Making smoothies is all about personal choice. Whether you like making them in small batches or for a crowd, and whether you use fresh fruit or tough greens like kale, finding the best blender for smoothies depends on your preferences.
The best smoothie blenders can handle any combination of ingredients and create a super-smooth, uniform beverage or smoothie bowl. We tested 20 options on the market and here are our top picks.
Table of Contents
11 Best Smoothies Blenders
1. Ninja SS151 TWISTi Blender DUO
The Ninja SS151 TWISTi Blender DUO is a high-powered kitchen blender with a 1,600-watt motor. It comes with a 34-ounce pitcher and a 24-ounce single-serving cup, suitable for both large and small quantities. A unique feature is its built-in tamper, designed for blending thick smoothies evenly without opening the lid.
Pros:
- Powerful motor easily handles ice and frozen ingredients.
- Versatile with both a large pitcher and a single-serving cup.
- Built-in tamper allows for smoother, more consistent blends.
- Five settings, including specialized options for smoothies.
- Ideal for making a variety of blended drinks.
Cons:
- Can be quite loud during operation.
- May be more expensive than some other models.
2. Blendtec Professional 800 Blender
The Blendtec Professional 800 Blender is a powerful kitchen tool with an 1,800-watt motor, capable of blending a wide range of ingredients. Its 90-ounce capacity is ideal for making large batches, and it features a sound enclosure for quiet operation. With 11 speed options, it offers versatility and precision for different blending needs.
Pros:
- Extremely powerful motor (3.8 horsepower) for efficient blending.
- Large capacity (90 ounces) suitable for big servings.
- Noise reduction feature for quiet operation.
- Versatile with 11 speed settings.
Cons:
- High cost, making it a significant investment.
- May be more advanced than necessary for casual users.
3. Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender
The Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender is a versatile and affordable kitchen appliance. It’s equipped with a 700-watt motor and offers 12 blending functions for a variety of tasks like making smoothies, milkshakes, and salsa. It features a Wave Action system that efficiently blends ingredients by pulling them down into the blades. The blender includes a 40-ounce pitcher and a 3-cup food processor attachment for added versatility.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- 700-watt motor offers decent power
- 12 blending functions for versatility
- Wave Action system for effective blending
- Includes a 40-ounce pitcher and 3-cup food processor
Cons:
- No built-in tamper
- Lid can be difficult to remove after blending
4. Beast Health Blender
The Beast Health Blender is a compact, portable blender with a powerful 1,000-watt motor. It’s designed for single servings with a 25.4-ounce jar and comes equipped with a drinking lid and carry cap. Ideal for quick smoothie preparation, it’s geared towards those with an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
Pros:
- Powerful motor for its size.
- Easy to grip due to textured surface.
- Comes with convenient accessories for portability.
- Ideal for single servings, perfect for quick use.
Cons:
- Priced higher than many other portable blenders.
- May be more than necessary for occasional users.
5. KitchenAid K150 Ice Crushing Blender
The KitchenAid K150 is a blender designed for crushing ice and blending frozen produce. It features unique asymmetric blades that create a powerful vortex, drawing ingredients towards the center for effective crushing. Equipped with a 670-watt motor, it handles a half tray of ice or frozen fruits swiftly. It includes a 48-ounce pitcher, three speed settings, and Intelli-Speed Motor Control for consistent blending.
Pros:
- Excellent at crushing ice and frozen fruits quickly.
- Asymmetric blade design ensures efficient blending.
- Intelli-Speed Motor Control adjusts speed for consistent results.
- Suitable pitcher size (48 ounces) for small gatherings.
- Three different speed settings for versatility.
Cons:
- May cause countertop vibration during use.
- Modest motor power (670 watts) compared to some high-end blenders.
6. Vitamix Ascent Series 2500
The Vitamix Ascent Series 2500 is a high-end blender with a 1,650-watt (2.2 horsepower) motor. It features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity that enables it to detect the size of the container and automatically adjust blending settings for optimal results. It comes with a 64-ounce pitcher and offers variable speed control for precise texture management.
Pros:
- Powerful motor handles a wide range of blending tasks.
- Smart technology for consistent results.
- Large capacity pitcher is ideal for multiple servings.
- Variable speed control for texture precision.
- Relatively quiet operation.
Cons:
- Higher price tag compared to other blenders.
- Wi-Fi connectivity might be more technical than some users prefer.
7. Magic Bullet Blender
The Magic Bullet Blender is a compact, affordable blender, perfect for small kitchens and tight budgets. It operates with a 250-watt motor, suitable for blending soft fruits and vegetables. To use, simply attach one of its multiple blending vessels and press down to blend. Some of these vessels can even be used as to-go cups.
Pros:
- Compact and budget-friendly.
- Ideal for single servings and quick mixes.
- Simple press-down operation.
- Comes with multiple blending vessels, including to-go cups.
- Dishwasher-safe attachments for easy cleaning.
Cons:
- Not very powerful, might struggle with hard ingredients like ice or nuts.
- Limited functionality compared to larger, more powerful blenders.
8. Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker And Nutrient Extractor
The Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker and Nutrient Extractor is a powerful blender designed for making thick smoothies and nutrient-rich blends. It boasts a 1,200-watt motor capable of handling frozen fruits and nuts. This blender comes with two types of containers: 24-ounce cups for regular smoothies and a 14-ounce bowl maker for thicker, spoonable creations. It also features a built-in tamper for even blending.
Pros:
- Powerful 1,200-watt motor for efficient blending.
- Dual-container design for regular smoothies and thicker bowl-style blends.
- Built-in tamper for smooth texture.
- Ideal for single servings.
Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger batches.
9. BlendJet
BlendJet is a portable blender designed for people on the go who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s compact, lightweight, and powered by a USB-rechargeable battery, making it convenient to use anywhere. Equipped with a powerful motor and stainless steel blades, BlendJet can blend fruits, veggies, and even ice quickly and efficiently. Its self-cleaning feature simplifies cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight design
- USB-rechargeable battery for convenience
- Powerful motor and stainless steel blades for efficient blending
- Self-cleaning feature for easy cleanup
Cons:
- Limited blending capacity
- Battery life may require frequent recharging
- Higher price compared to traditional blenders
- Not dishwasher-safe, requires manual cleaning
To learn more, read the full review of BlendJet.
10. GoBLENDY
GoBLENDY is a portable blender designed for those who are always on the move but still want to enjoy healthy smoothies and drinks. It’s compact, lightweight, and operates on a rechargeable battery that can be easily powered up via USB. The blender features a hidden blade mechanism for safety and is straightforward to use: charge it up, add your ingredients, blend, and enjoy your freshly made drink wherever you are. While it excels in portability and convenience, its blending effectiveness may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere.
- USB rechargeable feature eliminates the need for electrical outlets.
- Simple and straightforward operation.
- Versatile enough to handle a variety of ingredients.
Cons:
- Blending power may not be sufficient for tougher ingredients.
- Some users report that it can be noisy during operation.
- Battery life may vary based on usage and ingredients.
To learn more, read the full review of GoBLENDY.
11. HiBlendr
HiBlendr is a portable blender that lets you blend your favorite ingredients on the go. Its compact design and rechargeable battery make it easy to use anywhere. Simply add your ingredients, attach the blending cap, and press the button to start blending. It’s convenient, stylish, and perfect for those who want fresh smoothies wherever they are.
Pros:
- Portability for blending on the go
- Sleek design adds elegance
- Easy to use with one-button operation
- Rechargeable battery for wireless blending
- Made from high-quality, BPA-free materials
Cons:
- Might struggle with tougher ingredients
- Cup capacity is limited for larger batches
- Higher price compared to traditional blenders
To learn more, read the full review of HiBlendr.
How to Choose a Blender
When you’re looking to buy a blender, there are a few important things to think about:
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Capacity: The size of the blender and its carafe matter. Consider your storage space and how you’ll use it. If you have limited counter space, go for a smaller, lighter blender. Think about whether you need it for daily smoothies or bigger family meals. Make sure it fits under your kitchen cabinets if you plan to keep it on the counter.
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Functionality: Blenders come in different types for specific tasks. Some are great for personal smoothies, while others handle larger batches. What will you be blending? Do you need to blend hot liquids, juice fruits and vegetables, or make nut butter? If you’re always on the go, portability matters too.
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Carafe Material: High-speed blenders often use Tritan, a safe plastic, for their carafes. Glass carafes, common in bar blenders, aren’t ideal for high-speed blenders due to safety concerns. The force of blending could break glass, so Tritan is a safer choice.
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Wattage: Pay attention to the blender’s wattage. While it’s not the only factor, it affects how well it blends. Higher wattage blenders handle tough ingredients better, so think about what you’ll be blending when choosing the wattage.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can make a smart choice and get a blender that suits your lifestyle and cooking needs.
Blenders vs. Juicers: What’s the Difference?
Blenders use sharp blades to turn everything in the blending jug into a smooth mixture, allowing you to make smoothies and dips.
Juicers, on the other hand, extract liquid and leave behind the rest of fruits or vegetables, mainly used for making fresh juice.
How Long Should You Blend a Smoothie?
To make a smoothie, blend until smooth. It usually takes 1-2 minutes. For tougher ingredients, like ice or frozen fruits, it might need a bit more time. Stop and shake the blender to ensure everything blends well.
What Blenders Are Good for Smoothie Bowls?
For the best smoothie bowls, go for blenders like Breville, KitchenAid, or Vitamix. They have powerful motors to handle frozen ingredients with less liquid, giving you that thick smoothie bowl consistency. Plus, they come with a tamper, and they’re perfect for acai bowls too!
Are Immersion Blenders Good for Smoothies?
Immersion blenders are useful for sauces or soups, but not ideal for smoothies. Using them in a cup can be challenging. Regular blenders are easier for smoothies – just load ingredients and blend.
How Do You Make a Smoothie Without a Blender?
To make a smoothie without a blender:
- Use easily mixable ingredients like milk, yogurt, honey, and protein powder.
- Shake these in a glass or blender bottle for a basic smoothie.
- Alternatively, use a food processor to blend ingredients like fruit.
How do I clean a blender?
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Regular Cleaning: Fill the blender jug with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Secure the lid and blend the soapy water for a quick clean.
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Tough Stains: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to form a paste. Apply this with a scrub brush or toothbrush to scrub away stains.
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Dishwasher Option: Many blender jugs are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.