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Whether you’re powering up for a workout, want to beat the heat with a frosty treat, or just need a satisfying snack, nothing beats a good smoothie. While ingredients are obviously key to making a delicious smoothie, the equipment you use is just as important. Sure, you can use any old blender, but you might get mixed results (no pun intended, I swear). The best blenders for making smoothies should have a powerful motor for blending frozen ingredients, well-designed blades for even mixing, and multiple speed settings to help you control texture. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best blender for making smoothies?
Experts in This Article
Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, is a recipe developer at Cheerful Choices
founder and CEO of Juice Generation
nutritionist and plant-based chef at Health My Lifestyle
food scientist, nutritionist, and recipe developer at Live Eat Learn
That’s where we come in. We talked to some smoothie pros to find out what to look for when shopping for a blender, which blenders are best suited for different needs, and even got tips on how to make the perfect smoothie every time. “There’s something for everyone,” Juice Generation founder and CEO Eric Helms says of smoothie blenders. “Whether you’re blending once a week or twice a day, your perfect match depends on your space, budget, and smoothie goals!” Read on to learn more.
Best blenders for making smoothies, at a glance:
- Best overall: Vitamix 5200
- Best budget-friendly: NutriBullet Pro+ 1200W
- Best splurge: Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series
- Best for large batches: Blendtec Pro 800
- Best for small spaces: Zwilling Enfinigy Personal Blender
- Best for green smoothies: Vitamix Explorian E310
- Best for protein shakes: Our Place Splendor Blender
- Best for crushing ice: Blendtec Classic 575
- Best personal: Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro with Auto-iQ
- Best looking: The Beast Health Blender
- Most versatile: Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ
- Best quiet: Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Blender
What is a smoothie blender?
A smoothie blender is really just a blender, but with very specific features. “A good smoothie blender should have sharp, durable blades and a powerful motor to handle tough ingredients like frozen fruit and nuts,” says Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, recipe developer at Cheerful Choices. Smoothie blenders are available in three options.
- Personal blenders: The most affordable and easy-to-use option, a personal blender is smaller and more compact than the typical countertop blender and has fewer settings, says Rachel Lessenden, a nutritionist and plant-based chef at Health My Lifestyle. These blenders also tend to be prettier than larger models. The container usually doubles as a cup and comes with a separate drinking lid. “If you’re a solo smoothie drinker who wants quick cleanup (and are usually on the go), these are your best friend,” says Sarah Bond, a nutritionist and recipe developer at Live Eat Learn.
- Kitchen blenders: These countertop blenders are usually mid-level in price and have a larger capacity, making them ideal for families or whipping up multiple servings at once. “They can handle everything from protein shakes to soups to sauces,” says Burgess.
- High-powered blenders: “If you’re a smoothie lover who wants that smoothie bar experience at home, investing in a high-performance blender is a game changer!” says Helms. “Powerhouses like Blendtec and Vitamix can blitz through frozen fruit, ice, and leafy greens with ease, giving you cafe-quality blends every time.” Sure, higher-powered means a higher price tag, but these blenders are worth it if you want the creamiest results possible, says Bond.
Pro tips for making a perfect smoothie in a blender:
- 1.Layer wisely. “Pour in liquids first, then soft items, with frozen ingredients on top,” says Bond. This technique will prevent a buildup of air pockets, says Helms, and put less stress on your blender. Protein powders, adaptogens, and daily vitamins should go in at the very end to avoid chalky grit.
- 2.Don’t overfill. Resist the urge to stuff your ingredients all at once. “Splitting into two blends might give you a smoother result,” says Bond.
- 3.Start slowly. Lessenden recommends beginning on a low blending speed and gradually increasing to high for the best consistency (presets usually do this for you). For her part, Bond suggests pulsing first to chop things up, then going full speed ahead.
- 4.Mix up the texture. “Thickening a smoothie with ingredients like frozen fruits, frozen yogurt cubes, and less liquid is a great way to achieve a creamier, more filling texture,” says Burgess. Lessenden prefers banana, avocado, and nut butter for extra creaminess, but cautions, “If your smoothie is too thick, add a bit more liquid to keep the blades moving efficiently.”
- 5.Taste as you go. Sometimes all it takes is a squeeze of lemon or a single date to brighten the whole thing up, says Helms.
- 6.Clean up ASAP. Wash your blender immediately after use to prevent ingredients from sticking and making cleanup difficult, says Lessenden.
What to consider when looking for a blender for making smoothies
“Whether you're blitzing up a smoothie or a sauce, any good blender should yield smooth, even blends — no chunks of banana lurking at the bottom or mystery bits of spinach stuck to the sides,” says Helms. A sturdy base that won’t dance across your counter and a wide pitcher mouth for easy loading and cleaning are just a few things to think about when shopping for the best blender for making smoothies. Here are other important factors to consider:
Power
A motor of at least 1,000 watts will help crush anything you throw in and still keep things cool. You can go as low as 500 watts if you just want a blender that can get the job done and don't mind a little bit of texture, says Lessenden.
Pitcher size
“If you're just making a single serving each time, a personal blender may be all you need,” says Lessenden. “If you're making multiple servings, a standard blender with a large pitcher may be more suitable.”
Blade design
Multiple steel blades in a cross-style design are preferred, since they pull ingredients down for a smoother finish, says Bond. Avoid non-angled blades, which, Helms says, “just spin things around, leaving you with chunks at the bottom.”
Settings
A blender with multiple speed settings allows for more control over the smoothie's texture, says Burgess. A pulse button is always a plus, and Helms prefers presets like “Smoothie” or “Ice Crush."
Ease of cleaning
The quicker the cleanup, the more likely you are to use the blender consistently. “Dishwasher-safe parts are great for that reason,” says Lessenden.
Shop the 12 best blenders for making smoothies, according to pros
Dimensions: 20.5” x 8.75” x 7.25“ | Weight: 10.56 lbs. I Jar capacity: 64 oz. | Power: 1,380 w | Accessories: Tamper | Features: Variable speed control knob; aircraft-grade stainless steel blades; self-cleaning; 6-ft. cord
It’s no surprise that iconic blender brand Vitamix took top honors as the overall best blender for making smoothies. The professional-grade Vitamix 5200 “achieves that ultra-smooth blend in just 50 seconds and has long-lasting durability,” says Lessenden, who considers this model her go-to. Besides an on/off switch, the blender’s base features a high/variable switch and a variable speed dial that lets you rev things up or slow things down. “It blends ice and frozen fruit easily and pulverizes leafy greens completely smooth.” The 64-ounce, BPA-free plastic container makes it great for multiple servings, but the best part? “It’s easy to clean,” says Lessenden. Just add dish soap and warm water, then give it a spin to get things spotless.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface with on/off switch, high/variable switch, and speed dial
- Large capacity container for multiple servings
- Four angled aircraft-grade stainless steel blades
- Self-cleans with a spin of dish soap and water
- Available in black, red, or white
Cons:
- Pricey
- Blades are affixed to the blender, making it tricky to clean
- Lid flaps can be tricky to lock in place
- A bit noisy
Dimensions: 12.05" x 11.81" x 12.99" | Weight: 6.2 lbs. I Jar capacity: 32 oz. | Power: 1,200 w | Accessories: 24 oz. cup; two to-go lids; two cup rings; recipe book | Features: Blend and pulse modes; six blades; 3-ft. cord
If you’re just getting started or want a solid backup blender, this is it, Helms says of the NutriBullet Pro+ 1200W. “It’s compact, reliable, and easy to clean.” It’s equally easy to use. Choose from the 32-ounce or 24-ounce cup, add fruit, milk, or other ingredients, then screw on the extractor blade. Place the cup upside down on the motor base, then push down on it and give it a twist. The NutriBullet Pro+ blends contents to a creamy smoothness for exactly one minute. For chunkier textures, just press the pulse button on the motor base. When you’re done, toss the container in the dishwasher and give the extractor blade a rinse with soap and water for easy cleanup. At 1,200 watts, the Pro+ packs more power than the original NutriBullet without taking up extra counter space. Not bad for an affordable blender!
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Good for those on the go
- Six blades: two pointing upwards, two pointing downwards, two horizontal
- Dishwasher-safe containers and lids; blades must be hand-washed
Cons:
- A bit noisy
- Struggles with tougher ingredients like kale and frozen chunks
- Small size is not a good fit for families
Dimensions: 11"D x 8"W x 17"H | Weight:14.9 lbs. I Jar capacity: 48 oz. | Power: 1,500 w | Accessories: Tamper, tamper holder, recipe book | Features: Touchscreen interface; five program settings; variable speed control; pulse feature; self-detects container size and adjusts program settings; aircraft-grade stainless steel blades; self-cleaning
“It’s basically the blender equivalent of a luxury car,” Bond says of the elite Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series. “It has a touchscreen, smart programs, and a self-clean mode. You get top-of-the-line features.” She’s not joking. Using wireless technology, the Vitamix A3500’s base can detect a container’s size and function, then adjust its settings for optimum performance. (Talk about smart!) While the motor base has a programmable timer as well as five programmed settings — Smoothies, Hot Soups, Dips & Spreads, Frozen Desserts, and Self-Cleaning — it also has a speed dial and pulse button that can be controlled manually. Yes, the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series blender, which boasts a 38-ounce, BPA-free plastic jar, is a bit of a splurge, but Burgess swears it’s worth it. “It can do it all — smoothies, nut butters, soups, even frozen dessert. It’s ultra-powerful and smart, with presets that make blending practically hands-off.” Less work for me? Sold!
Pros:
- Easy touchscreen interface
- Five program settings: Smoothies, Hot Soups, Dips & Spreads, Frozen Desserts, and Self-Cleaning
- Smart detection of container size and function
- Compatible with the Vitamix Perfect Blend App
- Four angled aircraft-grade stainless steel blades
- Self-cleans with a spin of dish soap and warm water
Cons:
- Pricey
- Blades are affixed to the blender, making it tricky to clean
- Not all Vitamix containers work with this smart blender
Dimensions: 17.25" x 9" x 8.5" | Weight: 16.24 lbs. I Jar capacity: 90 oz. | Power: 1,800 w | Accessories: Recipe booklet | Features: Illuminated touch interface; six pre-programmed cycles; 11-speed manual touch slider; pulse button; sound enclosure; angled blunt blades; 3-ft. cord
Making smoothies for a crowd? The Blendtec Pro 800 is your MVP. “The 90-ounce jar and ultra-strong motor make this ideal for big households or meal preppers,” Helms says of the machine, which boasts 1,800 watts of power and a four-sided BPA-free plastic container with internal ridges that speed up blending and make smoothies, well, smoother. It operates smoothly too: Instead of switches and dials, the Blendtec Pro 800’s base has a touch interface with pre-programmed cycles — Smoothies, Batters, Mixed Drinks, Frozen Treats, Whole Juice, Hot Soup — as well as a pulse button and a touch slider for adjusting the blending speed. An illuminated window provides feedback on the smoothie’s progress and how much time remains. And here’s the kicker: The jar sits in a sound enclosure while blending, so the only thing you’ll hear is the roar of the crowd when you tell them their smoothies are ready.
Pros:
- Easy, illuminated touch interface
- Six pre-programmed cycles: Smoothies, Batters, Mixed Drinks, Frozen Treats, Whole Juice, Hot Soup
- Sound enclosure for quiet blending
- Hardened-steel blunt blades are 80% thicker and 30 times stronger than most blender blades
Cons:
- Pricey
- Larger size takes up counter space
- Heavy
Dimensions: 5.25" x 5.75" x 14.5" | Weight: 5.13 lbs. I Jar capacity: 20 oz. | Power: 500 w | Accessories: Travel lid | Features: Smoothie, pulse, and on/off settings; locking system; serrated blades; 3-ft. cord; hidden cord storage
No counter space? No problem! The Zwilling Infinigy Personal Blender is not only stylish but also has a nice compact design that doesn’t compromise power. “It's ideal for small kitchens with minimal storage,” says Lessenden. The blender features a ridged container made of durable, BPA-free Tritan plastic, and a streamlined base with a dial with simple settings: On/Off, Smoothie, and Pulse. While the razor-sharp cross-blades do an excellent job of cutting through fibrous fruits and veggies, each blending cycle lasts 40 seconds, so you may need a few rounds to get a perfectly smooth texture. Ice may also need a few shakes during the blending process to ensure that no chips are left behind. Once you’re done, you can drink your smoothie straight from the blending cup or pop on a travel lid for a spill-proof sip on the go.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface with three settings: Smoothie, Pulse, On/Off
- Sleek, compact design
- Good for those on the go
- Four serrated angled blades
- Dishwasher-safe container
- Available in silver, black matte, and matte white
Cons:
- A bit loud
- Not great at crushing ice
- Plastic container not suited for hot liquids
Dimensions: 9” x 8” x 18” | Weight: 10.5 lbs. I Jar capacity: 48 oz. | Power: 1,400 w | Accessories: Tamper, cookbook | Features: Pulse switch; 10 variable speeds; self-cleaning; aircraft-grade stainless steel blades; 4.5-ft. cord
If you’re looking to up your intake of leafy greens, there’s a blender for that: The Vitamix Explorian E310, which makes mincemeat of tough veggies like spinach, chard, and kale. “This Vitamix devours leafy greens and delivers a smooth, grit-free texture,” says Helms. Give credit to its pulse feature and a 10-speed dial that ranges from lowest to highest. “This beast handles everything from ice to nuts to kale without breaking a sweat,” Bond says of the E310, which has a dishwasher-safe, BPA-free plastic container. “Variable speeds let you nail any texture.” While you may have to shell out quite a bit of green for this green smoothie machine, it’s definitely a worthy investment.
Pros:
- Breaks down leafy greens into a silky-smooth texture
- Pulse switch and 10-speed dial (lowest to highest)
- Good for families and prepping medium-sized batches
- Four angled aircraft-grade stainless steel blades
- Self-cleans with a spin of dish soap and warm water
- Available in black, red, and grey
Cons:
- Pricey
- Bulky
- Loud
- Blades are affixed to the blender, making it tricky to clean
- Lacks some of the bells and whistles of other Vitamix models
Dimensions: 5.5” x 6.1” x 8.5” | Weight: 5.5 lbs. I Jar capacity: 25.4 oz. | Power: 1,000 w | Accessories: Drinking lid | Features: High-speed blend and pulse modes; angled blades; self-cleaning; 5-ft. cord
Our Place, the kitchenware brand behind the super popular Always Pan, is known for making simple products that do it all, and the Splendor Blender is no exception. The mini machine is a meal-prep superhero, ideal for making batters, soups, dressings, and, of course, smoothies. “This stylish blender can make silky-smooth protein shakes in seconds with its powerful 1,000-watt motor and simple one-button design,” Burgess says of the Splendor Blender, which features high-speed blend and pulse modes. “It’s perfect for quick, post-workout blends.” She also recommends adding on the Personal Kit, which comes with an extra drinking vessel and lid, so you can tote your high-protein peanut butter-cookie dough shake anywhere you go.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy-to-use one-button interface with high-speed blend and pulse modes
- Stylish, compact design
- Timed 45-second blending cycle
- Four sharp-angled blades
- Dishwasher-safe vessel and lid; hand-wash blade base
- Available in Our Place’s char, steam, blue salt, and spice colors
Cons:
- A bit noisy
- Can be tricky to clean
- Base shakes in use
Dimensions: 7" x 15" x 8" | Weight: 7.28 lbs. I Jar capacity: 90 oz. | Power: 1,560 w | Accessories: None | Features: Touch pad interface; five speeds; pulse function; four pre-programmed settings; angled blunt blades; 2.9-ft. cord
Ice, acai packs, and frozen fruit are no match for the Blendtec Classic 575. “The blunt blade technology is superior at ice crushing!” Helms says of the commercial-grade machine, which excels at making smoothies, slushies, snow cones, and frozen margaritas. Like our favorite large-batch smoothie blender, the Blendtec Pro 800, the 575 has a four-sided BPA-free plastic jar with internal ridges to accelerate blending. The touch pad interface features four pre-programmed cycles — Smoothie, Clean, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds — as well as pulse and incremental speed options. An illuminated LCD timer keeps tabs on the smoothie’s progress. Besides powerful stainless steel blades, the Blendtec Classic 575 has a 3.0 horsepower motor, making it the best smoothie blender for crushing ice. “This rugged model holds up over time,” says Helms, who notes that it also comes with a solid two-year warranty.
Pros:
- Four pre-programmed cycles: Smoothie, Clean, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds
- Pulse and incremental speed options
- Hardened-steel blunt blades are 80% thicker and 30 times stronger than most blender blades
- Dishwasher-safe jar
- Available in red and poppy
Cons:
- A bit loud
- Interface not intuitive
Dimensions: 6.34" x 6.93" x 14.29" | Weight: 6.28 lbs. I Jar capacity: 24 oz. | Power: 1,100 w | Accessories: Extra 24 oz. container; two spout lids; recipe guide | Features: Two pre-programmed settings; pulse button; six-blade design; 2.6-fit cord
Nothing personal against all those fancy brands, but sometimes all you need is a small, no-fuss blender like the Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro with Auto-iQ. “It’s perfect for smoothies on the go, with travel-ready blending cups and Auto-iQ settings,” says Helms. The Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro has only two settings — one for crushing ice, the other for making smoothies — as well as a pulse button, so it’s oh-so-easy to operate and create your favorite drinks. Its six powerful blades point in different directions, creating a vortex that pulls ingredients down toward the base of the BPA-free plastic container so that ice, fibrous fruits and veggies, and nuts break down effortlessly. Easy cleanup and portability are just two more reasons why this petite powerhouse was the obvious choice for the best personal smoothie blender.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Compact design
- Six angled blades pointing in different directions, including two that point straight up
- Self-cleans with a spin of dish soap and warm water; containers are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- A bit loud for its size
- Can’t handle big batches or long blend sessions
Dimensions: 4.92” x 4.92” x 15.75” | Weight: 6.72 lbs. I Jar capacity: 25.4 oz. | Power: 1,000 w | Accessories: Storage lid, drinking lid, and carry cap| Features: Single button for pulsing and blending; six-blade design; 3.3-ft. cord
If ever a blender belonged on the cover of Vogue, it’s The Beast. The curvy, supermodel of a machine was unanimously voted the best-looking smoothie blender by our experts. “It's great for daily smoothies and looks beautiful on your counter,” Helms says of this Bella Hadid of blenders, while Bond cites its “beautiful design, built specifically for smoothies and shakes.” Well & Good writer Maki Yazawa, who tested the Beast Blender Plus + Hydration System, is also a big fan of the TikTok-famous mix master, which features a ridged, BPA-free plastic jar and single-button operation for pulsing and blending. Besides the powerful 1,000-watt motor and slim cylindrical design, Yazawa loves that the Beast “monitors its blade speed and makes constant adjustments to maintain consistent speed and torque.” Protein-rich blueberry smoothies turned out “perfectly blended with the touch of a button,” she says. “I can hands-down say it’s most definitely worth every penny.”
Pros:
- Easy single-button operation
- Chic, compact design
- Fairly quiet
- Six angled blades, including two that face downwards
- Available in cloud white, carbon black, and pebble grey
- Now comes in a new cordless model
- Dishwasher-safe blending vessel; hand-wash blade
Cons:
- A bit pricey for a personal blender
- Not for heavy-duty use
- Limited power and versatility
- Ridged jar can be hard to clean
Dimensions: 7.38” x 9.63” x 18” | Weight: 8.8 lbs I Jar capacity: 72 oz.| Power: 1,200 w | Accessories: 8-cup food processor; two 24-oz. to-go cups with lids; recipe guide| Features: Five Auto-iQ presets; four manual speeds; six-blade design; 2.5-ft. cord
If you can’t hire a professional chef, the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ is the next best thing. “This blender does it all — smoothies, chopping, dough mixing — you name it,” says Burgess. “I love how it switches from smoothie maker to food processor in seconds, making meal prep easier.” Indeed, the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System comes with a 72-ounce jar for all your blending needs, as well as an eight-cup food processing bowl and two plastic to-go cups with lids so you can savor your smoothie anywhere; each BPA-free plastic container has its own specific blade. The blender’s base has a touch pad interface with helpful presets for making smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and dough; you can also manually adjust the speed of the blades using the low, medium, high, and pulse buttons. All in all, the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System is like having an extra helping hand in the kitchen — and who doesn’t need that?
Pros:
- Affordable
- Five Auto-iQ presets for smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and dough
- Four manual speed settings: low, medium, high, and pulse
- Six-blade design
- Dishwasher-safe blades, pitcher, single-serve cups, and processor bowl
Cons:
- A bit loud
- Multiple parts can take up space in small kitchens
- Can be tricky to clean
Dimensions: 16.14” x 10.24” x 9.06” | Weight: 8.42 lbs. I Jar capacity: 32 oz. | Power: 1,500 watts | Accessories: Tamper | Features: Quiet shield; four pre-programmed settings; variable speed dial; pulse feature; four-blade design; self-cleaning; 2.2-ft. cord
Shhh! Did you hear that? Neither did I! That’s because the Hamilton Beach Professional Quiet Blender was designed with silence in mind. “It has a noise shield and still packs decent power,” Bond says of the whisper-quiet whiz. So, how does it work? Basically, you place a larger container over the blending jar to muffle out the sounds of buzzing, whirring, and crushing. Operating the blender is effortless: You can choose one of four presets — Smoothie, Ice Crush, Puree, and Clean — and a variable speed dial provides additional control. If you’re looking for a quiet smoothie blender that can crush ice and pulverize fibrous veggies without disrupting the household, you can’t go wrong with this mum machine. Says Burgess, “This one’s great if you’re blending early mornings or during naptime.”
Pros:
- Affordable
- Quiet shield reduces noise and doubles as a serving pitcher
- Four program settings: Smoothie, Ice Crush, Puree, and Clean
- Four-blade design, with some angle downward
- Self-cleans with a spin of dish soap and warm water; jar, lid, and tamper are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Jar capacity could be larger
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