Best Blenders According to Consumer Reports
Best Blenders According to Consumer Reports in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
What's in This Article
- Top Blender Picks from Consumer Reports
- Quick Answers: Best Blenders at a Glance
- Understanding Blender Types
- Key Features to Look for in a Quality Blender
- Top Full-Sized Blenders
- Best Personal Blenders
- Best Budget-Friendly Options
- Best Premium Blenders
- Blender and Food Processor Combos
- Blender Care and Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answers: Best Blenders at a Glance
| Category | Best Pick | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Vitamix A3500 | Unmatched performance, durability, and versatility |
| Best Value | NutriBullet Blender Combo | Three jars, powerful motor, excellent performance at a reasonable price |
| Best Budget | Ninja Professional Plus | Great performance without breaking the bank |
| Best Personal | NutriBullet Pro 900 | Perfect blend of power and portability |
| Best for Smoothies | Vitamix 5200 | Creates the silkiest, creamiest smoothies with no bits |
| Best Multi-Purpose | Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System | Versatility for all kitchen tasks |
| Best Bargain Pick | Bargain Boxed Certified Pre-Owned Vitamix | Get premium performance at a fraction of retail price |
Understanding Blender Types
Before diving into specific recommendations, it's important to understand the different types of blenders available. Each serves a specific purpose and offers unique advantages.
Full-Sized Blenders
These are the standard countertop workhorses that typically come with a 48-64 oz container. They're versatile enough to handle everything from smoothies to soups to crushing ice. Full-sized blenders are ideal for families or anyone who blends in larger quantities.
Personal Blenders
Compact and powerful, personal blenders are designed for individual servings. Many models feature cups that double as travel containers, making them perfect for on-the-go smoothies. These are ideal for smaller kitchens or single users.
Immersion Blenders
Also known as stick or hand blenders, these handheld devices can be immersed directly into a pot or container. They're perfect for pureeing soups, making quick sauces, or blending small batches.
Blender-Food Processor Combos
These multi-tasking appliances can save counter space by combining two essential kitchen tools in one. They typically feature interchangeable blades and containers for different functions.
Key Features to Look for in a Quality Blender
When shopping for a blender, several factors determine overall performance and value:
Power
Wattage isn't everything, but it's important. Look for at least 500 watts for personal blenders and 750+ watts for full-sized models. Premium blenders often boast 1000-1500 watts or more.
Blade Quality
The best blenders feature durable, sharp stainless steel blades. Premium models like Vitamix use aircraft-grade stainless steel that stays sharp for years.
Container Material
BPA-free plastic is standard for most blenders and offers lightweight durability. Glass containers are less common but resist odors and staining better than plastic.
Speed Settings
Multiple speeds provide better control for different blending tasks. Look for at least 3 speeds, with premium models offering 10 or more variable speeds.
Preset Programs
Convenient preset programs take the guesswork out of blending with optimized settings for common tasks like smoothies, soups, or frozen desserts.
Warranty
A good warranty reflects manufacturer confidence. Budget blenders typically offer 1-3 year warranties, while premium models like Vitamix provide 5-10 years of coverage.
Top Full-Sized Blenders
Vitamix A3500 - Best Overall Blender
The Vitamix A3500 stands at the top of Consumer Reports' rankings for good reason. It represents the pinnacle of blending technology with unmatched performance across all testing categories.
Why we love it:
- Five preset programs for smoothies, hot soups, dips, frozen desserts, and self-cleaning
- Powerful 2.2 HP motor handles any blending task with ease
- Touch interface with programmable timer
- Smart technology that detects container size and adjusts settings automatically
- Built to last with a 10-year warranty
The A3500 excels at crushing ice, creating silky smoothies, and even heating soups through blade friction. While it's one of the most expensive options, its performance and durability make it worth the investment for serious home cooks.
Vitamix 5200 - Best Traditional Design
The Vitamix 5200 has been a consistent favorite in Consumer Reports testing for years. Its simple, effective design focuses on performance without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Why we love it:
- Aircraft-grade stainless steel blades
- Variable speed control for precise blending
- 64-ounce container perfect for family-sized batches
- Powerful enough to blend the toughest ingredients
- Self-cleaning feature (just blend warm water and soap)
The 5200's tall, narrow container creates a powerful vortex that pulls ingredients down into the blades for consistent blending. It's particularly excellent for smoothies, leaving no traces of fibrous ingredients like kale or berry seeds.
Breville Super Q - Best Premium Alternative
For those who want a premium blender but prefer something other than Vitamix, the Breville Super Q offers comparable performance with some unique features.
Why we love it:
- Quieter operation than many competitors
- Sleek design with digital display
- Five preset programs plus manual speed control
- Includes personal blending cup attachment
- Powerful 1800-watt motor
The Super Q creates perfectly smooth results for everything from green smoothies to nut butters. Its noise suppression technology makes it noticeably quieter than other high-powered blenders, though it's still not whisper-quiet.
Ninja Professional Plus - Best Budget Full-Sized Blender
For excellent performance at a more accessible price point, the Ninja Professional Plus delivers impressive results in Consumer Reports' testing.
Why we love it:
- Powerful crushing capability
- Auto-iQ preset programs
- 72-ounce pitcher capacity
- Easy to clean
- Excellent value for money
While it doesn't match the absolute smoothness of Vitamix or Breville models, the Ninja Professional Plus creates perfectly satisfactory smoothies and frozen drinks at a fraction of the price.
Best Personal Blenders
NutriBullet Pro 900 - Best Overall Personal Blender
The NutriBullet Pro 900 tops Consumer Reports' ratings for personal blenders with its ideal balance of power, convenience, and price.
Why we love it:
- 900-watt motor powers through tough ingredients
- Simple, intuitive operation
- Compact footprint saves counter space
- BPA-free cups with convenient to-go lids
- Available in multiple colors to match any kitchen
For daily smoothie makers, the NutriBullet Pro 900 offers near-perfect results. It efficiently blends frozen fruits, leafy greens, and seeds into smooth, drinkable consistency.
Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro with Auto-iQ - Best Features in a Personal Blender
This compact Ninja model offers impressive performance with smart programming.
Why we love it:
- Auto-iQ technology optimizes blending patterns
- 1000-watt motor for powerful blending
- Multiple cup sizes included
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Pulse feature for more control
The Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro delivers consistent results with minimal effort thanks to its intelligent preset programs. It's particularly good at handling frozen ingredients.
Bargain Boxed Personal Blender - Best Hidden Gem
At Bargain Boxed, we're proud to offer this little-known personal blender that performs like models twice its price.
Why we love it:
- Surprisingly powerful motor
- Simple one-touch operation
- Sleek, compact design
- Durable stainless steel blades
- Unbeatable value
Our customers consistently rate this blender among their favorite purchases, noting its reliability and excellent performance with daily smoothies and protein shakes.
Best Budget-Friendly Options
Ninja Professional BL610 - Best Value Full-Sized Blender
For those seeking full-sized capacity without a premium price tag, the Ninja Professional BL610 is Consumer Reports' top value pick.
Why we love it:
- 1000-watt motor
- 72-ounce capacity
- Total crushing technology for ice and frozen fruits
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Affordable price point
While lacking the preset programs of more expensive models, this Ninja delivers impressive performance for everyday blending tasks from smoothies to sauces.
NutriBullet Original - Best Entry-Level Personal Blender
The classic NutriBullet that started the personal blending revolution remains a solid, affordable choice.
Why we love it:
- Compact design
- Easy to use and clean
- Powerful enough for most daily blending needs
- Durable construction
- Great starter blender
While not as powerful as newer models, the Original NutriBullet still creates satisfying smoothies and shakes at an accessible price point.
Bargain Boxed Certified Pre-Owned Models - Best Budget Premium Option
One of our specialties at Bargain Boxed is offering certified pre-owned premium blenders at a fraction of their original cost.
Why we love them:
- Premium brands like Vitamix and Breville at significant discounts
- Thoroughly inspected and guaranteed to function perfectly
- Same performance as new models
- Environmentally friendly choice
- Incredible value for premium quality
Our certified pre-owned blenders undergo rigorous testing to ensure they perform like new. This is by far the best way to experience premium blending without the premium price tag.
Best Premium Blenders
Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series - Ultimate Luxury Blender
For those who want the absolute best and are willing to invest in it, the Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series represents the pinnacle of blending technology.
Why we love it:
- Top-rated performance in Consumer Reports testing
- Smart technology with wireless connectivity
- Five pre-programmed settings
- Self-detect technology recognizes container size
- Built to last with industry-leading warranty
Vitamix blenders consistently dominate Consumer Reports ratings, with the A3500 Ascent Series earning excellent scores across all testing categories. Its performance and durability justify the premium price for serious cooking enthusiasts.
Breville the Super Q - Premium Performance with Style
Offering performance comparable to Vitamix with a more modern aesthetic, the Breville Super Q appeals to design-conscious home chefs.
Why we love it:
- Powerful yet relatively quiet operation
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Intelligent preset programs
- Includes both full-sized and personal blending containers
- Outstanding warranty and support
The Super Q excels in all blending tasks, from perfectly smooth green smoothies to hot soups and frozen desserts. Its noise suppression technology is a nice bonus for early-morning smoothie enthusiasts.
Vitamix Pro 750 - Professional Grade Excellence
A favorite in professional kitchens that's equally at home in demanding households, the Pro 750 offers uncompromising performance.
Why we love it:
- Professional-grade construction
- Five preset programs
- Low-profile container fits under most cabinets
- Self-cleaning capability
- Exceptional long-term reliability
Consumer Reports consistently ranks Vitamix models like the Pro 750 at the top for performance and durability, with many units outlasting their already generous warranties.
Blender and Food Processor Combos
Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System - Best All-in-One Kitchen System
For those seeking maximum versatility in a single appliance, this Ninja system combines blending and food processing capabilities impressively.
Why we love it:
- Functions as both blender and food processor
- Powerful motor handles all tasks efficiently
- Includes multiple containers and blade sets
- Excellent value compared to buying separate appliances
- Consistent performance across functions
The Ninja Foodi system performed well in Consumer Reports testing for both blending and food processing tasks, making it a smart choice for kitchens with limited counter space.
NutriBullet Blender Combo - Best Value Combination System
This affordable system offers full-sized blending capability plus personal cups for maximum flexibility.
Why we love it:
- Includes 64-oz pitcher plus two personal cups
- Powerful 1200-watt motor
- Extract program optimizes nutrient extraction
- Easy to switch between containers
- Excellent value for money
Consumer Reports testers found this system blended smoothies perfectly in all three containers with no unprocessed bits, making it a versatile option for various household needs.
Blender Care and Maintenance
To maximize the lifespan of your blender, follow these simple care tips:
- Clean immediately after use - Don't let food residue dry inside the container
- Use the self-cleaning feature if available (blend warm water with a drop of dish soap)
- Avoid placing the base in water - wipe clean with a damp cloth instead
- Hand wash blades when possible to maintain sharpness
- Store properly with good ventilation and avoid extreme temperatures
For blenders without a dedicated cleaning cycle, fill halfway with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, and run on low speed for 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a blender and a food processor?
Blenders excel at liquids and creating smooth textures (smoothies, soups, sauces), while food processors are better for chopping, slicing, grating, and mixing thicker ingredients. Blenders typically have a conical container that creates a vortex to pull ingredients toward the blade, while food processors have wider, flatter containers with interchangeable blades for different functions.
How long should a good blender last?
Budget blenders typically last 3-5 years with regular use, while premium models like Vitamix can last 10-15 years or more. Vitamix blenders often outlive their warranties, which is why they consistently earn top reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.
Are more expensive blenders really worth it?
For occasional users who make simple smoothies or shakes, a budget blender may be perfectly adequate. However, if you use your blender frequently, process tough ingredients, or need consistently smooth results, investing in a premium blender can be worthwhile. Higher-end models offer better performance, greater durability, longer warranties, and more versatility.
Can I put hot liquids in my blender?
This depends on your specific model. Full-sized blenders from brands like Vitamix and Breville are typically designed to handle hot liquids safely, especially those with vented lids. However, most personal blenders and bullet-style models are NOT safe for hot ingredients. Always check your user manual for specific guidelines.
What's the best blender for smoothies?
Based on Consumer Reports testing, the Vitamix A3500 and 5200 create the smoothest, most consistent smoothies. For a more budget-friendly option, the NutriBullet Blender Combo and Ninja Professional Plus also perform excellently in smoothie tests.
What's the best blender if I'm on a budget?
The Ninja Professional Plus offers the best performance at a moderate price point for full-sized blenders. For personal blenders, the NutriBullet Original or Pro 900 provide excellent value. And don't forget to check Bargain Boxed for certified pre-owned premium blenders at significantly reduced prices!
How many watts should a good blender have?
For personal blenders, look for at least 600-700 watts. For full-sized models, 1000+ watts will provide enough power for most tasks. Premium high-performance blenders typically offer 1400-1800 watts.
Are blender parts dishwasher safe?
This varies by brand and model. Many blenders have dishwasher-safe containers and lids, but some recommend hand washing blades. Always check your specific model's manual for cleaning instructions.
What blender do professional chefs use?
Vitamix is overwhelmingly the preferred brand in professional kitchens due to its power, reliability, and performance. The Vitamix 5200 and Pro 750 are particularly popular in restaurant settings.
What's the best way to store my blender?
If counter space allows, keep your blender assembled and ready to use โ you'll be more likely to use it regularly. For storage, keep the container separate from the base with good airflow to prevent odors, and store in a cool, dry location away from heat sources.
At Bargain Boxed, we're passionate about helping our customers find the perfect blender for their needs without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for a premium certified pre-owned model or a budget-friendly option, we've got you covered with guaranteed quality and exceptional value. Our blenders ship fast and arrive ready to transform your kitchen experience. Visit us online to explore our ever-changing inventory of kitchen essentials!