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Blenders have become a kitchen counter staple. Of course, a blender can crush a smoothie, but now some models can blend soups, purees, sauces and batters.
Finding the right one for you? That’s an exercise in understanding a few key factors: your budget, how you’ll use it (most frequently), the space you have to house the unit and if any fancy add-ons or multiple uses are of value to you.
My over 20-year-old blender just got checked into in motor-hospital (muffin batter gone wrong), so I took the opportunity to dig into the options for at-home blenders and came back with this ‘Best of’ list in hopes it helps you find the right blender for you (and in hopes you avoid the burnout-by-batter mistake I made).
Best overall: Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender Best budget-friendly: KitchenAid K150 Best splurge: Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Blender Best immersion blender: GE Immersion Blender Best for single-size smoothies: Beast Blender Best retro-inspired: Smeg Retro-Style Blender
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
Key specs:
Why buy: Like a good/predictable Millennial, I took to Instagram to do a fast poll; asking pals to recommend their best blender. The storied power of the Vitamix overtook the responses – garnering 85 per cent of the top responses, being touted as a “legacy investment piece” by one Vitamix-passionate respondent who’s had theirs for over 22 years. For good reason, too: known for its commercial-grade power and ability to blend ingredients down to silky texture while purring like a happy tiger, Vitamix blenders have won over the personal and professional markets alike.
An overall winner as a baseline and user-friendly model, the E310 Explorian makes 10 different blending styles accessible, meaning you can blend hot soups or frozen treats, grind spices and nuts, mix batters and doughs and create smooth purees and smoothies.
Price: $450 Where to buy: Amazon | Vitamix | Best Buy Extras: includes motor base, container, lid, tamper, owner’s manual, introduction booklet Fine print: the base and the blending jug may need to be stored separately if you’re looking to house it in your cupboards or drawers
KitchenAid K150
Key specs:
Why buy: Making a mark with its ice-crushing capacity (less than 10 seconds), the KitchenAid K150 hits the mark on a blender on a budget. Known to make easy work of smoothies with fresh or frozen fruit, the angled blades go to work to pull ice or other ingredients into the center of the container for optimal blending.
On Amazon, the blender is available with personal-size smoothie containers in addition to the larger jug.
Price: $200 Where to buy: Amazon | Best Buy Extras: some models come with personal smoothie jars, and if not included you can purchase separately as an add-on accessory Fine print: if you’re looking for something for daily use or heavier recipes/batters, seek an option with more horsepower. Personal blender jars do not have covers and are not transportable.
Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Blender
Key specs:
Why buy: If the Wolf brand name doesn’t ring a bell, the red dial on the front of the unit may catch your eye. Gaining a loyal following for its luxury ranges, Wolf has continued to set itself apart by innovating appliances known for their power and precise control. They’ve stayed true to that commitment with the High-Performance Blender – offering settings, display functions and multiple speeds to help you find the perfect way to blend.
The unit’s been thoughtfully designed to fit under most standard-size cupboards, and coupled with its sturdy stainless steel body you’ve got a low-footprint powerhouse to be your right hand in the kitchen.
Price: $750 Where to buy: Amazon | The Bay | Best Buy Extras: comes with a tamper and emulsion cap
GE Immersion Blender
Key specs:
Why buy: Though this blender looks different from the others on this list, it’s still extremely powerful. It’s packed with a two-speed 500-watt motor that is ready to blend soups, sauces, shakes and more. The little chopping jar attachment is great for small batches of sauces or spreads like pesto or hummus. It has overwhelmingly positive reviews with a 4.6/5 star average rating on Amazon.
Price: $133 Where to buy: Amazon Extras: comes with a whisking attachment and a chopping jar
Beast Blender
Key specs:
Why buy: With loads of counter-appeal and the blending chops to back it up, the Beast Blender offers loads of smoothie-smashing power for its compact size. Beyond the good looks and great creative campaigns, the Beast has captured its fans with its three focal points: crazy good performance, superior quality and counter-worthy design.
In a true personal-blending power move, you can confidently take your blended goods to go with a leakproof Drinking Lid or Carry Cap. Take some nutritious meals on the move with you for your on-the-go lifestyle – and yes, look good doing it.
Price: $401 Where to buy: Amazon Extras: can add on other accessories and extras like smaller blending vessels, storage lids and carry caps. Also pairs with the Beast Hydration System Fine print: if you’re looking to blend up more than smoothies, a system with more power and versatility may be a better investment.
Smeg Retro-Style Blender
Key specs:
Why buy: For those looking to add a dose of retro flair to their kitchen this Smeg blender is the way to go. It comes in standard colours like black and white, but also fun shades like this baby blue, red or pink. Shiny chrome details add to the vintage appeal of this blender while three preset programs let you blend up smoothies, crush ice and pulse.
Price: $250 Where to buy: SSENSE Extras: includes 600 W motor base and Tritan BPA-Free Jug Fine print: add the Bottle-To-Go attachment (sold separately) for easy access to smoothies
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