Best Smoothie Maker for the Money

If you like blended beverages, then you definitely need to find the best smoothie maker. A smoothie is a blended beverage that is usually served chilled. It can be served as a breakfast drink, as a health drink, as a refreshment on a hot afternoon, or all of the above. A typical smoothie recipe more often than not consists of a mixture of fruit juice and fruits and/or berries to which bananas or yogurt are often added. A smoothie can be made from a wide variety of ingredients. Some like to add chocolate, peanut butter, or a health supplement such as a protein powder to the drink. If it is to be served fresh from the smoothie maker, a little crushed ice can be added to the mixture before blending. There is more than one way to make a delicious smoothie, but to get the best-tasting results, using an appliance designed for the task is by far the best approach.

What Is A Best Smoothie Maker?

A smoothie maker is a blender, but the opposite is not always true. If you already have a blender, you may be able to make a decent-tasting smoothie, but a decent-tasting smoothie is not always a great one, and it may not always be a smooth one either. A smoothie is so-named for a reason. Consumers will sometimes look long and hard to find a coffee maker or espresso machine that will give them the best possible cup of coffee or espresso. Those same consumers often spend a fair amount of money on coffee grinders as well. Sometimes, when you want your beverage of choice to have that perfect taste, you have to invest in an appliance that is the right one for the job. It is the same for the smoothie as it is for espresso, or nearly so. For the best results, you want to get a machine that gets the job done.

When looking for a smoothie-making machine you are faced with three choices: You can purchase a high-quality general-purpose blender, you can purchase a blender that features a pre-programmed smoothie button, or you can select a blender whose only purpose in life is to produce a great smoothie. The choice is yours. If you already have a blender, you may not wish to invest in a second one, but if you want to enjoy this great beverage the most every day to be a part of your lifestyle purchasing a blender designed to make a great smoothie would make the most sense. If you do purchase a custom blender don’t throw your old blender out. A blender specifically designed may not perform adequately if you attempt to use it for blending or mixing other types of foods.

Why Do You Need To Get The Best Smoothie Maker?

This has already been answered, but in somewhat general terms. To better understand why you want to get the best smoothie maker, you need to know what there is about a custom-designed smoothie maker that sets it apart. There are at least six or seven features you should look for. These are summarized below, and with this information in hand, you should be able to zero in on a machine that will consistently produce great smoothies.

Price and Warranty:

Price cannot be completely ignored unless it is of little concern to you. A number of the best blenders for making smoothies are top-of-the-line appliances. You can usually expect to pay something extra if you are looking for the best. If a higher priced appliance does appeal to you, it would be worth your while to check on the warranty. Many, if not most kitchen appliances have a 2-year warranty, but some of the higher-end items often feature warranties of 5-years of longer. A 5-year warranty is not bad for an appliance that you might be using every day, and a warranty of that length tends to indicate that the manufacturer has some faith in the durability of its product. It would be best to avoid any blender that carries a 1-year warranty, especially if it is a relatively expensive one. If you are using a machine every day to crush ice, its life expectancy might not be very long. Most blenders will last for more than a year, but if yours should break down during the second or third year and it only has a 1-year warranty, you are out of luck.

Power and Ice-Crushing Ability:

One of the key features to look for is the ice-crushing ability of the appliance. Its rated wattage will give you some indication of this, as more power means more efficient and effective ice-crushing ability. If the manner in which the machine crushes the ice is not consistent, the smoothness of the drink it produces will not be consistent either. A more powerful appliance is apt to be a larger one. You may find what you want in a smaller machine, but bigger does tend to be better.

Blade Type is Important:

It’s not just the higher power that is important. The blade type is important as well. What you want to be looking for is a blender with a heavy-duty blade specifically designed for ice crushing. The blades found in most blenders are not up to the task. They will crush ice, but not evenly and the end result is likely to be a ‘lumpy’. Your blender should also have a blade design that pulls the ice and fruit to be blended down the center of the jar, ensuring an even mix. It is also worth bearing in mind that nuts are often a popular ingredient in smoothies. This is especially true when the objective is to make a beverage that is high in nutrition. Bits and chunks of nuts in a smoothie tend to make it a little less appetizing.

Cleaning Time (Blade Cleaning):

Almost all of the best smoothie makers feature a sealed blade assembly. What this means is that you do not have to disassemble the blades after each use in order to clean them. You simply wash the assembly as a whole and do not have to clean the component parts. This can be a real time-saver, and a good reason to spend a few dollars more for a high-end machine.

Speed Control:

A smoothie can be made by filling the blender jar with the ingredients you select and ice, turning the blender on, letting the mixture blend, and then turning the blender off. It can be as simple as that, although if you are looking for perfection, there is usually a bit more involved. If you purchase an espresso machine you will find there is a learning curve involved in making a cup of perfect espresso. The learning curve isn’t quite so steep for making the perfect smoothie, but you will find you often have to do more than simply turn the blender on and off. To blend the mixture perfectly you will need to operate the blender at several speeds. Three speeds are recommended – mix, pulse, and smooth. How much of each speed you need depends upon the ingredients, so there will be a trial and error process involved. You won’t be wasting your time however. It’s hard to make a bad smoothie when you have the right ingredients and a good machine.

Programmed, Manual, or the Best of Both Worlds:

You can of course avoid the learning curve by purchasing a smoothie-making machine that is pre-programmed so you don’t have to worry about changing speeds during the blending process. If the result is an excellent smoothie, all is well. If you happen to be a purist, you may eventually come to the conclusion that the manufacture had no idea what a perfect smoothie is like when programming the machine. If that is the case, you will either have to override the pre-programmed setting and stick to the manual method or live with the smoothies the blender produces. Fortunately, many appliances that allow programmable functions to be customized. Look for a blender with this capability, and a blender that is designed with making smoothies in mind and you need look no further. If the box says “Customized Blend Cycles”, or something to that effect, and all of the other criteria are being addressed, you have likely found what you are looking for.

Jar Size:

Jar size is important for several reasons. First, if the jar size is too small you may have to go through the blending process twice to get the size or number of servings you want. A smaller unit with a smaller jar size has its conveniences, as long as it has the wattage and blade type to do the job, but if you are relying on it to produce health drinks, you can pack more nutrients into a larger jar than into a smaller one. A larger jar is also convenient when there are several mouths to feed. The primary reason to look for a blender with a larger jar (or a larger jar that will fit your blender) is simply that you will usually get a smoother drink with a larger-capacity jar.

Selecting a Low-Price Appliace (If You Must)

If budget constraints limit your selection to lower price blenders, you may still find one that will serve the purpose, but you will probably have to look a little harder for the following reasons:

• A low-priced blender may not have the power needed to crush ice. You may only be able to use fresh fruits and vegetables as the blender may not have the power to blend frozen fruits or vegetables either.
• A low-priced blender may give you satisfactory results, but most are not meant for daily use. A blender with a 1-year warranty should hold up for several years when used only occasionally, but it may break down within a year if used on a daily basis. On the other hand, it may hold up to 53 weeks.
• A greater amount of preparation time is usually required to make a smoothie if you are using a lower-powered, inexpensive machine or a machine without a smoothie setting. The blending process itself will usually take longer and the results are not always consistent.

Top 6 Smoothie Maker Reviews:

1.) Magic Bullet NutriBullet Rx N17-1001

A blender is one of the most essential kitchen appliances that you can own. The thought of making natural juices and blends is an appealing one to many nutritionists and people in general. In this article we will talk about the specifications, pros and cons of the Magic Bullet NutriBullet Rx N17-1001 Blender. The blender can make juices, sauces, soups and beverages derived from natural seeds, fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Whom Does It Serve?

Many different people can benefit from this blender. The kind of ingredients they will frequently use is what varies, some prefer beverages and others would prefer smoothies.

Specifications

The blender has a 1700 Watt motor and a 2.3 horsepower, high-torque power base. It has a pitcher lid that covers the blended juices keeping them fresh while storing or transporting. The lid also helps heat and pressure to escape during the juice making process and the spout is shaped to facilitate easy pouring of juices into cups or glasses. The blender has SMART technology, which enables you just set the time and speed to deliver. The NutriBullet Rx has a 7 minute heating cycle, which ensures that soups and naturally extracted beverages are fresh and hot. The blender’s serving cups vary, there is a 1.30 oz. cup for short servings while there is a 1.45 oz. oversize cup for multiple servings.

Is This A Good Choice?

It is a worthy investment to have in your kitchen. Overlooking the small issues it may have, this is a machine that, in my opinion, will help if you are looking to start a new healthy blending diet.

2.) Margaritaville DM0500

Margaritaville DM0500 Bahamas 36-Ounce Frozen-Concoction Maker is a blender that is used for the making of drinks, blends and fruit extractions. Its technology as well as methodology of use varies from those of conventional blenders as shall be seen in the preceding discussions.

Specifications

The main features and specifications of Margaritaville Frozen-Concoction Maker are:

• Product Dimensions: 14.4 inches by 8.3 inches by 18 inches
• Product Weight: 15.2 pounds
• Power Consumption: 450 watts
• Blending Capacity: 36 ounces
• It has an ice reservoir
• It has dual blending motors
• It has dishwasher-safe parts
• Accessories: Comes along with a frozen drink recipe guide, a quick start guide, manufacturer’s instruction manual, and Margaritaville shot glass.

Is This A Great Purchase?

Margaritaville Frozen-Concoction Maker is a great purchase for the average household as well as for lovers of parties, outdoor events, picnics and other forms of outings. That’s because it incorporates the features of versatility, portability, convenience of use and hygienic operations.

3.) Cleanblend 3HP 1800-Watt

Whether you are wanting to make a nice smoothie to cool you down, or just make yourself a homemade protein juice. The Cleanblend: 3HP 1800-Watt Commercial Blender can do it for you.

Specifications

• 64-ounce Container
• It’s a big container which is great since you can fit many ingredients you want in it and blend it.
• Stainless Steel Blades
• These enclosed blades come assembled with sealed ball bearings.
• Tamper Wand
• It is a fantastic asset of this blender since it will blend and mix more than it could without the tamper wand.
• 5-year Warranty

Warranty is always a good thing to have, because it guarantees you that the makers of this product think it is a good and stable product which isn’t supposed to break very easily.

What’s So Great About The Cleanblend 3HP 1800-Watt?

Many customers reported that they have been using this product for many different ingredients, and that the blender lived up to their expectations. The majority of the them complimented the power, stability, large capacity and the essential three buttons which makes this product really easy to use.

What’s Not So Great About The Cleanblend 3HP 1800-Watt?

One person said that they didn’t like the tall container at first because it was different than their last blender, but they got used to it and now love it.

Is This A Good Choice?

Overall, with all of this in mind, in my opinion, the Cleanblend Commercial Blender is a great purchase. It has great power, large capacity and is easy to use. We should also mention the 5 year warranty which makes the purchase of this blender, an even better deal.

4.) Nutri Ninja Auto iQ (BL482)

This smoothie maker is a multifunctional machine that can serve as a blender and juicer. Its technology allows the blender to tackle many types of food one wants to blend including tough ones like meats and vegetables. This is made possible by its incisive blade that crushes things in its wake for smoother blends.

Specifications

With an electrical capacity of 1000w, it is a relief to know that it doesn’t run on much energy. This is because it is made to be efficient in consuming electricity, making it great for establishments that use it frequently.

The incisive blade that makes this product cut through many foods with ease is also easy to clean. This is enabled by the fact that the components that make the blender are easy to remove allowing access to the blade.

The mode of operation is also easy to understand with well-marked buttons to explain the processes. Simply pick one to program the machine depending on the food you wish to mince. The inclusion of a digital timer is awesome as you get to know the time left to blend the food.

It also includes 3 cups of different sizes i.e. large, medium and small; each comes with a lid. This gives one the option of choosing a cup, depending on the requirements, for better performance. A nutritional guide and recipe are also included in the package to get you started.

Such specifications make this product great for any person who is keen on blending foods or making juices. This includes commercial settings like restaurants that have large volumes of various products to blend. It is also great for vendors who sell juices in large or small quantities as it has different cups which give you options. Since it can crush ice easily, making smoothies and shakes with this product is simplified.

Is This A Great Purchase?

In my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons, making this blender a great buy.

5.) Ninja Mega Kitchen System (BL771)

Do you want to improve the diet of your family? The Ninja Mega Kitchen System (BL771) is a simple yet sophisticated tool that can help you achieve this. This food processor offers performance and high power in XL 72oz. Thus, it is a powerful tool that handles numerous tasks. If you choose this product, you will get a pitcher, 3 cup bowl in bowl, nutria ninja cups, and XL 8 cup processor.

Specifications

Total Crushing Technology:

The Ninja Mega Kitchen System features total crushing technology. This technology delivers power with blades to squash and crush through ice, vegetables and whole fruits. This kitchen tool is great if you want to crush ice quickly. Also, it is useful for blending your favorite ingredients into dips, delicious sauces, and smoothies.

XL 8 Cup Food Processor:

It has a 8 cup capacity to handle many of your food processing needs. It is equipped with high-quality steel blades that offer uniform chopping. You don’t have to worry about dough anymore! The dough blade enables you to mix easily up to 2 pounds of dough in about 30 seconds. A 3 cup bowl in bowl is meant to nest in the huge bowl while in use with a firm seal trim to prevent instances of leakage.

Vitamin Extraction and Nutri Ninja Nutrient:

The vitamin extraction offers a great tasting, nutritious type of beverage. With this food processor, you can get a smooth cup of goodness made from vegetables, fruits, and ice cubes. The Nutri Ninja technology offers smooth, nutri-rich beverages filled with fiber and vitamins.

Versatile:

You can use this food processor to handle many things. From food processing to frozen blending and meal preparation. Also, you can use the Ninja Mega Kitchen System for vitamin and nutrient extraction.

Key Features

• 2 HP – 1500w professional kitchen system
• XL 720z. Blender featuring total crushing technology
• XL 8 cup bowl for dough making and chopping
• 2 nutri ninja cups for vitamin and nutrient extraction
• 1 cup bowl in bowl chopping blade
• Dishwasher safe, BPA free
• 1 year warranty

Is This A Great Purchase?

The Ninja Mega Kitchen Processor is a great purchase if you want easy food processing. It features 1500 watts of chopping and processing power. You can wash it in a dishwasher, BPA free and comes with one year warranty.

Summary

Now you know what to look for, as well as the type of appliance it would be best to avoid. The key features lie in the power of the machine and the blade type. You want a machine that can crush ice properly and consistently, and be able to do it on a daily basis for several years at least. Price and warranty are important, and higher and longer, respectively are usually preferable. Jar size is important, not only because a larger jar has more capacity, but also because using a larger jar will usually give you better results on a consistent basis.

Speed control is another important feature. For some, a hands-on approach to making a smoothie is the only way to go about it. Others prefer to push a button and allow the machine to do all of the heavy lifting, although the ingredients often require a specific speed cycle. Speed selection can at times be a challenge, but with a good machine, it should be the only challenge, and not a difficult one to conquer.

Some of the potential pitfalls involved in selecting a low-priced blender are addressed. In the worst-case scenario, the blender you select would take longer to do its job, would have difficulty crushing ice or blending frozen ingredients, and would give you inconsistent results. Preparation and cleanup would also take longer and the machine may simply not be durable enough to hold up under daily use.

The bottom line is that if you are looking for the best smoothie maker, it will be a machine that has power, proper blending capability, customized speed control, and durability. These features will usually equate to a higher-priced appliance. Being able to enjoy a great smoothie on a daily basis is worth it.

Also you need to know which products are frequently bought together with Smoothie Makers?

Smoothies are a tool that anyone can use to introduce balance and essential nutrients into their daily lives in a sustainable way. Focused on adding more nutrient dense foods into your diet, with a focus on fruits and vegetables, smoothie making provides an easy and sustainable approach to recharging your body’s natural health and wellness, and to hitting your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

Aside from the actual food ingredients in a smoothie, the most important component of smoothie making is the machine, itself. Obvious factors in purchasing a smoothie making machine include price, warranty, consumer reviews, longevity of the machine (or more simply put, quality), and size. When you invest in a smoothie machine, you are investing in your health, so making an educated choice in your smoothie machine purchase is essential.

When you decide to invest in your smoothie making machine, though, you should also take into account the accessories available on the market for your machine. Many of these accessories are brand- specific, but finding a machine that is both durable, affordable, and that offers expanded functionality in the form of accessories and add-ons can help stretch your dollar and provide you with options in its usage.

Below we’ve compiled a list of the top accessories that are frequently bought with smoothie makers.

• Smoothie Recipe Book

The Magic is In the Ingredients:
The top selling accessory sold with smoothie making machines are recipe books. Recipe books help you learn everything you need to know about the basics of smoothie making- from smoothie machine reviews, to recipes that help you maximize the nutritional density and flavor of your creation. If you want to establish an ongoing smoothie routine, the key is creating a stockpile of smoothie recipes and ideas to help you diversify your concoctions, and to create smoothies that keep you coming back for more. Many smoothie making machines and blenders come with a smoothie recipe book that provides a small sampling of recommended smoothies, but there are many more recipe guides on the market that provide a comprehensive list of recipes and ideas for making smoothies.

• Travel Cups with Lids

Smoothies on the Go:
Today, everything needs to be quick, easy, and portable. Investing in a smoothie travel cup with a lid helps you get out the door in the morning- or provides a quick sweet treat on the go- with little preparation time and added features (such as a mug handle), travel cups make it easy to drink your smoothie on the move. Many of the machines on the market today sell a travel pack upgrade that provides durable travel cups with a threaded lid that seals the cup, preventing spillage when you take your smoothie on the go and allowing you to seal and store pre-made smoothies for later.

• Knife

Always Sharp, Never Dull:
Not all accessories packaged with smoothie making machines focus on enhancing the machine, itself. If you’re going to be using your smoothie machine, daily, you’ll also need to invest in a quality knife that will allow you to cube, slice, and dice your smoothie ingredients without the frustration of going through multiple dull blades, or spending more time than you have preparing your smoothie ingredients.

• Sound-reduction Housing Unit

Seen But Not Heard:
An added feature that is compatible with any smoothie making machine is a sound-reduction housing unit. These clear, hard acrylic units can be placed over top of any smoothie making device. The unit muffles the sound of the blender, while allowing you to see when your smoothie is ready. This is a great accessory for commercial use in cafes, juice bars, coffee shops, and restaurants.

• Food Processor Attachment

Popular Add-Ons and Attachments:
Food processor attachments can be purchased with most smoothie making devices, and greatly expands the functionality of the machine by allowing you to switch out the motor and blades to turn the smoothie maker into a food processor- saving valuable counter space and money. Food processor attachments allow you to maximize the capabilities of your smoothie making machine- moving from blending soft fruits and vegetables, to grinding hardier nuts and meats.

• Juice Extractor

Two-in-One Functionality:
Another popular accessory for smoothie makers is the juice extractor attachment. Similar to the food processor attachment, the juice extractor also expands the functionality of your machine, allowing you to go from creamy, fibrous smoothies to clean, smooth juices. The juice extractor attachment adds a whole other list of popular recipes that help to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, without the added fiber.

• Ice Crusher Blade Replacement

Stay Prepared:
As with most blades, repeated blending of frozen fruits, vegetables, and ice will wear down your smoothie making machine fairly quickly. If you’re a daily smoothie maker, blades should be replaced every 4-6 months to ensure that your smoothies stay well blended. Most blade replacements also come with sealing rings to make sure your machine doesn’t leak after repeated use.

• BPA Free Reusable Smoothie Straws

Safe, Durable, and Fashionable:
One of the more popular accessories on the market are smoothie straws. They’re both aesthetic and functional, offering a reusable wide diameter straw for thicker smoothie and shakes. While there are plastic and paper alternatives on the market, BPA-free straws are non-toxic and made of non-stick silicone for easy cleaning. Many smoothie enthusiasts also claim that using smoothie straws can protect teeth from some of the acidic juices used in smoothies.

• Pre-made Smoothie Mixes

Easy to Mix & Great Tasting:
While smoothies have become popular for adding more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet, many smoothie makers are buying pre-made smoothie mixes. Pre-made mixes are simple to use, their only added ingredient being ice, and packed full of vitamins, minerals, and protein to help you stay full and energized throughout the day. Investing in a few packets of pre-made smoothie mix is a great investment, especially for the days when you don’t have time to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables for your on-the-go meal.

Adding a smoothie or two a day to your daily routine is a great way to keep your body healthy and energized, and investing in smoothie machine accessories will help you save money on added kitchen gadgets, give you new ideas to spice up your smoothie menu, and make it easy for you to continue to include smoothies in your day to day.