Best Blenders
The best machines for smoothies, frozen drinks, and everyday blending without overbuying power you will not use.
Blender shopping gets confusing fast because wattage numbers and jar sizes do not tell you how a machine handles ice, frozen fruit, or small batches. A family that makes full pitchers on weekends needs a different blender than someone who wants one morning smoothie. Countertop jar blenders, personal bullet-style blenders, and immersion blenders each solve different problems.
Updated September 2026
Written by Megan Chen
Megan covers kitchen appliances and cookware, focusing on how products perform in real family kitchens, not just on spec sheets.
How we research →Affiliate disclosure · Recommendations are editorially evaluated. We may earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick Picks
Ninja Professional Blender (BL610)
1000W motor, 72-oz pitcher, and Total Crushing blades for smoothies, ice, and frozen fruit.
See on Amazon
Vitamix 5200 Blender
The benchmark high-performance blender for smoothies, soups, nut butters, and years of heavy use.
See on AmazonNinja Professional Plus Blender (BN701)
More power and Auto-iQ programs than the BL610, with a 72-oz pitcher for bigger jobs.
See on Amazon
NutriBullet Pro 900 Series
Compact bullet-style blending with minimal cleanup for one cup at a time.
See on Amazon
Braun MultiQuick 9 Hand Blender
A powerful immersion blender for pot-to-bowl tasks when you do not want another countertop appliance.
See on AmazonComparison
| Product | Best For | Power | Capacity | Type | Ice Crushing | Cleanup | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ninja BL610 Best Overall | Family smoothies | 1000W | 72 oz | Countertop | Good | Dishwasher-safe jar | Best default for most households | See on Amazon |
Vitamix 5200 Best Premium | Daily heavy use | 1380W class | 64 oz | Countertop | Excellent | Self-clean cycle | Best long-term performance | See on Amazon |
Ninja BN701 Large Families | Bigger batches | 1400W peak | 72 oz | Countertop | Very good | Dishwasher-safe jar | More power for busy kitchens | See on Amazon |
NutriBullet Pro 900 Personal | Single serves | 900W | 1 cup | Bullet | Moderate | Very easy | Best for one-cup routines | See on Amazon |
Braun MultiQuick 9 Immersion | Soups and sauces | 700W class | N/A | Hand blender | Poor | Easy | Best compact second tool | See on Amazon |
Ninja BL610
Best Overall- Best for
- Family smoothies
- Power
- 1000W
- Capacity
- 72 oz
- Type
- Countertop
- Ice Crushing
- Good
- Cleanup
- Dishwasher-safe jar
- Verdict
- Best default for most households
Vitamix 5200
Best Premium- Best for
- Daily heavy use
- Power
- 1380W class
- Capacity
- 64 oz
- Type
- Countertop
- Ice Crushing
- Excellent
- Cleanup
- Self-clean cycle
- Verdict
- Best long-term performance
Ninja BN701
Large Families- Best for
- Bigger batches
- Power
- 1400W peak
- Capacity
- 72 oz
- Type
- Countertop
- Ice Crushing
- Very good
- Cleanup
- Dishwasher-safe jar
- Verdict
- More power for busy kitchens
NutriBullet Pro 900
Personal- Best for
- Single serves
- Power
- 900W
- Capacity
- 1 cup
- Type
- Bullet
- Ice Crushing
- Moderate
- Cleanup
- Very easy
- Verdict
- Best for one-cup routines
Braun MultiQuick 9
Immersion- Best for
- Soups and sauces
- Power
- 700W class
- Capacity
- N/A
- Type
- Hand blender
- Ice Crushing
- Poor
- Cleanup
- Easy
- Verdict
- Best compact second tool
Find Your Blender
Answer a few questions to narrow your options.
What Blender Pitcher Size Do You Need?
Pitcher size should match how many servings you blend at once, not the biggest number on the box.
| Household | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 24–32 oz or personal cup | A bullet blender or small-batch countertop jar is usually enough. |
| 3–4 people | 64–72 oz pitcher | Standard family smoothie size. Look for 1000W+ for frozen fruit. |
| 5+ or meal prep | 72 oz+ high-power | Choose stronger motors if you blend large frozen batches daily. |
Countertop vs Personal Blenders
These solve different daily routines. Countertop jar blenders handle family batches and frozen ingredients. Personal bullet blenders win on speed and cleanup for one serving. Pick based on how many cups you blend at once.
Countertop Jar
Full-size base with a pitcher jar. Best for smoothies, frozen drinks, and multi-serving batches.
Best for
Families and anyone blending 2+ servings
Strengths
- Handles ice and frozen fruit better
- 64–72 oz pitchers for family batches
- More power for tough blends
Trade-offs
- Larger counter footprint
- More parts to clean after each use
- Overkill for one morning smoothie
Personal / Bullet
Blend directly in a travel cup. Fastest cleanup for single-serve smoothies and protein shakes.
Best for
Single-serve smoothies and compact kitchens
Strengths
- Fastest morning routine
- Minimal cleanup — rinse one cup
- Small footprint, easy to store
Trade-offs
- Not built for large batches
- Weaker on heavy ice loads
- Limited to one serving at a time
At a glance
Typical capacity
Countertop Jar64–72 oz pitcher
Personal / Bullet24–32 oz cup
Ice / frozen fruit
Countertop JarStrong (1000W+ ideal)
Personal / BulletModerate
Cleanup
Countertop JarPitcher + lid + blade
Personal / BulletOne cup
Counter space
Countertop JarMedium footprint
Personal / BulletVery small
Best batch size
Countertop Jar2–6 servings
Personal / Bullet1 serving
Starting price
Countertop JarModerate
Personal / BulletLower
Our Picks
Ninja Professional Blender (BL610)
Short Verdict
1000W motor, 72-oz pitcher, and Total Crushing blades for smoothies, ice, and frozen fruit.
Best For
Families who want a reliable full-size blender without premium pricing
Why We Picked It
This is the practical default for most kitchens. The BL610 class delivers enough power for typical smoothie and sauce tasks, a pitcher large enough for family batches, and a price point that does not require treating a blender like a luxury appliance.
What We Like
- 72-oz pitcher suits family-size smoothies
- Handles ice and frozen fruit well for the price
- Dishwasher-safe pitcher and lid
- Straightforward controls without app complexity
What Could Be Better
- Not as refined as premium Vitamix-class blenders
- Louder than personal blenders
- Plastic pitcher rather than glass
Skip It If
You only ever blend one serving at a time.
See our personal blender pick for single-serve routines.
Key Specs
- Power
- 1000W
- Jar size
- 72 oz
- Type
- Countertop pitcher
- Best for
- Family smoothies and frozen drinks
Vitamix 5200 Blender
Short Verdict
The benchmark high-performance blender for smoothies, soups, nut butters, and years of heavy use.
Best For
Daily blenders who want restaurant-grade power and longevity
Why We Picked It
Premium blenders earn their price when you use them daily and care about texture. The 5200 is Vitamix's long-running workhorse: high motor speed, durable construction, and enough power to blend tough ingredients that stall budget machines.
What We Like
- High-speed motor handles ice, nuts, and fibrous greens
- 64-oz container works for both small and large batches
- Known for long service life with proper care
- Can heat soups through blade friction
What Could Be Better
- Significantly more expensive than mainstream blenders
- Takes counter space and storage height
- Learning curve for variable speed control
Skip It If
You blend occasionally and mainly make simple fruit smoothies.
Key Specs
- Power
- 1380W class (verify listing)
- Jar size
- 64 oz
- Type
- Countertop pitcher
- Standout feature
- Variable speed + tamper
Ninja Professional Plus Blender (BN701)
Short Verdict
More power and Auto-iQ programs than the BL610, with a 72-oz pitcher for bigger jobs.
Best For
Households that blend large batches or tougher frozen ingredients often
Why We Picked It
When your blender runs every morning for multiple people, extra motor headroom matters. The BN701 class adds preset programs and more aggressive ice crushing than entry-level Ninja models.
What We Like
- 1400W peak power class for tougher blends
- 72-oz pitcher for family batches
- Preset programs for smoothies and ice crushing
- Strong step up from entry-level Ninja models
What Could Be Better
- Larger footprint than personal blenders
- Still below Vitamix texture for very thick blends
- Plastic pitcher, not glass
Skip It If
You only need a basic occasional smoothie blender.
The BL610 is simpler and cheaper if presets are not important.
Key Specs
- Power
- 1400W peak (verify listing)
- Jar size
- 72 oz
- Type
- Countertop pitcher
- Programs
- Auto-iQ presets
NutriBullet Pro 900 Series
Short Verdict
Compact bullet-style blending with minimal cleanup for one cup at a time.
Best For
Single-serve smoothies and fast morning routines
Why We Picked It
Personal blenders win on speed and convenience, not pitcher capacity. NutriBullet's Pro 900 class is a mainstream pick for protein shakes, morning smoothies, and small batches without committing counter space to a full jar blender.
What We Like
- Fast single-serve blending and drinking cup cleanup
- Small footprint for apartments and dorms
- Easy to store when not in use
- Good for smoothies and soft frozen fruit
What Could Be Better
- Not built for large family pitchers or hot soups
- Less versatile than a full countertop blender
- Cup capacity limits batch cooking
Skip It If
You regularly blend for three or more people at once.
Key Specs
- Power
- 900W class
- Type
- Personal bullet blender
- Cup style
- Blend-and-go
- Best for
- 1–2 people
Braun MultiQuick 9 Hand Blender
Short Verdict
A powerful immersion blender for pot-to-bowl tasks when you do not want another countertop appliance.
Best For
Soups, sauces, and pureeing without a separate jar blender
Why We Picked It
Immersion blenders are underrated kitchen tools. They excel at tomato soup, baby food, whipped cream, and sauce smoothing directly in the pot. Braun's MultiQuick 9 is a strong pick when you already own a pitcher blender or want a compact second tool.
What We Like
- Blend directly in pots, pitchers, or bowls
- Much smaller storage footprint
- Useful for soups, sauces, and pureeing
- Easy cleanup compared with jar blenders
What Could Be Better
- Not a replacement for crushing ice or large smoothie batches
- Splash risk if misused in shallow containers
- Attachments vary by kit (verify listing)
Skip It If
Smoothies and frozen drinks are your main use case.
Key Specs
- Power
- 700W class (verify listing)
- Type
- Immersion / hand blender
- Best for
- Soups, sauces, pureeing
- Storage
- Drawer-friendly
Buying Guide
Wattage vs Blade Design
Watts matter, but they are not the whole story. A well-designed blade and jar shape can outperform a higher wattage machine with poor vortex flow. For frozen fruit and ice, look for 1000W+ in mainstream countertop models. Premium blenders rely on speed control and tamper design as much as raw power.
Plastic vs Glass Jars
Plastic jars are lighter and usually shatter-resistant, but can scratch and hold odors over time. Glass is heavier and more fragile but feels more premium and resists staining. Match jar material to how often you blend acidic or strongly colored ingredients.
Features Worth Paying For vs Mostly Marketing
Worth it: strong ice crushing, dishwasher-safe jars, variable speed, and preset programs you will actually use. Often overrated: Bluetooth apps, excessive preset counts, and blenders bundled with unused accessories.
Cleanup and Maintenance
If you blend daily, cleanup friction matters as much as power. Dishwasher-safe jars help. Vitamix-style self-clean cycles are useful on premium models. Personal blenders win simply because you rinse one cup.
Common Buying Mistakes
Buying a huge pitcher for one-person smoothies. Choosing the cheapest blender for daily frozen fruit. Ignoring height clearance for storage. Assuming immersion blenders replace smoothie blenders. Buying premium power you will not use weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best blender for smoothies?▼
How many watts do I need in a blender?▼
Is Vitamix worth the money?▼
Can a personal blender replace a full-size blender?▼
Are glass blender jars better than plastic?▼
Related Guides
Best Cookware Sets
Round out your kitchen with the right pots and pans.
Read guide →
What Pitcher Size Do You Need?
Match jar size to household servings.
Read guide →Countertop vs Personal
Which blender format fits your routine.
Read guide →Best Premium Blender
When Vitamix-level power is worth the upgrade.
Read guide →
Sources
- Food Safety: Cooking to Safe Internal Temperatures, USDA Food Safety and Inspection ServiceReference when blending hot soups or reheating ingredients.
- Manufacturer product documentation, Various (verify on Amazon listing)Wattage, jar capacity, and dishwasher-safe claims should be verified on the current product page.