Best Blenders for Protein Shakes Tested and Reviewed
From our tests, four models stood out as the best blender for protein shakes. They excel in performance, user comfort, and deliver perfectly smooth concoctions every time.
While the right ingredients are crucial, the true essence of a great protein shake lies in its blend. A top-tier blender ensures that the nutrients are well integrated, the texture is smooth, and the flavors are harmoniously blended.
For the gym-goer aiming for efficiency and convenience, a personal blender will turn out quick and nourishing shakes before or after your workout. The machine’s compact nature and accompanying to-go cups make it a breeze to whip up a shake and head straight to the gym. However, if you enjoy exploring other culinary pursuits as well, you should also consider full-sized blenders. A good one will manage both your shakes and many other tasks.
Our comprehensive testing of over 35 models helped us identify the best blenders for protein shakes, ensuring you get the most out of your health drink.
Reviews of the Best Blenders for Protein Shake in 2024
We rigorously tested an array of blenders with price tags ranging from $30 to $500. Following an exhaustive series of evaluations involving many ingredients to craft the perfect protein shake, we narrowed down our selection to five standout models, each promising outstanding performance and convenience. Here's how they fared.
1. Best Overall: Vitamix 5200 Blender
Things We Like
- High-quality components ensure longevity and reliable performance.
- The meticulously designed container coupled with sturdy stainless steel blades promises smooth and consistent blending outcomes.
- The inclusion of a generous 7-year warranty, which surpasses the standard warranty length for blenders.
- Designed to safely blend hot ingredients directly in the container
- Rapid and potent acceleration for efficient blending every time.
Things We Don’t Like
- The container’s lack of a locking mechanism onto the base impairs stability during use.
The Vitamix 5200 impresses with its sleek yet robust design. At 7.3 inches in width, 8.8 inches in depth, and a height of 20.5 inches when the pitcher is attached, it occupies a reasonably slim profile. This allows it to integrate seamlessly into your kitchen without overwhelming the space, though the tall stature may not fit well into average-sized cupboards.
Usability-wise, the 5200’s control panel effortlessly integrates into your morning routine, making shake preparation almost as comforting as sipping the shake itself. The narrow design of the blending cup may pose a slight challenge during cleaning, especially for individuals with larger hands, but it’s a minor inconvenience. Usually, it’s enough to simply fill the cup with soapy water and run the blender at a high speed.
Verdict: The hefty price tag of the Vitamix 5200 might raise eyebrows, but our experience suggests it is justified—at least if you do a lot of blending. Whether you are whipping up a simple shake or venturing into complex recipes, this blender will be your steadfast ally on the road to a healthier, vibrant lifestyle.
Read our full Vitamix 5200 Blender in-depth review
2. Round-Up: NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt
Things We Like
- Exceptional performance in creating smoothies from fresh or frozen fruits, protein shakes, and crushed ice
- User-friendly, thanks to its minimalist design
- Strikes a pleasing balance between price, functionality, and build quality
- Comes with a generous amount of additional accessories
Things We Don’t Like
- Falls short in its performance when making butter
- The blending container tends to detach from the motor during use, causing interruptions
- The cleaning can be frustrating
The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z breaks away from the "bigger-is-stronger" norm with its compact design, yet houses a powerful 12000W motor. Measuring 16.9 inches in height and 6.8 inches square, it is roughly comparable to a standard coffee maker. However, its height, similar to that of a two-liter water bottle, might be a bit much for low-hanging kitchen cabinets. Despite its low price point, we can’t find any cause to complain about its construction.
What also sets this blender apart are its extras: besides the 64 fl.oz. pitcher, it offers two additional blending cups (32 and 24 fl.oz), an extractor blade, and tumbler lids, making it versatile for individual servings and on-the-go needs.
In terms of user ease, setting up the blender is straightforward, but cleaning can be challenging, with residues often stuck to the blade. Improvements could be made to the lid and the jar-locking mechanism.
Verdict: The NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z presents itself as a steadfast and economical alternative to the high-end blenders on this list. While it may not rival the Vitamix 5200 in terms of volume, construction, or versatility, it manages to deliver nearly equivalent results at a substantially lower cost, potentially saving you around $400.
Read our full NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200 Watt in-depth review
3. Best Personal Blender for Protein Shakes: NutriBullet Pro 900W
Things We Like
- It is very easy to assemble and use.
- Stainless steel extractor blades are tough enough to power through even solid ingredients like ice cubes.
- BPA-free plastic cups are durable and dishwasher safe.
- Hands-free operation offers superior convenience
- Motor base is very stable.
Things We Don’t Like
- It's difficult to clean the blades’ undersides.
It’s quite a task to find a mix of versatility and efficiency that matches the NutriBullet Pro 900W personal blender.
The compact design of the NutriBullet Pro is another highlight. At 14.7 inches tall and 5.4 inches wide, it significantly undercuts standard blenders in terms of space requirements. It’ll fit into even the tiniest of kitchens and it will look good doing it. Even on close inspection, every detail—from the scratch-resistant blending cups to the sturdy motor base—screams quality, promising an impressive fusion of durability and structural integrity.
User-friendly doesn't even begin to describe its usability. Engaging the motor is seamless: just place the blending cup on the base and give it a twist. The 'Lock On' feature guarantees safety, ensuring no unexpected snags during operation.
Verdict: It's safe to say that the NutriBullet Pro 900W doesn't just blend ingredients, it blends quality, convenience, and a healthy lifestyle into one simple package. Whether you're kickstarting your morning with a nutrient-packed smoothie or fueling your workouts with a protein shake, this blender promises to be a reliable companion.
Read our full NutriBullet Pro 900W in-depth review
4. Best Budget Blender for Protein Shakes: Ninja Fit
Things We Like
- A great tool for any quick blend that involves fibrous, frozen food, raw nuts, or even ice cubes.
- Compact, straightforward design makes it easy to use, assemble, and clean.
- The blending blade is attention to detail with 4 sharp, sophisticatedly-designed prongs.
- Coming with an affordable price is an above-average quality.
- Its final results were consistently smooth in all of our testing.
- There are extra blending cups included.
Things We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t allow for hands-free operation
- A little shaking is necessary for an even blend.
With its modest dimensions, the Ninja Fit stands as a convenient choice for both small kitchens and active lifestyles. Its height and width, approximately 13 inches and 4.5 inches respectively, roughly match that of a champagne bottle, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding space for it.
When it came to our assessments, the Ninja Fit outpaced many of its personal-sized counterparts, producing ready-to-enjoy protein shakes in just 50 seconds. It also boasts superior ice-crushing capabilities, an essential function for anyone who likes chilled, creamy shakes. And if you aim to enhance your beverages with nutrient-dense leafy greens like kale or spinach, this blender is more than capable of that task too.
During our test, we also found using the Ninja Fit to be a breeze. Forget fiddling with complicated buttons and settings; the motor springs to life with just a gentle press of the cup against the base. Sometimes it demands a manual shake of the cup to even out the blend, but this minor intervention is a small price to pay for this machine’s convenience and speed.
Verdict: The Ninja Fit is a single-serve blender, which means it's all about quick, effortless servings every single time. And don't be fooled by its compact size; this blender packs a punch with a powerful 700-watt motor that goes toe-to-toe with big names like the Vitamix 5200 and NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z.
Read our full Ninja Fit in-depth review
How We Test Our Blenders on Protein Shakes
In our testing laboratory, we put each blender through its paces to provide you with a comprehensive picture of its performance. Our reviews are the result of hands-on testing conducted by our team of reviewers, in-house technical experts, and culinary consultants.
Blenders fall into three categories: full-sized, personal, and immersion. When it comes to smoothies, the full-sized and personal blenders often take center stage.
Although immersion blenders can be used to make protein shakes, they don't deliver consistent results. They tend to only shine when blending soups, pureeing baby food, or whisking mayo. Accordingly, we excluded immersion blenders from these protein-shake tests, focusing on personal and full-sized blenders.
Step 1: Setup
We prepare a standardized recipe that consists of protein powder, oatmeal, almonds, dried blueberries, and whole milk. The quantity depends on the type of blender under testing—personal or full-sized.
Step 2: Blending
During the blending procedure, we add ingredients in a specific order and blend them at the highest speed setting. The blending times vary, and the consistency is regularly checked to prevent over-blending.
Step 3: Consistency Check
The critical aspect of our test is checking the consistency of the blend. A smooth, lump-free consistency, particularly concerning the oatmeal, is a significant indicator of a blender's performance.
Step 4: Scoring
The blenders are scored based on three main criteria: Blending Time, Almond Blend Quality, and Blueberry Blend Quality.
For an in-depth look into our meticulous testing procedure, click on the links below:
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Blender for Protein Shakes
1. Understanding Types of Blenders
- Full-Sized blender: Perfect for multi-serving shakes that have a bit of everything—ice, nuts, fruits, and even greens. While it's excellent for families or group gatherings, its larger size can mean more kitchen space and trickier cleaning.
- Personal blender: Designed for on-the-go individuals, these compact blenders suit those with a bustling lifestyle or cramped kitchen. Many come with travel cups and lids for easy transport, which is ideal if you’re frequently rushing to the gym with little time to spare.
- Immersion blender: Also known as stick or handheld blenders, these models can be used with your own containers. They excel with soups and sauces. However, they might not be ideal for protein shakes which often involve tough or dried ingredients.
2. Power and Rotation Speed
- Entry-level blenders (Up to 600 Watts, 10,000-16,000 RPM): Perfect for beginners or those who prefer simple, liquid-based shakes. These blenders are proficient at combining protein powders with liquids like milk or juice, and can usually handle soft fruits. However, they might struggle with harder ingredients such as seeds or raw nuts.
- Mid-Range blenders (600-1200 Watts, 16,000-20,000 RPM): Catering to fitness enthusiasts seeking a bit more versatility and richness in their protein shakes, these blenders strike a balance between power and cost-efficiency. They process a wider variety of ingredients than entry-level machines, including frozen fruits and moderate quantities of leafy greens.
- Premium blenders(Above 1400 Watts, up to 40,000 RPM): The top pick for shake connoisseurs. These masterfully blend even the toughest ingredients into a creamy texture, doing so swiftly—perfect for busy mornings.
3. Preset Programs and Speed Variability
- Multi-speed blenders with preset programs: Versatile and convenient, these models combine the best of both worlds. They typically have pre-programmed settings specifically for shakes. The motor automatically adjusts its speed and time for the perfect blend. Meanwhile, the adjustable speed settings allow you to personalize the texture of your shakes to your liking—from chunky to perfectly smooth. If you like to change things up regularly, these models should be at the top of your consideration list.
- Single-speed blenders: Prefer quick, no-fuss preparation? Single-speed blenders should be your go-to choice. They are typically less expensive and easier to use than others.Their one-speed mechanism can churn out consistent results, ensuring a satisfactory shake each time without the complications of multiple settings—a practical choice if your morning routine is all about speed and efficiency.
3. Blade
Blender blades are made from stainless steel. However, different designs are optimized for specific ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the prevalent types:
- Cross blade: With four to six prongs in a cross pattern, it's ideal for silky, well-blended shakes. The multiple prongs ensure thorough blending. Just be cautious during cleaning and watch for leaks if they're detachable.
- Stacked blade: Exclusive to Ninja blenders, this tall blade looks striking. It excels at chopping and grating but may not be optimal for shakes with greens, nuts, or dried fruits. It's best for chunkier blends or textured mixes.
- Flat blade: Common in personal blenders, it shines at dry grinding. The two tilted prongs grind grains well, but might not achieve a smooth protein shake blend.
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.
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 Healthy Kitchen 101 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.
About your guide
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.
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.
Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.
