Juicingjournal.com is reader-funded. When you purchase products from our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
Our 8 Picks for the Best Cheap Blenders
Disclaimer: Amazon changes its pricing constantly. There’s no guarantee that the price ranges mentioned in this guide will remain accurate when you read this article.
Are you looking for the best cheap blender?
Here’s the deal:
Price is not the primary deciding factor for this category, but I assure you that you’ll find good quality blenders under $200, under $100, or even less than 50 bucks in this list.
What I’m saying is, there are plenty of budget-friendly blenders out there. Unfortunately, the majority are not worth the trouble. Yes, you can return it for a refund, but let me save you that hassle with our top affordable blender list.
Without any further delay, here are the best cheap blenders on the market.
- Best Overall Under $200 – Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender
- Best Blender Under $100 – Oster Pro 1200 Glass Jar Blender & Smoothie Maker
- Best Blender Under $50 – The Original Magic Bullet Blender
- Best Blender Under $30 – Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
- Best Cheap Multipurpose Blender – Ninja BN801 Kitchen System Blender & Food Processor
- Best Affordable Small Blender – Ninja BN401 Nutri Ninja Blender
- Best Cheap Hand Blender – Braun MultiQuick 5 Vario Hand Blender
That’s the quick summary of this buying guide. Feel free to click the links above to read each inexpensive blender’s in-depth review.
Otherwise, let’s carry on with this roundup, shall we?
Top 7 Best Cheap Blenders
#1 Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender Combo – Best Cheap Blender Overall, Best Blender Under $200
The Nutribullet Smart Touch is easily the best cheap blender. It has the most applications and the most powerful (versus all the products on this list). In simple terms, it’s the best of both worlds—affordability and versatility.
Here’s the thing:
Even though it’s in the affordable range, it still has that premium feel to it. That’s thanks to its advanced features—touch screen control, pitcher recognition, and of course, the automatic programs.
Here’s more:
You see, premium brands will sell blending cups separately (and it isn’t cheap). The Nutribullet Smart Touch Combo, however, already includes 2 cups. In other words, its “best cheap blender” factor just went through the roof.
You can read the full review of Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender Combo here.
#2 Oster Pro 1200 – Best Blender Under $100
The Oster Pro 1200 has the best durability of all the budget-friendly blenders. In fact, it can even outlive its 3-year warranty (when you take good care of it). So, if you want a long-lasting blending machine, this is your best option.
Two reasons for that are the glass jar and the removable blade system. The sturdy pitcher is non-toxic and non-reactive, so it won’t get cloudy over time. Also, it’s easier to clean even if there’s something stuck on the bottom of the container.
Better yet:
It can make numerous recipes thanks to its robust 1200-watt motor. Moreover, this cheap blender features 3 automatic settings, which unquestionably makes blending a breeze.
Oh, and just so you know, it also includes a personal cup if you want to bring a smoothie to your gym or work.
#3 Magic Bullet – Best Blender Under $50
Despite its weak motor, the Magic Bullet isn’t just for smoothies. You can also use this as a mini food processor. Say you need to mince/dice ingredients or mix batters? The Magic Bullet will certainly lend you a hand.
You can even use this as a coffee grinder by utilizing its milling blade. For something small and budget-friendly, it sure is handy.
Even finer? The Magic Bullet comes with 3 cups for several uses. By having so, you can share smoothies with your partner.
By the way, it has a smaller version called Magic Bullet Mini. Feel free to check it out if you’re interested.
#4 Hamilton Beach Personal Blender – Best Blender Under $30
The Hamilton Beach Personal Blender is the most affordable on the list. Just so you know, this is only good for simple smoothies and protein shakes, but it does its job well.
What’s really great is how small it is, making it easy to store and easy to bring anywhere. Not to mention, it’s straightforward to use (a perfect 5 out of 5). Unlike most personal blenders, it has a fixed blade, so assembly and cleanup are swift.
Here’s more:
The Hamilton Beach Personal Blender looks incredibly adorable! You can choose between 5 colors—black, blue, raspberry, red, and white.
You can read the full review of Hamilton Beach Personal Blender here.
#5 Ninja Kitchen System – Best Cheap Multi-Purpose Blender
In terms of the most included attachments, the Ninja Kitchen System is the stark winner of the Best Cheap Blender. Even though it’s not the #1, it’s just as proficient. In fact, it has more capabilities compared to a regular standalone blender.
The reason being, it includes a couple of cups and a food processor bowl. By having so, you’d be able to knead dough, which is usually reserved for the high-end Vitamix Blender, Blendtec Pro, and of course, a stand mixer.
You know what else?
The Ninja Kitchen System features 5 walkaway blending programs or Auto-iQ and a digital timer. With these functions, your blending experience will undoubtedly be more straightforward and fun!
By the way, if you want a Ninja blender that can take on hot soups, check out Ninja Hot and Cold blender instead.
#6 NEW: Nutri Ninja Blender BN401 – Best Affordable Smoothie Blender
The Ninja Nutri-Blender BN401 is the newest variant for the brand’s ever-popular Nutri ninja series.
Compared to the previous versions, it looks more modern, stronger, and has better controls. The Ninja BN401 still has the useful Auto-iQ dual-blend mode. Smoothie preset for softer ingredients and crush program for more challenging components.
Also, it comes with two 24-ounce (709 ml) cups if you ever need to make more than one serving. By the way, for a Ninja blender that can handle thick blends such as smoothie bowls, check out the Ninja Foodi Power Nutri Duo instead.
You can read the full review of NEW: Nutri Ninja Blender here.
#7 Braun Multiquick 5 – Best Cheap Hand Blender
If you don’t like the post-cleanup of countertop blenders, then you should consider the Braun Multiquick 5 Vario Hand blender. You see, immersion blenders are famous for their portability and easy cleanup. This version just went above and beyond that. It will definitely give you the best bang for your money.
To begin with, it features a 400-watt motor, which is more powerful than the aforementioned magic bullet and hamilton beach blender. So, for more blending applications—beyond smoothies—the Braun MQ5000 is an excellent choice.
Better yet?
This blender is the least messy compared to its competitors, thanks to its unique bell blade design. Also, the blending shaft is easily detachable for quick cleanup or when you need to change accessories.
Speaking of accessories, you can get this Braun blender with distinct attachments for several uses—whisk, mini chopper, or even a potato masher.
#8 AMZCHEF – Honorable Mention Cheap Blender
If you only need to blend soups, shakes, and smoothies, then why pay for a high-end blender? The truth is, you don’t have to.
We’ve tested the AMZCHEF blender and found the affordable blender to be great for most users.
Better yet? It comes with a personal-size blending cup for making smoothies and shakes. It does a great job blending ice and most anything else you can throw at it.
It’s relatively quiet compared to competing models in this price range. It also features BPA-free plastic.
What makes the best affordable blender?
There are all sorts of budget blending machines; even premium brands like Vitamix have affordable models—Vitamix E310 and the NEW Vitamix One.
For this guide, in particular, we’ll look at what makes a cheap blender “worth it.”
Budget
This factor will largely depend on what you’re going to use the blender for. For instance, if you’re only going to make protein shakes, you certainly don’t need a premium blender.
However, for advanced recipes like nut butter, smoothie bowls, and hot soup, you’re going to need a midrange budget blender such as the Nutribullet Smart Touch.
Here’s the thing:
Even though the price doesn’t indicate the product’s quality, it correlates with what the blender is made to do. For instance, the Oster Pro 1200 is strong, but it doesn’t sit well with oily and thick blends.
Power and Blend Quality
Here’s the deal:
Power is irrelevant for basic recipes. But, you’ll notice the stark contrast in blend quality. For example, if you make a smoothie (with frozen fruit) using the magic bullet, it will leave some unblended chunks that you’re gonna have to chew. Whereas using a high-powered blender will literally result in a “smooth” smoothie.
I’m not saying cheap blenders will have poor blend results. If anything, the affordable blenders in the top 7 all have a passing mark.
And the good news?
In terms of power, the Nutribullet Smart Touch Combo is close to a high-end blender. In other words, it will yield excellent blend quality. Which is exactly why it’s ranked #1.
What type of blender (and capacity) should you get?
Generally, there are three types of blender—countertop, personal, and immersion.
Suppose you’re going to make smoothies for four or more people. In that case, you should get a countertop blender. Ideally, it must have a 64-ounce (1.89 L) capacity, such as the Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender Combo or Ninja BN801.
For two or just one person serving, a personal blender is the best option. This is also great for traveling or storage because of its smaller footprint. More importantly, you can blend directly on a cup which saves time when making your morning smoothies.
If you don’t like cleaning up, definitely go for hand-held or an immersion blender. You can directly blend on your cup or pot by using this, so no extra pitcher to wash. Also, it’s more portable, so its “capacity” will depend on the container you’re going to use.
Bonus: Countertop blenders have a unique subcategory called cooking blenders. In simple terms, it’s the best choice if you like making alternative milk, infused drinks, jams, and of course, hot soups.
Is it easy to use and clean?
Luckily, most of the blenders in this list are easy to use (thanks to the automatic programs) and easy to clean. The only thing you need to consider is the assembly.
Typically, you’d have to choose between the two: removable blades or a fixed blade system.
Weirdly, removable blades are both bad and good. Bad, because you have to assemble it before use and disassemble it after use. Good, because it’ll be easier to clean when something is stuck on the bottom of the pitcher.
On the other hand, affixed blades don’t need any disassembly. However, when food debris is stuck, it’ll be harder to remove. But wait, let me tell you something; In my experience with Vitamix A3300, this seldom happens. So, overall, having built-in blades is more straightforward.
Are budget blenders long-lasting?
Sadly, cheap blenders will likely have lower durability ratings. As a matter of fact, all of these blending machines only have 1 – 3 years of warranty.
But wait, let me tell you the good news:
Even in this price range, there are also durable machines, particularly the Oster Blender. It features a 3-year warranty, and it has metal gears. If you must know, plastic cogs tend to wear out quickly compared to metal gear wheels.
In other words, blenders with metal gears will definitely outlive any blending machines that feature plastic gears.
Pro tip: To ensure that your blender has a longer lifespan, follow the 60-40 ratio. 60% liquid (or higher) and 40% solid (but soft) ingredients. Naturally, this only applies to blenders with a low wattage rating.
Over to You
Given that you’ve reached the conclusion of this buying guide, I hope I was able to dwindle your list. You now know what to look for, and we already covered the top 7 budget blenders that will give you the best bang for your buck.
So, with all things considered, let me leave you with the Best Cheap Blender—Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender.
