Best Bullet Blenders Tested and Reviewed

Bullet blenders are personal-sized kitchen appliances, so named for their compact, cylindrical shapes and rounded tops. Bullet blenders are also super easy and fast to use. Just load your ingredients into the tumbler-shaped cup, affix the blade assembly, fit it to the motor base and press either the power button or the cup itself.

The Magic Bullet was the first iteration of this style, introduced in the early 2000s by Homeland Housewares, LLC. Since then, the company has expanded the series with a variety of models, to include the extremely popular NutriBullet. All bullet blenders have their similarities, but our rigorous testing has revealed that they don’t all live up to their acclaim. High ratings on e-commerce platforms don't always equate to superior performance, and some models fail to deliver despite their attractive price tags.  

But never fear! We’ve done the groundwork to help you find the best bullet blender. The bullet blenders we highlight are exceptional all-rounders, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs, complements your kitchen, and supports your lifestyle.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Bullet Blender 

 Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a bullet blender:

1. Types of Bullet Blenders

Bullet blenders can be separated into corded and cordless categories. The best one for you depends on your specific needs, recipe complexity, blending location, and required versatility.

• Corded Bullet Blender: Corded bullet blenders are more common and are typically more powerful. They provide consistent and heavy-duty performance, so they can handle more versatile blending projects. Obviously, though, you need to have a convenient power outlet available. 
• Cordless Bullet Blender: Cordless bullet blenders are valuable for their mobility. Powered by built-in batteries, they bypass cord restrictions, making them great for travel, camping, or unrestricted movement within your kitchen. However, they may not match the power output of corded models, so they're better for simpler tasks like making fresh fruit smoothies, protein shakes, or baby food. The battery life is limited and they take time to recharge, so choose your device carefully.

2. Power and Rotation Speed

Power, measured in watts, refers to the amount of energy that a blender's motor can output at a given time. The motor turns the blade, whose rotational speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The two measures generally correlate to one another.

• Low-powered models (100-400 watts, 10,000-18,000 RPM): These are only really suitable for smoothies or protein shakes containing soft, blendable ingredients. When it comes to harder items like ice, raw nuts, or fibrous materials, they often fail to generate a uniform consistency. Most cordless blenders fall into this category and they also tend to be the cheapest ones to buy.
• Mid-powered models (400-700 watts, 18,000-20,000 RPM): These offer a balance of power, cost, and versatility. They can handle a wider range of more challenging ingredients.
• High-powered models (over 700 watts, 20,000-25,000 RPM): The efficiency of these machines is comparable to full-sized countertop blenders despite their compact frames. They can tackle the most demanding blending tasks quickly and efficiently, such as turning ice into a snow-like consistency. We generally recommend these models.

3. Blade

Blender blades are made from stainless steel. Our testing has shown that the number of prongs on the blade assembly greatly influences the final result. More prongs increase the contact area between the food and the blade's surface, leading to faster, smoother blending. 

The shape and size of the blades have an impact as well. Larger blades with the proper curvature will create a vortex that more effectively pulls ingredients down.

4. Speed Control 

Bullet blender speed controls generally fall into two categories: single-speed models and those with multiple speeds and/or blending presets. 

Single-speed bullet blenders are typically more affordable, efficient, and intuitive. You operate them by pressing the cup downward or by pushing a single button on the front.  

High-end bullet blenders like the Ninja Auto-iQ have multiple speed settings and blending presets. While these features may seem attractive, our testing shows that simpler manual ones often match or exceed the performance of preset functions. Therefore, we suggest you should neither place much value on these presets, nor pay extra solely for these features.

5. Blending Cup 

Bullet blenders generally feature BPA-free plastic blending cups, with pricier models usually being more durable and resistant to scratches or discoloration. However, the design of the cup's opening is the most important factor. 

Narrow-mouthed models can make adding ingredients messy and difficult, whereas those with openings at least 3-inches across will simplify your work. These generously-sized cups can accommodate whole fruits, large vegetable pieces, and even a standard kitchen spoon for easier ingredient mixing.

How We Test Our Bullet Blenders 

For our testing process, we measure bullet blenders against three core criteria: Performance, Design, and Usability.

Performance

We evaluate performance through a series of standardized tests designed to mirror the way people typically use bullet blenders. These include making protein shakes, blending frozen fruits, processing fibrous greens, and crushing ice cubes. These uniform tests are applied to every blender we examine, so that we can compare their capabilities directly. 

Design

This criterion focuses on the blender’s overall robustness, aesthetic appeal, durability, and material quality. If the blender comes with extra cups, that also gives it an edge since they enhance its versatility and convenience.

Usability

We prioritize blenders that offer hands-free operation because they make the whole process a little easier and more convenient; it can be tiresome to hold the cup down all the time. 

We also evaluate how easy it is to attach and detach the blending cup and blade assembly. Good blenders shouldn’t be challenging to assemble. 

Finally, we assess the ease of cleaning after use, taking into account the accessibility of the blender's components, whether the parts are dishwasher-safe, and the potential for injuries when cleaning the sharp blades.

* For a detailed understanding of our testing methodology, refer to How We Test Our Personal Blenders.

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. 

Reviews of the Best Bullet Blenders in 2023

After several months of putting our collection of bullet blenders through tests, we’re confident that our finalists are by far the best. Our extensive hands-on testing also teased out the pros and cons of each machine, so you can make the best choice for your own needs. 

Here are our top three recommendations:

1. Best Overall: NutriBullet Pro 900 W Personal Blender

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Across our tests, the NutriBullet Pro came out as a high-performing standout, clinching top scores in three out of four trials. It effortlessly surpassed competitors in creating protein shakes, frozen fruit smoothies, and snow-like crushed ice. Although it had more trouble with fibrous greens, it still outshone most competitors, leaving only a minuscule amount of pulp behind.

The NutriBullet’s outstanding performance may be ascribed to its dynamic duo of rapid-spinning blades (20,807 RPM) and a powerful motor (900 watts). This combination creates a vortex that effectively pulls the ingredients in and pulverizes them into a fine blend. Some other blenders can yield comparable results, but they tend to require additional effort like shaking or stirring to put all the food in contact with their blades.  

Design-wise,  the NutriBullet Pro impresses with a robust scratch-resistant body and a six high-quality prongs blade. You should keep in mind, however, that the motor cannot operate for more than one minute without overheating. While this might appear limiting, it is a common design constraint for most personal blenders. 

On the bright side, the NutriBullet is notable for its hands-free operation—you don’t have to continuously hold it down—and its unwavering stability. From the word go, the stability of the four silicone feet was immediately noticeable. We rarely found ourselves needing to steady the unit with our hands. 

In conclusion, if you're pressed for time, space, or just yearning for nutrient-rich concoctions, the NutriBullet Pro is your superhero. This pint-sized workhorse is designed to slip into the smallest corner of your kitchen, but its 900-watt motor can nearly match that of a full-sized blender.

Price at time of publish: $87.62

Key Specs

2. Best Multi-Speed: Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Personal Blender

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While comparable in price to the NutriBullet, the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro comes with a sleeker, more technologically advanced design. It also steals the spotlight with programmable blending presets that, unlike most, do live up to their promise. However, these advancements come with trade-offs—namely a heftier size and the lack of the typical sporty aesthetic of a bullet blender.

The BN401's overall design is characterized by solid plastics, a high-gloss finish, and aesthetically pleasing trim. Despite being mostly plastic, it doesn't come across as cheap or fragile. Unlike many blenders that often show scratches or signs of wear and tear after extended use, the BN401 Nutri Pro has proven its durability. Its container has remained clear and unscathed while the motor base retains its fresh, sparkling appearance, free from any scratches

Our testing suggested that the Ninja BN401 doesn’t quite measure up to our top pick when blending raw nuts and dried fruits, as evidenced by a marginally grainy texture in its protein shakes. However, this minor shortcoming does not detract from its superior performance when compared to many rivals in terms of smoothness and speed. With tasks like pulverizing frozen ingredients, leafy greens, or ice, the BN401 not only kept up with, but surpassed the competition. In short, it consistently delivered flawless results.

More impressive is its smooth operation. Powered by a 1000-watt motor, this blender reaches up to 18,996 RPM. As such, throughout the blending process, it ensured excellent ingredient circulation. It never got clogged up with food chunks the way others did. Not only this, but it is also very easy to use, with hands-free operation, easy assembly, and intuitive cleaning. Removing the cup required minimal force—it locks and detaches easily, even when you have wet or oily hands.

Overall, if you value technical sophistication and blending precision, and you don't mind sacrificing a bit of countertop space, the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro is a worthy contender. It has an unparalleled combination of affordability, top-notch quality, and muscular blending performance.

Price at time of publish: $84.93

Key Specs

3. Best Affordable: Koios Pro 850W Bullet Personal Blender

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With an 850-watt motor and a top speed of 22,648 RPM, the KOIOS carves out a niche for itself in the mid-range class. It’s half the cost of the NutriBullet and Ninja BN401, so it’s a good value proposition. Not to mention the generous accessory package that boosts its functionality, making it more than just a one-trick pony. 

The KOIOS Bullet is made from mostly medium-grade plastic, and the rather flimsy-looking motor base surprised us with its stability. While the blending cups and blade assembly could be more robust, these compromises seem justifiable given the blender's cost, especially considering its efficiency and consistent performance.

Its testing performance fluctuated from outstanding to average, based on the task's complexity. For standard blending tasks like creating frozen fruit smoothies or protein shakes, it surpassed many mid-range competitors, delivering well-blended mixtures swiftly. However, its effectiveness diminished when handling more challenging ingredients such as fiber-rich kale, celery, and spinach. The result had a somewhat grainy texture with only partially blended particles. The KOIOS blender also struggles to crush ice cubes, a common issue among blenders in this price range.

The operation of the KOIOS blender isn't hands-free; you have to press and hold the cup onto the base to engage the motor. With some ingredients, we had to pause now and then to shake the cup and dislodge food particles stuck under the blade. We’d attribute this mainly to its limited power.  On the flip side, its quick assembly and straightforward cleaning process underline its overall appeal.

To conclude, if you're looking for a budget-friendly bullet blender that handles standard blending tasks well and comes with some additional accessories, the KOIOS 850W Bullet Blender is worth considering. However, if you frequently blend tougher ingredients like fibrous greens and need a more robust build quality, you might want to explore higher-priced alternatives.

Price at time of publish: $60.22

Key Specs

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.