Blenders: The Complete Buying Guide

On this page (8 sections)

1. What type of blender should you buy?
2. Which blender features matter most?
3. Which blender should you buy for common tasks?
4. How much should you spend on a blender?
5. Which blender brands and models are worth comparing?
6. What else should you check before buying?
7. Explore blenders by topic
8. How do you choose the best blender to buy?

The best blender to buy depends on what you blend, how much you make, and where you want to clean up. A personal blender suits one drink, a countertop pitcher handles larger batches, and an immersion blender works directly in a pot or bowl.

Start with your most common task, not the longest feature list. A smoothie maker for one person has different needs from a blender used for family drinks, frozen batches or soups.

This guide compares blender styles, features and everyday uses so you can decide which blender to buy. For brand-specific options, see our guides to best Ninja blenders to buy and the best blender for the money.

What type of blender should you buy?

Choose a blender type by batch size and where you want to blend. Personal and full-size countertop models cover most drink-making, while immersion blenders suit small jobs in the cooking vessel.

The type labels are broad. Models within the same group can differ in capacity, controls, blade assembly and recommended uses, so check the individual product details.

Personal blenders for one drink at a time

A personal blender is designed around a smaller container and single servings. It can be a practical choice if you usually make one smoothie, blend directly into a take-away cup, or have little room for a countertop pitcher.

The NutriBullet Special Edition NutriBullet Pro has a 900 W motor and a 900 ml capacity. Its design uses a push-and-twist operation, and the maker describes it for blending ingredients such as strawberries and spinach.

Check what comes with the model you choose. The supplied NutriBullet details describe a motor base, extractor blade, cup, ring, take-out lid and recipe book, while the included components field names the motor base.

A personal blender may be less convenient when you need several servings at once. Compare larger-jar options if you make drinks for a household or prepare several portions for later.

Full-size countertop blenders for larger batches

A countertop blender with a pitcher suits multiple servings and larger recipes. Look at usable liquid capacity as well as the headline jar size, since those figures can differ.

The Ninja Blender Pro+ includes a 72 oz pitcher with a 64 oz maximum liquid capacity, along with two 16 oz to-go cups. It has 3 manual speeds, pulse control and a dedicated single-serve function.

The Ninja Professional Blender has a 72 oz pitcher with a 64 oz maximum liquid capacity and a 1000 W motor. Ninja describes its Total Crushing Technology for ice, whole fruits and vegetables.

These full-size models make more sense when you regularly blend larger batches. If you mostly make one drink, a smaller cup blender may take up less counter and cabinet space.

Immersion blenders for pots and small jobs

An immersion blender lets you blend in a pot, bowl or other suitable container. It can save a transfer step when making soups or sauces, but it does not replace a pitcher for every task.

To compare it with another prep appliance, read immersion blender vs food processor.

Check the tool's intended uses, attachments and cleaning instructions before buying. Some immersion blenders include accessories for whisking or chopping, while others focus on the blending wand alone.

For a related attachment question, see whether an Oster blender uses a food processor attachment.

If you plan to blend hot soup, follow the model's safety instructions and avoid splashes. Compare options in our guides to best handheld immersion blenders and best blenders for hot liquids.

Which blender features matter most?

The most useful blender features are the ones tied to your recipes. Compare motor power, blade design, capacity, controls and cleanup in that order.

Motor power and blade design

Motor wattage can help you compare models, but it does not tell the whole story. A model's design and stated uses matter too, especially if you blend ice, frozen fruit or dense ingredients often.

For example, the Ninja Blender Pro+ is listed with an 1100 W motor and Total Crushing blades, and Ninja describes it for ice, frozen fruit and tough ingredients. The Ninja Professional has a 1000 W motor and is also described for crushing ice and blending tough ingredients.

Look at best high-speed blenders or best high-powered blenders if power and blending dense ingredients are central to your choice. Treat those labels as a starting point, then compare the specific features and intended uses.

Jar size and usable capacity

Choose a jar that matches your largest normal batch. A large jar can help with family drinks and meal prep, but it needs more counter and storage space.

Pay attention to maximum liquid capacity when it differs from the pitcher size. Both Ninja countertop examples above have 72 oz pitchers with a stated 64 oz maximum liquid capacity.

Container material is another practical factor. If you prefer a glass jar or want to compare materials, see best blenders with glass jars and best stainless steel blenders.

Controls and presets

Simple manual controls can be enough for a short list of recipes. Speed choices and pulse control help you change how ingredients move through the jar, while presets can reduce repeated button presses on models that include them.

The Ninja Blender Pro+ has 3 manual speeds, pulse control and a single-serve function. The Ninja Professional lists 4 speeds and push-button controls, while the NutriBullet uses a push-and-twist operation.

Choose controls you can understand and use consistently. If you want automatic programs, confirm which presets are included on the exact model you are considering.

Cleanup and storage

A blender that is easy to clean is more likely to fit your daily routine. Check whether the removable parts can go in the dishwasher, whether blades come apart, and where the pieces will dry or be stored.

The Ninja Blender Pro+ has removable parts described as BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe. The Ninja Professional pitcher is described as BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe.

NutriBullet describes rinsing the blade assembly and placing cups on the top rack.

Do not assume every blender part is dishwasher safe just because one container is. Check the model's care instructions for the base, blades, lids and cups.

For a specific jar question, see whether a Vitamix can use a glass jar.

Which blender should you buy for common tasks?

Match the blender to the job you do most often. A machine that suits that routine will be more useful than one with extra features you rarely need.

For smoothies and shakes

For one smoothie at a time, consider a personal blender with a cup that matches your serving. For several drinks, choose a pitcher with enough usable capacity for your batch.

The NutriBullet Pro is the compact option here, while the Ninja Blender Pro+ combines a pitcher with two single-serve cups. Explore our best blenders for smoothies or best personal blenders for smoothies if drinks are your main use.

For ice and frozen ingredients

If you regularly make frozen drinks, choose a blender specifically described for ice or frozen ingredients. The Ninja Blender Pro+ and Ninja Professional both have Total Crushing blade systems described for ice.

For more options, compare best blenders for crushing ice and best Ninja Professional blenders. Follow the recipe and use instructions for your chosen model.

For soups and sauces

A countertop blender can handle batches of sauces, while an immersion blender lets you blend in a pot or bowl. Choose between them based on batch size, heat instructions and whether you want to pour the finished mixture.

If cooking is a regular use, compare best blenders for cooking and best immersion blenders with attachments. Keep hot liquids below the model's stated fill limit and follow its handling directions.

For travel and portability

A to-go cup can be useful if you want to blend a drink and carry it separately. The Ninja Blender Pro+ includes two 16 oz cups with spout lids.

A portable blender is a different category, often designed around blending away from a standard countertop setup. Compare cup capacity, charging and cleaning before you choose an insulated portable blender.

How much should you spend on a blender?

Set a budget based on how often you'll use the blender and what it must handle. A basic model can be enough for occasional soft-fruit smoothies, while frequent ice crushing or larger batches may justify comparing more features.

Do not choose by price alone. Compare capacity, motor power, blade design, controls, included cups and the care instructions for the specific model.

If you have a firm spending limit, browse best blenders under 50 dollars, best blenders under 100 dollars or best blenders under 200 dollars. For a smoothie-focused budget, see best blenders for smoothies under 100 dollars.

Which blender brands and models are worth comparing?

Compare brands by the features you need, not by name alone. For a model-specific example, read our Oster Classic Series blender review.

Within a brand, models can differ in size, attachments, controls and intended use.

Ninja offers both countertop pitchers and personal cups in the models covered above. NutriBullet's compact Pro model is aimed at single drinks and uses a push-and-twist setup.

Use a direct comparison if you have narrowed your choice to two brands. Our Vitamix vs Ninja blender guide and Ninja blender vs NutriBullet comparison help you compare those choices by use.

For other brand research, see best Vitamix blenders to buy, best Oster blenders for the kitchen and best Hamilton Beach blenders. Check each model's size and features before deciding.

What else should you check before buying?

Before you buy, verify the space, parts and maintenance needs. These details can affect whether a blender fits your kitchen as well as your recipes.

Measure the counter or shelf where the base and jar will sit. Check cabinet height with the jar assembled, and think about where you'll store cups, lids and accessories.

Consider replacement parts if the blender will see frequent use. These guides cover best Ninja blender accessories, best Oster blender replacement parts, best Vitamix blender accessories, best NutriBullet blender replacement parts and best blender replacement parts.

If you're comparing appliances for a juice routine, a blender and juicer serve different purposes. Read about a juicer and blender combo or a juicer, blender and food processor combo to see what these combinations can cover.

Explore blenders by topic

• Best Easy to Clean Blenders
• Best Ninja Blenders with Auto IQ
• Best Quiet Blenders for Smoothies
• Best Commercial Blenders
• Best Immersion Blender Deals

How do you choose the best blender to buy?

Choose the best blender to buy by naming your usual ingredients and batch size first. Then compare jar capacity, controls, cleaning and storage against that routine.

Pick a personal blender if you mainly make one drink, a countertop model if you blend for several people, or an immersion blender if you work in pots and bowls. If you are still comparing price and features, start with the best blender under 100 dollars or our best blenders for the money guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best blender to buy for smoothies?

Choose a blender based on how many servings you make at once. A personal blender suits one drink, while a full-size pitcher is more convenient for several servings or meal prep.

Check whether the model is intended for frozen fruit and ice if those are regular ingredients.

Is a personal blender or full-size blender better?

A personal blender is a good fit for one serving and a smaller storage footprint. A full-size blender suits larger batches, shared drinks and recipes that need room in the jar.

Your usual batch size and available storage space are the best guides.

Can a blender crush ice?

Some countertop blenders are designed to crush ice, but capability varies by model. Check the maker's stated use and instructions, and add liquid if the recipe calls for it.

Avoid assuming every compact blender or immersion blender can handle ice.

What should I look for in an easy-to-clean blender?

Look for removable parts that are dishwasher safe or easy to rinse, and consider how many pieces you must wash after each use. A personal blender may leave fewer dishes for one drink, while a pitcher model can be more practical for a large batch.

Do I need a high-powered blender?

You may want a higher-powered model if you often blend frozen fruit, ice or tough ingredients, but wattage alone does not guarantee a smooth result. Compare the blade design, intended uses, jar size and controls alongside the motor rating.