Making the best breakfast smoothie can make a big difference in your morning, so you’re going to want the best possible machine to make that perfect drink. And, luckily for us, there are blenders that are specifically designed for making these cold beverages quickly and efficiently. These smoothie blenders are a necessary addition if you plan on making smoothies and milkshakes a staple in your diet.
What Is A Smoothie Blender?
Smoothie blenders are blenders that are designed to quickly and efficiently blend fruits and vegetables while also crush ice to make the highest quality smoothies and milkshakes possible. The blades have to be tough enough to effectively chop and crush the ice (and even frozen fruits/veggies) and to do them at quickly. While you’d think that any old blender would do the trick, certain blenders aren’t as good as others for achieving the consistency you’d want for these types of drinks as they might not have the right settings or features, or the machines themselves aren’t durable enough for long, consistent usage.
What To Look For In A Smoothie Blender
When you’re thinking of purchasing a smoothie blender, the two most important things to think about are cost and quality of the product. A cheaper blender will keep cash in your wallet, but it might not have the strength or the abilities to make smoothies out of tougher ingredients. Another thing worth noting is that cheaper blenders are generally smaller, and a size limitation can mean that it’s hard to make your desired portions. Smaller blenders are also difficult to work with smoothie recipes that involve larger vegetables, such as kale smoothies. If you have the money, a larger blender with more options for customization will be much better in the long run.
The Best Smoothie Blenders
For The Best Blender Money Can Buy: Vitamix 5200 Blender
- Variable speeds using a speed dial
- Large 64 oz batches
- Self-cleaning
Vitamix blenders are known for their outstanding quality — they have a plethora of blending options, a 64-ounce holding container and blades strong enough to slice through even the most difficult ingredients. The material used in making these blenders ensures that the products will work well for a long time and never truly decrease in quality. The Vitamix can blend a lot of ingredients thanks to the stainless steel blades, that effortlessly crush ice and make large smoothies out of frozen fruits or vegetables. With this powerful blender, you can customize your smoothies and milkshakes to your liking without being limited to certain ingredients your blender can handle. Vitamix blenders cost a pretty penny, but they are a worthy investment if you’re a true smoothie connoisseur.
Buy it on Amazon for $381.52.
For The Second Best Option: NutriBullet Pro
- 900-watt motor
- Complete set with two colossal cups, one emulsifying blade, two flip-top lids, two handled lip rings and two comfort lip rings
- Comes with a manual that includes hundreds of smoothie recipes
The NutriBullet Pro might be the most well-rounded smoothie blender around. These blenders aren’t as expensive as other models, but are made of strong materials capable of cutting through tough ingredients for the perfect smoothie or milkshake. The 13-piece set lends tons of room for customization and its size makes it a wonderful fit for even the smallest kitchens. On top of the quality of the product, it comes with access to hundreds of smoothie recipes to get you started. In terms of price, the variety of options and how it’s beginner friendly, this might be the best smoothie blender around.
Buy it on Amazon for $73.55.
For High Quality And Lower Cost: Ninja QB900B Master Prep Blender
- 48 oz pitcher with splash guard
- 400-watt power
- 6-blade set
This blender from Ninja is a wonderful choice that’s light on your wallet and still provides the necessities to make some great quality smoothies. It provides a 48-ounce pitcher, so it’s big enough to tackle the large ingredients and produce a filling portion. The blades are built to efficiently crush ice and blend frozen fruit to make great quality smoothies very quickly. This is one of the best choices to get a great blender while saving cash.
Buy it on Amazon for $41.77.
For The Beginners: Hamilton Beach Personal Single Serve Blender
- 14 oz capacity
- Travel lid for on-to-go
- Able to blend and drink from the same jar
The Hamilton Beach Personal Single Serve Blender is great for those who just don’t have the time to make large, complicated drinks. The 14-ounce container complete with a lid is made so you can make your morning smoothie, snap the lid on it and go about your day for a fast single-serving drink. And because the container doubles as a drinking cup, there is no major clean-up needed — simply wash the cup and reuse it. The size of the machine also makes it ideal for those with a smaller kitchen and won’t take up a ton of space on your countertop.
However, you won’t have as many options for your smoothies with this product. It’s recommended that you only use this blender for simple smoothies that are done quickly, avoiding larger frozen ingredients that are hard on the blades. But if you’re a beginner smoothie enthusiast, this is a great model to start with.
Buy it on Amazon for $14.85.
Beyond Smoothie Blenders
When figuring out which option is the best blender for you, it ultimately comes down to your smoothie lifestyle. If you’re solely focused on a blender that can make you a fast morning smoothie, the cheaper, simpler options should be your go-to choice. If you’re more of a foodie or a health nut and want a blender that can make complex smoothies, opt for a more expensive, high-quality investment. High quality blenders can also allow you to expand from smoothies and make soups and sauces, as well as dice, chop or grind ingredients to whatever size you desire. Think about what you want for your kitchen and what you need in a blender before making a purchase.