How to Choose the Best Blender – The Only Types and Brands I'd Spend My Own Money On After Testing Dozens
After years of blending smoothies, soups, and frozen drinks, I’m breaking down prices and performance to help you find your perfect match
7th July 2026: The Vitamix A3500 has been replaced with the ZWILLING Enfinigy Silver Power Blender as our best overall, as the Vitamix has now been discontinued. We have also added the NutriBullet PowerCore Blender as the best large blender for larger batch blending.
As a trained chef, I think one of the best blenders is one of the most underrated workhorses in the kitchen. From weekday smoothies and nourishing soups to Friday-night margaritas and salsa dips, the best blender will open up a whole new world of recipes – making it easier to eat and drink well at home.
The only snag is that there are lots of different shapes and sizes to choose from, which can make it hard to find the best blender for you. In this guide, I’ll explain all the different types, including countertop blenders, immersion sticks, and the best personal blenders. I’ll also talk through the leading brands, like Vitamix, NutriBullet, Ninja, KitchenAid, and Braun. I've tested all the top names, so I can explain how each one stacks up in terms of power, reliability, and suitability for your lifestyle.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which blender is right for your needs – whether you’re experimenting with nut butters, blending baby food, or simply perfecting your morning smoothie ritual.
The Quick List: The Best Blenders
With the help of my team of product testers, we've trialled the leading blenders from all the major brands. These are the best blenders on the market. If you already know what you need and you're looking for a quick win, start here.
The Zwilling Enfinigy Countertop Power Blender is a brilliant blender that's designed to cater to the whole family. With modes for blended desserts to self-cleaning, and even a vacuum-sealable pitcher, there's not much it can't do.
For simple morning smoothies, look no further. This nutribullet Ultra crushes frozen bananas, kale, and seeds into silky-smooth drinks in seconds. It can only blend one serving at a time, but it comes with extra cups and travel lids.
This extra-large blender gives you the space you didn’t even realize you needed to blend smoothies, shakes, soups, sauces, and other foods. Its easy-to-use design is a welcome change from some more complicated models, too.
If you want a machine that can make a smoothie and also help with meal prep, try a blender-food-processor combo. This mighty Ninja can shred cheese, chop carrots, dice onions, and more. There are a lot of accessories, so clear some cupboard space first.
We've tested boatloads of hand blenders (also known as immersion or stick blenders), and the sturdy Braun remains our top pick. It can blend velvety soups on the stove with precision. It also features attachments for whisking, mashing, and dicing.
When we tested this $200 Braun against a luxury Vitamix, the results were nearly identical. Miraculously, the Braun was actually faster at blending ice and making soup. It's excellent value, just very noisy – you may want to buy some earplugs, too.
Types of Blenders Explained
The best blenders come in many shapes and sizes, from large countertop workhorses to sleek personal sizes ideal for on the go. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks, and understanding them can make it easier to choose the right type for you:
Blender Type | Pros | Cons | Best For | Our Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Countertop Blenders | Powerful with large capacities designed for batch recipes. Often come with pre-set programmes to remove guesswork. | Can be overkill if you only have the occasional smoothie or soup, requiring a lot of storage space. | Regular home cooks who cook from scratch, and regular hosts/people with large families. | The ZWILLING Efinergy Power Blender for everyday blending, or the Braun TriForce if you are shopping on a budget. |
Personal Blenders | Ideal for small kitchens, best for smoothies and single-serve recipes, and often come with travel lids for drinks on the go. | Not built for heavy-duty blending, and can sometimes struggle with thicker mixes and chunky frozen ingredients. Limited to single serve. | Occasional use, smoothie lovers, and people who want to take their blends on the move. | The nutribullet Ultra if you need versatility, the Ninja Blast if you want a blender you can recharge and take with you, or the Ninja BlendBoss if you are looking for something fun - it looks like a Stanley Cup! |
Immersion Blenders | Very convenient for quick blending of soups, dressings, baby food, and sauces. They're also ideal for people with limited storage space. | Can struggle with smoothies, and often will not blend ice. Can take a little longer to get super smooth results compared to a countertop. | People with limited storage space, and those who blend very infrequently. | The Braun MultiQuick 9 is best for versatility, with processor attachments available too. Or, for more color options, the KitchenAid Variable Speed Immersion Blender |
Combination Blenders | Combine two or more functions into one, such as a blender and food processor. Saves space and money on multiple appliances. | These models sometimes compromise on durability or consistency, and may not be the best for serious home cooks. | Home cooks who need to prioritize budget and space saving, or who does not use one of the functions enough to justify a separate appliance. | The Ninja Professional Plus is our top choice, but has a lot of attachments that can be trick to store in small spaces. The nutribullet Triple Prep is a good alternative. |
Pastry Blenders | While not a traditional blender, this tool helps to cut cold butter into flour evenly without warming it. | Manual, and cannot be used for traditional blending. | Regular home bakers who often makes pastry. | We have not tried it, but the Spring Chef Dough Blender from Amazon is highly-rated by shoppers. |
Blender Features Explained
We have tested several blenders ourselves to decide which features matter, and which are gimmicks.
Besides the overall build, blenders can come with some technical jargon that makes it difficult to understand exactly what it is you are looking at, and which model is best for which application. From motors to blade types, these are the essentials you should understand.
Motor Power
Motor power is usually measured in watts (W) and indicates how much power the blender can use. A more powerful motor means it can handle heavier loads (for example, crushing frozen fruit and ice, or tackling dense seeds and nuts). Motor power alone does not determine how well a blender performs, however. A high-watt motor might still struggle if the blades are poorly designed.
Some manufacturers may show peak wattage, which is the highest power a motor will reach during start-up. This is less reliable than continuous wattage for understanding the true overall power of a blender.
Reccomended power | Best for |
|---|---|
Under 500W | Soft fruits, milkshakes, and sauces |
500-900W | Smoothies and shakes |
900-1,200W | Frozen fruit, ice, everyday use |
1,200-1,500W | Nut butters, thick mixtures, frequent use |
1,500W+ | Heavy-duty blending, commercial-performance |
Blade Design
The blade angle, shape, thickness, and spin speed can all have a huge impact on how a blender performs. High-quality blades create a powerful vortex that pulls ingredients down towards them for smooth, even results without constant shaking and tapping. The best blades are made from hardened stainless steel, which resists corrosion and dulling. Interestingly, some models use duller blades, which pulverise food rather than slice it. This is often more effective for crushing ice.
Some blades are removable, while others are fixed in place. This rarely has an impact on how they perform, but fixed blades can sometimes mean a more durable pitcher with less risk of leaks, while removable ones can be easier to clean.
Pitcher Capacity
The size of the pitcher or jar will dictate how much you can blend. A small personal cup is ideal for single smoothies, but becomes frustrating when preparing soup for a family. On the other hand, very large pitchers may struggle with tiny batches because ingredients don't circulate efficiently.
Common Sizes | Best For |
|---|---|
16-20oz (470-700ml) | Individual shakes, smoothies, and travel |
32-48oz (950-1,400ml) | Couples, small households, sauces |
64-72oz (1.9-2.1L) | Families, meal prep, soups |
Pitcher Materials
We are all concerned about choosing the best non-toxic kitchen appliances, and rightly so. Most premium blenders now use BPA-free Tritan plastic, which does not leach potentially harmful 'forever chemicals' when exposed to warm foods such as soup. We would always recommend looking for this material when buying the best blender. It is lightweight, impact-resistant, and easier to lift when full, too.
Speed Settings
Blenders can come with an array of speed settings, from standard 'slow-medium-fast', to detailed pre-set programmes. Multiple speed settings give you greater control over texture, with lower settings ideal for chunky soups and salsas, medium best for thicker sauces and batters, and high for ultra-smooth drinks and purees.
Pulse functions are also common, and give much better control than continuous blending/ They are especially useful for crushing ice, chunky mixes, finishing off drinks, and breaking up ingredients.
Pre-set features vary from make and model, but can often come in the form of 'Smoothie', 'Ice', 'Soup', etc. Rather than running at one speed, these programmes automatically adjust the speed and timing throughout a cycle for more consistent results.
What to Consider When Choosing a Blender
From smoothies to soups, we but each blender through the same tests to discover what it is best at.
The type of blender you buy really depends on your budget, space constraints, and what you want to use it for. To make it easier, there are some questions to ask yourself, or you can take our 60-second quiz to find the best model for you out of our top recommendations:
What do you want to make? There are countless things to make in a blender, and different machines are suited to different recipes. All blenders are capable of making smoothies, particularly blending softer fruits. But if you want to make frozen desserts or nut butters, then you need a machine with a more powerful motor.
For frozen cocktails or homemade nut butters, you'll need that countertop powerhouse. For one-pot soups or pasta sauces, try an immersion blender. For single-serve smoothies, go for a personal or portable option – you can also experiment with soft dips and salad dressings on those.
Think about power: Sometimes, looking at the power stats can help you make a decision. Blenders that can make a routine morning smoothie will need at least 500-600 watts. If you have 700 watts, you'll be able to chop tougher nuts and seeds. Once you hit numbers such as 1,200 watts, you'll be able to make almost anything, especially ice cones.
How many people are you serving? If you have a big family or you often cook for dinner parties, look for a blender that can hold between 60-80 oz (but bear in mind that this will take up more space on your countertop). If you're just serving up smoothies for one, a bullet blender will suit you just fine.
Set a budget: In my opinion, how much you pay really comes down to how you plan to use the blender. If you’re only an occasional user and you just want simple smoothies, then a budget model ($100 to $150) makes sense.
If you will use the blender every day, you need to move up the scale. Spend over $200, and you’re likely to get more accessories and programs. If you want the best results and long-term use out of your blender, then you’re looking at investing $400 or more. At this price, you’ll get the fastest motors, more control, and, often, a wider range of automatic programs to make your life easier.
Do you care about design? There are some stunningly sleek blenders on the market that you'll want to keep front and center on your kitchen island (Smeg or KitchenAid, for example). There are others that you'll want to hide away immediately after using them. Choose carefully.
Do you have space to spare? Consider your counter and cupboard space before you buy. If you won't be able to keep a large, heavy Vitamix on the counter or fit it into your pantry cupboards, an immersion blender could be a great compromise, since they tuck neatly in drawers.
Does noise matter? Consider when and where you're going to use your blender. I have an open plan kitchen, so an ultra-loud blender can be really disruptive when people are relaxing or trying to watch TV. There are lots of quiet blenders on the market if that's a consideration; these work well for blending early in the morning, too.
Think about your lifestyle: Again, think about how you imagine a blender fitting into your daily life. Do you plan to make simple green smoothies in the morning? Or are you creating a beautifully creamy pumpkin velouté for a table of guests? The former will be very happy with a personal blender. The latter will want a fancy countertop blender for their chef-level creations.
Some of the most powerful blenders, for example, can use friction to heat raw ingredients, delivering hot soup in just a few minutes. Some double up as juicers, food processors, jelly makers, ice cream makers, and more. Beyond actual settings, some of the latest releases (like the Smeg Professional Blender) have vacuum pumps that seal and preserve your smoothies, helping them to last longer. If that sounds indispensable for your lifestyle, go for it.
Top Blender Brands Explained
Every brand does things slightly differently.
When it comes to buying the best blender, several brands do it better than anyone else and can promise longevity and durability. Each specialises in something slightly different, however.
Having tested models from all of the brands below, here's my expert take on each one and how they stack up against each other:
Vitamix: Makes large, luxury blenders with unparalleled power. The brand is frequently touted as the gold standard in the blender industry, and it's easy to see why; their models boast exceptional power, torque, versatility, and longevity. They use airplane-grade steel, the vortex blend systems are uniquely effective, and the controls feel really premium. The caveat is that they are expensive, but their robust motors can last for years; my mom has had hers for nigh on a decade.
NutriBullet: Famous for their compact, bullet-style design, which provides single-serve convenience. With just a twist, the best NutriBullet will have your morning smoothie ready in seconds. NutriBullet has expanded beyond its single-serve options, with family-sized blenders that are affordable, but nowhere near as sturdy, durable, or powerful as a pro-level Vitamix can be. In my experience, NutriBullet blenders are often heavily discounted during sales events, which makes them a smart buy if you’re looking for value.
Ninja: Famous for its fun, user-friendly appliances. Their blenders don’t hit the same professional performance tier as Vitamix, but they are impressive and priced at a fraction of the cost. Many Ninja blenders come with fun features, like heating elements, food processor attachments, or Auto-iQ programs that handle everything from smoothie bowls to pasta sauce. This makes Ninja a smart 'all-rounder' for everyday cooking.
Zwilling: Best known for their super sharp German knives, Zwilling pours precision into their countertop blenders. The Zwilling Enfinigy range has three blenders; all quick, sleek, and design-forward. They are simple, yet ergonomic and quiet blenders; this brand is a good match for early morning smoothies and minimalist kitchens. In my experience, Zwilling is not as powerful as Vitamix or as multifunctional as Ninja. The range is pretty straightforward; nothing fancy, but certainly beautiful.
Braun: Like Zwilling, Braun blenders shine for their German engineering, offering practical, reliable performance and consistent results – even with fibrous or tough ingredients. Models we've reviewed like the Braun TriForce come with multiple automatic programs, crushing ice and whizzing smooth soups, smoothies, and nut butters effortlessly – and their range of versatile hand blenders is second to none. The only problem is that they can get a little bit noisy – a premium experience isn't exactly front of mind for this brand. But for the price, I think the Braun brand is extremely good value for money, especially when compared to luxurious competitors with similar performance, like Vitamix.
KitchenAid: Offers a delightful blend of vintage charm and modern performance. With a range of vibrant colors, these blenders add personality to any kitchen. KitchenAid isn't exactly the best in class, but their models are still pretty good and more than deliver on smoothies and soups (the immersion blender is the most highly-rated option in their range).
Smeg: Known for its retro 1950s-inspired design. I've written extensively about their best refrigerators, adorable Smeg citrus juicers, and classic stand mixers. Smeg blenders bring the same style to the countertop. We really rate their Smeg Professional Blender, but have found that the rest are more about aesthetics than premium power.
BlendJet: The maker of portable, USB-rechargeable blenders. We love them for single-serve smoothies on the go. They are lightweight and convenient, but a little limited in power and capacity compared to rivals.
Beast: An up-and-coming range of compact bullet-style blenders, created by the same names behind NutriBullet. The brand is all about aesthetics, but they don't skimp on power and efficiency.
BlendTec: Known for its industrial-strength motors and variety of presets, they are a big competitor to Vitamix. However, Vitamix wins on design and ease of use. Our bottom line is that if you can afford to spend more on a Vitamix with a good level of automated programs, you’ll be securing the best of both worlds from these two brands.
How We Test Blenders
Every blender in our best blender guide has been tested hands-on and reviewed by at least two members of the Homes & Gardens team. We have a series of standard tests that all of our blenders go through.
We start with practical tests (protein shakes, berry and kale smoothies, soups, dips, and frozen drinks), then we move on to assessing the cleaning process, then we weigh up the design, durability, overall value for money, and, of course, who the blender might suit.
You can read more about how we test blenders here, and our review and testing guidelines provide more insight into our process.
FAQs
When Should I Use a Blender Vs a Food Processor?
When choosing the best kitchen appliances, we suggest using a blender if your recipe is mostly liquid and requires a smooth, uniform consistency: Think soups, sauces, and drinks.
A food processor is best for food prep and mixing, such as slicing vegetables, grating cheese, or mixing pie dough.
Explore our guide on the best blender food processor combos for the best of both worlds.
How Much Should a Good Blender Cost?
How much you spend on a blender will depend on the type of blender and the functions it provides. For a quality mid-range blender, you can expect to spend approximately $80-150, with smaller personal blenders coming in much more affordably than larger countertop models.
What Is the Average Life of a Blender?
How long your blender lasts will depend on the initial manufacturing quality, how you use it, and how you care for and clean your blender after each use. Generally speaking, we would hope that a good model can last up to 10 years, so long as you do not overwork the motor and maintain components properly.
Why Are Blenders So Loud?
Noise from a blender can come from three sources: The motor, the air speed inside the pitcher, and the ingredients striking the blades. A higher-powered blender is usually louder than a lower-powered one.
You can often dampen the sound of a blender by reducing vibration, placing a dish towel beneath it when in use, for instance.
What is a Tamper For Blenders?
A tamper is a tool designed to push thick mixtures towards the blades when a blender is running. A tamper that is correctly sized should fit through the hole in the lid without reaching the blades to prevent damage.
They are most useful when making homemade nut butters, frozen dessert bowls, and thick spreads such as hummus.
Are your kitchen aesthetics driving your spending decisions? We have weighed up if your kitchen appliances should match or not to help you select models to suit any style.
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