The Best Blenders for Smoothies, Soups, Margaritas, and More
- 1/11
The Best Blenders for Smoothies, Soups, Margaritas, and More
Though many single-use appliances—like the air fryer—are trendy right now, we’d be remiss not to call out the multi-functionality of a great blender in the kitchen. More than just a smoothie station, blenders are also good for pureeing simple sauces or intricate soups, crushing ice for frozen drinks, or sometimes even using one as a food processor to chop ingredients. Here, we give you some aspects of blenders to keep in mind as you’re buying, followed by our reviews of the best models.
Best Blenders
The Expert: I’m a food writer and cookbook author with more than 10 years of experience testing appliances and developing recipes. I have owned, and currently own, countertop and immersion blenders that I use to whip up dressings and make nut butter (with admittedly varying degrees of success). I’ve come to believe there is a blender for every cook and kitchen. The key is discovering when you most often reach for your blender. For example, the countless batches of hummus I made in a blender when recipe testing for my cookbook, Stock, Broth, & Bowl.
What to Consider When Buying a Blender
Size
Consider how much you realistically plan to use a blender, as well as how much countertop space versus cabinet storage you have in your kitchen. Opt for a lightweight, more portable blender, such as an immersion blender, to make it easier to store it away when not in use. Or, if you’re a daily blender user, don’t discount the importance of an attractive design to keep on your countertop. Don’t forget to look at the size of the blender jar. If you regularly make big batches of soup, you’ll want a blender that can hold at least 64 ounces (8 cups), while smoothie fans might opt for more portable solutions that come with to-go cups.
Also Handy to Have: Best Ice Machines • Best Immersion Blenders • Best Soda Makers
Power
Wattage is one way to tell how powerful a blender is, but it’s not the only indication of performance. It may be best to select models with more speed settings, as well as stronger (rather than sharper) blades for safer cleaning and durability over time.
Price
Blenders can range from under $50 machines to $500 premium appliances, so it can be hard to tell the right price you should pay. However, you should expect to shell out more if you want more versatility and durability. Someone who wants to make the occasional smoothie may not need the most heavy-duty design compared to someone who makes daily protein shakes, for instance.
Settings
Many blenders, like microwaves, now offer pre-programmed settings, in addition to different speeds. If you’re going to be crushing ice often, you may want to hone in on models that can do that with a turn of the dial or push of a button.
How We Selected These Blenders
In addition to our own experience with blenders, we researched reviews from a dozen expert sources, such as Good Housekeeping, Best Products, Wirecutter, and CNET. We also watched review videos and weighed consumer feedback from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Wayfair to select these blenders.
We evaluated each product based on the amount of speeds and presets available and the right balance of capacity and power for its overall dimensions and weight. We also looked for special features like dishwasher-safe containers and portable blending jars. We paid special attention to the included blades and considered whether accessories were useful or improved the functionality of a blender. Overall, these selections represent a variety of size, power options, and aesthetics that will work well in any kitchen for any personal needs and price ranges.
Staff, Courtesy of Breville - 2/11
Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender with 1000-Watt Base and Total Crushing Technology for Smoothies, Ice and Frozen Fruit, Black, 9.5 in L x 7.5 in W x 17 in H
Ninja
amazon.com
$89.99
For under $100, the Professional—as it’s aptly named—can outperform other budget models while providing versatile power that rivals more premium options. This blender is equipped with a large 72-ounce (and dishwasher-safe) jar, as well as six blades, three speeds, and a pulse function for up to 1,000 watts of power. CNET reported that it worked great for smoothies and batters but can in reality hold only up to 64 ounces of liquid.
amazon.com - 3/11
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender
Hamilton Beach
amazon.com
$31.99
Key Specs
- Watts: 700
- Capacity: 40 oz.
- Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 6.5 in.
- Weight: 5.6 lb.
A $30 blender may sound too good to be true, but the Power Elite has over 17,000 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon. It’s also dishwasher-safe and reasonably sized with a 40-ounce glass jar. While it does have 12 blending functions, it may take some time to decode what presets are necessary for low to high power. Hamilton Beach also backs this blender with a three-year limited warranty.
amazon.com - 4/11
E310 Explorian
Vitamix
amazon.com
$349.95
According to Good Housekeeping, the E310 Explorian has premium precision and control thanks to a powerful motor and an impressive 10 speed settings. The Vitamix name may mean this is an investment. And, unfortunately, the pitcher size is a bit small at 48 ounces (six cups), especially compared to its overall footprint and hefty 12-pound weight. However, the E310 makes up for its bulk with its durable design, motor, and blades, making it good for daily use. Bonus: a self-cleaning feature that Vitamix claims will get rid of grime in just a minute.
amazon.com - 5/11
NBR-0601 Smoothie Blender
NutriBullet
amazon.com
$56.00
If you mainly use a blender to make small batches of smoothies, consider this NutriBullet. The 24-ounce cup is large enough to make servings for one or two people and doubles as a travel cup thanks to the included to-go lid and lip ring. With a 600-watt motor and stainless-steel blades, the blender can process your daily smoothie in just about 60 seconds. However, if you want slightly more power and a larger capacity, you should consider the NutriBullet Pro for around $100.
amazon.com - 6/11
K400 Blender
KitchenAid
amazon.com
$269.99
It’s understandable that you’d want your kitchen staples that stay on your countertop to look stylish and match the room’s aesthetic. Fortunately, KitchenAid’s 56-ounce blender comes in a variety of sleek color options, from black and white to silver, even blue velvet. Even the simple silver knob that controls the five speed settings and three presets adds a retro element to the design. The reviewers at Best Products noted that it’s a bit on the loud side and is cumbersome when storing, so it may be best for kitchens with a lot of counter space.
amazon.com - 7/11
Super Q Blender
Breville
amazon.com
$549.95
The price tag may be hefty, but the Super Q is one of the quietest—and most powerful—blenders around. The 1,800-watt motor can power the blades up to 186 mph. Plus, it’s equipped with 12 speed settings and five presets and comes with a personal-size blending cup in addition to the large 68-ounce jug. Not to mention, its gorgeous brushed stainless steel design will look good in any kitchen.
amazon.com - 8/11
Kitchen System with Auto IQ Boost and 7-Speed Blender
Ninja
target.com
$199.99
The Ninja Kitchen System is a kitchen unicorn: a blender that makes chunky salsa. The 7-speed blender and food processor is well-equipped with a 1,200 watt motor and dishwasher-safe parts. It also comes with a 72-ounce blending jar and 5-cup processing bowl for crushing ice for margaritas, kneading bread dough or chopping vegetables. Take your smoothie (one of five preset functions) with you in the included 24-ounce blend cup and lid.
target.com - 9/11
Ultra Bullet Personal Blender
Mueller
amazon.com
$21.98
The Mueller Ultra Bullet Personal Blender means you no longer have to leave your favorite blender at home. The inexpensive, compact blender—it’s under a foot tall and weighs less than a pound—can fit easily in a bag or offers you the option to use the 15-ounce blender jar as a travel cup (with the included lid). The stainless steel blade whips up smoothies or protein shakes and has enough power to break up ice. With five colors (black, gray, red, turquoise, and white), you could even color coordinate it with your luggage.
amazon.com - 10/11
Control Grip Immersion Blender
Breville
amazon.com
$129.95
For those tight on space, the right immersion blender, also called a hand blender, is a powerful appliance that still fits in a drawer. The Breville Control Grip has a rubber handle with a well-placed power button, so you can comfortably hold it as you blend or pulse sauce. It comes with a trio of useful accessories: a 42-ounce blending jar, a whisk, and a three-cup bowl with stainless steel blades for grinding spices or chopping nuts. With an eight-inch stainless steel shaft, the immersion blender can also reach the bottom of deep pots, making it handy for pureeing soup right on the stovetop.
amazon.com - 11/11
Expert Jonathan Bender on Blenders: Cleaning Tips, the One Drink to Make Now, and the Value of Presets.
PM: Got any tricks for cleaning a blender?
JB: If you have dish soap and a blender, you have everything you need. Add warm water and a quick squeeze of dish soap. Use the cleaning setting or a speed where the water will move fast enough to touch the bottom of the lid. After that, give the jar, blade, and lid a quick rinse with hot water before drying.
PM: What’s your favorite beverage to make in a blender?
JB: I love apple cider slushies. I freeze apple cider with a squeeze of lemon juice in a loaf pan for several hours (scrape the top every hour or so to keep it from turning into a block of ice) and then pulse it in a blender to make a slush. For adults, I’d recommend a splash or two of bourbon, as well.
PM: Blenders offer preset modes for pureeing, pulsing, making smoothies, and more. What’s the advantage (or disadvantage) of using those instead of the speed settings?
JB: Settings often offer precision and take away some of the initial uncertainty that comes with working with a new blender. While you still have to keep an eye on what you’re making, you’re at least likely to be closer to the ideal speed for pureeing soup or your morning smoothie.
Photo courtesy of KitchenAid//Preset modes give you precision with speeds so you get the results you want with your morning smoothie, for instance.
