Blenders for fruit smoothies

[QuarterMillionMan]

Got my money's worth out of the cheap Hamilton Beach blender for $25 (still working BTW). Once or twice a week I'll make something like this. It consists of all frozen fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, pineapples, rasberries, and/or blackberries, and a splash of cold water.

[frugalredhead]

We bought a Nutribullet a few weeks ago and we love it! DH has been making smoothies every morning (and this is a man who does not eat fruits and veggies otherwise, so well worth every penny just for that!) Tonight I made the kids smoothies with frozen strawberries, fresh blueberries, vanilla ice cream and some milk and it was quick and came out perfect.

[disneysteve]

Tonight I made the kids smoothies with frozen strawberries, fresh blueberries, vanilla ice cream and some milk

I believe that's called a milkshake. Sounds yummy though.

[QuarterMillionMan]

These are some of my thoughts on the cheap blender (full discloser here). I have to chop up ahead of time the frozen strawberries and bigger pieces of fruit before blending. Putting whole frozen pieces into the blender causes the mixture to clog up due to the weak motor. Seeds from rasberries and blackberries don't get pulverized, again due to the weak motor. I find it easier sometimes to add more water to help it blender better but then the smoothie is not as thick as I would like it to be. Overall I'm satisfied with the cheap blender but sometimes I wonder if a more powerful blender would eliminate some of these technical difficulties.

[snafu]

QMM, I suggest taping a small piece of paper inside a cupboard adjacent to the Hamilton blender to leave a stroke each time you make smoothies. If you continue to regularly use the machine for smoothies, drinks and 'blends,' you can easily save coins or small sums in a jar to buy a powerful, expensive machine. I'd bought a cheapie at a yard sale and since we've been using it regularly for a number of years, I plan to buy a powerful unit when the existing quits or leaks.

[frugalredhead]

I believe that's called a milkshake. Sounds yummy though.

Very true! But daddy had a "smoothie" so theirs had to be called a smoothie too. They're 3 and 6 - I call it whatever they want to make them happy

[willaim]

Most blenders are extremely versatile, allowing you to puree roasted veggies into soups and chop components for salsa. However, one task that people do more than any other is creating smoothies. If you fall into this group, you'll want a machine that can smash ice into a drinkable slush, slice through frozen fruits with ease, and pulverize even the toughest food into a smooth liquid. best masticating juicer for celery

[srblanco7]

Magic bullet. Though I “cheat” by microwaving the frozen berries in the blender cup so that they are not rock solid (though still partially frozen), then add greek yogurt and protein powder. Quite delicious.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I powerful blender makes a huge difference. I now have a 2200 watt motor commercial blender and it's a joy to use. In fact, everyday for lunch I make a frozen fruit/veggie smoothie.

[disneysteve]

I powerful blender makes a huge difference. I now have a 2200 watt motor commercial blender and it's a joy to use. In fact, everyday for lunch I make a frozen fruit/veggie smoothie.

Always interesting when a thread like this gets resurrected after many years (this one is from 2014). Originally you said you wanted to spend $50-80. I'm guessing you went with something a fair amount more costly than that.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Very interesting I forgot that I said I wanted to spend $50 - $80. I ended up spending $100 on Amazon for a made in China model but works very well. A Vitamix can run over $500 which I had the hardest time willing to spend that much for a blender but for my next one I'd be willing to spend $200.

[QuarterMillionMan]

[disneysteve]

Very interesting I forgot that I said I wanted to spend $50 - $80. I ended up spending $100 on Amazon for a made in China model but works very well. A Vitamix can run over $500 which I had the hardest time willing to spend that much for a blender but for my next one I'd be willing to spend $200.

Sounds like a great deal. I think I said ours was $125 so same ballpark.

[myrdale]

I've owned a BlendTec for +10 years. It does an amazing job.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I just ordered this new powerful blender for $80. My old blender which is quite similar to this new one is on its last leg. The motor has a burning smell and metal dust rusty color is coming out of the motor so it's time. 2200W 3HP Commercial Blender Mixer Juicer Power Food Processor Smoothie Bar 2L | eBay