UPDATE: Jul. 28, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This article has been completely revised to reflect Mashable's latest hands-on blender reviews.
Today's lesson in cooking as a grown-ass adult: Blenders are used for more than frozen margs in summer and collecting dust in winter.
The best blenders can be a true meal time game-changer. Whether you're a health-conscious smoothie enthusiast, an adventurous home chef, or a busy parent seeking convenience in the kitchen, finding the perfect blender to suit your needs can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Similar to the way the mystical Instant Pot replaces a sauté pan or slow cooker, blenders can expand your meal possibilities tenfold without the clutter of multiple machines.
From crushing ice to blending fruits, from whipping up velvety soups to creating delectable sauces, we have analyzed and tested an array of blenders to come up with a curated list of the top contenders. We looked at factors such as performance, versatility, durability, ease of use, and value for money to find the best blender for every use case.
Keep reading to find the best blender for smoothies, cooking, personal use, and all of the above.
Which blender is best for crushing ice?
When it comes to crushing ice, you'll want a blender that is powerful and equipped with sturdy blades. There are several blenders on the market known for their ice-crushing capabilities. It's important to note that when crushing ice, it's best to add a small amount of liquid (such as water or juice) to help the blending process and prevent strain on the blender's motor. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions when using a blender to crush ice.
How much should I spend on a blender?
The amount you should spend on a blender depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Blenders come in a wide range of price points, starting from as low as $40 for basic models and going up to several hundred dollars for high-end, professional-grade blenders. In general, we recommend spending at least $100.
Budget-friendly blenders ($40 to $99) are typically basic models with lower power and fewer features. They can still handle basic blending tasks and might even have some ice-crushing capabilities, but they may not be as durable or offer advanced functionalities. The best personal blenders often fall in this category.
Mid-range blenders ($100 to $200) offer a good balance between affordability and performance. You can find blenders with more power, better build quality, and additional features like variable speed settings, preset programs, and stronger blades for crushing ice.
High-end blenders ($200 and above) provide superior performance, durability, and advanced features. These blenders often have powerful motors, professional-grade blades, and robust construction, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks like crushing ice, making nut butter, or preparing smoothies consistently. And at the high-end of the high-end, you'll find commercial blenders designed for use in professional kitchens.
Consider your intended use, the frequency of blending, the types of ingredients you plan to blend, and the features you want when deciding how much to spend on a blender. It's also worth comparing the warranties offered by different brands when making your decision.
How much power should a blender have?
The power of a blender is typically measured in watts and refers to the amount of electrical power the blender's motor consumes.
Basic blenders usually have motors ranging from 200 to 500 watts. While these blenders can handle lighter tasks like blending soft fruits, making simple smoothies, or pureeing cooked vegetables, they may struggle with more demanding tasks such as crushing ice or blending tough ingredients.
Mid-range blenders often have motors in the range of 500 to 1,000 watts. This power range is suitable for most home blending needs, including blending fruits, vegetables, ice, and making smoothies. Blenders in this range can handle a wide variety of ingredients and tasks effectively. The best blenders for smoothies often fall in this range.
High-performance blenders are known for powerful motors ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 watts or more. These blenders are designed to handle heavy-duty tasks, including crushing ice, grinding tough ingredients, making nut butter, or blending fibrous greens. They provide better performance, smoother textures, and faster blending times.
While motor power is an important factor, it's not the sole indicator of a blender's performance. Factors such as blade design, jar shape, and blending technology also contribute to the overall blending effectiveness.
What separates a Vitamix from a $30 personal blender?
The Vitamix Professional Series 750 has been our top choice for the best blender since April 2022, but why is it the best blender? And what are more basic options lacking? Not only are Vitamix blenders more powerful than basic and mid-range blenders, but they should also last for at least a decade.
Nailing the perfect consistency isn't just pressing a button and walking away. Making something other than smoothies requires a blender with more than two blending speeds to separate thick butters from thin liquids. Built-in programs made for specific recipes also help to hone in on texture and prevent chunks where there shouldn't be chunks.
An average blender can handle fruits, ice, and leafy greens, but you'll need a motor with more than 500 watts to power through tough ingredients like nuts, whip up creamy dips, and create frozen desserts. Blenders are definitely one of the pricier appliances you'll buy in your adult life, but the top-tier ones are durable and should last 10 years or more.
With the above information in mind, here are the best blenders at every price point and for various use cases.
