10 Best Blender For Frozen Drink & Ice Crushing

Are you looking for a blender that can crush ice and make bar standard frozen drinks? If yes, you are not alone.

As you likely know, the market is flooded with different blenders, while most of them can carry out basic blending task like liquefying fruits, only a handful of them can crush frozen ingredients and deliver excellent results.

Well, to narrow down the best blender for frozen drinks, you must arm yourself with some intricate information about blenders. This article contains everything you need to know about the best blenders for frozen drinks.

Best Blender For Frozen Drink & Crushing Ice

Our Top Pick

4.5/5

Blendtec Pro 800

The Blendtec 800 is a powerful blender with an eye-catching design. The unit is fitted with a 3.8 horsepower motor. The 90oz container that comes with it is BPA free, lightweight, and easy to clean.

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What Makes a Blender for Ice Crushing?

Blenders with ice-crushing capabilities have solid construction. They are made from high-quality materials that can withstand consistent use.

The blade system that is fitted in them is made from materials like stainless steel. Their high-quality stainless steel blade is perfect for crushing ice and liquefying whole fruits.

The motor that is fitted in the base unit is powerful enough to blend frozen ingredients. If the motor of a blender isn’t powerful, it will likely overheat or fall apart when used to blend ice. Low-quality units are best suited for making smoothies.

Going through the reviews left by others can help you determine if a unit is low quality or not.

Best Blender for Frozen Drink Comparison

In this section, we will be looking at a comparison table that showcases the key features and functions of the blenders reviewed in this article.

Image PRODUCT/ Features Rating  
Top PickBlendtec Pro 800 Blendtec Pro 800 Motor power: 3.8 horsepower
Programmable setting:
6 presets, 11 speeds
Container:
90oz BPA free jar
Read Full Review
Budget PickNinja BL610 Ninja BL610Motor power: 1000 watt
Programmable setting: 3 speeds
Container: Plastic, 70oz
Read Full Review
Commercial PickCleanBlend 3HP CleanBlend 3HPMotor power: 1800 watt
Programmable setting: 10 speed
Container: plastic, 64oz
Read Full Review
Oster Reverse Crush Oster Reverse CrushMotor power: 600 watt
Programmable setting:
3 speed, 2 presets
Container:
48oz BPA free container
Read Full Review
KitchenAid KSB1575ER KitchenAid KSB1575ERMotor power: 670 watt
Programmable setting: 5 speed, 1 presets
Container: Plastic, 60oz
Read Full Review
Oster VERSA Pro Oster VERSA ProMotor power: 1400 watt
Programmable setting: 3 presets, 8 speeds
Container: 64oz BPA free jar
Read Full Review
Vitamix 5200 Vitamix 5200Motor power: 2 horsepower
Programmable setting: 10 speed
Container: Tritan copolyester, 64oz
Read Full Review
Nutri Ninja Pro Nutri Ninja ProMotor power: 1000 watt
Programmable setting: 1 speed
Container: 18oz and 24oz, BPA free jars
Read Full Review
Margaritaville Key West Margaritaville Key WestMotor power: 450 watt
Programmable setting: 4 presets
Container: 36oz BPA free jar
Read Full Review
Nutribullet RX 1700W Nutribullet RX 1700WMotor power: 1700 watt
Programmable setting: 1 speed
Container: plastic: 30oz and 34oz
Read Full Review

1. Blendtec Pro 800 (Top Pick)

Blendtec Pro 800

The Blendtec Pro 800 is a heavy-duty blender that can make near perfect frozen drinks and smoothies within seconds. Everything from its eye-catching design to its performance is going to surpass your expectation.

The Blendtec 800 is regarded as one of the best blender for frozen drinks, as it features a 3.8 horsepower motor, which is powerful enough to shatter the ice and frozen fruit.

Unlike many of the best blenders or some commercial-grade blenders on the market that are loud, the Blendtec Pro 800 is quiet. The model utilizes sound damping technology to prevent noise generated by the blender from getting out. 

The blades in the Blendtec 800 are durable and can work with tough ingredients. The blades are made from steel, a tough material that can withstand consistent use.    

With this blender, you will be able to get the consistency you want when making margaritas, smoothies, and other delicious treats at the touch of a button. The unit has 6 presets (smoothies, mixed drinks, hot soup, batters, and frozen treats), a pulse feature, and 11 speeds.

The 90-ounce blending container that comes with the blender is BPA-free, sturdy, and has measuring lines, which may come in handy when working with delicate recipes.

Well, it may surprise you to know that the Blendtec 800 has a 10-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The only downside of this model is that it is bulky and may take a lot of space in your kitchen system or countertop.  

So if you are looking for the best-frozen drink blender on the market that can carry out heavy-duty blending tasks with ease, you should opt for the Blendtec Pro 800.

PROS
+ Pulse feature
+ Powerful stainless steel blades
+ Great performance
+ 10-year warranty
+ Can crush ice effortlessly
CONS
No self-clean feature
Bulky base
It is expensive.

2. Ninja BL610 (Budget Pick)

Ninja BL610

The Ninja BL610 is one of the best budget-friendly blenders with ice-crushing capabilities. Its illustrious design and sleek finishing will absolutely complement the design and décor of most modern kitchens.

The first thing you will notice when you see this blender is the high profile 72-ounce professional-grade blending container that comes with it. The container is sturdy, shatter-resistant, and easy to clean. What’s more, it is perfect for preparing large batches of smoothie, margaritas, and other frozen drinks.

Well, since the container has an ergonomichandle, it will be easy for users to move it around.

The stainless steel blade fitted in the pitcher is powerful enough to transform ice to snow and make an excellent smoothie.

Just like many of the top-notch blender for frozen drinks, the Ninja BL610 comes with a powerful motor that can withstand consistent use and deliver near-perfect results.

Using the Ninja BL610 is easy, as its controls are straight forward. In fact, you do not need to be tech-savvy to figure out how this blender works and how to achieve the results you want with it.

On the control panel, you will find a pulse button, a power button, and a 3-speed button(low, medium, high)

So if you are looking for the best budget-friendly blenders or an ice crushing blender, but are on a tight budget, the Ninja BL610 will be perfect for you.  

PROS
+ Budget-friendly price tag
+ 72oz jar
+ Straight forward controls
+ Powerful motor
+ Durable stainless steel blades
CONS
Bulky and difficult to store
No presets
Only 3 speeds.

3. CleanBlend 3HP (Commercial Pick)

CleanBlend 3HP

This is a commercial-grade blender that boasts of features that will blow you away. Its slick design and immaculate finishing set it apart from other blenders out there. This is likely why it is regarded by many as the best blender for frozen drinks.

When it comes to performance, the CleanBlend 3HP can compete with many high-end blenders on the market.

Thanks to the 1800 watt (3 horsepower) motor that is fitted in its base unit is great for crushing ice, frozen fruit, and preparing a smoothie.

To ensure that the motor remains in excellent working condition, the base unit of the blender was fitted with a special cooling system that automatically shuts down the blender before it overheats.

The 64oz container that comes with this blender is BPA-free, easy to clean, shatter-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures. What’s more, the container has a sturdy handle you can use to carry it around.

The blades in the container are tough and easy to clean. The blades are made from steel, a sturdy material.

If you buy this unit, you will be able to prepare bar standard frozen drinks and make smoothies with less stress. The blender has 10 speeds that can help you achieve your desired consistency when you want to make margarita and smoothies and a pulse feature that may come in handy when working with tough ingredients.

Needless to say, the CleanBlend 3HP is great and has a lot of amazing features, and can compete with the best blender for frozen drinks. But it has a few issues. First, its low speed is very fast. This means that you may not get the texture you want when chopping. Also, it is noisy.

So if you are looking for the best blender for frozen fruits, you should check out the CleanBlend 3HP.

PROS
+ Tough blades
+ 10 variable speed
+ 64-ounce blending jar
+ Pulse feature
+ Great for making frozen drinks and smoothie
CONS
A bit noisy
Its low speed is still very fast
No preset.

4. Oster Reverse Crush

Oster Reverse Crush

The Oster Reverse Crush is a versatile blender that can do everything from making delicious frozen to mouthwatering smoothies within seconds. Its modern design and remarkable finishing will surely complement the design and aesthetics of most modern kitchen system.

The blender features a 600-watt motor that is powerful enough to work with tough ingredients and crush ice. The sturdy stainless steel blade that comes with it is sharp and can deliver excellent results.

With the Oster Reverse Crush, which is regarded by many as one of the best blenders for crushing ice, you can be confident of getting near-perfect results consistently. What’s more, you will be able to make as many frozen drinks, milkshakes, and smoothieswith less hassle, as the container that comes with the unit is large.

The blending container is made from glass, a durable, clear, and scratch-resistant material. The container has a 48oz capacity and is dishwasher safe.  

Using the Oster Reverse Crush is relatively easy, as its controls are pretty straight forward. On the control panel of the unit, you will find 2 presets (frozen drinks and food chop), 3 speeds (high, med, and low), 2 pulse buttons (high-speed pulse and low-speed pulse), and on and off button, and a stop button. Truth be told, the Oster Reverse Crush is a great blender, but it has a few issues. Some users complained that it is noisy and doesn’t come with a blending stick

PROS
+ Easy to use
+ Large blending jar
+ Durable blades
+ Pulse feature
+ Can deliver excellent results
CONS
It is noisy
Doesn’t come with a blending stick
Only 3 speeds
No digital display.

5. KitchenAid KSB1575ER

KitchenAid KSB1575ER

KitchenAid KSB1575ER is a high-quality countertop blender that is easy to use and can make excellent drinks and smoothies. Its brilliant design and remarkable performance set it apart from the crowd. This explains why it has a lot of positive reviews.

Since the unit comes in 21 different colors, users can choose a color that suits the design and décor of their kitchen.

This high-performance blender comes with a 670-watt motor, which is strong enough to carry out basic and complex blending tasks like making smoothies, chopping vegetables, and crushing ice.

The unit has 5 speeds (liquefy, stir, chop, mix, and puree), a pulse button, a preset for crushing ice, and an on/off button.

If you buy this blender, you will get a 60-ounce jar. The container is durable, scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe, and stain-resistant. Even more, it has measuring lines.

The KitchenAid KSB1575ER can work with tough ingredients like crushedice and frozen fruits because it has a sturdy stainless steel blade attached permanently to the base of the blending jar.

Well, it may interest you to know that the unit comes with a 5-year limited warranty. So if the unit because faulty after a while, you are covered.

The only downside of this amazing blender is that its container is very high and difficult to store.

So if you are in the market searching for the best blender that is great for making smoothies, crushing ice, and frozen fruit, you should check out the KitchenAid KSB1575ER.

PROS
+ 5 year limited warranty
+ Powerful blade
+ Can work with frozen ingredients
+ 60oz pitcher
+ 5 speed
CONS
High profile container is difficult to store
A bit noisy
Bulky base.

6. Oster VERSA Pro

Oster VERSA Pro

The Oster VERSA Pro is a versatile blender with lots of cool features that will make it easier for you to make smoothies and drinks. Its stunning design and near perfect finishing will surely leave you in awe. No wonder it has so many positive reviews.

The powerful 1400 watt motor that is fitted in the base unit of the blender is powerful and can work with tough ingredients like ice, frozen fruit, and tough nuts that many blenders will struggle with.

Well, it may intrigue you to know that the unit has a unique sensor that protects it from overheating and overloading.

The 64-ounce low-profile pitcher that comes with the unit is made from high-grade Tritan Copolyester; a sturdy material that is easy to clean and maintain.

Carrying the container around your kitchen or pouring its content into a cup isn’t going to be a problem, as it has a soft-griphandle.

The well-made stainless steel blade system that is fitted in the blending container is tough, sharp, and durable. What’smore, they can effectively shatter tough ingredients like ice.

Making bar standard frozen drinks, smoothies, and concoctions with this blender is super easy, as it has 8 variable speeds and a pulse mode. The high speed is perfect for crushing ice and making ultra-smooth smoothies. The low speed is best suited for chopping ingredients.

The unit also has 3 pre-sets (soup, smoothies, and spread/dips) that can help you achieve the consistency and texture you want at the touch of a button.

So if you are looking for a powerful blender with loads of positive reviews that can make mouthwatering frozen drinks and smoothies within seconds, you should check out the Oster VERSA.

PROS
+ 1400 watt motor
+ Sturdy blades
+ 7-year warranty
+ Positive reviews
+ 3 pre-programmed settings
CONS
Bulky base
Difficult to store
A bit noisy
No digital display.

7. Vitamix 5200

Vitamix 5200

The Vitamix 5200 is a blending powerhouse that boasts of features that can help you get things done quicker. Its eye-catching design and out of this world performance is definitely going to leave you in awe.

The 2 horsepower motor fitted in the base unit of the Vitamix 5200 is powerful and can deliver near-perfect results.What’s more, the motor can work with tough produce and shatter ice and frozen fruit with ease.

To ensure that the unit remains in perfect working condition, the engineers at Vitamix installed an advanced cooling system in the base unit of the blender. The system is designed to automatically shut down the blender before it starts to overheat.

Unlike many blenders on the market with complicated controls that may take forever for an average user to master, the Vitamix 5200 has straightforward controls that anyone can understand.

You will find an on/off switch, a pulse lever, and a knob to change speeds on the control panel of the blender.

Well, if you plan on making frozen drinks and smoothies for your friends and loved ones every now and then, you are going to love the Vitamix 5200, as it can make huge volumes of delicious treats at go. The 64-ounce container that comes with it is durable, lightweight, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures.

Since the Vitamix 5200 has a 7-year full warranty, you can blend with confidence, knowing that you won’t have to spend a dime if the unit becomes faulty in the future.

The positive reviews left by people who purchased this blender will give you a picture of how effective it is.

PROS
+ 10 variable speed
+ 64oz jar
+ 7-year warranty
+ Durable blades
+ Powerful motor
CONS
Its high profile container is difficult to store
No presets
A bit noisy.

Check out our detailed review of Vitamix 5200 here.

8. Nutri Ninja Pro

Nutri Ninja Pro

The Nutri Ninja Pro is a high-performance personal blender that can compete with many countertop blenders when it comes to performance. Its compact design and sleek finishing is definitely going to complement the décor of most small kitchens.

Carrying this blender around isn’t going to be a problem, as it is lightweight and easy to move around. In fact, you can take it with you during your travels.

The Nutri Ninja is fitted with a 1000 watt motor that is powerful enough to crush frozen fruit and make near perfect frozen drinks.

Well, if you are into margaritas and other frozen drinks, this blender will be perfect for you, as it can transform ice to snow within seconds.

If you buy the Nutri Ninja, you will get an 18-ounce cup, a 24-ounce cup, and two travel lids. The two jars are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

The Nutri ninja professional blender extractor blade fitted in the blending cup can effectivelyextract vitamins from fruits within seconds.

Obviously, the Nutri Ninja Professional blender is a powerful unit that is easy to use, but it has a few issues. First, it can’t work with hot ingredients. Also, it is loud.

So if you are looking for a portable blender that can deliver excellent results consistently, you should check out the Nutri Ninja Professional blender.

PROS
+ 1000 watt motor
+ Budget-friendly price tag
+ Can crush ice
+ Two BPA free jars
+ Powerful extractor blades
CONS
Can’t work with hot ingredients
Suited only for personal use
No presets.

9. Margaritaville Key West

Margaritaville Key West

The Margaritaville Key West is a must-have for people who are into frozen drinks, as it is great for making huge volumes of bar quality frozen drinks and smoothies within a short time. Its robust and captivating design is surely going to turn heads and give you a lot of compliments.

The blender features a robust motor that can shave ice and make near perfect concoction effortlessly. Even more, the motor can withstand consistent use without overheating.

The first thing you are likely going to notice when you see the Margaritaville Key West is its ice bow and pitcher, which are made from premium quality glass.

The pitcher has a 36-ounce capacity and an ergonomichandle you can use to move it around your kitchen. The measuring lines on the pitcher will absolutely make things easy for you, especially when working with delicate frozen drinks and smoothies.

The Margaritaville Key West has 4 preprogrammed settings that will help you get the results you want with less hassle.

Needless to say, the Margaritaville Key West is one of the best blenderfor frozen drinks, but it has some issues.

First, it comes with only a 1-year warranty, which is a lot less than what some of the best blenders from other brands have. Also, it is bulky, difficult to store and move around.

So if you are looking for a high-quality blender with a lot of positive reviews that can make bar standard drinks, the Margaritaville Key West will be perfect for you.

PROS
+ Can deliver excellent results
+ 4 Presets
+ 36oz pitcher
+ Made from high-quality materials
+ Sturdy blades
CONS
Bulky
Can only be used to make frozen drinks
Only 1-year warranty.

10. Nutribullet RX 1700W

Nutribullet RX 1700W

The Nutribullet RX 1700W is likely the best blender on the market that is easy to use and maintain. The unit is portable and easy to store.

The blender weighs 1lbs and measures 15.16 x 15.16 x 13.11. Since it is lightweight, you won’t have a hard time moving it around or even traveling with it.

Tough ingredients like ice and frozen fruits don’t stand a chance against the 1700 watt motor fitted in the base unit of the blender.

Just like many top-tier countertop blenders or the best blender for frozen drinks on the market, the Nutribullet RX 1700W can heat soup and make excellent frozen drinks and smoothies.

The Nutribullet RX 1700W is somewhat better than other personal blenders that require users to apply some sort of effort. The blender utilizes smart technology to auto-start and stop.

The 30oz cup and 1-liter pitcher that comes with the unit is easy to clean, lightweight, and BPA free.

The stainless steel blade system that comes with the blender is easy to clean and can withstand consistent use.

Obviously, the Nutribullet RX 1700W is likely the best blender for frozen drinks, as it has lots of positive reviews, but it has some issues. First, it can only make one cup at a time. Also, it is noisy.

The Nutribullet RX 1700W is a must-have for people looking for a powerful personal blender that is great for making delicious drinks and smoothies.

PROS
+ Durable blades
+ Dishwasher safe
+ Two BPA free jars
+ 1700 watt motor
+ Great for blending tough ingredients
CONS
Only suited for personal use
Somewhat noisy
No preset
No digital display.

How to Pick a Blender for Frozen Drinks?

Truth be told, not all blenders on the market can work with frozen ingredients and make mouth-watering frozen drinks and smoothies. So before choosing between any of the best blenders on the market, you have to ensure that it has ice-crushing capabilities.

If you are new to blenders, it will be difficult or impossible for you to tell if a blender can work on tough ingredients like ice. Without guidance, you are likely to pick a bulky model, hoping that it will be able to deliver the results you desire.

Well, it may surprise you to know that the size of a blender has nothing to do with its performance. There are some portable blenders on the market that can compete with bulky countertop blenders when it comes to performance.

Below are a few things you should give careful consideration to when picking the best ice-crushing blender.

Motor

Regardless of the size and type of blender you are looking to purchase, you must check its motor before making a final decision.

Regular blenders with a less than average motor may be able to liquefy whole fruits and vegetables but may struggle with tough ingredients like ice, frozen fruits, and nuts. Some blenders may even overheat or develop a fault if you use them to blend ice.

To ensure that you get the consistency and texture you want, you should opt for blenders with a 600 watt and above motors like the Blendtec 800, Hamilton beach, and the Vitamix 5200. Anything lower isn’t going to cut it.

Blending container

You aren’t going to regret buying a blender with a large blending jar, except you have a small kitchen or don’t have enough room to store it.

If you have a large family or you plan on making frozen drinks and smoothies for your family members and friends every now and then, you should opt for any of the best blender for frozen drinks with a large container like the Blendtec Pro 800.

On the other hand, if you live alone and don’t have much storage space, you should opt for any of the best blenders with a small base.

Be sure that the container that comes with any of the best blenders you want to purchase is BPA free, scratch-resistant, and dishwasher safe.

Price

See, you don’t have to buy the most expensive blender on the market to get the results you want. Some low price blenders can deliver jaw-dropping results.

Keep in mind that not all expensive blenders on the market can give you the results you desire. But that doesn’t mean you should invest in the cheapest model you can find.

If you will be using the blender often, you should opt for a top-quality blender for frozen drinks like the Vitamix 5200, as they are durable and can withstand consistent use. On the other hand, if you plan on using it every now and then, you can opt for a low price model.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best blenders, especially if you are going to be using it regularly.

Variable Speed and Pre-sets

Some of the best blenders on the market have special features that can help users get the results they want at the touch of a button. Most high-end blenders on the market have presets for frozen drinks, smoothies, and milkshakes.  

Blenders usually have a knob, switch, or button that helps users change speeds. While some blenders have one or three speeds others have up to 10 speeds. A blender with multiple speeds can help users get the unique texture and consistency they want.  

If you plan on making frozen drinks and smoothies with your blender, it is wise you opt for any of the best blenders with a pulse feature and a powerful motor like the Vitamix 5200. The pulse feature will help you get the consistency you want when working with tough ingredients like vegetables, seeds, ice, and nuts.

Blades

The blades in the pitcher of a blender can affect its results. Many of the best blenders on the market like the Blendtec 800 have blades that are made from steel and can make excellent smoothies and drinks. Steel blades can work with tough produce and shatter ice.

How to Crush Ice in a Blender?

Crushing ice with a powerful blender isn’t as difficult as you think. Below is a step by step guide on how to do it.

Step 1

Take out the ice from your fridge or freezer and keep it on your countertop or container for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Fill 1/3 of your blending container with the ice cubes. Ensure that there is enough space for the ice to move around when you are blending them. You can speed things up by adding a little water or juice.

Step 3

Use the pulse button in bursts of two to three seconds. Repeat this 4 to 6 times. Next, set your blender to crushing or chopping speed.

Step 4

Carefully pour the crushed ice into an insulation bucket. Store the bucket in a freezer if you aren’t going to use it right away.

A smiling woman sipping at her favorite smoothie blended using one of the Best blenders For Frozen Drink & Ice Crushing

FAQ on Best Blenders For Frozen Drink & Ice Crushing

How do you blend frozen drinks?

The single most important thing you need to blend frozen drinks and smoothies is a powerful blender. If you have one, you should load it up with crushed ice and follow your recipe. Don’t blend for too long so that the drink doesn’t become thin or runny.

Can you blend ice cubes in a blender?

Yes, you can. But ensure that that you let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before inserting it in your blender. Keep in mind that that whole ice cubes can dull the blade system in your pitcher.

Can a 300-watt blender crush ice?

A 300-watt blender will be able to crush ice and frozen fruit but will not give you the consistency you want. Blenders with a 600 watt and above motor are best suited for crushing ice.

How do you smooth frozen margaritas?

Place your frozen margarita cubes into a powerful blender and blend until you achieve a slushy texture. Add ice and blend until the mixture is smooth. Feel free to add lime juice or orange liquor to enhance the taste of the drink.

Our Verdict

Finding the best blender for frozen drinks and smoothies is not an easy task. With so many options out there, it may be difficult to narrow down the best one for your needs. To increase the odds of finding a good one, you have to consider factors like how often you will be using it, the size of your family, and your budget. If you can’t seem to choose among the numerous blenders out there, then you should opt for the Blendtec Pro 800.

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