Best Blenders for Green Smoothies – Updated Reviews 2020
A green smoothie is a quick and delicious way to consume more vegetables. However, to make it you need the right type of blender.
Let’s see how the top 15 models stack up against one another and meet your smoothie making needs.
In a hurry? Click here to jump directly to our top picks and reviews!
To help you identify the best blender for your needs, lifestyle and budget, this review offers a comparison of high end, midrange, and lower end blenders. And, we have included only those blenders that excel at smoothie making.
While we avoided reviewing the bad choices, any of the models listed here have proven to be a quality option, according to our own experience or verified user reviews.
Why does choosing the right blender matter?
A quality blender that's good for green smoothies whips up quick, healthy beverages that have a silky texture, while lower quality blenders produce coarser drinks with chunks or veggies particles. The good ones are better at handling leafy greens, tough ingredients and ice.
A poor blender purchase leads to frustration which stops progress in its tracks. Think, for example, about those hard-to-clean models. After all, few of us have the time or patience to persist through returns and exchanges.
This is why smoothie blender choice is crucial and falls short of one-size-fits all. In other words, it is important to choose the right blender for you.
Are you ready to get fit?
Or, do you long to shed a few pounds? Maybe you need to add healthy weight through muscle?
Will you work toward your goal solo? As a family? Or, with friends?
Your health goals and the motivation behind them prove unique. While friends may head in similar directions, the needs and endgame, struggles and victories look different in many ways.
For a change of pace, check out this YouTube video on choosing the best blender:
What to look for in a blender for green smoothies?
Discovering how to buy the right blender for you requires knowing your healthy eating needs and your expectations of this appliance. With this in mind, consider the following features when shopping.
Serving Size
Whether you want to create single serving smoothies or whip up a larger recipe for friends plays into your choice of blender.
Personal size blenders prove ideal for making daily, one-serving health drinks but prove irritating when attempting to make larger batches.
Storage Size
Counter space or cabinet storage requirements determine which blender offers you the best solution.
The physical size of an appliance begs you to consider the potential challenge of navigating around it on the counter, sliding it under cabinets or storing it out of sight.
Bullet blenders are often a good choice when it comes to limited kitchen space.
Also check out our review of the Vitamix e310 blender.
Intended Uses
Researching a blender’s intended uses determines its effectiveness for you. For instance, was it designed to chop ice? Was it made to juice or simply blend?
Also, consider the ingredients you expect to use. If the product is not designed to handle tough vegetables, broccoli and beet are out of your healthy eating plan.
Power
The ability of a blender to create the recipes you enjoy rests primarily in its power (measured in watts or horsepower).
While 800-watts of power ensures a smoother smoothie consistency, less powerful options work if you require a tighter budget.
Durability and Warranty
When assessing durability, the motor is only one aspect to consider. After all, if the container cracks easily or other parts fail, your fitness goals soon become interrupted.
Also, read carefully any warranty as to what it covers and for how long. Not all warranties are created equal.
Going for one of the well known brands such as Blendtec and Nutribullet is your best bet in terms of durability and warranty.
High Performance Smoothie Blender Reviews
We’ve selected the top 5 blenders that we consider to be the best for the money - they constantly get the highest user ratings and reviews, and are the first choice for most smoothie enthusiasts we know (including some of our team members!)
| Serving Size | Storage Size | Uses | Power | Durability and Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blendtec Total Blender | 2-quart, 1-2 servings jar for serving a friend or two | At 15.5 inches tall, should fit under cabinets | Everything, including ice and hot soups (high speed blades can heat ingredients) | 1560-watts + 3-HP motor to handle dense ingredients | 3-year motor base, 1-year jar and lifetime coupling-blade warranties |
Vitamix 5200 Series Blender | 64-ounce container best for medium to large batches | Easily stored under or in cabinets at 9 inches tall | Everything, including ice and hot soups | 2.5-HP motor handles dense ingredients | 7-year warranty comes standard with a 3-year extension optional |
Ninja Ultima Blender Plus | 3 single serve cups and a 72-ounce pitcher for personal and large batches | May not fit under cabinets at over 17 inches tall | Crushes ice, whole vegetables and fruits | 1500-watt, 2-HP motor handles tough ingredients | 2-year limited warranty |
Waring Commercial Blender | 64-ounce capacity for large batches | 18-inch height does not fit under cabinets | Everything, including ice and hot soups | 1500-watt, 3.5-HP motor to handle all recipes | Limited 3-year motor, 2-year parts and labor warranties |
Hamilton Beach Professional Blender | 64-ounce capacity for large batches | 13.5-inches stores under or in cabinets | Juices fruits, blends smoothies plus other hot and cold recipes | 1800-watt power motor handles ice and more | 5-year limited warranty |
Blendtec Total Blender
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
The power and single blade of the Blendtec quickly blends ice, nuts, fibrous vegetables, fruit peels and frozen fruit for personalized smoothies.
The smoothie preset (and others) with auto shut off allows you to create delicious concoctions while attending to other matters - a bonus for the busy.
Unfortunately, this blender does not include a personal size or single-serving container for convenient smoothies on-the-go. It’s no issue making a single serve smoothie with it, but you’ll need to transfer it from the jar to a to-go cup.
Pros
- Powerful 1560-watt motor to blend tough ingredients into a smooth texture.
- Very effective stainless steel blade crushes ice effortlessly.
- Versatile to handle a variety of recipes.
- Smoothie preset for hands-free operation.
- Digital touchpad controls make cleaning easy.
Cons
No personal size container.
Some customers complained online about container quality.
Read our full review of the Blendtec Total here.
Vitamix 5200 Series Blender
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
The power of this Vitamix makes it perfect if you’re looking to make smoothies in larger batches with any ingredient.
With the cost running high for a smoothie maker alone, unless you plan to take advantage of the versatility of this blender, it may not be for you. The Vitamix S50 should be a better option.
Customers praise the quality and durability of this model as well as its work as a smoothie maker. However, some didn’t like admit frustration with removing thicker substances from the jar.
Pros
- Performs well on a variety of recipes.
- Stainless steel, three-inch blades ensure blending consistency.
- 2-HP completes most jobs in less than one minute.
- High speeds heat ingredients for quick soups.
Cons
Less geared towards single servings (no dedicated small jar)
Expensive
Ninja Ultima Blender Plus (BL830)
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
Blades at the top and the bottom of the Ninja Ultima produce creamy textured beverages. But, they are sharp and dangerous especially in the top position.
However, customers love the Ninja according to verified reviews. Some expressed concern with its noisiness though.
Pros
- Nutrient extraction technology gets the most vitamins and nutrients from fruits and veggies.
- Powerful motor and two blades at varying speeds breakdown ice, whole fruits and veggies.
- Variable speed and Cyclonic Technology create consistently creamy smoothies.
- Three one-serving cups with lids offer smoothies on-the-go.
Cons
Some customers complained about its noisiness.
Relatively short warranty period.
Waring Commercial Blender - Xtreme Hi-Power Series
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
Smoothie lovers looking for the power of a high performance blender at a more affordable cost love the Waring Commercial Blender. In addition, customers praise its durability even given its short warranty period.
Unfortunately, this blender does not accommodate single-serve containers unless 64-ounces is your made-for-one size. However, the lower cost may entice smoothie-on-the-go buyers to make batches to share or explore the versatility of this machine.
Pros
- Powerful 3.5 Horsepower motor handles tough ingredients for consistently smooth results.
- Removable cap for adding ingredients during blending process.
- Blade design provides quicker results for the busy.
- Durable for long life.
- Less expensive high end model.
Cons
No personal size containers for single-serve smoothies.
Only two speeds plus pulse selection.
Hamilton Beach Professional 1800W Blender
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
Verified customer ratings indicate the Hamilton Beach Professional Blender is well loved. In fact, four and five star ratings are common with anything lower proving hard to find.
Again, while the container size proves inconvenient if you are looking for a personal smoothie maker, the affordable price may put this blender in the running. Plus, the high power, blade construction and container shape lead to smooth consistent results.
Pros
- 1800-watt power handles ice and other frozen ingredients.
- Four programmed settings offer thought-free smoothie making.
- Variable speed dial plus pulse control for greater precision over consistency.
- Unique one-touch auto clean program for ease of cleanup
- Consistently high ratings.
Cons
Lack of single-serve smoothie container.
| Serving Size | Storage Size | Uses | Power | Durability and Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ninja Professional Blender | 72-ounce and two 16-ounce containers for personal and large batches | 17-inches tall may make under cabinet storage a problem | Quick creation of personal or large batch smoothies | 1100-watt motor offers sufficient power for making any smoothie | 1-year limited warranty |
Magic Bullet NutriBullet | One 32-ounce cup and two 16-ounce cups | Fits under cabinets at 13-inches tall | Personal smoothies and protein shakes | 600-watt power | 1-year limited warranty |
KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender | 60-ounce container for medium to large batches | 16.5-inches may prove a problem under cabinets | Meets any basic blending needs | 550-watt motor surprisingly handles ice and more | 5-year limited warranty |
Jamba Appliances Quiet Shield Blender | 32-ounce jar and 20-ounce travel cup for serving versatility | At 20-inches tall, does not fit under cabinets | Meets any blending need | 1.6-HP handles ice and tougher ingredients | 5-year limited warranty, durable metal drive |
Oster VERSA Pro Performance Blender | 64-ounce jar for medium to large batches | 17.5-inches tall does not fit under cabinets | Meets any blending need | 1400-watt motor handles tougher ingredients | 7-year warranty, durable metal drive |
Ninja Professional Blender with Single Serve (BL660)
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
Rave verified reviews from customers say they love the power of the Ninja Professional Blender for daily smoothie making. Plus, the versatility of single or large serving sizes is popular.
However, for smoothie lovers looking for pure smoothness without any unprocessed pieces, this model might sometimes not deliver. While at a mid range price point, this Ninja falls short in the consistency department particularly with seeds and greens.
Check out our full Ninja Pro review here.
Pros
- Single serving and large container offer user versatility.
- Nutrient extraction for power-packed smoothies.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher safe parts.
- Affordable price.
Cons
Noisy.
One speed only.
Magic Bullet NutriBullet 12-Piece
High-Speed Blender/Mixer System
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
This original NutriBullet blender still packs a punch with the nutrient extraction technology health connoisseurs love. With personal size containers, this model proves ideal for the on-the-go smoothie drinker.
Some customers question its durability, though personally we’ve had nothing but good experience with this one.
Be reminded that this blender comes at a lower price point and likely offers less of a lifespan than high end models. In other words, if longevity is what you want from a blender, you may need to consider pricier options.
Pros
- Personal size containers prove convenient for on-the-go smoothies.
- Blends five servings of fruits and vegetables per container.
- Extraction technology gets more nutrients into the drink.
- Works well for making simple smoothies.
- Affordable price tag.
Cons
No large container.
Some customer reports of leaking.
KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
The KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender has the power and blade design to handle the tough job of crushing ice for those desiring chilled smoothies. For the moderate price point, customers tend to believe this model rivals higher end brands.
However, quality falls under suspicion due to a plastic gear that wears quickly. And, the lack of a personal size container may turn you away if durability and quick to-go smoothies are important to you.
Pros
- Five speeds and pulse offer you control in smoothie consistency.
- Slow blade start and sensing feature produce smoother results.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher safe container and flat control panel.
- Moderate price with higher end performance.
Cons
No single-serve container.
Some customers report problems with plastic gear.
Jamba Appliances Quiet Shield Blender
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
Verified reviews of the Jamba Appliances Quiet Shield Blender run consistently high as customers love the high power and speed control of this model. Tougher smoothie ingredients such as hard ice, frozen fruit and nuts blend smooth.
Plus, the ability to have a conversation around this quiet machine offers a bonus to busy mornings. If you are looking for a well-priced blender with power, durability and the ability to make individual serving portions, you may have found it in Jamba.
Pros
- Extra quiet when used with the quiet shield.
- Motor, though not as powerful as high performance models, prove powerful enough to crush ice and tougher ingredients.
- Metal drive offers durability.
- Variable speed dial and pulse control prove easy to use.
- Serving versatility with 32 and 20-ounce containers.
Cons
No large container for bigger batches.
No presets or auto shut off for quick, hands-free operation.
Oster Versa Pro Performance Blender
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
A good bang for the buck, the Oster Versa Pro Performance Blender offers more than enough power to combine ice, nuts and seeds for smoothies plus any additional blending needs you may experience. In other words, this model brings you higher end quality at a mid range price point.
If you make only simple smoothies using primarily liquid-based ingredients, you may be able to look at less expensive personal blenders over this model.
Related Review: The Oster Pro Review (another great one from the House of Oster)
Pros
- 1400-watt power and stainless steel blades crush ice and tougher ingredients.
- All metal drive offer durability and longevity.
- Three programmed settings plus pulse give you flexibility to blend to your preferences.
- 7-year warranty.
- Affordable price.
Cons
No single-serve smoothie on-the-go container.
Budget Blenders the Handle Greens Well
Being on budget doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy delicious smoothies. We’ve selected the top 5 blenders that constantly get the highest user ratings and reviews, as well as the ones our team members personally use in their kitchens.
| Serving Size | Storage Size | Uses | Power | Durability and Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Magic Bullet Mini | Single serve | Easy to store and portable at 9-inches tall | Smoothies and shakes | High torque power base handles like its big brother | 1-year limited warranty |
Ninja Fit | Two 16-ounce cups | 13.5-inches tall for easy under cabinet fit | Smoothies, shakes and nutrient juices | 700-watt motor handles ice and more | 1-year limited warranty |
Black+Decker FusionBlade | 6-cup glass jar for medium batches | 13.5-inches tall for easy under cabinet fit | Handles basic blending needs | 550-watt motor handles soft foods best | 2-year limited warranty |
Hamilton Beach Smoothie Smart Blender | 40-ounce glass jar for medium batches | 13-inches tall for easy under cabinet fit | Handles basic blending needs | 700-watt motor takes care of most smoothie needs | 3-year warranty |
Oster 6811 | 6-cup glass jar for medium batches | Fits under cabinets at 10-inches tall | Handles basic blending needs including ice | 700-power watts, 450-blending watts | 10-year metal drive limited warranty |
Ninja Fit (QB3001SS)
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
Customers praise the Ninja Fit for working as powerfully as its big brother but in a smaller size.
The portability of this model works well for those needing to maintain healthy eating at the office, gym or while traveling.
And, if you are just getting started with smoothies, this blender proves an ideal purchase.
Pros
- 700-watt power blends most smoothie ingredients without grit.
- Nutrient extraction to ensure you get the healthiest results.
- Portable size.
- Single-serve convenience.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
No large container.
Magic Bullet Mini
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
If you are single or if you only want single smoothie servings, this Magic Bullet Mini is for you. And, its portable size keeps you healthy no matter your location.
Customers love this model but warn to keep in mind that it is not made to accommodate ice or tougher ingredients. So, other models may prove more beneficial for those looking to add chia seeds or fibrous veggies to their creations.
Pros
- Quick 10 second smoothies for the busy.
- Portable and backpack friendly for health away from home.
- Great for liquid based ingredient smoothie recipes.
- Perfect for one person.
Cons
Cups are not dishwasher safe.
Does not work well with ice.
Black+Decker FusionBlade
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
The Black+Decker FusionBlade blends soft ingredients into delicious, chunk-free smoothies. However, if falls short in handling tough or dense foods which require extended time to reach an acceptable consistency.
If you prefer liquid based ingredients and soft fruit smoothies, this blender offers an affordable option for your kitchen. In fact, customers like the consistency which results when making basic smoothie recipes in this model.
Pros
- 550 watt motor and blade design handle leafy greens quickly.
- 12 speeds to find a just-right smoothie consistency.
- Lid insert for adding ingredients while blending.
- Heavy duty glass jar with a pour spout.
- Internal cord storage keeps the counter neat.
Cons
Takes long to blend dense foods.
Hamilton Beach Smoothie Smart Blender 56221
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
The Hamilton Beach Smoothie Smart Blender lives up to its name in smoothie making. With the convenience of a one-touch button, this model indeed creates the perfect smoothie.
However, customers reported that handling ice is not one of its strongest capabilities.
Pros
- One touch operation lets you walk away while blending.
- Five speeds for increased control over the results.
- Blends hot and cold foods.
- Heavy duty glass jar.
Cons
No single serving container.
Relatively noisy.
Oster 12 Speed Blender
Features & Capabilites | Value for | Ease of | Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | |||
Overall great blender. | |||
In general, customers like the power and blending consistency of the Oster 12 Speed Blender. For many, it proves a budget-friendly option with the performance of pricier models.
This blender works well for someone on a tight budget who wants a machine that goes beyond smoothies alone. However, the lack of a single serve container makes this model less convenient.
Pros
- Power to blend ice and frozen fruits to a chunk-free consistency.
- Metal drive for durability.
- 12 speeds to get the results you want.
- Budget-friendly.
- Good bang for the buck.
Cons
No single serve container.
Struggles with bigger batches.
Conclusion
Creating healthy smoothies and sticking with your fitness and weight goals becomes much easier when you’ve got the right blender to your aid.
Choosing a model that fits your needs should prove a wise investment over the long haul. An easy to use blender that produces smooth textured beverages will compel you to keep coming back.
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