Smoothies have become an increasingly popular way to get a nutritious breakfast or snack on-the-go. With the rise in popularity of smoothies, there has also been an explosion in the number of smoothie makers on the market. With so many models to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which smoothie maker is right for you. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to find the perfect smoothie maker.
Types of Smoothie Makers
The first decision to make when choosing a smoothie maker is what type you need. There are three main categories of smoothie makers:
Countertop Blenders
Countertop blenders are the most common type of smoothie maker. They have a pitcher that sits on a motorized base with controls. Most countertop blenders have multiple speed settings and many also have pre-programmed settings for smoothies, juice, soup, and more. Key features to look for in a countertop blender include:
- Pitcher capacity – Standard is 40-64 oz.
- Wattage – Higher watts means more blending power. Look for 500+ watts.
- Blades – Quality stainless steel blades will be durable and crush ice well.
- Functions – Variable speed plus presets like “smoothie” and “pulse” are useful.
Countertop blenders range from budget models under $50 up to high-performance blenders over $400. Mid-range models from reputable brands like Ninja and Oster offer a good balance of performance and value in the $100-$200 range.
Personal Blenders
Personal blenders are compact, portable blenders designed to make single-serve smoothies. They typically have a blending jar that doubles as a travel cup you can take on-the-go. Key features for personal blenders include:
- Blending jar capacity – Most hold 20-24 oz.
- Blade design – Should be able to blend frozen ingredients and crush ice.
- Portability – Compact size and blending jar/travel lid combo.
- Functions – Usually just have simple on/off toggle but may have pulse function.
You can find very affordable personal blenders for around $20-50. Popular name brand models like those from Ninja and Magic Bullet cost $60-120 based on included accessories.
Immersion Blenders
Immersion or “stick” blenders have a motorized handheld blending arm that you submerge directly into the ingredients. Key features include:
- Motor wattage – Look for at least 200 watts for smoothies.
- Blending arm – Should have a strong, quality stainless steel blade.
- Speed settings – Variable speed is ideal, some have presets.
- Extras – Whisk and food processing attachments expand utility.
You can find immersion blenders ranging from $25 on the low end up to $100+ for cordless models. Cuisinart and KitchenAid make popular mid-priced options.
Blender Buying Considerations
Once you’ve decided what type of smoothie maker fits your needs, here are some key factors to help select the right model:
Power
A smoothie maker needs a strong motor and quality blades to finely blend ingredients, crush ice, and pulverize frozen fruits and veggies. For countertop blenders, look for at least 500 watts. Personal blenders can blend smoothies with motors around 300 watts. Immersion blenders need 200+ watts for smoothie tasks.
Capacity
Think about how much you’ll be blending at once to choose an appropriately sized smoothie maker. For a family, a full-sized countertop blender with 64oz pitcher is convenient. Personal blenders around 24 oz work for individual use. Immersion blenders don’t have a set capacity.
Blades
Durable, stainless steel blades are best for smoothie making. Countertop blenders often have blades made from stainless steel bonded with other materials for strength. Personal blender blades vary from plastic to stainless or mixed materials. Immersion blender blades should be stainless steel.
Ease of Use
Look for smoothie makers with intuitive controls and settings like variable speed and a pulse function. Preset one-touch programs for smoothies are convenient if you’ll use them. Personal blenders are easiest to use with their simple on/off functionality. Immersion blenders involve manually moving the arm around.
Easy Cleaning
Smoothie makers should have removable blades and dishwasher-safe parts. This makes cleanup much quicker and easier compared to hand washing. Many new models have plastic and silicone parts that won’t stain from ingredients like berries.
Budget
Smoothie makers range from $20 personal blenders to $400+ high-end countertop blenders. Consider how often you’ll use your smoothie maker and key features that are must-haves when setting your budget. You can get a solid starter blender for smoothies for $50-100.
Top Smoothie Blender Brands
When researching blenders, you’ll come across some brands more than others. Here are the top smoothie blender brands to consider:
| Brand | Type | Notable Models |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja | Countertop, Personal | Ninja Professional, Ninja Personal Blender |
| Vitamix | Countertop | Vitamix 5200, Vitamix 7500 |
| NutriBullet | Personal | NutriBullet Pro, NutriBullet Rx |
| Oster | Countertop | Oster Pro 1200, Oster Versa |
| Blendtec | Countertop | Blendtec Classic, Blendtec Designer |
| Cuisinart | Immersion | Cuisinart Smart Stick |
| Breville | Countertop | Breville Fresh and Furious |
| Hamilton Beach | Countertop, Personal | Hamilton Beach Power Elite |
The Best Smoothie Makers
Now that you know what to look for and the top brands for smoothie makers, here are reviews of some of the best models in each category:
Best Countertop Blender: Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 is a premium countertop blender that consistently earns top marks in performance tests and buyer reviews. With a 2+ peak horsepower motor and aircraft-grade stainless steel blades, it has unmatched blending power. The 64oz container is ideal for family batches. It includes variable speed control and a pulse function for simple operation. While expensive at around $400, it’s a smart long-term investment for avid smoothie makers.
Best Personal Blender: NutriBullet Pro
The NutriBullet Pro 900 packs impressive performance into a compact package perfect for individual smoothies and shakes. It has a 900 watt motor with strong stainless steel blades that pulverize and extract nutrients. The 32oz cup with to-go lid makes it easy to blend and transport. It’s affordably priced under $100 and comes with handy accessories like cup sleeves and recipe books.
Best Immersion Blender: KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Blender
KitchenAid makes the best immersion blender for smoothies with its 5-speed model that has a sturdy 8-inch stainless steel blending arm. The soft-grip handle provides excellent control for blending. At around $60 including a blending cup, it offers great performance and durability at a moderate price point.
Best Budget Blender: Ninja Professional Countertop Blender
For shoppers on a budget, the Ninja Professional 1100 provides outstanding value at around $70. The 1100 watt motor and 72oz pitcher can handle tough smoothie ingredients. It comes with Total Crushing blades and settings for pulse, low, medium, and high speeds. While not at premium blender quality, it competes well against models double the price.
Smoothie Blender Buying FAQs
For more insight on picking the ideal smoothie maker, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are expensive blenders worth it for smoothies?
High-end $400+ blenders clearly perform better, but mid-range blenders around $100 are usually sufficient for smoothies. Pay more for a long-term investment if you’re a daily smoothie nut.
Which is easier to clean, a blender or food processor?
Blenders are generally much easier to clean. Most have detachable blades and dishwasher-safe parts. Food processors have more nooks and crannies.
Can you put hot liquids in a blender?
No, you should let liquids cool before putting them in a blender. Hot liquids can damage the plastic or glass container and warp blades.
How long should you blend a smoothie?
Most smoothies only need 30-60 seconds of blending. Blend in short pulses first to break up solid pieces before blending continuously.
Can I grind coffee beans in a blender?
Yes, a quality blender can grind coffee beans. Use a pulse motion and shake the blender periodically to evenly grind the beans.
Choosing the Best Smoothie Blender for You
Finding the right smoothie maker comes down to considering your needs and budget. If you’ll use it daily or want premium performance, invest in a heavy-duty countertop blender. For occasional use or single servings, a personal blender offers convenience. And immersion blenders provide versatility for other tasks besides smoothies. Take your time comparing models and don’t be afraid to spend a little more for a blender that will last.
With the right smoothie blender in your kitchen, you’ll be ready to blend healthy, delicious smoothies anytime. So do your research and happy blending!
