Best blenders in 2026: Top picks for smoothies, soups and crushing ice

It can be tricky to get enough fruit and vegetables into your diet every day. In fact, according to the UK Government's National Diet and Nutrition Survey, less than one in five adults (17%) meet the recommended 5 A Day target. That’s where a good blender can come in handy.

From breakfast smoothies to homemade soups and post-gym protein shakes, a blender can make it easier to prepare more fresh ingredients at home. So we've rounded up some of the best blenders in 2026 to help you find the right fit for your kitchen.

How to choose the best blender for your kitchen

Before you buy, here are a few things to consider:

• Purpose - Are you mainly making smoothies, soups, sauces, baby food, or all of the above? Look for a blender that’s designed for what you need.

• Power and wattage - Higher wattage generally means it can handle ice, frozen fruit, and nuts better.

• Capacity - Larger jugs are ideal for families, while personal blenders suit smaller servings.

• Blender type - Choose from countertop jug blenders, smoothie makers, hand blenders, or portable models.

• Attachments - Some models include personal cups, choppers, whisk attachments, or food-processing accessories.

• Cleaning - Dishwasher-safe parts can make life much easier.

• Storage space - Compact models are ideal for smaller kitchens and limited worktop space.

• Presets and programmes - Some blenders have dedicated settings for smoothies, frozen drinks or soup, which can make everyday blending simpler.

Not sure what you need? Our blender buying guide helps break everything down.

Best blenders compared

Here's how our favourite blenders stack up against each other.

Best blender for everything

Model: Ninja Detect Duo Power Pro & Single Serve TB301UK Blender

Top feature: BlendSense technology senses what you're blending and adapts to your ingredients.

Pros:

• Large-capacity jug plus single-serve cups.

• Powerful enough to tackle ice, frozen fruit and nuts.

• Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.

Cons:

• Not ideal for smaller kitchens as the larger jug takes up more cupboard space.

If you need a blender that can do lots of jobs, the Ninja Detect Duo Power Pro is a solid choice. The full-size jug is useful for soups, sauces and frozen drinks, while the personal cups are ideal for smoothies and protein shakes. BlendSense technology automatically adjusts to different ingredients, so there's less fiddling with settings and more time getting on with the recipe.

Best blender for smoothies and shakes

Model: Nutribullet Ultra Blender

Top feature: Powerful extraction blades create smoother smoothies.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for smoothies, shakes and blended drinks.

• Powerful enough for frozen fruit and ice.

• Compact design that's easy to store.

Cons:

• Smaller capacity than a full-size jug blender.

If you're looking for the best blender for smoothies and protein shakes, the Nutribullet Ultra is hard to beat. Its extraction blades are designed to break down ingredients like frozen fruit and leafy greens for smoother mixtures. And the personal cups make it easy to blend, pop on a lid and head out the door. It's also compact enough to fit comfortably into smaller kitchens while still packing some serious blending power.

Best immersion blender for soups

Model: Braun MultiQuick 9

Top feature: ActiveBlade technology helps blend ingredients more efficiently with less effort.

Pros:

• Blends directly in pots and pans.

• Includes useful attachments for food prep.

• Comfortable, easy-to-control design.

Cons:

• Not ideal for making large batches of smoothies or frozen drinks.

If you're looking for the best blender for soup, the Braun MultiQuick 9 is a great option. You can blend directly in the pan, cutting down on both prep time and washing up. ActiveBlade technology helps create smooth soups and purees, while the variable speed control gives you more control over texture. The additional attachments also come in handy for chopping ingredients and other everyday cooking jobs.

Best portable blender for on-the-go

Model: Ninja Blast BC151UKBK Cordless Blender

Top feature: Cordless design lets you blend wherever you are.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry.

• Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging.

• Takes up very little storage space.

Cons:

• Less suited to hard ingredients than a full-size blender.

The Ninja Blast is perfect if you want to blend away from the kitchen. Its cordless design means you can make smoothies and protein shakes almost anywhere. Whether you're at your desk or fresh out of a gym session, there's no need to hunt for a plug socket. USB-C charging makes it easy to top up between uses, while the lightweight, compact build slips easily into a bag or cupboard.

Best budget blender

Model: Philips Series 3000 HR2041/01 Blender

Top feature: ProBlend technology helps create smoother blends, even when tackling ice and tougher ingredients.

Pros:

• Affordable price.

• Large 1.9-litre capacity.

• Pulse function for extra control.

Cons:

• Only one speed setting plus pulse.

The Philips Series 3000 proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get reliable blending performance. Its 1.9-litre jug is large enough for smoothies, soups and sauces, while ProBlend technology is designed to help get your ingredients super smooth. The pulse function also comes in handy when you need a little extra power for tougher foods or crushing ice. It’s a great, budget-friendly pick for students, first-time homeowners or anyone replacing an older blender.

Best blender for baby food

Model: Philips Avent Premium 4-in-1 Baby Food Steamer & Blender

Top feature: Steams, blends, defrosts and reheats in the same appliance.

Pros:

• Combines steaming and blending in one unit.

• Dishwasher-safe parts.

• Large 1000 ml capacity for batch cooking.

Cons:

• Takes up more space than a standard blender.

The Philips Avent is designed to make weaning a little easier. Instead of using separate appliances, you can steam ingredients, blend purees, defrost frozen portions and reheat meals all in one place. The 1000 ml capacity is particularly useful for batch-cooking purees and storing portions for later, while the dishwasher-safe parts help make cleaning up a little quicker.

Best mini blender

Model: Nutribullet Flip 02705 Portable Blender

Top feature: Compact design that's easy to store and take with you.

Pros:

• Ideal for smaller kitchens.

• Easy to store in cupboards or on worktops.

• Convenient for single-serve drinks.

Cons:

• Not designed for larger recipes or batch blending.

If space is tight, the Nutribullet Flip keeps things simple. Its compact design is easy to store and ideal for smaller kitchens or student accommodation. And the single-serve format makes it a handy device for smoothies, protein shakes and other blended drinks. The insulated stainless steel cup helps keep drinks cooler for longer, so they're ready when you are.

Need more info?

Whether you're after a powerful all-rounder, a portable smoothie maker or a hand blender for soups, there's an option to suit every kitchen and budget. For more options, shop all blenders.

FAQs

What's the best Ninja blender?

The best Ninja blender for most households is the Ninja Detect Duo Power Pro & Single Serve TB301UK. With a full-size jug, personal blending cups and BlendSense technology, it's a versatile option for everything from smoothies and protein shakes to soups and frozen drinks.

What is the best portable blender for smoothies?

The Ninja Blast BC151UKBK is one of the best portable blender for smoothies. It's cordless, USB-C rechargeable for up to 15 blends per charge, leak-proof, and powerful enough to blitz frozen fruit and ice on the go.

Is 800W good for a blender?

Yes, 800W is good and will handle soft fruit and most everyday tasks. For regular ice-crushing, aim for 900W or more; for soups and nut butters, look at 1000W plus.