If you’re someone who enjoys daily smoothies or likes to bring protein shakes to the gym, a personal blender might be the perfect fit for you. These compact blenders are less powerful and more affordable than their full-size counterparts, specifically designed to create single servings that can be conveniently taken on the go. With personal blenders, you can blend your ingredients directly in the container you drink from, and they often come with interchangeable travel lids, making it effortless to bring your smoothie or shake with you wherever your day takes you.
To help find the best one for your needs, Food and Meal tested them, creating lots of smoothies. When rating, testers considered each product’s design, how easy it was to use and clean, convenience, performance, and overall value. The following is answer question What are the best personal blenders of 2024?
What to find out in a Personal Blender?
Blender Cup Capacity and Quantity
What’s the size of your ideal morning smoothie? Are you interested in blending a single batch and dividing it into multiple cups, or do you prefer catering to different flavor preferences within your family? It’s important to find a blender kit that suits your needs. While larger cups allow for blending more at once, they tend to be less portable. Many personal blender models come with multiple small cups, enabling you to prepare a kale smoothie followed by a strawberry-banana blend without the need to clean everything in between. (Most of the brands featured in our list offer additional blender cups for purchase, providing flexibility if required.) Additionally, some personal blenders are compatible with Mason jars, opening up a wide array of affordable options for you to explore.
Power
Although wattage is not the sole determinant of a blender’s performance, it does provide a helpful indication. Generally, a higher wattage corresponds to greater power and, subsequently, a higher price. If your smoothie recipes primarily consist of softer ingredients such as bananas and yogurt, a lower wattage blender may suffice, compared to someone who intends to blend dense vegetables, ice, and frozen fruits. It’s worth noting that higher power blenders tend to produce more noise, which could be a factor to consider if you blend in the morning while your family is still asleep or if you have a young child who is easily awakened.
Lids and Accessories
Certain personal blenders are designed with travel lids that directly attach to the blending cup, offering a convenient way to enjoy your smoothie on the go without the need to transfer it to a separate mug. Some of these screw-on lids even feature a handle resembling that of a traditional mug, ensuring easy and secure grip. Alternatively, certain blender models provide multiple sets of blades to accommodate chopping and grinding functions. Additionally, cordless blenders are available, capable of charging their batteries through USB, eliminating the need for a wall plug whether you’re in the car or out on a trail.
The best personal blenders of 2024
Cuisinart Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System
Includes many cups
Multiple speed settings
Takes a long time to fully blend
Unlike most personal blenders that are designed for single servings, the Cuisinart system stands out by offering a versatile range of cups. With six cups that all fit onto the same blade and base, this blender provides ample capacity for various needs. It includes four 16-ounce cups, each with its own travel lid, allowing you to prepare individual breakfast smoothies efficiently. Additionally, there’s a 32-ounce extra-large cup and an 8-ounce cup specifically for chopping tasks.
While the high setting is best suited for smoothies, the Cuisinart blender also features a low speed and pulse button, along with the small chopping cup, enabling effective chunking of foods. In our test, it demonstrated satisfactory performance in making chunky salsa, outperforming most of the other personal blenders that turned ingredients into watery mixtures or struggled with chopping larger pieces. With its 350-watt motor, this blender handles frozen banana and ice well. However, it may face some difficulties with tougher ingredients like kale, blueberry, and dense dates, requiring slightly longer processing times or struggling to fully incorporate them into a smoothie.
Although it may not be the most powerful personal blender available, the Cuisinart system shines when it comes to making straightforward smoothies and juices for multiple individuals. Considering its affordable price, it presents an ideal option for those seeking versatility. Furthermore, the cups and blades are dishwasher-safe, ensuring effortless cleanup and preparation for your next batch.
Zwilling Enfinigy Personal Blender
Sleek, modern design
Leakproof to-go lid
Small capacity
Zwilling’s Enfinigy line of kitchen appliances strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and performance. The sleek design, featuring a ridged jar and minimalist controls, adds a striking touch to your countertop. In terms of smoothie-making capabilities, this machine impressed us during testing. Its 500-watt motor effortlessly powered through tasks like crushing ice and blending frozen banana. Even tougher ingredients like kale and dates were handled well, leaving only tiny bits that could easily be enjoyed through a straw. While the set of four serrated blades differs from the more common six straight blades found in other models, we didn’t notice a significant difference in performance.
Operating the blender is a breeze with the simple control wheel, offering a smoothie mode for continuous blending and a pulse mode that excels at crushing ice. The 20-ounce cup, made from durable Tritan plastic, boasts a secure travel lid that passed our testing without a single spill. As with most similar models, both the cup and lid are dishwasher-safe, and the blade assembly can be easily removed for handwashing convenience. The main drawback of this blender is its price, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for sales as Zwilling products are often available at discounted prices.
Ninja BN401 Nutri Blender Pro with Auto-iQ
Automatic settings
Multifunctional
Left bits of kale and date
The Ninja Nutri Pro stands out among the personal blenders we tested with its impressive 1,100-watt power, making it one of our favorite high-powered blenders overall. However, it’s not just about raw strength; this blender is equipped with intelligence. Its two Auto-iQ presets, specifically designed for smoothies and chunkier crushed ice, automatically adjust the time and spin speed based on the ingredients in the cup.
In our lab tests, we discovered that power alone is not the sole determinant of blender performance. While the Ninja Nutri Pro left behind some small bits of kale and date after running the smoothie program, the resulting smoothie was still delicious. Achieving the ideal texture required either running the program again or pulsing manually for a few seconds. However, the smart programs add versatility to this blender, making it suitable for various applications like salad dressings, dips, or soups. The crushed ice setting, designed for frozen drinks such as margaritas, effectively breaks up ice without causing it to melt—a task that proves challenging for single-speed blenders. This blender is an excellent choice for individuals who plan on making a significant number of smoothies, shakes, and other blending tasks. It is user-friendly, straightforward, and performs well when blending ice and frozen banana.
Included with this model are two 24-ounce cups, each accompanied by a secure and leak-proof travel lid.
Bella 15 Piece Rocket Extract Pro Power Blender Set
Extra grinding blade
Inexpensive
Cheap materials
Only one travel lid
The Bella Rocket Extract Pro bears a striking resemblance to our top-rated personal blender, the NutriBullet. While it shares a similar appearance, it is slightly less powerful and constructed with lower-quality materials, as noted by our tester. Nonetheless, it performed admirably well in our tests, although some small chunks of date remained in the finished smoothie. Notably, it even excelled in making a flavorful chunky salsa, a task that proved challenging for other personal blenders we evaluated.
One of the standout features of the Bella is its assortment of accessories. It includes three 24-ounce cups, two 12-ounce cups, and an additional blade specifically designed for grinding tough coffee beans and spices—an uncommon capability for both blenders and food processors. Regrettably, there is only one travel lid among the extra accessories. However, three solid lids are provided to seal the cups securely, along with a shaker lid for convenient spice usage.
Overall, the Bella Rocket Extract Pro is an affordable blender that delivers surprisingly good performance and comes with a range of additional features. While it may not possess the durability of a lifelong appliance, it produces satisfying smoothies and serves as both a blender and coffee grinder. For NutriBullet owners seeking an excellent alternative in case their unit malfunctions, the Bella Rocket Extract Pro is a compelling option.
BlendJet 2 Portable Blender
Large battery capacity
Fun color and design choices
Underpowered Short charging cord
Crafted with portability as its key feature, the BlendJet 2 is your companion on the go. Following our evaluation of the original BlendJet One, we eagerly embraced the next-generation model, which boasts enhanced power, extended battery life, and a larger capacity—though still compact at 16 ounces. The cup, blades, and base form a unified unit that effortlessly fits into a gym bag, spacious purse, backpack, or even your luggage. Charging is a breeze with the USB-C cable, allowing you to plug it into a wall socket, laptop, car outlet, or solar charger. Our tester confirmed that a full charge easily accommodates the maker’s claim of blending 15 smoothies and more. This is a significant improvement compared to its predecessor, albeit the cable itself is rather short, which can be slightly inconvenient for charging.
Operating the BlendJet 2 is a breeze with a single button that controls all its functions. A single tap initiates a 20-second blending session, while a double tap activates pulse mode, blending only when the button is held down. Additionally, a lock mode prevents accidental activation when the blender is stowed away. In our Lab tests, it performed well with most smoothie ingredients, particularly when our tester discovered that inverting the unit during operation resulted in smoother blends. However, it struggled to fully break down fibrous kale into a smooth consistency. Nevertheless, for less demanding tasks such as blending bananas and ice or mixing protein powder into juice, the 200-watt motor suffices.
The BlendJet 2’s distinctive feature is its all-in-one design, enabling you to drink directly from the blending cup while the blades and base remain attached. This aspect simplifies the cleaning process as well. Following the brand’s recommendation, our tests found that adding dish soap and water inside the cup and running the blades effectively cleaned the blender. Additionally, the BlendJet 2 offers a wide array of designs, ranging from solid colors to Lisa Frank-branded rainbow leopard spots and Disney prints featuring beloved characters from “Toy Story” and “Frozen.” It’s worth noting that different retailers may offer distinct sets of designs, so searching around might be necessary to find your desired choice
NutriBullet Pro 900 High-Speed Blender
Large capacity
Durable
Cups lack measurement lines
Designed for individuals with limited kitchen space who frequently prepare soups, sauces, and smoothies, the NutriBullet Pro 900 is a powerhouse with its 900-watt motor. Our tests revealed its exceptional performance with various ingredients, effortlessly handling kale, blueberries, dates, frozen banana, and ice. The results consistently offered a well-textured blend that was easily consumed through a straw or directly from the cup, devoid of any undesirable ingredient chunks.
This blender includes two BPA-free 32-ounce blender cups, larger than typical personal blender cups but still suitable for smaller portions like individual smoothies or dips. Additionally, it comes with two cup rings, two handled lip rings, two flip-top to-go lids, and a recipe book. Operating the blender is a breeze; simply lock a cup into the base, push, and twist. Although the motor is not recommended for continuous operation beyond 60 seconds, it proved more than sufficient to complete all our tests. The NutriBullet Pro 900 excels at crushing and pureeing, but due to its single speed setting and lack of a dedicated pulse mode, it falls short in chopping tasks—our salsa test resulted in a smooth puree rather than a chunky dip.
When it’s time to clean up, the cups, lids, and rings are all dishwasher-safe. However, the blade assembly requires hand washing, though it can be easily removed from the base for convenient rinsing and wiping. Our tester encountered minimal difficulty during cleaning, except for maneuvering a sponge into the crevices beneath the blade. While this personal blender option leans towards the pricier side, its powerful performance and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who plan to use it extensively. Additionally, the NutriBullet Pro 900 is available in a variety of colors, and some options may even be found at significant discounts.
Ninja Fit Personal Blender
Dishwasher-safe, including blade
Inexpensive
Noisy
In our tests, this compact blender effortlessly handled greens, ice, and frozen fruit, demonstrating its powerful performance. However, due to its small 16-ounce cups, it required two batches to prepare a full blueberry-kale smoothie. Operating the Ninja Fit is a breeze: Simply attach the blades to the cup, flip it over, place it on the base, and push down to blend for your desired duration. While it excels at making smoothies, its single (high) speed setting limits its ability to handle chunky salsa or other chopping tasks.
The Ninja Fit includes two 16-ounce cups, each equipped with a convenient screw-on spout lid. Our tester observed that the lids create a tight seal but need to be firmly screwed down to prevent leaks. Notably, all the components, including the blade, are dishwasher-safe, providing added convenience that many personal blenders lack. Although it lacks cordless functionality, the Ninja Fit’s affordable price, compact size, and screw-on blade design make it an excellent choice for packing in your gym bag and enjoying a post-workout smoothie wherever an electrical outlet is available.
Beast Blender
Automatic speed adjustment
Large capacity
Loud
Only one blender cup
The aptly named Beast Blender lives up to its reputation. This device is proudly described as “overbuilt,” and it’s evident that careful consideration has been given to every aspect of its functionality. The 1,000-watt motor propels the blade to a remarkable speed of up to 18,000 RPM. Additionally, it incorporates intelligent technology that senses the thickness and temperature of the ingredients being blended, automatically adjusting the speed and power for optimal performance. The 1-liter cup boasts a unique ribbed design inside and out, which not only adds a distinctive look but also enhances the turbulence of the liquid, ensuring a thorough and even blend.
During testing, the Beast excelled in almost every aspect. It effortlessly transformed kale and blueberries into a smooth puree and crushed ice with ease. However, it left a slight grittiness in the date smoothie. The machine features a single speed setting, accompanied by a 60-second automatic mode ideal for making smoothies, as well as a pulse mode for more customizable blending. While the cup and lid are dishwasher-safe, the blade assembly requires handwashing. It should be noted that the blade assembly has ridges and screws near the blades, so extra care is needed when wiping it clean with a sponge or cloth. Our tester also observed that the machine generates considerable noise, making it less suitable for use while others are asleep in the house.
For an additional cost, you can expand the capabilities of the Beast Blender with the optional “Hydration System.” This add-on includes a 500-milliliter blending cup and a 750-milliliter glass water bottle with a specialized infusion filter. Simply give fruits and herbs a quick blend in the blender, then pack them into the filter for refreshing, lightly flavored spa water that can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Best Personal Blenders of the Year
Q1: What is a personal blender, and how does it differ from a traditional blender?
- A1: A personal blender is a compact and portable blending device designed for single-serving portions. Unlike traditional blenders, it often comes with a detachable blending container that doubles as a travel cup for convenience.
Q2: What are the key advantages of using a personal blender?
- A2: Personal blenders offer convenience, portability, and easy cleanup. They are ideal for quickly blending smoothies, shakes, or other drinks directly in the travel cup, eliminating the need for multiple dishes.
Q3: Can personal blenders handle ice and frozen fruits for smoothies?
- A3: Yes, many personal blenders are equipped with powerful motors that can effectively crush ice and blend frozen fruits, making them suitable for preparing smoothies with a frozen or icy texture.
Q4: What should I consider when choosing a personal blender?
- A4: Consider factors such as motor power, cup capacity, ease of cleaning, additional features (like pulse function or pre-programmed settings), and the overall design and portability based on your preferences.
Q5: Are personal blenders suitable for making more than just smoothies?
- A5: Absolutely. Personal blenders can also handle tasks like making salad dressings, pureeing soups, or blending small batches of sauces. Some models come with additional accessories for increased versatility.
Q6: Can I use a personal blender for hot liquids?
- A6: It depends on the specific model. While some personal blenders are designed to handle hot liquids, others may not be suitable. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe use with hot ingredients.
Q7: Are the blending cups of personal blenders dishwasher-safe?
- A7: Many personal blenders come with dishwasher-safe cups and lids, making cleanup quick and easy. However, it’s essential to check the product’s instructions to confirm the dishwasher compatibility of specific parts.
Q8: How noisy are personal blenders during operation?
- A8: Personal blenders generally have smaller, quieter motors compared to larger blenders. While noise levels can vary, they tend to be less disruptive, making them suitable for early morning or shared living spaces.
Q9: Can personal blenders grind dry ingredients like coffee beans or spices?
- A9: Some personal blenders come with blades designed for grinding dry ingredients. However, it’s crucial to check the product specifications to ensure that it can handle the specific ingredients you intend to grind.
Q10: Do personal blenders come with different cup sizes?
- A10: Yes, personal blenders often come with various cup sizes, ranging from around 8 to 32 ounces. Choose a blender with cup sizes that align with your preferred serving portions.
