If a smoothie is part of your morning routine or a typical post-workout snack, you should chose the best cheap blender for smoothies that makes quick work of ingredients like chunks of frozen fruit and leafy greens like kale. Some personal blenders are generally for making smoothies and come with single-serve jars that you can carry around or toss in a bag.
These models are commonly smaller and can help save counter space. However, if you aren't making smoothies daily, you might prefer a full-size blender that can handle larger amounts of ingredients and assist with a bigger variety of kitchen chores. Many full-size blenders come with personal-sized jars you can use for blending single-serve smoothies.
The best blenders for smoothies make it effortless to whip up a silky, delicious drink and are simple to clean afterward. Depending on your preferences, you may also want something with preset modes for simple one-press smoothie blending or even a battery-powered model so you can make a fresh drink during your lunch break.
We've tested over 70 blenders, and below are our recommendations for the best options for making smoothies. Check out our picks for the best blenders, the best personal blenders, and the best blenders under $100.
Βest Βlender For Smoothies
1. Vitamix Explorian E310
- Blender Type: Full Size Blender
- Power: 1,471 W
- Hot Blending: Yes
The Vitamix Explorian E310 is the best smoothie blender we've tested. This full-size model has a fantastic build quality and comes with a five-year U.S. warranty, much longer than the typical one-year warranty for blenders, though it depends on where you buy it. It does a fantastic job of process fibrous ingredients and crushing ice in its 48-ounce main jar, meaning it can make a silky smoothie with ingredients like leafy greens and frozen fruits.
The jar has a two-part lid, so you can add ingredients or use the tamper without stopping the machine. The jar and lid are also dishwasher-safe. unluckily , it doesn't have any programs for automatic smoothie blending, so you demand to turn the blender off manually when you're done using it.
2. Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ BL642
- Blender Type: Full Size Blender
- Power: 1,200 W
- Hot Blending: No
The Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ BL642 is the best upper-mid-range blender for smoothies we've tested. It might not have the five-year warranty or the incredible build quality that you can get with the Vitamix Explorian E310, but this well-built full-size blender stands out from other picks on this list because it comes with three personal jars for single-serve smoothies. They each come with a to-go lid so you can take your drink to work or the gym. Using its personal jars, it can incorporate raw greens and frozen fruit into silky smoothies. It also comes with a 72-ounce main jar that can make okay smoothies when you're making a bigger batch.
The blender automatically detects which size of jar you're using, and if you're using any of the smaller jars, you have two different options for smoothies. 'Blend' is for recipes with typical smoothie ingredients like fresh fruit, and a longer program called 'Ultra-Blend' is for tougher additions like seeds or chunks of frozen fruit. The machine is pretty loud when running, so the automatic programs are helpful if you don't want to stand near the machine the whole time you're using it.
3. Ninja Foodi Power Pitcher SS201
- Blender Type: Full Size Blender
- Power: 1,400 W
- Hot Blending: No
The best mid-range blender for smoothies we've tested is the Ninja Foodi Power Pitcher SS201. This blender doesn't come with personal jars, so it's not as well-suited for making single-serve smoothies as Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ BL642. Its main jar has a different design and does a better job processing fibrous ingredients, so you can use it to make great smoothies. However, ingredients like kale don't process as finely as with the Vitamix Explorian E310.
It doesn't have a problem breaking down ice cubes and makes very smooth, spreadable almond butter, meaning you can use it for thicker smoothie bowl recipes. It comes with a few preset modes, including 'Smoothie' and 'Ice Crush', and it has more speed settings than the Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ BL642, which can help if you want to achieve a specific texture. That said, it's not as well-built as that model since the motor base doesn't feel as sturdy, and the buttons on the control panel seem a bit slow to respond.
4. Oster Pro 1200
- Blender Type: Full Size Blender
- Power: 1,200 W
- Hot Blending: Yes
The best blender for smoothies we've tested in the budget category is the Oster Pro 1200. This blender comes with a 48-ounce main jar and a 24-ounce personal jar with a matching to-go lid. It does a good job of processing fibrous ingredients in the 24-ounce jar, so you can use it to make well-blended smoothies with leafy greens or fruit. The main jar comes with a two-part lid, which allows you to add ingredients mid-blend.
It can make bar-quality crushed ice, but the manufacturer says not to process more than six ice cubes at a time, while the other full-size blenders on this list can handle 12. It's also not as well-built as the pricier options, and the gear design may not be very durable. That said, it makes decent almond butter and can hot blend, which is a plus at this price point if you're looking for a versatile option.
5. Ninja Foodi Power Nutri DUO
- Blender Type: Personal Blender
- Power: 1,100 W
- Hot Blending: No
The Ninja Foodi Power Nutri DUO is the best personal blender for smoothies we've tested. It's a good choice if you mostly use your blender for smoothies since it doesn't take up too much space on your counter and comes with two 24-ounce personal jars for single-serves. There's a matching to-go lid included for each, so you can easily blend a smoothie and take it with you on the go. It does a fantastic job of processing fibrous ingredients, meaning it can produce silky smoothies with additions like leafy greens.
It comes with a 14-ounce jar with arms inside it to help push ingredients away from the sides of the jar towards the blades. It produces very smooth almond butter, so it's helpful when making recipes with a thicker consistency, like smoothie bowls. While it's loud at maximum speed, there's a 55-second smoothie program that lets you step away from the blender while it's running. The jars, lids, and blades are all dishwasher-safe or very easy to clean by hand.
6. Nutribullet Personal Blender
- Blender Type: Personal Blender
- Power: 600 W
- Hot Blending: Slightly
If you're looking for a portable blender for smoothies, this is the best we've tried . This battery-powered blender has a compact, lightweight design. It fits into most bags and backpacks, so you can bring it to work or on a trip to blend a fresh smoothie wherever you are. Its lid has a loop so you can attach it to a bag, and it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit your style.
While it's not intended for tougher tasks like processing seeds and nuts and doesn't make a smooth puree with fibrous ingredients, it still makes a passable smoothie with kale. It does a satisfactory job of crushing ice, unlike other portable blenders that we've tested, which is nice if you want to add some to your smoothie recipes or if you're using frozen fruits. Unfortunately, it's not dishwasher-safe, although the jar's wide opening helps make it easy to clean by hand.
Best Cheap Blenders for Smoothies (Buying guide)
Discover Your Ideal Type of Blender
This is where most people get really confused, so we’ve decided to take the challenge and make it as simple and easy as possible:
Just ask yourself what would you like to do with your blender. Use the table below to get ideas on what can be done.
You can also see in the table what needs and limitations each type of blender addresses, such as limited storage space, on the go single servings vs large number of servings, etc.
Which types of blenders are good for smoothies?
The good news is - most blenders will be able to make smoothies. However, you need to know the differences between the types of blenders available, so you'd know which one would really fit your needs.
There are a few different types of blenders to choose from, such as immersion, bullet and high-performance - each of which have their individual pros and cons. Here is an overview of the main types of blenders that are available so you can decide which will work best for your lifestyle.
Hand/Immersion Blenders
These are hand held blenders, which often come with a range of adds-ons. This makes them highly versatile and can do everything from making soup and smoothies to marinades and mayonnaise. One of the big advantages of a hand blender is its size. If you have a small kitchen, this kind of blender is the only one that doesn’t really take a good amount of space.
What type of blades should the blender have?
This is the part of your blender that processes food. You may not have much choice about the shape or design. Manufacturers tend to make that decision for you. You’ll notice that some brands have just two flat blades that angle upwards at the edge. Others may feature four blades that have an almost spiral shape. Some blades are blunt, while others are very sharp. Here yu can check 5 excellent Hamilton brand blenders for heavy usage.
Each of these designs gives the appliance a different blending “personality.” Some blades are better at pulverizing dry ingredients into a powder. Other blade designs do a better job of masticating food to create silky-smooth consistencies. Most blender blade configurations are multifunctional. High-quality stainless steel blades are the best material. It offers better performance and will resist corrosion.
Be aware that not all blender manufacturers offer containers with removable blades. Some owners prefer removable blades. They can be easier to clean.
How powerful should it be?
People often struggle with this question. Is it possible to buy a blender that’s too powerful? You’re not planning to use it to crush rocks and twigs. The concern goes the other way.
You need a blender with enough power to process what you plan to put in it. Soft fruit smoothies don’t need the power of a high-performance blender. But you wouldn’t want to try chopping up nuts in your personal blender. Yes, I’m asking you to look into the future and think about what you might someday use your blenders for nut butter to make. Don’t sell yourself short if you can afford to buy a higher-power blender. It offers future versatility.
Here are some power range suggestions:
- 300 watts: Most basic countertop blenders offer this power rating. You’ll be able to chop all but the hardest of ingredients. Blending shouldn’t be much of a problem.
- 500 to 700 watts: Now you’re getting into the range of true versatility. A blender with this much power can process soups and take you beyond liquids.
- Over 700 watts: Moving past 700 watts allows you to work with dry ingredients. Make your own peanut butter. Process grains into flour. The extra power means you won’t be limited if you want to explore. It also gives you the ability to make large quantities. You will pay more for this extra muscle.
How much noise do you mind?
A blade is spinning up to 20,000 RPM or more means they are revolving at speeds of up to 270 miles per hour! You don’t expect them to be whisper-quiet, do you? The combination of the motor, blades, and processed food add up to a certain amount of noise. Normal conversation happens at a noise level of between 55 and 60 decibels (dB).
Perdue University measured a food blender and other kitchen devices. They determined that at 88dB, the average blender was even louder than garbage disposal. Constant exposure to this level of sound would cause damage to your ears after 8 hours.
More power in a blender means it will be louder. But high-performance blenders also feature quality materials that dampen noise. Look for manufacturers who promote their use of sound absorption features. All manufacturers should be able to provide you with the operational sound level of their appliance.
How easy is it to clean?
I love cleaning things, said no one ever. Most blender manufacturers feature containers and blades that are dishwasher-safe. But not all dishwashers can accommodate the larger capacity blender jars. Make sure you know the limitations of your dishwasher before you make a blender choice.
Many people prefer to wash their blender jars by hand. Be careful of the blades if you go this route. You don’t want to cut yourself. Some high-performance blenders can clean themselves. Add liquid dish soap and water, and let it run. A quick rinse and you’re done.
Online reviewers advise paying attention to the ability to remove the blender blades. Don’t forget the exterior. You’ll clean the container, blades, and lid every time you use it. The rest of the blender will need an occasional wipe-down. Blender bases with smooth exteriors and minimal crevices will be easier to maintain.
Does the lid fit tightly?
It may seem like a strange thing to have to consider. But it’s essential. A firm-fitting blender lid prevents unnecessary spills. What you’re making may be hot. Keep in mind that a high-performance blender will churn contents fast enough to heat it with friction.
Most blender lids feature a removable cap located at the center of the lid. It lets you insert ingredients while blending. It also helps to equalize the pressure that may build up as you process food.
What can you afford?
A lot of times, it all comes down to cost. How much can you afford to pay? The good news is that there’s a blender for every budget. You’ll find them priced from an affordable $20 to an astounding $1,000. Power, durability, and quality materials determine the cost. A less expensive blender is often enough if you plan to use it only to make smoothies. More expensive brands offer versatility, along with power. You can knead the dough, grind spices, and make nut butters. To do just blend the soft things spinach vegetable, you can consider mini food processors that save your money.
What about the warranty?
You hear it all the time. You get what you pay for. The warranty for your blender gives you assurance and peace of mind. A warranty is a promise by the manufacturer to protect your purchase. They’ll either replace it or refund your money.
Inexpensive blenders are made with lesser quality materials and low-power motors. They tend to have short warranties. A high-quality blender can feature a warranty offering protection for ten years or more. That’s a strong indication that the manufacturer has confidence in their product.
Read your warranty carefully. Some items, like the motor, may have the most extended protection. Other things may have shorter coverage because they are expected to wear out and be replaced.
More FAQ on Buying best cheap blenders for smoothies
Q. What should you look for when buying a blender?
A. You will want to decide on the material you wish to the jar to be made from first. Glass is much heavier and harder to pour from, but plastic can be scratched easier and might hold onto the smell of the last thing you blended. You will also want to think about the motor’s wattage and how much space it will take up on your countertop.
Typically, the higher the wattage, the more expensive and more powerful the blender is. You will also want to think about the size you want to buy. Do you want a portable blender or a much larger one that stays at home on the countertop? Portable blenders are better for making one serving at a time, while the counter blenders can make much more.
Q. How powerful should a blender be?
A. It depends on if you have a handheld blender or a countertop one. Handheld blenders need more than 100 watts to be efficient at blending ingredients. Countertop blenders work around 500 watts, although you want to go higher if you plan on using harder foods in it.
Sometimes people want to use blender as food processor. They can do it depending on the the blende's power.
Q. How do you know if a blender is powerful?
A. The power of a blender’s motor is measured in watts. When the wattage is higher, the more powerful the blender is. If you want to blend hard foods like ice or nuts, you will want to find a high wattage blender.
Q. How much should you spend on a blender?
A. This depends on your own needs and budget. Cheaper blenders can cost $30, while the most expensive ones can get over $500. In most cases, paying more gets you more features and a better quality blender.
However, it would be best if you never spent more than you are comfortable with. There are a ton of cost-efficient blenders out there that work great!
Q. Do you need an expensive blender?
A. No, you want to get a blender that works well for you. While higher-cost blenders are usually more powerful, that does not mean that you should only buy those. Less powerful blenders work just as well if you add a little bit of water into the jar while blending. This gives your ingredients more room to move around.
Q. Which is better: glass or plastic blender?
A. Glass tends to be better in many blenders. It will not scratch as easily as plastic and will not hold onto a lingering food odor. However, it is much heavier than plastic. The extra weight may be an issue for some people.
When you think your choosing blender passed your demand then choose a blender and we can hope that could be the best cheap blender for smoothies in your kitchen.