Choosing the best blender can feel overwhelming. There are so many models to choose from and prices are all over the place. Buying a blender should be fun and exciting, not stressful!
I wrote this page to help you determine which blender is right for you, and to make the best blender selection based on your budget. I’ve included budget-friendly options in the mid and lower price ranges.
Here are the 3 top features to look for when shopping for a smoothie blender:
Powerful Motor (1000 watts or better!)
Good Warranty (5+ year recommended.)
Large Pitcher (40 oz or better.)
Okay, let's get down to finding the best blender for your needs!
THE Best Blender: Vitamix
Vitamix 780
Our absolute favorite blender is the Vitamix.
We feel that the Vitamix is THE best blender for absolutely liquefying anything you put into it. It is the ultimate green smoothie blender!
With a 7-year warranty and a reputation for longevity, a Vitamix will be the cornerstone of your healthy kitchen for years to come.
You can also make hot soups, nut butters, sauces, and so much more!
There are a LOT of different Vitamix blender models, but you won't go wrong with whichever model you choose.
We started with the classic Vitamix 5200, which is their most affordable model, and it blended many, many of the recipes on our website. Now we have the 780 model, which features a touch interface, upgraded motor, and redesigned pitcher.
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Best Blender Runner Up: Blendtec
Blendtec Designer Series
Blendtec also makes high-performance (typically 1500-watt or greater) blenders that are comparable to Vitamix as far as blending silky smooth green smoothies. They come with an 8-year warranty.
I’ve used their classic Total Blender to make the green smoothies on my website from 2009 until I moved to a Vitamix in early 2012.
I have also used their Designer series blender and they are wonderful as well.
Vitamix vs. Blendtec: Here is an in-depth comparison between Vitamix and Blendtec blenders.
More Runners Up
There are clear advantages for buying either a Vitamix or Blendtec. They are top-quality blenders, built to last, and American-made. If they are out of budget, both Vitamix and Blendtec offer big discounts on factory reconditioned blenders (which I would not hesitate to buy myself).
If you can afford to, or save up money, buy a mid-range or high-end blender because it will be less expensive over the long term. A sub-$50 blender with a 1-year warranty is not going to stand up to daily use. You will end up replacing it often vs. a higher quality blender with a 5-7 year warranty.
Plus, a higher-powered blender will unlock more nutrients and make your green smoothies more flavorful (and smooth).
However, if these high-end blenders are simply out of budget, there are a few other blenders that I can point you toward.
1) BlendWorks Pro-Series Blender
The BlendWorks Pro-Series is a more recent addition to the sub-$250 blender field, but it's one of the better ones. And you can get it for under $200 from Amazon.com.
My green smoothies are blending up every bit as smooth and creamy as they do from my $700+ Vitamix.
The BlendWorks Pro-Series boasts a 1500-watt, 2.0 peak horsepower motor, 70-ounce BPA-free pitcher, 3-year warranty, a 20-ounce travel cup, and a silicon spatula.
94% of reviewers on Amazon.com give this blender a 5-star rating! Read my own review here.
2) NutriBullet (Great Travel Blender)
The NutriBullet is not anywhere near as powerful as a Vitamix, but it can do something that a Vitamix cannot - fit in your carry-on luggage!
Yep, I love the strange looks I get from TSA when I fly with my NutriBullet (and I've never been told that I can't take it on a plane).
It's also more convenient to throw it in a bag and take it on the road with me when I'm driving.
While it would never replace my Vitamix for daily use, the NutriBullet is my travel companion.
Ultimately, the best blender is the one that helps you drink a daily green smoothie. So whether you are ready to upgrade to a Vitamix or you are simply looking for something better than your grandmother’s 20-year old blender, the important thing is to make delicious green smoothie recipes! You can do that in any blender!
