Joybuy Insights

Buying a blender: how to choose one for smoothies, soups and ice

A blender should do more in everyday life than simply purée soft fruit. Depending on your household, you might use it for smoothies, milkshakes, cocktails, soups, plant-based milk, or chopping nuts and frozen ingredients. Models also vary considerably in their jug, controls, cleaning requirements and accessories.

However, focusing only on a high wattage or eye-catching marketing claims can lead you to buy a blender that doesn’t meet your actual needs. Three common pitfalls are particularly worth bearing in mind:

  • Assuming a powerful motor means greater versatility: Wattage alone tells you little about the blade design, jug shape, programmes or permitted running time.
  • Thinking a larger jug is always more practical: A 2-litre jug takes up more storage space and is often less convenient for making a single portion.
  • Not checking exactly what “easy to clean” means: The key is to find out which parts are actually dishwasher-safe and whether the blades, lid and seals can be removed completely.

Blender features to check before you buy

1. Power, blades and operating mode

A compact appliance is enough for many uses involving soft ingredients. If you regularly blend ice, frozen fruit, nuts or fibrous vegetables, look for several objective features:

  • Rated power and motor power: A higher figure may indicate greater capacity, but it’s no substitute for checking the instruction manual.
  • Number and material of the blades: Stainless steel blades are standard on the models featured here. Their shape affects how ingredients circulate inside the jug.
  • Pulse function: A blender with a pulse function lets you blend in short, controlled bursts. This is useful when you want a coarser texture or need to distribute ingredients before blending.
  • Permitted running time: Compact appliances may need to run in short cycles, with cooling breaks in between. These limits help protect the motor from overheating.

A so-called high-performance blender with powerful motor and multiple programmes is better suited to frequent or more demanding use. For the occasional smoothie, a smaller appliance may take up less space and be easier to use.

2. Jug size and material

The right size depends on how many portions you need to make and how much space you have:

  • 0.7 to 1 litre: Suitable for single portions and small kitchens.
  • 1.5 litres: Handy for several glasses, family-sized portions or larger quantities of soup.
  • 2 litres: A good choice for frequent meal prep, larger households or recipes with lots of ingredients.

A blender with a glass jug is more resistant to temperature changes and less likely to retain odours, but it can be heavier. Plastic or Tritan jugs are usually lighter and more shatter-resistant. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using hot liquids. Not every appliance is suitable for warm or hot ingredients.

Also check the blender’s footprint and height. A tall jug may not fit under wall cabinets. A clearly marked MIN/MAX line makes it easier to measure ingredients and helps prevent overfilling.

3. Cleaning, accessories and safety features

If you plan to use your blender regularly, cleaning should be one of your buying considerations. A blender with dishwasher-safe parts means less washing by hand, but check whether this applies to the jug, lid and blades or just some of the components.

Useful features include:

  • automatic cleaning programmes or an easy-to-access jug,
  • removable blades or detachable attachments,
  • non-slip feet,
  • a locking lid and secure fit,
  • a measuring cap for adding ingredients while blending,
  • a drinking or travel cup on a personal blender.

Never immerse the motor unit in water. Only handle sharp blades by their designated plastic sections. Take extra care when blending hot liquids, as pressure can build up inside the jug.

Which blender is right for your household?

The selection below matches specific models to different needs and verifiable features.

A good fit for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Ariete Vintage 583 Glass Mixer

Ariete Vintage 583 Glass Mixer

Why this product suits this profile: This blender combines a 1.5-litre glass jug with 1,000 watts of power, four speeds and a pulse function. It’s suitable for smoothies, juices, milkshakes and the occasional batch of crushed ice at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The four speed settings and separate ice-crushing function give you a clearer picture of what it can do than wattage alone. According to the product information, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

Key benefits & strengths

1.5-litre glass jug, four stainless steel blades, four speed settings and non-slip feet.

A good fit for: Buyers with high standards
Dreame BlendLogic High-Performance Blender

Dreame BlendLogic High-Performance Blender

Why this product suits this profile: This high-performance blender is designed for frequent use and a range of recipes. It comes with a 2-litre jug, a 700-ml travel cup, seven speed settings and nine programmes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Rather than relying on the stated power alone, this model offers dedicated programmes for smoothies, ice, plant-based milk, soup, sauce, pulse blending and cleaning.

Key benefits & strengths

According to the product information: 2,000 watts, 27,000 revolutions per minute, eight stainless steel blades and dishwasher-safe Tritan jugs.

A good fit for: Specific tasks & frequent use
HoninJoy All-in-One Blender & Food Processor

HoninJoy All-in-One Blender & Food Processor

Why this product suits this profile: This multifunction appliance is aimed at households that want to do more than make smoothies, with functions for chopping, grinding, slicing, grating and kneading dough.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The accessories are clearly designed for different tasks: a 1.5-litre glass jug, a 2-litre food processor, an 80-ml grinder and a sports bottle. This makes it easier to judge how much storage space you’ll need before buying.

Key benefits & strengths

According to the product information: up to 1,300 watts, ten functions, dishwasher-safe removable parts and a locking lid.

A good fit for: Single portions and limited storage space
nutribullet Pro NB907CP Personal Blender

nutribullet Pro NB907CP Personal Blender

Why this product suits this profile: This compact smoothie blender is designed for single portions that you can drink straight from the cup. Two cups, with capacities of 925 ml and 700 ml, and flip-top lids make it easy to take with you.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion sizes are clearly stated. According to the product information, the cups, lids and blades are also suitable for cleaning in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Key benefits & strengths

900-watt motor, six stainless steel blades, one-touch controls and two BPA-free cups.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Blender FAQs

What size is suitable for home use?

A cup between 0.7 and 1 litre is often enough for single portions. Families and households preparing soup, shakes or several smoothies may prefer a capacity of 1.5 to 2 litres. Also consider the maximum fill level and the space beneath your kitchen cabinets.

Can every blender crush ice and frozen fruit?

No. Check whether the manufacturer specifically mentions an ice-crushing function or says the blender can process frozen ingredients. Suitable blades, short operating intervals and the right quantity of ingredients also matter. Don’t use a blender to crush ice unless it’s designed for the job.

How long does a blender last?

There’s no single answer. Lifespan depends on how often you use it, the ingredients you blend, how you clean it and whether you follow the recommended running times. Taking regular cooling breaks, avoiding overfilling and keeping the motor unit dry can help reduce wear. Before buying, check the information on spare parts, warranty and servicing too.