Best Blenders for Smoothies: What to Check Before You Buy
Quick comparison
Summarized from the Amazon listings; not hands-on testing. Wattage, container sizes and included parts are best confirmed on the listing.
| Product | Best for | Key feature (from listing) | May want to skip if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamix 5200 | Daily smoothies in big batches | 64 oz BPA-free container, motor base and tamper included | you are short on counter or cabinet height; the listing gives about 20.5 inches tall. |
| Vitamix VX1 | Simple controls in a full-size Vitamix | 64 oz classic container, base and tamper included | you only blend single servings and want something smaller. |
| Breville Fresh & Furious | One-touch smoothie programs | 50 oz BPA-free Tritan jug | you want the largest container for big family batches. |
| Cleanblend Commercial Blender | Large batches and heavy-duty blending | 64 oz BPA-free pitcher | you only blend single servings and want something compact. |
| nutribullet Pro Personal Blender | Single-serve, grab-and-go smoothies | 900 watt motor | you want to make soups or big batches for several people. |
Links above are Amazon affiliate links. Table is based on listing information, not hands-on testing. Check the Amazon listing for current details before you buy.
A good blender can make a breakfast smoothie, a quick soup or a batch of sauce in minutes. The big decision is size: a personal blender for one smoothie at a time, or a full-size blender for bigger batches. Here is what to check, and five blenders picked from their Amazon listings.
How we chose: these picks are based on listing information, not hands-on testing. Details such as included parts, colors and sizes can change, so check the Amazon listing before you buy.
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Take the quick quizQuick Summary
- Daily smoothies in big batches: Vitamix 5200
- Simple controls in a full-size Vitamix: Vitamix VX1
- One-touch smoothie programs: Breville Fresh & Furious
- Large batches and heavy-duty blending: Cleanblend Commercial Blender
- Single-serve, grab-and-go smoothies: nutribullet Pro Personal Blender
Personal vs. Full-Size Blenders
- Personal blenders blend right in a cup you can drink from. They are compact and quick to rinse, but best for one or two servings.
- Full-size blenders have a large container (often around 50 to 64 oz) and more speed controls. They can handle bigger batches, and some listings mention soups and frozen desserts.
What to Check Before You Buy
- ✓Container size: think about how many servings you usually make.
- ✓Controls: variable speed gives you more control; preset programs are simpler.
- ✓Tamper: helpful for thick smoothies and frozen blends in a tall container.
- ✓Cleaning: look for a self-clean or auto-clean feature, or dishwasher-safe cups.
- ✓Height and footprint: measure the space under your cabinets.
- ✓Noise: all blenders make noise; check the listing if quieter operation matters to you.
- ✓Warranty: lengths vary by brand, so check the listing.
Our Blender Picks
Vitamix 5200
A full-size, 64 oz blender with variable speed control, a High switch and a tamper for thick blends.
Who it’s for: People who blend often and want a large container.
From the listing
- ✓64 oz BPA-free container, motor base and tamper included
- ✓2 HP motor, per the listing
- ✓10 variable speeds plus a High setting
- ✓Self-cleaning with warm water and a drop of dish soap in 30 to 60 seconds
- ✓7-year limited warranty, per the listing
May want to skip if: you are short on counter or cabinet height; the listing gives about 20.5 inches tall.
Check it on Amazon
Vitamix VX1
A 64 oz Vitamix with variable speed and Pulse, and a self-cleaning program.
Who it’s for: People who want a full-size blender with straightforward controls.
From the listing
- ✓64 oz classic container, base and tamper included
- ✓Variable speed control and Pulse
- ✓Laser-cut stainless steel blades
- ✓Self-cleaning program
- ✓5-year limited warranty, per the listing
May want to skip if: you only blend single servings and want something smaller.
Check it on Amazon
Breville Fresh & Furious
A 50 oz blender with nine one-touch programs, five speeds and an LCD display that counts time.
Who it’s for: People who like preset buttons for green smoothies and ice.
From the listing
- ✓50 oz BPA-free Tritan jug
- ✓1100 watt motor
- ✓9 one-touch programs and 5 speed settings, including green smoothie and ice crush
- ✓Described on the listing as designed for quiet performance
- ✓Auto Clean feature; 3-year limited warranty
May want to skip if: you want the largest container for big family batches.
Check it on Amazon
Cleanblend Commercial Blender
A 64 oz, 1800 watt countertop blender with variable speed, sold as a commercial-style blender.
Who it’s for: People making big batches of smoothies, soups or sauces.
From the listing
- ✓64 oz BPA-free pitcher
- ✓1800 watt, 3 HP motor, per the listing
- ✓Variable speed control
- ✓Stainless steel blades with an 8-blade sealed ball bearing
- ✓5-year full warranty, per the listing
May want to skip if: you only blend single servings and want something compact.
Check it on Amazon
nutribullet Pro Personal Blender
A compact personal blender: blend in the cup, twist on a flip-top lid and go.
Who it’s for: People who make one smoothie at a time.
From the listing
- ✓900 watt motor
- ✓32 oz cup and 24 oz cup, plus a flip-top travel lid
- ✓Push, twist and blend operation
- ✓Cups are top-rack dishwasher safe; rinse the blades with soap and water
- ✓Matte White color on this listing
May want to skip if: you want to make soups or big batches for several people.
Check it on AmazonSmoothie Tips
- Add liquid first, then soft ingredients, then frozen fruit or ice, unless your manual says otherwise.
- Many people add leafy greens, oats, Greek yogurt or nut butter to their smoothies.
- Follow your blender’s manual on hot liquids and maximum fill lines.
- Rinse the container or cup right after blending so nothing dries on.
A note on sugar: the NHS explains that blending fruit into smoothies releases the sugars it contains, which can damage teeth. It suggests limiting fruit juice and smoothies to a combined 150 ml a day and having them at mealtimes. That advice is from the UK, so if you have questions about your own diet, a doctor or registered dietitian can help.
Sources we read for this post
Our verdict
Start with how many servings you make. If it is one smoothie at a time, a personal blender keeps things simple. If you blend for a family or want soups and big batches, a full-size blender with a tamper may suit you better. Check the size, controls and cleaning details on the listing before you buy.
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