The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is the best blender for most buyers. Its 1,400-watt motor and 72-ounce pitcher give it enough power and capacity for smoothies, frozen drinks, sauces, and family-sized batches. Three preset programs also simplify common recipes, so you do not need to guess at blending times. Its main drawback is the large countertop footprint, which may not suit small kitchens.
This guide is for shoppers who want a full-size countertop blender for daily drinks, meal prep, or occasional frozen recipes. The most important factors are pitcher capacity, motor power, blade design, and how easily the parts clean up. Noise, storage space, and warranty coverage can also affect the right choice. The seven picks below are ranked with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each, so you can match the machine to your kitchen and budget.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender | Best for Smoothie Batch Makers | ~$110 | View → |
| 2 | Ninja BL610 Professional Blender | Best for Budget-Conscious Blender Shoppers | ~$90 | View → |
| 3 | Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System | Best for Multi-Function Kitchen Prep | ~$180 | View → |
| 4 | Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender | Best for Simple Everyday Blending | ~$40 | View → |
| 5 | Ninja BR201AMZ Professional Blender | Best for Compact Countertop Setup | ~$110 | View → |
| 6 | Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System | Best for Full Kitchen Versatility | ~$170 | View → |
| 7 | Ninja BL660 Professional Blender | Best for Frozen Drink Fans | ~$120 | View → |
7 Top Blenders for Smooth Results
Below, the list is ranked from seventh place down to the top pick, with key strengths and tradeoffs noted for each blender.
7. Ninja BL660 Professional Blender
Best for: family smoothies and meal prep
The Ninja BL660 is a countertop blender for smoothies, frozen drinks, sauces, and other blended foods. Its 1,100-watt motor works with a stacked Total Crushing blade assembly, giving it the power to handle ice and firmer ingredients. The 72-ounce pitcher suits family portions, party drinks, and batch cooking, although its maximum liquid capacity is 64 ounces. At around $120, it sits in the midrange for a full-size blender with personal cups.
It includes two 16-ounce cups with spout lids, so you can make smaller drinks without using the large pitcher. The dedicated single-serve function works with the included Pro Extractor Blades assembly, while three manual speeds and pulse control provide more adjustment than a single-button personal blender. Removable parts are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe, which reduces cleanup work. Still, this is a fairly substantial countertop appliance, not a compact cup-only model.
Pros
- The 1,100-watt motor and stacked blades can crush ice and blend tough ingredients.
- The 72-ounce pitcher supports large batches for families, meal prep, or guests.
- Two 16-ounce cups with spout lids make smoothies easier to take along.
Cons
- The pitcher’s 64-ounce liquid limit is lower than its advertised 72-ounce total volume.
- Its large pitcher and motor base need more storage space than a personal blender, and the listed controls are manual rather than preset programs.
6. Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System
Best for: Families making varied recipes
This Ninja kitchen system combines a blender, food processor, and single-serve mixer in one base. Its 72-ounce pitcher uses a stacked blade assembly for crushed ice, smoothies, and frozen drinks. Two 24-ounce cups include spout lids, so you can blend individual drinks and take them with you. The system costs around $170, though prices change.
Five Auto-iQ programs handle smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and dough with timed pulsing, blending, and pauses. The 8-cup processor bowl supports chopping and purees, while separate chopping and dough blades expand its cooking range. The dough attachment can make up to 2 pounds in as little as 30 seconds. That broad setup is the main draw. You can prepare drinks, salsa, purees, and dough without buying three separate appliances. It also includes a 30-recipe guide and quick-start materials.
Pros
- The 1400-peak-watt motor and stacked blades are designed to crush ice for frozen drinks.
- Five timed Auto-iQ programs reduce guesswork during blending and processing.
- The 8-cup bowl and dough blade support larger food batches, including up to 2 pounds of dough.
Cons
- The system includes several containers and blade assemblies, which require more storage space than a basic blender.
- The two personal cups hold 24 ounces each, so they may feel small for larger individual servings.
5. Ninja BR201AMZ Professional Blender
Best for: Large batches of smoothies and frozen drinks
The Ninja Professional Blender 2.0 uses a 1200-watt motor base with a 72-ounce pitcher. Its 64-ounce maximum liquid mark helps prevent overfilling during recipes. This setup fits family-size smoothies, shakes, sauces, and frozen drinks better than a personal blender. The pitcher includes a pour spout, and the package includes a stacked blade assembly plus a 10-recipe quick-start guide. At around $110, it targets shoppers who want a full-size blender without moving into premium pricing.
Auto-iQ adds a Crush preset that combines pulsing, blending, and pauses on a timed program. That can simplify ice-based recipes when you do not want to adjust the controls constantly. You can also choose low, medium, high, or pulse settings for more direct control. The stacked blades handle ice and other firm ingredients, while the BPA-free pitcher, lid, and blades are top-rack dishwasher safe. The main compromise is size. A 72-ounce container takes more storage space than compact models, and the large capacity may feel excessive for one-person portions.
Pros
- 1200 watts and stacked blades suit ice, frozen fruit, shakes, and frozen drinks.
- Auto-iQ’s timed Crush program reduces manual pulsing and stopping.
- 64-ounce liquid capacity supports large batches for several servings.
Cons
- The full-size pitcher needs considerable cabinet or counter space.
- The package does not include single-serve cups for individual drinks.
4. Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender
Best for: Small-batch smoothie and shake makers
The Hamilton Beach Power Elite is a countertop blender for smoothies, protein shakes, frozen drinks, and everyday food prep. Its 700 watts of peak power drive stainless steel Ice Sabre blades inside a 40-ounce glass jar. That capacity suits one large drink or several smaller servings, though it may feel limited for bigger families. The approximate price is around $40, making it a budget-focused option.
Its Wave Action design pushes ingredients toward the blades and circulates them through the jar during blending. That setup can help break down ice, frozen fruit, and softer foods without requiring a separate personal cup. Five buttons control 12 functions, including blending, ice crushing, chopping, dicing, and pureeing. The jar, lid, and removable blades are dishwasher safe, which cuts down on cleanup. A built-in spout also gives you a more controlled way to pour.
Pros
- 40-ounce glass jar supports smoothies, shakes, and frozen drinks.
- Stainless steel blades and 700 peak watts handle ice and frozen ingredients.
- Dishwasher-safe jar, lid, and removable blades simplify cleanup.
Cons
- The glass jar is heavier and more breakable than a plastic model.
- A 40-ounce capacity may not suit large family batches.
3. Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System
Best for: Large-batch smoothies and meal prep
The Ninja Mega Kitchen System BL770 combines a blender, food processor, and two personal cups in one 1500-watt base. Its 72-ounce pitcher has a 64-ounce maximum liquid capacity, giving you room for family-size smoothies, frozen drinks, and crushed ice. The set includes an 8-cup processor bowl, a chopping blade, and a dough blade.
The included blade assemblies cover more tasks than a standard blender. The stacked blade handles large blending jobs, while the Pro Extractor blades fit two 16-ounce Nutri Ninja cups with to-go lids. The processor can mix up to 2 pounds of dough in 30 seconds, according to the listed specifications. Four settings, Blend, Mix, Crush, and Single-Serve, cover common recipes. Around $180, it costs more than a basic blender, but the extra bowl and cups add useful flexibility. Dishwasher-safe parts can go on the top rack, though the blades need careful handling.
Pros
- 1500 watts provide power for ice, frozen fruit, and tough ingredients.
- The 8-cup bowl supports chopping, pureeing, mixing, and dough preparation.
- Two 16-ounce cups make single-serve smoothies easy to take along.
Cons
- The pitcher holds 72 ounces by volume, but liquid capacity is limited to 64 ounces.
- Multiple bowls, cups, blades, and lids require considerable storage space.
2. Ninja BL610 Professional Blender
Best for: Families making frozen drinks
The Ninja BL610 is a corded countertop blender with a 1,000-watt motor and a large 72-ounce pitcher. Its maximum liquid capacity is 64 ounces, enough for several smoothies or frozen beverages in one batch. The pitcher is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, which keeps cleanup simple after thicker recipes. A recipe guide is included for drinks and blended dishes.
Its main strength is ice processing. The blade system is designed to turn ice into a fine, snow-like texture, then mix it with whole fruits and vegetables. That makes the BL610 a practical pick for smoothies, frozen cocktails, and similar recipes. The 12.5-amp motor draws substantial power, but this is not a cordless or compact personal blender. Around $90, it offers a large container and family-size batches without moving into premium pricing. Still, the broad pitcher takes more storage space than a single-serve model, and the large capacity does not mean every recipe should be filled to the top.
Pros
- 72-ounce pitcher supports large batches, with a 64-ounce liquid limit.
- 1,000-watt motor and crushing blades handle ice, fruit, and vegetables.
- BPA-free pitcher is dishwasher safe for easier cleanup.
Cons
- The full-size pitcher needs more cabinet and counter space than personal blenders.
- It uses a cord and has no single-serve cup for quick individual drinks.
1. Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
Best for: Families making large batches
The Ninja Professional Plus Blender BN701 is a full-size countertop blender with a 72-ounce pitcher and a 1400-watt motor base. Its marked liquid limit is 64 ounces, giving you enough room for several smoothies, frozen drinks, or servings of soup. The BPA-free pitcher includes a lid and stacked Total Crushing blade assembly.
Its main advantage is control without constant button pressing. Three Auto-iQ programs use timed blending, pulsing, and pauses for different drink-making tasks. The settings can help produce more consistent results, especially when crushing ice or blending frozen ingredients. The motor also steps up from the 1000-watt motor in Ninja’s older BL610 model. Parts are dishwasher safe on the top rack, which simplifies cleanup. Around $110, this blender offers useful capacity and automation for family kitchens, but it is still a large appliance with a fairly focused feature set.
Pros
- The 72-ounce pitcher supports large batches, with a clearly marked 64-ounce maximum liquid capacity.
- Three Auto-iQ programs handle timed pulsing, blending, and pauses automatically.
- The 1400-watt motor and stacked blade assembly are designed for crushing ice and frozen ingredients.
Cons
- The large pitcher needs more cabinet or counter space than a personal blender.
- Only three preset programs are included, so users wanting detailed manual controls may find it limiting.
Buying Guide
Start with intended use, because a smoothie maker for soft fruit needs less power than one expected to crush ice, nuts, and frozen food.
- Motor power: Choose 500–700 watts for protein shakes and soft produce. For frozen fruit, ice, or nut butter, look for 1,000–1,500 watts. Advertised peak watts may exceed continuous power.
- Jar size and material: Personal jars usually hold 18–24 ounces. A family-size container should hold 48–64 ounces. Tritan plastic weighs less, while glass resists odors but can break.
- Blade and controls: Stainless-steel blades with four or more cutting edges handle mixed ingredients well. Pulse mode and three to five speed settings give better control than one fixed speed.
- Cleaning and noise: Removable blades and dishwasher-safe parts reduce cleanup time. A self-clean cycle helps, but you still need to rinse the lid and gasket. Check customer comments for noise concerns.
- Price and warranty: Basic models cost about $40–$80. Stronger machines often run $150–$300. Favor at least a one-year warranty and readily available replacement jars or seals.
If you cannot have everything, prioritize motor power that matches your hardest ingredients, since the wrong capacity or controls matter less than poor blending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right blender for smoothies?
Choose a blender with at least 600 watts for soft fruit smoothies, or 1,000 watts or more for ice and frozen ingredients. A 24-ounce personal cup suits one serving, while a 64-ounce jar works better for families. Check whether the parts are dishwasher-safe before buying.
What size blender do I need for my kitchen?
A 20- to 32-ounce personal blender suits one or two servings, while a 48- to 64-ounce countertop model fits family-sized batches. Measure the space beneath your cabinets before choosing. Some full-size jars stand more than 17 inches tall, which can make storage difficult.
Can a blender crush ice and frozen fruit?
Yes, a blender can crush ice and frozen fruit when it has a strong motor, sturdy blades, and a pulse setting. For regular frozen drinks, look for 1,000 watts or more and add liquid before hard ingredients. Small personal cups may struggle with large ice cubes or dense mixtures.
Are expensive blenders worth the cost?
Expensive blenders are worth the cost when you make thick mixtures often and want longer warranties, but a cheaper model can handle basic smoothies. Premium machines may offer stronger motors, larger jars, quieter operation, and more speed settings. For occasional use, spending under $100 may be sufficient.
Conclusion
The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is the top pick for shoppers who want strong everyday blending power for smoothies, frozen drinks, and family-size batches. If your priority is a smaller footprint, quieter operation, or a lower purchase price, choose a compact personal blender instead, since it may fit limited counter space and simpler routines better. Before buying, double-check the blender’s dimensions, container size, included accessories, electrical compatibility, package quantity, and current price, since listings and deals can change. Also consider where you will store the pitcher and whether its controls match your cooking habits. A larger countertop model can handle more food, but it needs extra room and cleanup time. Choose the option that fits your recipes, kitchen, and budget.