“Currently, all full-sized blenders go through rigorous testing in our lab regardless of wattage,” says Alex Minkin, who oversees CR’s kitchen appliance testing. But as blenders continue to evolve, more high-powered models are entering the market, performing well in our tests and subsequently burying conventional, budget-friendly blenders farther down in our ratings.
“Those middle-of-the-pack blenders might be ideal for someone with more modest needs,” Minkin says.
Be aware, however, that some pricey upgrades—such as wireless connectivity, finishes like stainless steel and shiny enamels, programmed presets, and touchscreen interfaces—have nothing to do with performance per se. A few stripped-down models, like the CR-recommended Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System BN801 Blender, $180, even outperform many high-end blenders in our tests.
To help you explore beyond the top of our blender ratings and track down the right blender for your culinary lifestyle, we’ve compiled a general explanation of what you do and don’t get within four distinct price tiers, and we suggest a model from our ratings. This price guide will steer you toward your perfect blender based on your expectations and budget.
CR members can also filter our blender ratings by price in each category. Be sure to consult our blender buying guide as you shop, too.
