The 7 Best Blenders Tested and Reviewed

Originally meant for basic prep work, countertop blenders have come a long way. They now serve as reliable companions for creating barista-style lattes, refreshing frozen drinks, and rich nut spreads, all within the comfort of your own kitchen.

That said, the choices vary widely in quality. Some choke on kale. Others spin yet lumps still sneak in. Therefore, we gathered the most popular blenders on the market, and put them to the test. In the end, we chose the NutriBullet Full-Size Blender as the best blender to buy, considering its strong build, great performance, and affordable price. If you’re looking to upgrade, the Vitamix 5200 is our premium pick, thanks to its professional-grade build and consistently top-tier performance.

Everything We Recommend

NutriBullet Full-Size Blender

Best to Buy

The NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200W brings pro-level performance into everyday kitchens, without the bulk, noise, or price tag of higher-end competitors. If you’re after a full-sized blender that can handle a variety of recipes, sits neatly on your countertop, and doesn’t compromise on convenience, this is the one to grab. Chances are, even the pickiest home cooks or clean-eating purists will find little, if anything, to complain about.

Vitamix E310 Blender

Best Performance

You’ll pay more for the Vitamix E310, but what you get in return is on another level entirely. This is a commercial-grade blender wrapped in a home-friendly form factor. It crushes, purées, and emulsifies with a speed and precision most blenders can’t touch, and its rugged build is made to survive the long haul. In terms of performance and value over time, it’s the smartest purchase you can make for your kitchen. Once you try it, there’s no going back.

Vitamix 5200 Blender

Upgrade Pick

If space isn’t an issue and you want the best of the best, this is where the bar is set. With a taller 64-ounce container and a 2-horsepower motor, the Vitamix 5200 delivers more volume and even smoother blends than the already-impressive E310. Its generous capacity also makes it a more practical choice for larger households or anyone who blends in bulk. While the blender won’t fit under standard kitchen cabinets, that’s the only real tradeoff. Expect restaurant-grade results right at home, the 5200 gives back more than what you pay for.

Oster Pro 1200 Blender

Best Small

Blending on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing function, and the Oster Pro 1200 proves it. You won’t get commercial-grade power here, but casual users, small households, and anyone moving up from an entry-level blender will find this blender delivers where it counts. Sure, it has its limits, most noticeably when tackling thicker or more stubborn blends. At this price point, however, it’s hard to complain. Affordable, reliable, and moderately capable, this Oster model is an easy one to consider.

Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender

Best Ninja Blender

Among all the blenders we tested, the Ninja AMZ493BRN brings the most modern, multi-tasking energy to the table. For those who want options, love gadgets, and don’t mind a learning curve in exchange for tech-forward convenience, this blender is a decent match. Just keep in mind that its appeal lies more in variety than pure blending power, which may result in some compromises in consistency.

Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender

Best Immersion

Out of the more than 20 hand blenders we tested, only one consistently impressed us from start to finish: the Braun MultiQuick 5. It’s easy to see why it leads the pack. It blends better, feels better, and lasts longer than anything else in its category. Preparing silky soups, baby meals, or sauces takes no time at all, and there’s no cleanup hassle afterward. It even outperforms some full-size countertop machines.

NutriBullet Pro 900W Personal Blender

Best Personal

Morning rush, post-workout hunger, late-night snack—this blender keeps pace. The NutriBullet Pro 900W isn’t flashy or full of settings you’ll never use. It’s made to blend what you need, clean up fast, and be ready again in minutes. In a world full of big, flashy machines, this compact workhorse cuts through the noise with simplicity and strength. It might look simple, but once it lands on your counter, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.

How We Test

Our testing methods mimic everyday kitchen tasks. Though different blender types have unique testing criteria, consistency is maintained within each category for direct product comparisons. 

For Full-sized Blenders, tests focus on performance, durability, and usability in processing large volumes. 

• Smoothie: We blend a mix of kale, apple, pineapple, banana, and milk. The test concludes either when a smooth, homogeneous texture is achieved, or upon reaching the 4-minute mark.
• Frozen Fruit Smoothie: Our testing smoothie is a combination of mango, strawberry, pineapple, and plain milk. We blend at the highest speed or a "Frozen Smoothie" mode. The aim is to achieve an ice cream-like texture within a maximum of five minutes.
• Additional tests include Almond Butter, Protein Shake and Crushed Ice Cubes to offer insights into a blender's versatility, especially for those keen on homemade nut-based spreads, fitness beverages and icy concoctions.

In our design’s evaluation, we examine the blender’s blade strength, overall build quality, and the functionality of the control panel. We also consider hands-free blending, noise levels during operation, ease of assembly, and cleanability post-blend. 

Check out full How We Test and Score Full-sized Blenders for more information.

For Immersion Blenders, we conducted standard tasks like Puréed Hot Soup, Frozen Fruit Smoothies, Mayonnaise, Almond Milk, and Whipped Egg-White.

Personal Blenders, on the other hand, were evaluated basing on their suitability for on-the-go lifestyles, with Protein Shakes, Frozen Fruit Smoothies, Fibrous Greens, and Crushed Ice Cubes tests.

How We Choose

Recommendations are based upon the testing results and their associated scores. In the graph below, you can see how each model measured up across blending power, design features, and user experience. We also take into account affordability, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation to make sure our recommendations offer strong long-term value.

NutriBullet Full-Size Blender

Best to Buy

The NutriBullet Blender Combo 1200W brings pro-level performance into everyday kitchens, without the bulk, noise, or price tag of higher-end competitors. If you’re after a full-sized blender that can handle a variety of recipes, sits neatly on your countertop, and doesn’t compromise on convenience, this is the one to grab. Chances are, even the pickiest home cooks or clean-eating purists will find little, if anything, to complain about.

$124.28

(Price at time of publish)

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In our tests, the NutriBullet produced fresh fruit smoothies in under a minute. The result was silky-smooth, with leafy greens blended more thoroughly than expected. Frozen fruit and ice were no challenge either—it took less than two minutes to create a cold, slushy blend perfect for summer. 

For protein shakes, it fully blended oatmeal and dried berries, leaving just a few soft bits that added a nice texture. Meanwhile, making almond butter required around six minutes. Despite the longer blending time, the motor stayed cool and stable throughout. We did pause occasionally to scrape down the sides, helping pull unblended bits back into the blade path. That minor step is common with thicker mixtures and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, especially considering how rich and usable the final blend turned out.

Design-wise, this 1200-watt motor blender stays surprisingly compact. It fits beneath most standard kitchen cabinets and won’t crowd your countertop or take up precious prep space. The stainless steel blades are sharp and robust, offering an edge that’s meant to endure. Its high-impact, BPA-free plastic housing also feels sturdy, and despite being lightweight enough for easy handling, it holds up under constant use. 

You’ll appreciate the motor base too, which is weighted just enough to prevent wobbling or tipping during operation, giving you confidence that it won’t budge. That said, the container doesn’t always lock tightly onto the base, so it’s wise to keep a hand on it during tougher blends.

Nevertheless, we really love how intuitive this blender is. The controls are minimal—just a few speed buttons, a pulse option, and an “extract” mode that’s ideal for hands-free blending.  Each one clicks into place with a satisfying tactile response. They provide enough feedback to let you know the selection has been made, without feeling too soft or hard. 

Compared to other models that often trap food in hard-to-reach corners, the NutriBullet Blender Combo is pretty easy to clean. Most components are dishwasher-safe, but even if you prefer handwashing, the smooth surfaces and detachable parts make the job quick.  No deep scrubbing, no soaking overnight. A quick rinse, a wipe, and you’re good to go.

Read our full NutriBullet Full-Size Blender in-depth review

Vitamix E310 Blender

Best Performance

You’ll pay more for the Vitamix E310, but what you get in return is on another level entirely. This is a commercial-grade blender wrapped in a home-friendly form factor. It crushes, purées, and emulsifies with a speed and precision most blenders can’t touch, and its rugged build is made to survive the long haul. In terms of performance and value over time, it’s the smartest purchase you can make for your kitchen. Once you try it, there’s no going back.

$322.58

(Price at time of publish)

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The Vitamix E310 Explorian isn’t just the best performance blender we’ve tested; it’s the gold standard. From the very first blend, it showed complete control over every ingredient.

Leafy greens were transformed into a silky blend within seconds, while frozen fruits came out with a dessert-like texture that rivals store-bought smoothies. Even dense shake ingredients like oats and dried fruit, along with almond butter and ice, were executed with minimal effort, requiring neither excessive blending time nor repeated intervention. 

For lower-tier competitors, this level of performance is wishful thinking. And that’s why decade after decade, Vitamix remains the brand that serious users keep coming back to, despite its hefty price. 

Structurally, everything about the E310 screams durability. The motor base is weighty enough to stay firmly planted during high-speed blending. This is a clear advantage over lightweight, plastic-based blenders, which tend to wobble or shift on the counter when handling tougher ingredients. 

Its 48-oz BPA-free Tritan container is smaller than NutriBullet’s 64-oz jar, but it's thoughtfully sized for most household recipes and fits better under standard kitchen cabinets. 

Durability aside, it’s the user-friendly interface that truly rounds out the experience. Forget touchscreens—this blender’s controls are all about feel and function. The dial turns with smooth, deliberate resistance, and the switches snap firmly into place, offering a level of precision most digital panels can’t match. It may seem old-school at first, but the sleek matte finish and clean layout give it a distinctly modern edge. You get timeless design and contemporary style working together in one iconic machine.

When it comes to storage, the Vitamix E310 is surprisingly convenient. Its streamlined shape and built-in cord wrap make it easy to stow away without clutter. Cleaning is hassle-free, too. The container rinses quickly with warm water and a drop of soap, and a full self-clean cycle takes less than a minute. There are no complicated parts to disassemble, and no tight corners where residue lingers.

Read our full Vitamix E310 Blender in-depth review

Vitamix 5200 Blender

Upgrade Pick

If space isn’t an issue and you want the best of the best, this is where the bar is set. With a taller 64-ounce container and a 2-horsepower motor, the Vitamix 5200 delivers more volume and even smoother blends than the already-impressive E310. Its generous capacity also makes it a more practical choice for larger households or anyone who blends in bulk. While the blender won’t fit under standard kitchen cabinets, that’s the only real tradeoff. Expect restaurant-grade results right at home, the 5200 gives back more than what you pay for.

$474.97

(Price at time of publish)

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In test after test, kale, berries, oats, nuts—whatever we tossed into this blender came out silky and consistent, often in half the time of its competitors. The almond butter test was a knockout: smooth, spreadable, and done in 60 seconds flat, no added oils required.

The only area where it demanded a little finesse was with full loads of ice. But don’t confuse that with weak performance. The motor itself is more than capable. Because of the container’s tall, narrow design, some cubes may settle beneath the blades, just out of reach. It’s a minor issue, and thankfully, easy to fix. A quick pause and stir between pulses usually gets everything moving again.

Looking at its build, the E310 feels engineered for a chef’s kitchen but polished enough for your countertop. Its classic shape holds one of the toughest builds you’ll find in a blender—made with shatter-resistant housing, strong stainless steel blades, and a motor base so solid it practically anchors itself. 

Plus, while low-end jars often dull or discolor over time, the Vitamix 5200’s premium Tritan™ container stays crystal-clear, resisting cloudiness, cracks, and wear. Even after extensive testing, ours looked and blended like day one.

As mentioned earlier, its height (nearly 20 inches with the container) calls for some thoughtful placement, but that extra space comes with a reward. You can comfortably prepare 5 to 7 cups per batch without overfilling. Serving a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful anymore. And true to form, it stays cool under pressure, whether it’s running for a few seconds or heating soup through six minutes of blade friction.

Regarding the control, this Vitamix 5200 keeps things simple with a no-frills control setup. A central dial offers 10 variable speed settings for precise blending, while two side switches control the power and toggle between variable and high-speed modes. Overall, its analog design may appear minimal, but paired with the machine’s raw power and practical features, it delivers a purposeful, truly professional experience.

Read our full Vitamix 5200 Blender in-depth review

Oster Pro 1200 Blender

Best Small

Blending on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing function, and the Oster Pro 1200 proves it. You won’t get commercial-grade power here, but casual users, small households, and anyone moving up from an entry-level blender will find this blender delivers where it counts. Sure, it has its limits, most noticeably when tackling thicker or more stubborn blends. At this price point, however, it’s hard to complain. Affordable, reliable, and moderately capable, this Oster model is an easy one to consider.

$82.85

(Price at time of publish)

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Packed with a 1200-watt motor, the Oster Pro showed it can punch above its weight. It breezed through fibrous greens, nut butter, and protein shakes. Even more impressive, its crushed ice test was nearly flawless—light, uniform, and ready for mixing. It’s not every day a budget blender crushes ice this cleanly. This blender did catch us off guard in the best way.

Frozen fruits were a challenge for the Oster Pro, though. Despite a long blend, the texture stayed chunky, and tougher bits held out. This isn’t surprising for something under $100, but it’s worth noting. Still, when we adjusted the batch size and chopped the fruit finer, the results improved a lot. It can get there, you just have to meet it halfway.

As far as design is concerned, the Oster Pro 1200 doesn’t go out of its way to look fancy. Some might find the design a bit dated, but its brushed nickel finish gives it a clean, slightly vintage vibe. The 48-ounce glass jar feels sturdy and does a good job handling heat. It doesn’t stain or hold on to smells like lower-grade plastic jars sometimes do. Still, it’s heavier than plastic, which might slow you down a bit when pouring or rinsing.

Using and cleaning the Oster Pro 1200 couldn't be simpler. The buttons are clearly labeled, easy to press, and responsive. The removable blade means you can access every nook, the glass jar doesn’t stain, and the base wipes clean with no hassle.  Though there’s some redundancy in having both a Stop and On/Off button, the overall experience is smooth. 

In conclusion,  while it doesn’t try to be the flashiest blender on the shelf, the Oster Pro 1200 is dependable, practical, and well-suited for daily use in the kitchen. It certainly earns its place.

Read our full Oster Pro 1200 Blender in-depth review

Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender

Best Ninja Blender

Among all the blenders we tested, the Ninja AMZ493BRN brings the most modern, multi-tasking energy to the table. For those who want options, love gadgets, and don’t mind a learning curve in exchange for tech-forward convenience, this blender is a decent match. Just keep in mind that its appeal lies more in variety than pure blending power, which may result in some compromises in consistency.

$143.93

(Price at time of publish)

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At first glance, the Ninja AMZ493BRN seems to be an all-in-one solution, designed not just for smoothies but also to handle food processing and personal drinks with its tech-savvy design. And it doesn’t disappoint in that regard.

The 1200-watt motor powers through a wide variety of tasks and comes with three different containers: a 72-ounce pitcher for larger batches, a 40-ounce processor bowl, and an 18-ounce cup for on-the-go smoothies. It also comes with four blade assemblies for different purposes, including dough making, chopping, and blending. On paper, it checks nearly every box for a compact kitchen system.

However, once we put it through real-world testing, the performance showed a more modest reality. While the Ninja handled ice crushing better than any other blender we tested, it struggled with more nuanced tasks. Smoothies made with leafy greens or frozen fruit took upward of four minutes to reach acceptable texture, and even then, fibrous bits of kale and strawberry skins remained. Compared to quicker, smoother blends from the NutriBullet or Vitamix models, the Ninja came off slightly underwhelming in its blending finesse.

Protein shakes fared better, and almond butter was achievable, though with a lot of manual help pushing ingredients down toward the blades. That’s one of the recurring themes with the AMZ493BRN: its stacked blade system doesn’t always create a strong vortex.

On the design front, the Ninja AMZ493BRN stands tall and proud with a flashy design that’s likely to impress before you even plug it in. It’s moderately tall at just over 17 inches, which might require a bit of clearance under standard kitchen cabinets. The containers seem to be crafted from sturdy plastic. Yet, we did notice slight scratches and dulling after only a few uses. 

Usability overall offers both strengths and drawbacks. The thoughtful and secure locking system on the lids stands out, while the blade assembly can feel a bit cumbersome, especially during cleaning and pouring. The control panel is intuitive, and the container recognition system adds a nice touch of convenience. However, blending often feels less “hands-free” than you’d hope, with frequent stops to scrape down sides or reposition food. Cleaning is mostly dishwasher-friendly, although food particles can get trapped in the blade base and need extra scrubbing.

Read our full Ninja Compact Kitchen System Blender in-depth review

Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender

Best Immersion

Out of the more than 20 hand blenders we tested, only one consistently impressed us from start to finish: the Braun MultiQuick 5. It’s easy to see why it leads the pack. It blends better, feels better, and lasts longer than anything else in its category. Preparing silky soups, baby meals, or sauces takes no time at all, and there’s no cleanup hassle afterward. It even outperforms some full-size countertop machines.

$62.87

(Price at time of publish)

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Braun didn’t pack this hand blender with flashy screens or unnecessary settings. It nailed the essentials. A strong motor, a sharp blending shaft, a whisk attachment, and a cup to get you going. Everything fits neatly in the hand so every motion feels natural and easy to manage. It’s not bulky, not complicated; just grab it, click, and blend.

From the first test, the Braun MultiQuick 5 confirmed it’s more than just a budget pick. Featuring a long, solid stainless-steel shaft, it handled hot soup in deep pots with confidence, finishing the job in a quick 30 seconds. It prepared an icy green smoothie just as well—thick, frosty, and nearly chunk-free in under a minute.

The whisk attachment was incredibly useful too. It allowed us to craft a silky mayonnaise in under 2 minutes. It also turned the blender into a hand mixer, effortlessly achieving stiff peaks while whipping large batches of egg whites. Every result came out clean and consistent.  

Plus, we liked how it didn’t splatter, didn’t suction too hard, and didn’t tire our wrists. Everything snaps on and off smoothly, and washing it by hand took less than a minute. You won’t dread using this every day.

Slim and compact, our Braun can be stored in drawers or hung neatly on a hook.  The blender’s build, though not featuring the high-end materials seen in costlier models, reflects its price point appropriately. We found some minor external scratches during our testing, but these cosmetic imperfections don’t impair its capability. 

All the included accessories are of moderate quality. Switching attachments is quick and smooth, thanks to the EasyClick button. Buttons are firm, but with a purpose. There’s a clear sense of control with every press, and that’s something many blenders miss.

Read our full Braun MultiQuick 5 Hand Blender in-depth review

NutriBullet Pro 900W Personal Blender

Best Personal

Morning rush, post-workout hunger, late-night snack—this blender keeps pace. The NutriBullet Pro 900W isn’t flashy or full of settings you’ll never use. It’s made to blend what you need, clean up fast, and be ready again in minutes. In a world full of big, flashy machines, this compact workhorse cuts through the noise with simplicity and strength. It might look simple, but once it lands on your counter, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.

$87.62

(Price at time of publish)

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The NutriBullet Pro turned out to be the most reliable blender in our entire lineup of personal models. When we tossed in fruit, greens, protein powder, even ice, this compact beast didn't flinch. Within seconds, it spun everything into luxuriously creamy textures that rival full-sized blenders. So far, we haven't found a single machine that can crush ice as fluffy as this one. 

In addition to power and performance; the NutriBullet Pro also scores highly on design and durability. The base is weighty enough to stay put, even when working through frozen chunks or dense greens. Nothing rattles or shifts. The finish looks clean and holds up pretty well. Unlike budget options, it doesn’t chip, fade, or scratch easily. The cups are durable despite their light build, and once the lids are locked in, there’s zero spillage to worry about.

Assembling the blender takes seconds. It skips the fluff and gets right to the blend. Simply load your ingredients, twist the blade onto the cup, and press it into the base. It locks in with a satisfying click. From there, your blender runs on pressure and your hands are free. In other words, you can step away, prep something else, or just sip your coffee while it does the work. We found the entire process refreshingly straightforward.

For post-blend cleanup, the cups and lids are top-rack dishwasher safe, but even a quick rinse under the tap usually does the trick. The only part that needs a little extra attention is the underside of the blade. Stuff can get stuck there. Luckily, a narrow brush or bottle cleaner solves that in seconds.

Read our full NutriBullet Pro 900W Personal Blender in-depth review

Nearest Competitors

A few quick notes on other blenders we tested:

• Ninja BN701: Though it boasts 1400 watts and a stacked blade setup, the Ninja BN701 didn’t live up to its spec sheet. It’s great for crushing ice and soft fruits, but we found it frustrating with thicker mixes or leafy greens. Better options exist if you're after consistency and hands-free ease.
• Vitamix 5-speed:  While the Vitamix 5-speed delivered remarkable blending capabilities in our test, we decided against designating it as our top pick due to its premium price, which may not be accessible to everyone. Plus, the lack of a whisk attachment made it somewhat less versatile when compared to the Braun MultiQuick-5.
• Ninja QB3001SS Fit: The Ninja Fit and NutriBullet Pro offer similar performance efficiency, but the Ninja QB3001SS Fit is less convenient to use as it lacks hands-free operation feature. To operate it, you must hold the cup in place throughout the blending process, and at times, you might need to shake or stir the contents to ensure even blending.

Our Expertise 

Since 2018, Tina and her team at Shouldit have been on a mission to help you find top-performing blenders. What started with a curiosity about how these machines work grew into a passion for testing them in real kitchens. 

Along with Chef Tuyet Pham, Consultant Luna Regina, and Test Lead Lap Vo, Tina has tested over 40+ blenders, ranging from big-name brands to portable models. Their hands-on approach evaluates everything—how well a blender crushes frozen fruit, how smooth it blends, and how it performs over time.

The team's work is shared through their Shouldit Blender Series, where you can get a closer look at each test and the practical insights that follow.

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