Best Blender

Comparison Chart

Blender Buyer’s Guide

Blenders come in various shapes and sizes to best fit the needs of individuals, homes, and many different types of kitchens. Because of this, there’s no single blender that’s going to be best for everyone. To make sure you’ve picked the product that’s perfect for you, we recommend considering the following before heading to check out:

Speeds & Wattage

The number one way blenders ensure they stand out from their counterparts are offering high options in speeds alongside powerful wattage.

Much like with microwaves, the wattage of a blender is a clear indicator of the kind of power offered by the unit. This extends beyond speed as well, as blenders with a higher wattage tend to offer more torque and overheat slower. These blenders are built to last and are often best for busy families and for hard use.

The speeds offered by the blender are the other major component of standing out. Higher speeds often mean higher wattage, and blenders that offer variable speeds are able to blend at precise speeds. While speed does not necessarily equal power, having the option means having a more versatile blender overall.

Weight, Capacity & Dimensions

Aside from speed variations and wattage concerns, you’ll also need to keep in mind the size of the blender itself. For instance, there is no average capacity for a blender. While many of the picks on our list hover around 64 ounces, you can find blenders to match just about any size needed.

With capacity comes weight and size and depending upon your kitchen, this could pose a different issue. Larger capacity blenders are going to take up more countertop space that may be needed for other products. And while you could easily store your blender when not in use, you’ll also need to consider the weight and size of the product. For example, individualized blenders may not be effective for cooking large meals, but for the occasional protein shake, there are few products better. You’ll need to make sure your blender’s weight, capacity, and dimensions best work alongside your needs and desires.

Programs & Ice

While almost all blenders work in entirely the same fashion, the final way blenders try to stand out from each other is within the programmed settings designed to reduce some of the stress of kitchen work. For example, a few of the blenders on our list have dedicated smoothie buttons. These will allow homeowners to load up the smoothie ingredients, press the correct button, and leave the blender to attend to other tasks.

Other buttons have a specific focus on another large need for blenders: crushed ice. Many homeowners will utilize crushed ice for one reason or another, and having a dedicated button for this means more time to focus on the rest of the drink. These types of settings and programs can provide an ease of use that you may want to consider depending upon your needs and desires for this home appliance.

FAQ

How do I crush ice with my blender?

Almost all blenders can be utilized to crush ice, which may be valuable for those who need to make mixed drinks and cocktails. Some blenders will have dedicated ice crush settings, which takes much of the guesswork out of the process, but if you would like to crush ice manually, the process is rather simple.

First, fill your blender slightly-less-than halfway with ice. If you’ve used ice from the freezer, consider leaving it out for five minutes or so to soften somehow. Next, pulse the ice on the medium speed setting, and rock the blender gently while doing so. You may need to pulse and shake separately depending upon your blender. Just be sure not to jostle the appliance too much. After a half minute or so, you should be left the consistency of ice you need for your drink needs. We recommend you store or use crushed ice immediately to minimize the amount of ice lost to melting.

Can I process food with my blender?

Many recipes and dishes call for a food processor, and due to the similarity between processors and blenders, many homeowners want to use one as the other. In many cases, you can process food in a blender just as effectively as you could with a food processor. You’ll just need to be aware that blenders often have far smaller capacities than processors, so you may need to work in smaller batches.

Also be aware that overfilling your blender can easily lead to spills and burns, so always be sure to consult the owner’s manual and be careful not to fill your blender above the fill line or maximum capacity. Also be sure to keep a close eye on your blender during operation to ensure that you end up with the right consistency for your meals.

How do I clean my blender?

Cleaning a blender may seem relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to be especially careful when doing so. Blender blades are often extremely sharp, and if you’re not careful, you can accidentally harm yourself. To safely clean your blender, we recommend you first remove the major elements by filling your assembled blender partially with water and with lots of dish detergent. Next, run the blender on a low or average setting to jostle any food particles and clear the blades of any debris. Afterwards, you should be able to remove the blender’s cup and spot clean the rest of the appliance. You can give your blender’s cup a final rinse with hot water, and you should be left with a clean blender without ever needing to touch the blades yourself.

Final Thoughts

While we could easily make an argument for any one of the ten blenders on our list, we know that not just any blender is going to be the best for your home.

While somewhat limited in speeds, the Ninja Professional offers a no-frills solution to blending that’s durable, long-lasting, and the best mix of features and value out of all other blenders on our list. If you’re struggling to pick a blender for yourself or a loved one, this is a good option for you.

If the price is a big selling point for you and you’re blending primarily for one, the Oster My Blend is great for getting that morning smoothie or afternoon protein shake into your diet. The Hamilton Beach Power Elite offers a similarly low price but a larger capacity for families and multiple people to use.

Finally, if you need power and you don’t mind a lack of features like program settings, then the Cleanblend Commercial Blender or either of the two Vitamix options on our list represent some of the best options available in the market. The Cleanblend Commercial Blender specifically represents one of the best options in the market today. No matter which blender you choose, we think that taking the time to get this appliance right is going to truly pay off in the long run.