The best blenders for smoothies in 2024 make it easy 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.
Having tested many blenders, Food and Meal have compiled our recommendations for the finest smoothie makers. For additional options, take a look at our curated selections for the best blenders for Smoothies . For more comprehensive guidance, explore our compilation of the best blenders.
How to choose the right blender for you?
If you need to prepare large quantities of soups for a large family, a jug blender is the ideal choice. However, it’s important to consider whether it complements your kitchen’s aesthetic since it takes up significant countertop space. Jug blenders often offer various settings, including low to high speed and ice crushing, making them the more expensive option.
On the other hand, smoothie makers, like the Nutribullet, are smaller in size and typically come with a screw-on lid, allowing you to enjoy your drink on the go. Silvana Franco, a food writer and stylist, shares her experience, saying, “My husband frequently uses it for smoothies, throwing in rock-hard frozen fruit straight from the freezer. My teenage son blends his protein shakes in it, and I love using it to make frozen margaritas on weekends, effortlessly crushing ice cubes into a snowy texture.”
Smoothie makers are also versatile enough to handle tasks like making hummus, pesto, breadcrumbs, curry pastes, or quickly blending a tin of chopped tomatoes. They are easier to clean compared to jug blenders.
For those on a budget, hand blenders, also known as stick or immersion blenders, are handheld devices that you can insert into a saucepan or container while making soup, for example. Alex shares, “My stick blender is one of my most frequently used appliances. It quickly solves the problem of a lumpy white or cheese sauce. Plus, it takes only seconds to wash up.” Hand blenders can be found for as little as £15 and are the best option for those with budget constraints. Higher-end models may come with multiple attachments for tasks such as puréeing, whisking, chopping, mashing, and more.
What to Know About the Best Blenders for Smoothies
| Smoothie Setting | Many full-size blenders, like our top pick, the Instant Ace Nova Blender, have a dedicated smoothie setting. It’s designed to powerfully blend ingredients into a smooth drink without needing a gradual speed increase. |
| Order of Ingredients | Ingredient order matters in blenders, especially personal ones. If manuals lack guidance, begin with liquids and tough greens at the base. Layer frozen or hard items on top for optimal results. |
| Capacity | For daily single servings, pick a personal blender with a portable cup. For family-sized batches, go for a full-size blender with greater capacity. |
The 10 Best Blenders for Smoothies in 2024
Instant Ace Nova Blender
Personal and full-size options for various needs
User-friendly interface for a hassle-free experience
Full-size version might take up more counter space
Priced at $120, this blender offers impressive features. If you enjoy the user-friendly interface of the Instant Pot, you’ll be delighted with this model. It boasts eight convenient pre-programmed blending options (such as crushed ice, nut milk, smoothie, and soup) and three manual blending speeds. The inclusion of a locking mechanism for the 60-ounce glass jar and lid adds a nice safety touch. Operating the blender is a breeze with clearly marked arrows indicating the correct positioning. We particularly appreciated the stop/start mechanism on the crushed ice setting, as it efficiently completed the task. Although the smoothie setting took 1 minute 38 seconds, which may seem a bit lengthy, the end result was truly satisfying.
Ninja Professional Blender
Intuitive Controls: The control panel's user-friendly layout allows for seamless operation, catering to users of all levels.
Generous Pitcher Size: The BPA-free pitcher boasts ample capacity, ideal for both individual servings and family meals.
Versatile Applications: From smoothies to sauces, this blender's capabilities span a wide range of culinary creations.
Counter Space: Given its substantial size, it may require a dedicated spot on your countertop
Ninja, renowned for its blender expertise, showcases its high-speed model with exceptional performance. What sets it apart is the unique blade structure, featuring three sharp blades spaced a few inches apart. According to Ninja, this stacked design efficiently crushes ice, blends, and purees, a claim that our tests confirmed. The removable blade piece adds convenience by making it easier to scrape out food residues. However, caution must be exercised when handling it due to the blades’ sharpness.
The BPA-free pitcher of this blender includes a practical pour-spout, making it ideal for serving smoothies and frozen drinks. With its 1,000-watt motor, the blender delivers impressive power, although it leans towards the louder side in terms of noise. An added bonus is the ease of cleaning, as you can simply place the container, lid, and blade assembly in the dishwasher after blending sessions.
Ninja Nutri-Blender Plus
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive controls make the blending process accessible to users of all skill levels.
Versatile Applications: From smoothies to sauces, this blender's capabilities cater to a range of culinary needs.
Sturdy Build: The blender's robust construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
Larger Size: The blender's substantial size may require dedicated storage space on your countertop.
When it comes to a combination of power, versatility, and excellent value, this blender takes the lead. With its impressive 900-watt motor, it effortlessly blends smoothies using both fresh and frozen fruits, and crushes ice without any difficulties or unpleasant odors. What’s even more remarkable is its compact size, with a base that stands just 7 inches tall and measures 4½ inches wide.
The value aspect is further enhanced by the inclusion of three 20-ounce cups, accompanied by two ready-to-drink lids and one storage lid. This ensures that everyone can enjoy a convenient smoothie on the go. The cups are designed to be tall and narrow, making them compatible with car cup holders. While it may not excel at making nut butter as some other models do, considering that it’s not the primary function of this personal blender, it still offers tremendous value. Additionally, the cups, lids, and blade assembly are all dishwasher safe on the top rack. If you choose to hand wash them, you may need a brush, especially if you have larger hands, as reaching into the tall, narrow cups could be a bit challenging.
Breville Bluicer
Easy to Use: Intuitive controls and interchangeable attachments make the Bluicer user-friendly, even for beginners.
Freshness Retained: Juicing functionality maintains the natural taste and nutrients of your chosen fruits and vegetables.
Streamlined Cleaning: Removable components and thoughtful design elements simplify the cleaning process.
Learning Curve: As a versatile appliance, it might take a few tries to find the perfect balance between blending and juicing.
While this blender/juicer combo may come with a higher price tag, its versatility and convenience make it well worth the investment. What sets this appliance apart is its clever design that eliminates the need for additional parts when transitioning between blending and juicing. The jug, which collects the juice during the juicing process, doubles as a blender base. Simply place it directly on the same base, and you can seamlessly move from juicing to blending. We highly recommend this innovative ‘bluicer’ for individuals who are new to juicing or those who haven’t fully committed to a juicing lifestyle. And here’s the best part: It arrives fully assembled, so there’s no need to tackle any complicated setup before enjoying a delicious glass of freshly pressed juice.
Vitamix 5200
User-Friendly Controls: Intuitive settings and controls make it accessible for all levels of expertise.
Versatile Applications: From hot soups to frozen desserts, this blender's capabilities span a wide range of recipes.
Durability: The blender's sturdy construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Noise Level: Like many high-powered blenders, it can be a bit noisy during operation.
The Vitamix 5200 has proven to be the top blender for smoothies in our tests. While it may be considered excessive for simple smoothie-making needs, if you seek a robust and high-quality blender that delivers the smoothest blends, it is an excellent choice. Equipped with a 64-ounce jar, it accommodates large batches and effortlessly creates incredibly smooth purees, even with challenging ingredients like leafy greens or fruit skins. Despite having only one jar included, it excels at processing both small single-serve portions and larger quantities, distinguishing it from many other full-size blenders. If you desire a smaller jar specifically for single-serve smoothies, you have the option to separately purchase a personal-sized blending jar with a to-go lid from Vitamix.
This blender is exceptionally well-built and backed by a lengthy seven-year warranty (subject to purchase location). Its controls are straightforward, featuring a speed dial and a pulsing switch, providing everything you need for any recipe. However, it does require manual intervention to stop the blending process once completed. If you prefer automatic blending programs and additional features, the Vitamix A3500 might be more suitable. As part of Vitamix’s ‘Ascent’ Series, it comes at a higher price point but offers an array of extra features, including five blending programs and a companion app for accessing more recipes. Moreover, the A3500’s jar is dishwasher-safe, unlike the 5200 model.
KitchenAid K400
Sturdy Construction: Durable materials ensure longevity and consistent performance.
Precision Blending: Expertly designed blades create smooth textures with minimal effort.
User-Friendly: Intuitive controls make blending a hassle-free experience.
Noise Level: Similar to high-power blenders, it can be a bit noisy during operation.
The KitchenAid K400 offers a more affordable alternative with comparable performance when it comes to blending common smoothie ingredients such as fruit, leafy greens, and ice cubes. While it may not match the sturdiness of the Vitamix 5200, and its warranty is limited to one year, it efficiently blends fibrous ingredients like fruit and leafy greens, whether you’re making a personal smoothie or preparing multiple servings using the blender’s full capacity. Similar to the Vitamix, the K400 comes with its main jar only, but KitchenAid provides separate personal jars for single-serve smoothies. Additionally, the K400 features a few blending programs, eliminating the need to manually stop the blender once your smoothie is ready.
Cleaning the K400 by hand can be more challenging compared to the Vitamix, primarily when dealing with sticky ingredients, as reaching under the blades may prove difficult. However, this is less of an issue when making liquid recipes like smoothies. It does not include a tamper and is not well-suited for thicker recipes like hummus or nut butter. If your main use for the blender is smoothies, this won’t pose a problem. However, if versatility is a priority, it’s worth considering this limitation.
Oster Pro 1200
User-Friendly Interface: Pre-programmed settings and manual options cater to all users.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for everything from shakes to sauces.
Durable Build: Sturdy construction ensures lasting performance.
Noise Level: Like many powerful blenders, it can be a bit noisy during operation.
The Oster Pro 1200 stands out as the top budget blender for smoothies in our testing. However, compared to the other selections, this blender doesn’t exude a strong sense of durability. Its 48oz main jar is also the smallest among the picks, which could be a drawback if you often blend multiple servings. Nevertheless, it includes a 24oz jar and a to-go lid, eliminating the need for an additional purchase if you desire a personal blending jar that doubles as a travel cup. While it may not achieve the same level of perfectly smooth texture as the previous options, it still performs admirably for most recipes.
Crushing ice is a breeze for the Oster Pro 1200, although the manufacturer recommends not adding more than six ice cubes at once, whereas most full-size blenders can handle twice that amount. The blade assembly can be easily removed from the main jar, simplifying the cleaning process by hand. However, it should be noted that only one blade assembly is included, necessitating disassembly and reassembly when switching jars. Certain parts of the blender feel flimsy and less sturdy. However, it does come with a three-year U.S. warranty (depending on the purchase location), which is relatively long for a blender, offering additional peace of mind.
Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Blender
Versatile Blending: Suitable for a variety of recipes and ingredients.
Powerful Motor: Easily tackles tough ingredients for smooth textures.
User-Friendly: Intuitive controls and pre-programmed settings for ease of use.
Price Point: It's positioned at a higher price point due to its advanced features.
If you’re looking for a quieter blender to enjoy a peaceful morning smoothie, the Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Blender is the top choice we’ve tested. It incorporates a plastic dome that effectively reduces noise during operation, making it notably quieter than most other blenders we’ve evaluated. In addition to its noise-reducing feature, it boasts a sturdy construction, easy hand-cleaning, and an automatic program specifically designed for smoothies, along with a wide range of speed settings.
Keep in mind that the Hamilton Beach blender has a smaller capacity compared to the similarly-priced Breville the Fresh & Furious, as its jar can hold only 32 ounces. While you can use the noise dome as a pitcher, it is not suitable for blending, making it less ideal for serving a large group. However, it excels at creating smooth and silky drinks using ingredients like leafy greens, and it effortlessly processes frozen fruit and ice cubes, producing snow-like crushed ice. If versatility is a priority and you’re willing to invest more, the considerably pricier Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance blender may be worth considering. Although it lacks a noise dome and is not as quiet as the Hamilton Beach model, it still operates quietly for a full-size blender. With a larger 64oz capacity, superior build quality, and impressive blending performance, it can deliver smoothies with a silky consistency and effortlessly prepare smooth nut butter.
Sage The 3X Bluicer
Sage’s impressively named Bluicer (a clever blend of blender and juicer) offers a compelling option for those seeking a versatile two-in-one machine. It delivers exceptional performance in both blending and juicing, making it a cost-effective choice that eliminates the need for separate appliances.
The blender functionality of the Bluicer is truly top-notch. I effortlessly achieved a smooth consistency when blending dal in a matter of seconds. Similarly, a smoothie packed with fibrous ginger, frozen berries, ice, and beetroot took significantly less time than the programmed 60 seconds of the smoothie mode. Within just 20 seconds, it reached the desired smoothness. The Bluicer offers four pre-set programs including smoothies, frozen cocktails, crushed ice, and autoclean. Additionally, you have the flexibility to control it manually with the on-off button and five speed settings. A safety lever ensures that the appliance cannot be turned on until it is securely in place. As for juicing, the Bluicer performs admirably, producing juice quickly and efficiently with minimal mess.
The only drawback is that the Bluicer tends to be on the louder side, whether you’re juicing or blending. However, considering its efficiency and ease of cleaning, this minor inconvenience can be overlooked.
FAQs about Blenders for Smoothies
Q1: What features should I look for in a blender specifically designed for smoothies? A1: Look for blenders with powerful motors, sharp and durable blades, multiple speed settings, and pre-programmed smoothie functions. Additionally, consider features like easy cleaning and a secure lid for mess-free blending.
Q2: What is the ideal motor power for a smoothie blender? A2: A motor power of at least 600 watts is generally sufficient for blending smoothies, but higher-powered blenders (around 1000 watts or more) can provide smoother and quicker results, especially with tougher ingredients.
Q3: Can I use a smoothie blender for other food preparation tasks? A3: Yes, many smoothie blenders are versatile and can handle tasks beyond smoothie making, such as blending soups, making sauces, and crushing ice. Check the product specifications for the blender’s capabilities.
Q4: Are there blenders suitable for single-serve smoothie preparation? A4: Yes, many blenders come with personal-sized blending cups and lids, allowing you to blend and drink from the same container. These are convenient for on-the-go lifestyles.
Q5: How do I ensure a smooth blending consistency for my smoothies? A5: Opt for blenders with high-quality, sharp blades and multiple speed settings. Additionally, consider models with blending presets specifically designed for smoothies. Pulse functions can also help achieve the desired consistency.
Q6: Can a smoothie blender crush ice effectively? A6: Yes, many smoothie blenders come with ice-crushing capabilities. Look for blenders with strong, durable blades and sufficient motor power for effective ice crushing.
Q7: Are there blenders with easy-cleaning features for convenience? A7: Yes, some blenders come with removable blades and dishwasher-safe parts, making cleaning a breeze. Additionally, models with self-cleaning functions can save you time and effort.
Q8: Can I blend hot ingredients in a smoothie blender? A8: Some blenders are designed to handle hot ingredients, but not all models are suitable for blending very hot liquids. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the blender is safe for blending hot ingredients.
Q9: Are there quiet options for smoothie blenders? A9: Yes, certain blenders are designed with noise reduction features, making them quieter during operation. Check product reviews and specifications for information on noise levels.
Q10: What warranty options are available for the best smoothie blenders of 2024? A10: Warranty terms vary by manufacturer. Check the product documentation for information on warranty coverage, including parts and labor. Opting for models with longer warranty periods can provide added assurance.
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.
I'm Mark Zoch, a culinary expert, Production Manager at Hana Hotel Travel Company, and the proud founder of "The Dinner Dude." My journey, shaped by personal and familial health struggles, has also led me to become a renowned health coach in Houston, where I'm dedicated to transforming lives through tailored nutrition and wellness programs.