While some kitchen gadgets fall under the “want” and not necessarily the “need” category (I’m looking at you, air fryers), some are simply de rigueur for certain folks — like a good, solid, powerful blender. This multifunctional kitchen tool has been a staple on every wedding registry and post-graduate wish list since time immemorial thanks to its wondrous ability to make soups, sauces, smoothies and more at the click of a button.
Vitamix sets the gold standard for modern-day blenders in terms of power and versatility, but there’s no denying that the price point is cost-prohibitive for most of us. Depending on the model, Vitamix blenders can cost upwards of $500. And while it would be nice to have only top-of-the-line kitchen tools across the board, some of us need to keep it real.
Luckily, there are actually quite a few high-powered blenders with glowing reviews on Amazon that promise to get the job done just as beautifully as a Vitamix, but at a fraction of the price. Below, we’ve rounded up highly-rated blenders from trusted brands like Hamilton Beach, Ninja and more. They’re powerful, durable and perfect for your blending needs while also being more wallet-friendly. Pick one up for yourself and enjoy a summer of gazpacho and smoothies before it’s time to transition to blended soup season.
1. A high-capacity option from Ninja with a neat safety feature
Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
If you’re constantly feeding a crowd, you’ll want to take advantage of this Ninja blender’s 72-ounce capacity. It has powerful blades that can crush ice, whole fruits and vegetables quickly and easily, making it perfect for creating icy frozen adult beverages all season long. It’s dishwasher-safe, easy to use and clean.
Promising review: “I have had other blenders that were three or more times more expensive, and they did not come close to comparing with the Ninja. The previous blender I owned and paid a lot of money for claimed to be able to crush ice and blend almost anything, but it still had to be constantly babied and shaken in order to do the job. If crushing ice or anything else, such as frozen fruit, I also had to watch it carefully or it would jump right off the counter! Then after two years it just burned out. I tried the Ninja and am completely satisfied. The triple blade design allows whatever you are blending to work downward through the carafe and thoroughly do the job, more quietly and efficiently. It is well balanced and does not move around on the countertop. I am also impressed by the ability to pour from it through a flap in the corner without removing the top, which is also a safety mechanism. There is no way the top can be removed with the blender on, and you don’t need to remove it for the purpose of stirring the contents because of its ability to blend without doing so. It is easy to clean by just filling it partially with water and a few drops of dish detergent and turning it on for a few seconds. I would highly recommend this blender. I have no complaints about it at all.” — Richardc
Get it from Amazon for $79.99.
2. A blender with a glass pitcher and handy pour spout that reviewers say is a good value
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Get the smoothest smoothies of your life with this affordable, powerful and wildly popular blender from Hamilton Beach. It has a pour spout so you can transfer contents from the blender to a bowl or glass without spilling. It’s also easy to clean, dishwasher-safe and can hold up to 40 ounces. It has 12 functions and five buttons on an easy-to-read panel that helps you blend, crush, puree, dice, chop and more. The pitcher is glass, making it a must if you’re looking to avoid plastic.
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
3. An astonishingly powerful commercial blender
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pulverize everything from ice, fruits and veggies to make soups, salsas and smoothies with ease thanks to this commercial-grade blender. It can crush, blend, chop, grind, heat, process, puree and liquify — no easy feat! It’s great for large portions making it ideal for parties and large families. It’s easy to use, clean and devastatingly powerful.
Promising review: “I’ve used this blender frequently over the past years. It makes perfectly blended smoothies, even blends tiny seeds from things like blackberries (if blended long enough). I considered more expensive blenders like vitamix but really don’t see a need with this one. I had some issues with the blender base and the container, the company replaced both without any hesitation, incredible customer service!” — Jesse
Get it from Amazon for $168.97.
4. The small but mighty Magic Bullet blender for all your smoothie needs
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Similarly to the Nutribullet, this single-serving blender is great for smoothies and other small-batch foods. It’s also great for small kitchens and even dorm rooms thanks to its petite silhouette. Don’t underestimate this small but mighty blender. It expertly blends drinks, snacks, sauces and dips thanks to its powerful base and blades. It comes with a motor base, a cross-blade, two cups, a party mug, two lip rings, two resealable lids, one to-go lid and a recipe guide.
Promising review: “I got this because I was so tired of always having to drag out the big huge blender just to make me a protein shake in the mornings. This thing is great. I put whole ice cubes from my freezer in it and it has no problem chewing them up. I really like that it came with the cup with the handle; and you can make your shake directly in that one container. The only thing I do not like (which lets face it its a blender) is that it is still pretty loud. It doesn’t wake up my whole house in the morning, just half!” — Amazon customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.88.
5. A self-cleaning blender that’s designed to keep food flowing and blending smoothly
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This dishwasher-safe blender uses a powerful four-tip stainless steel blade that works with the shape of the glass jar to keep food flowing and blending with ease. It has four speed functions, a pour spout, and a classic design paired with powerful advanced performance. It’s sturdy and easy to use, making it an easy choice for anyone looking for an under-$50 option.
Promising review: “I had a Black and Decker Blender from about 15 years ago and it still worked until a month ago. I was totally unsure if I should try the same brand and if it would be as good. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s sturdy and solid just like my old one. It’s very easy to use and it has a self cleaning button like my old one. I mostly use it for smoothies and it does a wonderful job. I wouldn’t hesitate if you need a blender to get this one. It crushes the ice with no problems and my smoothie is ready in a minute. The top may be a little hard to get off but it’s really not a big deal. I use the self clean button when I’m done, and then I just rinse it out. It has two openings on the top so you can add small pieces of fruit or whatever you choose while it’s blending. I usually just put it all in at once but it’s a nice option.. I highly recommend!” — Beachnut
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
