Speed settings Variable speeds give more blending control.

Useful if you want to take your smoothie to work or the gym.

Mini blender cups Some jug blenders come with an extra smaller blending cup and lid as well as the standard blending container.

It's handy if the blade is removable, so it can be separated from the jug and thoroughly cleaned.

Dishwasher-safe parts Washing up can be laborious, so look for a blender where the parts are dishwasher-safe.

You'll pay more for high-quality plastics such as BPA-free Tritan, which is extra strong, light and looks like glass, but offers the best of both worlds. Glass jugs are sturdier and look more upmarket, but can be very heavy when full.

Blender jug Plastic is lighter but can absorb odours and get scratched over time.

Use this checklist to make sure you get a blender that has the extra features you need: Head to our blender reviews to see all our tested models, including the Nutribullet range and rival blenders.

Cons: Smaller portions can be tricky to blend, some are difficult to clean around the blades.

Pros: Good for whipping up big batches of soup, or more than one smoothie portion.

They tend to take up more worktop space, but often have dedicated blending programs for different tasks such as pureeing, ice-crushing, and smoothie-making. They are larger than personal blenders - usually around 1.7l capacity compared to around 600ml - so are a better choice if you want to blend large batches of smoothies and soups to feed a family. These have a larger blending jug with a handle and removable lid, although some allow you to unscrew the base for easier cleaning.

Cons: Not suitable for making bigger batches.

Blending cup is ideally sized for one portion, and doubles up as a travel mug - saving hassle and washing up. These blenders are great for people who just want to blend one smoothie at a time. They're smaller, so they won't take up much space on your worktop. They are designed to be quick and convenient, originally envisioned as a way to whip up a quick smoothie en route to the gym for those on a health kick. Mini blenders (or personal blenders) are usually smaller than traditional jug blenders, and have a smaller bullet-shaped blending cup which unscrews at the base, meaning that it can be easily converted into a drinking mug with lid after blending. Below, we explain the pros and cons of each type to help you to decide which is best for you. Whether you opt for a personal blender or a traditional jug blender, you shouldn't need to compromise on quality of blending, as long as you choose a good model.

It should also be easy to clean and dishwasher-safe if possible.

It will be easy to use with intelligent auto programs, a well-labelled control panel, and an ergonomic design that makes it a cinch to handle deftly.

It should blend your ingredients quickly without requiring lots of fussing and tampering.

Blender motors always kick up a bit of a fuss, but a good blender will create fewer decibels and the noise won't be as abrasive as other blenders. If it's ice-crushing compatible, it'll turn cubes into a fine snow.

It should crush ice if it's been designed to do so.

Look out for our star ratings for making pesto to see if a blender is up to this task. It should also be able to handle tough ingredients such as herbs, seeds, nuts and raw vegetables - dry and fibrous ingredients which prove more of a challenge than soft fruit.It shouldn't leave coagulated lumps or unblended bits in the mixture after a fair bit of blitzing - your food and drink will have a consistent texture and it'll be velvety smooth. A good blender should make a great soup meal or smoothie.Join Which? to get instant access if you aren't already a member. Only logged-in Which? members can find out which blenders we recommend. These are some of our most recently tested Best Buys. We've put a wide range of blenders to the test, using popular and tricky-to-blend foods to see which blenders can make great soups and smoothies, and also tackle tough tasks such as making pesto and crushing ice. Go our in-depth blender reviews to see all the models we've tested. Plus, you'll find the very best blenders we've tested. In this expert guide, we tell you what to look for when you begin your jug blender hunt, and how much you'll need to spend to get a decent one. If you’re into making smoothies and milkshakes or love homemade soup, a blender is a nifty and useful addition to your kitchen – the best blenders can blitz your ingredients to a smooth consistency in seconds.īut do you need a traditional jug blender or would a mini blender such as the Nutribullet suit you better? And what features are really useful to have?

Best portable blender 2022