12 Best Blenders For Frozen Drinks & Smoothies In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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When making frozen or cold cocktails or drinks, one needs a reliable blender with sufficient power to operate without interruption. There is a different type of blender for every frozen treat, so you only have to pick depending on what you make most.

This roundup will cover the best blender for frozen drinks, best blender for crushing ice, and the best blender for frozen fruit smoothies. Which will reign supreme in each category?

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Our Top Picks for the Best Blender for Frozen Drinks

1. Ninja Professional (BL610) - Best Blender for Ice

What Customers Have To Say

One Amazon customer commented that Ninja blender is excellent for making smoothies and powerful for crushing ice. He also liked how the pitcher latches onto the base.

Another customer shared that he has been using Ninja for years and got this upgrade. For him, this blender quickly pulverized anything, and he credited it all to the Ninja’s power.

Why We Think it's Great

How often can you see a blender for frozen drinks that’s less than $100 but is very efficient and powerful? The Ninja Professional Blender has a 72-oz capacity and can crush ice and turn it into a snow-like texture.

Due to its 1,000-Watt power and six blades’ strategic positioning, it is ready to make any concoction in no time. Due to its powerful motor and sharp blades, you can crush any food from fruits, nuts, and vegetables in an instant.

It also offers a sleek design that can match any theme or color scheme that your kitchen has. More than crushing ice, it also does a great job of blending, pureeing, and controlled processing. With its 4 manual speeds, you can choose how fast and robust your blender will work.

The jar has a lock feature that perfectly matches the base and can only work when the “click” sound is heard. To top it all, this machine is dishwasher safe to make cleaning more accessible and more efficient.

Who Should Buy It

This blender is perfect for everyday usage at home, whether you’re trying a healthy smoothie regime or just making delicious frozen drinks for your family.

2. Oster Blender Pro

What Customers Have To Say

A customer said that this blender has a great price, great power, and has a beautiful glass pitcher. She loved everything about the purchase.

Another shopper said that it just takes one button to make delicious smoothies, like magic. It grinds smoothly and easy to keep up for a good diet.

Why We Think it's Great

The Oster Blender Pro is less expensive than the Ninja Professional but boasts excellent performance. For instance, aside from the standard three speeds, it also features 3 pre-programmed buttons for your intended drink.

It has a dual-direction blade technology that creates extra blending and chopping power to grind your ingredients thoroughly. Its base and blades are designed to be extra wide to incorporate fruits or vegetables fully.

The blender features a 1,200-Watt power, but its ice-crushing ability is only 900 Watts. Another great feature is the pulse control which adds precision. The blades are also patented in a dual direction (forward and reverse motion) for a faster blending mechanism.

Compared to other brands, the Oster Blender Pro comes with a smoothie cup that can hold up to 24 oz of your favorite smoothie. This inclusion is a perfect addition, as you can take your blended drink anywhere you like. You would also fall in love with the pre-programmed setting it comes with for smoothies, salsas, and milkshakes.

Who Should Buy It

If you like your blender to perform with power in every use and look fabulous but don’t want to create a hole in your pocket, this blender is for you.

3. Vitamix 5200 Blender - Best Professional-Grade

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon shopper shared that she uses this Vitamix blender to make her breakfast shakes or protein shakes. Of all her appliances, she uses this blender most.

Another customer shared that she got this blender for her mom on Christmas, and they use it to blend frozen fruit, honey, oatmeal, and chia seeds, and everything is smooth, with no trace of seeds or chunks of fruit.

Why We Think it's Great

With its hardened, laser-cut stainless steel blades, this blender for frozen drinks can handle almost any ingredient you throw in it. You can control 10 speeds as well as the pulse.

This Vitamix blender features 2HP or about 1,500 Watts of power. It saves you the time of cutting up fruits into small pieces because its high-spinning blades can take care of that, resulting in a smooth consistency. It also comes with a specially designed tamper that can help process thick and stubborn fruits and vegetables so that you won’t have a hard time working on them.

If you are always on the go but want to take your salsa or frozen soup hot or warm, this blender is your perfect bet. The blades are designed to create fiction heat faster, bringing your cold dishes and ingredients hot and fresh in just about 6 minutes!

This functional blender can create several types of blended ingredients in just a heartbeat. If you are making hot soup minus the hassle of turning on a stove, this blender has the perfect mechanism for that. You can also whip up ice cream, sorbet, nut butter, ground coffee, pancake batter, dips, spreads, dressings, sauces, and even baby food!

Who Should Buy It

This blender is a terrific choice for busier settings such as restaurants or bars because it is equipped with power and speed that delivers every time.

4. NutriBullet ZNBF30400Z Blender - Most Compact

What Customers Have To Say

One Amazon shopper commented that this blender is easy to use, has good blades, and very practical for smoothies. She also loved that the cup is not heavy, and the base has suction cups that prevent the blender from moving too much and spilling.

Another one said that this is the best blender she ever used because of the structure and detailed features. She also liked the simple settings because even the low is effective at pureeing ingredients.

Why We Think it's Great

With a push of a button, this blender doesn’t fail to serve you delicious cold drinks anytime. It’s also designed with a suction cup on the bottom to prevent it from moving when in use.

Featuring a 1,200-Watt power motor and durable stainless steel blades designed to be cyclonic, this blender for frozen drinks ensures that the ingredients are well blended fast.

The Nutribullet blender is made of robust stainless steel and is designed with cyclonic action. It is also made of BPA-free plastic that is proven durable and food-safe.

This blender cannot only make your frozen drinks, but it can also create your favorite hot soups and dips in an instant through its powerful blades.

Who Should Buy It

Practical, efficient, and not bulky - if these are what you look for in a blender, then Nutribullet is perfect for you.

5. Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker - Best Blender for Margaritas

What Customers Have To Say

A shopper commented that she makes all kinds of frozen drinks with this machine. She also carries it to parties because it makes her beverages better.

Another customer said that barbecues were boring without this machine, and she shared her excitement about taking it on vacation. For her, margaritas are perfect from this machine.

Why We Think it's Great

As the name suggests, this blender is initially intended for margaritas, but you can also make other cold drinks from it. You only have to add other mixers to create something new, like pina coladas and daiquiris . It separates the ice-crushing and blending but ultimately mixes all ingredients. You can also adjust your mixture accordingly with its “shave only” and “blend only” settings.

Despite only having shave and blend cycles, this blender for frozen drinks will pretty much do the job for you. It makes delicious slushies that guarantee the fun and slightly painful brain freeze.

This blender comes with markings on the side of the glass, making it easier to measure the needed ingredients for your drinks. It also works efficiently since after measurement, you just have to release it into the blending jar and let the machine do its work.

If you have a problem pouring your blended drinks into your glass because of the lid, this brand addresses your concern. You don’t have to remove and re-attach the cover anymore, as the blender has a hatch where the drink can slide down.

Who Should Buy It

If you have a knack for cool appliances that do the job for you, this frozen drink maker is what you’ll need. It’ll impress your friends and your family at every gathering.

6. KitchenAid Diamond Vortex KSB1575 - Best Blender for Frozen Drinks

What Customers Have To Say

One shopper commented that he loves this blender and its longevity, looks and that it works quietly. He also remarked that the seal is of quality craftsmanship and the machine is heavy.

Another customer likes the rubber buttons because they don’t break easily. The blades are also great for liquefying ingredients and making frozen margaritas.

Why We Think it's Great

Aside from the quintessential home blender look, this one boasts sufficient power for a robust blending. One of the main components of this blender for frozen drinks is its diamond pitcher design, which is resistant to scratches and stains and enhances the blending capacity.

It has a Soft Start feature that starts the motor at a slower speed to place the food into the blades, and it will quickly increase based on the selected speed setting. This blender is also available in various colors such as aqua sky blue, blue steel, green apple, and majestic yellow.

Unlike most blenders, the KitchenAid Diamond Vortex’s coupling is made of metal and then coated with nylon to reduce the noise. It has seven functions, one of which is specifically for crushing ice.

Who Should Buy It

This blender’s design is enough to prompt anybody to get one for a lovely kitchen addition. But its high performance is what will make people love it more.

7. Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender - Most Powerful

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon shopper blends everything with Blendtec, from frappes to slushies. It can also blend down seeds and ice like a champ, according to him.

A separate customer shared that his Blendtec blender is still up and running after three years and counting. He is happy as the first day he got it, and he would recommend it to anyone.

Why We Think it's Great

Make smoothies fast and efficiently for your friends and family with this 1,560-Watt blender. The Blendtec Total Classic features thick and winged stainless steel blades and a 75-oz capacity.

Contrary to other blenders for frozen drinks, the blades are dull to prevent cuts and scratches, but the high-speed motor enables the Blendtec blender to crush the ingredients still. It has one-touch buttons, 6 pre-programmed cycles, pulse, and 10-speed manual control to achieve different textures for your drinks.

Whether you intend to craft smoothies, salsas, hot soups, or pancake batter, this blender got you covered. Plus, cleaning the jar is easy even if you have some leftover of the mixture that got stuck.

Who Should Buy It

This blender blends the elements fast, making it perfect for those who like to make tasty frozen drinks and smoothies in big batches easy.

8. Cuisinart CPB-380 Juicing Blender - Best Extra Features

What Customers Have To Say

A customer said that she uses this blender to make smoothies out of fibrous vegetables, and it works very efficiently. For her, it is an excellent buy, and cleanup is a cinch.

A different customer said that the set is great because it is easy and safe to use and features user-friendly interchangeable parts.

Why We Think it's Great

If you agree that the best things come in small packages, this blender for frozen fruit smoothies is for you! You’ll be surprised that this 32 oz capacity blender is a contender among its big counterparts. It comes with to-go containers that you can substitute with the jar to easily remove the blade assembly and put it on the blender cups.

The 32 oz jar can break down whole fruits and vegetables, whereas the 8 oz jar can mince herbs and spices. It also contains two extra 16 oz travel cups with lids that you can bring wherever you go.

This blender also takes minimal space with its sleek design, so you can just let it sit on your counter and avoid the hassle of making a cabinet dedicated to the blender alone.

Despite its size, you can rely on this blender for your everyday smoothies having 1HP or about 750 Watts power. But be careful with the direction of the blade and lid because they go in the opposite direction.

Who Should Buy It

This handy tool is the perfect assistant to help you in your health endeavors for those who like to make healthy and delicious juices, or protein shakes every day.

9. Oster Versa - Best Blender for Smoothies

What Customers Have To Say

A shopper commented that her Oster Versa blender still works as it did the first time she used it. For her, it is a sturdy and well-made machine and is her favorite kitchen tool.

One customer said that he loves this blender because it's the best one for him so far. He uses it to make food and drinks every day, and he considers it an excellent investment.

Why We Think it's Great

If you’re in a hurry to serve frozen treats for your friends, you need to have the Oster Versa blender. You don’t even have to cut up the ingredients into tiny pieces because the 250 mph-speed and 1,400-Watt motor will do that for you in a heartbeat.

It features pre-programmed settings such as smoothies, dips/spreads, and soup. The 64 oz BPA-free Tritan jar features a no-mess spout and readable measurements for easier pouring of drinks. It also has a rubberized handle for a comfortable and non-slip grip.

This blender for frozen drinks stands out because its special blades are designed to be serrated to enhance the blending and ice crushing. It also has a tamper accessory to make rigid and stubborn ingredients fall easier into the blades.

Who Should Buy It

Whether at home or in a professional setting, one doesn’t have to wait long to enjoy a great-tasting frozen drink with this blender because of its efficiency and power.

10. Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender

What Customers Have To Say

One customer said that this blender changed his life because he can make healthier food versions with it. There are no preservatives in his ice cream, and he can enjoy them in no time.

Another shopper simply said that this blender is incredible for its power and quality.

Why We Think it's Great

Nothing beats the smart technology that this blender for frozen fruit offers. The jar features a disk at the bottom that connects to the base, indicating how much the jar contains and suggests a blending time for a particular recipe. How cool is that?

Each of its five program settings results in an impressive outcome without a trace of any chunks. You can choose from smoothies, hot soups, dips and spreads, frozen desserts, and self-cleaning options to ensure your ideal consistency is achieved.

With its laser-cut hardened stainless-steel blades, the toughest ingredients will turn into fine blends in no time. Moreover, the touch screen panel is also a nice touch and can easily be wiped clean.

Who Should Buy It

Someone who wants to invest in a long-lasting blender should get this item. That way, you’ll know that every penny you spent is worth it.

11. COSORI Blender - Best Splurge

What Customers Have To Say

One Amazon shopper said that she loves this blender because it does not produce any chucks from hard and big ingredients. She found the blades thicker than average blenders and remarked that it has a lot of blending power.

Another one said that this is a wonderful product and that she will purchase three more for her friends.

Why We Think it's Great

High speed and powerful six blades? This blender for frozen drinks can break down any ingredient in a matter of seconds with its serrated blades and 1,500-Watt motor. You can control different speeds depending on what you’re making. The soft knob can be rotated even during the blend to achieve a certain consistency for your drinks.

The jar is tall and is slimmer at the base, so the fruits can get closer contact with the blade when you’re pushing them down. The COSORI Blender also comes with handy to-go containers in 27 oz, so you can always take your favorite mango smoothie on the run. It also boasts a powerful mechanism to turn any ingredients into a whole dish, like dough from the blended batter.

You would love to purchase such an exemplary appliance as it comes with a handy and informative recipe book with hundreds of recipes for your frozen drinks. The package also includes a tamper that you can use to push the ingredients straight into the blade. Plus, you get an extra cleaning brush that can reach the corners of the blender.

Who Should Buy It

If you like simple yet effective things in life, then go for this blender because it won’t let you down.

12. Blendtec Professional Blender - Most Quiet

What Customers Have To Say

One customer is impressed with how quiet this blender is. It is also very powerful in the way that it grinds any ingredient effortlessly.

Another Amazon shopper commented that this blender is packed with quality and excellence. She finds the materials’ quality is unsurpassed, with the interface being advanced, so it guarantees consistency in every use.

Why We Think it's Great

Have you ever been annoyed by the loud sound that your blender creates? You won’t have this problem with Blendtec Pro because of its sound enclosure. It is a large blender with a whopping 90-ounce capacity so that you can make big batches of drinks at once.

The blades are 80% thicker than other brands and are proven more robust without the need for a tamper or plunger. Since they are made with cold-forged hardened steel, they can be touched and cleaned without any harm coming your way.

You can also control a total of eleven speeds and six pre-programmed blender cycles. It boasts a 3.8 peak horsepower, so it can pretty much pulverize anything. Moreover, the patented five-sided jar design automatically pulls the ingredients into the blades, disrupting the blending flow.

Who Should Buy It

Ideal for noise-sensitive individuals, this blender will spare you from the annoying noise that you have to hear when preparing a tasty beverage.

What Makes the Best Blender for Frozen Fruit Smoothies

Like any other equipment, there is always something to consider before buying it. Here are several factors that indicate if a blender is good or not.

• Power / Speed

In terms of making smoothies or frozen drinks, a blender must have enough power to crush ice and at the same time have variable speeds to control the consistency of your beverage.

Usually, blenders have 300 to 600 watts, but high-powered ones can have 1,000 watts and more. As for speed, you would want at least three controls to start slow then gradually increase to high. This way, the motor is not overwhelmed and enables the ingredient to be thoroughly blended.

• Blade

One of the essential parts of a blender for frozen drinks is the blade, so it must be durable and sharp enough to crush ice and chilled ingredients.

Usually, blenders only have two to four blades, but they can be positioned in different ways as a strategy to crush ingredients efficiently. Opt for big, stainless steel blades and a high-quality metal drive socket and drive coupling so they won’t wear out quickly.

• Durability

Blenders for frozen drinks are an investment, so you would want them to last for years. The blender’s container is also an essential component as it holds the ingredients. Stainless steel containers are the most durable, but they are rare, and you can’t see the contents.

This makes blenders with glass containers the more likely option because they have more weight for stability and don’t leave any lingering smell. Plastic containers are less expensive, but they can wear out. Containers also have varying liquid capacities, so the more liquid they hold, the better, especially when making big drink batches.

• Features / Functions

Every good blender for frozen drinks must have a pulse button because it crushes the ice efficiently. It works the fastest and lets you take control of the blending process.

The pulse feature also lets the blender’s motor have a short rest before using it again. Other blenders have automatic buttons for a specified purpose, such as blending smoothies or crushing ice.

• Price

The quality of a blender for frozen drinks must be reflective of its price. When an item is expensive, many people assume that it’s of high quality, but this isn’t always the case. There are also good deals that work just as well, so your choice should depend on your budget and the appliance’s intended purpose.

Tips on Using the Best Blender for Smoothies

Some users unknowingly complain about how their blender is not working when it is fully functional. So to make the best out of your blender, here are some useful tips.

Don’t Overwork

If your blender for frozen drinks is having difficulty processing the ingredients, don’t just crank the settings up. Give the stuck contents a mix or add more liquid, then blend again. If you’re making big batches of drink, be sure to blend in intervals to prevent the motor from overheating.

Liquid First, Then Solids

Help your blender’s blade and motor last longer by putting your ingredients in the jar in an orderly manner.

The general rule of thumb is to start with liquids, making sure that it covers the blade. Putting the liquid first ensures that all the ingredients are incorporated well. Next, add the fresh fruits followed by the frozen ingredients. Lastly, put the ice.

Don’t Overfill

As much as you want to make many servings in one blend, you shouldn’t overfill your blender because the motor may not take it, and the blade won’t turn. Follow the fill lines accordingly with the right ratio of liquids and solids and gradually increase the speed.

Perform Maintenance

One way to make the blender last longer is to look out for the parts such as the blade, drive socket, and drive coupling. If the blade has become dull, you can either replace it or sharpen it.

As for the drive socket and drive coupling, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. These parts are important because they get the job done quickly and help prevent the motor from overworking.

The container should be easily cleaned by filling it with water about two-thirds full. Then, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and push the pulse button a few times. Clean the containers immediately after use to prevent bits of ingredients from hardening. If there are any tough stains, use a brush but remove the blades first.

Final Verdict

The best blender for crushing ice is the Ninja Professional (BL610) because of its ability to transform ice into a snow-like texture quickly. The best blender for frozen fruit is the Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender for its power and special blades.

Next up is the best blender for frozen fruit smoothies, which is the Oster Versa Blender because of its ability to reduce whole fruits into bits in seconds. Finally, the best blender for frozen drinks is the KitchenAid Diamond Vortex KSB1575 because of its specific function and jar’s design to mix all the components consistently.

There you have it! The next time you’re craving something cold to sip through your reusable straws , be sure to check out the excellent lineup of blenders above.

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