There are lots of options to shop around for when you are looking for the best blender for smoothies.
However, not all blenders are created equal with some offering a slew of impressive features and others staying fairly basic.
The trick here is to know which of these features you actually need for your blending needs and which you can really do without.
If all you’re going to use your blender for is making a smoothie a day and nothing else, then even the most elementary blender will suffice. But if you have more ambitious plans of using your machine for a host of other meal prep tasks, then there are more advanced models you can consider.
To help you make an informed decision about which blender can serve you well, I have rounded up four different models for your smoothie making needs.
Best Smoothie Blenders On The Market
| Name | Image | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Vitamix Professional Series 750 |   |
view prices |
| Best Budget | NutriBullet RX N17-1001 Blender |   |
view prices |
| Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender |   |
view prices | |
| Ninja BL642 Blender |   |
view prices |
Vitamix Professional Series 750: Best Overall
The Vitamix Professional Series 750 blender comes from the brand’s Classic Series with an impressive profile of versatility, durability, and user-friendliness. From the pre-programmed settings to the low-profile container, this is a lot to put in one package but the Vitamix 750 delivers.
Power Performance
The Vitamix 750 competes with the best of the best by offering a 1650-watt, 2.2 HP motor that spins the blades at 37,000 RPM. That is enough power to work successfully with tough ingredients like ice and frozen fruit and transform them into an impressively chunk-free smoothie.
With all that power there needs to be a decent amount of safety features, and there are. The thermal protection system prevents the motor from overheating, and the automatic shutdown system will stop the machine instantly if it detects any problems. This seems to be a rare occurrence in this model, but it’s reassuring nonetheless.
Pre-Programmed Settings
There are plenty of options here when it comes to settings and speeds. First, there are 5 pre-programmed settings for you to work with. Depending on what you are blending, you can choose from smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, purees, and self-cleaning.
As well as the pre-programmed settings, you also have 10 variable speeds. This may seem like a lot, but once you start using the machine you will be glad they are there. All of the settings and speeds live on a control dial in the middle of the blender base. The pre-programmed settings are on the left, with the variable speed numbers on the right.
To the left of the control dial, there is a pulse switch which is handy when you only need intermittent blending, like when making salsa or chutney. The on/off switch is located on the right of the control dial.
Read More: Full Vitamix 750 review
Container and Blades
With the motor covered for superior performance, next come the container and blades. Here, the Vitamix 750 shines once again as it comes with a large, 64-oz BPA free copolyester container that is shatter-proof.
The container has a soft-grip handle that is ergonomically designed while the vented lid has a removable twist-off center plug to let you add ingredients while the machine is running.
The pitcher has a low-profile making storage a cinch and there is a wide base that makes scraping out ingredients very convenient. And as with all Vitamix blenders, you get a tamper with your purchase.
The sturdy stainless-steel blades add to the performance of this already powerful blender, so what’s not to love about this amazing machine?
Self-Cleaning Feature
As mentioned above, the self-cleaning feature really adds to the convenience of this blender. Simply add a drop of detergent to the container, fill it up with warm water, and turn the control to the self-clean setting. Wait for the program to finish, empty out the contents, and give it a quick rinse. Your container and blades will be sparkling clean, ready for your next blending adventure.
With all of the above features and the sheer power of the machine, I have no hesitation in crowning the Vitamix 750 as the best blender for smoothies.
NutriBullet RX N17-1001 Blender: Budget Pick
If you want one of the best performers for making excellent smoothies, but are on a budget, then look no further than the NutriBullet RX. This smart bullet blender packs in so much power that it puts many of its higher-end counterparts to shame. Add to the fact that this is the first NutriBullet blender that can produce hot soups and sauces, then you can see it really is a game-changer.
Motor and Functions
Even more powerful than the Vitamix 750, the NutriBullet RX takes the lead in power output by encompassing a 1700-watt, 2.3 HP motor. This is a model where power meets speed and gives you a machine capable of spinning between 25,000 and 37,000 RPMs.
The power is enough to tear apart even the toughest leafy greens, and it can make piping hot soup from ingredients in only 7 minutes. When you pair the machine’s strength and speed with its smart technology, there remains very little that the NutriBullet RX can’t do.
Hands-Free Smart Technology
Smart technology lets the machine do all the work where its sensors detect the container’s contents and automate the blend cycle for one minute. Adding ingredients to the smoothie container and then setting the cup on the blender will activate the smoothie mode. This will blend for one minute, which is more than enough to make a smoothie and then automatically switch off.
Another smart feature is the NutriBullet Rx’s ability to whip up hot soup in seven minutes making it an exclusive feature in this price range and class of blenders. This is the first NutriBullet to have this feature, making it well worth the upgrade from the brand’s 600 and 900 models.
Read More: Full NutriBullet Rx review
Value for the Money
The NutriBullet RX gives users two smaller cups designed for drinking and one large 1-liter pitcher for larger blends. These are fairly standard accompaniments as far as blenders go, but the RX’s larger pitcher is also used for making soup.
Aptly named the SouperBlast, the pitcher comes with a vented lid for letting out heat and steam created during the process. There are four blades on this unit that do all the heavy work with more than satisfactory results.
Read More: Nutribullet Reviews – Which Model Is The Best?
Easy to Clean
This smoothie blender is also very easy to clean. Unlike more expensive blenders there is no self-cleaning mode, but all you have to do is rinse the container and blades with warm soapy water. That’s all there is to it and there is nothing complicated about the clean-up.
The NutriBullet Rx is the perfect example of a sensible model upgrade. The 600 and 900 models are perfect for making smoothies, but this blender has almost double the power. Not to mention the smart features and the ability to make hot soup.
Overall, this is a model that offers excellent value for your money. Even at a fraction of the price of the Vitamix, the NutriBullet Rx deserves its place on this list of the best smoothie blenders.
Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender
The brand’s first launch, The Blendtec Total Classic remains a consumer favorite to this day. This is a robust blender that refuses to cave in to the many other newer and more advanced models in the market and stands on its own for a number of reasons.
The powerful 1560 watt motor is powerful enough to crush ice into snow in mere seconds. The 10 speed settings, pre-programmed cycles, and illuminated LCD timer all combine to ensure this legendary blender can still compete with its newer rivals on the market.
Built to Last
This feature is obvious given that despite being an older model by Blendtec, The Total Classic is perhaps one of the brand’s highest-grossing blenders.
What qualifies this as one of the best blenders for smoothie making is its durable construction and high-powered motor to blend ingredients to perfection. Equipped with a 1560-watt motor, you get a heavy-duty machine that isn’t afraid to perform.
Speed and Programs
Just like the Vitamix, the Blendtec Total Blender Classic comes with 10 speed settings as standard. The controls are push buttons for added convenience, and the whole control panel is sealed to avoid spills leaking into the inner electronics.
In addition to the speed settings, you also get a large variety of pre-programmed settings. These settings mean you can easily make smoothies, batters, hot soups, whole juice, ice cream, and crush ice at the touch of a button. The LCD timer tells you exactly how long the blend has left, so no time is wasted.
This Blendtec blender also comes with a pulse feature, which is perfect for making delicious salsas and dips.
Read More: Full Blendtec Total Blender Classic review
Performance-Based Blender
The Blendtec Total Classic remains hard-to-beat with its uniquely blunt-edged single blades. This type of blade construction gives the blender the right equipment to work its way through all kinds of use without the accompanying wear and tear.
This means not only pulverizing soft ingredients to a pulp easily but also demolishing tough, fibrous smoothie ingredients along the way.
Great for Families
The Blendtec Total Blender Classic is ideal for making larger batches of food. This is all thanks to the impressive 90oz WildSide jar which is more than capable of making large batches of smoothies, soups, or anything else you want to make.
The WildSide jar is designed in a way that it draws ingredients down into the base of the container, aiding blending and removing the need for a tamper.
The Blendtec Total Blender Classic is on a par with the Vitamix 750 and is a great cheaper alternative. Even though it has slightly less power to it, it has no problems blending food or crushing ice. The large capacity container is also a huge plus and allows you to make large quantities, perfect for parties.
This Blendtec blender fully deserves its spot on this list of the best smoothie blenders. It is less expensive than the Vitamix, and the WildSide jar ensures you can make a large batch of smoothies to keep everyone happy.
Ninja BL642 With Auto iQ
The Ninja BL642 blender is a fantastic piece of kitchen equipment that has enough features to rival even the most expensive smoothie blenders. It is powerful, user-friendly, and inexpensive.
Some of the features that make this Ninja blender a great one for making smoothies include Auto-iQ technology, a powerful 1200 watt motor, and a large container with plenty of smoothie cups. If you are looking for a reasonably priced blender that is powerful enough to crush ice into snow, then look no further.
Auto iQ Technology
Ninja’s Auto iQ technology is found in some of the brand’s best-selling models, and it’s also in the BL642. This is an amazing technology that intelligently does all of the work for you. It basically knows exactly how long to blend each recipe, so you simply press a button and it does its thing.
Simply select a blending program from one of the pre-programmed selections, and then walk away. You can be assured that when you return, the Ninja BL642 will have prepared you a delicious smoothie, or whatever else you choose to make.
Manual Programs
If you don’t fancy letting the blender do all the work and would rather have some input to your creative cooking, then you can use one of the manual settings. There is a range of manual settings that will ensure you have more control over your blends.
The lowest setting probably won’t be very effective for creating soups and smoothies, but it is perfect for other more labor-intensive kitchen tasks. You can effectively knead dough in this setting. There is also a standard blend setting, a super-high blend, and a handy pulse setting.
Read More: Full Ninja BL642 review
Design and Functionality
The Ninja BL642 is designed to be a professional blender used for all types of kitchen jobs. It is a nice looking machine that won’t look out of place in most kitchens, and it is also large enough to provide smoothies, soups, and sauces for the whole family.
The 72oz container really is large, and you will have no problem entertaining with this blender. It is also easy to clean, and like most blenders on this list, it has a self-clean feature. This is a huge time saver and avoids the need to scrub the container after each use.
Cups and Blades
The Ninja BL642 blender features Nutri Ninja Pro extractor blades, which are strong enough to rip apart even the toughest leafy greens. These blades have no trouble turning solid ice into snow in a matter of seconds.
This Ninja blender comes with 3 different sizes of smoothie cups as standard, all of which are dishwasher safe. The Nutri Ninja cups are in small, regular, and jumbo size. Each cup also comes with its own sip & seal lid, allowing you to take your smoothie on the go.
The Ninja BL642 blender with Auto iQ is well worthy of its place on this list of the best smoothie blenders. The powerful motor, the abundance of settings, and the cheap price ensure this will remain a favorite among smoothie lovers for a long time.
Best Blender for Smoothies: A Complete Buying Guide
The secret behind great smoothies is a great blender. With the right machine it becomes possible to concoct these healthy beverages in no time and with minimal effort. So, where do you start looking for the best blender for smoothies? Here are a few helpful starting points:
Powerful High-Speed Motor
A powerful motor is an essential feature of a smoothie blender. You need a machine that is capable of ripping through frozen fruit and vegetables and crushing chunks of ice. A blender with a low power output would not be able to spin the blade fast enough, leaving chunks of spinach or spring greens.
The consumer blenders that we are reviewing usually have an electric motor, with a coil of wire and a magnet to create the spinning movement of the blade. This type of blender is usually rated in watts instead of horsepower. The exception to this is Vitamix, who rate their blenders in horsepower. The majority of Vitamix blenders are between 2 and 2.2hp, which is equivalent to around 1490 – 1640 watts.
A blender with a motor power of 500 watts should be enough to make a simple green smoothie, and with all things being equal the higher the motor power, the better the blend.
Smoothie Functions
The main functions to look for in a blender ideal for smoothies include the machines’ ability to crush ice effectively, cut through frozen ingredients, and pulverize them into a smooth liquid. Most of this potential will come from the blender’s power output with the higher being the better. But other settings can also help.
For instance, speeds add versatility to a blender’s performance. Ideally, look for a model with at least 3 speed settings or one Smoothie preset to make the job easier.
Pitcher Size
This is relevant based on the smoothie serving you hope to make. Smaller, single-serve smoothies can be prepared with the smaller and very compact bullet blenders. For larger batches, you can use a countertop version instead.
For the most part, countertop blenders can also come with single-serve containers which really helps. Use larger pitchers if more people want their smoothie all at the same time or opt for a single-serve container to make a quick on-the-go drink for yourself.
Finding a blender that has both large and small containers makes taking your smoothie along with you so much easier. And multiple containers will let you store your smoothie for later as well.
Related Articles:
Pitcher Material
This could essentially be a matter of preference more than anything else. You have a choice to select from glass or plastic.
Glass, for one, presents better aesthetics. The type used in blender containers is mostly tempered and shatter-proof under blending circumstances, but in no way implies that it won’t crack or break when mishandled.
Another point in favor of glass jars is that these will retain their clarity and won’t scratch either. These don’t absorb any smell from foods and remain fairly stain resistant as well.
On the flip side, glass is much heavier than plastic and more prone to breaking.
Plastic containers are favored given their longevity though their aesthetics will get marred with prolonged use. Copolyester, BPA-free containers are the most common type for blending needs and have a tendency to get scratched where frozen or hard ingredients and ice are crushed frequently.
The trade-off between the two, of course, is cost with glass pitchers costing more than their plastic counterparts.
Cleanup
Many smoothie blenders come with a self-clean feature which is a huge plus point in terms of convenience. But if not, then a model that lets you disassemble its blades and attachments will ensure thorough cleaning of the unit.
Most blenders also come with dishwasher-safe parts which can facilitate the cleanup process as well.
Best Blender for Smoothies: Final Thoughts
Smoothies are a convenient way to add some serious nutrition to your diet. And the right way to do so is to use a blender powerful enough to pulverize everything to a smooth, creamy consistency.
So, when it comes to the best smoothie blender, you can’t go wrong with the Vitamix 750. This overall best-rated model justifies the brand’s name and reputation by offering impeccable blending results. Along with making perfect smoothies it will do so much more as well and will be a great addition to any kitchen.
A fierce contender to the Vitamix 750, but without the price tag, the NutriBullet RX remains a constant favorite with users who want the performance but not the price point of the Vitamix.
The Total Classic from Blendtec is a user-friendly blender with a simplified interface that will keep you on top of your smoothie-making game.
And finally, the Ninja BL642 is a great alternative if you are looking for great performance, ease of use, and a cheaper price tag than the Vitamix or Blendtec.
Related Articles: