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When it comes to finding the best blender for smoothies, the options can be overwhelming. Twelve years ago, I started blending smoothies with a “margarita blender” that I got as a wedding gift. It did the job— it crushed ice, made cocktails and I had a daily breakfast smoothie BUT I was swallowing chunks of mango and spinach.
After 100 or so blends, the motor burnt out (sparks, smoke and all) and I was on the market for a new blender for my smoothie obsession. Since then, I’ve bought, received and tested 50+ blenders with a variety of my smoothie recipes to see how well they make a smoothie. I’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 blenders in three categories to help you shop for a blender that fits your budget, supports your lifestyle, and gives you a “smooth” smoothie.
Best Full-Size Blenders for Smoothies
I’ve spent years trying out all the blenders and below are my top picks based on their versatility, design and efficiency for blending smoothies and smoothie bowls. The price on these high-speed blenders might be a shocker. I know it was for me when I was blender shopping. Yet when you consider warranty, quality (they allll blend kale and cashews like a champ and make nut butter) and longevity, they are all definitely worth it.
Vitamix Ascent X2 Blender
retail price: $549
This high performance blender was built on decades of engineering and design expertise and blends an incredible smoothie in seconds.
Pros: strong 1500-watt motor, easy to clean, simple-to-use controls, pulse setting, fits on counter + 10-year warranty.
Cons: pricey + no single serving blending jar.
Breville Super Q Blender
retail price: $499
The sleek design, quiet blend & smoothie setting makes this a solid choice for young professionals.
Pros: quiet, 1800 watts, includes personal blender attachment, 10-year limited warranty
Cons: the Vac Q attachment (to help with oxidation) costs extra, tall pitcher (doesn’t fit well on counter)
Vitamix Pro 750 Blender
$649.95
If you like to be in control of your smoothie blending experience and not into fancy bells and whistles, this simple yet mighty blender is for you. Top rated for 7+ years!
Pros: strong 2.2 HP motor with simple-to-use controls + 7-year warranty
Cons: expensive and older model. Isn’t compatible with Vitamix’s Ascent accessories line
Kitchenaid k400 Blender
retail price: $299
I looooove the classic simplicity and the color options from this l00+ year old company.
Pros: 56 oz blending jar,1200-watts, great color choices, simple features
Cons: loud, no attachments, 1-year limited warrant, no programming
Oster 1500 Blender
retail price: $199
This blender is packed with 1500 watts of power and has the perfect 64-oz low profile container to fit nicely on my countertop.
Pros: priced low, 64 oz pitcher
Cons: container is clunky, looks cheap, plastic feels cheap, 3-year limited warranty
Latest Vitamix Deals
A few times a year, you can score a killer deal on a Vitamix blender. (I’ve gotten 50% off before!) Check out my constantly updated article on the Best Vitamix Sales for the latest deals.
Best Personal Blender for Smoothies
Personal blenders are compact kitchen appliances created to make single-serve smoothies. They are designed for convenience and ease of use, making them ideal for quick smoothies, protein shakes, or even small batches of sauces or dressings. These blenders typically feature smaller, single-serve containers, often in the range of 16 to 24 ounces, allowing users to blend ingredients directly in the cup or jar they will drink from. Their smaller size makes them easy to store and perfect for people with limited kitchen space or those on the go.
Personal blenders are often more affordable than full-sized models, yet they still offer sufficient power for tasks like blending fruits, vegetables, and ice, making them popular among health-conscious individuals looking for a quick, nutritious meal or snack. Personal blenders are perfect for those that like to prepare their smoothies in advance and take them to work, the gym, or on the road.
Beast Mega 1200 Blender
retail price: $199
Has the power to blend fruits and veggies into beautiful smoothies, dressings, dips, in a sleek compact machine.
Pros: compact blending cup with travel lid, light-weight, dishwasher safe containers, cute design
Cons: loud, can’t use with hot liquids, no speed settings, 2-year warranty
Nutribullet Pro Blender
retail price: $150
With 1200 watts of power, this blender is fast, strong and simple to use.
Pros: compact (I’ve flown with it), blends a green smoothie, single serve containers, dishwasher-safe containers
Cons: can leak if lid isn’t tight, no speed choices, can’t use with hot liquids
How to Blend a Creamy Smoothie
The best way to ensure a creamy smoothie it to blend in stages. No matter what blender you have, stage blending guarantees the creamiest smoothie. First, add only the leafy greens, citrus and liquid to blender. Blend on high until completely liquified and you can’t see any leafy chunks. Next, add frozen fruit, protein powder, and superfoods. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Best Affordable Blenders for Smoothies
Budget blenders are designed to offer solid performance without breaking the bank, making them a great option for people who want to make smoothies, shakes, and other blended foods without spending a lot of money. While they may have smaller motor capacities, generally ranging from 300 to 700 watts, they are still efficient enough to handle everyday tasks like blending blueberries and spinach.
The best budget blenders are also compact, saving space in the kitchen, and come with user-friendly controls. The three blenders below are my top choices for those just starting to experiment with blending or anyone on a tight budget.
Reconditioned Vitamix Blender
starts at $199
Score the same quality and performance of a brand-new Vitamix, but at a much lower price.
Pros: it’s a legit Vitamix, 3-5 year warranty
Cons: colors + models are limited
Cuisinart Hurricane Blender
price: $149.95
Cuisinart is stepping up its game with smart functions specifically for smoothies or soups… and a “clean” button.
Pros: 3-year warranty, 64 oz container, dishwasher safe
Cons: noisy, not as long-lasting (has been known to die based on reviews)
Ninja Foodie Blender
retail price: $199
The most affordable high-speed blender packing 1600 watts. Great for college grads or newlyweds on a budget.
Pros: lower price tag, has built in tamper, tons of accessories included
Cons: deathly sharp blade (I cut myself pretty bad), 1-year warranty
Expert Tip for Cleaning Blender
To keep your blender clean and running smoothly, rinse it immediately after use to prevent ingredients from drying and sticking. For a deeper clean, fill it halfway with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, and blend on high for 30–60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.
Source: How to Clean your Blender
Most Eco-Friendly Blender for Smoothies
I wasn’t planning on having this category, but this blender really does deserve a place on the list. So it’s bonus blender #11. If you toxin free is your jam, this blender is made without potentially harmful chemicals like PTFEs, PFOAs, and other PFAS.
Our Place Splendor Blender
retail price: $125
Sleek, fun colored 1000 watts of power, this blender is hard to pass up.
Pros: toxin free, 5 speeds, easy to clean, compact design.
Cons: finicky lid that will leak if isn’t tight
Smoothie Blenders that Didn’t Make the List
There are a few popular blenders that I just can’t get behind for a variety of reasons. Here’s the three blenders that I wouldn’t recommend buying to make smoothies.
- BlendJet 2: I’ve tried to like the portable blenders train (it’s a great idea!) but it’s just not worth it. The Blendjet can barely blend fruit (and fails completely with leafy greens). I think it works best when mixing just almond milk and protein powder. Can we call it a MixJet?
- Blendtec: For the same price as a Vitamix, you’re getting half the perks. Plus, I always have a frozen fruit chunk in my smoothie no matter how long I blend.
- Hamilton Beach: I’ve never found a model that could actually blend up my spinach into a puree. To me, blenders needs to puree fruit, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and seeds to make “the list.”
Common Questions
Blending with ice can be harsh on your blades and cause them to go dull. I don’t recommend adding ice to your blender. Use frozen fruit to chill your smoothie, or pour the blended smoothie over ice to chill.
If you really want to make an icy smoothie or margarita, I would use a Vitamix and have a certain container be your ice container. You can buy extra containers directly from Vitamix. My favorite is the stainless steel container because it’s easy to clean and smaller than their traditional container.
Any blender will blend up spinach and fruit, but the results won’t all be the same. Typically the more horsepower, the creamier the smoothie. Yet when you step into higher horsepower models, the price goes way up. My dad always says you get what you pay for (and it’s true with blenders!).
These high-powered blenders make green smoothies in half the time, are easier to clean, quieter and make a creamy smoothie in one simple step. The higher-end blenders usually include a rawesome warranty and truly make the whole blending experience a breeze.
Black Friday is always a good time to score a blender deal. This year, I found the best deals to be 2-4 weeks before Black Friday. With Vitamix, they have a new sale each month and you can really score some amazing deals on my favorite high-speed blender. Sign up for my newsletter to get notified when the best deals are. I like to shout it out to all my rawkstars since I know a good deal could be just what you need!
Both high-powered blenders have strong followings and incredible results. I’ve used a few models from each brand, and I can clearly say that Vitamix is better. My smoothies blend quicker and smoother, plus their accessories line that is compatible with the blender base is game-changing.
i pray i be consistent to reduce my weight
I hope you’ll achieve your goals, Emily!
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Appreciate your emails, recipes & tips! Do you have advice on sharpening the blades in my existing Ninja or others who may have a good machine with dulling blades? Fruit & veggies aren’t getting as puréed as they once did. Thanks!
Hi Nancy, I did a quick search on Youtube and there a bunch of different videos that can help you safely sharpen a variety of blender blades. You can click here for: blender blade sharpening videos on Youtube.
It is a little bland. I added ice cubes to drink.
Very tasty
In making this again I think I would put it in the fridge for awhile as it was a bit too warm for my liking!
Thank you so much, for all advises,
Your attention and dedication can only show the real passion and potential you print in your job made hobby, I am sure there are aut there countless people whose life have been transformed by your teachings wisely. God bless you and your family.
I am sure everyone would like a vitamix blender…..maybe soon…..
This guide is so helpful! I love using this to help friends find the blender that’s right for them (though I’m super partial to the Vitamix 7500).
I just got a copy of your 2013 Green Smoothie Solution. You recommend a power blend by going to Mega Nutrition Organic Superfood.com. Does that company still exist as their are now other product providers using that name but by a different manufacturer. How do u get what u originally recommended or is it being made by another source. would appreciate your update on this.