NAVIGATE

Kris Carr

Blog Post

How to Choose the Best Blender

Hiya Wise Pal,

I’m so happy many of you loved my recent blog on the difference between juicing and blending. Lots of folks let me know they finally understood the benefits of both after reading the post, and had new ideas for when, where and how to fit juices and smoothies into their lives. Yay! That’s absolutely fantastic.

That blog also sparked some great questions, too—all that info on juicing and blending created a desire for more info. And hey, I’m happy to deliver (especially when it’s one of my favorite topics!). One particularly popular question was about how to choose a blender and juicer.

Today, I’ll walk you through the blender world, and explain how to choose the best machine for you.

The Fancy Pants Blenders

Blenders have come a long way from their piña colada beginnings. One great thing about all blenders is that they are easy to clean and there aren’t as many parts or components to maintain as compared to juicers. In general, blenders range from expensive high-speed machines to moderately priced units that will more than likely get the job done. But the best ones are worth the added cost. Trust me. Save your pennies and make it a priority to get one when you can. A top-shelf blender lasts a lifetime.

These days I’m cruisin’ with the Rolls Royce of blenders: the mighty Vitamix. This big dog can blend up just about anything, including raw soups, sauces, ice cream, nut butters and the occasional margarita. Heck, it could grind a cowboy boot, though I don’t recommend it.

The Vitamix is super easy to use. It has one switch and one dial that both allow for variable speeds. Plus, it comes with a handy plastic tamper that helps loosen ingredients that get stuck in corners. The sole drawback is the cost. These machines range from around $350 to over $600, depending on the model. Rest assured that you are investing in a quality appliance that will stick with you through years of blending adventures. If you run into some snags along the way, Vitamix provides a 7-year warranty on new models and a 5-year warranty on reconditioned ones. (Yup, you can score a gently used machine.)

The Blendtec is another quality Bad Mama Jama. Blendtec prices are comparable to those of the Vitamix and they, too, offer reconditioned models, so it really boils down to personal preference. In our house, my hubby is the Blendtec guy, while I’m the Vitamix gal. Blendtec is slightly shorter and lighter than the Vitamix (easier to store in cabinets) and it comes with pre-programmed settings that basically do the thinking for you. But because it’s lighter it can skitter across the counter a bit. Some folks suggest that smoothies made with a Blendtec are frothier than the creamy versions created by a Vitamix. I haven’t really noticed this, but you might. Blendtec seems to handle a full pitcher of thick liquids better than the Vitamix. One Blendtec bummer is that it doesn’t handle dates very well; the little suckers end up in chunks at the bottom of the pitcher. Get in my belly, you darling date!

Another high-speed blender to choose from, that’s certainly more affordable, is the Oster Versa. I sampled one recently and was really impressed with its performance. Though it was lighter weight and didn’t seem as rugged, it still worked like a champ. At just under $300, it’s a bargain for a high-speed machine.

 

The Still-Darn-Good Blenders

If these premium blenders are out of your price range, you can still make tasty smoothies with one of the many moderately priced machines out there. These babies aren’t as powerful, but as I mentioned earlier, they can get the job done—especially if you’re mainly using them for smoothies. Breville, CuisinartWaring and KitchenAid all make solid machines with prices ranging from $100 to $400.

The Mini Blenders

Last but not least, there are the personal blenders, of which The Magic Bullet and NutriBullet are currently the most popular. Personal blenders are small (typically for making 1 to 2 servings at a time), affordable and easy to use. These units are great for people who are challenged for counter space or who want to make smoothies on the road. They’re a snap to clean and usually come with multiple pitcher sizes and blades. The Bullets have diehard fans, and if you enjoy binge-watching infomercials as much as I do, you’ve probably seen these superstars on the tube. Check them out!

Another option is the Vitamix S30. This little cutie is a dynamo of power. It comes with two small containers and a mini tamper (to make life easier and smoothies blend faster). I love using it to whip up smaller smoothie batches or to make sauces and dressings. It’s easier than hauling out the big boys. Don’t expect to pack it in your suitcase, though. It may be small, but it’s still pretty heavy.

How to Choose the Best Blender for You

Before buying any blender, do your homework: research, read consumer reviews and comparison-shop for the best deal. With a little effort, you’ll find a righteous beast that serves you well.

Before you select a blender, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What’s my budget?
  • How powerful does my blender need to be?
  • How much space do I have?
  • How many people am I blending for?

If you’re into baubles and bonuses, many of these blenders come with accessories. Me, I’m simple. I look for a workhorse motor, good blades and a warranty. As you rely on your blender for a variety of culinary creations, don’t be surprised if stuff breaks or wears out over time. For your basic needs, a lower price-point blender can certainly do the trick. But as I mentioned above, when finances allow, you’ll definitely want to upgrade. Another benefit of high-speed blenders is that they’re better at pulverizing produce and extracting more nutrients from the fiber/pulp. They’re also good at blending trickier ingredients like nuts and the aforementioned dates. FYI—soaking your nuts (I always laugh when I type that) and dates definitely makes them easier to blend.

Okay, smoothie sweetheart, you now have all the info you need to make a wise blender purchase. Go forth and blend, blend, blend! And if you need some recipe inspiration, I have so got you covered—I created 100+ simple and delicious juice, smoothie and nut milk recipes for my book, Crazy Sexy Juice. With nearly 60 blender-friendly concoctions, it’s the perfect companion to your new (or well-loved) blender. From hormone helpers to brain boosters to recipes to clear up your skin, fight a cold, soothe tummy troubles and cleanse your system, Crazy Sexy Juice has a super-drink for virtually everything.

Now I’d love to hear from you: What’s your favorite blender and why?

Peace & blissful blending,

Add a comment
  1. Jessica says:

    I agree that you really can’t compare with a Vitamix or a Blendtec. I’ve had a Vitamix 5200 for 5 years now and never had any problems. Yes, they are more expensive than other blender brands, but the price is totally worth it!

  2. Alice says:

    Awesome and very informative Post! I am planning to change 3 years old blender and was looking for more information on the latest blenders. Your post helped me a lot for choosing the right one! Thank you, Kris!

  3. dennishahn says:

    Hi Kris, Thank you so much for all your wonderful inspiration and ideas. I say i must try how to choose the best blender is right for me. Your post helped me and also other peoples a lot for choosing the right one! Keep sharing.

  4. Josh says:

    Hey Kris,

    Great article. I have heard many times that KitchenAid is one of the most popular and trusted brands in US so I have recently bought an affordable Blender, before that, I was using Juicer and Mixer. After using it for a week I tend to like it more than other kitchen appliances. Thanks for the suggestion.

  5. Emily says:

    Which Blender Best For Making Smoothies?

    • Jennifer says:

      Hey Emily, this is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy and you’re on the right post! Kris loves the Vitamix best. But, as you’ll see above, there are loads of other options. You’ll just need to find one that works best for your price point and kitchen space. 🙂

  6. BlendersLab says:

    Awesome Post! Recently I am considering replacing my 10 years old blender and was looking for such a post. Your post helped me a lot for choosing the right one! Thank you, Kris!

  7. Chris says:

    Hi Kriss
    I had a great meeting you..i years ago in Manhattan when your books came out. Gabby bernstein was there too. I got a vitamix but wondering what juicers you highly recommend. I have the juiceman.. pretty old now… looking for one that’s gonna keep the enzymes alive..thank you lovely lady

  8. Smoothie says:

    The Vitamix blender works out very well for me. I like the way you can just throw anything inside the jar and you always get quality smoothie or juice. I don’t have to have own ice crusher as my Vitamix does that very well. Thank you for this great information.

  9. I agree Kris! Blentec is amongst the most quality blenders out there. It gurantees you quality operation during the generation of your lovely smoothie. Fantastic piece of writing on the fancy blenders. Hope you can also give more insight on how it prepares various recipes.

  10. Rabbi says:

    Hi Kris,
    Thanks a lot for all your lovely inspiration and ideas that you share.
    I think I should give a try. 🙂

  11. Thelma says:

    thanks for this resourceful post. I have got some infos to add to my arsenal.I am grateful

  12. Hannelore says:

    Karmin makes the best blender in my opinion 🙂

  13. Katherine says:

    My Favorite is the blender by Karmin 🙂

  14. Catherine says:

    Hello! I am a big fan and have used a Blendtech for years. I now want to try to the vitamix, but I have no idea which one to get? Does anyone have recommendations? I find the options on the website overwhelming. It’s a big purchase, so I want to make the right choice. Thank you ahead of time for your help!

  15. Elisabeth says:

    Another reason to love my Vitamix ist this adorable informercial from almost 70 years ago (!) by Papa Barnard, the guy who invented the Vitamix! I swear watching this it feels like we are re-inventing the wheel with our juices and smoothies and aside from some toe-curling misogynistic comments he had his nutritional and health facts straight!

    Original 1949 Vitamix Infomercial:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ0uz6YdTcM

  16. Jane Savoie says:

    Does the higher speed of some blenders heat up ingredients and, therefore, some nutrients are lost? Sort of like raw as opposed to cooked food?

  17. StephAnie says:

    Hey Kris,

    thanks for the wonderful blog post. I’m going to invest in a new blender and your blog helped me so much.
    Do you know (or anyone else on this fantastic site) if the Vitamix S30 can handle nuts and dates?

    Thank you for all your lovely inspiration and wisdom you share with us.

    Stephanie

  18. michele says:

    My Crazy Sexy Juice book last week and it is so inspirational. I have selected 5 recipes to try out this week, stocked up my fridge with yummy healthy ingredients and bought some products new to me like Macha Green Tea Powder. I’m already planning next week’s selection! But my blender (old style) was beginning to struggle with my occassional smoothie mixes before. So this advice is perfect timing for me. Thanks for the advice and the great juice and smoothie recipes

  19. Jenn says:

    Hi Kriss,

    Loved this post as I may be looking for a new blender in the near future and was on the fence with which to purchase. There seems to be so many options out there so I found this to be both helpful and informative. Thanks!

    xo
    Jenn

  20. PRISCILLA JACKO says:

    YOU WILL NEVER REGRET MONEY SPENT ON VITAMIX! I CANT IMAGINE MY LIFE WITHOUT IT NOW AFTER 5 YEARS OF DAILY USE.

  21. Amy says:

    Silly me … I somehow thought my NutriBullet was a juicer. Uh oh! So I’ve been making the JUICE recipes with it. Is this an issue? Or should I just make the smoothie ones? Does it matter nutritionally?

  22. Johanna says:

    Perfect timing! I love my green smoothies and my (expensive) high speed blender. But I’m going to be living in the States for 3 months soon and was wondering whether it was worth investing in a blender while there. It looks like a mini-blender will do the trick and be affordable, even if I give it away at the end of my stay.

  23. Carlos says:

    Hi Kris

    Your information is very good, but you forgot to mention the best blender of the world Optimum, it’s amazing and have a very good price. the website is http://www.frothie.com

  24. Terri says:

    We just got a Ninja and it is excellent. It’s got the big, square Blendtec shape, PLUS a big bowl option for food processing and mixing, PLUS personal cups for individual blending like the Magic Bullet. I l love it!

  25. I LOVE Crazy Sexy Juice! It arrived on Saturday and I’ve already read it cover to cover and have tried a few recipes. I’ve been juicing for a while, and I love my usual fennel/ginger/celery/cucumber/romaine/lemon blend, but its fun to mix it up with new recipes. You are so appreciated! Thanks!

  26. De says:

    ::: hanging head in shame ::: I prefer my Bullett over my Breville. It takes up way less room in the back of the cabinet.

    Aside from the obvious upper body benefit of moving all that junk to set the machines free, how can I motivate myself to begin again?

  27. Susan Johnson says:

    i’ve always sorta wanted a vitamix.., but what I have is a wave action something or other, probably Hamilton, but the name has worn off. I got it at the thrift store at our landfill for probably $5. I keep my flax seeds in the freezer and grind them to add to the mix in a DeLonghi coffee bean grinder that may have been $2.50 at a tag sale. I’ve had a few brands of these coffee bean grinders, and get them at tag sales, often to give to friends for flax seed grinding. I pay no more than $5. for them. The delonghi is definitely the best I have picked up. My blender seems to blend just fine. I throw in frozen bananas, almond butter, handfuls of kale or frozen broccoli stems, frozen berries and let it blend awhile. it gets smooth. I’ve thrown in dates, but I will cut them in quarters, and there may be bits not completely ground, but I like that sweet nibble. same w/ cocoa nibs. if I want, I can put the nibs first in the coffee grinder to get them to powder. I have an ancient champion juicer I got used from a local ad. I think it was $50. max, and works fine. I think they bought it in 1990’s or even 80’s! I also have another used juicer, I think it’s an Omni.., got it for $20 at a tag sale. it seems easier to use than the champion, or I’m more used to it maybe. but a smidge harder to clean up. I sometimes loan out the Omni to peeps who are thinking of juicing, but haven’t made a commitment yet. That’s my story and I’m sticking w/ it;-)

    • Susan Johnson says:

      oh, and love you Kris! My fave loved book of yours is Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips, and I also have Crazy Sexy Diet book, and I may have a smoothie or juicing one, but I mostly just throw in stuff and don’t use recipes for the juicing or smoothies.

  28. Jodi says:

    Hi Kris,

    I LOVE my Vitamix. BEST money ever spent, no doubt! I’m ordering your book tonight — so excited.

    PLEASE tell me where you got that adorable owl apron? I NEED that in my life!!! 🙂

    XO!
    ~ Jodi

  29. Ann says:

    Your book arrived the same day that hubby brought home our new NutriBullet Pro – perfect timing! And we love both! I made some butternut squash soup over the weekend – and even though I had to blend the soup in batches, the Bullet handled the job just fine. (Much better performer than our old Ninja blender.)

  30. Danielle says:

    I would love to know if anyone has any experiences with the Ninja Auto IQ 1500 blender? TIA

    • Vikki says:

      Yes! I’ve used a Magic Bullet for the last 5 or so years for my daily protein shake. Worked ok, but I’ve recently purchased the Ninja Auto IQ (not sure of the number) and will never look back. I love it!! It makes my smoothly in 1/4 the time which is great for the morning. I tried to ‘juice’ beets and carrots early on but i need to work on that one. I didn’t strain it but I think the booklet said to. I’d love one of the bigger juicers but this is good for now. Very reasonable price at Costco.

      Kris I love your blog. Thanks for all your inspiration !

  31. TRICIA says:

    Hi Kris,
    I have 6 kids (4yo-19yo) all still at home; limited limited limited budget! We all use the blender. BUT I want a juicer….. Really can’t afford both at least not right now. Is the Blendtec or Vitamix good for both, Juicing and blending?
    Thank you,
    Tricia

  32. Angela says:

    I can’t wait for mine Kris! This is just what I need. A smoothie your way will keep the doctor away! Thank you for making this. You’re outstanding!
    *HUGS*
    Angela

  33. Leisa Fink says:

    I preordered the book….. When/how do I receive them? Thanks!

  34. Maria Watkins says:

    We have the NutriBullet 900 and love it! I would go for the extra power of the 900 over the standard model. It is oh so convenient to pop in the ingredients blend for 30 seconds throw the flip top lid on and go! Easy clean up and I love that it blends everything… including most seeds (raspberry seeds still stay in tact)!

    Thanks for sharing all your wisdom Kris!

  35. Julie says:

    Hi Kris….I got my first VitaMix in 1996, and it is still working, unbelievable! It was still a lot of money back then, but definitely was worth it. I got it because of the ease of cleaning, which was a priority for me. I use it every morning to make a smoothie. Great to know you can get them refurbished and trade your old ones in. I guess I should think about that!

  36. Angie Wilson says:

    After years of putting off spending the big bucks on the Vitamix, I finally caved and bought one! I will never look back. I was so tired of blending only to find chunks of fruit, ice, and other goodies! The Vitamix will truly pulverize anything you put in it and it never, ever complains about it! It’s very happy to just keep grinding away. I was skeptical that it would actually heat soup though so I had to try. Sure enough, by following the directions in the handy cookbook that came with it, I blended and heated some very tasty soup right there in the blender jar. Do I have any complaints to make about my Vitamix? In a word, NO. I love the darn thing! Thank you Kris! I just got your new book, “Crazy Sexy Juice” and I’m loving that too.

  37. Todd Woerner says:

    Love my vitamix! Owned for 3 years now and use it everyday. I only wish i had the newer shorter canister for my nut butters and hummus. The original makes it a little tougher to reach into to retrieve. Guess I’ll have to spend the $100+ for that canister eventually. …

  38. Barb Lynn says:

    Iwould lovea link to the book lauch talk, I was only able to watch the first hour, but It was great and I would love to see it all…..

    • Kris Carr says:

      Hi Barb Lynn! Just click the link in the original email I sent ya with the access info—the recording is in the same place where you watched the live lecture. 🙂

  39. LeAnn says:

    The Bullet works great for our family. We line up the cups, and fill each one with just the right ingredients for that person, that day. Then we just go down the line mixing them up (they are super fast, even with frozen fruit or whole flax seeds which need to be ground) and we are out the door with a healthy start to our day.

  40. Char says:

    I’ve had a Blendtec for four years, I throw everything in and it comes out smooth, I’ve never had an issues with dates, maybe try the new mixing jars. I’m in love with mine

  41. Kathy Gilde says:

    Thank you for this great information! I am in the process of looking for a good blender right now!

  42. Andrea says:

    I recently got a Vitamix from Costco, and it was WELL worth it! It even has a smoothie program setting, which is great. The price originally deterred me, so I¨ve had a Breville for the past few years, but the Vitamix is so much better – honestly, I wish I’d just gotten it to start!
    BTW – sipping on your Calming Greens smoothie as I type – yum!

  43. Donna says:

    Love, love, love my Blendtec. Ultimately it came down to size, I’m sure the Vitamix would have been amazing too. Although the price originally gave me pause, it was worth every penny! I’m even making my own Almond milk with it, which is sooo much better than anything at the store.
    I also have an Omega masticating juicer (nothing better than a green juice to start the day). I wouldn’t trade either of these, they are my most-used appliances.
    Thanks for all you do Kris!

  44. karen says:

    Kris,
    I found the link to order my bonus gifts. I can’t wait to start juicing some of your recipes.
    Thank you for all you do.
    Karen 🙂

  45. karen says:

    Hi Kris,
    I ordered your book crazy sexy juice on amazon. I did not get the other gifts(bonus bundle) Was that only available thru your website?
    Thank you.
    Karen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

KrisCarr.com