Here’s an overview of the Best Blenders For that we’ll explore today:
Blenders designed for frozen drinks are a staple in households that crave smooth, restaurant-style beverages at home. The category hinges on a balance between power, blade design, capacity, and ease of cleaning, all while offering reliable performance for dense ice and frozen fruit. For this review, I tested five popular models spanning a budget option from Hamilton Beach and several Ninja high-wower blends. My methodology combined objective measures (motor wattage, pitcher capacity, blade configuration, and dishwasher compatibility) with practical tests (crushing ice, blending frozen fruit, and batch-prepping for family servings). I evaluated ease of use, noise, cleaning convenience, and overall value across everyday scenarios like single servings, large-family batches, and on-the-go smoothie prep.
1. Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: Ninja
Overview: The BN701 is a 1400-peak-watt model featuring Ninja’s Total Crushing Blades and Auto-iQ, delivering three preset programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream. It comes with a large 72-ounce pitcher and a BPA-free, dishwasher-safe assembly. The design emphasizes powerful ice crushing and batch-making with a modern aesthetic that sits comfortably on most countertops.
Performance-wise, the BN701 excels at dense ice and frozen fruit, producing consistently smooth results in large batches thanks to its 72-ounce pitcher. The Auto-iQ presets simplify use for quick drinks or family-serving sessions, while the 8.1-pound footprint provides enough stability during high-speed blending. In daily use, you’ll appreciate the top-rack dishwasher-safe pitcher and stacked blade assembly, though the lid and pitcher can be a bit stubborn to reassemble after heavy use. Its 4-speed control plus Auto-iQ patterns balance versatility with convenience, making it a robust option for frozen drinks and ice cream preparation.
Pros
- High 1400-peak-watt power for reliable ice crushing
- Auto-iQ presets simplify operation
- Large 72-oz pitcher supports big batches
- Dishwasher-safe, BPA-free pitcher and blade assembly
- Includes 15-recipe Inspiration Guide
Cons
- Heavier to move due to size
- Lid and blade assembly can be tricky to reassemble after cleaning
- Not ideal for single-serve use without transferring
2. Ninja Professional Blender 1000W
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: Ninja
Overview: The BL610 is Ninja’s Generation 2 model with a 1000-watt motor and Total Crushing Technology, designed to blend frozen drinks, smoothies, and juices in a 72-ounce pitcher. It emphasizes compact, reliable performance with a straightforward 4-speed control and a BPA-free pitcher.
Performance-wise, the BL610 handles ice and frozen fruit effectively, delivering consistent results for large batches. The 72-ounce capacity makes it family-friendly, though the 1000 watts are a step down from the BN701 and BN751. The cleanup is straightforward, with top-rack dishwasher-safe parts, and Ninja’s warranty coverage reduces risk for frequent users. It’s an economical choice that prioritizes function over feature-set expansion, which benefits buyers who want solid performance without Auto-iQ automation.
Pros
- Solid ice-crushing capability with Total Crushing Technology
- Affordable for the power and capacity
- Large 72-oz pitcher suitable for families
- Dishwasher-safe, BPA-free pitcher
- Reliable Ninja build and widely available
Cons
- Lacks Auto-iQ presets for hands-off operation
- Motor power lower than 1400W models
- No built-in single-serve option
3. Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: Ninja
Overview: The BL660 blends with an 1100-watt motor and includes a 72-ounce pitcher plus two 16-ounce to-go cups, offering a compact yet versatile package with built-in food processing capabilities for chopping and blending. It is a Generation 1 design but remains attractive for households needing on-the-go convenience.
Performance-wise, the BL660 provides strong ice crushing with Pro Extractor Blades and includes a single-serve function that enables direct-to-cup blending. The built-in food processing function adds value for sauces, dressings, and salsas, enhancing its versatility beyond frozen drinks. The main trade-off is that it’s bulkier than dedicated single-serve units but remains portable enough for kitchen storage. Overall, it suits families who want batch blending with occasional single-serve cups and a bit of meal prep capability.
Pros
- 1100-watt motor handles ice and frozen ingredients well
- Includes two to-go cups for on-the-go use
- Built-in food processing capability adds versatility
- Large 72-ounce pitcher for bulk blending
- Pro Extractor Blades for efficient blending
Cons
- Volume and footprint are larger than typical compact models
- No Auto-iQ; manual controls only
- Single-serve cups use the same blade assembly as main pitcher, which may complicate cleaning
4. Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender For Smoothies
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach
Overview: The Hamilton Beach Power Elite is a budget-friendly 700-watt blender with a 40-ounce glass jar and Wave-Action system designed to pull ingredients into the blades for smooth results. It offers 12 blending functions, including puree and ice crushing, with the durability benefits of a glass jar for those wary of scratches and staining.
Performance-wise, this model delivers solid everyday smoothies and lighter frozen drinks, especially given its price. The Wave-Action system helps produce consistent textures by continuously circulating ingredients toward the blades. The 40-ounce glass jar is a practical size for small households, while the 12 functions provide versatility for basic chopping, grinding, and blending tasks. However, it lacks the raw power of Ninja models and the top-tier batch capacity, so heavy ice or large batch frozen drinks may feel underpowered. Cleaning is straightforward, and the glass jar is dishwasher-safe, a plus for some users.
Pros
- Excellent value for price
- Wave Action system improves texture and consistency
- Glass jar is durable and dishwasher-safe
- 12 functions offer good versatility for the price
- Compact footprint suitable for small kitchens
Cons
- Only 700 watts, limited for very dense ice
- Smaller 40-ounce jar limits batch size
- Plastic lid and jar may feel less premium
5. Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: Ninja
Overview: The BN751 is Ninja’s premium 1400-watt model with Auto-iQ, a 72-ounce Total Crushing Pitcher, and two 24-ounce to-go cups. It adds a Nutrient Extraction function to its Auto-iQ lineup, aiming to blend smoothies and frozen drinks while extracting vitamins and nutrients.
Performance-wise, the BN751 excels at heavy ice crushing and creating smooth frozen beverages in large batches, with the added benefit of nutrient extraction for health-focused users. The Auto-iQ patterns simplify operation, making it easy to craft drinks at the press of a button. The included to-go cups enhance portability, and the dishwasher-safe components ease maintenance. For households that want a high-power, feature-rich blender with on-the-go convenience and nutrition-focused options, the BN751 is the top choice, though it sits at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Pros
- Powerful 1400-watt motor for exceptional ice crushing
- Auto-iQ presets plus Nutrient Extraction program
- Large 72-ounce pitcher with dishwasher-safe components
- Includes two 24-ounce to-go cups for portability
- Extended recipe inspiration guide and comprehensive accessories
Cons
- Premium price point
- Bulkier footprint may not fit all kitchens
- Some users may not need the Nutrient Extraction feature
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about blenders fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.