my wife $150 after the outrageous shipping and handling charges. I wish she would have spent the money on an Osterizer or high quality food processor. This Edsel will make smoothies and turn onions into liquid sludge.
Is this piece of junk "UL" rated? Blades have no "pitch" to them, they simply spin and the product inside does not blend. Motor caught on fire and died. All of you planning on spending an outrageous sum of money for this cheap piece of non quality control trash, don't do it. Go to K-mart or Wal-Mart and you can buy a name brand blender for $19.95. They are "UL" certified and will not go up in flames, break gears,
and while mine didn't go up in flames who knows maybe dave is right ?? the motor did break the gear and the machine started to smell so had i left it in the locked position ( which i never did ) maybe it could catch on fire .. i never saw a ul sticker on it either .. i'll have to check for it if i can find it ..
Diane Vigil says:
Sorry. Dave submitted a comment and subscribed to the email notifications — but the notification email bounced, so we deleted his comment and unsubscribed him.
al says:
thanks for clearin that up diane .. i thought for a second you deleted it cause his review was bad .. i do understand about bein able to verify who you are .. i know i always tell the truth when i post anything anywhere .. but a lot of other people don't .. the internet is the wild wild west and anyone can say anything about anybody and there is no verification .. you should at least be able to verify their email addy .. i have no disagreement with you there at all diane .. al..
Diane Vigil says:
You're welcome. Thing is, it's kind of weird when someone shows up and posts and their email immediately bounces. Especially when their IP address is identical to someone else's who preceeded them. Gotta make you wonder. :)
The other thing is that, when someone signs up to receive notifications of future comments by email, those go out automatically each time someone posts a comment. If the emails bounce and we don't do anything about it, and that continues to happen, then the person's ISP (the email provider) may block further emails from our site — meaning we can't send emails to any of their customers. If it's a large ISP, the blocked email addresses get stored in a database that is then shared with other major ISPs, and things go downhill from there. So we take care that our subscriptions are current; one bounce = one unsubscription. All for free and no questions asked!
Yes, likely more than you asked and more than you wanted to know. It's just that in my "real" life, I'm a full-service web designer.
Jason says:
So Al, when are we going to make this trend? The Magic Doorstopping Bullet? lol
al says:
well jason its the middle of the long hot summer down here in florida so the a/c is on all the time but as soon as it cools off a bit i'll get that retarded bullet out as a doorstop .. should make a great conversation piece..
adam says:
Thanks to comment #117 i was able to fix the magic bullet and replace the cheap plastic gear. some enhancements if your doing this. The flathead/screwdriver fastener may strip when tourqing out the brass head. You must take the base off by the 4 screws hidden underneth the rubber legs, use a needlenose to remove. cut one of the three plastic spokes the center out the screwhead, pry back for the jaws of your visegrips. use two visegrips to loosen the brass head.. screw the replacement part from one of your attachment bases gently/ dont torque down. by tourging down it puts drag on the motor and burns it up. It almost burned on me; it had to back it off. Made a gallon of smoothie and it works fine!
al says:
yeah .. till that cheap plastic gear breaks again. and where did you get the plastic gear from anyway adam .. they wouldn't send me one or sell me one .. told me you had to buy a whole new base .. and all it is is a knurled shaft that you put the gear on which is knurled .. why go through all that takin apart ?? it should just slide on .. my 4 year old grandaughter could do it .. but they said noooo .. you have to buy a whole new base ..i guess they're not sellin enough of em on tv now so they need to sell you another one to replace the new one you just got .. which of course if its anything like the other one they sold you ( and why shouldn't it be ) will also break in 15 minutes which will leave you right back where you started from .. needin a new cheap chinese brittle plastic gear .. and then if they were to even give you one the whole process starts all over again when that cheap chinese plastic gear breaks .. anybody see a pattern developin here ?? eeeeeeeeee.. don't waste your time jerry riggin this piece of shit back together .. get a blender at a garage sale for 3 bucks and it will do anything this piece of junk can do only better and still be workin in 10 years ..i only hope whoever reads this is smart enough to take my advise .. i'm just tryin warn you before all the weepin and wailin and knashin of teeth .. cause you'll be upset if you get one ..
Sheila Ahart says:
Hi all, I have had my MB for over 3 yrs and use it almost every day. I have no complaints except sometimes I don't screw the blade on tight and I get smoothie all over the place. Yesterday I broke the cross blade base probably cause I let it run too long and ended up with little rubber pieces all over. Has anyone bought a blade unit lately? How much are they? Thanks, Sheila
al says:
do you mean that little plastic gear inside the motor shelia ?? wow yours lasted 3 years ?? amazing .. so you want a new blade ?? nope .. you gotta buy a whole new unit .. welcome to the club of broken magic bullets .. it makes a good doorstop or paperweight tho .. you wanna save some money ?? go to a yard sale and buy a blender for 3 bucks .. maybe you'll get lucky and see a house with a brand new box for a magic bullet in the trash so they're bound to have a blender for sale .. buy the blender and then go back there in a month and sell them the blender back for 10 bucks .. after the bullet breaks they'll be glad to have their blender back again .. if you do that about a half a dozen times you can buy another magic bullet .. or just keep the blender cause that will probably work for the next 20 years .. nothin magic about these magic bullets except the sales pitch ..
Brian says:
I am a new owner of this wonderful exaggerated hand wisk! Really, I have not had and big problems with the motor running but it is hard to get it to start running sometimes. The real issues is that it does very little! Try their salsa description and I end up with a whole bunch of stuff that is not mixed. They say if the the tomato is too big, slice it in half. Hey slice in in 64ths and it still doesn't mix. Try the tapping technique…try it untill you break the container, It still doesn't work. Crush ice…forget it! You can make better Rita's with a spoon.
Now I will give it one thing…it does pretty well with chocolate milk. Use a powder though and you spend half your time shaking the container by hand to mix the powder.
Overall…I will use it until it breaks to make my chocolate milk.
al says:
and another person who has discoverd there ain't nothin magic about these bullets .. welcome to the club brian .. pretty soon you can make your bullet a doorstop or a paperweight too ..
decamann says:
al, thanks for all the humor.
i used to be a big magic bullet fan. i probably did a better job selling the things then the commercial. no longer however. the first one we had lasted three years. in the past year we\'ve bought two more. our problem is bottom plastic of the blades getting sheared off. something has obviously changed from these two bullets compared with our first one (which all the cup plastic thingy\'s eventually broke off).
i wonder if they are using a different (crappier) plastic compound for the bottom of the gear on the blades or if it is somehow seated slightly different.
al says:
hi decamann , glad i could amuse you .. actually i am a funny guy .. i've had more than a few friends say i shoulda been a stand up comedian .. but i do agree with you .. some of these bullets are still breathin and there has to be a reason why most of em died .. i know it was the blade on the motor on mine .. and it just slips over a knurled knob .. and yet they won't send you that part or even sell it to you .. like its too complicated to put on there.. duhhhh it slips on .. eeeeeee.. i'm sooooooooooo confused . how do i do that ?? let me call popular mechanics and see if they can send me a blueprint .. come on .. it just slips on .. if you had the I.Q. of lint you could do it .. if you were 3 traffic lights past stupid you could do it .. nahhh these theives want to sell you a whole new unit .. gee this guy was dumb enough to buy this crappy gizmo from us once .. lets see if he's dumb enough to do it twice ?? must be some kinda test of inner fortitude and self hatred or masochism .. or just to see how freakin stupid you are.. i wasn't dumb enough i guess cause i wouldn't buy this shit twice ..
Bill says:
I bought my MB BEFORE they offered the 2 for 1. LOVED the thing the first year I had it. Then the gear shattered on the whipping blade. I called the customer NO service number and was given the whole "no replacement parts" speel. I still had my chopping blade, and used that. But, you guessed it, the gear to that one shattered too. A stroke of luck graced me with a find of BOTH blades for sale at a rummage sale. Unfortunately, shortely after I bought them, the gear on the base shattered. One has to wonder why such simple parts are unavailable to purchase. The cost would be nominal to package and sell. Loved the product, but do NOT care for the durability. Now I see they're pushing a new food processer. Looks good, but once bitten twice shy. I'll NEVER buy another of their products.
al says:
well you know now bill .. its a shame more people can't be informed first .. they make a nice infomercial tho .. no doubt about that .. but their product is pretty shitty .. and why won't they sell you that little blade or better yet just give it to you ?? because they want to sell you another magic bullet.. its really an I.Q. test .. how dumb are these idiots .. lets see if we can sell them another one of these pieces of shit ..
Karla Sherman says:
How do you get a new gear for the Magic Bullet?
al says:
hi karla , how do you get a new gear for a magic bullet ?? thats easy .. you buy a new bullet .. no other way that i know of unless they changed somethin in the last couple of months that i'm not aware of .. basicly if you broke a gear you buy a new one .. or to put it mildly there is no customer service .. you are screwed .. you are now the proud owner of a magic bullet doorstop .. or a magic bullet paperweight .. pretty cool huh .. take it out to show your friends how you were duped by their slick infomercials .. and then take out your old blender and make a few mixed drinks and laugh about it cause at this point thats all you can do .. so sorry .. al..
Linda says:
OMG Thank you John Jr. I love my MB and was so upset when the gear broke. It has been sitting in the cabinet for 6 mo. as I tried to decide what to do with it.Fixed it in less than 5 minutes. Now I am off to make a frozen margarita. (it's 5 o'clock somewhere).
Thanks Again,
Linda
Linda says:
Karla,
Go to the top of page and click on (A fix for an earlier version? See John Jr.'s Comment # 135
Gaskets Comment #160) It tells you how to use you extra blade to fix the gear. It is easy and works.
Good Luck,
Linda
al says:
is this a fix for that cheap plastic gear that always breaks on these things linda ?? i was told you have to buy a whole new unit .. they don't sell that cheap plastic gear .. so you now own a magic doorstop or a magic paperweight ..
Carol says:
My thanks to John Jr. (comment 134),I'm back to making smoothies. The black rubber gears on my cross blade were worn down to nothing and I changed them per John's instructons…Voila, good as new. By the way, my MB is a little over three years old and has been used at least 4 days a week. I guess I've been really lucky, judging by all the sad stories above.
Jane says:
I was thinking about buying a Magic Bullet, but thought I'd check it out first. I had the version that JCPenney's sells for about half the price. That one had the same problem. The gear just sheared off. My husband is a design engineer and said that the gear is made of an inappropriate material.
Guess we won't be getting the Bullet now. Thanks for the warning.
al says:
listen to your husband .. he\'s absolutely right .. get a blender .. you\'ll be happy .. i promise ..
al says:
yup you will .. that bullet ain't got anything magic about it ..
jb reed says:
thanks for all the info people. my gasket is shot and i had one heck of a mess all over the kitchen counter. i will try the auto store for a replacement.
Darryl says:
I\'ve had my MB for about 3 years. Basically it works fine, if a bit noisy. No problems with the base, but I\'m down to my last container. The plastic tabs broke on the others, which makes the machine inoperable. Does anyone know where to get replacement cups?
al says:
hi darryl , i have the whole bullet i can sell you with all the cups .. most of them never even used .. the plastic gear broke on my base right after i got it so i never got to use them .. make me an offer and it\'s yours ..might as well let someone who wants it have it..
Diana says:
Hello,
I’ve had the same issues with gaskets, the gears wearing, and the issue of the unit running without a cup in the base (that self corrected). My unit is still running for how long I don\'t know…anyway the gaskets are on line at eBay and a guy even offers them with a 0 s/h fee :-)
I would NOT buy another unit, nor would I recommend this product to a friend.
Dave says:
Mr Williams No. 117 Thank you, your solution is great.
Seldom do you find an answer as good as yours, to a problem that should be inexpensive and easy should the company be customer friendly. Any one with a little effort and your method can continue to use a handy product that should not cost an arm and a leg.
thanks again.
John says:
Curtis,
You are a genius. I\'m not sure how you thought of the gear solution but what a great idea. Thanks.
al says:
seems a little crazy that you have to reverse engineer this thing to get it to work when all they had to do was send you a 25 cent plastic gear .. but as i've said before their infomercials do look convincing .. don't believe it tho .. if anyone needs them flatblades or the whole unit cheap let me know .. mine is hardly used .. it broke after a few uses .. most of the cups and one blade was never even used .. and the base motor still turns like a top .. just don't chop or whip anything cause it don't have the bottom plastic gear ..
marshall says:
ditto the gear ontop of the base wore out in months shameful, china junk! Tossed the rest of the clutter after that…
Tina says:
I purchased The Magic Bullet a few months ago and I LOVE IT!! I have a step-daughter that cannot eat solid foods so we use the bullet to puree all of her food and it does it very quickly. The Bullet has made everything so much easier for us. I do not know how it works for other things but for what we use it for, we wouldn\'t live without it..
Thank you!
Evelyn says:
I bought a couple Magic Bullets 2-3 years ago and love mine. I gave the other to my daughter and I don\'t think she has had any problems with hers either. Other than occasionally having to replace a gasket, mine has worked fine.
If you need a new blade base, or gaskets, go to eBay, they are available there. As to the gear problem, maybe you can take the gear to the hardware store and find a replacement?
al says:
not a chance evelyn.. i wish it was that easy .. it ain't somethin you can get at ace or home depot . the gear is made for the magic bullet only .. you'll find out when yours breaks .. sorry to be the one to inform you ..
Evelyn says:
Well, I\'m not too worried at this point. I got an additional flat blade lid and also one of the raised blades that I use the most often with my set. So I have two spare gears if it comes to that. My daughter also got the same duplicate set up and since we are both on our second or third year of use we are good so far. I have saved all the information on how to fix one by using another lid in case I need it. No matter what I pay for something, I expect it to wear out or break at some point.
I understand some have had theirs died or broken after only a short use, that would upset me also. Maybe the key to that is using the short bursts and not taking it off before it stops spinning. I use mine mostly for Slim Fast drinks made with frozen fruit like bananas & strawberries. I know at first I thought mine was broken because it would not turn off, and I turned it off by unplugging it. I soon realized that I had managed to twist it in the lock position.
I just bought 12 gaskets for $7.95 with free shipping on eBay…that should keep me going for a long time.
Grace says:
I have had my magic bullet for at least 3 years. I used it a lot — at times almost every day so I can't complain that it just broke. I am going to contact magic bullet and see what they will charge me for a new base…..
Pat Nielsen says:
I need the plastic wheel that turns the blades on the magic bullet. Can you tell me where I can find this.
Laurie says:
I just got off the phone with customer service for Homeland Housewares and bought a new power base for $19.98, which included shipping and handling. I had mine for just shy of four years, so it had a good run. I don't know if I was able to buy it from them because that's where I originally bought it or not, but they were very friendly and helpful. I should get the new part in 7 to 10 days.
Marlene says:
I bought three Magic Bullets To Go just before X\'mas. The one I got for myself is the only one that has been used. They say it can be used about 50 times without recharge. More like 2 times is what it really is. This morning it wouldn\'t completely chop a banana in a smoothy. All three are going back to Canadian Tire tomorrow – hopefully for a full refund.
Diane Vigil says:
Interesting, Marlene. The ones we got were not cordless/rechargeable.
Margaret McDonald says:
I understand the frustration with defective parts because this company does not make replacement parts very easy to buy on their own. For example the glasses have the little tabs at the bottom which break off however I have found if you put a fork in the place of the tab and push down and tada the motor will run just fine. Keep in mind there are three openings where the tabs fit it but one of them is the main switch and you only need to push one down to get that motor going. So you can still push down on the cup and use a fork, stick it in the hole the tab would fit into to make the machine work.
But the second problem is harder to fix and that is the black base with the blades have warn down so the blades will not turn anymore. I guess with enough use, which I use it everyday the black legs that grab on to the spining motor have worn down to nothing and now the blades will not turn. Any suggestions on how to use something to catch the spining motor would be greatly appreciated. I cannot buy this piece seperately (don't understand why) and I need some suggestions??
Bob UK says:
Curtis.
Brilliant fix!!! Thanks.
I had to dig out the flat blade from the back of the cupboard that I never used. The kids love the bullet and we were gutted when it broke.
Toni NJ says:
Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me out here. I have my MB a little over a year now and am noticing the that the blades are not working that great anymore. Is the blades or something else that i'm missing here. If it's the blades can I replace them.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.