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I started making smoothies with a basic “margarita blender” that left chunks in every sip before burning out completely. After 15 years of blending with 50+ blenders, these are my top blender picks based on versatility, design, and performance for smoothies and smoothie bowls.
Table of contents
Best Full-Size Blenders for Smoothies
If you’re ready to make smoothies for the whole family—or prep ahead for the week—a full-size blender is the workhorse you want on your counter. These powerful machines are built to handle frozen fruit, fibrous greens, and thick smoothie bowls with ease. Below are my top picks for the best full-size blenders that deliver smooth, consistent results every time.
Vitamix Ascent X2 Blender
price: $439 $549
This high performance blender was built on decades of engineering and design expertise and blends an incredible smoothie in seconds (and it’s the one in my kitchen).
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 E310 Blender
$299.95 $379.95
Affordability meets power with Vitamix’ blender made for small families who love smoothies.
Pros: strong 2 HP motor with simple-to-use controls + 5-year warranty
Cons: smaller 48-oz blending container
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: $118 $189
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
Vitamix Blender Sale
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, single-serve appliances made for smoothies, protein shakes, and small sauces. They usually come with 16–24 ounce blend-and-drink cups for easy use and cleanup. Their small size makes them perfect for tight kitchens, travel, or busy, on-the-go routines.
Beast Mega 1200 Blender
retail price: $175 $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: $155
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
Blender Maintenance
When you invest in a high-quality smoothie blender, taking care of it really matters. Learn how to clean your blender—from quick daily rinses to deeper resets—so your trusted kitchen appliance stays fresh, powerful, and like new.
Best Affordable Blenders for Smoothies
Budget blenders offer solid performance at an affordable price, making them great for smoothies and shakes without the splurge. With motors around 300–700 watts, they’re still powerful enough for everyday blends like blueberries and spinach.
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: $169 $199
The most affordable 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
Blender Shopping Tips
- You don’t need a high-powered blender to make a great smoothie. A regular blender works just fine if you cut ingredients into smaller pieces, blend in stages, and allow a little extra time.
- If ultra-smooth texture is your goal, these high-powered blenders shine. They easily break down seeds, frozen fruit, and fibrous greens for that creamy finish.
- Choose a blender that fits your real life. If you blend daily, invest in power and durability. If you blend occasionally, a budget-friendly option will do the job just fine.
Most Eco-Friendly Blender for Smoothies
I didn’t plan on adding another category, but this blender truly earned its spot—so consider it bonus blender #11. If a toxin-free kitchen matters to you, this option is made without PTFE, PFOA, or other PFAS chemicals.
Our Place Splendor Blender
retail price: $119 $135
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
3 Smoothie Blenders that Didn’t Make the List
There are a few popular blenders for smoothies that I just can’t get behind for a variety of reasons. Here’s why I wouldn’t recommend buying them for smoothies:
- BlendJet 2: I’ve tried to like this portable blender (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 decent 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.
No, you cannot. A smoothie is made in a blender to retain the fiber. Juice is made in a juicer because it removes the fiber. If you’d like to know more about this, read my article Juicing vs Blending.
Thank u for recipes and info on blenders.
Hi Dianne! So glad you’re lovin’ my recipes and info!
Good morning,
Thank you for the info on blenders and the tips. Appreciate it.
For sure, Christine. Glad it was helpful>
Hamilton Beach has a new blender called the PowerMax Professional – Performance Blender Grey that has 1,680 watts of peak blending power that’s under $100. Might want to check this one out and see how it does.
Good to know. Thanks, Geanna.
I would like some detox and recovery smoothie recipes.
Thank you,
Carmen
Hi Carmen! You may want to give the Detox Island Green smoothie or the Tropical Detox Smoothie a try!
i pray i be consistent to reduce my weight
I hope you’ll achieve your goals, Emily!
YOU ARE SO AWESOME.!!!!!
LOVE THIS SITE. I LOOKED UP BIELER BROTH FOR A FRIEND, AND FOUND YOU. I CAN’T WAIT TO REALLY GET INTO IT!!!! THANKS
FOR ALL YOU ARE GIVING US.
I WENT TO DR. BIELER IN 1972 with 2 friends. WHAT A GUY!!! I CAN TELL YOU THE SOUP REALLY DOES THE TRICK. WE LOOKED, AND FELT FABULOUS, AFTER FOLLOWING HIS PROGRAM.
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.