The Best Blender in 2020: Review & Buying Guide

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Whether you are whipping up your morning smoothie or crushing ice for your evening cocktail, a good blender is a kitchen essential. 

When it comes to essentials, we believe that the best blender for you is one that meets the needs of your exact lifestyle. No more, no less! 

There are dozens of amazing blender brands to choose from. It can be an overwhelming decision! To help, we've prepared a full review and buying guide of the best blenders on the market.

best blender

Straight To The Point Top Blenders

Best Overall Blender

First up is the Blendtec Total Classic Countertop Blender. This is an ideal blender for making a variety of recipes thanks to its various functions. If one-touch buttons are your jam, this blender is for you. It has six pre-programmed options, including frozen drinks, ice cream, and hot soups. 

It can handle everything from smooth batters to chunky salsas, and from hot creamy soups to refreshing ice cream. The stainless-steel forged blade is strong enough to quickly breakdown meats and power through ice cubes. However, it isn’t sharp, saving your rubber spatulas (and hands!) from cuts and tears. 

The four-sided 75-ounce volume jar, with a 32-ounce blending capacity, is ideal for making recipes to feed three to four people. Simply place your wet or dry ingredients inside and select your program or go manual. You can decide the texture with the ten-speed manual control, perfect for parents with picky eaters.

For cleaning, the jar and lid are dishwasher although many Blendtec owners prefer to wash by hand after a quick soap and water bath while running the blender on low for a few seconds.  

All these features are contained within the blender's sleek and appealing design, making it a wonderful addition to your kitchen.

What We Like:

  • Unique blade
  • 3-foot cord
  • Made in the USA
  • Can handle liquid or dry ingredients
  • Heats soups and beverages in six minutes

What We Don't Like:

  • Noisy
  • Base "walks" when blending on high speeds

Editor's Choice

Moving on to the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender. This high-tech blender is really an entire blending system. The base works with a myriad of self-detect container sizes to let you get creative with the blender's functions. 

That is right, self-detect. This intuitive blender has built-in wireless connectivity. While it may seem a little extravagant, the base can detect the container size you are attaching and then adjust the blending times and settings accordingly.

Our favorite containers are the blending bowls starter kit and blending cups starter kit, but you can also choose from a 48 oz container, or a 48 oz dry grains container.  That isn’t where the walk-away conveniences end though. 

It has three program settings, smoothies, frozen desserts, and hot soups, that when used allow you to truly go hands-free. Even when you operate it manually via speed and pulse the digital built-in timer helps you reach the ideal consistency.

The Vitamix is also a beast when it comes to motor power, offering about 1400 watts of protein shake making power. This is the type of power you need when it comes to crushing ice, frozen fruit, or large vegetables. 

When it's time to clean up, the Vitamix isn't dishwasher safe, but it is with good reason. The Vitamix itself IS a dishwasher. Just drop in a tiny amount of soap, add some hot water, and pop the container back on the base to watch the cleaning magic happen. 

This is a great fully customizable appliance for those who are serious about their blenders.

What We Like:

  • Self-heating function
  • Self-cleaning feature
  • Commercial grade power
  • 4-foot electrical cord
  • Notable name brand quality

What We Don't Like:

  • Pricey
  • Heavy to lift from lower cabinet

Best Runner Up

The compact and intuitive Cuisinart Hurricane is an awesome blender for anyone who wants a durable workhorse with a few included smart features. The 60-ounce jar is BPA-free and made from extra strong Titan plastic. It even has a soft-grip handle. But the best part is the automatic load sensing technology feature.

This smart feature senses the contents of the blender jar and automatically adjusts the speed for smooth blending with an even consistency with no need to stir. These blender brains work seamlessly with the motor, which provides 2.25 peak horsepower. Ice and the hardest frozen fruit are no match for this powerhouse machine. 

The base still has plenty of manual features as well. The LCD touchpad has two speeds, two pre-programmed buttons, a pulse, and programmable countdown timer. The timer is wonderful so that when you find your perfect recipe, you can never have to guess at blending time ever again. 

This trendy gunmetal hued blender can make frozen treats, smoothies, and salsa with ease. Though powerful, it is quiet enough not to wake the house. Ideal for those with families, partners, or roommates.

What We Like:

  • Commercial grade power
  • The 2-ounce measuring cap lid
  • Clear measurement markers
  • Pouring handling on jar
  • Non-slip rubber feet on the base
  • Double housing base for quiet operation

What We Don't Like:

  • Plastic parts
  • Lid can be difficult to remove

Best Budget Blender

If you find yourself frequently mixing up frozen drinks, smoothies, or even sauces and dips, then the Ninja Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender would be an excellent appliance to add to your kitchen. This blender specializes in crushing frozen fruits, breaking down vegetables, and turning ice into snow. 

It is a straightforward blender, easy to operate, and powerful. Three speeds and a pulse mode give you effortless control over the 1000 watt motor thanks to the one-touch buttons. Hassle-free controls are excellent for those groggy mornings when all you want is your pre-workout smoothie. 

The large pitcher, at 72 ounces, is a great size for parties or get-togethers, but it still pairs nicely with the compact base, making the entire blender a sleek model that looks appealing on a countertop.

Not only does the six-blade setup make crushing frozen ingredients a breeze, but its removable functionality does the same for clean up. Like some of the other higher end blenders on our list, this machine is best cleaned by hand which is why all of the parts are removable. 

All in all, this is a no-frills blender for those who just want great results every time.

What We Like:

  • Locking lid
  • Budget friendly
  • Sleek base
  • Lightweight at 7 pounds
  • Removable blades for cleaning

What We Don't Like:

  • Short cord
  • Dry ingredients prone to sticking to sides

Best Value Blender 

The Oster Pro Series Blender with Texture Select will certainly appeal to those who are looking for a great value blender. This perfectly-sized countertop model has a great range of features and a stylish design. The modern-looking brushed nickel base houses a 1200 watt motor. It also has a user-friendly button interface. 

On the display, you will find three pre-programmed buttons for common blender recipes including smoothies, shakes, and food chop. This makes blending up your favorite items a cinch. When you are trying something new, the three speeds and pulse function will help you to achieve the perfect texture.

The blades also help with consistency. The extra-wide system draws ingredients down into the blades so your mixture will be well blended and superbly smooth. The blades also feature a six point stainless steel assembly which means that they give you power packed blending action. 

The Tritan-grade plastic blending bowl is sturdy and durable. The plastic itself is BPA-free amd dishwasher safe. For capacity, the container can hold up to eight cups of ingredients which is more than enough for most blender users. 

On days you want a small batch, you can blend right in the included 24-ounce smoothie cups. Level up by using the second included cup to add some diced fruit to the top of your smoothie. Snap on the to-go lid and you are out the door! 

This user-friendly blender will make a great addition to your kitchen arsenal! 

What We Like:

  • Affordable
  • Powerful 1200 motor
  • Easy to hold pitcher
  • Durable, BPA-free container
  • Six point blade assembly
  • Two to-go cups included

What We Don't Like:

  • Plastic accessories
  • Heavy at 11.73 pounds

Best Blender with Accessories

The NutriBullet Blender Combo is an awesome blender, especially for health-conscious individuals. It specializes in nutrient extraction so that you can get the most benefits out of your drinks, sauces, and purees. 

The extract button will make nutrient extraction a breeze. For all other functions and recipes, there is a pulse button and three-speed settings. This allows you to customize everything from your nut butters to your protein drinks. All this speed variety is powered by the 1200 watt motor, which leaves no ingredient unblended. 

The Nutribullet comes with a BPA-free 64-ounce bowl with a vented cap lid for easy mid-blend ingredient additions. The system also includes a 32-ounce cup, a 24-ounce cup, a tamper, and two to-go lids. Both cups can be attached directly to the blender base for even more added convenience. 

The blending bowl, cups, and lids are constructed from high-performance plastic and are dishwasher safe for durability and convenience. The blades feature an easy twist function and can be rinsed easily with soap and water. 

The NutriBullet is perhaps the easiest and fastest way to make delicious and extra healthy blends. 

What We Like:

  • Comfortable price point
  • Compact design
  • Includes multiple accessories
  • Fade-resistant plastic cups and pitcher

What We Don't Like:

  • Short 1 year warranty
  • Difficult to blend large amounts of ice

Best Blender for Beginners

The Homgeek Professional Blender is an excellent blender and has a little bit of everything, ideal for both beginning chefs and skilled ones. Eight speeds and four pre-programmed functions take the hassle out of making delicious blends. The LCD screen is the perfect way to display the built-in timer, taking the guesswork out of recipes. 

Three stacked layers boasting eight blades are strong enough to crush ice, puree fruits and vegetables, grind nuts, and even make soup. The blades take their muscle power from the 1450 watt motor. That's some serious power!

The extra durable two liter Tritan container can withstand a variety of ingredients from freezing to hot. Its two-part lid gives you easy access to add extra additions while blending and the included tamper and small spatula make adding ingredients mid-blend a cinch. 

For cleaning, the Homgeek features a self cleaning function which is incredibly easy to switch on after each use. A drop of dish soap and some warm water are all you will need. 

The extra-wide and attractive red base is stable while in use thanks to the added enhanced double security protection feature between the base and the blending container.

This multi-functional blender is great for both the novice and the experienced alike. 

What We Like:

  • 8 speeds
  • Budget friendly
  • LCD display timer
  • Recipe book included
  • Tamper and spatula included

What We Don't Like:

  • Smoothie setting is not long enough
  • Blades are not removable for cleaning

Guide to Buying the Best Blender

Blenders...necessary, fun to use, but sometimes costly. For all of these reasons, when you go to purchase a new blender you will probably want the best blender out there. Where do you start when you have such an important decision to make? 

The fate of your future recipes rests on your shoulders! There are so many reviews, ratings, specs, and info guides! Don’t fret. We have whipped up this friendly guide to help you find the best blender on the market, breaking down all the things you need to consider in your search. 

Blender Use

Some blenders are ideal for smoothies, while others are great for green drinks. Each one has its strengths whether it be crushing ice or heating soups. Think about what you plan to most frequently use your blender for and which functions are most important. 

For example, if you know that you are a daily smoothie filled with ice and frozen fruit drinker, then choosing a more durable and power blender like the Homgeek Professional Blender would be a great choice. 

If you know, however, that your blender may spend most of its time stored away in the cabinet and only in use every few days, then a smaller model with basic functions may serve you better. 

An honorable mention for smaller blender models would be the Ninja Nutri Pro. It's cute, compact, affordable, and perfect for basic use. This mini machine also packs a powerful punch boasting 900 watts of blending power!

Blender Size and Weight

When it comes to size, consider both the total appliance size and weight and the blending bowl capacities. If you are working with a tiny apartment kitchen countertop, do you need a small and compact model that can easily store away? Or, is counter space not a concern? 

Additionally, when it comes to blending bowl capacity, think about whether you will typically be making large portions or small batches. Sometimes, a system with a variety of bowl and cup capacities like the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender is ideal. 

Blender weight is also an important factor, especially if you plan to store your blender in an upper or lower cabinet. There is nothing worse than lifting dead weight from above or beneath you (unless you are into that sort of thing, of course). In this case, a model like the Ninja Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender is a great option at just seven pounds. 

Blender Cleaning 

A few blenders on the market feature self cleaning options which take the pressure out of cleaning altogether. It's amazing to watch this process in action! A drop of soap, along with some warm water is all that you need to set the self cleaning into motion. 

For those blenders without a self cleaning option, many are able to be disassembled and are top rack dishwasher safe. A quick dishwasher cycle and your smoothie making machine will be back in service! 

However, if you can't be bothered with disassembling your entire blender and just want to quickly hand wash, we love this bottle brush set for those hard to reach places. 

Materials 

When it comes to blender materials, the choice is between glass or plastic. Glass blending bowls tend to be odor and flavor resistant. They also can’t fade and look very classy. But unlike plastic, they can shatter and cannot be placed in the freezer. 

Plastic blenders have come a long way and most blending containers are now made with Tritan grade plastic, which is an incredibly durable and high performance plastic. 

Both materials have their pros and cons. We usually side with glass because being eco friendly is a part of our brand mission! However, it's also incredibly eco friendly to make and consume drinks at home, especially when it involves using and reusing to go cups like the ones sold with the NutriBullet Blender Combo

Price

Lastly, consider your budget when making your blender choice. There are many great blenders available on the market at all different price ranges and we've highlighted several in our guide. 

If budget is top of mind, but you are not willing to compromise quality, then a model like the Oster Pro Series Blender with Texture Select or the Ninja Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender would be perfect for you due to their comfortable price point and smashing motor power. 

If you are ready to splurge, then a great investment blender is the Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender. This blender has all the bells and whistles along with a ten year manufacturer's warranty to back up the quality. 

Ultimately, the best blender for you will be one that best suits your blending needs and lifestyle.

Conclusion

All of these models are truly great and top class. But, while it would be hard to go wrong with any of them, there is one that is slightly above the rest.

The Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Smart Blender is the ideal blend of functionality and features. It is easy to use, powerful and can handle a wide range of recipes. Best of all, it can accommodate a wide variety of accessories!

We hope that this guide has helped to make your pursuit of the best blender a little easier and that you are on your way to fulfilling your blending dreams. Happy blending!

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About the author

Megan, a content writer, loves sharing her passion for research and writing by creating engaging and informative articles. Her enthusiasm for the craft translates into works that are helpful with a touch of humor!

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