A blender is a must-have appliance in the contemporary kitchen. It comes in handy when you want to process food, make a smoothie, or a cool drink, especially during summer. However, not all blenders are well-suited for making frozen drinks, as crushing ice and frozen fruits require a powerful blender.
The best blender for making frozen drinks is the Blendtec Designer 725 Blender. It has high performance, enhanced durability, powerful dull blades, and a generous capacity. This professional-grade and versatile blender is ideal for making frozen drinks at home or for commercial purposes.
The only instances I wouldn’t recommend Blendtec Designer 725 Blender are if:
- You are on a strict budget. Go for Oster Reverse Crush Blender. (available on Amazon).
- Style and design are your top priorities. Go for Smeg Retro Style Blender (available on Amazon).
- You want a multipurpose blender. Go for Ninja 400-watt (0.5 hp) Blender/Food Processor (available on Amazon).
- You want a blender for personal use. Go for Nutribullet Pro. (available on Amazon).
In this article, I’ll discuss factors to consider when buying a blender for making frozen drinks and why Blendtec Designer 725 is our top pick. Read on to discover unique features in other blender alternatives, and learn how to handle your blender for maximum functionality.
Factors To Consider
In most cases, you’ll want to buy a blender that is specifically built for a particular purpose. So, if you will be making frozen drinks, it is advisable to buy a specialized blender for that purpose. Moreover, you can also narrow down your search for the perfect blender by considering your style, budget, and preferences.
Let’s consider the following factors when buying a blender for making frozen drinks.
Motor Power and Speed
Making frozen drinks is not an easy task for regular blenders. This is why you require a powerful blender with sufficient power to crush ice and blend frozen fruits or veggies. For instance, professional-grade blenders have high motor power (above 1000 watts or 1.3 hp) and variable speeds for improved drink consistency.
High-power blenders produce smooth and fine frozen drinks, while lower-power ones leave some small-sized particles. However, low-power blenders are more affordable and still serve their purpose.
Here’s a comparison table for the motor power of our list of best blenders:
| Blender | Wattage | Score |
| Blendtec Designer 725 Blender | 1560 W (2.1 hp) | 9/10 |
| Oster Reverse Crush Blender | 600 W (0.8 hp) | 5/10 |
| Cleanblend Commercial Blender | 1800 W (2.4 hp) | 10/10 |
| Blendtec Stealth 885 Commercial Blender | 1800 W (2.4 hp) | 10/10 |
| Nutribullet Pro 13-Piece Blender | 900 W (1.2 hp) | 7/10 |
| Vitamix 5200 Blender | 1500 W (2.01 hp) | 8/10 |
| Ninja Professional Countertop Blender | 1100 W (1.5 hp) | 7/10 |
| Smeg Retro Countertop Blender | 600 W (0.8 hp) | 5/10 |
| Ninja 400-watt Blender/Food Processor | 400 W (0.5 hp) | 4/10 |
Winners: Blendtec Stealth 885 Commercial Blender, Cleanblend Commercial Blender, and Blendtec Designer 725 Blender.
Most manufacturers indicate a blender’s motor power in wattage. However, some brands, including Vitamix, use horsepower to rate their blenders’ power. While customers consider these ratings when choosing the best blender for making frozen drinks, they don’t necessarily indicate the blender’s performance.
What many brands display on their blenders is the power motors consume while blending.
However, a blender’s actual performance depends on the power the motor generates. Hence, a blender can have a high wattage but perform poorly, though not always the case.
Blades
The kind of blades your blender has will determine how smooth your frozen drink will be. If you love fine and smooth frozen drinks, a blender with blunt, two-tip stainless-steel blades will be the best pick.
These types of blades are ideal for crushing ice and blending frozen food items.
If you intend to use your blender for other purposes, including processing food, you might as well go for a blender with sharp blades. However, you might end up slicing your fingers if the blender lacks self-cleaning features.
Blade quality is also a critical factor to consider as some types may wear out faster than others. So you’ll want to choose blades made from durable materials as making frozen drinks requires sturdy blades. Most professional-grade blenders have long-lasting blades.
Here’s the comparison table for blade types:
| Blender | Type of Blades | Score |
| Blendtec Designer 725 Blender | Blunt, thick stainless-steel blades | 10/10 |
| Oster Reverse Crush Blender | 4 to 6-set of sharp blades | 8/10 |
| Cleanblend Commercial Blender | Dull stainless-steel blades | 9/10 |
| Blendtec Stealth 885 Commercial Blender | Blunt safety blades | 10/10 |
| Nutribullet Pro 13-Piece Blender | Extractor stainless steel blades | 10/10 |
| Vitamix 5200 Blender | Stainless steel blades | 9/10 |
| Ninja Professional Countertop Blender | Pro-extractor blade assembly | 9/10 |
| Smeg Retro Countertop Blender | Dual stainless steel blades | 9/10 |
| Ninja 400-watt (0.5 hp) Blender/Food Processor | Stacked blade assembly | 9/10 |
Winners: Blendtec Designer 725 Blender Blendtec, Stealth 885 Commercial Blender, and Nutribullet ZNBF30400Z Blender
The blade positioning also determines the blender’s performance and ease of cleaning. For instance, blenders with blades facing upwards produce a fine consistency of drinks. But, it will be harder to clean such a blender.
Some blenders have stacked or cyclonic blade assemblies to enhance their performance at crushing, grinding, or processing food items. Stainless steel-made blenders are durable and rust-resistant.
Size and Capacity
Whether you want a small or large blender will depend on the size of your household or the intended purpose of your blender. You might consider a more compact blender if you have a small kitchen space, while a bigger space can accommodate a larger blender.
Capacity is also an essential factor to consider.
You don’t want to use a lot of energy making your favorite frozen drink for many guests, while you can get a blender with a reasonable capacity. Blenders with capacities of 1 L (34 oz) and above are preferable for most households.
Here’s our comparison table for blender capacities:
| Blender | Capacity | Score |
| Blendtec Designer 725 Blender | 90 oz (2.7 L) | 10/10 |
| Oster Reverse Crush Blender | 48 oz (1.4 L) | 6/10 |
| Cleanblend Commercial Blender | 64 oz (1.9 L) | 8/10 |
| Blendtec Stealth 885 Commercial Blender | 64 oz (1.9 L) | 8/10 |
| Nutribullet Pro-13-Piece Blender | 32 oz (0.9 L) | 5/10 |
| Vitamix 5200 Blender | 64 oz (1.9 L) | 8/10 |
| Ninja Professional Countertop Blender | 72 oz (2.1 L) | 9/10 |
| Smeg Retro Countertop Blender | 48 oz (1.4 L) | 6/10 |
| Ninja 400-watt (0.5 hp) Blender/Food Processor | 48 oz (1.4 L) | 6/10 |
Winners: Blendtec Designer 725 Blender and Ninja Professional Countertop Blender
Durability
Most blenders that can make frozen drinks are quite expensive, and finding a long-lasting one will be a smart investment. Therefore, you must consider if the blender’s material is durable before you purchase it.
Blenders come in a wide array of materials. A blender may have some plastic, stainless steel, or glass components.
Most blenders have:
- Glass, clear plastic, or stainless steel pitchers (jars)
- Plastic bases
If durability is your top concern, go for a stainless steel blender as it lasts longer. However, note that you can’t see the contents while blending. In contrast, glass-jar blenders are more fragile.
Here’s the comparison table for blenders’ durability:
| Blender | Material | Durability Score |
| Blendtec Designer 725 Blender | Stainless steel | 10/10 |
| Oster Reverse Crush Blender | Stainless steel and glass | 9/10 |
| Cleanblend Commercial Blender | BPA-free plastic | 9/10 |
| Blendtec Stealth 885 Commercial Blender | Tritan (BPA-free plastic) | 9/10 |
| Nutribullet Pro 13-Piece Blender | Stainless steel and plastic | 10/10 |
| Vitamix 5200 Blender | Plastic | 9/10 |
| Ninja Professional Countertop Blender | Plastic | 8/10 |
| Smeg Retro Countertop Blender | Tritan and stainless steel | 9/10 |
| Ninja 400-watt (0.5 hp) Blender/Food Processor | Plastic | 8/10 |
Winners: Blendtec Designer 725 Blender and Nutribullet ZNBF30400Z Blender
Price and Warranty
The cost of a blender depends on several factors, including material, function, quality, and durability. Most customers tend to think that the most expensive blenders are the most durable and best-performing.
However, this is not always the case.
Many affordable blenders are long-lasting and function effectively. So, while shopping for an ideal blender, consider other essential features. Also, consider your budget and make a smart investment.
You don’t want to incur unnecessary costs a few months after buying your blender. So, a blender with a guaranteed warranty is also an added advantage. While most have a one-year warranty, some brands like Blendtec offer up to 7 years warranty for their products.
Also, check what the warranty covers before you make the purchase.
Extra Features
Most blenders that make frozen drinks have additional features to enhance their performance.
You might find one with:
- Pre-programmed settings
- Automatic buttons
- Sound enclosures
- Splash guards
Some brands also include extra accessories to their blenders, such as detachable blades and blending cups.
Best Overall: Blendtec Designer 725 Blender
A professional-grade and high-powered blender, Blendtec Designer 725 is a high-quality blender that will revitalize your blending experience. The stainless steel-made blender has a die-cast metal finish and comes with a Wildside 90 oz (2.7 L) jar.
Blendtec Designer 725 Blender has a powerful 1800-watt (2.4 hp) motor that crushes ice and frozen fruit seamlessly. The blender is also pre-programmed with six cycles and has a 100-speed touch slider to enhance your blending experience.
It also has a Graphic LED that displays the cycle details in four languages, such as English, German, French, and Spanish.
Though it is a powerful blender, Blendtec Designer 725 has a noise reduction feature, making it even suitable for commercial use. It also has blunt, thick stainless steel blades with a winged appearance to facilitate smooth blending and produce a fine consistency.
Bottom line: Blendtec Designer 725 is a high-quality blender that will help you prepare an array of frozen drinks, including smoothies, cocktails, shakes, margaritas, and juices.
Pros
- Sturdy and has a powerful commercial-grade motor.
- Durable
- Has preset cycles and speed control.
- Self-cleaning
- Has smart-blend technology to detect potential problems.
- Has a large capacity, which can serve 4-6 people.
Cons
- Expensive
- Not very stylish
- Heavier than most blenders.
Best Bang for the Buck: Oster Reverse Crush Blender
If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable blender to make frozen drinks, Oster Reverse Crush Blender is a smart choice. The stainless steel blender uses a dual-direction blade technology that makes the blades move in reverse to remove any jam-ups in the blending jar.
This blender also has pre-programmed cycles, and one-touch speed controls to make your blending experience hassle-free. Though it has a low-powered motor, the blender crushes ice and blends frozen fruits or vegetables effectively.
Oster Reverse Crush Blender has a reasonable capacity (48 oz or 1.4 L) and a 2 oz (60 mL) filler cup to measure your ingredients while blending. It is a lightweight blender that also won’t take much of your kitchen counter space.
Moreover, the blender is made from a long-lasting material.
Bottom line: Oster Reverse Crush Blender is the go-to blender when you don’t want to hurt your pocket. Its reverse-blending feature prevents it from jamming up while blending.
Pros
- Affordable
- Dishwasher safe
- Has a dedicated frozen drinks preset setting.
- Has a 10-year warranty for the metal drive.
Cons
- It makes noise while blending.
- Requires continuous stirring for smooth blending.
- The warranty doesn’t cover all components.
- It has a complicated interface.
Best Mid-range Pick: Cleanblend Commercial Blender
Cleanblend Commercial Blender is your ideal type of blender when you want to strike a balance between price and functionality. Though it is a high-powered blender, it costs less than other popular brands.
However, it is a powerful heavy-duty blender that will serve you well.
As the name suggests, it is a commercial-grade blender that you can also use at home to boost your blending experience. Cleanblend Commercial Blender comes with an average-sized jar and a set of 8 blades in a sealed bearing. The stainless steel blades ensure maximized blending experience while the pitcher is BPA-free and durable.
Bottom line: Cleanblend Commercial Blender is perfect for both residential and commercial use. It is also relatively quiet compared to other blenders.
Pros
- Affordable
- Powerful and long-lasting
- Versatile
- High-performing and resilient
- Not noisy
Cons
- Quite bulky
- Has a smaller capacity compared to other commercial-grade blenders.
Best for Commercial Use: Blendtec Stealth 885 Commercial Blender
If you’re a restaurant owner or are operating a bar, coffee, or juice shop, you require a high-powered, top-notch blender with a reasonable capacity. Blendtec Stealth 885 Commercial Blender is your kind of professional-grade blender that will serve you well in a commercial setting.
Blendtec Stealth Commercial Blender features an ultra-high-speed 1800-watt (2.4 hp) motor to crush ice and frozen fruits in no time. The blender also contains a tactile interface with improved design and functionality to improve its performance.
It also entails customizable pre-programmed cycles for seamless blending.
You don’t have to grab earmuffs while using Blendtec Stealth Commercial Blender, as it has a sound enclosure to minimize undesirable noises. The blender also comes with two BPA-free four-sided jars and a soft lid to enhance serving your frozen drinks.
Bottom line: Blendtec Stealth Commercial Blender is a smart investment for business owners in the food industry. It is not only high-quality but portrays excellent performance.
Pros
- Can be used over 200 times per day.
- Top-notch design and functionality.
- Ideal for commercial use.
- Sturdy and versatile.
- Jar’s square shape and blade assembly facilitate blending vortex.
- Quiet blending
Cons
- Too expensive for residential use.
Best Compact: Nutribullet Pro
Do you have a small household, love traveling, or live alone? If you only need a personal blender to serve your blending goals, go for the Nutribullet Pro 13-piece High-Speed Blender. It is a versatile blender that is available in several colors and capacities.
The stainless steel blender features a 900-watt (1.2 hp) motor that facilitates crushing ice and frozen food items.
The set comes with:
- Two 32 oz (946 mL) cups
- A stainless steel extractor blade pair
- 2 to-go lids
- 2 lip rings. The second has a handle for easy drinking.
You can also buy compatible accessories to go with your Nutribullet Pro Blender.
The compact and high-speed blender comes in handy when you want to prepare various drinks or foods. Whether you crave a smoothie, ice cream, or nut butter, Nutribullet Pro is your go-to blender.
Bottom line: Though it is a low-powered blender, Nutribullet Pro Blender conveniently blends many fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. It is also affordable and easy to clean.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean, including a detachable blade.
- Affordable
- Dishwasher safe
- Has numerous compatible accessories and spare parts.
Cons
- Prone to leaking.
- Not ideal for large households.
- Less powerful than other larger blenders.
Best Premium Blender: Vitamix 5200 Blender
If money is not a problem and you prefer top-notch appliances, Vitamix 5200 Blender is perfect. The professional-grade blender is a worthy investment as it offers an exquisite blending experience.
The high-end blender comes with a high-performing motor and stainless steel blades.
The blender also contains a precise well-crafted container design to fold the ingredients and create a smooth consistency. Vitamix 5200 Blender comes with a specially-designed tamper to ease your blending of thick or stubborn food items.
Its speed control allows you to customize the blender’s speed.
Vitamix 5200 Blender entails self-cleaning features and has a reasonable jar capacity. It is also a versatile blender. So, apart from frozen drinks, you can also use it to prepare hot foods, including soups.
Bottom line: Though Vitamix 5200 is a costly blender, it offers value for your money. Its combination of high performance and durability is worth your investment.
Pros
- Powerful motor and tough stainless steel blades.
- Has a 7-year full warranty.
- Has a generous capacity.
- Easy cleaning
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
- Too loud
- Clunky interface
Best for Crushing Ice: Ninja BL660 Professional Countertop Blender
Are you looking for a blender that will crush those ice pieces without a hassle? As the name suggests, Ninja BL660 Professional Countertop Blender is the perfect blender for crushing ice and frozen food items.
It is not only affordable but high-performing.
Ninja Professional Countertop Blender is a professional, high-powered appliance that every kitchen needs. The blender features a sturdy crushing pitcher for pulverizing hard ice cubes. It also has a generous capacity (72 oz or 2.1 L), making it ideal for large households.
The high-performing blender also comes with two 16 oz (473 mL) Nutri Ninja cups with to-go lids for those days when you want a personalized blending experience. It also contains a power motor base, BPA-free components, and a pro-extractor blade assembly.
Bottom line: You don’t have to buy expensive blenders to crush ice when buying Ninja Professional Countertop Blender. It will serve you well for a long period if you handle it properly.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cost-friendly
- Lightweight and has a large capacity.
- Has a one-year warranty.
- Powerful motor base and blades.
Cons
- Warranty doesn’t cover pitcher, which is prone to breaking.
- Less durable than other high-end blenders.
- Requires tamping for smooth blending.
- Prone to leakage.
- Relatively loud.
- Has sharp blades, making it hard to clean.
Best Design: Smeg Retro Style Countertop Blender
Smeg Retro Style Countertop Blender is your ideal type of blender to create a sleek aesthetic look on your kitchen counter. The blender is not only attractive but also high-performing. The stainless steel-made blender comes with a BPA-free pitcher with average capacity.
This blender features a set of detachable and stainless steel dual blades that work excellently to create a finely constituted drink. The blender also contains a motor overload protector, three preset programs, and four speeds to enhance its blending process.
Though a low-powered blender, Smeg Retro Countertop Blender provides a convenient blending experience. You can use it to make your favorite frozen drinks and other foods.
Bottom line: If a sleek design is what you look for in a blender, Smeg Retro Style Countertop Blender will not disappoint. Apart from its elegant look, it is also a high-performing blender.
Pros
- Has a beautiful design.
- Versatile
- High-functionality
- Matches the quality of other Smeg appliances.
Cons
- Expensive
- Low motor wattage
- Small capacity
Best Multipurpose: Ninja 400-watt (0.5 hp) Blender/Food Processor
You don’t have to buy several appliances to serve your blending and food processing goals when you can do all that using one tool. Ninja 400-watt (0.5 hp) Blender and Food Processor comes in handy when you want a multipurpose kitchen appliance. Despite being a low-powered blender, it blends frozen food items effectively.
Ninja 400-watt (0.5 hp) Blender/Food Processor features:
- 2 reasonably-sized jars
- 2 cup processors
- An anti-spill guard
- A 16 oz (473 mL) chopper bowl
The blender contains a stacked blade assembly and ergonomic touch pulses to enhance its operation.
Bottom line: The blender is ideal for small households and personal use due to its compact capacity. It is also very cheap compared to its multipurpose functionality.
Pros
- Multipurpose and portable
- Dishwasher safe
- Efficiently-performing blades
Cons
- Small capacity, which is not recommendable for large households.
- Sharp blades make it difficult to clean by hand.
- Has a single manual blend setting.
How To Take Care of Your Blender
Proper handling of your blender will enhance its performance and lengthen its lifespan. You don’t want to keep repairing or replacing blenders now and then. It is not only frustrating but also too expensive as some blenders are worth a fortune.
Now, here are ways to take care of your blender to ensure that it serves you well for years.
Follow the Blender’s Manual Closely
There’s a lot to learn from the manufacturer on how to use and handle your blender. Always read the instructions carefully before operating the appliance. For instance, most brands warn against immersing the power area in water and advise users to only wipe the part with a sponge or towel.
Clean Your Blender Well
Most high-end blenders have a self-cleaning feature, which makes them easy to clean. You only have to pour in warm water (⅔ the blender’s capacity) and some liquid dishwashing soap, switch on the self-cleaning button, and you’re good to go.
Others, however, require you to clean them manually. Most such kinds of blenders have detachable parts, including blades. So, you’ll only remove these parts and clean them separately.
However, if your blender has no removable parts, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.
Do Not Overheat Your Blender
Blending frozen ingredients isn’t a walk in the park. Your blender will use a lot of power, and it may end up overheating. However, this may lead to mechanical issues and shorten its lifespan.
So, to prevent overheating:
- Avoid blending ingredients in bulk.
- Pour in the liquid ingredients first, followed by fresh fruits, frozen ingredients, and then ice.
- Avoid cranking up the settings if the blender jams. Use a tamper or add some liquid if the blender gets stuck.
Do Not Overfill Your Blender
No matter how much you’re in a hurry, never put ingredients beyond the blender’s capacity. Most brands have markings on the jars or pitchers to let users know how much the blender can hold. Overfilling your blender will hinder it from functioning properly.
Inspect Your Blender Frequently
Some blender components such as blades may wear out fast. So, check each part regularly for any damage and replace it if spare parts are available. Blades, drive coupling, and drive sockets are prone to wear and tear, but they’re easily replaceable.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.