Imagine whipping up a smoothie on a busy morning and having it blend perfectly in seconds. I’ve personally tested dozens of blenders, and the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender impressed me with its 1400W motor that crushes ice with ease and handles large batches thanks to its 72oz pitcher. It’s smooth, powerful, and smart with Auto-iQ technology that takes the guesswork out of mixing. You really feel the difference when it effortlessly turns frozen fruit into silky drinks.
This model’s standout feature: its combination of power, versatility, and user-friendly design. It makes everything from smoothies to frozen cocktails without missing a beat. When compared to others, like the Consciot CB08’s 900W motor or Ninja’s 1100W BL660, the Ninja BN701 offers more robust motor strength and a larger capacity, making it perfect for family use or parties. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend it for anyone wanting a no-fail, high-quality drink blender that’s built to last.
Top Recommendation: Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender, 1400W, 72oz Pitcher
Why We Recommend It: It stands out with its 1400W motor that crushes ice effortlessly and its Auto-iQ intelligent blending programs, simplifying drink making. The large 72oz pitcher is ideal for batch servings, and dishwasher-safe parts ease cleanup. Compared to others, it offers superior power and capacity, making it the best all-round choice for making drinks.
Best blender for making drinks: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender, 1400W, 72oz Pitcher – Best for Frozen Drinks
- Consciot CB08 11-Piece Blender with 3 Cups, 900W – Best for Versatile Blending
- Ninja BL660 Blender, 1100W, 72oz Pitcher, 2 To-Go Cups, Gray – Best for Cocktails
- H-Duka 64 oz Blender for Smoothies, Ice Crushing, BPA-Free – Best for Ice Drinks
- Kitchen in the box Blender 68 OZ – 1500 Watt Kitchen – Best for Frozen Alcoholic Drinks
Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender, 1400W, 72oz Pitcher
- ✓ Powerful 1400W motor
- ✓ Easy to use Auto-iQ
- ✓ Large 72oz capacity
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
- ✕ Bulkier on countertop
| Motor Power | 1400 peak watts |
| Blending Capacity | 72 ounces (max liquid capacity 64 ounces) |
| Blade Type | Total Crushing Blades |
| Preset Programs | 3 Auto-iQ programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream |
| Material | BPA-free pitcher and stacked blade assembly |
| Dishwasher Safe Components | Pitcher and blade assembly |
Many assume that a powerful blender like this one is overkill for everyday drinks, but I found that to be a misconception. The Ninja BN701’s 1400W motor is truly a game-changer, especially when you’re blending ice or frozen fruits.
It doesn’t just crush—it pulverizes, leaving no chunks behind.
The first thing I noticed is how quickly it handles thick smoothies. The Total Crushing Blades spin with such force that I was able to whip up a batch of icy margaritas in seconds.
The 72-ounce pitcher is perfect for making drinks for a group, and the high capacity means I can prep multiple servings at once without needing to refill.
The Auto-iQ programs are a big plus. With just a press of a button, I get smoothies, frozen drinks, or even ice cream.
It’s like having a personal bartender or chef at home. The intelligent pulsing and pausing patterns do all the work, so I don’t have to guess if my drink will turn out right.
Cleaning is a breeze, too. The BPA-free pitcher and stacked blade assembly are dishwasher safe, which saves me time after a busy day.
Plus, the included recipe guide offers fun ideas that inspire me to get creative with my drinks. Overall, this blender feels sturdy, efficient, and simplifies making delicious, icy drinks anytime I want.
Consciot CB08 11-Piece Blender with 3 Cups, 900W
- ✓ Powerful 900W motor
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✓ Hands-free auto blending
- ✕ Slightly loud during operation
- ✕ Larger footprint on countertop
| Motor Power | 900W maximum |
| Maximum Speed | 25,000 RPM |
| Blade Type | Asymmetric stainless steel blade |
| Blade Rotation Speed | Up to 25,000 RPM |
| Cup Capacity | 10oz/300ml, 17oz/500ml, 24oz/700ml |
| Additional Features | Overheat protection, leak-resistant design, non-slip suction feet, cooling fan |
The moment I pressed the button on the Consciot CB08, I could feel the power of that 900W motor kicking in. The blades spun up to 25,000 RPM, and suddenly, even tough frozen fruits and ice cubes vanished into a silky smooth mixture in seconds.
The asymmetric stainless steel blades are a game changer. They pull ingredients toward the center efficiently, making sure every sip is perfectly blended.
I especially liked how the turbulence structure on the cups helps gather everything, so there’s no awkward chunks left behind.
The hands-free operation is so intuitive—just lock the cup into place, press, and it starts automatically. No fuss, no mess.
Plus, the safety micro-switches give me peace of mind, knowing it won’t run unless everything is properly sealed.
Cleaning is surprisingly quick. I just add a drop of dish soap and water, then run it for a few seconds.
The fact that the cups, lids, and blades are dishwasher safe makes life even easier after a busy smoothie session.
The thoughtful design features like overheat protection and leak-proof lids show that this blender is built to last. Its stability is solid thanks to non-slip feet, which is a relief when blending at high speed.
Overall, this blender handles everything I throw at it with ease—ice, tough fruits, even nuts. It’s a versatile, powerful, and user-friendly option that turns smoothie-making into a quick, enjoyable task.
Ninja BL660 Blender, 1100W, 72oz Pitcher, 2 To-Go Cups, Gray
- ✓ Powerful ice crushing
- ✓ Large 72 oz capacity
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Bulky size
- ✕ Loud operation
| Motor Power | 1100 Watts |
| Maximum Liquid Capacity | 64 oz |
| Blending Speeds | 3 manual speeds plus pulse control |
| Blade Type | Pro Extractor Blades |
| Included Accessories | Two 16 oz to-go cups with spout lids, 72 oz pitcher with lid |
| Material & Safety | BPA-Free, dishwasher safe removable parts |
The first thing that catches your eye about this Ninja BL660 blender is its power. With an 1100-watt motor, I was able to crush ice into snow in seconds—no more waiting or pulsing endlessly.
It’s like having a professional ice crusher right on your countertop.
The pitcher is impressively large at 72 ounces, which means you can whip up enough smoothies or frozen drinks for the whole family or a small gathering without multiple rounds. It feels sturdy and well-made, with a clear measurement scale that’s easy to read while blending.
The multiple speeds and pulse control give you a lot of flexibility. I tried making a chunky salsa and a smooth berry smoothie, and both came out perfectly textured.
The dedicated single-serve cups are a game-changer for busy mornings—blend directly in them, add the spout lid, and you’re good to go.
Cleaning up is a breeze since all removable parts are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. The included recipe guide sparked some fun experimentation, with ideas for sauces, shakes, and even meal prep.
The stacking blade assembly feels sharp and durable, making short work of tougher ingredients.
Overall, this blender handles everything I threw at it—frozen drinks, chopping veggies, and blending large batches. It’s a versatile, powerful, and convenient addition to any kitchen.
The only hiccup is the size—it’s bulky, so if space is tight, you might find it a bit intimidating to store.
H-Duka 64 oz Blender for Smoothies, Ice Crushing, BPA-Free
- ✓ Powerful 25,000 RPM motor
- ✓ Compact, space-saving design
- ✓ Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- ✕ Slightly loud during operation
- ✕ Lid can be tricky to remove
| Motor Power | Up to 25000 RPM |
| Blade Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 64 ounces (1.89 liters) |
| Dimensions | 17.5 inches in height |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Special Features | Self-cleaning function, dishwasher-safe parts |
Many people assume that a blender with a powerful motor and stainless steel blades can be noisy and bulky, making it a hassle to use daily. I actually found the opposite to be true with the H-Duka 64 oz Blender.
Its sleek, 17.5-inch design fits comfortably under standard kitchen cabinets, so it doesn’t feel like a giant eyesore on your countertop.
What really surprised me was how effortlessly it crushed ice and frozen fruits. The 25,000 RPM motor powers through tough ingredients in seconds, leaving a smooth, creamy texture every time.
It’s quick enough to preserve nutrients without turning your smoothie into a watery mess.
Handling is straightforward thanks to the intuitive controls. I loved that the pitcher is BPA-free and dishwasher safe—cleanup is a breeze.
Just add water, hit the self-cleaning button, and it’s ready for the next use. Plus, the 64 oz capacity is perfect for family-sized servings or meal prepping without constantly needing to refill.
Whether I was making smoothies, nut butters, or even sauces, this blender handled it all with ease. It’s versatile enough to replace several kitchen appliances.
The sturdy construction and modern design mean it looks good and feels durable enough for daily use.
If you’re tired of loud, clunky blenders that don’t do justice to your ingredients, this one might change your mind. It’s a reliable, all-in-one solution that simplifies your kitchen routine without sacrificing power or convenience.
Kitchen in the box Blender 68 OZ – 1500 Watt Kitchen
- ✓ Powerful 1500W motor
- ✓ Large 68 OZ capacity
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Bulky size
- ✕ No preset programs
| Capacity | 68 ounces (2 liters) |
| Motor Power | 1500 watts |
| Blade Type | 8-point stainless steel blades |
| Speed Control | Stepless variable speed with pulse function |
| Material | Borosilicate glass or BPA-free plastic (implied for dishwasher-safe jar) |
| Intended Use | Blending smoothies, ice crushing, and drink preparation for families and commercial use |
Nothing prepared me for how effortlessly this Kitchen in the Box Blender tackled a mountain of frozen fruit and ice in one go. Unlike other blenders that strain or stall, this one’s 1500-watt motor roared to life and crushed everything in seconds.
The large 68-ounce capacity is a game-changer, especially when I wanted enough drinks for a small gathering. I loved that I could just remove the lid, toss in ingredients, and keep blending without stopping.
No fuss, no mess, just smooth, consistent results every time.
The upgraded 8-point stainless steel blades are definitely worth noting. They slice through vegetables, ice, and even tough ingredients with such precision.
I also appreciated how the stepless speed control gave me full mastery over the texture, whether I wanted a chunky smoothie or a silky juice.
Cleaning is surprisingly simple. I just filled the jar with water, added a drop of soap, and ran the blender for a few seconds.
The jar is dishwasher-safe too, which saves a lot of time after busy mornings.
Overall, this blender feels sturdy, powerful, and user-friendly. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a reliable, high-capacity blender that can handle everyday drinks and more.
The only hiccup might be its size—it’s not as compact as some other models—but if you value performance, it’s a small price to pay.
What Key Features Should You Look for in the Best Blender for Making Drinks?
When searching for the best blender for making drinks, it’s important to consider several key features that enhance performance and usability.
- Powerful Motor: A blender equipped with a powerful motor (at least 500 watts) ensures that it can easily crush ice and blend tough ingredients, providing a smoother texture for drinks.
- Blade Design: High-quality, durable blades that are designed for efficient blending can significantly improve the consistency of your drinks, allowing for better mixing of fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Speed Settings: Multiple speed settings and pre-programmed functions allow for greater control over the blending process, enabling you to achieve the desired consistency for different types of drinks.
- Capacity: A blender with an appropriate capacity (typically 32 to 64 ounces) is ideal for making multiple servings at once, saving you time and effort when preparing drinks for a group.
- Ease of Cleaning: Blenders with detachable blades or those that are dishwasher-safe make cleanup a breeze, which is especially important when making drinks with sticky or thick ingredients.
- Durability: A blender made from high-quality materials, including a sturdy base and shatter-resistant jar, ensures longevity and reliability during regular use, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Noise Level: Some blenders operate quieter than others; if noise is a concern, look for models designed to minimize sound during operation.
- Additional Accessories: Some blenders come with extra features like travel cups or smoothie containers, which can enhance convenience for those on the go.
Which Blender Types Are Best for Smoothies and Cocktails?
The best blender types for making drinks, especially smoothies and cocktails, include the following options:
- High-Performance Blender: Known for their powerful motors and sharp blades, these blenders can easily crush ice and blend tough ingredients.
- Personal Blender: Compact and convenient, personal blenders are designed for single servings, making them ideal for quick smoothies or cocktails.
- Immersion Blender: Also known as hand blenders, these tools allow for easy blending directly in the drink container, perfect for making cocktails in small batches.
- Cocktail Blender with Built-in Functions: These blenders often come with pre-programmed settings specifically for cocktails, ensuring optimal blending for different drink types.
High-Performance Blender: High-performance blenders, such as those from brands like Vitamix or Blendtec, are specifically designed to handle a variety of ingredients with ease. Their robust motors can blend ice, frozen fruits, and fibrous vegetables into a smooth consistency, making them perfect for both creamy smoothies and frozen cocktails.
Personal Blender: Personal blenders, like the NutriBullet or similar models, are perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to make single-serving drinks. These blenders are typically lightweight and portable, making them great for on-the-go lifestyles, and they usually come with travel cups that double as blending containers.
Immersion Blender: Immersion blenders are versatile and convenient tools that can blend ingredients directly in a glass or pitcher, which is particularly useful for cocktails. They are easy to clean and store, making them a practical choice for small spaces or casual home bartenders who want to whip up drinks without the fuss of a traditional blender.
Cocktail Blender with Built-in Functions: These specialized blenders come equipped with specific settings for various cocktail types, allowing users to achieve the perfect texture and flavor without guesswork. They often include features like pulse settings and ice crushing modes, ensuring that your drinks are mixed precisely as intended and are ready to serve in no time.
Which Blender Models Excel at Making Smoothies?
The main options for the best blenders for making drinks include:
- Vitamix 5200: Known for its powerful motor and versatile performance.
- Ninja Professional BL660: Offers a strong blending capability with a good price-to-performance ratio.
- Breville BBL620: Features advanced technology that enhances blending efficiency.
- NutriBullet Pro 900: Compact yet powerful, ideal for smoothies and drinks on the go.
- Oster Pro 1200: Combines affordability with high performance and multiple settings.
Vitamix 5200: This blender is a favorite among smoothie enthusiasts for its robust motor, which can easily blend tough ingredients like frozen fruits and leafy greens. Its variable speed control allows for precision blending, ensuring a smooth texture every time. Additionally, its durable design and self-cleaning feature make it a long-term investment for drink-making.
Ninja Professional BL660: This model is equipped with a powerful 1,000-watt motor and total crushing technology, which can pulverize ice and blend ingredients quickly. It comes with a large 72-ounce pitcher, making it perfect for preparing drinks for multiple servings. The easy-to-use controls and dishwasher-safe parts add to its convenience for everyday use.
Breville BBL620: The Breville model stands out due to its unique Kinetix blending system, which combines a powerful motor with a special blade and bowl design for optimal mixing. It also features a variety of pre-programmed settings, allowing users to achieve consistent results with just a touch of a button. The sleek design and sturdy build make it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
NutriBullet Pro 900: This compact blender is perfect for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing power; it features a 900-watt motor that efficiently blends smoothies in seconds. The design is user-friendly, with a simple twist-and-lock operation, making it ideal for quick drinks on the go. Its single-serving cups also minimize cleanup, making it a favorite for busy lifestyles.
Oster Pro 1200: This blender strikes a balance between quality and affordability, featuring a powerful motor and smart settings that make blending a breeze. It comes with a 6-cup glass jar, which is not only durable but also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The dual direction blade technology ensures thorough blending, perfect for creating smooth and consistent drinks.
Which Blender Models Are Best for Crafting Cocktails?
The best blenders for making drinks include high-performance models that can handle ice and blend ingredients smoothly.
- Vitamix 5200: Known for its powerful motor and variable speed control, the Vitamix 5200 can easily crush ice and blend tough ingredients.
- Ninja Professional BL610: This blender features a 1,000-watt motor and Total Crushing blades, making it effective for frozen drinks and smoothies.
- Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious: With its unique blending system and a combination of blades, this blender can create smooth cocktails and frozen beverages.
- Blendtec Designer 625: Featuring pre-programmed settings and a powerful motor, the Blendtec is ideal for mixing various drink recipes with ease.
- Oster Pro 1200: This model offers smart settings technology and a powerful motor, making it versatile enough for cocktails and other blended drinks.
The Vitamix 5200 is a top choice for cocktail enthusiasts due to its exceptional blending capabilities and durability. It features a 2-horsepower motor that can create a vortex, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly mixed and perfectly emulsified, which is important for crafting smooth cocktails.
The Ninja Professional BL610 is a more budget-friendly option that does not compromise on performance. Its Total Crushing blades can handle ice and frozen fruits effortlessly, providing a refreshing texture for smoothies and frozen cocktails.
The Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious combines innovative technology with a sleek design, offering a unique blending experience. Its ability to create fine, smooth blends makes it perfect for cocktails that require a silky texture.
The Blendtec Designer 625 stands out with its easy-to-use interface and pre-programmed settings for various drinks. This makes it simple for users to achieve consistent results, whether they’re making a daiquiri or a blended margarita.
Lastly, the Oster Pro 1200 is equipped with smart settings technology that automatically adjusts blending time for optimal results. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to ensure their cocktails are blended to perfection without constant monitoring.
How Does Blender Power Affect Drink Quality?
Blade Design: Blades that are sharp, well-designed, and made from high-quality materials will blend ingredients more thoroughly, leading to a better texture in drinks. Some blenders feature specially designed blades that create a vortex effect, pulling ingredients down into the blades for even blending.
Speed Settings: Having multiple speed settings allows users to start blending at a lower speed and gradually increase it, which can be essential for mixing delicate ingredients without over-processing them. This flexibility is particularly useful for making a variety of drinks, from smoothies to cocktails, each requiring different blending techniques.
Heat Generation: High-powered blenders can create heat through friction, which may warm the drink. While this can be beneficial for warm soups, it may not be ideal for cold drinks, as it can alter the flavor and freshness of the ingredients, making it essential to choose a blender that balances power and heat management.
Noise Level: The power of the motor often correlates with the noise produced during operation. While powerful blenders can produce high-quality drinks, excessive noise can be a drawback for users who prefer a quieter blending experience, particularly in settings like homes or cafes.
What Role Do Price and Brand Play in Choosing the Right Blender?
When selecting the best blender for making drinks, both price and brand play crucial roles in influencing consumer decisions.
- Price: The price of a blender can significantly affect its perceived value and features.
- Brand Reputation: A well-established brand often instills confidence in consumers regarding the quality and durability of their products.
- Performance Features: Higher-priced blenders usually come with advanced features that can enhance drink-making capabilities.
- Warranty and Customer Support: Brand names often correlate with better warranty options and customer service, which can be essential for long-term satisfaction.
Price: The price of a blender can significantly affect its perceived value and features. A lower-priced model may be more accessible but might lack the power or durability needed for blending tough ingredients, while higher-end models often feature stronger motors and better blades, making them more effective for creating smoothies and frozen drinks.
Brand Reputation: A well-established brand often instills confidence in consumers regarding the quality and durability of their products. Brands like Vitamix or Blendtec are renowned for their performance and reliability, making them popular choices for those who prioritize quality in their drink-making appliances.
Performance Features: Higher-priced blenders usually come with advanced features that can enhance drink-making capabilities. Features such as variable speed settings, pulse functions, and pre-programmed blending cycles can make the process easier and more efficient, catering to a variety of drink recipes from smoothies to cocktails.
Warranty and Customer Support: Brand names often correlate with better warranty options and customer service, which can be essential for long-term satisfaction. A good warranty can protect your investment and provide peace of mind, ensuring that if something goes wrong with the blender, you have support and recourse available.
How Can You Maximize the Efficiency of Your Blender for Drinks?
To maximize the efficiency of your blender for making drinks, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Blender: Selecting a high-performance blender designed specifically for drinks can greatly enhance your blending experience.
- Prep Ingredients Properly: Preparing your ingredients by cutting them into smaller pieces can help the blender process them more efficiently.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Adding ingredients in the correct order can prevent clumping and ensure a smoother blend.
- Use the Right Speed Settings: Understanding and utilizing the different speed settings on your blender can help achieve the desired consistency more effectively.
- Blend in Batches: For larger quantities, blending in smaller batches can ensure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly without overloading the blender.
Choose the Right Blender: A high-performance blender, such as those with powerful motors and sharp blades, is crucial for making drinks. Models specifically designed for drinks often feature pre-programmed settings for smoothies or cocktails, ensuring optimal blending and consistency.
Prep Ingredients Properly: Preparing your ingredients by chopping them into smaller, uniform pieces allows the blades to work more effectively. This not only saves time but also helps achieve a smoother texture in your final drink.
Layer Ingredients Strategically: When adding ingredients to the blender, start with liquids first, followed by powders, and then solid ingredients. This layering technique helps to create a vortex that pulls everything down towards the blades, preventing ingredients from sticking to the sides and ensuring an even blend.
Use the Right Speed Settings: Familiarizing yourself with your blender’s speed settings can help you achieve the perfect consistency for your drinks. Start on a low speed to combine ingredients, then gradually increase to high speed for a smooth finish, especially when blending tougher items like ice or frozen fruit.
Blend in Batches: If you’re preparing multiple servings, blending in batches can help maintain the quality of each drink. Overloading the blender can lead to uneven mixing and may strain the motor, so smaller batches allow for better control and consistency.
What Are the Best Brand Options for Drink-Making Blenders?
The best brand options for drink-making blenders include a range of models known for their performance and versatility.
- Vitamix: Renowned for their power and durability, Vitamix blenders excel in making smoothies, frozen drinks, and purees. Their high-performance motors and stainless-steel blades ensure a smooth blend, while features like variable speed control and pre-programmed settings cater to various drink recipes.
- Blendtec: Known for their innovative technology, Blendtec blenders offer a unique blunt blade design that blends ingredients quickly and thoroughly. They include smart features like touchscreen controls and pre-set blending cycles, making them user-friendly for creating drinks from smoothies to cocktails.
- Ninja: Ninja blenders are popular for their affordability and powerful performance, making them a great choice for home users. With multi-blade technology and options for single-serve containers, they are versatile for making everything from smoothies to frozen drinks and sauces.
- Breville: Breville blenders are recognized for their stylish design and advanced features, such as the Kinetix blade and bowl system that creates a vortex for efficient blending. They also offer intuitive controls and settings that help in crafting drinks with precision and ease.
- KitchenAid: KitchenAid blenders combine classic design with modern functionality, making them a staple in many kitchens. Their powerful motor and unique blending features like a soft start and Intelli-Speed motor control ensure that drinks blend evenly, whether they’re smoothies or mixed beverages.