A good blender is one of the key components of a well-stocked kitchen. From soups to smoothies to purees and more, a blender can make or break your recipes. Professional chefs and home chefs alike can benefit from a reliable blender.
Although the purpose of a blender might be the same, each blender has unique characteristics suited to each unique cook and need. This article gives you a look at several blenders so you can make the right choice for yourself.
Oster Blender Pro 1200
Best Overall
Powerful Blender That Can Handle It All
The Oster blender can do it all: it not only blends smoothies and shakes but also comes with a food processing attachment to handle other cooking needs (and a convenient travel cup to take your smoothies on the go!) Dual direction blades ensure that all ingredients get blended evenly, while the glass blender ensures you don’t have to worry about plastic consumption.
Pros:
- Glass container
- Food processor attachment
- Large capacity
- Dual-direction blades
Cons:
- Must align pieces exactly to prevent leakage
- Difficult to replace parts
Hamilton Beach 58148A Blender
Runner Up
Solid Option for Smoothies and More
With an innovative ‘wave action system’ for blending, Hamilton Beach offers consistent smoothness. It also features specific settings for slushies, smoothies, shakes, and more to ensure the perfect texture for all of your kitchen creations.
Pros:
- Easy-pour spout for low mess
- Dishwasher-safe
- Glass pitcher
Cons:
- Bottom connector ‘collar’ can snap if used incorrectly
- Lid can be difficult to secure
Ninja NJ601AM2 Professional Blender
Crowd Pleaser
Extra-large Capacity Blender Meets your Blending Needs
This blender has many features that make it a well-rounded, versatile blender for everyday home needs. With an extra-large holding capacity, it’s great for household use. It also features easily washable parts, a powerful, 1000-watt motor, and ease of use due to simply labeled and intuitive buttons.
Pros:
- XL blending capacity
- Dishwasher-safe
- Secure-lock lid
- BPA-free
Cons:
- Reports of plastic cracking
- Blades may dull after extended use
nutribullet Personal Blender
Convenient Personal Blender
Personal Smoothies Made Easy
This blend is designed for quick, easy personal smoothie blending. It doesn’t take up too much counter space (helpful for making use of even the smallest kitchens) and can handle blending many types of smoothies or drinks. It’s a great choice for all your individual blending needs.
Pros:
- Small size
- Can blend frozen fruits
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Plastic absorbs smells and can crack
- No on/off switch
Magic Bullet Blender
Honorable Mention
Great Option for Individual Shakes
The Magic Bullet is an individual-use blender best suited for soft shakes and fresh fruit smoothies. Its small size makes it convenient for storage and for smaller households! An excellent choice for individual households.
Pros:
- Small, easy to store
- Washes easily
- Great for sauces
Cons:
- Can’t handle frozen foods/ice
- May break easily
FAQs
Can my blender work as a food processor?
Some blender models boast of their ability to grind and chop like a food processor, but these tasks can be quite taxing on a blender. Check your individual model for guidance, but typically a food processor and a blender have different usages.
Blenders perform best with a good amount of liquid, while food processors process dry ingredients. Some blenders come with a food processing attachment as well, so when purchasing your blender, consider if a food processor is important to your kitchen.
Why is there mold in my blender?
Some blenders require special care when cleaning. Pay attention to small pieces to ensure any remnants of food are properly cleaned out. Under blades or in rubber gaskets are notorious areas that require extra attention! Your blender’s instruction manual may have specific instructions.
How do I clean a blender?
Cleaning some models is as simple as putting a bit of hot water and dish soap in the blender and then blending for a few seconds. Other models require you to hand-wash each part, while you can safely wash other models in the dishwasher. Please refer to an instruction manual to ensure the safety of your machine.
Buying Guide
A blender is an important appliance, one that should last you years and become a trusted kitchen companion. As such, it is vital to consider your own personal needs when it comes to owning a blender. Some characteristics to look for are:
- Size. The size of the blender you want depends on several factors, but the most important are what dishes you plan to make and how many people you want to serve. If you are a single person looking to make protein shakes for the gym, a single-serving blender will do nicely. On the other hand, if you are a parent of three children trying to make nutritious breakfast smoothies for the whole family, you will want something larger.
- Blending ability. Some blenders are hardier than others. For something simple like a fresh fruit smoothie, a blender doesn’t have to have a ton of power. But if you plan to blend ice, frozen fruits, or tough greens, it is important to check on your blender’s wattage, blending system, and blades.
- Aesthetic. Because a blender is a major kitchen appliance, you will likely want to find a blender that matches your decor as closely as possible. Shop around to find one that looks pleasing as well as is functional.
