# The best personal blenders for solo smoothies > A kitchen gadget expert tests 16 models to find the compact blenders that actually work. - Title: The best personal blenders for solo smoothies · Bon Appétit - Summary: A kitchen gadget expert tests 16 models to find the compact blenders that actually work. The Nutribullet Personal Blender at $70 outperforms pricier models… - Keywords: personal blenders, nutribullet, ninja blendbloss, beast mighty 850, vitamix nano, smoothies, kitchen gadgets, product testing, small appliances, blender comparison, kitchen equipment, food preparation - Source: Bon Appétit — https://bonappetit.com/story/best-personal-blenders - Author: Alaina Chou - Published: 2025-03-31T21:22:57.236+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: personal blenders, nutribullet, ninja blendbloss, beast mighty 850, vitamix nano, smoothies, kitchen gadgets, product testing, small appliances, blender comparison, kitchen equipment, food preparation ## Why personal blenders matter A kitchen gadget writer uses a personal blender more than her full-size Vitamix because it's perfect for single-serving smoothies and small-batch sauces without the cleanup hassle. ## The testing process explained The author tested 16 personal blender models using three criteria: a green smoothie with tough kale stems, classic pesto with mixed textures, and long-term real-world use. ## What makes a good personal blender Look for models that produce creamy, chunk-free results, have intuitive controls, come with useful accessories, stay compact, and feature dishwasher-safe parts. ## Best overall: Nutribullet Personal At $70, this 700-watt blender outperformed the more expensive Nutribullet Ultra, producing silky smoothies in 55 seconds and smooth pesto in two cycles. > This little machine punches above its weight. ## Nutribullet Personal: design and use Press and twist the cup into the base to start blending. It comes with a 24-ounce cup and a 21-ounce handled tumbler that fits car cupholders, plus dishwasher-safe components. ## Nutribullet Personal: the tradeoff There's no pulse button or on-off switch, just one 55-second blend mode. If you need to pulse, you must twist the cup to lock and unlock it repeatedly. ## Best for smoothies: Ninja BlendBoss This 1,200-watt blender has four modes including Auto iQ technology. It produced the silkiest smoothie of all tested models in one 55-second cycle. > It's a powerful yet compact machine with a 1,200-watt motor that rivals that of our top pick. ## Ninja BlendBoss: unique design The base is bulbous and donut-shaped instead of the standard vertical cylinder. It comes with a handled cup, flip-top lid, and straw, making it ideal for smoothies on the go. ## Ninja BlendBoss: the flaw The handle has a gap that lets water inside with no way to dry it. The handle also makes the blender less suitable for soups and sauces. ## Editors' favorite: Beast Mighty 850 This stylish blender comes with three different-size cups, multiple lids including a straw lid, and a compact footprint. The editor uses it daily for smoothies and as storage containers. > I reach for my Beast Mighty 850 far more frequently than my Vitamix. ## Beast Mighty 850: performance reality The 850-watt motor struggled with tough kale stems and pesto in testing, but it excels at simple smoothies with frozen fruit and protein powder. ## Beast Mighty 850: stainless option Beast offers stainless-steel containers and blades that keep smoothies cold during a 40-minute commute, though you can't see the blending progress inside. ## Best if it's your only blender: Vitamix Nano This 1,000-watt personal blender from Vitamix has variable speed control and a dedicated smoothie setting, making it versatile enough to handle soups, sauces, and delicate dressings. > If you don't have the kitchen space for a personal smoothie blender and a large Vitamix, the Nano is the solution you've been looking for. ## Vitamix Nano: performance and power The Nano matched the texture of a 1,600-watt Vitamix on corn chowder and produced exceptionally smooth smoothies with fibrous kale stems and ginger. > I've never seen a smoothie get as smooth as the one I made in the Nano. ## Vitamix Nano: the downsides At $200, it's expensive. Never blend hot liquids in it. The small cup means batching soup, and the lid design can cause messy spills. > Do not, I repeat, do not put hot liquids in the Nano. ## Other strong contenders tested The Nutribullet Ultra, Thyme & Table, Zwilling Enfinigy, Beast Mega 1200, and Our Place Splendor all performed well but lost out due to price, design, or performance gaps. ## Blenders to skip Avoid the Nutribullet Pro 1000, Ninja Foodi, Magic Bullet, Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro, Smeg Retro, and Nutribullet Turbo. They underperformed in testing or had significant design flaws. ## Skip cordless portable blenders Rechargeable cordless blenders aren't powerful enough for real blending tasks. They work for protein shakes only. > They're fine if all you're making are protein shakes. But we advise against them in general. ## Beyond smoothies: what to make Personal blenders handle salsa verde, crepe batter, salad dressings, hummus, gazpacho, and homemade baby food. ## Key takeaway The Nutribullet Personal Blender at $70 outperforms pricier models for everyday smoothies and sauces, but choose based on your actual needs: Ninja BlendBoss for smoothies, Beast Mighty 850 for style and storage, or Vitamix Nano if it's your only blender.