Best Overall
Blenderx Portable Blender
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Portable blenders are a convenient tool for individuals on the go. With this type of blender, you can easily whip up shakes and smoothies at the office, gym, picnics, and more without dragging out large blenders. Check out our top choices for the ultimate portable blenders of 2024 in this guide, and pick your favorite! Speaking of which, our favorite choice is the BlenderX Portable Blender, a BPA-free, rechargeable option with a waterproof carrying bag, perfect for the outdoors. So without further ado, let's get blending!
The Best Portable Blenders: A Buying Guide
Portable blenders are smaller and lighter than their stationery, in-kitchen counterparts. This makes them convenient and easy to carry around but a little less powerful. Since not all mini blenders are designed the same, you’ll need to consider a few things to make sure your chosen gadget will meet your needs. Before making your purchase, consider the below features.
Size
Most portable blender cylinders range between 12 and 14 ounces, just enough for a single smoothie. If you need to blend up multiple drinks, you’ll want to check out our Best Blenders article and look for a blender with a larger container size. Alternatively, some blenders come with two containers allowing you to blend back-to-back drinks without having to empty and clean the cylinder first. Raymond Neil, a professional chef with trishdesine.com, highlights a large benefit of portable blenders' smaller sizes, "because they don't take up a lot of space, you can put them in places where you use them more often." If you have a stuffed kitchen, consider where you'll place your blender to determine your ideal product's dimensions.
Functions and Features
Some blenders work on a single-button function, while others have two-speed settings as well as a pulse function. Certain rechargeable devices also show you a light indicator when the blender is fully charged.
Power
When it comes to the unit’s power, you want to consider both how it’s powered and the wattage. Many portable blenders are battery-operated or USB-operated and need to be recharged. Consider whether you’ll have access to recharging ports (USB or power outlets), the charging time, and how long a single charge will last. Some units are compact for easy portability but require a power outlet. Since the entire unit and blades are smaller, the power to blend hard and fibrous ingredients won’t be quite compared to a large appliance. Forget about blending large ice cubes for your cocktail; these units are much better suited for softer food and mixes. Chef Neil says, “These devices (portable blenders) can be very useful for making smoothies, soups, and sauces.” They’re also ideal for blending soft, cooked veggies with liquid for soups, making sauces, and even baby foods. The watts indicated on the packaging will give you a sign of how powerful the blender is. More watts equal more power; however, more watts will likely drain the battery faster.
Materials
All construction materials should be food grade and plastic should be BPA-free. Choose a unit with stainless steel blades instead of plastic since it will last much longer and offer better blending. You also want to check for a leakproof design. The last thing you want while traveling or rushing between business meetings is your smoothie spraying all over your outfit while blending.
Accessories
It is always important to confirm, rather than assume, what is included in the purchase. Besides all the blender components, including the blending base and container, the charger should also be included. If the unit is battery-operated, check whether the batteries are included. Look for a unit that comes with a to-go flip lid so that once you’ve made your smoothie, you can simply pop the lid on the container and take the drink with you on the run. Depending on where you plan on taking the blender, you might want something that comes with a waterproof carry bag and additional cups or containers with lids.
Noise
Want to take your blender to the office? You likely don’t want everyone to hear your appliance. It’s worth checking how noisy the unit is if this will be an issue.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Blenderx Portable Blender
- Most Unique Design: Redmond Portable Blender
- Best For Traveling: Popbabies Portable Blender
- High-Quality Choice: Ninja Portable Blender
- Budget Pick: Hamilton Beach Portable Blender
Reviews
Most Unique Design
Redmond Portable Blender
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Best for Traveling
Popbabies Portable Blender
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High-Quality Choice
Ninja Portable Blender
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Budget Pick
Hamilton Beach Portable Blender
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FAQs
How many watts is good for a portable blender?
For a casual use small batch blender, we recommend a minimum of 200 to 250 watts to blend soft foods and powder mixes. They can go up to 700 watts, which is more ideal for blending frozen fruit, vegetable chunks, or mini ice cubes.
Can you put hot liquid or food in a blender?
Do not put hot liquids or food into a blender. Give it a few minutes to cool before blending. Hot liquids will expand when blended, which causes pressure from the inside. This can blow off the lid causing the hot liquid to explode all over the kitchen. If you blend lukewarm liquids, start on a very low speed and keep the center cap of the blender lid open. Place a dish towel over the gap, allowing steam to escape but still preventing liquid from spilling out.
How is a blender different from a food processor?
Although they share some similar functions, blenders are primarily used to blend, puree, or liquidize soft foods and liquids as well as crush ice. A food processor can be used to chop, slice, dice, shred, and grate foods as well as mix batters.