Whether you’re a green smoothie pro or just starting to dabble in this nutritious lifestyle, you’ve probably realized that just any old blender isn’t going to do the job.
Green vegetables are tough to blend because both the stems and leaves are a thick fibrous material. It’s what makes them so good for our bodies but so tough on our blenders.
In this article, we’ll explore the five best blenders for green smoothies across five categories. I’ll help you find the elements you need without breaking the bank. Together, we’ll also review the key factors to keep in mind while you shop and explain some of a blender’s essential qualities.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Blenders for Green Smoothies
To prepare for this article, I tested a wide range of blenders marketed for green smoothies. I evaluated for user-friendliness, durability, ease of cleaning, extra components, and of course, quality of the smoothie.
In my tests, five products rose to the top. We’ll explore these five products across a range of their most outstanding features, pros and cons for each product, and the winner of the whole bunch.
Vitamix Pro 750 – Smoothest Blend
Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender, Professional-Grade, 64 oz. Low-Profile Container, Black, Self-Cleaning - 1957
$584.00 in stock
3 used from $424.99
Features
- Automated Blending: Five pre-programmed settings ensure simple cleaning, walk-away convenience, and consistent results for smoothie, frozen dessert, soup, and purée recipes.
- You're in Control: Variable Speed Control and Pulse feature let you manually fine-tune the texture of any recipe;Cord: 6 ft
- Low-Profile 64-ounce Container: Perfect for family meals and entertaining, while fitting comfortably under most kitchen cabinets. Electrical Ratings - 120 V, 50-60 Hz, 12 Amps
- Hardened Stainless-Steel Blades: Our aircraft-grade stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients, so from the first blend to the last, you get the same quality results.
- Self-Cleaning: With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds. What's in the Box: motor base, low-profile 64 oz. container, cookbook, low-profile tamper.HP: 2.2-peak
Vitamix is one of the leading brands in blenders, so it didn’t surprise me that I loved this model. They’re known for top-grade stainless steel blades and one of the most powerful motors on the market. Most Vitamix blenders will liquefy even the toughest greens within seconds.
I chose the Pro 750 specifically for its size and settings. The jar is shorter and broader than many other models so that I can tuck it comfortably away under my kitchen cabinets. It also has five preset programs, so you can fill it up, turn it on, and walk away. Or, if you’re a little bit more of a control freak like me, you can still manually control the speed and pulse with one button.
Like many Vitamix models, this blender is self-cleaning, requiring just water and a few drops of dish soap. The blades aren’t removable, so self-cleaning is critical.
A few drawbacks are the price and noise. With this much power, you’re always going to experience some noise. This model is also quite large, so if you’re blending on-the-go or for just yourself, you may want to try the Nutribullet, a personal blender listed below.
Pros
- Highest grade speed and power
- Blends to an incredibly smooth texture
- Designed to fit in smaller kitchens
- Effective cooling system
- Preset programs
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Pricey
- Not suitable for small/single batches
- Noisy
Blendtec Total Classic – Sleekest Design
Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender - FourSide Jar (75 oz) - Professional-Grade Power - 6 Pre-programmed Cycles - 10-speeds - Black
Features
- Kitchen Countertop Blender: Professional-grade blender uses 1-touch buttons to control the 6 pre-programmed cycles, pulse option, and 10-speed manual control
- Preprogrammed Blender Cycles: Do more in the kitchen with this blender's preprogrammed cycles for batters, mixed drinks, smoothies, frozen treats, whole juices, and hot soup
- Large and Powerful Kitchen Blender: The BPA-free, 75 ounce volume jar has a 32 ounce blending capacity for wet and dry foods; blends beverages for 3–4 people
- Easy to Clean: Simply add hot water and a little dish soap to the jar and blend for several seconds to clean; Use a wet cloth to wipe down the machine
- Feel Confident: With technology to make blending simpler and more effective, Blendtec is the ultimate tool for your culinary creations
Let’s be honest, looks matter! The Blendtec Total Classic might be the best-looking blender on the market for a sleek, classy aesthetic. The interface is an LCD touch screen. The display allows for easy use and cuts down on noise from internal mechanisms. It looks great and is easier to clean than buttons or switches.
Okay, so it looks good, but what about quality?
The Blendtec has nearly the same power as the Vitamix and blends greens to a very smooth texture.
It has six preset programs and ten variable speeds. I like using the manual speed setting to control the texture and consistency of my smoothies. With the pulse, you can get different results for different blends. I tested out smoothies and soups and was able to get perfect consistencies for both. You can make soup and ice-cream out of the same blender.
I also liked the fact that I didn’t need a tamper. Blendtec designed its blades to create a vortex, pulling foods towards the center. You don’t have to worry about pushing flecks of kale back down to the middle as you blend. I love this detail.
Like the Vitamix, the Blendtec has a self-cleaning setting. Add water and dish soap, and blend until clean. I recommend running this setting immediately after you make your smoothie for the best results.
Pros
- Sleek design
- High power and speed
- Vortex technology eliminates the need for a tamper.
- Ten settings for various textures
- Preset programs
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Pricey
- Noisy
Oster Pro 1200 – Best Price
Oster Blender | Pro 1200 with Glass Jar, 24-Ounce Smoothie Cup, Brushed Nickel
$87.83 in stock
16 used from $58.37
Features
- Smart settings technology and 7 speeds including 3 pre-programmed settings for the most common blender creations
- Dual direction blade technology for extra blending power to chop and grind with precision extra wide 3.5” blade system allows ingredients to flow down into the blade easier for faster and smoother results
- 1200 power watts and 900 watts of ice crushing power
- 6 cup dishwasher safe Boroclass glass jar withstands thermal shock
- Pulse feature for added control and precision; Featuring a 50% larger blade system (compared to previous Oster blender models) and patented dual direction blade technology that blends in forward and reverse motion
While Oster products aren’t the top quality on the market, you really can’t get a better price for the features. It’s also an excellent blender for beginners. The straightforward buttons and settings are easy to figure out and use.
Oster incorporates “smart setting” technology to provide seven different speeds and three basic preset programs. While you won’t get the same variety as the Vitamix or Blendtec, a lot of us don’t need more than a basic smoothie setting. This model also offers an extra single-serving 24-oz cup with a lid if you’re looking to take your smoothie on-the-go.
While this blender does the job fairly well, it doesn’t offer the most potent motor on the market. If you’re adding denser veggies like carrots or beets to your green smoothie, you’ll want to add them in first on the pulse setting. I even pulsed my leafy greens with some liquid before adding any other ingredients to ensure a smooth blend.
I also found that I had to keep my hand on the lid during blending to make sure it didn’t come loose. The user manual warns about this, and I did experience some leaking as well.
Overall this might be a good option if you are new to smoothies and not ready to invest in one of the pricier models.
Pros
- Affordable
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy interface
- Additional 24-oz cup
Cons
- Prone to leakage
- You have to hold the lid down during blending.
- Not as smooth a blend as more expensive models
Nutribullet Pro N12-1001 – Best On-the-Go
NutriBullet N12-1001 10pc Single Serve Blender, Includes Travel Cup, One Size, Gray
$110.27 in stock
Features
- POWERFUL: 1200-Watt motor
- PRE-PROGRAMMED: Pulse cycle with automatic shut-off
- Pulverizing
- High torque power base
- Hands-free auto-off for optimal extraction
A lot of us love smoothies because they’re a time-saver. If you prefer to take your smoothies on-the-go, or tend to make single servings, the Nutribullet is an excellent option. This particular model comes as a 15-piece set and includes a hardcover recipe book.
The 15-piece set includes 18 oz and 32 oz cups with lip rings for a more comfortable grip, flip-top lids, resealable lids, blades, and straws.
It may be small, but the Nutribullet packs in a ton of power. Even harsh ingredients get a smooth blend, comparable to the much larger Vitamix and Blendtec models. It’s also easy to use with a simple push and twist to set the cup in place.
One component that tripped me up was the pulse. On the one hand, it’s great that you can increase and control pulsing with a simple pressing motion. But if you don’t do it just right, you might get leakage. This happened to me a few times!
Cleaning is effortless with a quick rinse, and the cups are all dishwasher safe. I highly recommend rinsing the blades off immediately after each use to ensure a quick clean later.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a personal blender, this is a great starting place.
Pros
- Perfect size for single-serve and on-the-go
- High speed and power
- Smooth blends
- Easy to clean
- Compact
Cons
- Prone to leaks or spills if you’re not careful
- Shorter warranty than many other brands
- Noisy
Ninja BL660 – Best Two-in-One
Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray
$99.95 in stock
10 used from $78.96
Features
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1100-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for creamy frozen drinks, smoothies, sauces, and more..Special Features: Manual
- VERSITILE FUNCTIONS: Professional performance with 3 manual speeds, pulse, and the single serve function for to-go cups. Stainless steel design ensures long-lasting use.
- XL CAPACITY: 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher is perfect for creating creamy frozen drinks and smoothies for the whole family, or entertaining guests. 64 oz. max liquid capacity.
- FOOD PROCESSING: Chop fresh ingredients evenly without any mush. Effortlessly mince, chop, grind, and blend a variety of ingredients for easy meal preparations and recipes.
- ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Blend directly in the 16-oz. single-serve cup, attach the spout lid, and enjoy your creations on the go.
Ninja as a brand may offer some of the best values on the market. This model provides a smooth blend comparable to much pricier models but at a competitive price. The BL660 also offers a 72-oz pitcher for batch blends and four 16-oz Nutri Ninja cups for single-serve smoothies.
A variety of pulse and speed settings mean you can get close to a perfect texture. The pulse setting allows you to “chop” vegetables and also helps with the blending vortex. The vortex technology is vital since this doesn’t include a tamper. Honestly, though, I still found myself needing to push my greens back down towards the middle. If you opt for this blender, you may want to have a spatula on hand.
A few drawbacks are cleaning and noise. The blades of the pitcher are incredibly sharp and need to be removed for cleaning. Be careful! The Ninja blender is also very loud. There’s no getting past it.
Additionally, I found that the pitcher didn’t create as smooth a blend as some other models. For a green smoothie, I recommend using the single-serve cups. The motor power goes a lot further with the smaller area, and they are much easier to clean.
Pros
- The two-in-one model allows for batch and single-use blends.
- Affordable
- Variety of speeds and settings
- Smooth blend for green smoothies with the Ninja cups
Cons
- Noisy
- Not easy to clean, especially the pitcher
- No tamper, I used a spatula!
Overall Winner
After testing a lot of blenders and drinking a lot of smoothies, my clear favorite was the Vitamix Pro 750. For me, what sets this model apart from the rest is its overall quality of the blend, ease of use, and additional features.
You’ll definitely pay more for Vitamix products, but as I said before, there’s a good reason for it. Overall the Vitamix performed the best and has the highest durability, including a seven-year warranty. Even on the toughest vegetables, this blender created silky smooth drinks in one to two minutes. I also appreciated the additional features like a cooling system, self-cleaning setting, and space-efficient shape.
If you’re ready to invest in your health or are already a smoothie fanatic, the Vitamix may be worth the extra money and will last a long time.
Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider
You may be wondering how I chose each of the products above. As I test blenders, I’m looking at a few particular details that deliver the highest quality products. Let’s explore the key factors to consider as you shop.
What Power Output Does the Motor Provide?
As we’ve discussed, green smoothies can be the most difficult to get to a smooth consistency. Tough fibers in the stalks and the leaves make them quite tricky to juice or blend. The key is a high-powered motor, which controls maximum speed.
I recommend looking for a minimum power of 1,000 watts, though 900 will still get the job done for smaller batches. Most green smoothie recipes include various liquids and frozen fruits to add texture and flavor. You’ll need a reasonably high motor power for blending frozen foods and ice as well.
Higher wattage isn’t the only indicator of a better smoothie. Pay attention to torque and pounds per square inch of resistance. Compare different models and decide what you’re willing to pay for more power.
How Many Speed Settings Are Available?
Motor power controls speed, but you also want to look for a variety of speed options. “As fast as possible” isn’t necessarily the recipe for a perfect smoothie. All of the models in our reviews have multiple speed settings. However, you may experience little to no noticeable difference in speeds for models with lower motor power.
My advice is to take some time considering what types of blends you use the most. If you use your blender for more than just smoothies, you probably want to look for a blender that offers a range of preset programs and speeds.
What Types of Blades Does it Have?
Blades can come in very different types and shapes. You might think that sharper is always better. In fact, that’s not the case. Many modern blenders contain dull blades that use speed and crushing motions to achieve a smooth blend. The benefit of dulled blades is that they won’t wear down over time, and they aren’t as dangerous to the user.
One other significant difference across models is whether the blades are detachable. Some people prefer detachable blades for a more effortless wash, though you need to be careful if they’re sharp.
When you’re buying a blender, explore how many blades it has, what type of blades are in use, how they work, and how to clean them.
What Type of Jar Do You Need?
Choosing the right jar has a lot to do with what type of smoothie drinker you are. Do you usually make one smoothie at a time or batch them for the whole family? Do you like to take them on-the-go? Are you prone to dropping and breaking things?
Answering these types of questions will help you narrow down the material and size of the jar you need. Jars come in various types of glass or plastic.
How Easy is it to Clean?
So many blenders offer self-cleaning settings these days. All you have to do is add warm water, drop in a squeeze of dish soap, and set to blend. I wish I had known this a couple of years ago when I regularly got cuts and scrapes from trying to clean my blender!
While the self-clean setting is excellent for regular upkeep, you’ll want to do a deeper clean from time to time. To do a thorough deep clean, you have to take all the components apart. Consider how complicated this process could be with various types of blenders. Looking for a blender that’s dishwasher safe as well could be a real time-saver for these deep cleans.
Is the Noise Level Manageable?
Listen. All blenders are going to make some noise. Noise is particularly a factor with blenders designed for green smoothies. They require more power, and more power, unfortunately, equals more noise.
Although I have not found a truly “silent” blender, some models have managed to control noise levels. The best way to find out a blender’s noise level is by reading through reviews and seeing what current owners have to say. You can also find noise reduction tools with some manufacturers.
Does it Offer Valuable Extra Features?
Finding the best blender for green smoothies means you’ll probably be paying a little extra. When I know I need to shell out some money, I’m going to look for extra fancy features! As you shop, look for unique components like cooling and heating technology, self-cleaning, extended warranty, preset programs, etc.
How Much Does it Cost?
This is the most important question of all.
Even though green smoothies require pricier blenders, you can go with blenders that are easy on the pocket instead. Blenders come in a wide range of price points. If you don’t need as many features or don’t mind a little extra pulp, you might be okay with a cheaper product.
My best advice is to know your budget ahead of time. How many smoothies do you make per week? How much are you willing to invest in ease and quality? Set your price range and shop with a clear head!
Conclusion
While it takes some time and money on the front end, investing in a quality blender is the best way to get a good green smoothie.
In our research and testing, we found the Vitamix to be the best in the league, but if you’re looking for something cheaper or sleeker, this list has options. You may want something smaller or more affordable, like the Oster Pro or Nutribullet. Or maybe a clean interface is your vibe, like the LCD screen of the Blendtec. In terms of value, Ninja’s two-in-one blender may be a good starting point.
In the end, getting comfortable with your needs and budget will help you decide what blender to buy. Familiarize yourself with a few extra features, and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect green smoothie. Have you tried our registered dietitian’s Island Green Smoothie recipe yet?
