Is there a new best among the best of the best blenders? Best find out! The Ultimate Guide to the Best Blenders for a Vegan or Vegetarian Kitchen

Why a Good Blender is Essential for a Vegetarian Kitchen

This review covers what many consider the best of the best blenders. A few examples are listed here, and these and plenty of others are reviewed in more detail below. First though….

… before reviewing specific models, we want to discuss why a good strong blender is seen as so useful, if not literally essential, by many vegans and vegetarians.

In a vegetarian kitchen, a good blender serves as a vital culinary tool that significantly enhances the cooking experience. A good blender can also give quick delights like resort-level smoothies and fine-restaurant soups to everyone from struggling students or young singles making their career, to parents cooking for large families. The versatility of a good blender allows for the preparation of a wide range of dishes, from smoothies and soups to sauces, butters, bases and dips. This functionality is especially important for those following a plant-based diet, as it facilitates the seamless incorporation of various ingredients into meals and drinks that are nutritious and flavorful.

The ability to create indulgent smoothies, for instance, allows individuals to enjoy the health benefits of fruits and vegetables in an easy-to-consume format. Incorporating leafy greens, seeds, or nuts into smoothies can elevate their nutritional profile, making the use of a high-quality blender essential for achieving the desired texture and consistency. Furthermore, blenders excel at creating creamy soups and purees, which are important for providing comfort and satisfaction in meals rich in plant-based ingredients.

Beyond beverages and soups, a robust blender is capable of handling harder vegetables and nuts, which are staples in many vegetarian recipes. This efficiency simplifies the preparation of ingredients for dishes like nut-based cheese or homemade dips and spreads and butters or foundations for other recipes, allowing for greater efficiency, creativity and variety in meal preparation. The ease with which a powerful blender can transform tougher foods into smooth mixtures empowers home cooks to experiment with new flavors and textures, thereby reinforcing a commitment to plant-based eating.

You know what else? A truly strong blender can let you obliterate healthy vegetables like spinach into a smoothie of frozen bananas or mangos (or any other frozen fruit), and kids (and adults reluctant to get their greens) drink them up like it’s a desert treat from an ice-cream truck. Because the blend is so complete, you do not need to sweeten with anything like sugar. Weaker blenders “blend,” but they never quite hide bits and chunks of frozen fruit or leafy greens. A strong blender lets you go to the next level, where even the toughest ingredients simply become “one” smooth delight, with the sweetness of fruit the only flavor tasted, even as one benefits from the full nutrition of healthy vegetables. Without question, for those of us at The Vegetarian Mall, this is one of the best virtues of a truly strong blender. As young adults who felt we did not have time (or the desire!) to eat raw greens, and later as parents seeking to “sneak” as much nutrition into kids meals as we could, this feature has been a day in and day out blessing of a strong blender.

That is why this review focuses on the best of the best strong blenders.

As the brief sampling here shows, there are numerous strong blenders from which to choose, from truly high-end, to mid-range work-horses, to (relatively) inexpensive models.

We cover these brands and more in added detail in our reviews below. Do not, though, assume the most expensive blender is automatically the best for your needs or circumstances, and do not assume the least expensive is in the end the most cost effective choice when versatility and durability are taken into account. Do, though, rest assured that choosing the right strong blender for your situation can add to your vegan or vegetarian cooking, health, and enjoyment of life.

Ultimately, equipping a vegan or vegetarian kitchen with a high-quality blender empowers cooks to maximize the potential of whole food ingredients. This includes enhancing the overall texture and flavor of plant-based meals, facilitating healthier options, and promoting creativity in the kitchen. Thus, investing in a good blender is not merely practical; it becomes a cornerstone for elevating vegetarian culinary practices, and enjoying vegetarian life.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Blender

When selecting a blender for your vegetarian kitchen, several critical features should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance. One of the foremost considerations is the power, typically measured in wattage. A blender with higher wattage can effectively handle tough ingredients, such as frozen fruits, nuts, and tougher vegetables. Generally, blenders with at least 500 watts are recommended for making smoothies, soups, and sauces, while higher-end models may offer 1200 watts and more (sometimes much more) for more demanding tasks. In this article, we focus on blenders of 1200 watts and above.

The container material is another important feature to consider. Glass, stainless steel, and plastic are the most common options available. Glass jars are often favored for their looks and ease of cleaning and absence of chemicals associated with other products. Some high powered blenders, though, tend to avoid glass containers partly for concern of breakage when undertaking high powered tasks. Stainless steel offers excellent insulation, is easily cleaned, is durable, and it has a great look for those who like the “pro kitchen” aesthetic. However, they can be heavier and more expensive than plastic. Plastic containers are lightweight and affordable and can be made very durable, and modern versions claim to avoid some of the chemicals associated with plastic in the past (though, this is an ongoing issue). Plastic models sometimes dull over time, though that does not impact performance. Overall, container material is less about direct performance of a blender, and more about materials concerns, cost, and aesthetics.

Size also plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of a blender for your kitchen. If you have limited counter space or need to store your blender in a cabinet, a compact model may be ideal. Conversely, larger models typically have greater capacity, allowing you to blend larger batches of ingredients at once, which can be advantageous when preparing drinks or meals for multiple individuals. We tend to prefer big and strong blenders, that is, large capacity containers and high wattage motors. We have even managed big blenders in smaller spaces. Once you experience a truly strong large capacity blender, you find ways to make the ergonomics work! However, if your space is truly cramped, or you have shared living space, size and noise level could matter. Hey, maybe if you just occasionally give your housemates a fresh frozen smoothy, they will not mind the large loud miracle machine on the counter top!

The ease of cleaning might influence your decision. Blenders with removable blades and dishwasher-safe components will save you time and effort in maintaining your kitchen.

Price range considerations, of course, also come into play, as higher-priced models often correlate with better performance and longevity.

It is helpful to consider the above features carefully before making an investment. And, investment is the idea we focus on in this review. We are never unmindful that people have budgets, and you do not need to buy anything in particular to be a vegetarian. Given that, we also believe good products can help make living a vegetarian life easier, healthier, and even more enjoyable. Therefore we review and recommend vegetarian-friendly products, without reservation. Blenders very much included! During our lives as vegetarians, when we were struggling students, and young people starting out, and then with families of our own, we found a good strong blender a worthy investment for vegetarian living and enjoyment, and we hope the following helps you decide which blender is best for you.

Top Blender Brands for a Vegetarian Kitchen

When it comes to equipping a vegetarian kitchen, choosing the right blender can significantly enhance your cooking experience, and your enjoyment (nothing like a smoothy better than you’d find at a health resort, and if you ever wondered how restaurant chefs get certain recipes just so, the following will let you know how to put the answer in your home!).

But, who is the best of the best? It is no secret that for years, Vitamix was often cited as the best of the best (not by all, but by many many people). Recently, though, brands like Blendtec and Ninja (among others) have been making serious advances in power and features, and have even shaken up the pricing game in the blender arena.

So, is there a new best of the best?

Below is an overview of some of the top blender brands suitable for a vegetarian kitchen, and that can realistically claim to be the best of the best. What made a blender the best in the past? Will there be a new champ? Read on to see!

Vitamix. For many people (not everyone, but for many people), for a long time, Vitamix has held the spot of the best of the best blenders. Vitamix is perhaps the most renowned brand among culinary enthusiasts. Known for its powerful motors and robust design, Vitamix blenders can handle everything from smoothies to soups, making it ideal for vegetarian cooking. In this review, we focus on three representative options among Vitamix models, the Ascent X5, the Explorian E310, and the classic 5200. They are listed here and discussed in more detail below. First however….

….before we detail these specific models, we wish to explain the Vitamix line overall, and what has made it famous, in case you do not know of its reputation and general features. As noted, in many people’s mind, Vitamix has long held the spot of the best of the best blenders. Not everyone agrees! There are many great brands, and as we discuss, recently some brands have dramatically boosted power and blade design and features to better compete for the best of the best trophy. We will discuss below if they have done enough to dethrone long-running powerhouses like the Vitamix! But, it is very well known that Vitamix has been held as one of if not the best for a long time. Here we discuss why Vitamix lines overall have held that reputation, and then we get into reviewing our three specific Vitamix models.

Power. That is why all Vitamix blenders are revered. Are there other reasons? Sure. Metal on metal gearing for durability and dependability, warranty, and other factors add to Vitamix appeal. But, ultimately, it is the power of the Vitamix that for years set it apart from virtually every other blender available for home use. Look, some will say (especially those who never owned a Vitamix) that you do not need all that power. Maybe, in the sense that you do not even need a blender in life. But, we cannot be more clear about this in our own experience… if you have never had a truly strong blender, and you buy a Vitamix, part of your life will be defined as Before-Vitamix (B-V) and After-Vitamix (A-V). At the Vegetarian Mall, we are A-V people, but we were once B-V. We remember worrying we would clog or jam our Vitamix when we were first encouraged by the Vitamix recipe book and a streaming video Vitamix offers to just load in more and more frozen fruit (and maybe some mint and our choice of liquid as directed). We had had good sized well regarded blenders before, but they would all still clog or jam or groan if we did anything like this. And yet, we loaded the ingredients in (frozen fruits, liquids, flavorings), and turned in on and… it all just was whooshed into the smoothest creamiest iciest delicacy you can imagine. Of course, always follow the guidelines of any manufacturer, including a Vitamix product. Do not just load anything in without checking! But, if you have not used a Vitamix before, you will find at first that even following the directions exactly makes you feel like you are going too far (and it WOULD be too far for so many other blenders). But, every time, whoosh! It just makes easy work of what so many other blenders would shudder and clog and jam over. Another less obvious quality of such power is what it does with leafy greens. In most blenders, if you add spinach, for instance, bits of leaf will remain in the shake. With the Vitamix, the spinach (or any other leafy greens or veggies) simply disappear into the smoothy or broth. In our experience, whatever you add to the Vitamix, there are no lumps, no chunks, no grit. It just blends everything into the most perfect puree or smoothy or soup or whatever it is you wish to make. Here was the other shocker, and I mean shocker. When we say it makes soups, you may be thinking you blend ingredients and then pour them into a stock pot to cook and complete. That is not what we mean. Many Vitamix blenders actually cook the soup, in the blender! Some of us at The Vegetarian Mall can remember the first time experiencing this, hardly believing it possible, but dutifully adding all of the soup ingredients the recipe called for in one swoop, turning on the blender, and, in far less time that we could have imagined, there was fresh hot delicious soup in the blender. Like, it blew our mind. Sure, for A-V Vitamix afficionados, this is old news. For any B-V folk like we were, it seemed like magic. If this all sounds like advertisement talk, it is not. We at The Vegetarian Mall do not worry if you buy one product or another, and we do not feel a good life needs any one product. For those whose circumstances allow, though, we unabashedly review and offer up and even celebrate products we think can make vegan and vegetarian life even more healthy, easy, enjoyable, and even magical. And, the Vitamix is one of those products. The experiences we are describing is our direct experience with our own Vitamix blenders we have had. It is also the experience of people we have given a Vitamix to as a wedding gift or housewarming gift. For us, and for those we know, using a Vitamix for the first time (and ever since) was amazing. There are many other blenders we like, and, as we discuss below, even a few new contenders that might match the Vitamix (for power or features or size or noise level or aesthetics, etc). But, based on our experience, in our opinion, you will never ever regret having a Vitamix. If you can afford it, and we mean that like an investment, it will make a difference in your kitchen and your life.

There are only a few things people ever raise about Vitamix blenders that are not pure praise or amazement: cost, sound, and aesthetics (never performance). Cost. Yes, Vitamix models are typically at the mid-range and often the higher end. We would never recommend anyone buy something they cannot afford. However, as we noted above, the Vitamix is more like an investment. Ours have lasted years and years, with very regular use, without disappointment. And, a Vitamix really does transform a kitchen and your food preparation experience, for the better. Sound. People often mention that a Vitamix is loud. We get that. It is loud. It used to be the loudest blender (some recently surpassed it!). There are certainly some blenders that offer quieter motors. To us, though, in our direct experience, we do not blend uninterrupted for an hour (or even more than a few seconds at a time usually with a Vitamix!). And, even if the Vitamix is louder than other blenders, most blenders are loud enough that you won’t have intimate conversations or listen to delicate violin concertos while using them, so, a little louder than already loud is not necessarily a big deal. Besides, the benefits of having a blender measured in horse-power (upwards of 2-3 HP depending on the model) is worth the roar. Which brings us to the final thing people do not always praise. Aesthetics. The Vitamix, at least until recently when they’ve added sleeker models, was not known as the most aesthetic kitchen device. Plenty of people like its utilitarian legacy look, but it was not historically particularly stylish. For years, it had basically one on off switch, maybe a high low or pulse switch, and a center dial that looked a bit like (and worked a lot like) a motorcycle throttle you could rev up to astonishing power, and then rev down when the job was done, which relates to that sound it makes, that we actually like. It’s like having a Harley you can rev, and at the end you’re rewarded with the best smoothy or best soup you’ve ever had. Recently, as seen below, Vitamix has offered some more refined looks, and even some touch-face buttons and even digital and electronic features to replace the overt switches, even as that iconic center throttle… err we meant dial…. typically remains. There are also alternate containers and accessories people can buy that can enhance the aesthetics, along with adding capacity and features. So, yes, even as some have always liked the straight ahead style of the Vitamix, and even as Vitamix is updating its look, there are some blenders that might better meet some people’s preferences.

Ok, so, now to get specific. We have highlighted three Vitamix blenders: the Ascent X5, the Explorian E310, and the Ascent A2500, and discuss them in more detail below.

The Vitamix Ascent X5 Review.

The Vitamix Ascent X5 Review.

The Vitamix Ascent X5 is among the very top end of the Vitamix line. Really only their models intended for commercial use, or that have non-blender elements like sound casing or food processing tools could even be considered at or above this machine’s level. This blender surprises many of us who began on older Vitamix models, for it is stylish with a brushed-steel exterior, has flat touch buttons, and digital functions including 10 automated blending operations (from ice crushing to smoothies to soups and much more). It even has the ability to sense the type of container attached to it, and adjust itself accordingly. In the past, Vitamix models did not have many of these features, but everyone still loved them because any Vitamix was an absolute bulldozer. Now, that bulldozer has gotten fashionable and has some refined features to compete with any other blender. We have less experience with the digital features (they are newer) compared to years of experience with the more straight forward manual switch models, but, so far, in our experience and that of many others, these features are convenient, well thought out, and offer lots of possibilities regarding recipes and food-prep, and even automated cleaning functions. Thankfully, power was not sacrificed to accommodate sleek style and functionality. The X5 has a beast of a motor. 1500 watt, 2.2 HP motor advertised… no, we are not talking about a motorcycle, we are talking about a blender! To be clear, these newer features, and an even more powerful motor than past Vitamix models, are intended by Vitamix to improve their own offerings and to meet the challenges of brands seeking to topple Vitamix from the “best of the best” title. And, we at The Vegetarian Mall feel the X5 indeed keeps Vitamix in the fight for the top spot. The one surprise is ,the stock dishwasher-safe container is the 48 oz, not the 64 oz available in other Vitamix models. That said, as noted elsewhere, 48 oz is plenty big, and you can buy separately accessories like a stainless steel container, and even food-processing attachments. An important note, some brands offer very large containers (70 oz, 90 0z) but the small print say things like, “only fill half way.” Vitamix assure users they can fill ingredients up almost all the way in their containers, so be mindful of this when comparing container size. Meanwhile, the entire X5 blender comes with a 10 year… yes 10 year… warranty (again, we are not talking about a motor-vehicle, but a blender with this warranty!). Did we mention Vitamix is an investment? They offer a warranty which reflects that. It’s cost is a factor, but when it comes to the X5, if you buy one, or get one as a gift, or are able to give one as a gift, there is no doubt you will have, or will have given, one of if not the best blender ever made.

The Explorian E310 Review

The Vitamix Explorian E310 is an effort by Vitamix to offer a powerful mid-range price blender that can fit in almost any kitchen. It does not have the touch pad or automated digital features of the Vitamix Ascent X5 and is a little less powerful than the X5 as well (2 HP vs 2.2 HP advertised), and it has smaller blades and less capacity than the classic Vitamix 5200 which we also specifically review (48 oz vs 64 oz stock container). But, such comparisons aside, the E310 has plenty of capacity, is plenty strong, and can fit better into people’s budgets and kitchens where those are factors. Meanwhile, it has many of the same features every Vitamix has. It blends everything so well, from frozen fruit to tough vegetables, to nuts to ice and more. Maybe not as quickly or in as large batches as its higher end or larger siblings, but far better than so many other blenders out there. It has much of the same rugged internal construction of all Vitamix models and comes with a five year warranty. We do not go into as much detail on this blender as we did with the X5 or the 5200, but just read the overall Vitamix discussion above, and the reviews of the X5 and the 5200, and know, it may not have all the features or power of the X5, or the capacity of the 5200, but it belongs in their company, and invites people with smaller budgets or smaller counter spaces to the party.

The classic Vitamix 5200 review

The Vitamix 5200 is the Vitamix you have heard of if you ever heard of Vitamix. It is the straight ahead, powerful, large capacity bulldozer that made Vitamix’s reputation. It is a wonderful beast.

In our previous discussion of the overall Vitamix brand and line (and in most people’s discussion of Vitamix overall), the 5200 is the one they are referring to. 2 HP 1380 Watt advertised motor, big 64 oz “fill it to the top” container, the speed dial that feels more like a motorcycle throttle, and the utilitarian switches that say, this thing is meant to get it done. When we discussed our first experiences with Vitamix, the 5200 was the machine. It is the blender where, being used to timidly adding thawed ingredients half way up the container of other blenders, we read in disbelief that we could throw in frozen fruits and leafy greens and tough vegetables right to the top and watch them blend so quickly and so completely into a perfect smoothie or a soup. This is the blender we remember using the first recipe and video tutorial for, making a mango and mint smoothie. It is hard to explain when you have not had a truly strong blender before how different it is than the timid attempts at sub-par chunky smoothies using other blenders amounted to. We piled the frozen and liquid ingredients in, maybe with a sprig of lime and squirt of lemon juice, and, vavooom. It was done so fast. And it was so flavorful, likely because every molecule of the ingredients were released into the flavor. We are not exaggerating when we say we felt like we were drinking a fancy concoction from the most elite beach resort on earth. The 5200 is also the machine that we could not believe did not just blend soup ingredients, but actually cooked the soup inside the container while it blended (as this is being typed, we still can’t really imagine how that is possible… it is such a headtrip if you grew up with or still use more typical blenders!) We still remember, it was some vegan version of a cream of broccoli soup. We put all the ingredients in… some ingredients that would gob up other blender blades, some that would bog down the motor of other blenders, and all of which would have been at best left chunky or with gritty bits in almost all other blenders at the time. But, we loaded it all in, and turned it on, and cranked the 5200 up, and… in so much less time that we though possible, it was steamy delicious soup inside. And the thing is, every job, every blend or any ingredient we put in, was like nothing for the machine, it was not a reach, it was like a chainsaw cutting a twig. It so quickly became so clear that this machine, the Vitamix 5200, was just designed for every possible task a vegan or vegetarian could ever ask of a blender, and then some.

The Vitamix 5200 has a straight ahead look. It is not as refined as the X5, with somewhat boxy bold red casing as opposed to the curved, brush-steel sleek look. It does not have the digital features or automation of the X5 either. It is slightly less powerful than the X5, though few if any complain about the power of the 5200, which once led the industry in power and still finds itself near the top. When considering power, it is important to consider how that power is used. The 5200 has larger blades than the stock X5 and larger blades than many other blender brands. And, those blades are configured in ways Vitamix insists make for superior blending. Also, the large 64 oz container is tapered toward the bottom blades, naturally guiding ingredients toward the fast spinning blades. All combined, then, the power and design of the 5200 make for what many still feel are unrivaled results when it comes to quick easy and complete blending of virtually any ingredients. To top it all off, its metal on metal gearing and reputation for durability is backed by a standard 7 year warranty.

We at The Vegetarian Mall have owned and appreciated a number of blenders from a number of brands (as discussed subsequently). That said, the Vitamix 5200 is one that we have the most experience with, and the one that some of us have had for over 15 years (literally the same individual blender for over 15 years), and the 5200 is the one we can most confidently say, based on our experience, you will never regret having.

One final note about Vitamix. You will notice we put a bit more words and offered a few more examples of the Vitamix models than we do for other products. Not that we don’t take our reviews of the other products seriously (read on and you will see we do!). But, Vitamix has for so long set the standard in strong blenders, that it only makes sense that they get a significant amount of attention. What is more, our reviews of other blender lines assume people have read the reviews of the Vitamix line, and so we can use more short hand and an established set of criteria that need less explaining in our subsequent discussions. And, you know what else? We absolutely like the fact that Vitamix performs amazingly, but, as a group that specifically seeks to support, enhance, assist, educate on, and celebrate vegetarian life, we also love that the inventor of Vitamix and the founder of the company, and his whole family, became a vegetarian, all before World War II, and that same family closely ran the company into the 2020s (only in 2022 did a company restructuring result in a non-family CEO, but the family and its legacy still shape Vitamix). In other words, the Vitamix was literally designed by a vegetarian with the idea of making vegetarian life even easier, even better, even more enjoyable. When all that is taken into account, it is only understandable that The Vegetarian Mall put some extra ink into discussing this iconic brand.

Other contenders for the best of the best

As worthy as Vitamix is of particular attention, there are now other worthy companies that have started to emulate Vitamix, and the following covers some of the most prominent examples.

Blendtec. If there are any brands that can go head to head with Vitamix feature for feature, Blendtec is among them.

Blendtec provides cutting-edge technology and one-touch controls that simplify the blending process. The Blendtec’s mid-range Original Designer Series Blender, sometimes marketed as the Designer 650s, has an option for a stylish brushed-steel base, it has mighty 1500+ Watt motor (which matches some top-end Vitamix models), and has clear bold measurement marks on the container which we at The Vegetarian Mall, and many Blendtec customers, find convenient. Other blender companies, Vitamix included, have markings, but not usually as boldly visible clear as Blendtec’s. While higher-end Vitamix models have begun offering touch screen and pre-programmed options, the mid-range Vitamix models typically only have the switch and dial controls. This mid-range Blendtec, and it’s higher end blenders, have touch buttons and automatic settings. is equipped with a powerful motor and multiple pre-programmed settings, allowing for effortless preparation of soups, sauces, and smoothies that are staples in vegetarian cooking. Some of us at The Vegetarian Mall have used Blendtec blenders and loved them, but none of us have as long a history of use with them as Vitamix. We can literally say we have used one Vitamix for over 15 years, and none of us have used the Blendtec (or any other brand) for nearly that long. However, Blendtec shares with Vitamix some design qualities that few other brands do, and therefore can confidently claim with plenty of justification to be as similarly robust and durable. If there is one design item that it shares with the Vitamix (and very few other blenders), it is the metal on metal gearing. Like Vitamix, but unlike many other brands, Blendtec has a metal gear base that meets a metal gear in the blender container. The idea is, if a motor is very strong, but the gears are not, the gear could break or at least wear down over time when grinding difficult ingredients or whirring at incredibly high speeds. The Blendtec blenders use a blunt blade, almost like a flat propeller with its ends bent up. They claim this is effective at blending and also safe. Other blender companies, including Vitamix, claim their own sharp blade configurations have attributes that enhance blending. Ultimately, even if one approach as an edge (or lacks an edge as the case may be!), with very high powered motors, Blendtec blends ingredients quite well. The one caution we would make is that the working capacity of the Blentec blender container is not as large as the advertised size of the container itself. Even for the “professional” model, the Blendtec manual states, “NOTE: Filling the blender jar beyond the marked capacity is not recommended.” What that basically means is that, where the stated advertised size of the Blendtec container is 90 oz, its working capacity is 36 oz. For comparison, the actual and working capacity of the Vitamix 5200 container is 64 oz. Day in and day out, the capacity gap can make a difference, and we only point it out because of the significant difference between the stated capacity and actual working capacity of Blendtec containers. That said, the cleanability and durability of both the Blendtec Original Designer Series and the Professional 800 are on par with Vitamix models, and the power of both match or exceed their Vitamix counterparts (1500 Watts for the Original Designer Series and a whopping 1800 Watts for the Professional 800). As noted, all Blendtec models offer touch buttons and numerous automated blend cycles (typically only higher-end Vitamix models have such features). In the end, the Blendtec models compete well with any brand’s counterpart, and the main difference between each of these Blendtec blenders is the power, and the addition in the Professional 800 series of sound dampening casing around the blender. If sound is an issue for anyone, this feature of the Professional 800 is welcome and celebrated. In choosing a blender, everyone must balance if capacity, power, features, sound, or aesthetics matter most. Also, we will discuss more subsequently direct comparisons of the Blendtec with other brands. With all that said, as with the Vitamix, if you have, or can give, a Blendtec Original Design Series or Professional 800 blender, you will have, or have given, a brilliant machine that can do everything a vegetarian or vegan would need from a blender, and more.

Ninja is one of the most powerful blenders anyone can get for under two hundered dollars.

Ninja blenders are a popular choice, especially for those seeking affordability without compromising on performance. We here cover the Ninja Blender TB201, and the Ninja Kitchen System, both with 1800 peak Watt motors (which is more like 1200-1400 UL rated Watts). With their large capacity, both well-suited for preparing meals for families or gatherings. We will point out though, that, where the capacity is advertised as 70 oz or more, the working capacity is actually 64 oz. That is still a large blender, on par with the large Vitamix 5200 container, and larger than most other brands’ capacities. We have experience with Ninja, and it is a brand that can stand up with any other blender, even the top. They generally make strong blenders. What makes Ninja Blenders stand out to us, at least is their feature rich approach. The few blenders that might be stronger than a Ninja (not many), are sometimes seen as straight forward work-horses. Ninja blenders are typically very strong, but also can do more things, that might help with a certain refined or specialized beverages or soups or recipes. Always check the exact item you are buying for wattage (strength) and features, but, generally speaking, that is what we find with Ninja Blenders overall, and certainly with the one we looked at here. Full disclosure, our version was a slightly older one, but this newest one matches or exceeds the features we are familiar with. We have owned Ninja blenders, and enjoyed them and found them useful, but we have not owned them as long or used them as much as we have a brand like Vitamix. In other words, when it comes to durability questions, with Vitamix, we have other customer experience and our own long (very long) use of Vitamix blenders, where with Ninja, we have less of our own years of experience. We have not had personal issues with durability, but, when comparing Ninja and Vitamix customer responses, it is the durability of Ninja that sometimes comes into question. Again, not in our own direct experience, and not with many many customers happy with Ninja. But, if there is a difference, for some customers at least, durability and construction quality are the main issue. If there is another, it is blade size and sometimes a question if Ninja blenders go quite as far toward that total blend of ingredients that Vitamix and Blendtec are reputed for. Some suggest this relates to Ninja using plastic gears, instead of metal on metal, which some suggest means the gears cannot keep up with the power or speed of their undeniably strong motor (1500 and even 1800 peak Watts on some newer Ninja models, though be aware, peak watts translates to less UL rated watts, that would come out to about 1000 or 1300 Watts, approximately). So, we cannot give the absolute confident recommendation regarding the durability and top-end performance of a brand like Ninja, simply because we have not personally used them as long. Ok, so, that said… wow, you get quite a blender for the price!! And often lots of features. The Ninja Kitchen System, linked above, for instance, is a blender and personal shake maker and food processor, all in one with one power base. Even models that have fewer features and attachments, like the stand alone Ninja Blender TB201, linked above, have lots of power and numerous pre-programmed blending features including “blend sense” where the blender detects the proper speed and blend time depending on ingredients used and the finished product desired (smoothie, broth, batter, etc). Ninja discussed “peak watt” power of 1800 Watts. We are not sure if this means it is more typically less powerful than similar Blendtec or Vitamix models when dealing with bulkier or harder ingredients. It is still very powerful, but, when compared to higher end brands (Vitamix or Blendtec), Ninja does not as typically completely obliterate all ingredients, even as it does a fine job of making smoothies and broths. For instance, if seeds or seeded fruits (like raspberries) are added to a Ninja, the seeds might still be visible and somewhat detectable in consistency, where Vitamix prides itself on even seeds being blended beyond recognition in a smoothie. This can be an issue in people’s preferences of texture, appearance, and possibly nutrition and flavor release. That said, even if not to the extent of a Vitamix, Ninja blenders certainly make excellent smoothies. And, it does so for considerably less when it comes to budgets. In our experience, and in our research, Ninja does not quite compete with titans like Vitamix or Blendtec if you are looking for a blender that can absolutely do anything you need done with virtually any ingredients. It does not quite give us that magical feeling a Vitamix does in literally melding everything, completely, and fast. However, if you are looking for a perfectly good blender that often has many features added, and even added tools (small cup attachments, even food processor attachments), Ninja is a perfectly good choice.

Other Brands

While we concentrate on Vitamix, Blendtec, and Ninja, there really are many brands to choose from, and a few are briefly touched on below.

Oster is a long running trusted brand, especially regarding traditional more typical blenders.

Oster is the brand most of us at The Vegetarian Mall grew up with on our parents’ counter tops, and just assumed Oster was blenders. Oster has a long line of traditional blenders below the 1200 Watt mark we use as a criteria for truly powerful blenders, often with nice glass containers and lots of options for style. Recently, Oster has also entered the powerful blender race. We concentrated more on Vitamix, Blendtec, and Ninja in this review, but wanted to offer up a link to the 1500 Watt Oster Extreme Mix Blender for consideration.

Kitchen Aid is another tried and true company entering the power-blender arena.

KitchenAid is a long running trusted brand of kitchen tools and appliances. And, with this blender, they are entering the stronger blender arena. Please note, even Kitchen Aid acknowledges that 1700 peak power translates to 1200 Watt actual UL rated power, making it significantly less powerful than most Vitamix or Blendtec models. However, 1200 Watts is certainly powerful, and the Kitchen Aid blenders match the aesthetic of the top of the line Kitchen Aid blenders. If matching these together is a desire, the KitchenAid Pure Power blender could be an outstanding choice.

Hamilton Beach is another legacy brand blender looking to enter the power blender ranks.

Hamilton Beach Commercial Fury is a actually a commercial grade entry, and carries similar features as the Vitamix and Blentec, including metal on metal gearing. Depending on what features someone chooses, the price can vary considerably, but is typically between the mid-range and high-end range of Vitamix and Blendtec blenders. As noted previously, this article concentrates more on Vitamix, Blendtec, and Ninja, but we wanted to offer up a legacy brand whose commercial version is worth considering.

A new Best of the Best?

All of the above brands represent some of the finest options available for anyone looking to enhance their vegetarian kitchen. Each offers unique features tailored to suit a variety of blending needs, ensuring you can easily incorporate nutritious ingredients into your meals. However, it remains to judge if there is a new best of the best!

Best of the Best, High End. In the end, because Vitamix was able to add features to its high end X5 model, Vitamix at least remains in the top, but we must say that the Blendtec Professional 800 may have joined the Vitamix at the top. If we had to be forced to pick one, we might stay with the Vitamix, because of its long history of dependability and its vegetarian legacy. However, the very fact that Blendtec can be considered in the same discussion as the best of the best with Vitamix speaks to how far the power blender market has come.

A virtual tie, with a sentimental (and direct experience with durability) tie breaker to the Vitamix, but with full kudos to the sound damping Blendtec powerhouse.

Best of the Best, with all factors considered.

Vitamix 5200

Vitamix 5200 blender remains the one blender that, if someone asked us what blender would we can recommend without any misgivings. As noted previously, for those willing to grab the highest end, the Vitamix X5 and Blendtec Pro 800 have amazing power and features. But neither so completely outpower the 5200 on the basic function of blending literally anything, totally and completely, and both are typically much higher in price-range. We are amazed that, when power, capacity, and performance are the core considerations, the 5200 matches up well with any blender, and its durability and dependability are legendary, among thousands of customers and in our own experience. The 5200 is not the most feature rich, it is neither the most or least expensive power blender, and it is not the most stylish (though we are among those who think its utilitarian looks are cool). But, on balance, when considering capacity, power, price, dependability, durability, construction, warranty, vegetarian legacy, and our long long direct experience with this specific product… this is the one we can still say is the archetype of amazing blenders. If, in a few years, our direct experience with Blendtec extends beyond 5 years, and if our research suggests Blendtec’s (or any other brand’s) feature rich blenders decisively match or outperforme Vitamix, we will gladly herald a new champion. But, as of today, the Vitamix 5200, on balance, remains the best of the best for we at The Vegetarian Mall.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality blender can make a noticeable difference in the culinary experience, especially for those who rely heavily on vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based ingredients. A blender that effectively processes these elements can inspire creativity in the kitchen, allowing for the preparation of everything from fresh juices to creamy sauces. Therefore, selecting a powerful blender can have a long-term positive impact on one’s cooking endeavors, and on one’s enjoyment of vegan and vegetarian life.

While Vitamix was not toppled, and remains at the top, we are pleasantly surprised to see a virtual tie with Blendtec joining Vitamix at the peak of truly high-end blenders (the Vitamix X5 and the Blendtec Pro 800). And, while the Vitamix 5200 remains our “best of the best” when all factors are considered, we are impressed with the feature rich mid-rage offerings being made by many brands in the mid-range of power blenders.

Whatever you choose, we hope the above information helps, and we wish you all the best in pursuing a vegan or vegetarian life, a life we at The Vegetarian Mall think is the most healthy, moral, and enjoyable life possible!

Composed by: The Vegetarian Mall