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Are you looking for a blender to make protein or fruit smoothies? What do you think about smoothie bowls, nut butter, dressings, or soups? The amount of information, options, and advice available are overwhelming, and most blenders appear identical; it’s not surprising that you may already feel confused!
Because you’re about to purchase an appliance that will help you feel better, look better, and improve your health, we’re here to assist you in making this purchase simple, quick, and exciting. The image of two smoothies with straws in two glasses. There is an apple on the upper left side of the glass. The same glass contains a banana on the left side. The pomegranate is on the right side of the right glass.
The result is that a blender can transform fruits and vegetables into tasty smoothies. We’ve investigated, utilized, and evaluated every prominent brand. Plus, we are all smoothie and juicing enthusiasts eager to share our knowledge.
The result?
In just three simple steps, this comprehensive guide will assist you in finding the ideal blender for your needs.
How to Pick the Best Blender for Smoothies
Here are three simple steps for selecting and purchasing a blender with minimal effort and confusion:
There are hundreds of blender models on the market. Because everyone has different needs, limitations, and budgets, it makes little sense to choose one randomly or based on someone else’s recommendation.
To find a blender that you will be satisfied with, you must first recognize that there are four primary types of blenders. Each variety serves distinct functions and needs:
Determine which of these types is ideal for you in Step 1. Once you have determined which kind of blender meets your needs, it is simple to zero in on the model. Do you already know which blender model you wish to purchase, or have you read our guides? Then skip step 3 to obtain it quickly!
Step #1 – Discover Your Ideal Type of Blender
This is where most people become extremely confused, so we’ve decided to accept the challenge and make it as simple as possible:
Consider what you would like to do with your blender. Utilize the table below to generate potential actions. In the table, you can also see what needs and limitations each blender type addresses, such as limited storage space, single servings on the go versus large quantities, etc. This step will result in you knowing precisely what type of blender to search for and what reasonable price range.
How to use the blender types
Example 1:
Suppose you intend to use the blender primarily for single-serve vegetable and fruit smoothies (See here for tropical recipes!), blend your morning smoothie directly into a portable cup. The table demonstrates that both Hand Blenders and Personal Blenders can perform this function.
However, hand blenders are not suitable for smoothies. They are only eligible for soothing smoothie ingredients (bananas, strawberries) and a few vegetables. Thus, your options are limited to Personal blenders.
Once you’ve identified the appropriate blender type for your needs, in this case, Personal Bullet, click the “Personal Bullet” heading to see which models meet your specifications and limitations.
Example 2:
You want to make smoothies with ice and sometimes challenging ingredients such as beet. You may also appreciate the versatility of being able to make homemade hummus, almond milk, nut butter, and other foods.
In this case, the best blender type for you would be “High Performance,” so click on that link to see which models meet your needs and restrictions.
Which blenders are suitable for smoothies?
The good news is that most blenders can create smoothies. However, you must understand the differences between the available blender types to choose the one that best suits your needs.
There are several blenders to choose from, including immersion, bullet, and high-performance models, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Here is an overview of the most common types of blenders so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Hand/Immersion Blenders
These are handheld blenders that frequently come with a variety of attachments. As a result, they are incredibly versatile and can be used to make everything from soup and smoothies to marinades and mayonnaise.
The compact size of a hand blender is one of its chief advantages. This blender is the only one that does not take up a significant amount of space in a small kitchen.
PROS
- Their size makes them portable and a great option when you are away from home
- They are a lot easier to store compared to bulkier blenders or food processors
- Having fewer parts means they’re easier to clean; just wash the blender blades and you’re good to go!
CONS
- Despite their compact size, they can be quite noisy
- Usually not good at handling tough vegetables and leafy greens.
- In our model's roundup, we focused mainly on models that can handle such ingredients
- They cannot handle lots of ingredients or more than a single serve
Countertop Blenders
As the name suggests, this blender is typically placed on a countertop. They are significantly more effective than hand blenders, but many models cannot handle the same variety of smoothie ingredients as personal bullet blenders or high-performance blenders.
PROS
- Powerful enough to handle a wide range of smoothie ingredients, but usually not ice
- Not as limited as hand blenders in terms of the fruits and vegetables that they can easily blend so you can make a wider range of smoothies with them
- More budget friendly than some other blender types
CONS
- They can be quite loud
- Because they are a lot bigger than hand blenders, this also means that they take up a lot more space in comparison
- Can be more challenging to clean than hand blenders
- Can be more challenging to clean than hand blenders
- The higher end countertop blenders can start getting expensive but don’t have a wide range of features compared to high performance blenders and some personal bullet blenders
Personal Bullet Blenders
This blender is ideal for making smoothies or shakes for one or two servings (depending on the model). The well-known Nutribullet is an excellent example of this blender type.
Also, smoothie versus shake: which is superior? Discover here!
They are typically smaller than traditional jug blenders and have a portable blending cup in a bullet shape. Some of the more impressive models can accommodate a variety of smoothie ingredients, though this is not always the case.
PROS
- Takes less storage space, great for smaller kitchens
- The blending cup tends to be perfect for one serving
- Some models can crush ice
- They tend to be much more affordable than high performance blenders so they’re a great option for creating delicious and nutritious “smooth” smoothies without breaking the bank
CONS
- There is a bit of potential for leaking due to the upside-down nature of the bullet blender so you may need to be careful not to overfill
- The blades are not always dishwasher friendly so you may need to clean them by hand
- The Nutribullet can make smoothies of up to 32 ounces with the largest beaker but not all bullet blenders can handle this kind of capacity, especially the smaller varieties
High-Performance Blenders
This blender is the most powerful available and can effortlessly handle even the most challenging smoothie ingredients. Consequently, your smoothies will have the signature silky texture of this type of blender.
The Vitamix and Blendtec are two well-known blender brands in this category, but as you will see in our blender models roundup, we did find a few other blenders that performed admirably.
PROS
- The ultimate smoothie texture and consistency
- Being able to make more than one or two smoothie servings at a time
- They can cope with more challenging smoothie recipes without risking burning out the motor
CONS
- A lot of storage space is needed due to their size
- Their performance comes with a price tag so they won’t suit all budgets
- They can be noisy
Other Blender Varieties
Single serve blenders
Numerous blenders are intended for more than one serving, which is incredibly inconvenient if some ingredients are wasted.
Does this sound familiar?
A single-serve blender may become your best friend. This blender makes it simple and quick to make smoothies; the average smoothie takes less than a minute to prepare! Additionally, there is less cleanup because the blending jug doubles as a serving cup.
Juicer-Blender Combo
Do you want to experiment with juicing but are unsure whether to purchase a blender and a juicer? A juicer-blender combination eliminates the need for separate machines to create smoothies and juices.
Battery operated blenders
Due to the sheer convenience of smoothies, you may occasionally need to use a blender outside of the kitchen. If you want a portable blender, however, there is a battery-powered variety available.
Gas powered blenders
Another excellent portable device option is: It makes no concessions in terms of power or performance. This blender could be an excellent choice if you are going on a road trip or camping.
Should I purchase a juicer, blender, or food processor?
Let’s conclude this section by addressing another potential source of confusion in case you’re still not convinced that you need a blender rather than a food processor or juicer.
With its assortment of blades and disks, a food processor is ideal for chopping, dicing, and shredding vegetables, doughs, and cake batters. However, it will not make smoothies sufficiently smooth.
If you need a food processor for other purposes – for instance, it could be beneficial for baking – I would suggest looking into the Blender-Food Processor combos.
A full-size blender is ideal for making smoothies and produces much smoother purees and beverages than the alternatives. A juicer is an excellent tool for extracting only the liquid from fruits and vegetables. However, it discards the pulp and essential healthy nutrients it.
If you occasionally feel like making juice, keep in mind that any blender can make juices to some extent; you make a smoothie, then strain out the pulp with a strainer. However, a juicer cannot produce authentic smoothies.
There are a few blender-juicer combinations, but they may be expensive, cumbersome, or difficult to locate.
Step #2 – Choose Your Perfect Blender Model
This step is crucial – you will zero in on the model you desire and confirm that the model you’re considering is ideal for you! We’ve done the legwork for you and hand-selected the best and most popular blender models for each type. Click HERE to access the list of recommended models.
Considerations when selecting a blender model
Once you’ve determined which type of blender would best suit your needs, consider the following factors when selecting a model.
Most guides will begin by discussing the motor power of the blender. In our opinion, this is one of the least important factors to consider when purchasing a blender. Read on to discover why and what is truly essential.
1. Number of people to serve
Some blenders come with jars large enough to serve an entire family, while others are designed for one or two servings.
Ensure that the size corresponds to your family’s needs, especially if you have children; this is your best bet for bringing them healthier, nutrient-dense food they will enjoy!
2. Available storage space
When it comes to storage, size also matters. Do you have sufficient storage space for the blender and all its attachments, accessories, and containers?
Is the blender’s profile small enough to permit storage on the kitchen countertop beneath the kitchen cabinets? Up to 17 inches in height would likely fit underneath most cabinets.
3. Simple cleanup
Is the jar dishwasher safe? Is it designed to be simple to clean? Blenders with touch pads are less challenging to clean than those with knobs and dials.
4. Available blending controls
More speeds of blending allow for greater control over the blending process. However, five speeds with Pulse suffice. Pulse is helpful when preparing frozen or other harsh ingredients. It is also useful for chopping ingredients without overprocessing or pureeing them.
5. How powerful is the motor
This is one of the factors determining the quality of the results; will your smoothies be highly smooth? Can the blender effectively crush ice? I’ve discovered that above 800 watts are recommended for incredibly smooth, high-quality blends. Less powerful blenders may produce less impressive results.
However, other factors, such as the blade and jar’s design, are equally important and could affect your results even more. As a result, the watts feature is frequently overrated, as salespeople focus on what is most convenient for them, comparing wattage numbers instead of knowing which blender produces superior results.
How can we avoid this?
Rather than comparing often-irrelevant numbers, compare user ratings and feedback about how their beverages turned out. We’ve researched and hand-selected the blenders with the highest user satisfaction ratings. Here you will find these models.
What kind of material does the jar (a pitcher) consist of?
Jars for blenders are made of plastic, glass, or stainless steel. Many people prefer plastic because it is lightweight and easy to manipulate. Nonetheless, it can absorb odors and stains, and scratches. If you choose a model with a plastic pitcher, ensure that it is “BPA Free,” as this is considered safer for food.
Glass jars are heavier and more fragile than plastic ones but do not absorb odors or scratch easily. An important caveat, however, is that glass jars may be less safe to use with powerful blenders if a metal object, such as a spoon, is accidentally left inside and shatters, posing a risk of injury.
Stainless steel jars are an option for those who dislike plastic or glass containers. It is significantly less popular due to the inability to observe the contents as they blend.
7. How frequently will you use it?
If you plan to use the blender infrequently, it may be tempting to purchase a less expensive model.
However, here’s the deal:
People are compelled to use a high-quality blender more frequently because of the impressive results. If you’re going to invest money and kitchen space in a blender, you might as well get one that you enjoy using and whose results you appreciate to the fullest.
8. Durability
Will a blender survive years of crushing a large quantity of ice and harsh ingredients? Does it have an overload protection mechanism and protect the motor?
Typically, inexpensive models wear out or burn quickly, sometimes within a few months. Generally, you can expect high-end products to function as new for years.
9. Accessories and attachments
Some blenders include a tamper to help ingredients move inside the pitcher and blend more effectively, but in our experience, it is merely an additional component to operate and clean. Utilize the blender’s Pulse button to achieve the same result.
10. Warranty period
Your warranty is similar to an insurance policy, as it can prevent costly repairs in the future.
Higher-priced models typically offer warranties ranging from 5 to 9 years, whereas lower-priced models usually offer only one year.
11. Budget consideration
Blenders range in price from as low as $20 to as high as $400 and beyond. There are exceptions to the rule that price is proportional to the quality of the smoothies and other blends produced.
On the one hand, some of the best personal bullet blenders are inexpensive, but their performance is comparable to that of more expensive, high-performance blenders. Here, we review these models.
On the other hand, some expensive countertop blenders produce chunky and poorly blended results, like those of most inexpensive blenders.
Before making a purchase, it is essential to consult online experts and verify user reviews. With cheap blenders, I’ve typically heard of motors that burn out quickly, smoothies that are not smooth, and plastic chips from the blender getting into the food.
If you want a high-quality blender with a limited budget, a refurbished high-performance model could be a great option.
Step #3 – Order Your Chosen Blender
Still prevalent in purchasing kitchen appliances from a handful of brick-and-mortar stores. The last time I did this, I was met with a limited selection of coffee grinders and a grumpy salesperson who didn’t know much about his products. That was the last time I shopped offline for appliances.
Not only did I spend a considerable amount of time driving to the store and enduring an unpleasant shopping experience, but I also discovered that the model I was somewhat interested in could be purchased online for a significantly lower price, including delivery to my doorstep!
Yes, there is a disadvantage to not being able to see and touch the blender before you buy it, but currently, you can get a pretty good idea of what it looks like thanks to the numerous photos and YouTube videos of the product.
Why shop for a blender online?
- Buying kitchen appliances online makes a lot of sense for many reasons:
- You are not restricted to the store’s stock and can obtain any model you desire.
- You receive precisely what you require, as opposed to what salespeople pressure you to purchase to earn higher commissions or clear out inventory.
- Online price comparison is so simple and quick that you get the best deal.
- You are not required to transport the appliance home. This is particularly important when purchasing more oversized items such as countertop blenders.
- Select one of the available models in Step 2, and your order will be finalized within minutes. Best wishes with your purchase!
FAQs
If you plan to make a smoothie several times a week, buying a blender with a minimum of 600 watts is strongly recommended.
4 Important Factors to Check when Buying a Grinder and Blender
- Type of Blades. The first important factor that you need to check when buying a blender and grinder is the blade. …
- The material of the Jar. …
- The speed of the Blender. …
- The capacity of the Jar. …
- Last Few Words.
Mid-level blenders like the KitchenAid and Oster will run from around 550 watts and up. This level of blender is a great choice if you only use your blender occasionally, but you want to ensure it has the power to crush ice, nuts, and frozen fruit.
A blender that’s not high-speed can handle smoothies that aren’t as packed with greens and ice. Asbell’s recommendation: “If you keep your smoothies based on liquids, yogurt, and softer fruits, you can use a lower watt blender. The less power you have, the longer it will take to get a nice smooth blend.
The more watts, the faster speeds the blender is capable of. High-speed blenders can be well over 1,000 watts, with some even boasting over 3,000. Is 1200 watts good for a blender? A 1200 watt blender is great for home use.
It depends on what you’re using your blender for. If you’re a frequent blender-user and want restaurant-quality purees and soups, then a more pricey blender could be a good choice. However, if you’re just use your blender to make a smoothie now and then, a more affordable option could be totally fine.
yes it should be. Keep in mind that it is all relative to the size container and amount of ingredients you are blending. A 600 watt Nutribullet is plenty of power for its 24ounce jar but a 600 watt motor with a full size 45oz+ size jar would struggle if you are blending 2x the amount of ingredients.
Is a smoothie maker the same as a blender? The main difference between a smoothie maker and a blender is that smoothie makers – also known as ‘personal blenders’ – are designed to make smaller portions, helping to cut down on food waste.
The easiest way is to set an entire object as smooth or faceted by selecting a mesh object, and in Object Mode, select Shade Smooth in the Object menu. This forces the assignment of the “smoothing” attribute to each face in the mesh, including when you add or delete geometry.
A blender is a common kitchen appliance that’s used to mix ingredients together. Most often, blenders are used to mix foods into a puree consistency such as for a smoothie, dressing, or soup.
Best Blenders For Smoothies - Our Recommendations
Curious as to which blenders our team members at Easy Healthy Smoothie prefer? In recent years, we have tested and utilized quite a few models, and these are the models that we have found to be the best for each purpose and price range.
Need assistance selecting the proper blender? Share your experiences with your current blender. Tell us below in the comments!
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