Buying guide for Best personal blenders
A healthy diet can be hard to maintain with a busy schedule. Sometimes it’s all you can do to get out the door on time in the morning. Personal blenders are an easy way to simplify your meals. Smoothies, protein shakes, and vegetable/fruit juice blends have become the go-to meal replacement for many people. You get the nutrients you need and can walk out the door in five minutes or less. What could be better than that?
Personal blenders are relatively new to the kitchen appliance market. However, they save space and time, making them invaluable if you have a busy lifestyle.
Personal blender features to consider
Personal blenders are compact. They come with a container that can also be used as a cup. The container can be sealed with a lid so you can drink it on your way to work or school. Lid types vary, but some include a spout for drinking straight from the container. If you frequently make single-serving smoothies or often have to eat on the go, a personal blender could be a good choice for you. Here are some features to look for as you shop:
Power
Personal blenders range from 175 watts to around 1,000 watts. While high wattage does give the blender more power, it doesn’t always guarantee the best performance. Container design, blade, and the speed at which the blade turns affect blending proficiency, too. That said, models with higher wattage do tend to be more durable and last longer, especially if you blend ice and frozen foods.
Controls
In general, the controls on personal blenders are simpler than those on full-size blenders. Some use a flip switch, dial, or digital controls. Each control system has its own pros and cons. Digital displays are often the easiest to keep clean but can be harder to operate. For example, you might have to double-click a button to activate a setting or turn the blender off. Dials and switches are usually found on simpler machines. While these are easy to use, they tend to have more cracks and crevices in which bits of food can hide.
Expert TIp
When adding ingredients to your personal blender, start with the liquids, then solids on top. This helps promote easy blending and likely less tamping and poking to get the mixture going.
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Speeds
Personal blenders have one to three speeds. Some models have a setting that alternates blade speed and times the blending process for you. If you plan to use the blender daily, multiple speeds are worth the extra money. However, if you’re only going to use the blender once or twice a week, a high-performing single-speed model can get the job done.
Pulse setting
Ice and frozen fruit are common ingredients in smoothies, and they can make some satisfyingly thick drinks. A pulse setting provides better control over the blending process because you can start and stop the blades in seconds. A pulse setting can also prevent over-blending.
Height
Most full-size countertop blenders stand around 17 inches tall, with a base that might be up to 8 inches wide. Personal blenders range from 9 to 13 inches tall, with a base that’s often not much wider than the blending container. The compact size makes personal blenders ideal for people with limited counter and/or storage space.
Container size
The containers on personal blenders are meant for a single serving (typically 10 to 32 ounces). Some blenders come with several different sizes of containers to offer a few extra serving size options. It’s also nice to have more than one container if several people in your household will be regularly making and taking smoothies.
The containers on personal blenders are designed for portability and so are usually made of lightweight plastic. Look for models with BPA-free plastic to reduce the potential exposure to harmful chemicals. There are a few blenders with stainless-steel containers that provide better insulation.
Expert Tip
For smoothie bowls, get creative with your toppings. Berries, banana slices, bee pollen, nuts, edible flowers, seeds, coconut flakes, and more are waiting to be part of your artful bowl.
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Durability
How well a personal blender handles the toughest ingredients is a good indication of its durability. Ice and frozen fruit work blender motor and blades hard. Models with an ice or frozen fruit setting are specifically designed for these items. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a single-speed model that will works well, but it’s more likely to wear out sooner.
Portability
Some personal blenders are designed for portability. The lids may have a carabiner so the blender can be attached to a backpack. These small, single-speed models often have wraparound cords to make them even more portable. Some models are battery powered and can be charged with a USB cord.
Personal blender prices
Inexpensive
For less than $20, you’ll find single-speed, portable personal blenders. These small, lightweight models typically have one-touch on/off operation. Some may be battery operated and charged with a USB cord.
Mid-range
Models that come with more than one container and several lid types can be found in the $20 to $50 range. At this price point you’ll find models with electronic touchpads, pulse setting, and several speed options.
Expensive
Personal blenders that come with two or three container sizes, multiple lid options, and sometimes an extra blade can be found between $50 and $100. Some of these models have 1,000W of power.
Expert TIp
If you’re blending dairy or oils as part of your mixture, scrub out the jar or vessel with soap and a brush. Dairy (and all fats) can create an invisible layer that may influence the flavor and health of future blends, and that layer can’t be completely removed with a rinse of soapy warm water.
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Premium
For $100 and more you’ll find models with digital controls, several container sizes, multiple lid options, and perhaps a stainless-steel container as well. In this price range, you’ll also find full-size blenders that come with personal blender containers and lids.
Tips
Check the warranty. Before buying, check the manufacturer’s warranty to see what’s covered and for how long. Blenders take a serious beating with daily use, and you want to make sure the parts and labor are covered. Register your product so you’ll be notified of any recalls.
Use your personal blender to make baby food. Some models come with a cube tray into which you can pour a fruit or vegetable blend and make single servings of baby food. The tray can also be used to make flavored ice cubes to drop in your water for extra taste and a nutrient boost.
- Choose a blender with recipes included. Many personal blenders come with a recipe book. If you’re looking for variety in your morning smoothie, a good recipe book can give you ideas and prevent blender boredom.
FAQ
Q. How long can I expect my personal blender to last?
A. There’s a big difference between a budget model and a high-end personal blender. A good indication of the life of the blender is the warranty. Some models come with a seven- or eight-year warranty, while others may only have a one-year guarantee. The warranty is usually a good indication of how long the manufacturer expects the blender to last.
Q. Do personal blender containers have measurement lines like full-size blenders?
A. Yes, most personal blenders have measurement marks just like their full-size counterparts. The marks make it easier for you to measure the ingredients when making protein shakes or other nutrient-filled drinks and smoothies so you don’t overfill the container.
Q. How big is the base on a personal blender?
A. Base size varies by manufacturer and model. You can expect higher-wattage models to have a bigger base. Some portable models are streamlined, with a lightweight plastic base that’s similar in width to the container. Models with bulkier, stainless-steel or plastic bases weigh more and use more storage space but have better durability and longevity.
