The 7 Best Blenders in 2023 Tested and Reviewed

The versatile culinary appliances we call blenders come in many forms, each designed to serve a particular purpose. From immersion blenders made to blend soups directly in the pot to countertop varieties which excel in pulverizing frozen-fruit smoothies, you’re not short on options.

So, when you ask, "Which are the best blenders?" The answer isn't about a specific brand or model; it's about meeting your personal culinary needs. Are you a nutty sorcerer who wants to emulsify whole almonds into creamy nut butter? Or perhaps you're more the smoothie enthusiast on the hunt for a green smoothie blender that makes you forget you're drinking spinach? You might be a humble babysitter hunting for the ideal blender to turn wholesome fruits and vegetables into silky pureés for your little ones.

To bring you the ultimate guide, we put 37 models through their paces, subjecting each to a series of tests designed to uncover the true blending champions. With every whir, pulse, and blend, we uncovered their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. 

How We Test Our Blenders

Our reviews are based on tests we’ve done ourselves. We designed our evaluations to give you a full perspective on how each blender actually works. Our recommendations are the result of extensive testing by our team of reviewers, in-house technical experts, and culinary consultants. 

We wanted our tests to reflect the blender’s practicality in a real kitchen, so we developed them according to the most common use of the products. It’s also worth noting that the tests and testing parameters differ based on the blender’s type—immersion blenders don’t get the same set of tests as countertop blenders, for example. But all products under a single category go through the exact same series of tests. This makes it possible to compare the products side by side. 

Before the actual testing takes place, we run a series of “trial tests” to check for flaws in the logic and practicality of the tests themselves, and make adjustments accordingly. During the final product testing, we record and collate all data including photographic and video evidence.

• Full-sized Blender Testing Methodology 
• Personal Blender Testing Methodology
• Immersion Blender Testing Methodology

How Our Recommendations Are Made

Recommendations are based upon the testing results and their associated scores. We take into account the specialized strengths of a product, the situation it’s best suited for, and the personal circumstances where it will fit best. 

The Best Blenders in 2023 Reviews

Besides a list of the best personal blenders, we’ll also describe the pros and cons of each unit we tested.

Let’s take a look at our recommendations now:

1. Best Overall: Vitamix 5200 Blender

View On Vitamix$379.95 at Amazon

The Vitamix 5200 is an excellent example of the brand’s high-quality craftsmanship. The machine wins owners over with its durability, simple controls, and powerful motor. 

Operating on approximately 1500 watts (2 horsepower), this blender reaches a remarkable speed of 23,122 RPM. Its generous dimensions of 8.9 inches in width, 7.7 inches in length, and 17.4 inches in height with the pitcher attached may be a tad large for standard cupboards. We consider the bulk worthwhile, though, given the machine’s ample blending capacity.

The blender runs at ten distinct speed levels. Each step-up offers a noticeable increase in power, enabling users to tailor their blending process to specific ingredients and consistencies. 

Performance-wise, the Vitamix 5200 efficiently processes nearly anything, from frozen fruits to tough leafy greens and even raw nuts. The only slight shortfall appears in ice blending; it can’t quite achieve the fluffy texture found in some iced beverages or snow cones. 

Clear labeling and intuitive controls make this blender very user-friendly. Assembling and disassembling the Vitamix 5200 is an effortless process. However, the clean-up may be a bit challenging because the blending jug is so narrow. 

Verdict: We can say for sure that the Vitamix 5200 is one of the best blenders you can buy. Although it’s pricey, it’s a wise choice for serious home cooks and culinary enthusiasts, especially considering its premium construction and generous warranty.

Price at time of publish: $474.97

Key Specs

2. Best Runner-Up: NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt

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Housed in a compact base, this NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z is powered by a formidable 1200-watt motor that drives a tough six-pronged blade. It achieves an impressive maximum speed of 21,169 RPM. Despite a towering height of 16.9 inches, which may require strategic placement, the blender's modest weight of 7.1 pounds makes it relatively portable. 

Priced more modestly than our top pick, the NutriBullet didn't falter in our tests. It particularly excelled at blending green smoothies, protein shakes, and frozen fruit concoctions. Although it faced a minor challenge with almond butter, taking longer than average to achieve a smooth consistency, the pay-off of a preservative-free, homemade spread was worth the wait. Its ice-crushing capacity even managed to outshine the capabilities of the heavy-hitting Vitamix 5200. 

In terms of build quality, NutriBullet defies the convention that affordability equals poor quality. The blender's robust construction employs high-impact, BPA-free plastic for the motor base, containers, and lids, ensuring longevity without sacrificing safety.

However, the blender is occasionally unstable while blending, and its lid is hard to remove. Cleaning can also be a slight challenge due to grooves on the container.

Verdict: The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality blending performance on a budget. While it may not match the Vitamix 5200 in terms of build and functionality, it holds its own as a top choice among budget-friendly blenders with compelling performance.

Price at time of publish: $124.28

Key Specs

3. Best Small Blender: Oster Pro 1200 Blender

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The Oster Pro is moderately versatile at 1200 watts. Measuring about 14.5 inches tall, it’s the most compact conventional blender on our list. Despite the smaller size, however, the blender compares well with its larger counterparts, delivering a respectable speed of up to 16,006 RPM. 

In our testing, the Oster Pro revealed an unexpected quirk. While it had trouble making frozen fruit smoothies, it displayed a superior ability to crush ice. 

Beyond that, the blender took just 30 seconds to create a near-perfect smoothie enriched with fresh apples, bananas, pineapples, and kale. It could even whip up a batch of almond butter and produce a very drinkable protein shake. The results were all good, though it worked slower than the NutriBullet and Vitamix 5200.  

Design-wise, the Oster Pro pairs a medium-grade plastic structure with a brushed nickel finish. Though it may not match the durability or visual charm of premium models, it upholds quality standards within its cheaper market segment.

The Oster Pro also scores highly in terms of usability with clearly labeled and responsive controls. Despite some initial confusion around the On/Off and Stop buttons, we quickly mastered it. Be prepared, though, to occasionally pause and shake or stir the mix. 

Verdict: The Oster Pro makes a strong case for itself as a decent blender, balancing power and versatility in a space-friendly package. We particularly recommend it for those who want icy drinks or green smoothies.

Price at time of publish: $82.85

Key Specs

4. Best Immersion Blender: Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender

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Sporting a 350W motor, the MultiQuick-5 embraces a minimalist approach. The faster of its two speed settings reaches a peak speed of 13,700 RPM. Its design leans heavily on compactness, standing at 15 inches tall (including the 6.7-inch blending shaft) and just 2.2 inches wide. 

Its build, though not featuring the high-end materials seen in costlier models, reflects its price point appropriately. It boasts a standard 2-pronged stainless steel blade with a housing sturdy enough for regular use. We found some minor external scratches during our testing, but these cosmetic imperfections don’t impair its capability. 

The real test of this immersion blender comes with pureéing performance, where it comfortably surpassed our expectations. It was also adept at blending frozen fruits, a challenge that many of its contemporaries struggled with. With the handy whisk attachment, it even did a good job of beating egg whites and emulsifying sauces. Despite costing just $60, this blender does come with lots of accessories, including a beaker and a dishwasher-safe whisk attachment. 

Our Braun MultiQuick-5 had straightforward controls. It also features an ergonomically designed handle which is coated with a distinctive rubberized layer. Together with the blender’s minimal weight, this made it simple and comfy to handle, even when our hands were wet or greasy. Be mindful, though, the trigger demands a bit more pressure than average, which may pose challenges for users with weak grips or long nails.

Verdict: Balancing affordability with satisfactory performance, the Braun MultiQuick-5 emerges as a worthy contender in the mid-range category. While its aesthetic may not be striking, it more than compensates with the ability to manage a wide range of textures. A practical choice for everyday blending needs, this blender delivers where it truly matters.

Price at time of publish: $62.87

Key Specs

5. Best Runner-Up Immersion Blender: Vitamix Immersion Blender

View On VitamixView On Amazon

Hand blenders often draw attention for their portability, but this specific Vitamix model offers more than just convenience. An extremely powerful, versatile piece of hardware, it showcased stellar blending performance throughout every test, winning hands down over other blenders in terms of both efficiency and usability. 

The Vitamix 5-speed distinguished itself right from unboxing with an extremely robust construction. Comprising only a motor housing and a blending wand, you don’t get extra accessories, but it is at least built with high-quality stainless steel. It resists wear like a champ. 

The blender is equipped with a robust 625-watt motor and five selectable speed settings, reaching a maximum speed of 15,700 RPM. It's a bit taller and heavier than the average, measuring approximately 17.5 inches tall, 3 inches wide, and 3 inches deep, and weighing in at 3.2 pounds. Nevertheless, we found it did not cause hand fatigue, even during prolonged operations.

The Vitamix 5-speed proved its exceptional performance against a variety of dishes. From crafting restaurant-quality soup and richly flavored non-dairy almond milk to pulverizing frozen fruits into a velvety texture, it displayed remarkable versatility. It even emulsified mayonnaise as creamy as a mixer. Whisking was its only stumbling block, but the same can be said of all standard blending shafts.

Crucially, the Vitamix gave us a user-friendly blending experience. Its simple two-button control scheme facilitates one-handed operation, and we encountered no issues when switching between the five speed settings. Moreover, the blender's silicone bell guard—a thoughtful deviation from the traditional hard metal—minimizes suction to make the wand easier to maneuver in the bowl. 

Verdict: For those who value convenience and a premium blending experience over whisking capabilities, the Vitamix 5-Speed is definitely the perfect option.

Price at time of publish: $146.87

Key Specs

6. Best Personal Blender: NutriBullet Pro 900W Personal Blender

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The NutriBullet Pro earns top marks for its remarkable ability to produce nutrient-packed meals, even under the constraints of time and space. It doesn’t sacrifice performance for its small footprint. Instead, this little powerhouse matches—or even surpasses—the capabilities of its full-sized counterparts. 

A 900-watt motor drives the NutriBullet Pro, reaching a maximum rotation speed of 20,807 RPM. When combined with the 32-ounce jar, the blender stands at a modest 14.7 inches tall. So even if you have a low-hanging cabinet, there should be enough vertical space to tuck it underneath. 

This compact blender is not just about power and performance; it also scores highly on design and durability. Its motor base, although susceptible to scratches, is well-crafted. The durable blending cups, meanwhile, can withstand both scratches and high speeds. Moreover, the blades are designed for strength rather than sharpness, which actually makes it better at pulverizing ingredients for optimal nutrient extraction.

Among all the personal blenders we've tested, the NutriBullet Pro proved to be the most versatile, managing a variety of ingredients swiftly and effortlessly. Whether we focused on frozen fruits or leafy vegetables, the results were consistently perfect. The combination of fast-spinning blades and a robust motor was also so effective at crushing ice cubes that a standalone ice crusher may be unnecessary.

Verdict: Given its top-tier performance across many blending tasks, we strongly recommend the NutriBullet Pro for anyone in need of a single-serving blender.

Price at time of publish: $87.62

Key Specs

7. Best Runner-Up Personal Blender: Ninja Fit Personal Blender

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The Ninja QB3001SS Fit impresses with its compact profile, user-friendly features, and remarkable performance at an affordable price. The blender stands just 13 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide, so it’s ideal for kitchens with limited space. Driven by a sturdy 700-watt motor, it swiftly reaches 21,016 RPM, handling even whole ice cubes with ease. The output quality, while not always the smoothest, consistently outranks many competitors.

Operating this blender is quite simple; you place the jar with the blade assembly on the motor base and press down to activate the motor. Unlike the NutriBullet Pro, you have to hold it down to engage the motor, but it’s still easy to create a smooth blend. Moreover, cleaning is a breeze with dishwasher-safe cups and lids (though a quick hand wash is equally effective). 

Verdict: For those who prioritize high-quality blending performance but also need to keep an eye on their budget, the Ninja QB3001SS Fit offers a compelling combination of moderate pricing and robust functionality. It’s small but mighty!

Price at time of publish: $60.22

Key Specs

Nearest Competitors

A few quick notes on other blenders we tested:

• BELLA 10-speed: If you’re looking for a medium-quality immersion blender at a moderate price, we recommend this model. Although its testing performances didn't match those of the Vitamix 5-speed or the Braun MultiQuick-5, they were adequate enough to meet our expectations. 
• KitchenAid KHBBV53: This is among the best cordless immersion blenders we’d experienced with. It performed quite similarly to the BELLA 10-speed, except for the worse performance of beaten eggs due to the lack of the included whisk attachment. 
• Ninja BL480D Nutri: In a battle of high-range personal blender, this machine lost to the NutriBullet Pro in all testing rounds, but the products it produced were more than acceptable, if not being among the smoothest. Still, at 90dB, the blender is quite loud while operating. 
• KOIOS Bullet: Mid-range personal blenders come typically with shortcomings, but we still recommend this KOIOS since it had the fewest standard issues as tested and except for crushing ice cubes, it handled our tasks pretty well, churning out the combinations of frozen fruits, protein shake, and fibrous greens that were all smoother than most in the segment.

Blenders vs. Food Processors: What’s the Difference?

When you get down to it, food processors and blenders work essentially the same way. They chop food into smaller chunks using a rotating blade atop a specialized motor. When it comes to their output, however, the two machines serve very different purposes. 

Blenders excel in the realm of liquids and semi-liquids. This makes them the perfect tools for preparing creamy smoothies, delicious milkshakes, and velvety purees. Many blenders offer multiple speed options for precise control over texture and consistency. What they lack is the food processor's proficiency for tasks like slicing vegetables, chopping nuts, grating cheese, making salsa, and preparing pastry dough.

Overall, food processors provide a wider scope of food preparation capabilities. With their more spacious bowls and a variety of blade attachments, they’re flexible enough to manage both solid and semi-solid foods.  

The bowl of a food processor usually has a larger capacity than a blender, making it ideal for larger quantities and batch cooking.

If you want to delve deeper into the nuances that separate blenders and food processors, you might want to explore this comprehensive comparison. 

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Blender

Choosing a blender requires considerations that go beyond just brand name. It involves a deeper understanding of crucial aspects like power, speed settings, design, and more. Before you delve into these specifics, however, the most important step is to identify which type of blender will suit your needs. 

The overall blender market is fundamentally classified into three categories: immersion, personal, and full-sized blenders. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve made a detailed analysis of each blender type, emphasizing the key factors to consider for each category.

Full-Sized Blenders 

Full-sized blenders, also known as countertop blenders, are the most versatile and powerful, often capable of blending up to 72 ounces at a time. They come equipped with powerful motors, offering multiple speed options for better control over texture. 

• Power and rotation speed: For heavy home use, commercial settings, or if you simply expect top-tier blending capabilities, you’ll want a blender with a power output of 700-1,500 watts and rotation speeds between 20,000-40,000 RPM. While budget-friendly options with less power exist, their efficiency often leaves much to be desired. 
• Blade design: We recommend blenders featuring 6-prong blades over the 4-pronged ones. The extra prongs create smoother, finer blends. Detachable blades are also nicer when it comes to cleaning, particularly when working with sticky foods like nut butter or mayonnaise.
• Speed settings and presets: Full-sized countertop blenders offer a range of speed settings, with some models including preset programs as well. Our tests, however, have found manual operation to be as effective as any preset function (if not more so). We don’t recommend paying extra for presets. 
• Pitcher (Jar): Blender pitchers are usually made of glass or plastic. Glass, while scratch-resistant and non-absorbent, is heavier and prone to breaking. Plastic pitchers are lighter and shatter-resistant, perfect for high-traffic or commercial environments. The trouble is they can become cloudy or gather scratches, odors, or stains over time.

Personal Blenders

Personal blenders are more specialized in purpose: they’re designed to make single-serve smoothies or protein shakes. They don't take up as much space as full-sized ones, usually coming in at about 13 to 16 inches tall. They are typically more affordable, too. But this also means that they come with smaller pitchers (from 16 to 24 ounces) which are as compact as travel mugs and often fit well in most car cup holders. 

• Power and rotation speed: Aim for models with a minimum power rating of 400 watts and a rotation speed between 10,000 and 20,000 RPM. Those at the higher end of the power spectrum can often tackle demanding tasks such as preparing frozen fruit smoothies or dry grinding raw nuts. Some models can even crush ice, an achievement usually reserved for full-sized blenders. 
• Blade design: Similar to full-sized blenders, personal ones feature 4-prong or 6-prong blades. More prongs offer better blending, but for simpler tasks like pureeing soft fruits or blending protein shakes, a 4-prong blade suffices.   
• Speed setting: Most personal blenders run at a single speed, but you can find a few models with multiple speeds or blending presets. We favor single-speed variants for their affordability, efficiency, and simplicity. The extra features found in full-sized blenders often aren't needed. 
• Blending cups: The size of the cup's opening is more impactful than its quality. It’s harder (and often messy) to pour ingredients into a narrow-mouthed cup. Those with wider openings—about 3-inches or more—can accommodate whole fruits, large vegetable pieces, and even a standard kitchen spoon or spatula when you need to mix things around. Obviously, wider cups are also easier to clean. 

Immersion Blenders

These handheld devices are compact and ideal for quick, smaller tasks like pureeing hot soups, whipping up cream, and emulsifying sauces. When it comes to tougher tasks like blending frozen fruit into smoothies, grinding nuts, or crushing ice, they won’t work nearly as well as countertop or personal blenders. However, their standout advantage is their ability to blend directly in any container, so they are uniquely versatile appliances. 

• Power and rotation speed: Lower-powered models (around 100-200 watts) might revolve at approximately 6,000 RPM—enough for blending soft fruits, vegetables, or cooked food. Meanwhile, higher-powered ones (around 300-500 watts) might reach up to 12,000 RPM, giving them the ability to handle tougher ingredients like raw vegetables. 
• Dimension: Given that immersion blenders are handheld devices, comfort and ease-of-use are paramount. Ideal weights fall between 1-2 lbs for prolonged use, and they should be 14-20 inches long so as to reach into deep pots. 
• Speed setting:  Some immersion blenders run at just one or two speed settings while others have ten or more. However, for most tasks, two to three speeds are sufficient—usually a lower speed for whipping creams, making mayonnaise, or emulsifying vinaigrettes, and a higher one for blending tasks, such as pureeing fruits or vegetables. 
• Attachments: Added attachments like a whisk or chopper will make your device more versatile and give you a better ability to beat eggs or whip mayonnaise. If you consider these attachments beneficial, just be sure you have a place to store them.

Why Trust Us

We purchase all the blenders of our own accord and for testing purposes only. We do not procure sponsorship or donations and have no stake in the reputation of the brands. 

Our testing procedures are data-driven, transparent, and collaboratively developed. We establish most testing procedures in house, but we consult with outside experts when necessary. Each test is rigorous and transparent; we detail the process, provide the data, and present evidence.

Since we are testing kitchen equipment, we have a team of professional cooks that help us evaluate the results of tests, including taste-testing where necessary.

Our Expertise 

Tina is a seasoned tester who’s been with us at HealthyKitchen101 since 2018. She brings with her a wealth of experience in different types of blenders including immersion, personal, and full-sized models. Her most recent testing initiative was a result of her collaboration with Chef Tuyet Pham and Test Lead Lap Vo. Together, they conducted in-depth research, developed a test process, and analyzed the recipes. 

Over the course of two years, Tina and her team have tested more than 35 blenders using a combination of laboratory-style testing and real-world usage scenarios. They wanted to evaluate the appliances not only in their new condition but also after months of regular use. Their methodical execution and attention to detail resulted in accurate and reliable testing results.

Conclusion

These reviewed models are built with the latest technologies and high-quality materials for optimum performance and longevity. If you are a beginner looking for the best blender, we recommend that you should find something that looks good, works simply, and adds value to your money.

About your guide

Tina PhamReviewer

Tina Pham is a staff writer and reviewer, with five years of experience in the industry. As a passionate amateur home cook, she loves to discover practical cooking solutions, and has made it her mission to bring her findings to every kitchen. Her ultimate goal is making cooking more of a pleasure for all.

Luna ReginaEditor

Luna Regina is an accomplished writer and author who dedicates her career to empowering home cooks and making cooking effortless for everyone. She is the founder of HealthyKitchen101.com and HealthyRecipes101.com, where she works with her team to develop easy, nutritious recipes and help aspiring cooks choose the right kitchen appliances.

Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.

Tuyet PhamProfessional Chef

Tuyet Pham is an award-winning Saigonese chef passionate about delicious and healthful foods. At HealthyKitchen101, she develops recipes and collaborates with our Research, Testing, and Review lab to evaluate the performance of cooking appliances. Her assessments add a strong authoritative voice to our product scoring process.