Whether you’re a green smoothie (and blender!) newbie or you’re simply in the market for an upgrade – we’ve pro’d and con’d three of the most common (and our favourite) blending brands to get you the best blender for your smoothie needs.
Between our top three picks, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your household smoothie culture and budget. BUT! Don’t think you need a fancy-schmancy blender to take our smoothie challenge. Whatever blender you have will do just fine.
Make sure you read to the bottom for questions to ask yourself before saying ‘I do’ to your new smoothie hardware.
Voila! Our top blender picks…
1. Blendtec
Pros:
♥ Very powerful: the motor runs at an average of 3 horsepower!
♥ Big container: Ability to make multiple smoothie servings.
♥ Less prep & less time blending: No need to chop/ grate ingredients.
♥ Warranty: Up to 7 years
♥ Very stable: Can blend on high and walk away.
♥ Pre-program blending: There’s a program just for smoothies
Cons:
× Expensive: these blenders range from $279 – $1,500 (for the professional,restaurant variety)
× Bulky: They’re big for a reason and will take up some kitchen real estate.
× Noisy: Again, it’s a big, powerful machine – so expect some purring.
Note:
Save some dough: If you’re keen on the Blendtec but don’t have a budget to match – click here to shop for a Refurbished version.
Psst: tuja is an affiliate with Blendtec so if you use this link you’ll get free shipping and help support tuja. Win-win.
2. The Magic Bullet
Pros:
♥ Single serving: Small container ensures portion control.
♥ Less dishes: You can drink out of the blender cup.
♥ Quick & easy make n’ go capability: The blender container also works as a cup!
♥ Affordable: An entire magic bullet set can go for around $70.
Cons:
× Small container: Only makes one smoothie. A ‘con’ if you’re serving 2 or more people.
× Smoothie result less smooth: With a much less powerful motor, it won’t blend as smoothly as the Blendtec.
× More prep: Again, this is a less powerful machine so ingredients might need to be chopped and grated before blending.
× Unstable: Will vibrate off the counter unless you watch it!
3. The Nutribullet
Pros:
♥ Multiple servings: Same design as a Magic Bullet but a bigger container.
♥ Mid-range price: An entire Nutribullet set can go for just over $100.
Cons:
× Smoothie result less smooth: Won’t blend as smoothly as the Blendtec.
× More prep: This is a less powerful machine so ingredients might need to be chopped and grated before blending.
Other blending devices…
The Immersion Blender
Although it’s not our top choice, if all you’ve got is an immersion blender it can work well to blend your smoothies – especially heavier duty ones. (Just make sure to keep it immersed of course or you’ll be covered in green goo!)
The Food Processor
We don’t recommend using a food processor for smoothies. The structure of the bowl isn’t ideal for liquids (especially larger amounts) and can create a huge mess.
Ask yourself the following questions before hitting the ‘add to cart’ button:
What’s your budget?
If money is no object read no further – our highest recommendation is the Blendtec. But if you’re pinching a few pennies – think a bit further before remortgaging your house for the king of blenders.
How committed are you to this green smoothie thing? And further to that: are smoothies the only thing you’ll blend in your blender?
If you don’t have daily blender needs maybe you don’t want to spend too much!
How many people are you usually blending for? (Just you or a whole fam?)
If you’re feeding a family of four every morning – the Magic Bullet isn’t likely the blender for you.
How much time do you have for prep & clean-up?
The higher-end blenders (yup, the pricier ones) allow you to spend less time chopping (and grating and peeling…) and more time sippin’ on your smoothie.
We hope you’re now ready to start those engines (whatever their size) this September 1st! Don’t forget to sign up for our 30-day green smoothie challenge.
Do you have another blender that you’d like to recommend? Comment below and let us know how YOU think it stacks up against our list above.
Are YOU taking the September Green Smoothie Challenge? Sign up now to get goin’ on this healthy green habit.
