We’ve all been there. Cramped kitchens, no counter space, and a hunger for something beyond sad microwave meals. Enter compact blenders—mighty little machines that crush, blend, and pulverize without hogging your precious real estate. The NutriBullet Ultra‘s 1,200-watt motor turns kale into submission in seconds, while the Ninja Blast lets you blend anywhere. No cords, no excuses. But which ones actually deliver the goods?
Top Compact Blenders of 2023: Performance & Value
The hunt for the perfect compact blender can be overwhelming.
We’ve tested the best personal blenders so you don’t have to waste your money on duds.
The NutriBullet Ultra dominates with its 1,200-watt powerful motor, transforming kale into creamy smoothies in just two 30-second cycles.
Worth every penny at $112-$150.
For budget-conscious foodies, the Zwilling Enfinigy delivers surprising blending power at $94-$130.
Stylish too.
The NutriBullet Pro 900 obliterates tough ingredients in 20 seconds flat.
No lumps.
No fuss.
Need versatility for small batches?
The Ninja BN301 handles making smoothies and more with three blending cups for $70-$80.
On the go?
Grab the cordless Ninja Blast.
Dead simple to use and only $54-$60.
While these compact options are budget-friendly, investing in high-performance blenders can provide better durability and more consistent results over time.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Personal Blender
Now that we’ve seen what’s hot in the 2023 blender market, let’s talk about what actually matters when you’re shopping.
First, power matters.
A lot.
Personal blenders range from 500 watts (Zwilling Enfinigy) to 1,200 watts (Nutribullet Ultra).
More power = smoother kale.
Simple math.
Size counts too.
Need just enough for one?
A 20 oz. jar works.
Meal prepping?
Go for 32 oz.
Don’t ignore blade design.
Titanium-coated stainless steel with six prongs isn’t just fancy talk—it’s the difference between chunky mess and silky smoothie.
Smart design features like a control knob or smoothie setting make these machines actually usable.
Who needs a PhD to blend fruits and veggies?
While most personal blenders are basic, some now include smart features like digital controls and touch screens similar to high-performance models.
Finally—cleanup.
Dishwasher-safe parts are non-negotiable.
Rinse immediately or regret it forever.
How We Tested: Our Methodology and Results
How did we separate the blender contenders from the pretenders? By putting them through real-world torture tests. We weren’t messing around. Tough kale, frozen blueberries, and mango had to become silky smooth—no exceptions.
The NutriBullet Pro crushed it, needing just two 30-second cycles. Others? Not so impressive. The Beast Mighty 850 actually started steaming. Yikes.
| Test Type | Ingredients | What We Measured | Top Performer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoothies | Kale, frozen fruits | Creaminess | NutriBullet Ultra | 60 seconds |
| Pesto | Basil, pine nuts, oil | Smoothness | Zwilling Enfinigy | 1 minute |
| Ice | Ice cubes, water | Crushing efficiency | Varied | Varied |
| Noise | All blenders | Decibel level | None (92-100 dB) | N/A |
| Cleaning | All blenders | Ease of washing | Dishwasher-safe models | Immediate |
Most blenders we tested were dishwasher-safe. Rinse immediately though. Dried smoothie is nobody’s friend.
Beyond Smoothies: Creative Uses for Your Compact Blender
Why limit your compact blender to just morning smoothies when it’s begging to do so much more?
Those cups and lids aren’t just for show, folks.
We’ve tested the Zwilling Enfinigy Personal and various Nutribullet models with impressive results beyond basic blending.
Transform basil, pine nuts, and olive oil into restaurant-quality pesto in under a minute.
Whip up lump-free crepe batter in your blender cup—seriously game-changing.
Homemade salad dressings? Done.
Hummus? Easy.
Just toss chickpeas in your mini blender and watch the magic happen.
Even gazpacho and baby food are no match for these powerful machines.
Toss in some frozen mango or other frozen fruit, and your blending jar becomes a puree powerhouse.
Small-batch cooking just got way less annoying.
Space-Saving Design: Portable Options for Small Kitchens
Living in a shoebox apartment doesn’t mean you can’t blend with the best of ’em. Let’s face it—counter space is precious real estate.
The Best Personal Blenders we tested offer clever solutions.
The Ninja Blast’s cordless design ($54-$60) means no outlet hunting—just grab and go with its travel lid.
Nutribullet RX’s cousin, the Pro 900, sports a tiny motor base yet handles 24-ounce meals for $70-$100. Bargain.
The Zwilling Enfinigy Plus+ Compact isn’t just pretty—its slender base and 20-ounce jar work like a water bottle with style ($94-$130). Fancy.
Beast Mighty 850 includes two blending cups and two to-go lids for $139. Pricey but versatile.
Rechargeable options? Great for protein shakes. Terrible for anything substantial. Physics, people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mini Blenders Work?
We’re shocked—mini blenders actually work! Higher wattage models offer superior blending efficiency and consistency results, though blade durability and motor performance vary. They’re ideal when power consumption and cleaning methods suit your needs.
Are Portable Blenders Worth Buying?
We think portable blenders offer decent value proposition for on-the-go smoothies. Their portability benefits and easy cleaning offset limited performance metrics. Consider your usage scenarios, power source needs, and affordability aspects before buying.
What Do You Call the Small Blender?
Like little wizards of whirring delight, we call these small blenders “personal blenders.” They’re also known by various monikers like mini blenders, single-serve blenders, or portable blenders depending on brand labels or regional terms.
What Is the Best Blender for Single Servings?
We’ve found the NutriBullet Pro 900 is the best personal blender for single servings. It’s perfect for daily blending, fresh smoothies, homemade shakes, and nutrient blends with excellent portion control and quick prep capabilities.