Why You Need a Special Blender to Make Smoothies?
Not all blenders are up to the task of making smoothies. Some have underpowered motors that can’t crush ice. Simultaneously, others don’t have the right blades and container design to create a silky smooth blend.
Smoothies usually have different vegetable and fruit ingredients, which vary in hardness and texture. Hence, you need a special blender that can process most foodstuff without ruining its taste or losing some of their nutrients.
Additionally, if you want to prepare a large number of smoothies for your friends or family, you need one that has a 64 oz container or larger. Some specialized blenders also able to produce hot soups and even pastries.
Best Blenders for Smoothies Comparison
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Top Pick | Vitamix Professional 750 Motor Power: 2.2 horsepower, 1640 watts Container: 64 oz low profile plastic |
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Powerful Pick | Jamba Appliances 2.4 hpMotor Power: 2.4 horsepower, 1800 watts Container: 64 oz BPA-free plastic |
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Quiet Pick | Blendtec Professional 800 BlenderMotor Power: 3.8 horsepower Container: 90 oz Wildside+ BPA-free plastic |
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Budget Pick | Ninja Professional BL610 Motor Power: 1000 watts Container: 72 oz BPA-free plastic |
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NutriBullet ProMotor Power: 900 watts Container: 32 oz BPA-free plastic |
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Cleanblend CommercialMotor Power: 3 horsepower, 1800 watts Container: 64 oz BPA-free plastic |
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Oster Pro 1200Motor Power: 1200 watts Container: 48 oz glass pitcher, 24 oz single-serve cup |
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COSORI 1500WMotor Power: 1500 watts Container: 70 oz plastic pitcher, 27 oz personal travel bottle |
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KitchenAid KSB1575ERMotor Power: 600 watts Container: 60 oz BPA-free plastic |
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Hamilton BeachMotor Power: 700 watts Container: 40 oz glass pitcher |
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1. Vitamix Professional 750 (Top Pick)
The Vitamix brand is almost synonymous with smoothie since they’ve been making a lot of it on their demo videos and infomercials. The Vitamix Professional 750 is a versatile blender with a 2.2 horsepower and 1640 watt motor.
It’s hardened stainless steel blades sit on top of an efficient metal drive system. Controlling the blades’ speed is five pre-programmed settings meant to fine-tune the texture of the blending food. The variable speeds allow you to control the thickness of your smoothie and its consistency.
Meanwhile, the Vitamix 64 oz container has a low-profile for easy storage. The pitcher’s sleek design allows more ingredients to sit at the bottom and get processed much faster by the blades. Measurement markings and the max line are visible and can easily guide you on your smoothie recipe’s ratios.
The Vitamix Professional 750 also has a self-cleaning feature where it can clean itself in under a minute. Simply fill its pitcher with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid before waiting for 30 to 60 seconds to pass. Afterwhich, you only have to rinse it off with tap water before drying it with a clean cloth.
+ Seven years warranty period
+ Powerful motor
+ Sharp hardened blades
+ Numerous variable speeds
– A bit pricey
– Quite heavy.
2. Jamba Appliances 2.4 hp (Powerful Pick)
If you want to create smoothie out of frozen fruits, you need a blender with an absurd amount of power. The Jamba Appliances blender is up to the task thanks to its 2.4 horsepower motor that produces close to 1800 watts. According to its manufacturer, that’s plenty of power to propel the blades to reach up to 210 miles per hour.
This blender utilizes a low profile 64 ounce pitcher that can fit in almost any kitchen cabinet. The container has clear measurement markings and max lines, making it easier to decide the proportions of your ingredients. At its max capacity, it can prepare up to eight glasses of ice cold drinks.
Meanwhile, its control panel is complicated with a 10-speed dial, start/ stop switch, and pulse. There are also four preset programs: soup, whole juice, ice crush, and a smoothie. Jamba also added a 150 recipe full-color book where you can get inspiration for your next dish or beverage.
Cleaning this blender is also a breeze. Just fill the blender around the halfway mark with water and add a few drops of liquid soap before blending for half a minute. Afterwhich, rinse the pitcher with lukewarm tap water.
+ Multiple speed and preset settings
+ Powerful motor; fast-rotating blades
+ BPA free plastic container
– Very noisy at high blending speeds
– Short power cord.
3. Blendtec Professional 800 Blender (Quiet Pick)
Most large blenders tend to be noisy because of their powerful motor, but not the Blendtec Professional. This blender is known for its quiet operation despite having a 3.8 horsepower motor that oozes out 2800 watts of electrical output. Thanks to its sealed sound enclosure design, the blender can keep any sound it produces at the bare minimum.
Furthermore, the blender has a vast 90 oz Wildside + pitcher that is both BPA-free and impact resistant. Its unique extra-wide base design allows more ingredients to sit at the bottom, well within reach of its sharp stainless steel blades. Blendtec also added a 36 oz jar in case you need something smaller for the occasion.
The control panel is an 11-speed program setting that offers ultimate blending precision that can help you achieve perfect consistency in your smoothie. It also has an LCD countdown timer to help you gauge how much time is left before the current blending process will end.
Another intriguing feature of the Blendtec professional series blender is its cold-forged blunt blades that are ten times stronger than most blades in the market. However, don’t let the word “blunt” fool you as this blade is still quite sharp, especially when moving at high speeds.
+ Can easily handle hot soups
+ Dishwasher safe
+ Powerful, professional-grade motor
+ Clear measurement markings and max line
– The smaller container is hard to keep locked
– Only three years warranty.
4. Ninja Professional BL610 (Budget Pick)
The Ninja BL610 fuses a sleek design and excellent performance to make the best smoothies imaginable. Its powerful 1000-watt motor can make short work of almost any ingredient. It’s best used in preparing cold beverages since it has the Total Crushing feature, which can turn ice into powdery snow in just seconds.
This blender has patented triple-stacked blades that are sharp and, at the same time, sturdy. The speed of the blades can be manually controlled using the pulse button. Additionally, its control panel has three speed settings- low, medium, and high.
It has a 72 ounce pitcher that is BPA-free, which can easily make smoothies for eight people. The blender’s pitcher can’t handle hot liquids but has a locking lid with a mess-free pour spout. Moreover, the unit is also easy to maintain since most of its parts are dishwasher safe.
You can also remove the blades manually to ensure no chunk of ingredients is stuck to the blender’s bottom when cleaning. It comes with a single-serve cup attachment. However, the blender only has a one-year warranty. Overall, it’s an affordable blender that you can use whether you’re preparing smoothie for yourself or the whole family.
+ Numerous safety features installed
+ No heat or aeration on process food
+ Lightweight and ergonomic design
+ Sharp and durable blades
– Difficult to store because of its height
– Short warranty period.
5. NutriBullet Pro
Considering the best value in the NutriBullet line, this is an excellent blender for making smoothies. The 900-watt motor powers its sharp stainless steel blades to cycle up to 25,000 RPM and produce exceptional blend consistency.
Despite its small stature, this blender has all the components to break the ice into a powder-like snow texture. According to its manufacturer, this model uses cyclonic action and stainless steel extractor blades to break down even the toughest ingredients.
Its container of choice is two 32 oz BPA-free plastic cups, each with its lip ring with a handle for easy carrying wherever you go. They also have to-go lids that shut the contents inside and prevent any types of leaks. You can also select from 10 color schemes to go along your Nutribullet pro series blender body for a unique ownership experience.
The NutriBullet Pro is also easy to use and disassemble. Simply twist off the blade, hand washes it using soap and water before rinsing. This blender only has a one year warranty. Consequently, the user manual also suggests that you should only use it for no more than 60 seconds at a time. You have to wait for a couple of minutes for the motor to cool down before using it again.
+ Powerful motor with high RPM blades
+ Dishwasher safe
+ Customizable Nutribullet body-color
+ Ergonomic and portable design
– Subpar blend consistency
– Bottom of the pitcher prone to leaking.
6. Cleanblend Commercial
The jack of all trades of the blenders, this unit offers outstanding performance while being versatile. The Cleanblend Commercial uses a three horsepower motor that produces an output of 1800 watts. Besides, it also excels in nine other food prepping procedures such as chopping, grinding, pureeing, liquifying, and even heating.
This countertop blender also has a 64 oz BPA-free plastic pitcher where you can prepare up to eight glasses of smoothies. The center is a durable eight-blade design that sits above a sealed ball bearing for optimized RPMs at the jar. Thanks to this feature, it can easily crush ice into powdery snow texture.
At its control panel is a variable speed dial that helps you get an accurate blending texture of different foodstuffs. Cleanblend also provided it with a tamper that fits right into the top lid. However, one disadvantage of this blender is its less visible measuring marks.
Moreover, the entire blender is easy to use and disassemble. It’s also dishwasher free and can be manually washed using a few drops of detergent soap and water. The blender has a five years warranty, and the manufacturer also offers a money-back guarantee within 30 days after purchase.
+ Versatile and can perform multiple tasks
+ Tamper included
+ Large BPA free pitcher
+ Great price point within commercial blenders
– The low speed setting a bit faulty
– Unclear max line and measurement markings.
7. Oster Pro 1200
When it comes to inexpensive yet highly functional blenders, the Oster Pro is definitely on top of the list.
Unlike the Oster Versa Pro, this blender has a less powerful 1200 watt motor that allows its blades to reach up to 28,000 RPMs. Controlling that power is a 10-button control panel with five preset blending cycles and three-speed settings. You can interrupt the blending process using the stop button, while the pulse button works until you release it.
This blender comes with a 48 oz Boroclass glass pitcher that can handle boiling water temperatures thanks to its thermal shock resistant feature. It also has a 24 oz single-serve cup, which you can use it on the go with you protein shakes before heading to the gym.
Meanwhile, its 3.5-inch blades are slightly bigger than previous models. Using dual direction blade technology, it can spin in forward and reverse motion. However, it can be quite loud, especially when crushing frozen ingredients to reach 90 decibels.
During preparation, make sure to close the primary pitcher’s lid properly, as it can be loose sometimes. The single-serve cup is best when preparing a smoothie for yourself as it comes with a spill safe lid with an open/close latch. Oster also offers optional accessories such as a food processor and personal cups. All of which are dishwasher safe and easy to maintain. Finally, the manufacturer provides an outstanding ten years warranty.
+ Great at grinding
+ Jar locks on base with ease
+ Glass jars don’t get stained quickly
+ Easy to put and remove the lid
– Less visible markings and max line
– Unstable base.
8. COSORI 1500W
Combining a powerful motor and sharp premium blades, the COSORI blender makes it a great pick. Its 2.0 horsepower motor provides an output of 1500 watts, which allows its blades to spin up to 30,000 RPMs.Thanks to this feature and other vital parts, the blender can perform tasks such as grind spices, make soups, and even process meat.
The control panel has variable speed settings that help you get an accurate texture of whatever you are blending. The left switch gets you to choose between pulse and soup function. At the same time, the right button can turn the machine on and off.
COSORI comes with a BPA-free 70 ounce pitcher, which can prepare roughly eight servings of smoothies. It also included a 27 oz personal travel bottle complete with to-go lids for portability. Moreover, the manufacturer also threw in a tamper that easily fits the top cover.
Furthermore, this blender’s pitcher, blade, and lids are dishwasher safe and easy to wash thanks to its self-cleaning feature. You can also use the free cleaning brush to clean those hard to reach areas, especially under the blades.
+ The sharp blades spin at high RPMs
+ Family-size BPA-free plastic pitcher
+ Tamper included
+ Self-cleaning feature
– Loud motor
– Some parts prone to breaking.
9. KitchenAid KSB1575ER
This affordable countertop blender uses its so-called “diamond blending system” to process all ingredients efficiently over a short period. Its heart is a 600-watt motor that takes advantage of its Intelli-Speed Motor Control that maintains optimal power and speed during the blending process.
The control panel sits on a die-cast metal base and has five-speed settings for different functions: stir, chop, mix, liquefy, and puree. Consequently, it also has a power button, a pulse button, and a crush ice option for making smoothies. KitchenAid is also offering this blender in twenty color scheme options such as Aqua Sky Blue and Watermelon.
Meanwhile, the large 60 ounce pitcher is BPA-free, stain and scratch-resistant. Using this container, you can prepare up to seven servings of smoothies at a time. It’s also dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The measurement markings and max line, however, are hard to notice.
This blender uses the conventional four-pronged stainless steel blades that fork upwards and downwards. There is also an added layer of coverage in the bottom of the pitcher that meets the control panel base, preventing leakage and it comes with suction cups to stable the base. This product has a warranty period of five years.
+ Highly functional and versatile
+ Multiple preset speed settings
+ Additional anti-leak layer
+ Comes in different colors
– Ring of grease leaks from gear
– A bit noisy.
10. Hamilton Beach Power Elite
This blender is the model to go for when you have a limited budget for a smoothie blender. The Hamilton Beach Power Elite uses a 700-watt motor capable of crushing ice with ease. It uses the so-called Revolutionary Wave Action system to pull down the mixture toward the blades continuously. According to the manufacturer, the motion results in a smoother texture of most liquid drinks.
This blender uses the conventional four-pronged stainless steel blade design that forks upward. Meanwhile, the 40 oz primary glass pitcher can handle hot liquids. The plastic components, such as the lid and base coverings, are made from BPA-free materials. The primary pitcher also features a crafty no-mess spout that is covered with a hinged cap.
Moreover, the control panel features five buttons and 12 preset blending speeds based on the process. For example, the first speed is for a milkshake, mixing, and cleaning. The last two buttons also double as pulse buttons. Hamilton also included a three-cup food chopper as an additional attachment.
The metallic finish on the base also gives it an edgier look. The pitcher and its lids are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. This product has a limited warranty period of three years.
+ Metallic base finish
+ No-mess pouring spout with hinge
+ The glass jar can handle hot liquids
+ Includes a chopper attachment
– Quite noisy
– Subpar build quality.
How to Pick the Best Smoothie Blender?
There are tons of blenders in the market that are mostly marketed as the best blender for smoothies. However, not all blender models are capable of making a silky smooth smoothie that everyone loves.
Before you buy your next blender, you should consider several factors to ensure you get the best value from your purchase. Below are some of the things you should look into when picking the best smoothie blender:
Ice Crushing Feature
The most important thing that your smoothie blender should have is the ability to crush ice. Most of the smoothie recipes you can find online and on printed materials require shaved or crush ice. Hence, it’s the first feature you should look for in your next blender.
Several features allow a blender unit to crush ice. Aside from a powerful motor, the design of the pitcher’s blade and shape also contributes to achieving this feat. The higher the revolution per minute (RPM) of the edge, the better it is at crushing ice.
However, you should also look into the blender’s power output since it’s a good gauge of what ingredients it can process. Turning ice cubes into powdery snow texture may require the motor to produce at least 800 watts.
Sharp and Durable Blade
Since you are dealing with hard ingredients such as ice when making smoothie, your blender’s blade must be sharp and tough. You can look for professional-grade stainless steel blades to ensure you get the best consistency out of your smoothie.
You should also read the reviews of the product, especially the feedback about the blades. If a reviewer mentions a brittle edge or takes longer to crush the ice, consider it a red flag. Some blades also get stuck between the ice or other problematic ingredients if they are not sharp enough or don’t have enough speed.
If you can watch a live demo or at least a clip of the blender making smoothies, that can put some reassurance that it works just as it’s intended. Moreover, you should also consider the size of the blades since they also determine if they can deal with hard ingredients or not.
Zero-Leak Container
Making smoothies can be quite messy, mostly if your blender’s container is not shut tight during the process. Check if the blender has a tightly sealed lid and bottom to ensure that any liquid won’t leak.
Additionally, you should watch out for loose gaskets at the bottom of the blade’s base because it can also cause any liquid content to seep out. As always, go for BPA-free plastic containers since they don’t contain harmful materials.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning the blender can be quite a daunting task, especially if it does not have a self-cleaning function. Hence, look for a unit that is easy to use and clean that does not require any unique tool.
Go for blenders that are dishwasher safe if you dislike cleaning every nook and cranny of the blender. Furthermore, the blades and other parts should be easy to disassemble and assemble.
Variable Speed Settings
While this is the last characteristic you should look out for, it shouldn’t be taken for granted. The speed settings of the blender can help you get the blending consistency you want in your blender. Consequently, it also removes much of the guesswork since it already optimizes the blending speed and time.
Meanwhile, some blenders that only have the pulse function can still make great smoothies. However, doing it manually may require some experimentation to get the right texture of the smoothie.
How to Make a Fruit Smoothie
Contrary to some people’s belief, making smoothies is relatively easy and fun once you get the hang of it. While there are tons of recipes and ways to prepare them out there, it’s best to stick to the basics.
Below is a sure-fire way how you can make this refreshment using the best blender for smoothies we just mentioned:
- Place one quart of any fruit, for example, strawberries, into a blender. If they are a bit large for the blender, simply cut them into pieces using a knife.
- You can then add another fruit or two of your liking, say a banana, into the mix to amplify the flavor. Frozen peaches and mangoes always work great for most smoothie recipes.
- Once you have all the ingredients, cover the blender, and start blending. Some blenders work best if you start with the slower speed before hitting the pulse or a faster speed setting.
- After the ingredients are processed, you can add a cup or two of ice and puree them to the right consistency. You can also add fresh milk to give it a fuller flavor.
To get more ideas on what fruit combinations are best for smoothies, you can refer to the recipe book they include on the blender or in any online resources.
Smoothie Tips and Advice
Just having the right tool is not enough to make the best smoothies. Often, you need the proper technique to ensure you have the right consistency. However, the great thing about having the best blender for smoothies is it won’t leave any chunks and will always produce ultra-smooth blends.
Below are some crucial tips you can use to up the game:
- Suppose you want your smoothies to be thicker, use frozen fruits instead of fresh ones. You can cut the fruits a day before and put them in the freezer bags. However, make sure your blender’s motor output is up to the task of processing frozen fruits.
- Adding almond butter and nut butters can help thicken your smoothies while giving it that nutty taste. Adding oatmeal or cooked quinoa also does the same job. You can use a high-performance blender, such as the Vitamix Professional 750, to make nut butters from scratch.
- If you want a creamy taste in your smoothie, try adding some dairy such as milk and Greek yogurt. Aside from giving a creamy texture, they are also great for thickening your drinks.
- When blending leafy greens, make sure to blend in stages. Some blenders require you to start from the lowest speed settings a few seconds before hitting the pulse button or any higher speed option. Getting the right consistency, though, may take some tries and a bit of experimentation.
- If you ever find your smoothie to be too thick, you can add liquids to thin it out. Some of the alternatives you can use are green tea and coconut water. You can also use fruits with high water content, such as watermelon.
- Finally, invest in a good blender. Any of the blenders we mentioned above solves half of your smoothie making problems. It’s a smart investment for your health and wellness.
FAQ on Best Blenders For Smoothies
Do I Need Variable Speeds to Make Smoothie?
No, you don’t. You can still make smoothie even with just a one-speed/ pulse blender. However, there are some benefits if you use a unit with several speed settings. Aside from removing much of the guesswork, it also allows you to create an excellent and consistent blends. Even if you own a personal blender, you can blend smoothie, albeit it’s not that smooth.
Are Smoothie Blenders Easy to Clean?
Yes, they are easy to clean; some units even have self-cleaning features. The cups, lids, and pitchers of most blenders are usually relatively smooth and have no crevices where food can get stuck. However, the part underneath the blades is where most food debris can end up after blending, so make sure to clean those out.
How Many Watts Do You Need for a Good Smoothie Blender?
You need a blender with a power rating of 350 watts and above if you want to make great smoothies. A blender with ample power and a sharp blade can easily crush ice and even harder ingredients. Moreover, look for a blender with a good revolution per minute (RPM).
Do Personal Smoothie Blenders Work?
Yes, they do and are one of the best ways to enjoy a smoothie. The great thing about personal blenders is their portability. You can take them almost anywhere and drink your favorite healthy blend anytime. Because they are small and lightweight, you can store them even in small bags or place them in your car’s cup holder.
How to Make the Smoothie Thicker?
Using fruits that were frozen overnight is one of the easiest ways to make thicker smoothies. You can also freeze some of the drink’s liquid components and use the minimum amount of water possible. Adding chia seeds or raw oats can also make it thicker because both are excellent binding agents.
What Can Replace Milk in a Smoothie?
There are plenty of alternatives you can use to substitute dairy milk in a smoothie. Some of the more popular ones include flavored yogurt, soya milk, fruit juice, coconut water, and even almond milk. They have identical taste and consistency with dairy milk but have a slight difference in their nutrients and flavors.
Conclusion
Smoothies are a great way to refresh once self and, at the same time, get some essential nutrients from fruits and vegetables. If you want to get the right thickness and consistency, then you need the best smoothie blender in your kitchen. Get the Vitamix 750 today.
Now, who’s up for another glass of smoothie?