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When you want the best inexpensive countertop blenders, you can trust options like Ninja Professional Blender 1000 and NutriBullet Blender Combo. These budget blenders offer good value and rival the best blender brands. Many urban households pick these best affordable blenders as their best choice for daily use and top performance.
- The best blender for you might be one of these best cheap blenders, offering best overall features and best value.
- With best blenders under $100, you get a budget pick that delivers professional results.
- Inexpensive blenders from leading brands give you a budget pick with lasting value.
- Choose the best budget blenders for reliable blending, making them the best affordable blenders and a top budget pick.
How We Chose the Best Inexpensive Countertop Blenders
Testing Process
You want a blender that works hard for you, so we put each model through real-life kitchen tests. We didn’t just blend a banana and call it a day. We made protein shakes with oats and almonds, whipped up frozen fruit smoothies, and even crushed ice with fibrous greens like kale and spinach. This way, you can trust that these blenders handle tough jobs, not just easy ones.
We also checked how loud each blender got by measuring noise with a decibel meter. For every smoothie, we strained out the pulp and compared the leftovers. Some blenders left a lot behind, while others made drinks silky smooth. We even made almond milk, mayonnaise, and hot soup to see how well each blender performed with different foods. You get a blender that’s been tested for more than just smoothies.
Tip: If you love making soups or nut butters, look for a blender that handles hot and thick mixtures without struggling.
Selection Criteria
You deserve a blender that fits your needs and budget. We looked at power, jar size, and how easy each blender is to clean. We compared price-to-value ratios, checked for dishwasher-safe parts, and made sure the controls were simple to use. We also paid attention to durability, warranty, and brand reputation.
- We used the same criteria for every blender, so you get a fair comparison.
- We read expert reviews and real customer ratings to see what matters most to people like you.
- We focused on features that match today’s trends, like making smoothies and slushy drinks at home.
Countertop blenders now make up 70% of the blender market, showing just how popular and reliable they are for everyday use. With so many choices, you can find a powerful, affordable blender that keeps up with your kitchen adventures.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Budget Blenders
Ninja Professional Blender 1000
You want a blender that can handle anything you throw at it. The Ninja Professional Blender 1000 stands out as a high-performance option for ice crushing and large frozen drinks. With a powerful 1,000-watt motor and a 72-ounce BPA-free pitcher, you can make smoothies for the whole family or whip up a batch of margaritas for your friends. The unique stacked 3-blade design crushes ice in seconds and blends fruit with ease.
Here’s a quick look at how the Ninja stacks up:
| Feature | Details/Feedback |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1,000 watts |
| Capacity | 72 ounces |
| Weight | 7.1 pounds |
| Blade Design | Stacked 3-blade structure for efficient blending |
| Pitcher | BPA-free, dishwasher-safe |
| Noise Level | Louder than most |
| Cleaning | Removable blades, dishwasher-safe parts |
| Customer Notes | Powerful, easy to clean, but noisy |
You get a full-sized blender that’s perfect for smoothies, shakes, and frozen drinks. In real-world tests, the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 produced drinkable smoothies, but you might notice some fibrous chunks from apple skins or carrots. It’s not as thorough as a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, but it’s a top budget pick for crushing ice and making large batches.
Check out these lab test scores:
| Performance Category | Score / Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Purpose | 6.5 | Good for general use, sturdy pitcher |
| Smoothies (Single Serving) | 7.3 | Good texture, may need scraping |
| Smoothies (Multiple Servings) | 7.8 | Large pitcher, blends can be grainy |
| Ice Crushing | 9.5 | Crushes 12 ice cubes in ~30 seconds |
| Soups | 4.8 | No hot blending capability |
| Nut Butter Texture | 9.5 | Very smooth, spreadable nut butter |
| Noise Level @ Max Speed | 90.7 dB | Quieter than some full-size blenders |
If you want the best budget blender for frozen drinks or a high-performance blender for ice, this is a strong choice. You get simple controls, dishwasher-safe parts, and a pitcher big enough for parties. The Ninja Professional Blender 1000 is one of the best inexpensive countertop blenders for anyone who loves smoothies and icy treats.
Tip: Always use the pulse function for ice to get the best results and protect your blades.
NutriBullet Blender Combo
If you want a blender that does it all, the NutriBullet Blender Combo is a great pick. This high-performance blender comes with a 64-ounce main jar and two personal cups, so you can blend for a crowd or just for yourself. It’s a best affordable blender for smoothies, and you can take your drink on the go.
Here’s how the NutriBullet Blender Combo performs:
| Test Category | Score/Notes |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 7.0/10 (solid, but some parts like lids and handle can be fragile) |
| Smoothies | 7.5/10 (smooth, creamy results) |
| Ice Crushing | 6.6/10 (works, but not as strong as some full-sized blenders) |
| Pureeing | 7.4/10 (handles soups and sauces well) |
| Grinding | 7.9/10 (good for seeds and nuts) |
| Convenience | 6.7/10 (easy to use, but lacks presets and timer) |
| Accessories | Two on-the-go cups included |
You get a best budget blender that’s versatile and easy to use. The NutriBullet Blender Combo is an affordable personal blender for smoothies, shakes, and even nut butters. It’s not the best for crushing lots of ice, but it shines when you want to blend fibrous greens or make creamy drinks. If you want the best budget blender for smoothies and a budget pick that comes with handy accessories, this is a smart choice.
Note: The NutriBullet Blender Combo is a best inexpensive countertop blender for everyday use, but handle the pitcher and lids with care to avoid damage.
Oster Pro 1200 Blender
You want a blender that’s powerful and built to last. The Oster Pro 1200 Blender is a high-performance, affordable midrange blender with a 1,200-watt motor. It comes with a 48-ounce glass jar and a 24-ounce personal cup, making it one of the best glass blenders and best personal blenders in one package.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Blender Model | Motor Power (Watts) | Jar Size (Ounces) | Speed Options | Preset Modes / Functions | Notes on Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oster Pro 1200 | 1200 (1.6 HP) | 48 (glass) + 24 | 7 speeds | Milkshake, Green/Frozen Smoothies, Food Chop/Salsa, Pulse | Great for fibrous greens, versatile, strong value |
You get seven speeds, including presets for smoothies and milkshakes. The glass jar is sturdy and easy to clean, and the personal cup lets you blend and go. The Oster Pro 1200 handles tough jobs like kale and frozen fruit, making it a best budget blender for smoothies and a best overall pick for families.
You might find it struggles with nut butters or milling flour, but for most blending tasks, it’s a high-powered blender that delivers. If you want a full-sized blender that’s reliable and easy to use, the Oster Pro 1200 is a best blender for daily kitchen needs.
Tip: The glass jar resists stains and odors, so you can blend salsa one day and smoothies the next without lingering smells.
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender
If you’re looking for one of the best cheap blenders, the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender is a top budget pick. It features a 700-watt motor and a patented Wave Action system that pulls ingredients down for smooth blending. The stainless steel Ice Sabre blades crush ice for smoothies and frozen drinks.
Here’s how it performs in key areas:
| Test Category | Performance Summary | Durability/Convenience Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoothies | Above-average for smoothies and malt drinks; sometimes chunky with kale; needs help for thick blends. | Handles basic blending well; struggles with thick or seed-heavy blends. |
| Ice Crushing | Good for ice and margaritas; some jamming at the bottom. | Durable for ice; minor design issue with ice blockage. |
| Pureeing | Good for nut butter (ran 8 minutes smoothly); less effective for soups (needs stirring, no heating). | Motor lasts for nut butter; not for hot soups. |
| Grinding | Not great for sugar, cheese, or corn kernels. | Not for heavy grinding tasks. |
| Convenience | Easy to clean, simple controls, tight lid. | Dishwasher safe, but lid can be hard to remove. |
You get a best budget blender that’s easy to use and clean. The Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender is a best affordable blender for smoothies and shakes, and it’s a solid budget pick for families or students. It’s not a high-performance blender for grinding or hot soups, but it’s reliable for daily use.
Note: The Wave Action system helps blend thick mixtures, but you may need to stop and stir for the smoothest results.
Breville Fresh & Furious Blender
You want a blender that feels like a professional model but costs much less. The Breville Fresh & Furious Blender is a high-performance, full-sized blender with a 1,100-watt motor and a 50-ounce BPA-free jar. It features five sharp blades and a wide speed range, making it a best overall choice for smoothies and ice crushing.
Here’s a breakdown of its features:
| Specification/Feature | Details/Score |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1,100 W |
| Blade Speed Range | 3,800 to 15,800 RPM |
| Jar Capacity | 50 oz (BPA-free plastic) |
| Blade Count and Type | 5 sharp blades, prevents sticking |
| Fibrous Ingredients Blending | 9.4 (smooth texture, needs multiple cycles) |
| Ice Crushing Performance | 8.1 to 8.9 (snow-like ice, best in small batches) |
| Nut Butter Performance | 8.8 to 9.0 (smooth, needs some stirring) |
| Noise Level at Max Speed | 92.4 dB (quiet for its size) |
| Presets and Controls | 5 speeds, 4 programs, digital timer |
| Limitations | No hot blending, smaller jar than some |
The Breville Fresh & Furious Blender is a high-performance blender that rivals professional models for smoothies and ice. You get presets for green smoothies, ice crush, and more, plus a digital timer for easy use. The jar is a bit smaller than some full-sized blenders, but it’s perfect for most families.
You’ll love how it handles leafy greens and frozen fruit, making it a best for smoothies and a best budget blender for anyone who wants professional results at home. If you want an affordable personal blender that’s easy to use and clean, this is a great budget pick.
Note: The lid can be tricky, so pour slowly when making soups or hot liquids.
You have many choices when it comes to budget blenders. Whether you want the best inexpensive countertop blenders for daily smoothies, a high-performance blender for frozen drinks, or an affordable personal blender for quick shakes, these best budget blenders deliver professional results without the high price tag.
Key Features to Consider in the Best Budget Blender
Power and Motor Strength
When you shop for budget blenders, pay close attention to the motor. A strong motor means you can blend tough ingredients like frozen fruit or ice. Most high-performance models in this price range offer between 900 and 1,200 watts. That’s enough power for smoothies, shakes, and even nut butters. You’ll also want to check the RPM (rotations per minute). Higher RPMs help break down seeds and leafy greens faster.
| Blender Category | Motor Wattage (Watts) | Rotation Speed (RPM) | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-powered Budget | ~600 | ~20,000 | Handles fresh fruit smoothies; struggles with nuts, leafy greens, and ice. |
| Mid-powered Budget | 900 – 1200 | 21,000 – 24,000 | Can blend frozen fruits, ice, and fibrous greens effectively; good balance of power and affordability. |
| Premium Models | >1500 | Up to 40,000 | High performance; processes any ingredient; generates friction heat beneficial for some recipes. |
If you want a best budget blender that can handle daily use, look for at least 900 watts.
Jar Material and Capacity
You’ll find jars made from glass or plastic. Glass jars resist scratches and stains, so they look new longer. Plastic jars are lighter but can discolor over time. Most budget blenders come with jars around 42 ounces, which is smaller than a full-sized blender in a professional kitchen. Here’s a quick look:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Jar Material | Glass – less prone to scratching and discoloration than plastic; dishwasher safe |
| Jar Capacity | 42 oz (1,242 ml) – smaller than premium models |
| Durability Notes | Glass jar is sturdy, but plastic gears and lids may feel less durable |
A high-performance blender with a glass jar gives you durability and easy cleaning.
Versatility and Functions
You want your blender to do more than just smoothies. The best budget blender can handle soups, nut butters, and even salsas. Some models offer preset programs for different tasks. Take a look at how different budget blenders stack up:
A full-sized blender with multiple speeds or preset modes lets you try new recipes and get creative in the kitchen.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes scrubbing sticky jars. Many budget blenders have dishwasher-safe parts, which makes cleanup simple. Some models let you add soap and water, then run the blender for a quick clean. Here are some cleaning tips:
- Rinse your blender right after use to prevent food from sticking.
- Dishwasher-safe jars and lids save you time.
- Fixed blades can be harder to clean, so look for removable blades if possible.
- Portable blenders like NutriBullet are easy to clean by running soap and water.
Tip: Clean your blender as soon as you finish blending. This keeps your high-performance blender working well and saves you time.
Real-World Performance of the Best Blender Picks
Smoothie Making
You probably use your blender for smoothies more than anything else. Budget blenders make this easy and quick. In fact, 25% of blender owners make smoothies more than five times a month. Full-size blender users say smoothies are their top reason for blending. Most blending sessions last five minutes or less, so you can whip up a milkshake or green smoothie before school or work.
| Statistic Description | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Percentage of blender users making smoothies >5 times/month | 25% |
| Full-size blender users citing smoothie drinking as usage reason | 31% |
| Average monthly uses of personal blenders | 8.7 times |
| Average monthly uses of full-size blenders | 6.3 times |
You get smooth results thanks to features like multiple speeds and pulse functions. Most budget blenders have at least three speeds, so you can blend everything from a thick milkshake to a fruit-packed smoothie.
Ice Crushing
Craving a frozen drink or a milkshake with crushed ice? Budget blenders can handle it. Models like the Ninja Professional Blender 1000 and KitchenAid K150 crush ice in seconds. The KitchenAid K150, for example, blends ice and margarita mix in just 14 seconds with no chunks left behind. Many budget blenders include a pulse mode and strong blades, making them perfect for icy treats.
| Blender Model | Price Range | Ice Crushing Performance | Key Features Supporting Ice Crushing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Professional Plus Blender | Budget-friendly | Produces snow-like crushed ice comparable to pricier models | Pulse mode and automatic blending programs aid in breaking ice chunks |
| Ninja Professional Blender 1000 | Less expensive | Equally good at ice crushing despite lacking blending programs | Manual operation with effective ice crushing capability |
| KitchenAid K150 | Budget-conscious | Fully blends ice and margarita mix in 14 seconds with no chunks | Pulse mode, 3-speed control, compact and easy to handle |
Tip: Use the pulse function for the best ice-crushing results and to keep your blades sharp.
Nut Butters and Purees
You might think only expensive blenders can make creamy nut butters or smooth purees, but budget blenders can do the job. Strong motors and sharp blades help you blend nuts into butter or puree veggies for soup. Some models, like the NutriBullet Combo, even warm soup to 145°F while blending. You get smooth textures without chunks, and you rarely need to stop and scrape the sides.
- High RPMs and sharp blades create creamy nut butters.
- Durable jars and stable bases help you blend larger batches.
- Most budget blenders can puree soup until it’s silky smooth.
Note: For best results, blend in small batches and use the pulse setting for thick mixtures.
Durability Over Time
You want your blender to last. Nearly 90% of users clean their blender after each use, which helps keep it running smoothly. Budget blenders use sturdy materials and simple designs, so they hold up well with daily use. Glass jars resist stains, and most parts are dishwasher safe. If you take care of your blender, you can enjoy smoothies, milkshakes, and more for years.
You can find a budget pick that gives you good value and professional results. Many users rate these as the best blender for smoothies, ice, and more. When you choose the best value for your needs, you get a budget pick that delivers real value every day.
- Power tests show budget blenders crush ice and blend tough ingredients like pros.
- User ratings and reviews highlight strong performance at a fraction of the cost.
- Market trends reveal growing demand for affordable blenders with advanced features.
FAQ
What can you blend in a budget countertop blender?
You can blend smoothies, shakes, sauces, and even nut butters. Some models crush ice and puree soups. Always check your blender’s manual for best results.
How do you clean your blender quickly?
Just add warm water and a drop of dish soap. Blend for 30 seconds. Rinse well. Most jars and lids are dishwasher safe, too!
Do affordable blenders last a long time?
You get good value if you clean and use your blender properly. Many budget blenders last for years with regular care and gentle use.
