Blenders are among the most important kitchen gadgets. Though they are great for making smoothies, protein shakes and soups, the best blenders are incredibly versatile devices allowing you to perform all sorts of functions in the kitchen, from crushing ice to making mayonnaise.
There are several types, from bulky jug blenders (featuring a large plastic or glass receptacle) that can whizz up big batches of soup, to smaller smoothie blenders, sometimes referred to as personal blenders, which come with smaller plastic cups that can be transported. These daintier options, such as a Nutribullet or Ninja’s Nutri Slim, are perfect for whipping up sauces and marinades, too.
Although they look similar, blenders and food processors are quite different. Aside from the jug shape (a blender is slimmer and taller), blenders are designed to mash and mix, usually with plenty of liquid. Food processors, on the other hand, have all sorts of functions, from chopping and slicing to dicing.
So what’s the best blender for you? I’ve tried all the latest blenders across a range of styles from the big brands like Ninja, Vitamix and Nutribullet. You can find the full reviews further down, but if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at my top five:
What are the best blenders in 2024? At a glance
How to choose the right blender for you
If you’ll be making lots of big soups for a large family, a jug blender is ideal. This will take up a significant amount of countertop space, so it’s worth checking that it suits your kitchen aesthetic. They often have a number of settings, from low to high speed to ice crushing and are usually the most expensive options.
Smoothie makers (such as a Nutribullet) are smaller and usually come with a screw-on lid, allowing you to drink on the go. “My husband frequently uses it for smoothies, chucking in rock-hard frozen fruit straight from the freezer,” says Silvana Franco, a food writer and stylist. “My teenage son whizzes up his protein shakes in it and I love it for a weekend frozen margarita when it effortlessly smashes ice cubes into an even snow.”
Smoothie makers can also be used to make hummus, pesto, breadcrumbs and curry pastes or for blitzing up a tin of chopped tomatoes. They’re easier to clean than jug blenders.
Hand blenders, sometimes called stick or immersion blenders, are handheld devices you insert into a saucepan or container if you’re, for example, making soup. “My stick blender is one of my most used appliances,” says Franco. “I find a quick blitz speedily solves the problem of a lumpy white or cheese sauce. It takes seconds to wash up after, too.”
These can be found for as little as £15, so are the best blenders for those on a budget. More expensive options may come with several attachments, so you can purée, whisk, chop, mash and so on.