The blender has grown to become a kitchen staple – and for good reason. Its versatility and ease of use makes it a strong contender for making frozen margaritas on a hot summer evening, energising smoothies on Monday mornings, to warm winter soups on a weeknight.
As an all-seasons kitchen must-have, there are a multitude of blenders out there to choose from. From best blenders for baby food, hot and cold food, to best blenders for crushing ice and smoothies.
To help us get our heads around the different types of blenders available, we spoke with Melissa Lyras, Brand Manager at Vitamix Australia for some insight.
Main types of blenders
Countertop blenders
Countertop blenders typically have a jug and a base.
“At the top of the market, you will find high-performance blenders that harness incredible power and versatility to create everything from smoothies and juices, hot soups, frozen desserts, nut butters, dressings, sauces, and even flour and doughs,” explains Lyras.
Personal blenders
Personal blenders are typically self-serve blenders that only create a singular smoothie or serve at once.
“If you buy a blender solely for this, there is a risk that it might not be powerful enough for every blend…It also won’t give you the variety of blends that a different model offers. A better option might be to consider buying a countertop blender that has an attachment that enables you to create a single serve when need be.”
Immersion blenders
Immersion blenders (also known as handheld blenders) are great for a quick blend.
“They don’t do too well when blending through larger chunks of ingredients due to the limited power, and are not as versatile as a countertop blender.”
The best blenders to buy in Australia
So, whether you’re ready to upgrade your existing blender or you’re just ready to dive into the world of blenders in general…we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best blenders to invest in with different needs in mind.
Best blender for crushing ice
Ninja Foodi Blender Cold & Hot, $299.99 (usually $399.99), Ninja
With a powerful 1000W motor, the Ninja blender blends and processes ice and frozen fruits with absolute control. Its intelligent programs for pulsing, blending and pausing patterns will create the creamiest smoothies and purées, to the most refreshing slushies and frosés at the touch of a button (but don’t worry, the heat setting works just as well for making soups and your favourite pasta sauces!).
Key features:
- Crush, cook and infuse
- 800w precision heating element
- Pro extractor blade
- One-touch cleaning program
- 1.8L glass pitcher
- 1 year warranty
Best blender for smoothies
Vitamix Ascent Series smart blender (A3500i), $1359.20 (usually $1699), Myer
Whether you’re a thick smoothie lover or prefer a more fruity, icy concoction, the Vitamix A3500i lets you preset the smoothie function to achieve consistent results every time.
Recommended by Lyras, the smart blender offers a sleek touchscreen control that is easy to clean, a programmable timer and a huge range of set-and-forget functions for those with busy lifestyles. This blender is not only perfect for smoothies, it’s also great for frozen desserts, hot soups, dips and spreads.
Key features:
- 5 program settings
- 10 variable speeds and pulse function
- 2L container
- Programmable timer
- Touch screen interface
- 10 year warranty
Also available to shop at:
- $1399 at The Good Guys
- $1699 at Vitamix
- $1329.95 (usually $1699) at Kitchen Warehouse
Vitamix Explorian Series blender (E310), $577, Appliances Online
If you’re simply looking to enjoy the iconic power Vitamix is known for, the Vitamix Explorian E310, with a classic look and simple controls, is a great pick. Plus, with a powerful 2HP motor, 10 variable speeds plus a pulse button, you can refine the texture of your recipe to your liking.
Key features:
- 1.4 Litre capacity
- Pulse feature
- Radial cooling fan
- 1.37 Metre cord
- Thermal protection system
- Laser cut, stainless steel blades
Also available to shop at:
- $549 at The Good Guys
- $699 at Vitamix
Best blender for baby food
Nutribullet Baby, $89 (usually $119), Myer
Perfect for purées and mash, you’ll be able to create endless recipes for your little one with the Nutribullet Baby. It features a vented batch bowl which means you can blend steamed fruits and vegies with ease. Plus, it’s hard to look past its adorable face design.
Key features:
- Motor Base
- Extractor Blade
- Batch Bowl
- Easy Pop Freezer Tray with Lid
- Storage Cups with Tray
- Short Cup with Lid
Also available to shop at:
- $89 at Amazon
- $109 at The Good Guys
Best blender for hot and cold food
KitchenAid K400 variable speed blender, $449, KitchenAid
The KitchenAid K400 model blends the toughest of ingredients with ease. Its adaptive motor senses the contents within the blender to maintain an optimal speed whilst blending; moreover, the unique Soft Start feature begins the motor at a slower speed to pull large pieces of food into the blade to avoid splatter. If you’re one to blend both hot and cold food, the glass blender jar means you can do both without worrying about damaging the machine.
Key features:
- Asymmetric blade
- 3 part blending system
- Intelligent speed control
Also available to shop at:
- $449 at Myer
- $449 at The Good Guys
Best personal blenders
Nutribullet blender mega pack, $99, Myer
A compact number with impactful features. The Nutribullet 900W Mega is perfect for making a smoothie to take on-the-go, or to blend up spices and dry ingredients to make cooking a breeze. The pack includes a nutrient extractor blade, a milling blade and three different cup sizes to choose from. Plus, its matte black finish will complement any contemporary kitchen nicely.
Key features:
- 900W motor base
- Extractor blade and milling blade
- 2 x 700ml tall cups
- 500ml short cup
- Flip-top lid
Also available to shop at:
- $119 at The Good Guys
Vitamix Ascent blending cup and bowl starter kit, $199.29, Myer
Perfect for single-serves, the Vitamix Ascent blending cup and bowl kit has self-detect technology that recognises the cup and bowl you’re using and automatically adjusts the blend settings for their smaller size. Designed for creating salad dressings or dips, through to a singular smoothie, just pop on the spill-proof lid and you’re good to go.
Key features:
- Portable 600ml blending cup with spill-proof lid
- One 225ml blending bowl with stackable lid
- Laser-cut stainless steel blades
- Dishwasher safe
- SELF-DETECT™ Technology
Also available to shop at:
- $207 at Amazon
Best stick blender
Sunbeam Stickmaster, $69, Amazon
A stick blender that…well, does it all. The Stickmaster by Sunbeam comes with three different attachments. The wand is designed for pureeing, emulsifying and aerating foods, the whisk is made for creaming and whisking, and the chopper attachment is made for mincing and dicing. With a simple ‘twist and lock’ system for the attachments, it’s the smallest blender that doesn’t lack in functionality.
Key features:
- 3×3 blade system
- Soft Start function
- Mixer, chopper and blender in one
- Twist and lock attachment
What should I look out for when purchasing my next blender?
Firstly, you should decide what you’d want to use your blender for – perhaps it’s for smoothies or maybe you’re keen on making your own nut butters.
“Once that is decided, I would recommend looking for five key things: the power of your motor and design of the blades, how easy it is to manipulate the consistency of your blend, how much autonomy it offers, how easy it is to clean, and the warranty,” says Lyras.
The power of your motor should be on the top of your list of considerations.
“You want something powerful that can blend through whole ingredients so that you can get the best flavours within your blend.”
The warranty is another key aspect to consider – as like many home appliances, a brand that supports its product with a reasonable warranty is a good indicator of quality.
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