After 38 hours spent researching the best blenders, we think Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Self-Cleaning Blender is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: length, width, height, color, capacity, speed, blade spin, energy consumption, cord, container material, presets, pulse mode, dishwasher safe, weight, and warranty, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Durability | Ease of Use | Maintenance | Value for Money | length | width | height | color | capacity | speed | blade spin | energy consumption | cord | container material | presets | pulse mode | dishwasher safe | weight | warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Self-Cleaning Blender | Check Price | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 8.75 in | 7.25 in | 20.5 in | Black | 64 oz / 1.9 L | Variable speed | 37000 rpm | 1380 watts | 6 feet | Glass | No | No | Yes | 10.56 lbs | 7 years |
| Vitamix Professional Series 750 Programmable Blender | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 9.4 in | 7.7 in | 17.5 in | Black | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 10 speed | 37000 rpm | 1641 watts | 6 feet | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | 5 preset control | Yes | Yes | 13 lbs | 7 years |
 | Oster Versa Pro Series Powerful Blender | Check Price | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 12.1 in | 11.6 in | 16.8 in | Red | 64 oz / 1.9 L | Variable speed | 28000 rpm | 1400 watts | 1.3 feet | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | 3 preset control | Yes | Yes | 11.8 lbs | 3 years |
| Shark Ninja BL660 Professional Blender | Check Price | 4.4 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 12 in | 9.25 in | 16.38 in | Gray | 72 oz / 2.13 L | 3 speed | 25000 rpm | 1100 watts | 2.4 feet | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | No | Yes | Yes | 9.96 lbs | 1 year |
 | KitchenAid KSB1570ER BPA-Free 5-Speed Blender | Check Price | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 9 in | 8.5 in | 16.3 in | Red | 56 oz / 1.66 L | 5 speed | 15000 rpm | 550 watts | 2 feet | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | No | Yes | Yes | 10 lbs | 1 year |
Selection Of The Best Blenders
Here are the best blenders for most people according to Outlinist:
Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Self-Cleaning Blender
Want to make a change to the way you are eating? Hoping to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet?
With a blender, it is possible to make delicious and healthy smoothies, marinades, salad dressings and more.
A great blending machine is one of those kitchen devices that most families do not realize they need, until they own one.
When you blend a delicious fruit and vegetable smoothie for the first time, you will be amazed you were not doing this sooner.
Buying a quality blender such as this Vitamix makes life so much easier in the kitchen.
Information
With this professional-grade machine, the possibilities of making delicious frozen treats, soups, smoothies and nut butters becomes a reality.
The Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Self-Cleaning Blender is a commercial quality machine that is compact and affordable enough for home use. It has all the best features that one would expect from a blending machine in this category.
Thanks to the size and shape of the Super Package Vitamix 5200, blending large batches of food is no problem. The 64-ounce container is the ideal size for large batch blending.
Making hot soup for an entire party of friends? This model will handle it without any hiccups. And since the blades have such incredible power and produce so much friction, it is possible to “cook” soup within six minutes. All that is required is adding cold ingredients to the container and pulsing for six minutes!
| length | 8.75 in |
|---|---|
| width | 7.25 in |
| height | 20.5 in |
| color | Black |
| capacity | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | Variable speed |
| blade spin | 37000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1380 watts |
| cord | 6 feet |
| container material | Glass |
| presets | No |
| pulse mode | No |
| dishwasher safe | Yes |
| weight | 10.56 lbs |
| warranty | 7 years |
Tired of buying different blending machines for different purposes? The Vitamix 5200 is a multi-purpose model that can perform any related task flawlessly. It is ideal for making smoothies, nut butters, soups, sauces, frozen desserts, juices and more. It is also regarded as the best blender for ice, because of the way its powerful blades operate.
Customers have complained about other units becoming too hot to pulse certain ingredients. That is not an issue with this model, as its motor maintains an even torque and very cool temperature, which ensures the required power is always available when blending tough ingredients.
With this professional-grade machine, the possibilities of making delicious frozen treats, soups, smoothies and nut butters becomes a reality.
Pros
The blades on this model are so strong, and the highest speeds so fast, that it is possible to make hot soup from cold ingredients.
The Vitamix 5200 is rightfully seen as one of the top blenders currently on the market. It combines a sleek appearance with ample features and impressive durability. Here are six product pros we discovered during our research into this unit.
- Variable speed control for perfect blending: There are ten different speed settings on this Vitamix which are easily adjusted by using the dialer at the very front of the unit. Adjusting the blade speed is useful while crushing ice or blending tougher ingredients together.
- Hardened stainless-steel blades ensure flawless performance every time: By using aircraft-grade stainless steel blades, the 5200 provides a professional standard to a home kitchen. With such powerful and durable blades, pulsing the toughest ingredients is a piece of cake.
- Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to its self-cleaning feature: Add a couple drops of dish soap, some warm water, run the machine for between 30 to 60 seconds, and voila! A clean machine. When the self-cleaning is done, you can rinse the container in water for a few seconds to ensure all the remnants of dish soap and the blended mix are removed.
- Makes hot soup from cold ingredients: The blades on this model are so strong, and the highest speeds so fast, that it is possible to make hot soup from cold ingredients. And the whole process only takes six minutes. Making a few bowls of delicious, hearty tomato or cream of mushroom soup has never been easier.
- Grind items such as nuts and coffee beans: If you need to grind fresh coffee beans, create a delicious peanut butter or almond butter, or grind spices, this unit will do the job without any difficulty. Very few blenders have the power and durability to handle nuts and coffee beans.
- Comes with a generous warranty: With a full seven-year warranty, buyers will have peace of mind that any issues will be repaired by the manufacturer. And given Vitamix blenders are produced in the United States, the customer service and part replacement process is very efficient for American buyers.
Cons
The Vitamix professional-grade blender is earning rave reviews from most experts and customers. But no product is without a few issues. Our thorough research of the product and its customer reviews revealed three issues that you may want to know about before making a commitment.
- Unusually noisy: While most blenders are known for being noisy, users have stated the higher speed levels on this Vitamix model are unpleasantly loud. It is a detail worth noting for those who may be considering using this machine while others in the house are sleeping.
- Thick mixes are difficult to pry out from the bottom: Given the generously sized 64-ounce container, it’s no wonder that some users have found that removing thicker mixes from the bottom can be a challenge. Be aware that most standard spoons and spatulas don’t have the length needed. Longer utensils are not at all difficult to find.
- Some complaints about a burning smell: While it does not appear to be a widespread issue, a few users did state they encountered a burning smell when the machine was running for an extended period. The cause of this smell is unknown, but it could be due to a problem with the built-in fan.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| length | 8.75 in | 9.4 in | 12.1 in |
| width | 7.25 in | 7.7 in | 11.6 in |
| height | 20.5 in | 17.5 in | 16.8 in |
| color | Black | Black | Red |
| capacity | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | Variable speed | 10 speed | Variable speed |
| blade spin | 37000 rpm | 37000 rpm | 28000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1380 watts | 1641 watts | 1400 watts |
| cord | 6 feet | 6 feet | 1.3 feet |
| container material | Glass | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | No | 5 preset control | 3 preset control |
| pulse mode | No | Yes | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 10.56 lbs | 13 lbs | 11.8 lbs |
| warranty | 7 years | 7 years | 3 years |
Summary
If you are seeking the most reliable and best high speed blender, the Vitamix 5200 is one of the top choices on the market.
While the Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Self-Cleaning Blender does have a few flaws, it is seen by many as among the top 5 rated blenders – and for good reason. It is one of the best heavy duty blender machines available at an affordable rate.
It can handle the toughest combinations of food and pulse them in seconds. Whether you are making smoothies, hot soups, salad dressings, protein drinks or chilled desserts, this Vitamix will never let you down.
If you are seeking the most reliable and best high speed blender, the Vitamix 5200 is one of the top choices on the market. It is one of those “lifetime purchases” that will remain useful for years to come.
Vitamix Professional Series 750 Programmable Blender
Blenders take the hard work out of preparing homemade smoothies, soups, frozen desserts, purées and dressings. They will even make dough!
You know exactly what you’re getting calorie and nutrient wise and your blends are ready to go in seconds.
Food blenders can do so many things in the kitchen they have become almost an essential for even the unambitious chef among us.
The best machines don’t just make smoothies. You can mix almost anything from a milk-shake to a bread dough so no wonder they’re widely used.
Making sure you have the correct power and blades is the key to success.
Information
This machine is as good with coffee, grains, herbs and spices as it is with smoothies and soups.
The Vitamix Professional Series 750 Programmable Blender is almost a commercial blender. It has power and capacity which put it right at the top of the home blender category. The engine at 2.2 horsepower is powerful enough for most jobs including raw vegetables and ice. The 64 ounce capacity container equates to over 3 pints of liquid.
When wondering which Vitamix to buy, this one is for those who are serious in their use. The blades, one for wet ingredients and one for dry, are of “aircraft quality” which means they are exceptionally tough and will cope with things others will not.
This machine is as good with coffee, grains, herbs and spices as it is with smoothies and soups. Please note, though, that although this Vitamix does not cook, friction may cause vegetables to come out warmer than they went in.
| length | 9.4 in |
|---|---|
| width | 7.7 in |
| height | 17.5 in |
| color | Black |
| capacity | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | 10 speed |
| blade spin | 37000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1641 watts |
| cord | 6 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | 5 preset control |
| pulse mode | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes |
| weight | 13 lbs |
| warranty | 7 years |
The unit is a sleek two pieces which can stand under kitchen counters easily. It comes with an instruction DVD and a cookbook, mostly because the majority of buyers underestimate its versatility. There are also detailed care instructions.
With 10 different pre-set speeds and a pulse option, users have full control over the blend and can start things slowly and build them up to speed without stopping which is nice for dealing with nuts for example.
Vitamix themselves put this one in the professional category. This is a blender for the kitchen-master – someone who will use it on a regular basis and for more than making shakes.
Pros
The container is nearly square, creating space by the blades big enough for a spatula.
If you find this Vitamix blender on sale, there are almost too many positives to work out which one is the best. The 2.2 hp engine on its own almost makes this a runaway. But here are other top class features.
- The 750 is quieter than previous versions: 2.2 horses is going to make some noise, especially with some ingredients. But the new motor and the airflow design combine to reduce the overall noise of this unit. Do not expect it to be silent though, it’s a powerful machine.
- 64-oz. container gives plenty of scope for bigger tasks: The best blender can mix bread dough and cake batter, both of which are in much bigger quantities than a regular smoothie. With a 64-ounce container you can mix bread easily taking a lot of the heavy elbow work away.
- Tamper tool is excellent at removing unwanted air pockets: There are recipes where the entire mix needs to be aerated but without pockets of air. That’s why some bread has holes running right through it. The tamper tool ensures that whatever you’re blending is smooth with a constant consistency.
- Excellent at dealing with anything frozen: This is one of the features that set the men apart from the boys. Unless a blender says it can deal with ice specifically, you have to assume that it can’t. This professional class Vitamix is explicit about its ability to deal with ice.
- Many uses for the wider mouthed, wide sided container: The container is nearly square, creating space by the blades big enough for a spatula. With stickier things like nut butters, thick soups or bread dough, it is properly mixed, but still easy to get out of the container.
- The age of dicing every vegetable into cubes is gone: The wide mouth and container is great for taking whole or half vegetables. You don’t have to spend as much time preparing as you do blending any more. Throw in a whole carrot. Why not? The machine does the work.
Cons
There are one or two things about this machine which are not quite optimal. The noise level, for example, has been commented on above. But are these enough to detract from the Vitamix and remove it from the must-have list?
- Design can rule out smaller quantities: This is not the best blender for shakes as it is not at its best with very small quantities. The blades are located higher up than other models, so small amounts at the bottom may go untouched.
- Container and blades are not dishwasher safe: This is offset by a self-clean button. Add detergent and warm water and push clean, and the job is done. However, this does not have the option of sanitizing which might be advantageous if you’re producing baby food or purées.
- Be careful with the soup option: Friction from the blades will bring pre-made soup up to room temperature, but there are no heating elements so it does not “cook” raw ingredients. You’ll have to do that separately and then use the Vitamix to bring it together.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| length | 9.4 in | 8.75 in | 12.1 in |
| width | 7.7 in | 7.25 in | 11.6 in |
| height | 17.5 in | 20.5 in | 16.8 in |
| color | Black | Black | Red |
| capacity | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | 10 speed | Variable speed | Variable speed |
| blade spin | 37000 rpm | 37000 rpm | 28000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1641 watts | 1380 watts | 1400 watts |
| cord | 6 feet | 6 feet | 1.3 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | Glass | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | 5 preset control | No | 3 preset control |
| pulse mode | Yes | No | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 13 lbs | 10.56 lbs | 11.8 lbs |
| warranty | 7 years | 7 years | 3 years |
Summary
Its engine power and blade set means it can take on things we would normally expect from specialist equipment like a coffee grinder, which gives it great flexibility.
The Vitamix Professional Series 750 Programmable Blender is an almost-professional grade blender which is up to any of the tasks you would throw at it. It will produce anything from purees to salad dressing, cakes, breads and batters too.
Its engine power and blade set means it can take on things we would normally expect from specialist equipment like a coffee grinder, which gives it great flexibility. There are a range of other (add on) options which widen its capabilities even further. The 64-ounce capacity container means making soup for the whole family is easy, or you can produce work sized containers which will last for the week.
This is a workhorse machine. It is for people who will use it a lot and who take the time to find out what it really can do. If you need power and processing this is really the blender for your kitchen.
Oster Versa Pro Series Powerful Blender
Struggling to find the ideal pre-workout or breakfast meal? Want to make delicious and healthy fruit and vegetable drinks?
Having a commercial-quality blender at the house will open up so many options for creating healthy meals within minutes.
High quality and powerful blending machines are capable of producing soups, smoothies, protein drinks, frozen desserts, salad dressings and more.
Instead of buying pre-made and potentially unhealthy versions of these foods, you can make them at home effortlessly.
Simply add ingredients to the container, choose the right speed and begin blending. Life is so much easier with a high quality blending machine.
Information
Not only is it an affordable unit that can even fit into a college budget, but it manages to offer features that are commonly seen in commercial models.
Want to buy the best blender for vegetable smoothie drinks, desserts, hot soups, nut butters and more? The Oster Versa Pro Series Powerful Blender is an ideal choice in this category.
Not only is it an affordable unit that can even fit into a college budget, but it manages to offer features that are commonly seen in commercial models. It comes with a 1400-watt motor, which is the basis for the excellent performance that users will see.
Some powerful blending machines tend to neglect settings that are useful for niche use, but not the Oster Versa Pro. It includes a very handy pulse setting to finely chop vegetables without pureeing them. You can use the pulse two or three times and your vegetables are ready.
| length | 12.1 in |
|---|---|
| width | 11.6 in |
| height | 16.8 in |
| color | Red |
| capacity | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | Variable speed |
| blade spin | 28000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1400 watts |
| cord | 1.3 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | 3 preset control |
| pulse mode | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes |
| weight | 11.8 lbs |
| warranty | 3 years |
Another reason to buy this Oster model is because of its generous, 64-ounce BPA-free pitcher. Want to make a breakfast fruit and juice smoothie for the whole family? Now you can do it in one go, instead of having to make the same smoothie three times in a row.
The jar is also wide enough that you can easily get your hand in there with a spoon to fish out every bit of the delicious item you blended. That comes in handy when you are blending nut butters that may stick to the bottom.
Eating and living healthy is so much easier when you have the best blender for smoothies and ice. Instead of buying overpriced, unhealthy juices, you can make a delicious, healthy and full of fiber meal replacement drink each morning with the Oster Versa Pro.
Pros
The Oster Versa Pro features a small opening at the top of its lid which allows for adding ingredients while the machine is in use.
The Oster Versa Pro is rightfully recognized as one of the best smoothie blenders you can buy. But it offers so much more, which is why we’ve highlighted six of the top features of this unit.
- Three programmed settings for easy use: Instead of worrying about blending speed and power, users can just select from the three programmed settings in certain situations: smoothie, soup and dips/spreads. These are three of the most common uses for home blending machines, which means a majority of your use could be done through a single button press.
- Very powerful 1400-watt motor: Most home blending machines have a common issue: they lack enough power to perfectly blend tougher ingredients. That issue is not present here as the Oster Versa Pro has a 1400-watt motor that is combined with stainless-steel blades that can spin up to 250 miles per hour.
- Capable of blending nut butters and grinding coffee beans: Creating delicious nut butters from peanuts, almonds and other nuts is possible with this Oster model. Typical home blenders are not capable of creating nut butters as they are usually not powerful enough. It is also possible to grind coffee beans, although the consistency may not be as good as a dedicated coffee grinder.
- Capability to add ingredients while blending: The Oster Versa Pro features a small opening at the top of its lid which allows for adding ingredients while the machine is in use. It is a useful feature for those who may want to make hummus or other foods where adding an ingredient during pulsing is useful.
- Impressive seven-year warranty: There are very few models in this price range that come with a seven-year warranty. Even if something does go wrong with the unit, users know they can get a replacement part without needing to spend more money.
- Design choices result in a very durable product: The Oster Versa Pro features an all-metal drive. Even the two connecting pieces are metal, whereas most blenders use plastic for such parts.
Cons
This Oster model is a high quality unit with plenty of good features, but no product is perfect. Below are three issues that potential buyers should know about before spending their money.
- When the tamper is pushed all the way down, it hits the blades: Having a long tamper is very useful on a 64-ounce unit. But if users are not careful, they could damage the tamper and/or blades, as the tamper is long enough to hit the blades when it is pushed all the way down during blending.
- Base is quite large and takes up a lot of space: When comparing the Oster Versa Pro to similarly powerful competitors, its base is a lot larger. If you have limited counter space in your kitchen, you may want to look for a unit that has similar power but a narrower, sleeker base.
- Some reports about rust on the gear socket: There is a gear socket at the bottom of the pitcher which is not made of stainless steel. Some users have complained that rust is quick to develop on this part. Such an issue is manageable with proper cleaning and drying, but it is unfortunate for an otherwise quality product.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| length | 12.1 in | 8.75 in | 9.4 in |
| width | 11.6 in | 7.25 in | 7.7 in |
| height | 16.8 in | 20.5 in | 17.5 in |
| color | Red | Black | Black |
| capacity | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | Variable speed | Variable speed | 10 speed |
| blade spin | 28000 rpm | 37000 rpm | 37000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1400 watts | 1380 watts | 1641 watts |
| cord | 1.3 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | Glass | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | 3 preset control | No | 5 preset control |
| pulse mode | Yes | No | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 11.8 lbs | 10.56 lbs | 13 lbs |
| warranty | 3 years | 7 years | 7 years |
Summary
Hoping to make delicious fruit and juice smoothies? Planning to create the perfect pre-workout protein shake? This Oster unit is ideal for you.
The Oster Versa Pro Series Powerful Blender is seen by many as one of the best all-purpose blending machines available today. It combines all the features users want in a powerful and affordable machine.
Oster Versa may not be a household name, but it is now being seen as the best blender brand for those who want commercial-grade power in a durable package for a reasonable price. And with the Pro, they have made one of the best smoothie blenders available.
Hoping to make delicious fruit and juice smoothies? Planning to create the perfect pre-workout protein shake? This Oster unit is ideal for you. And the product’s durability means it should be chugging along for many years.
Shark Ninja BL660 Professional Blender
When is a professional size blender extra helpful? When it behaves like a single size serving option too.
Making small quantities well is the bug bear of the large capacity blenders. Has this Ninja got the answer to our prayers?
But, would you buy a blending machine which doesn’t do hot liquids? People clearly argue about the functions they need from a machine. For some it needs to make soup, for others it needs to be able to handle bread dough.
Is it ok if the unit only provides one essential function?
This unit may be the best Ninja blender for smoothies, but does it do more?
Information
This Ninja blender has a novel approach to the blades which is to stack them on a pylon all the way up.
The really great thing about the Shark Ninja BL660 Professional Blender is that you almost get two machines in one. People need a big unit sometimes and this one certainly has that. A 72-ounce container with a 64-ounce capacity produces more than three pints.
What is really neat about this Shark Ninja is that the manufacturers have realized that you need a smaller size too, and they provided two 16-oz. cups with to-go lids. Now that’s planning ahead.
This Ninja blender has a novel approach to the blades which is to stack them on a pylon all the way up. The effect is to cut or blend even at the top of the container.
| length | 12 in |
|---|---|
| width | 9.25 in |
| height | 16.38 in |
| color | Gray |
| capacity | 72 oz / 2.13 L |
| speed | 3 speed |
| blade spin | 25000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1100 watts |
| cord | 2.4 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | No |
| pulse mode | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes |
| weight | 9.96 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year |
The unit has three speeds plus a pulse option which means fruit and vegetables can be chopped well. If you’re intending to produce a fruit smoothie, take the time to remove the core and stalks from apples and pears first, otherwise the consistency is variable. You need to press and hold the pulse option.
This Ninja has an 1100 watt engine, which is powerful in a home class machine hence its professional title. That amount of power does mean that the unit is noisy and can get noisier depending on what you’re doing. Chopping vegetables or hard fruits will be noisy but given the machines efficiency, the noise won’t last long.
The machine is adept at frozen desserts, grinding and milling and chopping foods. Grinding and milling is best achieved in one of the smaller cups rather than the large container.
Pros
The wide container blade pylon and pulse combined are excellent in chopping fruit for and vegetables for salads like coleslaw.
Looking for the best blender value means really assessing what you’re going to use it for and then buying the best blender for the money that is equipped with the functions you need. Here are some of the feature and benefits from this Shark Ninja professional grade machine.
- Different container sizes is the best thing ever: Having a large capacity machine yet one able to do a 16-oz. cup size and adding to-go lids is the best thing about this Ninja. It is smart and shows the maker really understands what people use their machines for.
- Unique blade pylon is a different approach to blending: The cone-shaped pylon has blades all the way up which means that blending doesn’t just happen at the base of the container. The idea is smart and works well on smoothies but is not quite so efficient on other ingredients.
- Extra good at ice and frozen fruit: The powerful engine and the blades work together to make this Ninja one of the best blenders for ice and frozen fruit. It really does turn ice to snow in seconds as it advertises. Making desserts and, of course, frozen margaritas is a snap.
- Container(s), blades and the lids are dishwasher safe: This seems like a standard but not all blending machines are equal. All these parts can be put into the dishwasher for cleaning and sanitization. This can be especially important for people with food allergies or when using the machine to make baby food.
- Pulse option is great at chopping vegetables and fruit: The wide container blade pylon and pulse combined are excellent in chopping fruit for and vegetables for salads like coleslaw. Users need only the most cursory of preparation like removing cores and stalks. Then the unit will do the rest as needed.
- 16-ounce cups are handy as a grinder or mill: For smaller quantities like coffee beans or herbs and spices, using one of the to-go cups ensures a smoother grind than the bigger container. It also makes more sense for the smaller volumes than using the large container.
Cons
As mentioned above, the noise from the 1100 watt engine does not make this the best quiet smoothie blender. There are one or two other less than positive aspects of this Shark Ninja which might help influence your buying decision
- Can have trouble handling hot liquids: With any blending machine, caution is required because of the build-up of pressure, and resulting explosions, that can occur with hot liquids. But some users report additional problems with this Ninja; the pitcher is prone to cracking when using hot liquids.
- You can’t add ingredients and blend at the same time: The design of the big and small containers is such that you have to stop blending to add other ingredients. When you want just a touch of cinnamon powder at the end, you have to stop the process which can get old.
- Consistency of pulverizing, especially for vegetables, is not consistent: It is not as if large chunks of vegetables get left behind, but rather that you don’t necessarily get the same results throughout. Time and experience will help deal with this, but it does take a while to get familiar.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| length | 12 in | 8.75 in | 9.4 in |
| width | 9.25 in | 7.25 in | 7.7 in |
| height | 16.38 in | 20.5 in | 17.5 in |
| color | Gray | Black | Black |
| capacity | 72 oz / 2.13 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | 3 speed | Variable speed | 10 speed |
| blade spin | 25000 rpm | 37000 rpm | 37000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 1100 watts | 1380 watts | 1641 watts |
| cord | 2.4 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | Glass | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | No | No | 5 preset control |
| pulse mode | Yes | No | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 9.96 lbs | 10.56 lbs | 13 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year | 7 years | 7 years |
Summary
It has a unique blade system which helps blend ingredients throughout the 72-ounce container not just at the bottom.
The Shark Ninja BL660 Professional Blender is a mid-range unit with a great capacity for crushing ice and pulverizing frozen fruit. Its real claim to fame is because the very smart Shark company ship it with one big container and two smaller 16-oz ones with to go lids, which is inspired.
It has a unique blade system which helps blend ingredients throughout the 72-ounce container not just at the bottom. This means the Shark Ninja is especially good at producing smoothies, frozen drinks and desserts, though the pulse option makes chopped vegetables well.
The unit it noisy and may have issues handling hot liquids, but if that is not what you’re looking for in a blender these are not huge disadvantages.
KitchenAid KSB1570ER BPA-Free 5-Speed Blender
You’re here because you want to buy best blender on the market for your budget, right? What criteria would you put on the list to make it just perfect?
Reputable manufacturer? Good reviews? Made in the U.S.A? Hopefully good looking and matches the kitchen too?
Whether or not your list of must have’s is as long as your arm, when you’re looking for the best countertop blender you need something that will look good and last.
It also needs to be able to do several different blending tasks well.
And it needs to be easy to keep clean. Will this KitchenAid model pass the test?
Information
The best blenders out this year are able to deal with ice, and this one comes with a specific ice mode which is helpful for the faint-hearted.
On the surface, the KitchenAid KSB1570ER BPA-Free 5-Speed Blender appears to be a throwback to another time. It looks like blenders by Kitchen Aid from years gone by. It’s almost Art Deco in its design, but it is bang up to date in what it can do and how it does it.
It comes with a sturdy, almost heavy stainless-steel base which gives it a safe feeling when it is turning vegetables to soup at speed.
Like all blending machines it does make some noise. In the first place the job it is doing is noisy so the engine needed to do it has to have some power behind it. This one is no worse than others for the length of time you use it.
| length | 9 in |
|---|---|
| width | 8.5 in |
| height | 16.3 in |
| color | Red |
| capacity | 56 oz / 1.66 L |
| speed | 5 speed |
| blade spin | 15000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 550 watts |
| cord | 2 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | No |
| pulse mode | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes |
| weight | 10 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year |
The best blenders out this year are able to deal with ice, and this one comes with a specific ice mode which is helpful for the faint-hearted. The control panel itself offers a range of speeds but manages to stay true to its design look and feel while still delivering the performance needed.
The base unit is easy to clean with a simple wipe off, but the pitcher is dishwasher safe as well as shatter and scratchproof. The blades are integral to the pitcher, so not having to put your hand into the sharp blades is a positive. You can also clean it with warm water and a few drops of detergent at a lower speed.
This KitchenAid model is made in the USA and carries the weight of the reputable KitchenAid brand behind it.
Pros
This KitchenAid comes with a Soft Start feature. The motor starts slowly to pull food into the blades then it quickly increases to the selected speed setting.
A blender has to be more than just the best blender for smoothies. Here are six features or benefits which add to the attraction of this mid-range appliance. Are these the things which hit your list of must-have features?
- Unlike other models this one has a narrow base: The pitcher shape constantly forces food upward with sufficient strength to ensure that it falls back directly onto the blades for a second round of crushing. The result is smooth blend at a steady consistency. Good enough to make mayonnaise.
- Add wet and dry ingredients without stopping: The central ring of the lid can be removed, even when the machine is running at full speed. This allows you to add any sort of ingredient without having to turn the unit off or take the entire lid off.
- KitchenAid has taken the need for consistency to heart: The steel reinforced coupler (the bit where the engine meets the blades at the bottom of the pitcher) is designed to ensure that whatever is being blended is smooth and lump free. It also has some added noise reduction technology here.
- Handles all ingredients properly: This KitchenAid comes with a Soft Start feature. The motor starts slowly to pull food into the blades then it quickly increases to the selected speed setting. All ingredients are properly rotated, and dry ones don’t stick to the side.
- Intelligent control ensures lower stress on the engine: When ingredients are tougher, like vegetables, the Intelli-Speed Motor Control senses contents and maintains optimal speed to ensure that the blend is properly mixed. It ensures the engine is not stressed or overheated trying to deal with tough contents.
- Broccoli, kale, nuts and even sprouts handled without a fuss: The blade easily handles nuts and will grind them as far as a fine powder – some users have mentioned making their own almond milk. Vegetable health drinks are also not a problem, but you’ll want to add a little liquid to the mix.
Cons
We already mentioned that this KitchenAid model is noisy, which is not notoriously remarkable for blending machines. Here are some of the other not quite as stellar features of this unit. Will they sway your decision in any direction?
- Container design could be better: The angled indentations on the pitcher look nice and they may play some role in the machine’s blending capability, but they can make it difficult to completely remove some ingredients. Be sure to have a flexible rubber spatula handy to remove all the contents.
- Pitcher base may leak: Although not a pervasive issue, some users reported that there were leaks from the base. Simply wiping the base with a damp cloth resolves the issue but if it does happen to you, make sure that you properly wipe the coupler too.
- There is an on/off button as well as the controls: Remember to turn the unit on to use and off too. You can’t just hit a single button to use. This is not really critical as it does mean you can leave it plugged in when standing on the counter-top.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| length | 9 in | 8.75 in | 9.4 in |
| width | 8.5 in | 7.25 in | 7.7 in |
| height | 16.3 in | 20.5 in | 17.5 in |
| color | Red | Black | Black |
| capacity | 56 oz / 1.66 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L | 64 oz / 1.9 L |
| speed | 5 speed | Variable speed | 10 speed |
| blade spin | 15000 rpm | 37000 rpm | 37000 rpm |
| energy consumption | 550 watts | 1380 watts | 1641 watts |
| cord | 2 feet | 6 feet | 6 feet |
| container material | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) | Glass | Polycarbonate (BPA-free) |
| presets | No | No | 5 preset control |
| pulse mode | Yes | No | Yes |
| dishwasher safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 10 lbs | 10.56 lbs | 13 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year | 7 years | 7 years |
Summary
It is easy to use and the pitcher design means that it can do large or small quantities in the same unit.
If you’re looking for the best blender for shakes the KitchenAid KSB1570ER BPA-Free 5-Speed Blender should be one of the models on your short-list. It is elegantly styled and has an element of design which adds grace to the kitchen rather than being a machine. It comes in four different colors so should fit in with your décor too.
It is easy to use and the pitcher design means that it can do large or small quantities in the same unit. It is as adept at dry goods as it is smoothies, although there is no mention of it being a grinder – so no coffee beans.
This blender comes with the well-respected and reputable name of KitchenAid, plus it’s made in the U.S.A.
Sources
- Blender, Transportation Security Administration
- Frigidaire Recalls Professional Blenders Due to Laceration Hazard, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sep 19, 2013
- Juicing vs. Blending - What's the Difference?, University of Washington, Mar 11, 2015
- Blender, Wikipedia
- The Best Blender, The Wirecutter, Jun 21, 2018
- Best Blenders for 2018, CNET, Jun 1, 2018
- The 11 Best Blenders 2018: Vitamix, Ninja, KitchenAid, Jamba, NYMag, Aug 22, 2017
- Best Blender Buying Guide, Consumer Reports, Nov 13, 2017
- The 10 Best Blenders For Your Kitchen, Wiki Ezvid, May 25, 2018
- Consumer knowledge, attitudes and beliefs around the nutritional content of smoothies, Safe Food, Feb 1, 2009
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