The Best Blenders for Smoothies, Milkshakes, and More

If you want to unleash your inner chef and say no to ordering takeout again, you should invest in a high-quality blender to speed up your meal prep time. Because finding the right model from the vast range of options available can be a bit difficult, we’ve put together a detailed buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect blender for your needs. 

Considerations for Purchasing a Blender

There are several factors that you should compare and contrast when choosing between different blenders. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind:

Capacity

Before purchasing a blender, you have to consider your needs and decide on the capacity accordingly. The capacity of a blender is measured in fluid ounces and it indicates the volume that your appliance can accommodate in the main pitcher. 

So, if you frequently host parties or need to feed a big family, you should go for a large-sized option of 40 ounces or more to save time. This will allow you to blend all your ingredients in one go for a proper batch of drinks, sauce, and more. On the other hand, a blender with a 24-ounce capacity is usually more than enough for a couple of people.

Size 

Most people think that size and capacity are the same things, but this isn’t the case. Although the capacity of your blender can directly affect its size, some options with moderate capacity are bulky and take up more counter space than needed. You should evaluate the dimensions of the product you’re thinking about buying to get an idea of how much space it will take up. You can generally find this information on the product page. 

To make the most of your space, choose a blender that’s less than 15 inches high because the standard length of the bottom cabinets in your kitchen is 18 inches. This means that a 15-inch blender should easily fit the available space while still being big enough to whip up delicious smoothies, protein shakes, sauces, soups, and more. When it comes to the width of your blender, you should choose a model that will leave enough space on your kitchen’s countertop to arrange utensils and cutlery. If your kitchen doesn’t have much counter space available, it may be a good idea to invest in a blender that’s compact enough to be stored on a shelf or in a cabinet when not in use.

Cleaning

No one wants to stand in front of the sink after cooking just to wash dirty blender attachments. So, you should choose a model that comes with a dishwasher-safe pitcher, cups, and lids because you can simply toss them in to get your blender clean as new in no time. While most blenders from reputable brands are dishwasher-safe, you should refer to the product page or owner’s manual to find out the ideal dishwasher settings.

Marly McMillen, a vegan food blogger and recipe creator, does give a reason why you should consider washing your blender by hand despite the lack of convenience. She says, “it [the blender] will last much longer if you wash it by hand.” Here’s how McMillen likes to wash her blender: “Fill a glass up to about 3/4 full with warm water and a drop or two of dish washing liquid. Dip the blender into the glass and blend for 10 to 20 seconds. Then rinse off the blender with cool water. If your blender is particularly clogged you can repeat that process.”

Keep in mind that the blades of your appliance may not be dishwasher-safe and could get dull rather quickly if you put them in the dishwasher every other day. Removing the blades from a blender is a task in itself, so you should get your hands on a product that has a button to easily dismantle the blade to avoid cutting your hands. You should never invest in a blender that will leave you with nicks and scratches every time you clean it. 

Modes

You should also take a look at the modes and functions that your chosen blender offers. While most models offer versatile speed control, which is ideal for handling different mixing jobs, other options come with a pulse mode to emulsify anything you put in the pitcher. This mode allows you to use the blender at the fastest speed setting, but you need to keep the button pressed the whole time. When you need to quickly process thicker and bulky ingredients before starting the actual blending, the pulse function comes in very handy. You can also find some models that have different buttons, allowing you to set the speed and blade movement to mix, whip, or blend ingredients for different recipes. 

Ease of use

When you’re shortlisting blenders for your kitchen, it’s especially important to consider ease of use. Prioritize models that come with an easy-to-understand interface and dedicated buttons to switch the blender on/off and toggle between different speed settings and modes. The buttons should be conveniently placed, easy to read, big in size, and easy to press. 

Ease of assembly

Having a blender that takes up your entire Sunday to get working is merely a waste of money since you won’t ever want to deal with the hassle of setting it up. Make sure to choose one that has a two or three-step assembly process. You can evaluate this by looking through the customer reviews to get a good idea about the time and steps required to put your blender together. 

Noise

No one wants to buy a blender that makes an incredibly irritating sound each time you switch on the power button. If you’re planning to get a blender for personal use in your kitchen, you should avoid a machine that makes too much noise. When ordering a blender online, you can easily get an idea about how loud it will be by either referring to the product description or going through the customer reviews on the product page. 

Versatility

While most blenders can handle all sorts of tasks in your kitchen, some poor-quality models are only made to prepare smoothies and shakes. If you often make food and drinks at home and want to hone your cooking skills, you should choose a product that can handle tasks from pureeing vegetables for soups to making homemade mayonnaise, butter, milkshakes, and more. A high-quality product should easily bridge the gap between your imagination and a scrumptious, innovative meal.

Accessories

Another important factor you should consider when shopping for a blender is what accessories it comes with. All blenders should include a pitcher, blender base, and blade attachments, but many come with other tools to improve your experience using the appliance. Common examples include travel cups and lids, a brush to thoroughly clean the blades, a tamper to push ingredients down, and recipe books. Reflecting on these added bonuses alongside the product’s price can help you get a better idea of its value for comparing your options.

Types of Blenders

If you’re still not totally sure which blender is best for you, it might be a good idea to narrow down your options based on type. Deciding which one is most suitable for your cooking needs can help make your shopping more focused — and save you time and money in the long run. 

Countertop blender

One of the most popular and recognizable options, a countertop blender is great for making all sorts of recipes. It typically has a large capacity, ideal if you have a large family or love to host parties for your friends and loved ones. Most countertop blenders from brands like Vitamix, Nutribullet and Ninja have multiple modes and are designed for cold or room-temperature ingredients. So, if you’re looking for an appliance that’s perfect for whipping up smoothies, milkshakes, and blended cocktails for multiple people, consider a countertop blender.

Single serve blender

Don’t need a big blender for a big family or household? Consider a single serve blender. This type of blending appliance is more compact with a smaller capacity that’s good for making just enough of a drink or meal for one person. Single serve blenders are pretty convenient to use as well; all you have to do is add your ingredients to the “bullet” jar, twist on the blade attachment, then place the whole thing on the blender base. The convenience doesn’t stop there though. Not only can you blend directly in the container, but you can also take your delicious creations to-go in the same cup! 

Portable blender

If you’re looking for an even more convenient version of a single serve blender, check out a portable blender. This type of blender is generally lightweight and the same size as a water bottle. It’s a unique model as it runs on a rechargeable battery, allowing you to make the perfect smoothie or protein shake on the go. Most people prefer these travel-friendly blenders for quick use at the office or after a long workout at the gym.

Immersion blender

Ever heard of a blender with zero capacity? Immersion blenders are handheld models that can help meet a wide range of cooking needs. In particular, this type of blender is ideal for blending hot and cold mixtures. That makes it perfect for fresh, hot pasta sauce or deliciously smooth soup. An immersion blender is also very lightweight, portable, and quick to assemble, so you can spend more time cooking than setting the appliance up. Since this option is handheld and doesn’t have a built-in capacity, you can stick it right into a pot or container to blend larger volumes of food. It’s also convenient to store in compact drawers and cabinets.

If this sounds like the right type for you, here are some of the best immersion blenders worth checking out.

Commercial blender

Planning to do some heavy-duty blending? Whether you’re making large batches of sauces or homemade peanut butter, a commercial blender is a professional-style appliance designed to handle all kinds of ingredients. These models typically have big, extra-powerful motors, large capacity, and a durable design with safety features. The main downsides to a commercial blender are that it will take up a ton of space on your kitchen counter and cost significantly more than conventional options.

What Can You Make With a Blender?

When most people think about what you can prepare with a blender, the obvious answer is a smoothie or milkshake. The exciting news is that you can do so much more with this versatile kitchen appliance. Blenders can come in handy for all sorts of meals throughout the day, from fluffy pancakes at breakfast to condiments for burgers and sandwiches. They’re also a useful tool for adding more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy whole foods to your diet. So, what are some other things you can make and enjoy?

Soup

If you’re a soup lover, a powerful, heat-resistant blender is a worthwhile investment. From creamy tomato to broccoli cheddar, there are all sorts of rich, creamy soups you can make with this compact kitchen appliance. Putting hot liquids and ingredients in a blender can be dangerous if you don’t have one made from heat-resistant material. You’ll also want to follow a few safety tips as blending hot liquids can create steam and pressure, possibly blowing the lid off your blender. When making hot soup, avoid filling your blender’s pitcher all the way, secure the lid firmly and hold it in place with a towel. You can also crack the lid a little if you feel light pressure to gradually release some of it. 

Non-dairy milk

Whether you’re lactose intolerant or simply prefer almond or oat milk, you can easily make dairy-free milk with your blender. Simply gather your ingredients (usually oats or almonds, water, and vanilla or maple syrup for flavoring), blend them together, and strain. Making your own non-dairy milk at home can even be more cost effective than buying it at the store, especially if you buy your main ingredient in bulk.

Cocktails

Throwing a pool party or summer BBQ for your friends and family? Or maybe you’re just chilling at home on a hot sunny day and feel like a cold beverage would hit the spot. The good news is a blender is the perfect kitchen appliance for making refreshing frozen cocktails. You’ll want to invest in a powerful blender that can break up ice, though we recommend using crushed ice to easily achieve the perfect consistency without straining its motor. For the best drinks, start the blender off with a few pulses then gradually increase the speed. Also, make sure not to blend for too long or you might end up with a frozen cocktail that’s too runny.

Pancakes and waffles

If you love starting your day off with delicious pancakes or waffles, a blender might just become your new best friend in the kitchen. Save yourself some time and energy and blend up all your ingredients instead of whisking them. This will leave you with a smooth waffle or pancake batter that’s griddle-ready in seconds! If your batter does end up looking a bit runny, you can let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken, leaving you time to brew coffee, cut up some fruit, or pack lunch. 

Powdered sugar

Did you just make some waffles or pancakes then realize that you’re out of powdered sugar? Well, don’t fret — this appliance can be used to make mountains of this fluffy sugary goodness, too. Simply blend together some cornstarch and granular sugar based on a recipe’s ratio and you’ll be ready to enjoy a sweet breakfast in no time.

Condiments

Ran out of mayonnaise or ketchup? No worries, you can use your blender to quickly whip up some fresh condiments from scratch. Blenders are also perfect for making homemade sauces, like pesto, hollandaise, and marinara. This appliance’s versatility is fantastic if you love to cook all sorts of savory dishes at home, from pizza and pasta to burgers and sandwiches. You can even use a blender to whip cream into fresh butter for toast and pancakes.

Peanut butter

If you like to always have peanut butter (or other nut butter) on hand, a blender is super useful for making this smooth, creamy stable at home. Simply add peanuts to the pitcher and turn on the blender at a low speed. After a few minutes, the peanuts should be completely crushed; once they start turning creamy, set your blender’s speed to medium. As it achieves a runnier texture, you can add salt or honey for seasoning. Your homemade peanut butter will keep at room temperature for at least two weeks, or much longer if stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

Ice cream or sorbet

Craving a cold, sweet treat? Use a powerful blender to whip up some homemade ice cream. You can try freezing your milk into ice cubes to achieve the desired frozen yet creamy texture. Add in your favorite mix-ins or candy for an extra delicious dessert. For a healthier option, blend up some frozen fruits and fruit juice for a sweet sorbet. If the consistency is too thick, try adding in more liquid to help soften the consistency. Scoop it into a container, freeze it, and enjoy!